Bölüm

[AI ERROR / SAFETY BLOCK - RAW ENGLISH RETAINED]

Caught off guard, Tolcheila widened her eyes. Falanya cast her a sidelong glance.

“For some time now, King Lawrence has been certain there are some within Delunio who would disrespect the nation, its citizens, and Levetia in pursuit of their own goals. Therefore, the king had Prince Miroslav send people here to be treated like members of Eastern Levetia to draw out zealous rebels who would cause havoc!”

Falanya paused to raise her voice.

“Isn’t that right, Prime Minister Mullein?!”

“Wha…?!”

Mullein’s face trembled, and Falanya came down on him hard.

“You approached Yuan with no knowledge of this! And even though he introduced himself as a member of Eastern Levetia, you dared to accept his financial support and reap the benefits! Furthermore, you took advantage of the trouble in neighboring Soljest and deceived Princess Tolcheila. King Lawrence’s fight to stop you was futile, and you invaded an allied nation to further your aim! Your actions betray your country, people, religion, and everything else!”

“Y-you’re wrong! I would never!”

“No matter your reason, the truth is that Delunio invaded Soljest! Proper reparations must be made! Fortunately, Natra is willing to act as an intermediary, and King Gruyere has already agreed to a meeting! As long as the culprit, Mullein, is justly punished for his crimes, that is!”

It was all a bluff. Gruyere hadn’t agreed to anything yet, but no one present could fact-check the claim. Furthermore, Falanya’s speech suggested the situation would resolve itself nicely if Mullein’s head were put on the chopping block.

This was a power game. If the issue remained domestic, Lawrence’s lack of authority ensured he’d be ignored no matter how much he criticized Mullein. However, when foreign nations like Natra and Soljest backed him up and agreed Mullein was guilty, the scales tipped in Lawrence’s favor.

“Guards!” Sirgis shouted. “Princess Falanya is right! This upheaval is entirely the work of Mullein! Arrest him!”

“Y-you must be kidding!” Mullein yelled. “Sirgis! What authority do you have over me?!I’mthe prime minister of Delunio!”

“…Not anymore,” Lawrence declared gravely, eliciting a cry of horror from Mullein. “From this moment forward, you are relieved of your duties. You will be a powerless, common criminal.”

“P-please wait, Your Majesty! You misunderstood! I would never try to accuse you!” Mullein pleaded vehemently, but the guards ran over and pinned both his arms.

“Stop! L-let me go! Damn it, Lawrence, are you really going to allow this?! Sirgis! Shame on you for blaming others!”

“…Take him.”

The guards obeyed the king’s orders and dragged the struggling Mullein away. His indignant screams could be heard outside the conference room, and it was only after the door closed that silence returned.

“…Please forgive my unsightly behavior,” Sirgis apologized.

“No, that was a marvelous performance,” Caldmellia replied with a giggle. “I understand your point now. It was rather a roundabout method…he-he. But sometimes that is simply what happens in the web of government affairs.”

Caldmellia made it clear she fully accepted Delunio’s claims.

That left one last person.

“What do you think, Princess Tolcheila?” Caldmellia asked.

“……”

Tolcheila failed to answer.

Falanya…Maybe I was wrong to underestimate her…

Tolcheila had no way of knowing how Gruyere escaped confinement and defeated both armies. But based on what just happened, she was positive Falanya was somehow involved.

If only the princess of Natra were alone. Then Tolcheila might have stood a chance. She had a hunch one more person was working in the shadows.

I was disappointed he couldn’t make it to the ceremony, but somewhere in my heart, I was relieved! I thought it meant he couldn’t ruin my plan!

She’d been sorely mistaken, though. It was a mistake to disregard that unrivaled genius for even a moment.

Did you crush my plans without stepping one foot outside the country, Wein Salema Arbalest…?!

It was frustrating. Infuriating. Maddening. Yet no matter how she mourned, the outcome wouldn’t change. Tolcheila had issued a challenge and lost.

“Very well. I accept it.”

Everyone in the quiet room heard Tolcheila’s almost inaudible whisper. And thus, the maelstrom that visited the Delunio Kingdom drew to a close.