--In the royal castle of the Kingdom, there is a room called the Silver Ash Room.


　The room is painted in a color of ash using mortar mixed with lime, and is so plain that it is hard to believe that it is inside a royal castle that boasts of its luxury and splendor.
　There are no furnishings, and only a single opulent chair is placed at the back of the room.
　And so it should be.
　This is because it is a room of condemnation, set up to judge nobles who have committed crimes.


　The ...... nobility is a privileged class in the kingdom.
　Because they are privileged and powerful, they are usually given only light penalties and fines for their crimes.
　However, this is not the case when they commit serious crimes.
　Nobles who are found guilty of a crime will be brought here to the Silver Ash Room to be dealt with by the king.
　And those who are brought here, with few exceptions, will be given death.


　In the kingdom, or rather in this world, there is still no process of justice.
　In a modern trial, the severity of the crime would be fairly assessed and disputed, but in this world, there is only the will of those in power. In this world, it is up to the will of those in power. Even with consideration of extenuating circumstances, the range of punishment given is not wide.


　--Perhaps on this day, the Marquis of Carew Gaston was being brought before Ceylan Crosselrode, the crown prince of a kingdom renowned for its genius.
　The place is, of course, here [Silver Ash Room].
　The reason was to condemn him for the many injustices he had committed and for his attempt to harm himself by kidnapping the children of another family.
　The Marquis, in contrast to the flamboyant attire he had always worn, now wore a shabby headdress like that of a criminal.
　Because he was being brought before the royal family, his beard and other parts of his body were shaved clean, but his face was gaunt and his former dignified appearance was nowhere to be seen.
　In addition, there were multiple blue bruises on his arms and legs, probably from the intense interrogation.


　On the other hand, the crown prince, Seiran Crosselrode, was standing at a higher level.
　He is sitting on the only luxurious chair in the Silver Ash Room, resting his cheek on the railing in a languid manner.
　The white garment he wears is embroidered with blue and gold.
　The white garment he wears is embroidered with blue and gold, somewhat reminiscent of the costumes of the East.
　However, there is no exposed skin, and her face is hidden by a black veil.
　Therefore, I don't know.
　Is it him?
　Or is it her?
　I don't know who it is.


　The Marquis who was brought out to the Silver Ash Room and faced with Ceylan was in a state of panic.
　He was literally in a state of panic.
　The Marquis, who had been fearless to the end even when cornered by Arx, rubbed his head on the floor and begged for forgiveness.
　What he is trapped in is a small shiver.
　He's sweating profusely.
　It's no wonder.
　To be brought here means death for the nobleman.
　It's understandable to be afraid if the offer is already set to be the worst.


　However, the current Marquis was repressed by something other than the fear of death.
　That is anger.
　The silent anger that Ceylan felt from within his veil.
　Invisible to the eye, it pierces the skin as the tip of a spear, giving the Marquis the weight of an elephant pressing down on him.
　Of course, the Marquis is not the only one who is experiencing this.
　It's not just the Marquis, of course, but also the witnesses and Ceylan's own bodyguards.
　Everyone present was experiencing a definite sense of fear from the quiet anger that Ceylan was emitting.


　Eventually, Ceylan opens his mouth.


"I will now take charge of this matter on behalf of my father, Shinru Kroselord. Do you all have any objections?


　The voice that echoed in the room was a beautiful voice that reminded me of that of a boy before his inflection period.
　As soon as Ceylan said the words, the guards slammed their spear handles into the floor and stomped their feet.


　Then, in unison, they all shouted.


"You who live in the kingdom!

"To the Most High!

"who dares to question the Most High!

No, sir!


　Without a single hitch or delay, the voices were all in unison, a declaration of praise for Ceylan and a declaration that his intentions were absolute.
　Naturally, as if by arrangement, it all came to an abrupt halt.


　Immediately afterwards, Euled Raine, the young hero of the Kingsguard who had been standing by Ceylan's side, opened his mouth.


"Marquis. Raise your head. I'm afraid His Highness will allow you to speak.

"...... Haha!


　The Marquis replies, but remains unmoved.
　It is a ritualistic custom in the kingdom not to raise your head the first time you are forgiven.


"Marquis. Raise your head.


　At the second word, the Marquis looks up.
　The black veil of the Dauphin was still in front of him.
　The crown prince's black veil was still in front of him, but it was slightly tilted and hanging down due to his cheekbones, and his mouth was barely visible.


I would like to address His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. Your Royal Highness, Your Royal Highness, you are in a very good mood. It is my fault that I have disturbed the lap of His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. ............


　The Marquis broke off at that point, and then opened his mouth with all his might.


I know that I am at fault for this incident, but I would like to have the opportunity to explain myself .......


　Ceylan responds to this excessive appeal.


I'm not sure what to say.　So you have an objection to my ruling?

"Oh, objections from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince?　I have no objection to the crown prince.

Marquis!　I'm sure you'll be able to understand that.　I'm not sure what to say.


　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.


　A different kind of intimidation than the one Ceylan gave off, the same kind I had recently experienced in the garden of the mansion. It was nothing short of a warrior's bravado.
　Of course, it was still gentler than that of those guys, but to the Marquis' spirit, which was already worn out by Ceylan's intimidation, it was almost as harsh.
　But even so, the Marquis was not swallowed by the force.
　For him, now was not the time.
　Yes, if the Marquis didn't interject at least one opinion here, he would be guilty of death anyway.


　That's why he had to open his mouth, even though he knew it was impolite.


"With fear!　I beg you to listen to what I have to say!　Please!　Please!

"You ......


　Ewlid looked at me as if he wanted to shoot me.
　If this were a battlefield, I would have slashed at him without question.
　That is why it is forbidden in this kingdom to express an opinion on the decisions of the royal family.
　However, Ceylan stopped Ewlid with his hand.


　And then.


"Marquis. I will allow you to speak. What exactly do you intend to say to me? Answer me.

Haha!　I've always done my best for the development of the kingdom!　I've always done my best for the development of the kingdom, and I'm sure that my achievements will not go unnoticed in this court of justice!

That's right. It is true that you have no right to ask for extenuating circumstances in light of the contributions you have made to the kingdom in private and in public. I understand very well that the development of the kingdom so far has been due to your contribution.

"And if that is the case...

So you want me to lighten your sentence?　In light of your previous achievements, do you have the audacity to ask me to forgive you, weighing them against your sins?

Haha!　That's right, sir!


　I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.
　On the other hand, Ceylan looked calm and collected.


But it is an irrefutable fact that you have committed an injustice. You have deceived not only the royal family, but everyone who lives in this kingdom.

"Your Highness!　Your Highness! The only reason why I had to resort to injustice was for the development of the kingdom!　It was an indispensable evil to make this country stronger and better!

"An indispensable evil.

Yes!　That's right, sir. Therefore, please, please, please show me, the Dauphin's subjects, the generosity of your heart. ......


　When the Marquis had made all of his introductory remarks, he made another show of prostration, rubbing his forehead on the floor as before.
　A single sigh escaped Ceylan's mouth.
　When the lingering sense of dismay disappeared from the room, Ceylan opened his mouth again and said


...... So far, your little crimes have been overlooked. It was only because of the magnanimity of your father, the king. It is only laziness that has led you to mistakenly believe that it is your own genius and to take advantage of his mercy.

Na, na!　So, from now on, you should change your laziness. ......

Marquis. I'm sure you're not the only one.　I'm not sure if you're aware of that, but I'm sure you're aware of that.

"It's .......


　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.


You still don't understand? The most significant crime you have committed is that you have shaken the unity of the nobility of the kingdom. It is unforgivable that you, who are in a position to take the lead in urging the nobles to unite once the kingdom is in danger, have of course created a rift of distrust among the nobles. Isn't that right?


　Yes, if you create discord among the nobles and independent monarchs who must work together to protect the country, it will naturally become an opening for other countries to take advantage of.
　Political maneuvering.
　Use of force.
　There are many ways to do this, but if they are used, it could directly lead to the collapse of the nation.


　...... The Kingdom of Rynor is one of the most powerful nations in the world, but it is somewhat small when compared to other powerful nations. It is for this reason that the Kingdom of Rynor has united in times of crisis and has taken action as one.
　Therefore, the royal family, which values unity, could not overlook the Marquis' act.


I'm sure we can all do our part to help the kingdom!　By all means, ...... by all means!　I hope you will show your mercy to me, your vassal!

"Hmm. Do you wish to serve the kingdom ...... so well?

Yes!　If I am pardoned, I swear I will work with all my might for the kingdom and for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.


　When Ceylan heard the Marquis' words, he fell silent for a while.
　What is he thinking about?
　After what seemed like an eternity to the Marquis, Ceylan gave his answer.


"...... I see. I know exactly how you feel. I am touched by your spirit.

"And now!



"Mm.


　Ceylan nodded firmly at the redeeming sound of the Marquis' voice.
　The Marquis was convinced.
　His plea had been heard.
　The Marquis was convinced that his appeal had been heard and that he would receive warmth from Ceylan.
　It seemed like a very sudden turn of events, but he was not mistaken.
　As if to prove it, the intimidation that had been radiating from Ceylan earlier had already disappeared as if nothing had happened.
　It was as if he had never harbored any anger in the first place.


　Then, the Marquis came to a realization.
　He wondered if the Dauphin was trying to get the words "for the Dauphin's sake" out of him.
　In order to make himself, who is one of the most powerful men in the kingdom, a submissive collaborator, he dared to bring him here and show him his power and strength.
　By cornering him with words and showing him warmth at the last moment, he is trying to make him feel unshakable loyalty.


　It's a good approach.
　He is indeed a genius who is known as "Qilin" both at home and abroad.
　It will be a beautiful story that the Dauphin used his mercy to convert the Marquis.
　Ceylan spills a muffled laugh into his veil.
　It is a cynical smile with a hint of a low tone.
　He is gloating because things went well.
　This definitely mitigates the crime.
　At this point, it seems completely ridiculous that he was trembling like a little rabbit just now.


　Of course, there is the regret of being rolled around in the palm of the hand of a child of only ten years old, but the fact that he was valued by the Dauphin enough to receive a pardon is even greater.


　The Marquis is not so much relieved as he is quick to think.
　So, what to do after this?
　First, the interrogator who interrogated him.
　Let the man who treated you so badly know what he's done.
　Not just that. The boy who put you in the torture chamber and everyone around him should suffer as much or more.


(That little boy. ......)


　It's the eldest son of House Raytheft who should suffer the most.
　It's not enough to make him crawl on the ground and beg for forgiveness.
　He had to humiliate himself to such an extent that he was a senior nobleman.
　I will tear him limb from limb, roll him like a caterpillar, and finally kill him mercilessly.
　If I don't do that, I won't be able to hold back my anger.
　It will be a great pleasure to see you do that.
　I can't wait for that moment.


"If that happens...


　While the Marquis was thinking about it, Ceylan opened his mouth.
　What will be handed down is a minor penalty.
　And a future partnership of sorts.
　Yes.
　Those things will be discussed.
　It was supposed to be.
　In his mind...



"I sentence you to Kahlua Gaston. Serve the kingdom with your death. Your death will be the greatest service this country has ever known.


"What?


　What Ceylan said to me was something I couldn't believe my ears.
　In other words, death. Beheading. Beheading. Either that or permanent deprivation of human life.
　But why? The Marquis didn't know why.
　The course of events should have been complete, a pardon granted.
　Ceylan, he thought, was a man who valued gain over right, who could properly weigh gain and loss. That's what I thought.
　The same kind of being as myself.
　That's why, when faced with a big profit, they would bite and take it no matter what. He had to.
　But Ceylan's words must have been cold.


"You underestimate me. I am not as shallow as you measure me.

"What's ......?

I'm talking about you. I knew that once I smelled a pardon, my mind would start to work on calculations. Most likely, when I nodded, you thought that this decision was a farce to make you a pawn, didn't you?　It was foolish.

And then the crown prince!


　You've tricked and toyed with yourself.


"Curlew Gaston. It's a big mistake to think that everything in this world can be solved with money and power. Isn't that why you are here, because human beings are emotional creatures?


　These words suddenly made me think.
　It is true that at that time, the acquisition did not go well because of the past fate.
　The fact that he confronted me as if to say that...
　Does the being in front of me know that?


I see it. I see a lot of regret swirling around behind you.

"...... Huh?


　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it's a good idea.


　It's as if the person in front of you is a monster, a monster that you can't understand.
　That's why I don't understand.
　What is this?
　What is this boy, this girl, this being?
　These words swirl around and around in my head.
　There is no answer, of course.


"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince: ......

"I have decided. I've made my decision. You can't argue with that, can you?　Now, you said you wanted to contribute to this country, didn't you?


　A mocking laugh echoed from Ceylan's mouth.
　It was the exact same cynical laugh that I had heard earlier, with a hint of innuendo.
　In other words, the Dauphin has been...


"You, you ......


　The Marquis let out a voice full of bitterness and glared at the Dauphin.
　The Marquis glared at the Dauphin, his voice filled with resentment, and Ceylan did not show the slightest sign of disrespect.


"You have shown your true colors, Curlew Gaston. You have shown your true colors.


　His insolence in glaring at the Dauphin prompted the Kingsguard to move immediately.


"Good, Ewlid. Stand down.

"Your Highness. Your Highness, I'm afraid the Marquis' repeated disrespect is not something the Kingsguard can overlook.

Eulide. Don't make me say it twice. I've already sentenced him. Are you proposing to overturn my ruling?

No, I'm not.

Then refrain. It's not your place.


　Immediately after sending the guards back, the gaze from behind the black veil.


"Huh?


　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm going to do it.
　It is a pressure that laughs at Ewlid's intimidation as child's play, and greatly outweighs the intimidation of the eastern military families.
　I didn't want to be exposed to that gaze, even for a second.
　So, desperate to escape it, I turned my back and tried to run away.
　Konoe did not move .......
　Perhaps because he had Ceylan's restraint in mind.
　No one is blaming him or chasing after him.
　We are almost to the door.
　I can't help but think that no one is moving.


"Curlew Gaston. The king and those who follow him are not men. Have some respect for yourself, you fool.


　It was right after Ceylan had said those words to me.
　Suddenly, his legs tangled and he fell down.
　You try to get up immediately, but your legs don't move as you wish.


You try to stand up, but your legs don't work as they should. "Oh, ...... oh, ......!


　On top of that, you find it hard to breathe.
　It's as if the air is thinner around you.
　Or maybe all of my internal organs are being crushed.
　The reason for this is, of course, the pressure that Ceylan is exerting.
　I look over my shoulder and turn around.
　A black veil that does not reveal his emotions is still in his line of sight.


　I'm not sure what to do.


You'll be able to get it ...... and get it .......


　However, his shivering voice went unheard.
　Ceylan mumbled some kind of incantation.
　It was a royal secret that no one in this world was supposed to understand.
　Arts glyphs began to appear around Ceylan.
　Eventually, they began to move quickly, colliding with each other and making a bouncing sound.
　Perhaps because of the collision, sporadic flashes of blue light appeared. They spread to the surrounding area with increasing intensity, shattering the mortar walls and creating a storm of debris.


　There was a peculiar smell in the air.
　If Arx had been here, he would have been able to determine immediately that it was the smell of ozone.
　Ceylan held out his hand carelessly, and the flashes of light that had been playing haphazardly converged in front of his palm.


　And the spell was cast.


"Ruling...


　A moment later, a roar crushes the screams of the Marquis and tears the ears of those present.
　All that was left was the charred and charred remains of the Marquis of Carew Gaston, who had filled their vision with white light and blue.


　The room was filled with silence immediately after the roar, and a sound that made me salivate rang out.
　It was, of course, the Kingsguard.
　It was only one part of Ceylan's power, but it was enough to make them afraid.


　After ............ Ceylan stared at what was the Marquis for a moment.


"...... then, Ewlad. Have you found the ringleader of this case?

It's been reported that Kah Gaston was murdered the same night he was captured.

Did the Director silence him?

No, apparently the eldest son of House Raytheft, who attacked the Marquess' house, was on his way.

...... I see. This fellow Arx seems to have a very good eye.




　Ceylan said admiringly, while Ewlid seemed to have something on his mind.


"Your Highness. Would you like me to summon Arx Raytheft?　If you have a problem with attacking a high ranking noble, I think you need to charge him with a crime.

No, that won't be necessary.


　When Ceylan mentions that it is unnecessary, he explains why.


I'm not sure what you mean by that. There is no need for the royal family to pick at it.

However, if only one side is defeated, the other side may complain. I think it is the duty of the government to prevent the royal family from being the target of complaints.

I have no problem with that either. I've already made arrangements for the Marquis's nobles to take over to some extent. With collars, of course.

Are you sure you want to give them the benefit of the doubt?

I don't care. The Marquis's lands will be confiscated and all his businesses will be taken over by the royal family. If you get greedy, your father will say you've gone too far.

"Then I think it's a good idea.


　If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.


I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's grateful to this Arx Raytheft guy. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I've been able to get rid of the rats early on and eliminate the ringleader without having to negotiate with the inspector general's office.


　The cleverness of trying to set up a noble family and the energy to do it.
　If the man were still alive, he would have wanted some compensation for this result.
　I have no intention of allowing Ceylan to do so, but it would have been annoying.
　Ceylan should have praised him for removing that bother in advance.
　Suddenly, Ceylan caught a glimpse of the Marquis of Gaston.


　And then.


"Curlew Gaston. You're poison. A poison that will poison your country and your people. This country will never be strong with that thing inside of it. Then it is only logical to remove it quickly.


　After the aftermath of these words faded, the words spilled out like a sigh.


...... This country is now one step closer to becoming a strong country.


　In the Silver Ashes Room, where meat still smoldered, Ceylan's voice echoed.