After Kazui's private punishment was over.


　After the Marquis was tied up, there was a sudden commotion outside.
　That was because the rescue Noah had called for had arrived.


　Since Crabbe had been informed beforehand, he was finally ready - or rather, he had rushed to the scene because of the great commotion.
　Until then, he must have been making preparations so that the Marquis would not be aware of his movements, and had prepared means ranging from direct negotiations to raids.


　In the Marquis' garden of bad taste, not only Raytheft, but also Cleve's forces, the Cremeria family, and other noble families in the area had gathered.


　But what awaited them on their way out of the Marquis' mansion was a confrontation with Joshua Raytheft, the head of the Raytheft family, who had rushed to the scene.
　Joshua was flanked by his wife, Celine, who was giving him a cold stare, and surrounded by many of his men and women from his branch of the family.


　When Joshua stepped forward with Risha in tow, the first thing he said was.


"Oh!　Lisha!　You're safe!

"Father, ......


　Joshua looked relieved to see that Lisha was okay, but that quickly changed. I'm not sure what to say.


I'm not sure what to say.　You've done something outrageous!


　You've done something outrageous!" His face turns red and he yells at you like you're on fire.


You can't blame me for this. If you have a problem with me, tell it to the Marquis who is fainting there.


　He then points to the Marquis, who has been dragged over by Kazi.
　The Marquis has been beaten to death, and his face is swollen and worm-eaten.


　Joshua felt threatened by the Marquis' faint wheezing.


"What have you done to His Excellency the Marquis? ......

I'm sure you've heard of the situation. I'm sure you've heard what happened.


　Yes, if you're here, you've already heard from Crabbe.
　He should have told you about the situation.
　And yet, you're worried about the scoundrel - in other words, you're worried about the other members of the noble family.


　As the head of the family, it's natural, but as usual, it's unreasonable.


I'm sure you've done something wrong!

"So it wasn't me, it was the Marquis.

Then why is this so important?　If only you hadn't done something so crazy.

...... I don't know what you're talking about, you really do!　Are you insane?

You!

......!


　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to try.
　It's the kind of pressure you'd expect from the head of a magic-using military family.
　I'm not sure what to make of it.
　It's a forceful technique that relies on magic power.
　If you slack off even a little, you might collapse.
　But you can't let this defeat you.
　Yes, I must defeat it head-on someday.


　I have already taken that step.
　If I take even a single step back here, I will continue to succumb to this man's pressure in the future.
　Just because he has little magic power.
　Just because you're not old enough.
　If I use those as excuses, I will continue to be defeated by such excuses.
　So, I suppressed the trembling in my legs with my strength and roused my heart.


　Aware that this was many times harder than facing a marquis or a mercenary head, I tried to meet his gaze with my own.
　Joshua didn't like that defiant attitude and look.
　Unreasonably, a fist flew at him.
　And that's when he felt it.


"Joshua, that's enough.

Count, ......


　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.
　I'm not sure what to make of it.
　He had a chiseled face with clearly defined bumps.
　He was slim, but his white jacket showed his muscles, indicating the extent of his workout.
　On his chest is a medal that proves that he has done a lot of good in the national army.
　On his chest was a medal that proved he had done a lot of good in the military, a medal that made my eyes blink.
　From the looks of him, he's at least a year older than Joshua.
　But strong. Even though he was on the verge of old age and wasn't displaying any particular bravado or anything, everything about him made it clear that he was several steps ahead of Joshua, the man he was facing.


　The Count - with Charlotte at his side - is her father, Perce Cremeria, the head of the Eastern Military House and one of the generals of the national army.


　The Count complained to Joshua in a somewhat stern tone.


The Count gave Joshua a stern talking-to: "As a parent, I don't like the idea of beating my son over the head without asking for details.

Sir, sir. With all due respect, sir, this is a family matter. In my family, we always make sure things like this are settled.

"Huh?　So only people from your family were involved in this? Are you saying that our family had nothing to do with this?

No, that's .......

In fact, my daughter has been frightened. At that point, the treatment of his family is not just a matter for the family. Isn't that right?


　The Count's words made Joshua fall silent, unable to say anything.
　The Count said that when Charlotte was involved, the situation should be shared by both Raytheft and Clemellia. It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this.




　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea. ...... If anything, the head of the count's family is protective of him, so what he said earlier seemed more like a play on words than an attempt to set the record straight.


　The Count, who had temporarily silenced Joshua, now looked down at us.


"Are you sure it's Arx Raytheft?

"Yes, Count. I've never seen you before.


　I'm sure you're Arx Raytheft.
　The Count, on the other hand, kept his stern gaze, but with a gentle voice.


"You may make yourself comfortable.

What?

I don't know all the details, but it seems my daughter has been taken care of.

No, I have no excuse for bringing your daughter into this situation.


　Charlotte was quick to defend me.


"Father. There's nothing wrong with Mr. Arx. The Marquis frightened us, and he had the courage to come to our aid.


　After her, Lisha also appealed to Joshua.


"Father. I'm the one who got caught. Blame me, not your brother.

Hi, Risha. ......


　Joshua is a bit confused by the strong appeal of his precious daughter, Lisha.
　You'll be able to get a lot more than that.


I'm not sure what to say. If the Marquis has been guilty of wrongdoing, it would be unreasonable to blame his son.

"If it please Your Excellency, .......


　Joshua backed down.
　Joshua's face, of course, looked terribly bitter.
　In any case, the fact that the Count also said so suggests that he came here with a certain amount of information.


　As I was wondering where the source of the information was now, I was suddenly struck by a sensation as if a hot wind was blowing at me from the side.


　It quickly turned into an intense burning sensation, as if my skin was on fire.
　The Marquise had not been set on fire, nor was there a fire in the house.
　Nevertheless, what was the reason for the equivalent heat I felt?
　When I looked in that direction in search of an answer, I saw the figure of Crabbe Arbent, a figure with an air of authority that could be mistaken for a glowing flame.


　The uniform of a mage belonging to the national army was pulled over his shoulders, and on his chest shone a number of medals that rivaled those of a count. His sleeves were rolled up, exposing his arms, which were covered with lacerations and burns. He holds a large cigar in his mouth and blows purple smoke.
　There were many mages and others in the room, and shouts were still flying.
　The way he strode with ease in the midst of such a chaotic situation was worthy of a powerful man.
　And that is something that even the Countess Perce Clemellia, who had surpassed Joshua's spirit, was no match for.


　Joshua and his men look at him, but when Crabbe gives him a glare, they either gulp, stiffen with tension, or show a slight sign of sagging.
　Is it anger that Crabbe is holding in his chest, or is he just on the warpath?


　For some reason, he approaches me in silence.
　And then.


"You little brat. You're running off on your own.


　Thump.


Ouch!


　The stars scatter before my eyes.
　Crabbe shakes off a heavy, hard knuckle.


You can't wait for me to get back to you, you're not making things worse.


　The words that were spat out were a mixture of disgust.
　However, it was clear that he could not wait for reinforcements.


"Oh, Uncle, I'm sure you're aware of the situation. ......

"But that doesn't mean I can't be angry. They're saying he did it at the sealing tower, too.

Ugh. ......


　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.


I'm not sure what to do.

"This is the Princess of Clemelia. I'm glad you're okay.

The Marquis was going to kill us. I know we had some time to spare, but even the slightest miscommunication would have probably cost us our lives. I think it was a good decision by Mr. Arx to come to our rescue right away.

I understand that, but it's the role of adults to give them a good beating in situations like this.

"Is that so? Well, then I guess I was wrong.


　Charlotte agreed and went back to the Count.


　Crabbe watched her and then made a short bow to the Count.


"Your Excellency. I'm sorry that my people have caused you so much concern.

"Hmm. But I can't have an apology from Yutetsu-dono at this time. This is who we're asking to take responsibility.

What?


　My uncle's attitude, which is usually the picture of unrestrained freedom, is now very much changed.
　It was probably the first time he had ever seen his uncle so polite.


　The two exchanged a short exchange, and then the Count suddenly turned his gaze to me.


"I heard that the Arx there is your apprentice?

He is. He's quite an interesting disciple, he always amazes me.

I'm sure he's interesting. But to be able to escape the sealing tower and raid the Marquise ...... with only a handful of men at his age, isn't that a bit excessive teaching?



No, I'm taking it easy on you, considering your age.

"What?　You're taking it easy on her?

Of course not. What, you want more?　Hmm?


　I swallowed the word "Huh" that had almost reached my throat.
　Daily running, relentless interpersonal training, sword fighting, horsemanship, and more.
　The fact that they were taking it easy on him was quite frightening.
　The Count, who was watching the exchange, smiled, as if he was amused by the broken exchange.


　Joshua, on the other hand, seemed to be somewhat wary of Crabbe.


"...... brother.

"Josh, we're checking inside. I'm sure the Marquis will be charged with a crime, right?　After all he's done?

Do you really think your family will be safe after all this?

What are you talking about? It's our job as parents to make sure that happens, isn't it?

M......

We're trying to recruit allies. Well, the Marquis is also making a lot of enemies. I'm sure the factional strife will be lightly dealt with.

But if we play our cards right, it'll be war.


　The Count was worried about that, wasn't he?


Hmm. Hmm. You can't be sure that won't happen.


　Charlotte looked at the Count with anxious eyes as he narrowed his eyes and rubbed his chin.


I'm sure you're right. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

Charl. Remember that. Aristocracy is not a matter of right and wrong. No matter how much blame they have.

No. ......


　The unease in Charlotte's gaze increased.
　But it's true.
　It would be a different story if the kingdom was completely governed by law, but the kingdom is a monarchy. The royal family lays down the law and organizes the local lords and independent monarchs.
　Of course, under this system, the royal family cannot restrict all the actions of the nobles, so there are always disputes among the nobles. Of course, the royal family will intervene in emergencies, and if anyone violates the laws enforced by the royal family, they will be condemned.
　But that is only if the royal family is willing to judge.
　If the royal family weighs its interests and does not make a fair decision, and takes the position that it will sit back and watch, the matter will naturally be settled among the nobles.
　It could be political.
　It could be political or it could be armed.


　...... As Arx said to the Marquis, the royal family is in a situation where they will take or have to take a position to condemn the Marquis. This is based on his analysis of the amount of information he has, but he doesn't share all of it with the adults (Crave), so his concerns are not allayed.


　Then I remembered that I had to ask him something.
　It's the fainting Marquis.


　I kicked the Marquis in a variety of vexatious ways.


"Aha!

"Hey, get up!


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You ...... can't do this to me.


　This is a great way to make sure that you get the most out of your vacation.
　But his words went no further.
　And so it should be.
　Immediately, pressure was brought to bear from three sides.


　Not only Perce, but also Crabbe and even Joshua, who had just expressed his concern over the Marquis' condition.
　Even if he was a man who cared about appearances, he still cared about his daughter. The expression on his face was that of a man with a daughter.


　At any rate, it was the might of a general, his lieutenant, and one of the kingdom's greatest warriors.
　Three of them at once.
　There is no way that even an imposing marquis can endure that which would make any normal person swoon.
　He let out a muffled scream as he was squeezed, his face turned pale, and he began to drip cold sweat.


　Then Perth said in an extremely cold voice


Marquis, there are many questions I would like to ask you, but ...... you must first explain yourself to the royal family.

I don't care how many times the Count of Cremeria has done this, you can't expect him to get away with it.

I'm not sure.　I'm not sure what to say.　Of course, we will mobilize all of our forces in the east. Are you ready, Marquis Gaston?

"Ugh, ......


　All the forces in the east.
　If you take it at face value, it's simply a quarter of the military power the kingdom can mobilize.
　Of course, you won't be able to use all of it because you'll have to defend the frontier and get the approval of the nobles you're mobilizing, but it's still a better threat than that.


　That said, here's the thing.


Marquis, I have a question for you.

"Do you think I'll answer your questions honestly? ......

You don't have to answer if you don't want to. --Do you have any idea who stole the evidence that started all this?

"......?　We've already got him.



Where is it?

"It's .......


　The Marquis stammers.
　You don't know, do you?


...... You didn't actually see the guy who stole it with your own eyes, did you?

No.

Everything I know about him, I've just reported.

............

I'm guessing .......


　As I thought, it's pretty much what I expected.
　Then the Marquis, who still didn't know what was going on, raised an inquiring voice.


"What the hell is going on?

"Well...


　"Well," Crabbe replied.


"Are you finished?

"Yes. I've heard all I need to hear.


　As soon as Crabbe has answered, the Count starts to wrap up the family business.


Returning to what I said earlier, I don't want to give the children a hard time. If something can be dealt with by adults, it can be dealt with by adults.

What?

That's what I'm going to do.


　Both Joshua and Crabbe agreed to the Count's proposal.


　You'll be able to find a lot of people who are interested in this sort of thing.
　In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, there are a few things you can do.


......


　You can find a lot more information on this site.
　I thought that all my feelings had disappeared, but it seems that I still had some painful emotions left. But it was ironic that it hurt more to be shown kindness than to be treated harshly.


　While he was enduring the pain in his chest for a while, Kazui, who was standing beside him, suddenly called out to him.


"What, does everyone but my sister hate you?

"...... Yeah, a lot.

I saved your family, and now you're going to feel sorry for yourself?

............ Yeah.


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"Well. But more importantly...

What the hell?

I'm going somewhere. Do you want to come with me?

What?　Now?　What do you mean?


　Then Crabbe overheard the conversation and joined in.


"What's up, Arx? Is there something more?

"Yes.


　Just then, Noah, who had been absent, appeared.
　He appeared as if melting out of the darkness like a ninja in a man's land.


"Master Arx.

You're back. So?

Yes. As you said, the killer was watching the scene.

I'm sure. Any sign of him?　Yes?

It's a match for what Mr. Risha told me earlier.

You're sure it was someone from the inspectorate?

Yes, it seems so.


　When the two of them were talking about it, Kazi gave Noah a suspicious look.


"Well, you've suddenly disappeared since you left the mansion.

Yes. Yes, I received an order from Lord Arx when I was leaving the mansion.


　Then Crabbe put his hand on his chin and showed a hint of recognition.


So that's what the question to the Marquis was about. ............ I see, I see. I'm starting to get the plot now. ......

"Is your uncle coming?

No, I'm going back to the Marquis' house. If the Inspector General's office is involved, we need to find something more important than them and take it. You'll get what you need.

Please.

You know, kids don't always bother adults, but in your case, you do.　You're gonna have to learn to control yourself next time, okay?

"Um, .......


　I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.


You're honest. You have to be able to lie and say 'yes' to get through this, otherwise you'll never get through it.

"Yeah. ......


　What kind of person does your uncle want you to be?
　But now is not the time to be confused.




"Well?　Noah, where is it?

Yeah. This way.


　Noah said, urging us to move.
　Yes, to the man behind all this.