Chapter 86: World's Greatest Husband Contest - Main Tournament (4)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 86: World's Greatest Husband Contest - Main Tournament (4)
The Grand Arena, which had been erupting with cheers and applause, was suddenly submerged in a cold, heavy silence.
In that stillness, Natalia stood, drenched in Loengram’s blood.
Her face was unreadable, betraying neither the thoughts she held nor the emotions she harbored.
“…”
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the emotion Natalia felt for Loengram was pure hatred.
He was the man who had stripped away everything from her—not just the title of Sword Saint she had dreamed of since childhood, but her purity, her chastity, and her very life.
‘Still… tsk…’
Of course, it wasn't as if Loengram had trampled over Natalia of his own volition.
He, too, had been forced into a marriage with her by the will of his father, the former Sword Saint. In a way, Loengram was also just another cog in the gears of this Empire and its era.
However, considering everything that happened afterward, today’s conclusion was a fate Loengram had brought upon himself.
Consequently, I felt a surprising lack of emotion regarding his death.
“The problem is Natalia…”
Regardless of the circumstances, Loengram was Natalia’s former husband.
And… unfortunately, between Loengram and Natalia, there was a son named Armin.
Natalia hadn't simply taken revenge on a cursed and hated ex-husband; she had killed her son’s father with her own hands. Even if she had swung her sword instinctively to protect herself.
‘Sigh…’
My heavy heart seemed to scream at me to run to Natalia right this second.
Yet, the only thoughts surfacing in my cold, rational mind were questions like, ‘What are you going to say when you get there? What kind of comfort can you even offer?’
Wondering if Helena felt the same, I looked across the way.
“Sister…!”
I saw Helena already pushing through the crowd.
…Right, what was the point of just standing here?
I forced my frozen legs to move and ran toward Natalia.
The moment Helena and I finally stepped onto the stage, Natalia’s head finally turned toward us.
“…”
We said nothing.
We didn't say things like "It couldn't be helped" or "He brought it on himself."
Without a word, we embraced Natalia, staining our own bodies and faces with the blood that covered her.
At that moment, the firmly closed entrance to the arena suddenly swung open.
—Rumble…
Simultaneously, soldiers carrying long spears and shields engraved with the Imperial crest and a set of scales poured in.
The soldiers surrounded the stage in an instant, and from among them, a young man dressed in the formal attire of a civil official shouted.
“Armin Clausewitz, Executor of the Judicial Ministry! By the authority vested in me by His Imperial Majesty, I address everyone present! From this moment on, no one is to leave this Grand Arena! Anyone who fails to comply will be arrested immediately!”
Soon, the black-haired young Executor turned his gaze toward the stage.
Toward his mother, who stood over the corpse of his father, drenched in his blood.
Natalia called out her son’s name in a parched voice.
“Armin…”
“…Recover the body and secure the suspect.”
Helena tried to rush toward Armin immediately, but I looked at her and shook my head.
The Executor of the Judicial Ministry had just referred to his own mother as a suspect.
*
It’s a bit late to mention this, but Natalia’s son, Armin, was actually at the Grand Arena.
He was there as an Executor of the Judicial Ministry to maintain order among the massive crowd and to prepare for any potential incidents.
Of course, I knew Armin was present, but I hadn't dreamed he held such a position.
‘And he just watched his mother stab his father to death right before his eyes.’
The word "suspect" had even come out of Armin’s mouth.
Because of this, Helena was at a total loss as to what to do… but.
Taking advantage of the moment Armin was ascending the stage, I first scanned the surroundings.
‘Andrasta and the warrior band are all staying still. I guess they’re waiting to see how the situation unfolds.’
This tournament was a martial arts competition held by Andrasta, the King of Erin, to find her partner, but the venue was the capital of the Empire.
Therefore, without exception, everyone had to follow the laws set by the Emperor.
The fact that Andrasta wasn't harboring any unnecessary resentment toward that fact was a sign that things were moving in a positive direction.
Eventually, Executor Armin finally stood before Natalia.
Facing his blood-stained mother, Armin spoke in a stiff, rigid voice.
“…First, I will verify the suspect’s identity. State your name.”
“You—!”
I hurriedly held back Helena, whose temper had flared up in an instant.
Blocking an Executor right now was the same as blocking the Emperor who enforced the law.
Only then did Helena stop, but her eyes were still glaring coldly at Armin.
As if asking how he, knowing everything he knew, could address his mother that way.
However, Armin didn't care at all and asked Natalia once more.
“State your name.”
“…Natalia Clausewitz.”
“Natalia Clausewitz, you are currently under suspicion for the murder of your former husband. Are you aware of this?”
“…Yes.”
Because of that, Helena tried to rush Armin again, and I had to coax and soothe her once more.
‘Young Master! Are you just going to stand by and watch this?!’
‘Yes. So please, just stay calm and keep still. The situation itself isn't bad.’
In fact, it wasn't just "not bad"—it was the best possible scenario.
Helena looked like she couldn't accept it at all, but I turned my head back toward Armin and Natalia.
Even an Executor is human; Armin let out a low sigh and questioned Natalia.
“According to what this official witnessed, you stabbed Loengram Clausewitz in the neck with a sword in your possession. Do you admit to this?”
“…Yes, I admit it.”
“Very well. However, according to the criminal code, a charge cannot be finalized based solely on the suspect’s testimony. Therefore, I will hear the testimony of witnesses. You there, young man, step forward.”
“Yes, Mr. Executor.”
I willingly stepped forward in front of Executor Armin.
Seeing him up close, he really does take after Natalia… black hair, green eyes, and while not quite on my level, he’s quite handsome…
While I was having those thoughts, Armin finally began his interrogation.
“Witness, state your name.”
“Leon von Konstanz. Second son of Margrave Konstanz, and a person who witnessed this match from beginning to end.”
“Very well. Leon, I will now hear your testimony. If there is even a hint of a lie, you will be punished for the crime of perjury. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Mr. Executor.”
“Good. Begin your testimony.”
I explained exactly what I saw.
The duel between Natalia and Loengram was so one-sided it could be considered instructional sparring; I glossed over the trivial details of how he attacked and how she parried.
“Natalia’s sword broke Loengram’s, and Natalia clearly returned her sword to its scabbard. Furthermore, she had completely turned her body and was walking away.”
“Understood. Continue.”
“Since it was obvious to anyone that Natalia was the winner, she was looking toward the spectator seats, acknowledging the crowd that was cheering and applauding her. At that moment, Loengram approached Natalia from behind with his broken sword in hand.”
“Continue.”
“Taking advantage of the moment everyone’s attention was on Natalia, Loengram attempted to stab her. Fortunately, Natalia noticed in time and swung her sword to protect herself. It is unfortunate that the attack hit his vital point, the neck, resulting in Loengram’s death, but in such a case, shouldn't it be viewed as justifiable self-defense?”
Oops, I accidentally started talking like a defense attorney instead of a witness.
As a result, Armin’s stern gaze pierced through me.
“This official only asked you to state what you witnessed, not to pass judgment. Do not mistake your role.”
“Yes, Mr. Executor. My apologies.”
“I will now hear the testimony of another witness. You, the woman who was standing next to Leon… ahem, step forward.”
Mmm~ it seems our Executor almost called Helena "Auntie Lena" without thinking.
I willingly stepped back from the Executor, and Helena, who had finally grasped how the situation was playing out, stood before her nephew with a calm face.
“Witness, state your name.”
“I am Helena Clausewitz.”
“Very well. Do you agree with the testimony Leon has provided?”
“Yes, Mr. Executor. It does not differ in the slightest from what I saw.”
“Understood. I will now ask the other witnesses.”
Armin clenched his trembling hands into fists and took a deep breath.
He looked at Natalia, who was standing silently, for a moment, and then shouted at the top of his lungs to all the spectators who hadn't left.
“I ask all the spectators! Is it certain that Loengram Clausewitz attempted to kill Natalia Clausewitz first?!”
Since not all the spectators could grasp the situation immediately, there was no reaction at first.
However, when a few quick-witted individuals shouted out, all the spectators soon raised their voices in unison.
“Waaaaah!!!”
“That’s right! It’s true!”
It wasn't quite as loud as the moment Natalia broke Loengram’s sword, but the Grand Arena was set ablaze once again.
As if pouring oil on the fire, Armin shouted with all his might.
“Then is it true that Natalia swung her sword to protect herself?!”
“Yes! Yes! Yes!”
“Lady Natalia is innocent!”
Now, the spectators were even stomping their feet, everyone shouting for Natalia’s innocence.
Well… honestly, these spectators already knew everything that had happened between Natalia and Loengram.
‘I was the one who spread those rumors, but I didn't know things would turn out like this.’
Regardless, Armin finally approached Natalia with a much lighter expression.
The surroundings were still filled with the sound of stomping feet and cries of Natalia’s innocence… but.
Thanks to my sharp ears, I could clearly hear the conversation between Natalia and Armin.
“I’m sorry, Mother.”
“…I’m alright. I’m… just worried about you. I’m sorry…”
Because they were in front of everyone, Armin couldn't offer words of comfort, let alone embrace his mother.
However, Armin’s eyes, as he looked at Natalia, were filled with tears he couldn't allow to fall.
Perhaps because of that… my gaze drifted toward Loengram’s body being carried away on a stretcher.
“…I still don't know what to say.”
“Isn't it just a case of reaping what one sows, Young Master?”
On Helena’s face as she approached me, I could only feel worry for Natalia and a sense of relief that Loengram was gone.
Come to think of it… Armin hadn't spared a single glance for Loengram either…
‘I guess they say parents aren't those who give birth, but those who raise you…’
In that sense, Natalia was the only family Armin had.
Ah, did he say he moved out and got married?
While I was having those thoughts looking at Natalia and Armin, who were silently gazing at each other, Armin began to approach me.
I took a step toward Armin and spoke first.
“Did you have something to say?”
“No. It’s just… I don't know if this is the place to bring it up, but I wanted to say thank you.”
“Thank you…?”
“I heard from my mother and Auntie Lena. That you, Leon, were the one who saved my mother. I also… heard that you love her.”
“Uh… they told you that much… well…”
“You don't need to worry about me. I only want to ask you to take good care of my mother from now on. May I ask that of you?”
Of course.
After all, I am Milfgard, the guardian of chaste and beautiful women.
With that in mind, I extended my right hand to Armin, and he took it.
After sharing a brief but firm handshake between men, Armin returned to his position with the soldiers of the Judicial Ministry.
“By the way, Teacher.”
“…Yes.”
“Why didn't you tell me Armin was an Executor of the Judicial Ministry?”
“That… well… Sister told me… that an Executor of the Judicial Ministry shouldn't let anyone but family know their position… to prevent corruption and solicitation…”
“Aha.”
So that’s why Natalia had said Armin was an imperial clerk.
Of course, I had no ill feelings about that fact.
Natalia and Helena had simply followed the laws they were bound to as a mother, an aunt, and subjects of the Empire.
Therefore, I finally approached Natalia.
“Natalia.”
“Master…”
“Shall we go back now? To our home.”
“…Yes, let’s go. Home.”
Fortunately, Natalia’s face wore a much lighter expression.
I couldn't say all the burdens on her heart had been lifted… but time will take care of that.
And if any burdens remain, I’ll just have to carry them for her.