Chapter 132
Chapter 132
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 132
Chapter Title: The Hearing
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The third day after Cedric’s terrorist attack.
A report arrived from the pursuit team; they had completely lost him.
He had finally entered the Demon King's territory. Further pursuit would be nothing short of a suicide mission. It was impossible to break through the elite corps of the Demon King's Army.
A three-day chase of cat and mouse.
In the process, a considerable number of casualties had occurred. The Imperial Army and the Demon King's Army had clashed several times.
Though they were localized conflicts rather than an all-out war, analysis followed that they were the largest-scale clashes in recent memory.
The clouds of war were gathering…
In the current atmosphere, it wouldn't be strange if war broke out tomorrow.
It was originally supposed to be at least another six months away, but various variables might move up the timeline.
“…”
This was no time to be complacent.
I needed to finish my business here as quickly as possible and move on to the next stage.
Fortunately, the Emperor was quite competent. He urged his subjects on, ensuring that necessary tasks were handled swiftly.
Preparations for war, and the hearing.
Shild, the head of the Venice Family, was summoned.
He had already arrived yesterday. It felt more like he had appeared voluntarily rather than being summoned.
Despite being the leader of a great family, he came alone, without any attendants. As if feeling responsible for his son's wrongdoing, he insisted on wearing humble attire.
Shild Venice.
He wasn't mentioned much in the original story, but the mere fact that his children were Cedric and Chloe gave a rough idea of his character.
A sharp, cunning, and calculating personality.
Public rumors and Chloe's assessment matched this. Befitting the head of a family that valued commerce, he was like a seasoned merchant.
In other words, Shild had shown decisive resolve. He must have calculated that there was nothing to be gained by dragging things out.
Thanks to him, the hearing was held a bit earlier. Making contact beforehand would have been nice, but he was under strict surveillance.
Well, for now…
I’ll help him first, then slowly try to make a deal. The chances of my offer being refused were extremely slim.
How could he refuse the hand extended by the Hero? With a cool head, he would accurately judge my influence.
A short while later, the hearing began.
The place felt as solemn as a courtroom. Most of the Empire's key figures, including the Emperor, were gathered.
Shild stood at the very bottom like a criminal, with everyone looking down on him with cold gazes.
The first right to speak was given to Shild.
It might be his first and last, his only chance. He shouted in a firm, unwavering voice.
“I swear to the Goddess my innocence. The Venice Family has fought against the Demon King's Army since ancient times. We have made considerable contributions, both directly and indirectly. Of course, my son's crime is undeniable. I stand here today to take responsibility for it. I humbly ask that you present a righteous path through wise deliberation.”
A flawless posture. He had chosen the most standard route.
But the atmosphere remained heavy. More than half the nobles scoffed coldly.
There was a good reason for it.
The Venice Family's reputation was quite poor, as they had expanded their power by oppressing the weaker families around them.
Until now, no one had dared to question them, but the time had come to pay the price. In truth, reputation didn't matter that much.
It's human nature to want to pull down anyone above you.
Regardless of the Venice Family's rights or wrongs, an excuse to tear them down had appeared, and they wouldn't miss the opportunity.
It was a nasty situation one way or another, but there was a way out.
If they had truly done something wrong, it would be a different story, but if their innocence was confirmed, some would cautiously shift to a defensive stance.
Separate from their dislike of the Venice Family, they had to prevent it from collapsing overnight.
Considering the rights and prestige of the nobility, setting a terrible precedent would do no good.
The fear that they too could end up on the chopping block if they were unlucky.
Most would hope for it to end at a reasonable level. Thus, this hearing was a place to discuss that level.
It was a very political flow, something I only learned because someone told me. The nobles were expected to soon split into two factions.
-The Venice Family must give up all its interests!
-Hey, isn't that too harsh? Calm down.
One side tearing them down, the other refuting…
Finding a point of agreement seemed like it would take a lot of time. It could take two days, maybe three, and I absolutely couldn't stand to see that!
I was going to end this today, no matter what. How could I waste my precious time on the nobles' nonsense?
Everyone would just be watching each other and racking their brains, so inevitably, I had to be the one to take the lead. That damned point of agreement… To hell with it, I'll just decide it myself.
“I had the opportunity to meet your son once. He didn't seem the type to throw everything away on a whim… It's highly suspicious.”
“Cedric only enrolled in the academy two years ago. It's reasonable to assume he was planning this treason even before that. If so, then the Venice Family must also…”
The nobles took turns getting the floor, pouring out aggressive questions.
They were speaking without knowing the full story, but their words weren't entirely baseless.
Soon, a member of the imperial family acting as chairman summarized the situation. That despite a thorough search of the Venice Family, nothing suspicious was found.
He even announced the confirmation that a spy from the Demon King's Army who had infiltrated the academy had influenced Cedric.
“Considering the various circumstances, it is highly likely that this was Cedric's sole act.”
The point was made that if the Venice Family had been involved, Shild would not have obediently answered the summons.
No one could refute that, so everyone nodded.
“Of course, this is not a matter we can simply overlook… The head of the Venice Family must take responsibility and prove himself.”
Responsibility, and proof.
Whether by providing funds or contributing military strength, he had to give his all in the upcoming war. That was the only way to protect his family.
Soon, a heated debate erupted from all sides.
The argument that he should immediately offer half his fortune.
The opinion that, for security's sake, disbanding his troops should come first.
And even cautious voices refuting that it was too excessive.
Somehow, it wasn't deviating from my expectations. If I had my way, I'd sew all their mouths shut.
My words are always right.
I won't accept any rebuttals.
That was their attitude, and it seemed they had no intention of actually solving the problem.
An endless chaos…
In the end, the Hero had no choice but to step in and quell it. I calmly watched for an opportunity and then secured the right to speak.
“As the acting head of the Crodain Family, I would like to add my opinion.”
Acting head, and on top of that, the title of Hero.
As if recognizing me as a presence that could not be ignored, everyone stared intently at me.
“Recently, Cedric, who was once a fellow Hero candidate, caused an incident. As his peer, I find this unfortunate, but separate from that, I believe we must pay attention to the fact that the Demon King's Army has shown its true colors.”
I tried to hint that the war would soon begin in earnest.
Everyone had probably guessed as much, but words coming from the Hero's mouth were bound to be special.
“…”
Their faces hardened.
Most of them must have experienced the war ten, or even twenty, years ago.
Perhaps remembering the strength of the Demon King's Army, the atmosphere grew heavy.
“You all would know better than I, who am much younger. Yes, that's right. Humanity must unite. We absolutely cannot afford to fight amongst ourselves over trivial matters. With war on the horizon, even our best efforts for world peace are not enough.”
Peace, and justice.
In that moment, like a true Hero, I became a mouthpiece for justice, crying out for it and nothing else. As if claiming to be a justice-obsessed fool with a fiery personality, I passionately stirred up the hall.
“I am prepared to sacrifice myself for everyone. I intend to make new history with my comrades. This time, I will absolutely… defeat the Demon King.”
“—!!”
The absolute being who had never once been defeated.
The Demon King's name alone inspired fear. Who would believe in the victory of a rookie Hero?
The ignorant masses might hold vague expectations, but the nobles gathered here were all seasoned veterans.
They knew a thing or two.
They would think that no matter how well one fought, a draw was the best one could hope for; defeating the Demon King was impossible.
I had to change that prejudice.
I poured out all sorts of words, launching into a strategy of sheer insistence.
“This is no reckless bravado. Unlike in the past, there are two Heroes of this era. Can't you feel the Goddess's providence at work?”
“Hmm…”
“Furthermore, my companions are all as strong as I am.”
Our little cutie is the strongest Spirit User in history.
She's a prodigy with the ultimate talent to summon even the Spirit King!
By selling Aruru out like that, I completely captivated the nobles.
“I am certain that this time, something will be different. I believe we can achieve a good outcome if everyone focuses on their respective duties.”
Most of them nodded in agreement.
It worked quite well since I had built up a decent reputation. In the midst of the heated atmosphere, a noble raised his hand.
“Well said. Your spirit is truly befitting of a Hero. I have no doubt you will perform great deeds. However… shouldn't we first discuss the matter of the Venice Family's treatment? I would like to hear your opinion on that…”
Right, I did get a bit sidetracked.
But that was all part of the build-up, you know?
Peace, harmony, unity… I didn't mention those keywords for nothing.
“The Venice Family is one with a long history. They have long been a pillar of the Empire. Therefore, would it not be right to give them a chance?”
“What kind of chance?”
“In this case, it is right for the one who created the problem to solve it. How about we let them take responsibility on their own terms?”
“—??”
“Of course, this is on the condition that they are monitored by the Imperial Family. That should be sufficient.”
“But, that's…”
You talk too much, don't you?
A gaze mixed with the Hero's spirit and killing intent.
I silenced him with a sharp glare.
Then, I looked down at Shild.
He narrowed his eyes, as if my opinion was unexpected.
It seemed he was being wary first, rather than simply being pleased.
Why is the Hero doing that?
From my position, it's a welcome opinion, but not knowing his true intentions is unsettling…
He seemed to be gauging my ulterior motives with that kind of feeling; he was a seasoned man, indeed.
“I trust that the Family Head will show the pride of a noble.”
“…”
“That is all I have to say.”
A strange silence fell as I sat down. A few nobles were busy exchanging glances.
They seemed to want to argue, asking what kind of nonsense this was, but it appeared that directly contradicting the Hero was too burdensome.
Just then, the Emperor exerted his authority. He drew everyone's attention with a single cough.
“We have no intention of escalating this matter.”
“…”
“As you all know, the time has come for an all-out war with the Demon King's Army. Tolerance and mercy, harmony and unity… The Hero has reminded us of what is important. Even if you have some complaints, We expect you to follow Our will.”
A solemn tone that permitted no rebuttal.
The nobles could only bow their heads. As if I had been waiting, I offered flattery that wasn't quite flattery.
“I am in awe of Your Majesty's wise decision.”
“It is nothing compared to your passion and spirit.”
We polished each other's images, and the nobles watched the scene blankly.
And so.
The secret collaboration between the Hero and the Emperor was a great success.