2318 - Change of Perspective
“…Get up and sit over there.” Robin pointed to a side seat with disgust.
His demeanor and way of speaking were familiar; he was like an arrogant aristocrat seeing a street urchin sitting in the seat meant for him—there was no other way to describe those expressions and that tone!
“……………?!”
Zavarus and Kiryān stood up slowly, their eyelids lifting as they rose, expressions of utter shock on their faces.
Before they could even begin to wonder how he had appeared or what that gate with its ancient, oppressive aura was, he opened his mouth and uttered the most insane words anyone could say!
He dared to kick Marlik out of his seat? Marlik?!
…Wait, that person… who exactly is he?!
Those features and that style… a single name exploded in both their minds at the same time, but neither dared to attach that name to the person.
Because the owner of that name was supposed to be a researcher and an extremely intelligent man who managed affairs under the Cosmic Elder, not an arrogant ignoramus who didn't even know who was in front of him!!
Hmm
At that moment, another person passed through the gate before it closed behind him. It was Glacion.
“Hmm?” Glacion felt the intense pressure and began looking around, and when he found Marlik sitting in front of him, his mouth fell open, “Ahh..!!”
“Robin Burton.”
Marlik was the only one in the room who opened his mouth with a smile, not appearing angry at what had been said moments before.
“I’ve seen several portraits of you before, and also several live images on optical discs,” he then tilted his head slightly, “You looked more handsome and mysterious in those. Now, you look like any mad human on the street.”
Krak, Kiryān, and Zavarus exchanged meaningful glances.
It’s him, it’s Lord Human!!
“I don’t like repeating myself too much.” Robin raised his head slightly, “Get up.”
“..?” Marlik furrowed his brows this time, “Do you even know who I am? Or has your ignorance grown so severe that you can’t recognize your masters?”
“Aaaah!!!” Glacion looked as if he had swallowed his own throat into his stomach—the situation had escalated dangerously.
The best thing he could do now was try to smooth things over and claim it was a misunderstanding, but he knew Lord Robin well, and unfortunately… he could predict what was coming.
“I know very well who you are. You’re a trivial person sitting on the main couch, my place.” Robin’s face grew more displeased, “Get up, you thing, and wipe the spot where you were sitting for me. I don’t want pink germs where I sit.”
"Hah? Hahahaha." Marlik began laughing maniacally, looking around him. The expressions of shock and horror on the faces of Zavarus, Kiryān, and Glacion only fueled and heightened his laughter. "Can you believe that lunatic?"
Then he shook his head and turned to Robin. "If it weren't for our orders to only mobilize the front and leave direct combat aside, I would have struck your head from your shoulders right now. I would have no excuse if I told the Archon that I killed a follower of the Cosmic Elder just because he treated me with insolence."
Then his eyes began to gleam with a dangerous light. "But I would love to see you try to force me to get up from this couch. The Archon won't blame me for a defensive reaction... that is, if you dare, of course."
"...!!" Zavarus and Kiryān quickly turned toward Robin.
Neither of them intended to stop what was happening. In fact, the more the situation flared up and the Butcher was occupied with someone else, the better.
Marlik was insulting him directly: If you can do something, then come and do it.
If Lord Robin tried to withdraw now, his prestige would undoubtedly fall, and he might be forced to leave. His best option would be the intervention of Glacion, standing behind him, to calm things down, but it would be an eternal stain of shame.
And if he stepped forward and tried to carry out his words, he would inevitably die at Marlik's hands. This game of mobilization would end before it even began.
Lord Robin is truly reckless, truly immature and unreliable. He thought the prestige of the Cosmic Elder would be enough to bully someone like Marlik!
Now, after that irresponsible entrance, any outcome will be harmful to him—either his prestige will be ruined forever, or he will die. There is no third option!
“Ahahaha.” Glacion moved from behind Robin with difficulty, his expression clearly forced. “Misunderstanding is always the main headline of problems. Those who don’t know His Excellency Marlik the Butcher naturally won’t understand his worth.” Glacion shot a sideways glance at Robin as he emphasized the name, then turned back to look ahead. “But Lord Robin Burton’s worth is also high, so I suggest we bring another couch and sit down to align our perspectives, perhaps—”
“Get lost.” Robin pushed Glacion’s face away and began advancing with an annoyed expression. “If the dog won’t move of its own accord, it must be beaten!”
“Ughhhhhh!” Glacion nearly burst into tears.
Then he gestured to Kiryān and Zavarus, “Please!!”
Although he had never seen Robin fight, he had witnessed the Master Laws he possessed. Yet at the same time, he was fully aware of the power of Marlik the Butcher, who had terrorized the Sector for millions of years.
"This will be a bloodbath where heads will fly if no one stops it. Most likely, it will be Marlik's head, and surely the Archon will not stand idly by!!
The universe will be turned upside down before his eyes!
Glacion's plea was misunderstood, interpreted as a plea to save Robin from his madness and false pride.
Zavarus forced a smile and stepped toward Robin. 'Alright now, dear guest, there's no need for fighting in my humble home. His Excellency Marlik will understand your initial impulse and will allow us to have a productive conversation today.'
'...' Kiryān furrowed his brows slightly and settled for a single sentence, 'Yes, killing will not help.'
That man is utterly hopeless; getting involved on his side will only bring calamities... That's what Kiryān thought as he watched Robin approach with his feigned irritation.
'Tsk~' Robin felt extra provoked by Zavarus's expression and pushed him aside. 'Sit down.' And when he reached Kiryān, he neither looked at him nor responded to him, completely ignoring him as if he didn't exist.
Then he stood before Marlik, a step away. Robin looked down with irritation, and Marlik looked up with mockery.
Nothing moved in Marlik except his smile, which grew wider. He still sat comfortably, leaning back on the sofa, not even holding his sword's scabbard."
He chuckled calmly, “Hehe, you should have stopped the act when your director friend gave you the cue. Well, here I am. Come on, make me—“
The scene before Marlik’s Eye suddenly changed…
It was now the sole of a shoe covered in mud.
Bang.