“So you’re saying that Hakumen kidnapped His Highness Nike? What for? He’s a garbel too, isn’t he?” (Ze’ev)
“That’s what I’m wondering. Even though he’s a merchant, he’s still a garbel. He’s someone who might normally stand on Dragia’s side. But if we assume that he was the one who did all of this, it’s clearly contrary to Dragia’s will.” (Julaf)
That’s true. King Dragia intended to eradicate the bloodline of the Empire. No, not just the Empire. He stated that he would eliminate all hurons from the imperial capital.
There was no way that King Dragia would keep His Highness Nike, who could spark another war, imprisoned for a long time. He had planned on publicly executing him in the near future, before he was suddenly saved.
“If Hakumen was operating under someone else’s orders, Ze’ev, who do you think that someone would be?” (Julaf)
“Even if you ask me, I dunno. The only ones who would want His Highness Nike are those from the previous regime or… maybe those who are on Vodara’s side?” (Ze’ev)
“Hm. I don’t think he would want the bloodline of the previous Empire at this point, but…” (Julaf)
At that moment, the door suddenly opened with a bang, without a single knock. Garbel soldiers began to flood in through the door in droves.
“H-Hey! What’s going on all of a sudden?!” (Ze’ev)
I suddenly found myself surrounded by soldiers, and they were all pointing their weapons at me.
At that moment, Yosen, a close aide of King Dragia, appeared at the door.
“Ze’ev, you are to cease all resistance and come with us.” (Yosen)
“…! Oi, Yosen. What the hell are you doing? This is a bad joke, you know?” (Ze’ev)
“How about you know your place, adventurer? I am acting on behalf of the King and carrying out my duty.” (Yosen)
“On behalf of… the king? What, you were ordered to do this by King Dragia? For what reason?” (Ze’ev)
“You are under suspicion of being involved in the kidnapping of His Highness Nike.” (Yosen)
“W-What?! You’re saying that I kidnapped His Highness Nike?!” (Ze’ev)
“…Hoh, you don’t know? Sir Rajie was formerly in charge of Shuren-sama’s education.” (Yosen)
I was surprised at their connection, but Julaf wasn’t as surprised as I thought he would be.
“Hey, Julaf, you… knew about that?” (Ze’ev)
“…Well, yeah.” (Julaf)
I knew that there was a strong connection between him and Shuren.
“Hmm. You are quite suspicious too, Julaf-dono. But right now, this adventurer is more suspicious than you are. Don’t resist while we restrain you.” (Yosen)
“What?! Are you kidding me?! Let me talk to King Dragia directly! Move out of the way!” (Ze’ev)
Yosen didn’t seem to like adventurers, but adventurers were fierce fighters who put their lives on the line every day fighting monsters. We couldn’t be looked down upon.
“….Stop, Ze’ev.” (Julaf)
“…?! Why, Julaf?!” (Ze’ev)
“You didn’t do anything wrong, right? Then you’ll be cleared of the charges soon enough. I’m going to go speak with King Dragia. But if you act violently here, you’ll pretty much be admitting that you were involved with the kidnapping.” (Julaf)
“…..!” (Ze’ev)
“Don’t worry. I’ll get you out of there right away.” (Julaf)
“….Alright, fine.” (Ze’ev)
“Don’t be so rough with him! Ze’ev isn’t resisting!” (Julaf)
“They’re a bit cowardly. We’re already showing kindness.” (Yosen)
What kindness? Hell, this hurts.
But I’ll endure it. I believe that Julaf will do something about it.
Whenever troublesome matters arose, my trusty partner Julaf would always guide us through it. I had confidence that everything would be fine this time too.
I said quietly, ‘I’m counting on you’, and Julaf gave a firm, reassuring nod.
And thus, I was taken away by the soldiers and thrown into the underground prison.
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