Chapter 689 – Responsibility and Perspective

000

In the royal palace of Asteris, when the morning sun rises and the king’s meal is over, a meeting is held in the room where the king’s throne is located to begin the daily routine of the king and his subjects.

Before the king and his vassals begin their work, reports from all over the country are organized, opinions are shared, people’s grievances are heard, and discussions about the future of the country are held.

It’s easy to think of rigid meetings that seem to last forever, but they rarely last beyond the designated time.

The reason is simply because Miyeom-gong’s theory was to solve it by moving one’s feet during the time of discussion.

Thanks to this, there were many cases where a subject who had participated in the assembly the previous day was absent the next day because he had gone directly to the countryside.

In fact, the direct reason why Enlai was suddenly sent to a local area was because he had been appointed by Duke Miyeom himself to solve local problems (albeit minor ones) pointed out in the inquiry, so just because he was a central minister, he was not free from such local dispatch orders.

Even so, the atmosphere of the assembly was not one of stiffness due to fear of an unpleasant business trip, and it was held in a soft atmosphere to the point where laughter from the subjects could occasionally be heard.

Among the subjects, there were some who thought it would be better to go to the field because they were bored because most of the work was processing documents even if they stayed in Asteris.

One of the reasons may have been simply that loyalty to the king was high.

However, today’s assembly was more solemn than usual and was held in the frozen air.

Lord Miyeom sitting on the huge king’s throne with a dragon sculpture carved on it, and his subjects standing on both sides of the red carpet road in front of him.

Normally, it would not have been strange if they had already started talking, but today they were all looking at each other with stern expressions.

And, in front of the throne – a huge jar placed on top of the carpet.

Normally, it looks like a fancy jar that is just placed as a decoration, but what is inside is a spell created to seal the king’s power.

On the day the seal is released, the giant’s blood relatives will step down from the throne, but until now, no one would have thought that this jar would be opened.

They had no doubt that the rule that continued from Duke Miyeom and his ancestors had created an ideal eastern country for them, and that they would continue to fulfill their role together with them in the future.

However, since someone came up with a plan to open the jar, and they found out that they were used in the plan, the subjects could never put on a good face in front of the king.

Although it was not voluntary, the fact that they almost participated in a rebellion was a shame to them.

“… This is what the traitor Enlai revealed himself. Your Majesty.”

Hertie’s voice resounding quietly, accusing the traitor.

Herti, who did not attend this assembly unless it was for some reason, participated today accompanied by Cleon.

In addition, across from her are Selena Regent, who came as an envoy from the kingdom, and her bodyguard, the Dragon Knight Drake.

This morning, a traitor who had been imprisoned in the Dark Dragon Company’s prison was transported to the royal palace, and was now placed in a prison within the royal palace, which had even a solid barrier built to prevent escape.

When she speaks like that while holding the devil’s ledger, which can be said to be her evidence, in her hand, Selena, standing in front of her, also speaks with her chest out.

“Herti, what you said is true. This Selena was yesterday, in person. I heard it clearly with both ears. Lord Enlai – No, Enlai wants to dethrone Lord Miyeom and merge the Eastern Kingdom with the kingdom.”

Since none other than Selena says that, the testimony must be meaningful.

If she had not testified this and taken it back to the kingdom, it would have been for the kingdom’s benefit.

However, Selena did not do that, and told all the facts in front of Duke Miyeom and the subjects of the Eastern Kingdom.

And, as if it were natural, the fact that Cleon appeared in front of Selena meant that she refused to appoint Amelia and Cleon as her traitors.

After Master Miyeom understood everything up to that point, he stood up from his throne and came down.

Moving his body like a mountain, he walked down the carpet, passed in front of the courtiers, stood in front of Herti and Selena, and looked down at Herti.

While the assembly was in progress, it was common for one of the subjects to go in front of the king, bow his head, and talk, but it was rare – no, impossible – for the king himself to stand up and go in front of someone, so the subjects were one. They both had surprised faces.

＂Ledger.＂

When Lord Miyeom said that, Herty nodded and handed him the ledger he was holding in his hand.

The fact that a magic tool with an ominous skull symbol was in the hand of Miyeomgong could itself be seen as an insult to him, but Miyeomgong did not care and slowly examined the ledger.

Inside were several pages listing the names of nobles who owed money to Enlai, so Lord Miyeom’s expression could not help but darken.

He closed the cover of the ledger, returned it to Herti, and spoke.

“Let us find a way to destroy the ledger. Shameless, but I think I need your help, Prince Cleon.”

“All right. Your Majesty.’

When Herti answers like that, Cleon also answers by nodding his head.

And then Miyeom-gong turns around and talks to Selena.

“Regarding this matter, I can only say that I really received your help. Thank you. Ms. Selena.”

“I just did what I thought was right! To me, the ideal kingdom is a country that protects peace among its people while maintaining cooperation with other countries on the continent. Interfering in internal affairs and forced mergers, such cowardly acts are something that Selena Regent cannot tolerate!”

In fact, the fact that I was very scared after hearing the story from Enlai yesterday was about Cleon and Drake – no, it was Diora in that armor.

It’s a secret just for the two of us.

“I praise that noble spirit, and I hope that the future of both countries will be blessed.”

When Duke Miyeom personally bows to Selena, the surrounding subjects feel sorry that their king has to bow to a nobleman from a foreign country because of their own shortcomings.

But at the same time, it was a sigh that was almost like a sigh, relieved that the situation had been resolved amicably.

In fact, the guilt that they were the ones who caused this was probably stuck in their heads and not letting go.

Duke Miyeom speaks while looking back at his subjects who look so nervous.

“I have no intention of rebuking you for your mistakes here. However, it is your responsibility to sign a contract using a forbidden magic tool – and it is also my responsibility that you were not able to tell me about your situation.”

When the subjects looked surprised at the words that came out of Miyeomgong’s mouth and tried to say something, Miyeomgong raised his hand and spoke while restraining them.

“I would like to talk about that responsibility right now, but it is our duty to solve the problems we face. First, Enlai, who tried to bring the Eastern Kingdom to the kingdom – and the forces supporting him – can no longer sit idly by. That’s right… The exiled church.”

When Enlai uttered that name in a public place, there was once again a tense atmosphere.

“Prepare for Enlai’s interrogation, and call Quartz. If it was the medicine she made, it would be able to open Enlai’s mouth. Also, while the Five Elements Festival is in progress, keep your security at the highest level. Although we cannot stop the festival itself due to the purification of the spirit vein and the response to the nobles, we must prepare for an emergency.”

“I will do as you command. Your Majesty.”

When the subjects bow their heads at the same time and answer with their mouths together, Duke Miyeom nods his head and then turns to Selena and speaks again.

“─Miss Selena. For us, your accomplishments are something we are extremely grateful for. Your own safety may be at risk. The Exiled Church is none other than an organization deeply rooted in the darkness of the kingdom… Your king is the most threatening puppet of the Exiled Church.”

“No matter how strong my opponent is, I will never be defeated by injustice!”

When Selena spoke confidently, Mi Yeomgong shook her head in response.

“That spirit is certainly considerable, but the opponent is not something that can be done with spirit alone. Your father—no, the family itself—may be threatened. Just because you didn’t take Prince Cleon and Princess Amelia with you.”

＂…＂

As expected, Selena pauses at those words, but Lord Miyeom soon turns to Cleon and speaks.

“However, that doesn’t mean we can hand over Lord Cleon. If both of them are taken to the kingdom like this, they will not be able to avoid the death penalty.”

＂That’s… Something like that. If not, what should I do…”

When Selena’s face says that she is in trouble, she is talking to her like that.

“Miss Celana. And Prince Cleon. After the Five Elements Festival is over, if Miss Selena does not return with Lord Cleon. Another move – this time a bigger move. In fact, there is a possibility that a major conflict will break out on the continent once again.”

＂I know.＂

Cleon was also aware of that possibility, so when he nodded, Prince Miyeom looked at Cleon, kept his mouth shut for a moment, and then spoke.

“We need a silver bullet to overcome this situation. I’m thinking about it too – but the situation is changing by the minute.”

＂… If that is it. ＂

At that time, when they think they hear a voice echoing from inside the armor, everyone’s eyes turn to that direction.

“Don’t worry. It is not only the Eastern countries and you who are working to resolve the situation.”

Drake-Diora, who had been quiet, spoke for the first time without taking off her armor.

However, the voice was greatly altered, perhaps due to the armor, and could not be heard as Diora’s original voice.

“Lord Drake. What is it-“

“The reason the Kingdom’s Expulsion Church is not doing its best against the Eastern Nations is because there are people behind the scenes who are interfering with them.”

＂… Is it Babel?＂

When Cleon said that, Drake nodded his head.

“When the time comes, we will move to return Cleon and Princess Amelia to the kingdom. However, the condition is that Duchess Selena must also stay with us until then.”

＂Do you mean me?＂

Even though Selena is surprised to hear Drake’s voice for the first time, she tilts her head when he says something that points to her.

“It’s not that distant future. As soon as I find the power to use in the decisive battle with the father of all things who sleeps on this earth.”

＂…＂

Is what she is talking about the Leviathan that Attis was looking for?

Or is it something else?

Cleon couldn’t guess how much Diora knew about them or how far he could see, but-

“The important thing now is to prevent something bigger from happening in the Five Elements Festival. We, the Kingdom’s soldiers, will also help you.”

＂Well, that’s right! That is correct!”

Drake may have said this on his own, but after Selena nodded, she closed her mouth for a moment.

＂… By the way, Drake…＂

And, Selena calls out to Drake as if she has decided on something.

Now, as I’m thinking that maybe it’s time for Selena to realize who she really is, she says.

＂It would be nice if you could speak so plainly in front of me… Why don’t you say anything? ＂

＂…＂

This means it’s good to make fun of.

Cleon seemed to be sighing towards Selena.

001

After the assembly, Cleon and Herti left after deciding to leave Enlai’s affairs to the palace for a while, and Calia was waiting outside.

The three people were walking and slowly returning to the Dark Dragon Company’s mansion.

The other two – Selena and Diora went first to the kingdom’s military base to discuss the future.

Originally, he could have gone back by carriage like he had when he came, but for some reason, Herti decided to go back on foot first.

It doesn’t matter, but why all of a sudden?

While thinking that, as Cleon and Calia followed behind Herti, who was walking a little ahead, Herti quietly said something.

“If I could hear everything from Enlai… Would I also be able to hear about the accident in which my parents died?”

Both Cleon and Calia would look surprised at those words.

Her parents died in a carriage accident.

Lionel said that because there was no evidence that anyone was involved, it was treated as an accident –

Herti seemed to think that Enlai was behind it somewhere.

＂Enrai was collaborating with that exiled cult, so maybe she was trying to kill her parents who were interfering with her… Maybe she borrowed their power to kill the two people… I always thought like that. I was doing it.”

There is no possibility. In fact, even now, countless beings have been buried using the power of Enma.

Perhaps, even if she was a gentle Hertie, her parents’ death may have always been a darkness that followed her like a shadow.

＂─ If it really is En Lai’s accident behind her, what will you do? ＂

When Cleon asked that question, Herti was silent for a moment and then looked back at Cleon.

“… What I was curious about may end with one thing being solved. … Enlai’s treason is a serious crime that cannot escape the death penalty no matter what. The revenge that can be taken against such a person – can already be seen as having ended with this accusation.”

Herti looks somewhat bitter.

“Even if I push him who has already fallen or kill him with my own hands, it won’t be revenge for anything.”

“Even though you know everything, it’s something you want to know.”

“Maybe I’m hoping that won’t happen. If it is said that En Lai was not the culprit, then the culprit may still be alive somewhere.”

＂…＂

Cleon feels touched by Herty’s darkness and nods his head.

Because Cleon could understand that feeling.

＂Herti…＂

On the contrary, Calia looked at Herti with a worried face.

Because she knew that the darkness she possessed was something she could not easily let go of.

So, just as she was thinking about what to say to her-

＂Uh~! Herty! Cleon!”

From afar, Bourbon was seen waving his hand and Sasha following behind him.

＂Bourbon…? Why here…”

“Hehe, the thing I mentioned last time has finally been completed! When I went to the mansion, I was told that I had to go there because I had work to do at the palace, so I came here in person.”

When Bourbon speaks with his chest stretched out, Cleon speaks with an anxious expression.

“… Didn’t she have to hide her body because she was being targeted by Dharma?”

“Well, if there were so many people protecting him, he wouldn’t suddenly attack me on the street. Let’s go to the blacksmith together sooner than that. Because Mr. Daza was also anxious to show me this.”

While saying that, Bourbon tried to run away, but Sasha caught him and stopped him.

“Everyone, let’s go together, Mr. Bourbon…”

“… Then we’ll go to the mansion first.”

When Herti said that and smiled, Bourbon looked back at her as if asking what she was talking about.

“What? No, we have to go together. Because this is a wedding gift I prepared for you two.”

“Texture…!? A wedding gift!? “

When neither Sasha nor Herty are surprised, Kalia narrows her eyes.

“It’s a wedding gift made using dwarven technology… So it’s interesting.”

＂Could it is summarized as interesting…?＂

When Cleon criticizes Calia in such a small way, Herti is at a loss.

And then, Cleon takes her hand and leads her after Bourbon.

“Let’s go Herty. I don’t know what Bourbon has prepared, but… Let’s go together and check it out.”

＂… Yes!＂

Then, while looking at Herty, whose face suddenly brightened, Calia suddenly noticed something.

No matter how big and sad the darkness is inside her, it is something that all humans take for granted.

It is my job by her side to help her not to be swallowed up by that darkness.

＂Kalia too…!＂

When Herti calls her Calia’s name, Calia lets out a small sigh and smiles her wry smile.

＂Hold on a moment, Herty. If you run in that outfit, her side slits make your underwear-“

And then, she, Calia, follows behind Herty with her quick steps.

As the noisy group walks away from the palace, there is one eye watching them.

She twitches her long ears compared to a normal human, ‘sniffs’ something with her nose, and then mutters quietly.

＂… The scent of a dragon.＂

Just when you thought a voice with a gloomy energy rang out, it seemed to disappear right on the spot.