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chapter 62
『When the war begins, Edlen will become a forward base of the great Holy Nation. I will devote this life entirely to returning the Raven Kingdom to the embrace of the god.』
『A splendid resolve. I was a little concerned when you suggested framing Mayor William as a Holy Nation spy, but fortunately, everything proceeded smoothly.』
『Thanks to Brook’s inferiority complex toward his brother, things went easily. He will remain a scarecrow and hold the position until the plan is carried out.』
…….
The scene projected by the magic tool continued before everyone’s eyes.
The citizens in the plaza could not help but fall into shock as they watched.
“…What is that supposed to mean? A forward base?”
“So Brook and Vares really set Mayor William up?”
“This is insane……”
With each line of dialogue, the truth was laid bare.
What followed was the story of Riventia.
『By the way, a report came in yesterday. Is it true that William’s daughter escaped Edlen?』
『Does that mean she accepted her future even knowing it?』
『William was a clever man. He realized early on that if he did not sacrifice himself, the entire city would be endangered. But to that man, the safety of the city meant nothing compared to his daughter’s life.』
“Mayor William had a daughter?”
“I think I heard rumors at city hall. Something about her being sickly and staying in her room?”
“Then she survived by escaping the execution? Is that even possible?”
Information about Riventia was extremely scarce and inaccurate.
It was the result of William’s decision after sensing something amiss from early on.
『I will obtain the traces of the Spirit King without fail.』
With that final voice, the projected light vanished.
Shock and silence descended upon the plaza.
After waiting a moment, Vice-Captain Leon turned her gaze to the citizens.
“As you have seen, the crimes attributed to William Northton in the past were fabricated by false accusation. Regrettably, the incompetence of the Royal Guard who handled the investigation at the time failed to uncover the truth, creating innocent victims.”
Guilt was evident in her clear voice.
As one who upheld justice, her anger toward herself was the greatest.
“The knight who led the investigation was expelled, but I too was present at the time. Therefore, as a survivor and bereaved family member, I wish to offer my personal apology to Lady Riventia.”
As she continued speaking, she turned her gaze toward the steps.
Step—
A blonde girl appeared there, followed by a white-haired old man.
The citizens widened their eyes and focused their attention.
“…Huh?”
“Don’t tell me it’s really her?”
“No, how is that even……”
Such doubtful reactions were only natural.
From past to present, neither Riventia nor Ria had ever had their faces known.
Even the pickpocketing she had done as part of training was predicated on never being discovered.
After all, the targets had always been corrupt nobles and nouveau riche.
“……!”
The two defendants rose from their seats almost simultaneously.
Brook looked at his niece with fearful eyes.
Vares, rather than the crisis before him, fixed his gaze on Riventia’s finger.
The most important Northton ring was nowhere to be seen.
“…….”
Ria quietly met their gazes.
The only emotion she felt was anger.
She had no desire to exchange words even with her last remaining relative.
“Lady Riventia.”
Leon, standing beside her, knelt on one knee and bowed her head.
It was a posture reserved only for the king, carrying tremendous weight.
“Through our inadequacy, we caused you wounds that cannot be washed away. On behalf of the Royal Guard, I offer my deepest apology.”
“…My brother told me it wasn’t your fault. He said the knight who led the investigation was expelled?”
“Yes. He was expelled for abuse of authority. In truth, he deserved far harsher punishment, but the incident was minimized due to his family’s involvement. Regarding the wrongdoing committed during the investigation of Lord William’s case, I pledge on my name to see that proper punishment is carried out.”
“…….”
-ㄷㄷ;
-Justice GOAT
-She’s really going to fight noble families;
-As expected of Leon.
These were not empty words.
The firm resolve contained in her voice was unmistakable.
Black Dragon’s description of her as the embodiment of justice naturally came to mind.
“Black Dragon.”
At that moment, someone approached Hanbit among the citizens.
When he turned his head, Henry stood there with his face concealed.
“It’s a relief I arrived early. The city gates are already fully secured by the Royal Guard.”
“Thank you for your hard work. Was the plan conveyed properly?”
“Yes. I delivered all the letters you sent to the vice-captain. She agreed it was a good plan.”
Henry, who had been traveling to another city, secretly headed to the capital after switching places with a disguised subordinate.
Thanks to Leon remembering him, he successfully made contact.
The projection magic tool and the petition, which seemed like key evidence, made the situation clear at once.
After that, letters sent through Cowen’s guild network guided the entire process.
“Is everything proceeding as planned?”
“Yes. Everyone did well, so Vares hasn’t shown any sign of suspicion.”
“That’s good.”
Everything happening atop the court was part of the plan, from start to finish.
The order of evidence, Leon’s intervention, and Riventia’s appearance—all were proceeding exactly as planned.
All that remained was the ending.
“Then please proceed with the rest of the plan as well. Stay by Ria’s side.”
“Alright. I’m sorry to burden you with such a heavy responsibility.”
Slip—
After finishing the conversation, Henry stepped out toward the edge, revealing his face.
Then he boldly walked toward the court.
“Is she truly Riventia?”
In the meantime, Vares asked, narrowing his eyes.
Brook, trembling, merely avoided his gaze.
“It hardly seems to require an explanation.”
“That won’t do. Are we to call every girl of that age Riventia? Show me proof.”
“Proof? I’ll show you.”
At the continued questioning, Ria reached into her bag.
Taking out a gold ring set with a red gem, she stepped right up to Vares’s nose.
“Can you still say it’s not me?”
“…Hm.”
Vares carefully examined the ring.
Once he confirmed it was the genuine Northton ring, his gaze changed instantly.
“I didn’t expect you to reveal yourself like this. Was life in hiding that stifling?”
-This bastard?
-That smile is disgusting;
-You’re dead.
Curling his lips upward, Vares spoke with a mocking tone.
But Ria calmly slipped the ring onto her finger.
“Pretend all you want. You’re finished.”
“Am I? I don’t see any danger facing me yet.”
“Danger usually comes when you least expect it.”
At that moment, Henry entered the court.
In his hands were a stack of documents and a pendant.
“……!”
Brook’s eyes widened once more when he saw them.
Ignoring his reaction, Henry approached Leon standing nearby.
“These are all the evidence of Brook and Vares’s crimes.”
“I will verify them.”
Receiving the evidence, Leon carefully examined the contents.
The pendant magic tool containing voices rang clearly across the plaza.
『This is the last time. Brook, you will lure William outside the mansion around midnight. While that happens, I’ll plant the prepared evidence throughout the mansion.』
『I will succeed without fail. This is a plan I prepared, and there are several usable elements—』
『Unnecessary.』
The conversation between Vares and Brook rang out vividly.
Listening quietly, Leon stopped the magic tool and turned her gaze.
“There seems to be no need for further dispute.”
“Hik!”
“…….”
Brook gulped, while Vares glared silently.
Placing her hand on the hilt at her waist, Leon continued.
“As vice-captain of the Royal Guard, I may exercise a portion of His Majesty the King’s authority. Summary judgment is one such authority.”
As the king’s sword, the duties she carried were never light.
Thus, the captain and vice-captain were granted the authority to resolve situations.
Meaning, cutting down enemies before their eyes would raise no issue.
“Brook Northton, Vares Roberg. I ask you both: do you admit to the crimes committed against William Northton and Riventia Northton?”
“Th-that……”
Brook still could not grasp the situation.
The Holy Nation bishop, his lifeline.
The evidence he had handed over was now in Leon’s hands.
Was this also part of some plan?
Was the bishop waiting for the right moment to rescue him?
Or had he been abandoned?
Thoughts churned violently until his head felt like it was burning.
“S-somewhere… somewhere……”
His mind in chaos, he desperately scanned the plaza.
He was certain the bishop would be watching this unfold.
“…Ah!”
Searching so desperately his eyes might pop out, Brook finally spotted the bishop’s face in the crowd.
Overjoyed, he was about to rush toward him—
Slip—
Hanbit quietly raised a finger to his lips.
“……!”
A silent command.
Brook took it as a secret directive from the bishop.
There was a plan.
Certain of this, Brook calmed his turbulent heart and sat back down, straightening his posture.
-What is this idiot doing? LOL
-Shh (shut up)
-He really believes Black Dragon is a bishop?
-He even memorized scripture—of course he’d believe it.
“It seems you were quite determined to catch me.”
Vares, after briefly closing and reopening his eyes, spoke while surveying the court.
His deliberate pacing did not work on Leon.
“Delaying will achieve nothing. Meaningless resistance will only lead to greater罪.”
Clank—!
With her words, a group of knights and soldiers entered the plaza.
It was far more than needed to escort a single person.
“Well, this is quite the generous evaluation.”
Vares leisurely examined the troops.
“So all I need to do is bow my head?”
“If you are to apologize, it should be to Lady Riventia. If you admit your crimes, you will be transferred to the capital for a thorough investigation. I will also be involved in the judgment, so it would be best not to harbor false hopes.”
“So the vice-captain truly holds a powerful position.”
The influence to affect even a trial held in the capital.
Sincerely impressed, Vares had already sorted out his thoughts.
“My answer is only one.”
Looking at Ria, he slowly bent forward.
From afar, it might look like a genuine act of penitence.
But Vares was not that kind of man.
“Apologize? Don’t be ridiculous.”
Bang—!
In an instant, a loud explosion sounded and black smoke spread.
The scale was vast enough to engulf the entire court.
But that wasn’t the end.
Thud—!
Dozens of armed figures who had been hiding throughout the plaza and outskirts sprang out at once.
They immediately swarmed the court.
As the anticipated situation unfolded, Hanbit kicked off the ground and rushed forward.
