The buzz of the people at that moment was more of a bewilderment, because out of the corner of their eye there was now a general and even an archbishop who were at the center of the rumor.
　Because out of the corner of your eye, the general and even the archbishop, who is now the center of the rumor, were struggling.

　In the center of the square.
　In the center of the square, under the gaze of many people, their mouths were opened.

"First of all, I'm sorry for surprising you on such a short notice. But our sudden appearance here has a meaning. Because otherwise we couldn't have gotten our point across.

　The first to speak was an elderly man with a soft smile.

　--The general.
　It's hard to believe that the enemy fears him like a demon, and his voice is calm.

　But the people of this country know that this is the true nature of the general.
　So there was no surprise, but confusion, as those present listened to the general's words.

You may already know what I have to say ....... Yes, I told you yesterday that this country is deceiving everyone.
That's not an accurate description, though.

　And then the archbishop followed his words with a smile.

　He smiles mildly, just like the good-natured old man himself, but we all know that this is not so.
　Not many of them have taken care of him for blessings, but he often appears in front of everyone at festivals.
　How great he was was may not be clear to you, but you knew somehow that his words carried a certain amount of weight.

"Precisely this. --the gods are deceiving us.

　So that word made everyone buzz even more.
　Although the details of a church are not well known, there is still no doubt that it is a place of worship to God.

　A man who is almost at the top of such a place has spoken out against God's actions.
　How could I not be surprised and puzzled by this?

But what the general just said is not wrong either. But what the general said earlier wasn't wrong either. But I haven't told everyone. So it is certainly true, in a way, that the country is deceiving everyone.
But that's not so important. What we really want to tell you is what the Archbishop said earlier. The gods are deceiving you.

　But before the murmur could recede, the words continued.
　It was like a series of words, and instead of receding, the buzz grew even stronger.

　And even in the midst of it all, their voices echoed well.
　Even though they are not raised, the words reach people's ears like a whisper in your ear.

But then, you'll wonder why I didn't say it that way yesterday. But there's a reason.
After all, there are gods involved. There is no way to know what would happen to everyone if I said it out loud. Besides, ...... I felt guilty, if I'm honest. God, the country, and so on, and I too have kept my mouth shut about it.
It's the same for me. I was aware of it, but I could not shout it out loud. That's because I knew it was a very cruel thing for you to do.

　The moment the general did that, the buzz grew even more.
　But at the same time, it's a little different from the previous one.

　Earlier, despite being told that they had been tricked, everyone was something else.
　We were not presented with what disadvantages this might have caused, and while I'm not saying that we weren't unhappy with the day-to-day, I wasn't sure it was because of it.

　In other words, despite being told so, we thought we were out of the loop.
　Anyway, even if it was revealed, it would not change their lives at all.
　It was a feeling of resignation.

　But it seems to be directly related to us.
　This realization, and more ominous words, had led to a tense murmur.

"Hey, what do you mean by cruel: ......?
I don't know. Isn't that what you're going to tell me now?
"Cruelty is something you probably shouldn't hear about ......?
It's not just about the country, it's about God, right?　Definitely not good.
However, the way they said it, it would be a bad idea not to ask: ......?
"d*mn, what are we going to do about it? ......
"What, what?　What's this doing?
"Huh?　That's the general and the archbishop, right?　Maybe it's a continuation of yesterday's story?

　Each whispered to each other as they pleased, and moreover, this was spontaneous in nature.
　Those who came from other places, seeing people gathered, became curious and approached, and as it was explained to them, the whispers increased, and then those who saw the whispers increased to ......, and gradually more and more people came.

　But strangely enough, it was only ordinary citizens who had gathered there.
　So many people are gathered, and at the center of it all is the general.
　I'm sure they will be looking for him or her right away, considering the fact that the knights are looking for him or her: ...... For some reason, there is no sign of that.

It's not just a matter of time before you get to the point where you'll be able to get your hands on a new pair of shoes.
Well, to be honest, that's all that matters, as long as you listen to what I have to say. I'm sure you're wondering what we've been talking about, but I hope you're willing to listen.
"Of course, it's not compulsory. I just thought it would be better to ask. This may hurt you, but I'm sure you'll regret not asking.

　The buzzing of the people didn't even show any signs of abating, but the generals continued to speak.
　The buzz grew even louder, and it was like being in the middle of a big swell.

...... What do we do?


"If they tell you you'll regret it, you'll have to stay.
"Well, I'm honestly curious.
"I don't know, I've been in the middle of it, but if they say I'll regret it, I'll have to stay.
What do you think of ......?
"Well, I guess we'll just ask them anyway, won't we?
Well, I'm curious what you're going to say.
...... Well, if you don't know it first, there's nothing you can do about it.
"...... sure?
"Hey, hey, what do you think I'm going to say?
"Don't listen to me when I get it.
"Hey, what's this doing?　Hey, hey--

　The buzzing never stops, there is no one to stop it, it just accelerates.
　Towards the beginning or the end of it all.

　And .

"Now, since we can't be too hasty at ......, it's time to say the definitive word. It's what the country, the gods, we've been doing to all of you, what the hell we've been doing to you.
It's a gift. Because the gift is for the gods to control us.

　At last the words had been uttered.









　A murmur of people and resounding words.
　Hearing them directly, Brett's eyes narrowed.

　Perhaps he didn't quite understand what was being said.
　But that couldn't be helped.

　And so was Brett, after all.
　It wasn't until years later, after hearing the words, that Brett was able to clearly understand what they meant.

　But that's okay at first.
　It's important to arouse suspicion first, and then the rest will be enough.

Hmph. ...... though, for me it's a slow time. Now that the rest of the place is probably deserted, do you want to go for a walk?
...... Mr. Brett.
I know, just kidding. I don't know, I don't know what a joke I have to keep them around. Why don't you at least try to be clever and show them something funny?

　Of course, that's part of the joke.
　But it's a fact that he has too much time on his hands, and it's no fun if he doesn't even respond.

　You look condescendingly at the one beside you and sniffle.

Well, okay. So, what's the situation?
...... ha. Master Craig is in a battle with the Knight Commander and has the upper hand. The Order has successfully misled him and what we have in front of us (・・・・・・) is as you can see.
...... Well, that's pretty much on schedule. It's not just your father, but you can do it too.
"...... Ha, thank you.
"And then?　The fact that you didn't report on the brave man means that you could have taken care of him?
...... No, it's still under investigation.
"Is ......?　Under investigation?
Yes, ...... I have not been able to contact the people who were on their way to get rid of the heroes. Perhaps the explosion caused by the technique was larger than expected. Our original plan was to have them self-destruct while they were dying.
"So you got caught up in it?　Hey, just when you think it's a compliment. You're still useless, guys.

　I was not discouraged, though, because I thought that was just the way it was.
　If they were available, you could have achieved your goal earlier.
　Then this level of detail was to be expected.

Haha ...... that's okay. And it looks like my time is coming up too.

　It's frustrating to not be directly involved in the process, although I'm doing what I need to do.
　And alienation.

　But now, at last, I don't have to think about those things.
　And beyond that, at last, too.

　Distracted from the ongoing turmoil, Brett looks at the things in front of him, and thinks about what he's slowly getting closer to.