Chapter 156: Too Much is as Bad as Too Little
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 156: Too Much is as Bad as Too Little
Ferda stepped onto the podium and began to speak.
“I am Ferda Valdrova, representative of the Far East and fiancé to the Archduchess of Valdrova, the Great Aspect of Fire.”
As this was a formal council session, he introduced himself with full protocol.
“Please explain the circumstances of the events the Far East experienced during this crisis.”
“I shall.”
Ferda began reading through the documents he, Mori, and Isabella had compiled. By fleshing out the sparse details and trimming away the fluff, he was able to clearly convey only the essential facts of the incident.
As soon as his testimony ended, the questioning began.
“I have a question regarding one particular point.”
It was Joseph Faust, the head of the Alte Faith.
“It is written here that you were isolated for a month.”
“That is correct.”
“It also states that the entire underground sewer system, excluding the reservoirs and the main water supply, was contaminated. How did you survive that month?”
“We discovered a new water source for the Far East.”
“Even a new source would have been equally contaminated. And it’s not as if you used climate magic to fill the reservoirs.”
“Correct. Therefore, we put it through a purification process to make it potable.”
“A purification process?”
“I mean that we used Magitech formulas to remove the demonic energy contaminating the water.”
“Ho…”
A strange silence fell over the room at Ferda’s words. Everyone’s interests were suddenly aligned.
“One would expect health issues to arise. What was the result?”
“It is our opinion that after purifying the water contaminated by demonic energy, it became cleaner than most rivers.”
“Whose opinion is this?”
“Blue Eye’s.”
Since he cited the Aspect of Water, there were no impious doubts regarding the source’s credibility. Ferda deliberately added more to his statement.
“This achievement would have been impossible without the cooperation of Blue Eye.”
“Now that you mention it, the report does say that Blue Eye manufactured and delivered several prototypes for testing.”
The audience, which had been holding its breath, began to murmur again. This was the reason Ferda had credited Blue Eye for the achievement.
‘Value adjustment.’
The phrase "too much is as bad as too little" existed for a reason. If he inflated Burnell’s value by claiming the man had done it all alone, it would only turn into poison. Publicly broadcasting Burnell’s worth would not help the security of the Far East.
Burnell, who was satisfied with his current environment, had also agreed to Ferda’s strategy for his own safety. One thing was certain: even with the credit diverted, Burnell was already a man whose value had skyrocketed.
Naturally, the next question touched upon that subject.
“I would like to ask a question myself. Aside from that, I heard Magitech played quite a significant role. There was a device called a Magitech Rifle.”
The one who spoke up was Oldin Rooster, a man known as a veteran hero. He was heavily muscled, and the scar on his eyebrow seemed to glint menacingly. He was a man worthy of being called Waldemar’s right hand.
“Yes.”
“I believe there was no mention of such a thing to the Empire. Have you been keeping it a secret all this time?”
What an absurd question.
“Since the Far East serves as a barrier, we have been focusing solely on its development. Furthermore, we participated in an exhibition hosted in Escoleia with the support of the Pascal Trading Company, where we demonstrated it before many nobles and merchants.”
In short, he was saying it was strange that they didn't know about it.
“It is an item that has a direct and immediate effect on the defense of the Empire. Don’t you think the Imperial leadership should have been informed?”
In other words: Why didn't you show it to the Empire first?
“As you know, the Far East borders the Land of Demons and possesses strong autonomy. There was a sense that we were simply going along with the established atmosphere of non-interference.”
Since you usually ignore us, we figured we could do whatever we wanted.
The conversation continued in this vein, the atmosphere growing increasingly hostile.
It was truly a sight to behold. They were treating a man who had won an overwhelming victory more harshly than Alexander, who had lost the 1st Legion.
Such was human greed. Even the merit of being a war hero succumbed to avarice.
“Councilor Rooster? That is enough. Regent Ferda Valdrova, if you have nothing further to testify, you may step down.”
“I understand.”
Akad eventually stepped in to mediate the hostile atmosphere.
“I will call the next witness. Louis Ruthenia, commander of the 2nd Regiment of the Far East Provisional Union and Vice Chief of Staff.”
“Yes, Mr. Chairman.”
“Please give your testimony.”
Louis Ruthenia began explaining the strategy used in the subjugation of the super-sized monster. Normally, the person who oversaw the strategy should be the one to explain it. That would mean Eri, the platinum-rank adventurer, or if she were unavailable, the next highest commander.
However, Olivia, the Chief of Staff, was left sitting in the audience, ignored.
As Louis’s explanation continued, a strange feeling took hold. He was speaking as if the entire strategy had originated from his own head.
It was said that for a strategist, such a situation was akin to having one’s child stolen. How was she reacting?
Recalling the fuss she usually made, Ferda guessed she wouldn't be taking it well and turned his head toward her.
Whether by coincidence or not, his eyes met Olivia’s. As if she didn't care about the testimony at all, she stared intently at Ferda before smiling brightly and waving her hand at him.
‘I’ll never understand her.’
Since it wasn't a situation where he could act friendly, Ferda quietly looked away.
Louis finished his speech, and no questions followed. In this incident, he was a hero, not a sinner.
“With this testimony, we will take a brief recess. We will resume in thirty minutes.”
Voices began to swell and fill the previously quiet council chamber. The councilors remained in their seats, talking among themselves.
Sensing the mood, Consilus leaned slightly toward Ferda and whispered.
“It seems they are about to reach a conclusion.”
“Which means our real work starts now.”
“Indeed.”
It was a time to be on high alert. At the same time, it was important to maintain an air of leisure. Ferda stepped outside as if to get some fresh air.
Just then, he happened to spot Olivia. Someone had approached the beautiful Imperial Princess—it was Lord Louis Ruthenia.
“Um, Princess!”
The knights tried to stop him, but Olivia raised her hand to wave them back. She greeted him with a polite posture, meeting his eyes.
“Hello, Lord Ruthenia. I trust you are well?”
She was calm, unlike the version of her Ferda knew. Ferda subtly extended his shadow toward them to create an "ear."
“That… Princess Olivia… I have something to say…”
Her small finger covered the young lord’s lips.
“Please, say no more.”
It wasn't that she didn't want to talk to him. Her moist eyes and the breath escaping her slightly parted lips made her look as if she understood the inner workings of this tragedy all too well.
“I know. I know you didn't intend for this… You have a duty to bring glory to the Ruthenia family, don't you?”
“I…”
“So, there’s no need to trouble your heart. To me… there are things far more important than such trivialities.”
“What could be more important than…”
She clasped her hands together, a smile gracing her lips.
“What matters to us is that everyone joined forces to overcome this ordeal. Even if the credit is misattributed to others, as long as we both know the truth…”
Ferda was startled by the sight. Her actions weren't filled with her usual seductiveness, but rather a sense of reverence.
“I am happy with just that.”
He wondered what she hoped to achieve with such an act, but the effect was immediate. Louis’s expression stiffened further. He had expected her to resent and curse him. But the response he received was one of holy forgiveness.
Louis’s face turned beet red.
“Then, I shall take my leave…”
“Ah…”
He turned and fled as if escaping. At the same time, he loathed his own pettiness and felt a deep sense of regret. Olivia watched his retreating back with a wistful expression.
‘Did reaching the 4th Circle really change her personality?’
The Red Circle is based on emotion, and as that emotion grows, one tends to become immersed in it. Just as reaching the 5th Circle through hatred makes one a madman, reaching the 5th Circle through faith makes one something close to a saint.
According to that theory, her heart should have undergone a great change.
Ferda stopped eavesdropping and approached Olivia.
“Oh my, Regent.”
Olivia clapped her hands in welcome.
“Greetings, Princess.”
“Greetings to the spouse of the Great Fire. How have you been?”
“Well.”
“I imagine this is your first time at the Golden Council… If it’s not too much trouble, may I show you around a bit?”
There was a hidden intention behind those friendly words. She was asking to walk and talk.
“Then I won't refuse…”
Smiling, he accompanied the Princess. The knights monitored them from a sufficient distance. Ferda was the first to broach the subject in a low voice.
“You seem to be getting closer to becoming a saintess.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“I wouldn't have been able to forgive that, but I didn't expect you to let it slide so gently.”
“Oh, forgiveness?”
Her long eyelashes fluttered with feigned innocence.
“Is that not it?”
“Didn't I tell you?”
Olivia turned her head slightly. A cold shadow fell over her smiling face.
“I have never once forgiven anyone who betrays me.”
He had asked just in case, and as expected, he was right. There was no way Olivia, who was ambitious about entering politics, would forgive someone who stole her credit.
“I’m preparing to pin a massive failure on Louis the moment he makes a mistake. I can’t wait to see how much fun it will be when he loses his succession rights to my younger brother because of some absurd blunder he committed.”
“Then that display earlier was…”
“I’m only doing this because it’s time to change my image.”
“The saintess image, you mean.”
“Yes, a saintess.”
She grabbed the amulet around her neck and mimicked a prayer.
“To the public, I’ll appear as if I’ve finally received God’s calling. To the nobles, I’ll seem like someone who has let go of everything.”
As they talked, it became clear that Olivia was exactly the same as before. It would have been a problem if the Red Circle had caused a change of heart, but fortunately, that wasn't the case.
“Now I just need to achieve the Fifth Enlightenment.”
“It won't be easy.”
“It won't be easy, but it won't be like before.”
He wondered if she meant it would be easier, but she was talking about the external environment.
“From the moment one reaches the fourth enlightenment, it’s called an ‘Omen.’ From then on, one can formally request lessons from the Alte Order.”
“Lessons regarding the Saintess?”
“Yes.”
She was a jewel. It made sense that the Order wouldn't just sit still when a jewel had grown legs and was about to run far away.
“An Imperial Princess has reached the fourth enlightenment as an Alte believer, and that fact is already known to the world. The Order has no choice but to make the offer for the sake of their image, and the Imperial Family has no choice but to make me do it for the balance of power. That’s why Joseph Faust is on my side.”
Even if she had secured one of the five Councilors, four were still enemies. Ferda decided to just take note of that information and ask about her duties.
“If that happens, what becomes of your duties as a Princess?”
“I’ll have to do both. But at least it’ll cut down on social gatherings, so I’m satisfied with that.”
Isn't it usually the other way around?
For Olivia, who hated making small talk and saying things she didn't mean, it was a good thing. Of course, when she delivered the news, she had shed buckets of fake tears.
“I’m asking out of caution.”
Olivia asked carefully.
“You do realize that this post-war conference is targeting you, Regent?”
Ferda nodded.
“Yes. They were saying a conclusion was imminent.”
“It won't be. I think it will lead to a second inquiry. Something along the lines of: ‘You could have prevented the super-sized monster in advance, so why didn't you?’”
What Olivia was describing was a highly likely scenario for the meeting.
“What do you think I should do, Princess?”
“Greed always leads to getting burned. You’ll have to give something up. Give them one thing they want.”
Give something up…
Her advice was the most realistic. The Empire was vast and powerful. Even in this council, the Far East had very few allies. If they wanted to create a justification for interference, they would find a way.
He wanted to talk more, but they couldn't continue. Although there were still fifteen minutes left, a chance encounter prevented them from speaking further.
“Oh, to meet you here.”
Waldemar Golt. He walked toward them with a broad smile. Olivia put on her mask the moment she saw him.
“Greetings, Great Grand Duke.”
“Haha, what a coincidence to run into the Princess like this.”
“Indeed.”
Then, Olivia subtly grabbed Ferda’s arm. Just as he was wondering what she was doing, Ferda noticed Waldemar’s aura shift for a split second. He was staring at that arm with a look of intense displeasure.
Then, as if it had never happened, as if it were a mere illusion, he resumed his genial smile.
“The meeting is about to resume. Shouldn't we be heading back?”
“We were just about to return.”
“It would be wise to prepare.”
“I suppose so. Shall we go, Regent?”
“I have a few words to exchange with Lady Olivia, so you go on ahead.”
It wasn't a request for understanding; it was a command. That confirmed it.
This old man.
He had dark designs on Olivia.
“Since the Grand Duke has something to say, I suppose my guidance ends here.”
Olivia let go of Ferda’s arm and walked gracefully toward Waldemar. After taking about three steps, she turned her head and spoke.
“Think carefully about what I told you.”
She gave him a subtle, playful wink.
As Ferda returned to the hall, he replayed Olivia’s words in his mind. She had said that to protect many things, one must give something up. What was it that he had to give up in this situation?
Ferda was still not certain of anything.
* * *
“I call this session to order. We, the Councilors, have discussed how to handle this matter.”
Discussed? More like conspired behind closed doors until late last night.
“The loss of the legions under the Crown Prince, Alexander Arken, is a tragedy that cannot be overlooked. However…!”
As expected.
“Since this incident was so extraordinary, we felt it necessary to discuss whether it could have been prevented in advance.”
Everything was unfolding exactly as Ferda had anticipated.
“Therefore, before reaching a conclusion, we will move to a second inquiry. The agenda will be: ‘Was it truly impossible to prevent this in advance?’”
Now, it was time for the "sinner" to change.