Chapter 55: 55 When the bells are finished ringing

"Nonsense!

The matriarch screams, forgetting how to act. Her pale cheeks reflect her shocked eyes, and her open mouth lets out a ragged breath.

The king also stood up, not quite as surprised as the matriarch, but still unable to hide his surprise.

What is the meaning of this? Why all of a sudden?

"Excuse me.

In the hurried room, a calm voice echoed out of place. After the knight of the King's Kingsguard who rushed into the room, Mia, the lady of the Red Rose Room, bowed her head in front of the door.

"Who are you?

This is Mia, the lady in charge of this room. --Mia, what's wrong?

Yes, Master Red Rose. The national treasure that was found was reported by the people of the castle. He's in the custody of the outer court. That's what my brother ...... told me.

Keith nodded, seemingly satisfied.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

"...... I see. I'm sure the outer court is full of talented people.

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to do it.

If it's possible, why don't we interrogate the people who reported it to us?

Is this ...... the room?

Yes. Fortunately, this room is full of people who are involved in this case. Wouldn't it be more discreet to bring the people here?

Although men other than the king were not allowed to enter the palace, it was a different story in an emergency. After all, they are currently in the midst of exposing the wrongdoings of the head of the women's court. As most of the injustice had been committed in the inner palace, it was inevitable that men would come and go to investigate.

The suspicion against me has not been completely cleared. If Madame Maris and I were to be absent from the palace, it would be like letting them know something was wrong. It is better to invite one of the people into the palace in secret, so as to cause less trouble.

That's ...... true, but... Are you willing to let a commoner into your room?

What is important now is not my pride, but to reveal the truth. I do not have the pride to be hurt by such a thing, of course.

Deanna has been out and about in the city since she was a child, interacting closely with the people. I'm not sure if I'd be able to do that if I were you. There is no law that forbids commoners from entering the royal palace, and now that the ban on men in the inner palace has been established, she should take the pragmatic approach.

Even if Deanna didn't tell him in detail, Juke knew that it was the quickest way. He turned and looked back at Alford.

He turned to Alford and said, "Bring the people who claimed to have delivered the national treasure here so they won't be seen.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Yes, Your Majesty. ...... Commander Gracie, may I trust you to guide me through the palace?

Yes, Your Majesty. If possible, I think it would be best if you bring along those from the outer court who have taken custody of the people.

"Yes, do that.

After receiving the king's affirmation, the two commanders left the room without a sound. The chief lady, who could only watch the whole thing in silence, was trembling, looking as if she should be worried about fainting.

--Perhaps it was natural. For her, finding the real thing outside the palace would never be possible.

I instructed her to make a fresh pot of tea, and asked her to bring some food for tea and snacks. When the table was newly set, I heard a rustling from outside the room. The main gate of the palace is a straight line from the inner palace, so it doesn't take long to get there even if you avoid being seen.

The door to the main room was opened in an instant without a word of intercession.

"Thank you for your patience, Your Majesty.

I'm not waiting that long. ...... And the man in question?

He's waiting right here.

Alford stepped out of the way and saw a small man dressed as modestly as a commoner could be. He looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties. Diagonally behind him, there was a young man in a government uniform. That is probably Mia's younger brother, Claude.

As soon as she saw the unknown people, the matriarch's eyes widened, and for a brief moment, she pierced him with a gaze full of hatred and anger.

"Are you the one who delivered the national treasure?

You're the one who delivered the national treasure. ...... Haha!

The man bowed his head as if he were crawling on the floor. Juke smiled, perhaps unconsciously, a moderately friendly smile.

"Don't be so frightened. No one is going to eat you alive. Give me the ...... name.

"Yes, ....... My name is Hans!

"Well, ...... Hans. You're from King's Landing?

Yes. I'm a locksmith for three generations.

Oh, I see.

In this land where agriculture has been the mainstay for a relatively long time, locks were one of the first technologies to be established and developed. It is the natural order of things that when you settle down, you need a house, and when you build a house, you need to save money, and when you save money, you need to steal, and when you steal, you need to be aware of crime prevention. The history of locks, the easiest way to prevent intruders, is much longer than the history of kingdoms, to be honest.

If you're a locksmith in the royal capital, you'll be responsible for the security of noblemen's residences. Without thorough information management and trust, it would be very difficult to do business. The title of being the owner of a locksmith store that has been in existence for three generations is perfect for lowering the guard of the royal court.

Juke's eyes softened as he looked at him, and he asked Hans a question that made him feel ashamed.

"So, Hans. Explain to me how the national treasure ended up in your hands.

"Very well, sir. "Well...

Hans, the locksmith, explained that the situation was about this.

Hans is a locksmith and occasionally receives strange requests. If you are an expert in locks, you are probably an expert in opening locks, and he would like you to use your skills to break into places and get these items for him.

As a good citizen, of course he would not accept such a request. ...... However, there were rare occasions when he had no choice but to accept. When the other party is of a very high status and has an attitude of great importance, and if he refuses the request, he will accept the request in tears in order to protect his store and family. --That's what happened a few days ago.

"Sneak into the designated house, switch the contents of this package with the ones in the house, and bring me the one in the house.

It is not uncommon for the thief to be given a forgery so that the thief will not notice the theft. The other party was a high-flying aristocrat, and it was rather strange that such a person had come to me in person.

Feeling that he could not refuse the offer, he reluctantly accepted the package and entered the mansion he was told to go to, found a room where he thought the treasure might be, and went inside. .......

He was surprised to see a sparkling piece of jewelry that he recognized.

If I remember correctly, it was a piece of jewelry that had been worn by the previous queen. If I remember correctly, it was worn by the previous queen. I happened to see her up close and personal once. I couldn't believe my eyes, but I knew that ...... it wasn't supposed to be there.

He hesitated, but in the end he took the item without replacing it, and gave the client the item he had originally been given for replacement, pretending it was from the house. It seems that the item given to the client was a well-made forgery, and the client left satisfied without being able to distinguish the authenticity.

I was troubled for the last few days. I thought that I had done something unnecessary, that it was just a misunderstanding and that this was an item that any nobleman would have. ....... I thought that if by any chance it was a real treasure, I shouldn't be allowed to keep it forever.

He concluded his explanation by saying that he had decided to come forward in the face of punishment.

Juke, who had fallen silent with a difficult look on his face, was replaced by Keith, who was always and everywhere calm and collected.

"Thank you for your conscience and courage. Can I ask you one more question while I'm at ......?

"Of course. Anything you want.

Is the person who made the request to you in this room right now?

When he was asked this question, he looked around the room, but with trepidation.

The lady over there is .......

He pointed to the head mistress, who was busily changing her expression.

All eyes were on her, and she stepped forward, her body trembling with anger.

Don't you dare lie to me!

I'm not lying!　I have a very good memory!

Shut up!　That's what I call a thief. I would never do such a thing!

But I can assure you that our guest was a noble lady!

But I am certain that the guest was a noble lady!

You see, that's the least of what you know. There are plenty of noblewomen in the capital.

But you have the voice and the looks of a ......!

Then she must have sounded like me and looked like me. --"Then it must have been a woman with a voice and stature similar to mine." - "You'd be a fool to try to testify without having seen her face.

--I was speechless.

Behind her expressionless mask, Diana smiled. I'm sure you thought you could get away with it with the prestige of a nobleman, but that was your mistake in the first place.

"...... How did you know?

It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this.

She sat down on the sofa and shot straight at the headmistress.

"What are you talking about?

"Mr. Hans said he didn't see my client's face. How can you be so sure?

The Chief's eyes were clearly agitated. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

It's definitely ...... strange.

It is!　That's because the guy only talked about his height and voice. ......

"That doesn't mean he didn't see your face. Maybe he just meant to add it later.

Deanna slid her gaze over to Hans, who was watching the proceedings with bated breath.

"Did you see my client's face?

"No. The woman who came to see me was wearing a ...... hood and a stole that completely hid her face.

Does anyone besides you know that she came to your store with her face covered?

I was the only one who answered the door. ...... If anyone else knew, it was...

Only you and the people around you.

As soon as Hans had finished, Juke stood up.

"Let's hear a convincing explanation, Mrs. Maris.

"Well, it's ......

"How did you know that the woman who came to Hans was hiding her face?

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"You misunderstand me, Your Majesty!　This is a trap, a trap set by the Red Rose to entrap me!

"...... Just for the record, Red Rose, do you know Hans?

No, I don't. This is the first time we have met.

When I proudly proclaimed the truth, the red-faced matriarch opened her big mouth and tried to retort. --And then...

I believe the Red Rose is telling the truth.

A hard voice with a hint of boyishness in it interrupted the headmistress. It was Mia's brother, Claude, who had been silent all along.

What do you mean?

'I was in the outer court a moment ago, compiling Hans' testimony. --He said that the client visited his store four afternoons ago.

Four days ago ......, muttered Juke, looking back at Claude with a roll of his eyes.

We're in the middle of a garden party, aren't we?

Yes. The Red Rose was in the courtyard the entire time. There's no way she could have left the palace in the first place.

You're right. At least, the person who visited Hans couldn't have been the Red Rose.

For the same reason, I would not be able to leave the palace during a garden party!

The response from the room was cold.

I can't say that. The Red Rose, who has been in the public eye for a long time, and the Master-in-Chief, who is said to have been in charge behind the scenes, have much different proof of existence (alibi).

I can prove that I have never left the palace, if you ask my ladies!

"Well, what do you think?　I'm sure that all the people who were in charge that day are very close to you. I'm sure you could get them all to agree with you if you wanted to.

"Well, then ask the soldiers guarding the gate!

I'm working on that.

Claude, with eyes the same color as Mia's, glared as hard as he could at the headmistress. He straightened his back to avoid being overwhelmed, and the door to the main room opened in support of him.

Excuse me, sir. The one who calls himself Orion Kargel of the Outer Court wishes to see you, Your Majesty.

I'm the one who went to talk to the soldiers at the gate.

Let him through.

Lurie bowed and stepped back, and was replaced by a large, muscular man. At first glance, he looked like some bandit, but no matter how hard he tried, he didn't look like a civil official.

I've heard that the outer court is really full of freaks. While Deanna was inwardly impressed, Orion, kneeling down, began to report.

I have heard from those who were guarding the gate on the day of the garden party.

"How did it go?

At first, they just kept repeating that there was nothing wrong, but when I questioned them about their behavior, they confessed that during the garden party, the headmistress, wearing an inconspicuous dress, went outside.

The headmistress's lips quivered. Alford and Chris casually moved into a better position to catch her. With so much evidence, there was no telling what she might do. It was natural for them to be cautious.

Why didn't the soldiers speak up from the start?

"It seems that the chief mistress had given them some money to keep quiet. I asked for more details, but it seems that bribing the soldiers guarding the gates and keeping no record of their outings is a common practice in the royal court, especially among those working in the inner palace.

"My goodness!　Isn't that a breach of discipline?

You're right. The soldiers on that day also said that they let the head mistress through without thinking too much about it, because it was the usual thing.

Juke's expression had been stern for some time now, but now it was clear that anger had risen in his eyes, and he glared at the commander-in-chief with indignation.

"Are you still not going to admit it?

"Your Majesty!　Please, please, please listen to me. This is all the work of the Red Rose. The Countess of Clester has set a trap for me to get rid of me so that I can rise to the top of the court and win your heart!

"This is unseemly, Serra Maris!

The Countess of Crestor's attempt on the crown, which can only be pardoned above the head of the High Priestess, is obviously the work of the Countess of Crestor!

At that moment, the head mistress shouted. All emotion drained from Juke's face.

"How did you know?

"Your Majesty, ......?

How do you know that the national treasure missing from the treasury is the tiara?

That's what I've been trying to tell you, .......

I'm sure people have said "national treasure" but never "crown". I told everyone who knew about the crown to keep it to themselves. --The only other person besides us who knows that the stolen national treasure is the crown is the ...... killer.

Apparently, Juke was Juke, and he was setting a verbal trap. The matriarch, who had fallen for the trap, realized that she had made an irreversible mistake and was speechless.

Deanna was impressed by Juke's thoughtfulness, even though he did not show it on his face.

Juke didn't believe in the words of either the High Priestess or Diana. He was listening to both of them and trying to figure out who the real culprit was.

If Deanna was the "mastermind" as the chief mistress had said... It would be difficult for her not to slip that the treasure she had her hands on was the crown, when she was in the presence of the people who had found the national treasure. You can be sure that no matter how much you mend the top, when you say the word "treasure crown," the juke will be certain. ...... You've got a good idea.

I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but I'm sure you've heard of it.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.

"...... What are you talking about all of a sudden?

"When did you take up with the king?　You poisonous b*tc*!

Red Rose!

The Matriarch doesn't stop. She reaches for Deanna on the couch and tries to tighten her slender neck.

In contrast to Juke's impatience, Deanna doesn't move an inch in the face of the approaching matriarch.

Excuse me.

A rapier with a sheath intervenes between the chief and Diana. Chris, who had been watching the headmistress carefully, moved. With a power that was unimaginable for her small body, she restrained the chief. With a fierce expression, the headmistress went into a rage.

"Let me go, or I'll let you go!　I'll show you what happens when a little girl who doesn't know her place gets her hands on me!

"Have I been cleared of ...... suspicion, Your Majesty?

I'm sure you've been cleared .......

I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea. I'm not sure what to make of this. Not long after, several female guards rushed in and used restraints to completely capture the head mistress.

"Countess Sarra Maris. I cannot overlook the outrageous act of the Countess Maris, who, despite her position as Master-in-Chief, attempted to wreak havoc on the Red Rose, the first in her entourage. Therefore, by order of the Imperial Court, you are now stripped of your position.

"...... What do you intend to do by removing me from my post? There is no one in this country more qualified for the position of matriarch than I am. The Dowager Queen knows that very well.

Even though she was tied up, she was still just a Master Maris from this moment on. ...... She raised her chin arrogantly and said to the king.

You are not fit to be the head of a lady's household.

"Your family background, your education, your experience in the royal court. Your family background, your education, your experience in the royal court... is there anyone in this country who is better than I am?

Behind me, I could see the maids of honor, Mia, shaking with anger and frustration.

Her family background, her education, her experience in the royal court. --But there are more important things that are essential for a person who rises to the top.

It seems as if even their voiceless screams can be felt.

"Can we stop now, sirrah?

The silence was broken by a deep, soothing voice that no one, not even ...... Diana, had ever heard before. A woman who looked to be in her late forties, dressed in a plain, unadorned dress, who had been in the room for some time, quietly walked up to Mrs. Maris.

All of the things you mentioned are necessary for a person to stand as a matron of honor. ...... But it is not essential. You have lost something that should not be lost.

Oh, you're ......

The only thing an official in the royal court must never lack. --The only thing an officer in the royal court must never lack is the love of his people, the love of his men, the love of his fellow officers.

Madame Maris looked shocked. The stranger, who was both dignified and friendly, looked back at Deanna, who tilted her head, unsure of what was shocking her.

The woman, who was both dignified and friendly, looked back at Deanna. Compassion is listed at the beginning of the manual as something that must never be lost.

"So ...... is it?

I had never heard of it. The Crester family has been far from the royal palace for generations. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

Perhaps because Deanna was convinced, the woman turned to Master Maris again.

"Saara. I sympathize with your situation. I sympathize with your situation, but that is no excuse for disobeying the path of righteousness.

"What does a loser who runs away from ...... know?

I'm sure you ran away, but I don't consider it a defeat.

I'm sure you're not the only one who's had it. She was led away by the palace guards, and somehow they all stood up to watch her go. Juke let out a sigh of relief.

"I'm sorry, Madame Magnum.

"That's very kind of you, Your Majesty.

I must go with you. --Red Rose.

He turned at the sound of her voice. Juke seemed to smile, just a little.

"Sorry about that. Can we talk more later?

"Of course. I hope you're not too tired.

"Oh. Mrs. Magnum, I'll take care of the rest.

Yes, sir.

Alford, come on.

Ha-ha-ha.

With Alford and the King's bodyguard in tow, Juke left the Red Rose Room. After seeing them off, no footsteps were heard and even signs of their presence disappeared.

...... Thank you all for your hard work. Somehow, we managed.

The air in the room relaxed greatly, and everyone breathed heavily.

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