Chapter 52

Chapter 52 \nVol 2: Chapter 52\n

What came to my mind was the lonely but intelligent old man who lived in a shabby hut in the mine.

Even just before his death, he wished for my happiness.

He was saying something about cleaning up the mess made by the Duke’s father. It seems he had drifted into Achenbach Dukedom after the collapse of his kingdom.

(But then, the last words of old man Hinga were…!)

At that time, I had already absorbed【World Ruler】, so I clearly remember every word.

——I exist only to be punished. For I have committed a sin that I can’t atone for even with my death. But I was blessed to bask in the sun’s embrace in my final hour. O’ God who governs heaven and earth, I pray that thee grant blessings unto this shunned child…

Did old man Hinga commit some kind of “sin”? Was it related to skill orbs? Or was it something that led to the destruction of the Forsha Kingdom?

Maybe… “Shunned child” is referencing my black hair and black eyes.

「Eh, I unreasonably forced the Holy King to send a research team to collect Dr. Hinga’s treatises. There were few left, but I copied them, and handed them over to a blood relative. Eh, many of Dr. Hinga’s treatises defy conventional wisdom, so I am happy that you seem interested.」El said, even as I was lost in my own thoughts.

「W-Wait a minute!」One line in particular about what El-san said shook me.「Did you just say the blood relative of old man Hinga!?」

「He is not an old man, but a Doctor. Eh, well, from Reiji-san’s point of view, he might be an old man.」

「S-Sorry, it was a slip of the tongue. So, about the blood relative of Dr. Hinga?」

「Let me see… There is a strange country called the Lev Magic Empire. Eh, his daughter moved there when she got married.」

Old man Hinga’s daughter was abroad when the Forsha Kingdom was destroyed. So she escaped the misfortuned.

「Is the daughter still in the Lev Magic Empire?」

「Now, that was… 10 years, no, 15 years ago. If you are interested in his work, there is also a copy here at the Holy Royal Palace.」

「…No, I want to see the real thing. Can you give me the daughter’s contact information!?」

「I don’t mind. Eh, that person was called Emma, ​​and her husband was a senior official of the Lev Magic Empire. If I remember correctly, she has a daughter of her own.」

…Lulusha-san!

I intuitively knew it was her, but saying any more would only draw suspicions – although I might have already drawn enough of it – so I kept silent.

After getting the information I was seeking for from an unexpected place, I returned back to the mansion.

** High Priest El **

The head of House Ebene, one of the 6 Great Dukes, appeared behind the big rabbit, as he sat there unmoving.

「…El-sama, has Reiji-dono left?」

「Eh, he went back.」

「So, what are your thoughts on the “Child of Disaster”?」Lord Ebene asked, sitting beside El.

「Indeed. I am pretty sure that Reiji-san is the “Child of Disaster”, but… even after seeing him with my own eyes, I can’t believe it. I can’t feel any malice from him.」El answered, without looking at Lord Ebene.

「If the old literature is true, the “Child of Disaster” has black hair and black eyes, and possesses great power. It was said that the child could even destroy an entire country. But Reiji-dono has blue hair.」

「Hair color can be changed. Eh, he probably used a hair dye — at least, he knows that having black hair and black eyes can be a disadvantage.」

「It might even just be fashion.」

「My! The head of House Ebene shouldn’t be making such meaningless assumptions.」

「I just want to consider all possibilities. So, El-sama, you are convinced that that boy is the “Child of Disaster”?」

「…Eh, I can’t say that for certain.」

「Why?」

「………」

「The Holy King told you to finish him off right here and now if you were able to confirm that he was indeed the “Child of Disaster”…So, in other words, you let him escape?」

When Lord Ebene raised his hand, about ten black-costumed shadows hidden in the garden stood up and disappeared without sound. They were not the escorts of the Lord, nor the guards of the Holy Royal Palace, but those who specialize in assassination, of course.

「Eh, I wasn’t able to confirm.」

「…………」

Although his mouth was smiling slightly, the eyes of the halfling were terrifyingly cold. He was thinking that Reiji was originally black haired. The mediator also called him the “Child of Disaster”. The “Child of Disaster” should be killed; that was common sense in the upper society of this country.

However, El didn’t do that. Did he find joy in being able to talk about Dr. Hinga for the first time in a long time? And as he told Lord Ebene, he didn’t feel any malice.

(…No, how can you hurt the boy who risked his life to save us all?)

El was thinking that, but, of course, he didn’t say it. If he said that to the head of the noble house, he would only meet with a scornful laugh, and be told, “If so, I shall get rid of him.”

(The power that the boy brandished against the mediator is one which is beyond reason. If that power was turned at the Holy Kingdom…)

There are many historical facts in old literature that the “Child of Disaster” eventually became a real “disaster” and killed many people. That threat is far more terrifying than the “Other World,” which is reasonably kept in line by the “Covenant.”

(But, even so, is it really right to kill an innocent child when he is not yet a “disaster”? Eh, if you raised him carefully, maybe he could bring great contribution to this world?)

But this assumption is, of course, a “meaningless assumption”. It is also a dangerous thought that would endanger El’s very life if it came out of his mouth.

After all, Dr. Hinga’s treatise is close to that idea. Even if there are tragic facts that happened in the past, we must not misjudge the potential of human beings — It was the exact opposite thinking to nobles, who think that if killing a child could avert “disaster”, then they should be killed.

「Eh, we shouldn’t have a problem with that boy.」

「…In that case, let’s tell His Majesty that.」

There was no discomposure in the rabbit’s eyes.

「More importantly, how did the matter with House Riviere go?」

「No problem. The evidence has already been presented, and His Majesty has already sprung into motion. Above all, the “Cold Blooded Lord “is working on this case. Aren’t you glad, El-sama? The sinners who defiled the First Altar that you hold most precious will finally be judged.」

「…Eh, that’s right.」

When El replied, the head of House Ebene stood up and left the room. El exhaled a little, feeling released from the pressure.

 

The Dawn Of A Lady

The young lady was waiting in the entrance hall when I returned to the Sillys’ mansion. Of all things, she had people carry over a table to the entrance, and was reading a book while having tea. I mean, what does she plan to do if there was a sudden visitor?

「Reiji! You’re back!」she cried, as soon as she saw me.

I received a super warm welcome, almost like a puppy running up to its owner. The Earl will surely get mad if he knew about this. He would say something like, “How improper,” followed up with, “My daughter seems to like you a lot(for the second time),” undoubtedly.

Anyway, we moved to the young lady’s room – after moving the table at the entrance, of course.

「So… what happened at the Holy Royal Palace?」

「Do you want to know?」

「Of course! Reiji is my…」

The young lady attempted to say something, but paused, and averted her gaze.

「…B-Because you are my important escort.」

…My lady, that statement itself already sounds a bit scandalous. I guess it’s still better than being treated as expendable.

「Well, it hasn’t been long since everything happened. And I wasn’t even asked about the giant snake. Oh, but I was awarded with one holy gold coin for yesterday’s achievement. His Majesty seemed to be more concerned about House Riviere.」

If the Earl deems it necessary, he will talk to the young lady about the “Covenant” and the “Other World.” I also have to talk to him about old man Hinga and Lulusha-san, but I probably shouldn’t bring it up so soon after everything that happened yesterday. I should wait for a little longer before I do.

「House Riviere…?」\n

「Yes.」

It shouldn’t be a problem to talk about this matter, so I told the young lady about everything I knew.

「…………」

After listening, the young lady furrowed her lovely eyebrows and pondered.「Reiji… Will you hear me out?」the young lady asked, after a while.

The young lady’s expression was pale – I’ll find out why in a few minutes.

The young lady was still a Lady.

She had noble blood – although she disliked it – she was born with it, blessed with knowledge, and above all, she had a just heart. Even if it could hurt her father.

During the daytime, I frequently checked the surroundings from the roof, but nothing like a coup d’etat happened. Rather, I thought it was too quiet and eerie.

The Earl returned home very late at night. Not only myself but the young lady was also waiting for him. The Earl’s eyes narrowed when he saw us.

「…What does this mean?」

「First, welcome home, father.」

「Thank you, Eva. I didn’t get enough sleep today and I was a little nervous, so I wanted to go to bed early… but it doesn’t seem like I can do that.」

「I know you are tired, father, but there is something I really want to confirm.」

「Okay. Sebas, bear with me a little longer.」

「Yes, sir.」

The chief butler stared at me. This person doesn’t forgive anyone who brings a detrimental effect to the Earl’s health, even if they may be an ally.

The maids and other butlers in the entrance hall had a nervous look. They were surprised at this tense atmosphere because we didn’t explain anything to them.

「And, I ask Captain Maxim to be present as well.」the young lady said.

「Yes.」

Captain Maxim, who escorted the Earl, also came forward.

The Earl’s private room was too small for all of us, so we headed to the reception room.

The Earl and the young lady sat on the sofa across from each other. The chief butler and captain Maxim stood behind the Earl, and I stood behind the young lady.

…I see, the Earl seems to be visibly exhausted – but, he doesn’t think we can put off this talk for another day. Because who knows what might happen tomorrow.

「Father, what happened to House Riviere?」

「…………」

The Earl looked behind the young lady, and stared at me.

(That’s right. I told her. But isn’t it okay for the young lady to know this information?)

The Earl stared only briefly, and continued on as if nothing had happened.

「House Riviere was put under the control of His Majesty because of the alleged assassination attempt of Kluvshrat-sama and the crime of bribing a priest of the First Altar and chanelling skill orbs to the black market. The head of the family pleaded not guilty to the end and tried to get the other dukes to back him, but the search conducted on his mansion revealed evidence of a priest being bought off. They can no longer talk their way out of it. The search was a by-product of the giant snake’s attack. Though, if the Knights Order had not subdued the snake in a timely fashion, House Riviere itself might not exist today.」

「…The Knights Order subdued it?」

That line caught my attention.

「Yes. That’s what I heard. The Knights Order is actually holding onto the remains of the giant snake, after all.」

Is that so? Does that mean the Adventurer’s Guild lost the dispute with the Knights Order?

「…Does something about that concern you, Reiji-san?」

I shook my head in response. Ouroboros is no longer an issue.

Then, the young lady continued.

「Father, the “assassination attempt on Kluvshrat-sama” and “chanelling skill orbs to the black market” are two separate cases.」

「…I suppose so. But what about it?」

「That means the mastermind is also different. Father, you unknowingly used two words for the “alleged assassination attempt” and “crime of chanelling skill orbs”.」

At this time — for the first time, the Earl’s face showed discomposure. His eyes widened.

「If you don’t listen carefully, you’ll think that both of those were committed by House Riviere. The criminal who poisoned the sauce dish of Kluvshrat-sama was found dead in the mansion of House Riviere. And as a result, an investigation was carried out and evidence of buying off a priest was found. But the two cases are actually different and unrelated, I think.」

The young lady spoke in a matter-of-fact manner. It seemed that she was trying not to put emotion on her words.

「Father, you must have known that the assassination attempt on Kluvshrat-sama was not carried out by House Riviere. That’s why you unknowingly used the word “alleged”. The reason why is… you were the mastermind behind that poisoning incident.」

 

Father’s Cold-Bloodedness

After the young lady exposed her father’s sin, a painful silence descended. The Earl did not show any signs of surprise and watched the young lady attentively, with his arms folded. The chief butler shut his eyes, with a glum look, and Captain Maxim just stood with his mouth agape.

Naturally, it was the young lady who broke the silence.

「Father, you knew that House Riviere was the mastermind behind channeling the skill orbs into the black market, but you couldn’t do anything about it. Even with the “Magic Eye of Inquiry”, you are the only one who can tell apart the other person’s lie. Even if you were able to strike down the nobles below the rank of Earl, you cannot lay hands on the top authority, one of the state’s leading Dukes, so you first planned an attempted poisoning of Kluvshrat-sama. …Captain Maxim!」

The young lady suddenly called out, so the captain responded “Y-Yes,” with a shrill voice.

「I asked Reiji earlier, but it seems that he doesn’t know anything. Did you receive any medicine from my father just before we left for the Sprout and New Moon Banquet?」

「Ah, yes. I was told that it was a panacea that works against all kinds of poisons. If by any chance someone collapses, I was to administer the medicine. …Ah.」

It seems that he was telling the truth, but Captain Maxim shut his mouth, as he was shot with a sharp glare by the butler.

「Father, you probably expected that either Lord Ethan of House Ebene or Lord Ethan’s escort would see through the poison. And in the unlikely event that Kluvshrat-sama swallowed the poison, Captain Maxim will cure it. But in that case, Captain Maxim’s actions would be too suspicious that your subsequent actions would be restricted… and similarly, since Reiji detected the poison, your actions were still restricted.」

To detect poison and cure poison is a double-edged sword that would arouse strong suspicions on yourself. Therefore, the Earl’s next move has to wait until the situation calmed down—until January.

「The man who administered the poison… you killed him immediately, right? If you stored that man with a cold storage magic tool, you can preserve the body. In reality, you must have planned to have House Ebene detect the poison, and then make up a story that the suspect was sighted on House Riviere’s grounds. And if that man’s corpse was found in House Riviere, you would be able to legally search House Riviere with full support. The corpse was already secured, so you can forge as much evidence as you like. You knew for certain that House Riviere was the mastermind behind the skill orbs in the black market, and that if you search their residence, you will definitely find concrete evidence, correct?」

Ouroboros going on rampage was a rare opportunity which turned out beneficial for the Earl. I wonder if his plan was probably to do it after the skill orb awarding ceremony from the start? The Earl had to prioritize giving the young lady a skill orb above all else, after all.

The Earl must have someone else besides Captain Maxim working for him. Even when I was talking to El-san at the Holy Royal Palace today, I sensed many people lurking outside. I didn’t dare ask about that.

Even if a damaged corpse was placed in the Duke’s residence amidst the chaos, it wouldn’t look too unnatural.

「A splendid reasoning.」the Earl said, laughing gently. Neither denying nor affirming.「You are already… a full-fledged noble, I see.」

「…It is the result of father’s upbringing.」

「No–」the Earl said, glancing at me.「…That is not a conclusion you can reach without strong resolve and conviction. Owing to a certain someone.」

Me? That can’t be, right?

「Earl, I also have something to ask.」

「What is it, certain someone?」

Is it me after all?

「…Err, you didn’t know that something would happen at the awarding ceremony, right? So, why weren’t you there?」

「Oh, that’s easy. Many of the priests attended the awarding ceremony. So it was a chance to check the private room of the priest who was channeling the skill orbs to House Riviere. I found a secret book containing messages titled “Destroy immediately”, but the priest probably kept it just in case House Riviere decided to betray him.」

I see. The awarding ceremony was the best time to investigate the priest, huh. So the Earl had a reason to wait until the awarding ceremony…

「After that, a dome of darkness appeared. I sensed that something was strange, and searched for something that could be a weapon, and took the stone that I happened to find. That stone has been reputed to have a special power since long ago.」

Well, at the end of the day, the Earl’s slender arm couldn’t destroy the dome, so I had to destroy it instead.\n「Earl, why did the priest channel the skill orbs to House Riviere? Isn’t it a grave sin?」

「That’s easy. Money. …Remember this, Eva. The world runs on money. And people drive themselves to ruin chasing after money.」

The line of sight of the young lady and the Earl met.

Right now, I don’t know what the young lady is thinking. When she confided in me about her guess – and most likely also the truth – she was already looking so pale that she might have collapsed. But right now, the young lady has a resolved look.

「Father. Did you commit an injustice in order to correct another injustice? To the point where you even killed a person.」

Did the young lady really have to utter such words? I wondered over and over. I was also slightly aware that the Earl’s behavior was strange. And I always had an uncertain feeling due to that. But the young lady noticed before I did. If I hadn’t told the young lady anything extra, the Earl would have continued fooling everyone with a beautiful lie.

The young lady is still 12 years old. Even if she had become an “adult”, does she have to bear the duty of an “adult” so soon?

(Had I been a little smarter, the young lady wouldn’t have noticed.)

Still – I don’t know if it would be months or years later – I think she would’ve reached the truth on her own and questioned the Earl head-on, as she is doing now.

To be frank, I would have liked this to happen in a place I couldn’t see, a place I didn’t know, or a place I couldn’t hear. That was my true feeling. This is too painful to bear.

「…The man who poisoned the dish was originally supposed to be executed. He was a man of one of the noble houses who was involved in the channeling of the skill orb, and for some reason he escaped without being caught. The man understood his crime, and knew that the blame would extend to his wife and children who were extravagant with their money.」

The Earl paused his words there.

I’m sure the Earl offered a deal, something like “If you give your life, your wife and children will be overlooked.”

「Father, crimes must be judged by the law.」

「That is correct. I am sure House Riviere will be judged.」

Ah… this person has decided to treat the young lady as an “adult”. That much is clear from his wording.

And so long as she is treated as an “adult”, he must have decided not to show his true intentions anymore.

Even if they are the only family left to each other.

「…………」

The young lady’s face, seen from the side, looked strained. Like she was desperately holding back from crying.

The young lady must have expected the Earl to tell her everything. That’s why she confronted head-on.

I had a feeling that it was a “bad bet”, and unfortunately that premonition was right.

「Eva. There is no such thing as undisputed “justice”. The human resource centres that you believed to be “injustice” and crushed was “justice” for those who wanted to sell themselves for money.」

「Don’t try to dodge the matter at hand with insincere sophistry.」

「The “truth” this time, did you learn it on your own? Isn’t it all just the “information” you heard from Reiji-san?」

「That is…」

「Isn’t it possible that Reiji-san was lying?」

「——!?」

With a start, the young lady looked towards me as if she was frightened.

(…Earl, you know it’s not that simple.)

I thought that this time, in a sense, it was a parent-child quarrel. The young lady gets angry and the Earl asks for forgiveness. How good it would have been if it was as simple as that.

I also understand the Earl’s position. It’s because he truly thought of this country, that he wanted to eliminate the injustice towards the “First Altar,” the center of this country, no matter the cost – even if it meant committing a crime.

However, that has nothing whatsoever to do with the relationship between me and the young lady. If you wish to involve me, then I have an idea of my own.

「Earl. I am stepping down from the role of escort for House Silly today. I will refund all my salary since it is during the contract period.」

「!?」

The young lady was astonished this time.

「So, my relationship with House Silly is now gone and I should no longer have any interests. My lady, I have never lied to you. You remember my secret that I confessed to you this morning, don’t you?」

What does the Earl mean to do with me and the young lady? Does he think he can drive a wedge with just these words? —No, could there be something else?

「…I’m sorry, Reiji. I just lost my composure. You have no reason to lie. So don’t tell me you’re going to quit as an escort.」

「Yes, Reiji-san. If you quit, you won’t get what you want, right?」

「No, Earl. I got hold of one today.」

「…What?!」

The Earl should not know about the conversation I had with El-san, so it was a little nice to see his face react as if he had been attacked at an unguarded moment.

「That is why… I already had to leave this place in the not so distant future.」

「…Reiji, what are you talking about?」

「My lady, we will talk about this later.」

「………」

The young lady made a face which seemed to say, “I don’t understand”.

「Okay, we will talk later.」At the end, she was convinced.

However,

「That… might be convenient in a sense.」the Earl said something that could break the young lady’s conviction.

「What does that mean?」

This was when I finally saw who the “Cold-Blooded Lord” really was.

「The 6 Great Dukes Houses are quite troublesome, you see. Even if you have gathered all the evidence, they will oppose it one way or another. Therefore, even if His Majesty the Holy King stands up against them, it will not be so easy to crush them. This time, I, a mere Earl, have stood against them, so there is strong opposition from the Duke Houses other than House Riviere.」

「…What are you trying to say?」

「In short, we need something like “calling it a draw due to something more important” to divert from that situation. For example, say the character of a hero who saved the country.」

The Earl had the most refreshing smile I’ve ever seen till now.

「By the way, Reiji-san. You have been hiding something from me, right?」

At that time, I almost felt like something was crawling up my spine.

I see… The Earl already knows my secret. That I originally have black hair and black eyes.

「Duke Ebene says that I am harboring the black-haired, black-eyed “Child of Disaster” in my house. And if I offered you, my oversight will be overlooked it seems. …Now, if I am not mistaken, you are no longer our escort, so there’s no reason to protect you, right?」

At that moment, I sensed a number of people making noise from outside even though it was so late at night.

「Hmm… I told them to do it tomorrow noon, but they are so hasty. I think the troops of House Ebene have arrived.」

Did the Earl and Duke Ebene conclude this beforehand?

How many steps ahead is this person reading? Did he know that he would be accused of the young lady? No, even if he didn’t know, maybe he…

(Did you intend to confess to the young lady from the start?)

If the Earl was prepared for that, then from his point of view, was it rather a joy to watch the young lady reach the truth by herself?

「Eva, Reiji-san. What will you two do? Will you still hold on to “justice”? Or will you overlook the “injustice” for a “greater cause”?」

That is, the Earl is telling the young lady and I to “join hands” with him. Then, he shall protect me.

 \n\n「Is what my father did wrong?」

The Earl did his best for this country and for his daughter.

Even if the people around him saw it as “evil”, for him it was righteous.

I… do not resent the Earl. I don’t hate him either. Rather,

(What a tactless person!)

I feel sympathy.

The Earl wanted me to rely more on him and come under his protection. That’s why he tried to coerce me like that.

But that seemed even malicious to me.

Even if his true intention was due to the kindness to protect me.

「He is not wrong. Your father is a very good man.」

I affirmed.

「Then…」

The young lady asks again.

We reached the entrance hall. The maids and butlers who were frightened by the noise outside were gathered there.

I opened the door leading to the outside for the young lady.

「Is what I did wrong?」

Under that dark, pale moonlit night, knights of House Sillys gathered, and many magic lamps illuminated the way to the gate.

Around 100 armed soldiers were gathered outside the gate with magic lamps.

「Not at all.」I affirmed.「If you do something wrong, I will do my best to stop it.」

「……I see.」

When the young lady and I started walking, the knights who noticed us called out to stop, but we ignored it and proceeded steadily.

「There should be an escort called Reiji here. Send him out and this should be over.」

「It is insane to ask for people this late at night.」

At the gate, Lelenore-san and a knight were having a dispute.

They were taken aback when they noticed us approaching. Lelenore-san gave a pained look.

「Reiji… your hand.」

「Yes.」

I held the young lady’s hand. It was incredibly cold. She is forcing herself. I’m worried… At least if I could share my body temperature.

The young lady took one step at a time as if pulling herself towards me as I walked forward. And then she stopped a few steps from the gate.

「Reiji.」

「Yes.」

「…Will you escort me even if I leave the Earl house?」

「Happily.」

「I see… Open the gate, you guys.」

「But, Eva-sama…」

「That is my order. Open the gate.」

「…U-Understood.」

Although confused by the young lady’s order, the knights opened the gate.

On the other side, armed soldiers looked at me varily. They seem to be less trained than the knights of House Sillys. And besides humans, there were a lot of halflings too.

「Lady Eva, please hand over Reiji-dono who is over there. The Earl has already been informed about this.」

Lelenore-san knelt down and requested.

「Reiji is no longer associated with the Earl house.」

「Is that right… then there should be no problem.」

「What will you do with Reiji?」

「…I can’t say.」

「Are you going to kill him?」

「!」

Lelenore-san was taken aback. …You’re going to kill me? That’s scary. Rather, is it so easy to decide whether a person lives or dies?

「I can’t give him to you. Reiji is very important to me… because he’s my escort.」

「But…!」

「Reiji.」

「Yes.」

The young lady turned around and looked up at me. Her eyes shone – it gave me a warm feeling. My body felt hotter and I was motivated to fight.

Ah, is this the “Magic Eye of Inspire”? Controlled magic eyes feel so good!

But, you see, young lady…

Even if you hadn’t used it, I was fired up to fight.

「Can you beat everyone here?」

Lelenore-san was startled by the young lady’s innocent-sounding question, whereas the armed soldiers seemed angered by the fact.

「If  I take it seriously, there is no problem.」

It is an objective fact. In this world, one Gold-rank adventurer is stronger than 100 Iron-rank adventurers.

The difference in skill is that huge.

To sum up, I’m convinced that even if all the armed soldiers in front of us charged at Ouroboros, they couldn’t have defeated it.

「Reiji-kun, calm down…」

Lelenore-san tried to calm me down, but it’s useless.

「Get serious, Reiji.」

The young lady’s order is always simple.

「Clear the way.」

And the errands are always a little rough – but, just for today,

「Understood, my lady.」

I also feel like going wild, so it’s just right.