Evan D. Sherden, Manipulated Scenarios (3)

It took quite a long time to explain the rough situation to Miriam and convince her.

“Hmm, I see.”

Miriam opened her eyes as she sipped from a glass of liquor that Evan had offered as a bribe — a high-end honey wine from Brotherhood Brewery that hadn’t yet been released in the market.

“For example, you’re planning to use me as bait to pull out those who are frightened by you, hiding in the shadows, and purge them, right?”

“Something like that.”

“That’s not a bad idea. Sherden looks bright and happy on the outside, but not all of its members are happy with their situation. Until just a few years ago, those who dreamed of being more powerful attempted to betray us.”

Only now, all those people were hiding in front of Evan’s absolute force, but that didn’t mean they disappeared altogether. They were waiting for the moment when Evan disappeared or weakened.

“Well, I thought if they don’t do anything bad, we can let them go…I guess you have a different opinion. Evan, you are different.”

“Mother Miriam, what do you think of me…?”

“I just told you, didn’t I? If I don’t see it, I don’t bother touching it even if there are bugs in the room. Evan, on the other hand, you feel relieved only after scouring, disinfecting, and finally changing the whole house and creating a new one.”

“Ugh…!”

Evan wanted to refute it tremendously, but he couldn’t…! Why did mothers all have such superpowers? Evan couldn’t deny that Miriam was one of the final villains of Yo-Ma Great War 3. In that sense, he strongly requested her help again.

“I’m sure it’s possible with Mother Miriam’s charisma. What’s more, the second wife of the Marquis is perfect for drawing out greedy things!”

“If it weren’t for your existence, Evan, it wouldn’t have been so strange for others even if I said I’d destroy the Marquis’ family. But think about it. Eric firmly takes his place, and you’re in full cooperation with Eric in charge of the Dungeon Knights. Wouldn’t people think I don’t know my position if I try to hatch a wicked plot?”

“If Mother Miriam were the only one to go, people would think so. But what if the power of the temple plots…? No, what if they work with you, Mother Miriam?”

Yes, Evan was going to make Serpina another axis of evil! Was that all? Maybell, co-chairman of Brotherhood Corporation, had to be a villain. If these three women came together, the plan to swallow the Marquis would seem reasonable! And if he moved some of the big guilds that we’re cooperating with Evan now, everything would be clear. Evan shuddered at his sudden plan. This was it. He was confident that he could create a more compelling story than Yo-Ma Great War 3!

“Uh, uh, how many people are you willing to sacrifice for this prank, Evan…?”

“Enough to gain the persuasion of the authorities.”

“Phew, sometimes I feel like I’m talking to unnie Redine when I’m talking to you.”

“If you say that, I’ll tell it to my mother.”

Evan had some empathy, but he pretended not to know because it was clear that his mother would scold him if he expressed such an opinion. Miriam, who noticed the feeling, spoke with a snort.

“Anyway, yes. It’s funny, but it’s also a good idea. If you put the trash together, you’ll naturally be able to pick the gems. Evan, isn’t that what you meant? Finding people to trust and assign the job.”

“As expected of Mother Miriam. You got the point right away.”

“So, you’re going to need other characters? They will filter the trash and clean up the gemstones.”

“Oh, good characters? I’ve already thought about some people. It’s the Phoenix Guild. It’s a big guild that I’m very close to.”

Eloa, who finally became the master of the Phoenix Guild, became Evan’s close friend after traveling to Mana Road with Belois…sometimes, she made hot comments, glistening about Evan’s wealth or power, but Evan neatly ignored it.

“The Phoenix Guild is famous for having a strong force of mana swordsmen. It’s definitely in a good position, especially since it has had a close relationship with the Sherden family since the Demon Invasion, so the casual relationship is clear. That’s good.”

“Then let’s make the plan like that… let’s talk about the details later. I’ll go to the mansion.”

The plan was based on the power of Sherden, so of course, he should talk to Marquis and Eric. Of course, he didn’t mean to bring his entire family into the play, but at least they should understand Miriam.

“Evan, you haven’t forgotten the price, have you? This wine isn’t enough. You should teach Liz about morality. She must be smart enough for the scholars of the royal family to be unable to click their tongues, and she must be sophisticated enough for the princess to step back.”

“I don’t know about the former, but I think the latter would be easy. Just looking at the princess rolling in our knights…”

“Yes, let’s take the foreign princess as a standard.”

It was painful to have Elizabeth, who showed outstanding talent in everything related to combat, study what she didn’t want to, but she couldn’t completely ignore her mother’s will. In the end, he had no choice but to go into Elizabeth’s in-depth education. As expected, her resistance was very intense, but she agreed eventually.

“If I memorize all of this, will you kiss me more? Then I’ll memorize it right away!”

“Sure. But Liz, I’m afraid an evil guy might fool you…”

“Liz is going to be with Evan for the rest of her life, so it’s okay!”

“Yes, I’m more worried about it…”

*

* *

The problem occurred before the full-fledged scenario manipulation.

“That looks like a lot of fun.”

“Mo…mother?”

Redine, who was listening to Evan throughout the family meeting, expressed her willingness to participate!

“Evan, why didn’t you tell me when you told Miriam? I’m disappointed.”

“No, but you don’t usually get involved in the business of the Marquis…”

“This kind of role is always welcome! The lawful wife struggles to protect the second wife, who secretly dreams of overthrowing the Marquis’ family. Finally, the woman of the house perfectly eliminates all the rats and protects the family! What a wonderful plan!”

“Unnie!? I think you’re talking like I’m terrible?”

“Oh, my God, Miriam. That’s just how the words came out in excitement. Everyone knows this is a play.”

When Miriam squinted her eyes, Redine smiled and avoided her attention. Evan, who didn’t know his mother would run into this story, hesitated quite a bit, but Redine, who realized her son’s feelings, pushed harder.

“At the end, the Marquis’ family will be chaotic. So, wouldn’t it be neater for me to step up, the insider of the Marquis’ family? As I was originally close to Miriam, I am well-positioned to notice Miriam’s conspiracy, and her motive is clear. It’s good to make a story that the Phoenix Guild and I work together.”

“I’m pretty sure it’s a good idea.”

Just talking so far made Evan feel like he was listening to the plot of the main quest. Even though he created a draft plan, listening to the story made it seem plausible.

“There’s not much I want. It’s just three bottles of the wine that Miriam brought with her today.”

“Mother…”

He was going to get robbed by his family even before he could sell it at a reasonable price. Even Eric, whose mouth was watering next to him, was disgusting for no reason. Meanwhile, the Marquis looked worried as he glanced at Miriam.

“It’s good to fake it, but what if Miriam gets stigmatized? Evan, do you have anything in mind?”

“If we succeed in pulling out all the dirt that had sunk deep into the bottom of the Sherden, and we’re done securing and nurturing people against it, then we don’t have to play anymore. At that time, you and Mother Miriam will work together to clean up the thugs, and we will be able to finish the play.”

As far as the term ‘play’ goes, the plan was elegant. All the people who were playing the role of villain would die anyway, so they wouldn’t be able to say anything, and those who were attached to the heroes would no longer be suspicious of the villain who threw away all they had taken.

“Well, it needs to be announced that Mother Miriam was against Sherden and Mother Redine was for Sherden from the beginning.”

“That’s how we clear Sherden’s scraps and find the right people to work with…well, it’s not bad. I think resources can be wasted, but since Brotherhood Corporation is making so much money anyway, it won’t be a problem to spend that much.”

“I’m a little excited. I’ll have the Brotherhood Corporation’s full backing on me. It’s thrilling to think even if it’s a lie.”

Each of the parents had a good look on their faces with those words, but Evan smiled and shook his head the next minute.

“What are you all saying? If you’re going to be satisfied with the arrangement of Sherden’s scraps, you wouldn’t have opened the door in the first place.”

“Then what? Are you trying to catch an inside spy?”

“No, there’s no such thing. Our extended family is immaculate right now, so you can trust them. I don’t know what else they’ll do if Mother Miriam goes into operation.”

“Then what?”

What else remained if it wasn’t to purify the problematic forces of Sherden or the internal details of the Marquis? Evan grinned as he saw the Marquis tilting his head. Redine squinted, saying, ‘No way.’

“We’re going to get the Demon race involved there.”

“As expected…”

The Marquis slowly exclaimed. It was quite natural. Who would be happier than anyone else if they collapsed from within? Extended family? Explorers? Royal family? No! They had been after Sherden once, and they would still be waiting for their gaps to be revealed! If he threw them a little piece of bait, they would be so happy that they would come running and bite it right now!

“We can weave them together enough!”

“Due to Mother Miriam, they will expose their backs.

“No, my responsibility has suddenly become too heavy. Evan, do you think I can fool the Demon race?”

“You can do it with your charisma, Mother Miriam.”

Miriam trembled as if she were scared by the growing scale, but Evan did not fall for her act. History had already changed, but her potential didn’t disappear. Her bold and meticulous personality was entirely innate. Because of her, Evan was able to dare to stage a play for humanity and the entire Demon Race.

“But it’s too dangerous, Evan. There will also be a case where Miriam meets the Demon race in person. I can’t put my beloved wife in such a dangerous situation.”

“Honey…!”

“No, it’s okay. I’m going to send bodyguards with her.”

“Bodyguards?”

“Yes.”

Evan nodded as if to believe him as he explained further.

“Sherden’s strongest force at this point, Astray, should show a little crack so that the Demon race may think it’s real and crawl in. They’ll escort Mother Miriam, who would pretend that they’re on her side.”

“You have a very detailed plan, Evan…”

The following day, Evan selected from those who were the least expressive to escort Miriam.

It was Jhin, the 14-year-old boy archer.