The sun is truly a great thing. No matter how many events occur on the earth, the sun appears regularly without a trace, and faithfully fulfills its role of telling the time.
　When the morning mist has cleared and the world is able to enjoy the benefits of its great light to the fullest.
　The sound of insolent footsteps approached Diana, who was dozing in her dungeon.

(...... You're here.)

　I'm not sure who's directing the royal knight who captured Deanna.
　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. --Incidentally, it was the chamberlain of the outer court who secretly came to bring us food that informed us of the assembly, which the royal knights did not inform us of. He gave me the impression that he had a good head on his shoulders. He introduced himself as Cassio and said regretfully, "I'm not a nobleman, so I can't directly punish those who did terrible things to the princess," but he assured me that he would do everything he could in his position.
　Cassio's appearance in the outer court revealed a connection to the King (Juke). It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. ...... In just one day. I think a lot has happened in just one day.

　Kattun.
　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not. She looked up and saw...

"Oh, good morning. You have a very bitter look on your face.

　As expected, the royal court knight who captured Diana, a petty commander judging from his rank insignia, was standing there with a look of bitterness on his face.
　She had been slumped with her face buried in her knees, but she didn't feel it in the slightest, standing up with the graceful gesture of a cat.

"How can I help you?　From the position of the sun, it is probably still early noon. --Did my execution come too soon?
No, no. ...... Get out.
Where do you want me to go after I leave here?　Will you send me back to the Red Rose Room?
No, of course not. I'm going to ......, to the Congress.
"Congress?

　Deanna rolled her eyes, as if she'd never heard of it before. Don't bother telling them what Cassio told you.

"Parliament, you mean the House of Lords?
Yes. ...... The king has decided to hold a parliamentary session to reveal and condemn the details of the allegations made against his concubine, the Red Rose!
"...... Oh!

　I was surprised.
　--Diana smiled lazily.

You're right. I knew it. Your Majesty trusts me. You know I'd never do anything like this.
Don't get me wrong!　This council is for the purpose of clearing your name before the king. So that all the nobles will know that our execution was justified!
No, sir. No. ...... You already know that's not possible.

　You know that this is not possible.

I don't know how you got involved in this project. But I can tell from your words and actions that you are aware of at least a small part of it. --If you've been a part of this, you know that I, Deanna Crestor, had nothing to do with it.
"What are you doing at ......?
You know very well that Deanna Crestor is not really involved in any of this. I'm not going to ask you what made you decide to join such a plot. ......
What the hell is wrong with you?
"You may have had your own beliefs. You may have had your own beliefs, but they change when you change your position. In your position, I might have been just 'evil'.

　Looking up at the sooty heavens, Diana meditated, silently.
　In the event that you are born into the family of the Earl of Crestor, it is inevitable that you will be involved as a judge in the various evils of aristocratic society. Our very existence is a "trap" for those who plot evil. In the back of history, we have buried countless people who violated the law, tormented the people, and sometimes even rebelled against the king.
　But the successive heads of the family... The family has never called themselves "righteous". Because they knew better than anyone else that every time they judged a crime, their hands would be covered in sin and blood at the same time.

　Even with that much resolve. Crester just wanted to help Elgrand for their own sake.

I, too, am about to commit a sin.

　That's not what happened with the former Matriarch Maris. She was clearly unqualified to be the High Priestess. She had committed that many crimes regardless of Diana.
　This "they" must be. If Deanna hadn't become the Red Rose, they wouldn't have gone so far out of their minds. Even if there was a bud in their hearts, it was Deanna who nurtured it and made it blossom into evil. --It was Diana who nurtured them and made them blossom into wickedness, in accordance with the ancient oath of Clester.
　The laws of the realm will not forgive them for disobeying the law, disrespecting the king, and playing with the hearts and lives of others. They have sinned, and that will never change.
　They have sinned, and that will not change. Dianna will have no more pity for them. ...... That's the last of it.

　Turn your face back to the man in front of you. Gaze quietly and intensely into his shimmering eyes and tell him.



"Still, I can't approve of your methods because of my beliefs. Conservatism, innovation, doesn't really matter. --What I can't forgive is your selfish arrogance that doesn't treat 'others who disagree with you' as human beings, and tries to manipulate their minds and even their lives to suit your own needs.
"Hey, hey, ......!
"I'm not mad at you for putting me in jail. I'm not angry because I've been thrown in jail. ...... How many people's hearts have you guys trampled over for this plan?

　I'm not mad because they put me in jail, I'm mad because they put me in jail.
　Belle, Lino Tandor, and Oleg Magentis. Even though some of them deserved it, I am sure that their hearts were pure when they were first taken advantage of.
　Most of all, it hurt Shayla. He hurt Juke.
　The fact that he had extended his poisonous fangs to Deanna also broke the hearts of many people who cared about her.

"Be prepared.

　"Be prepared," said Deanna solemnly.

"Take me to the council. ...... It's your last job as a knight.

　There was a pause of a few beats.
　--A few beats later, the sound of the knight unlocking the door echoed loudly through the underground space.


　　＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊


　When Deanna went through the doorway near the royal seats of the council, the council was already in turmoil.

"It's too arrogant!　There is no solid evidence that the Red Rose was involved in this matter, and trying to execute the maximum sentence based on a few decisions is a folly that will disturb the order of the kingdom!
"Oh. So, I ask you, in this situation where the perpetrators have all testified that they did it for the sake of the Red Rose, how can you not suspect the involvement of this lady?
I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out.
In the first place!　Are you sure about that testimony?　If this is the place to inquire about the Red Rose's crimes, of course those people should be summoned as witnesses.
Of course, I'll summon them when the time comes and the assembly begins.

(Oh, it hadn't started yet, had it?)

　I went outside to check the position of the sun and thought it was probably not yet ten o'clock, but it looked as if the assembly had already started. Although Deanna was a noblewoman, she had never been involved in a parliamentary session before, so she didn't know what to expect when it was in session.

(If you look carefully, His Majesty and the Prime Minister are not here yet, and your fathers are not in sight. I'm pretty sure it's not time yet.

　However, I'm sure it's almost time. I'm sure you're not the only one who's wondering what's going on. ...... Thinking about it, as a descendant of the Wise Family, it's probably quite fortunate for me to be able to witness the rare "royal condemnation" parliamentary session in history from the very special seat of the "accused.

(Chris's sister-in-law calls me a 'junkie' because I think like this.

　My mother would probably look at me in disgust. My mother would probably look at me with disgust, but that's the irresistible instinct of a person with the blood of Krester, so I can't help it.
　In contrast to Deanna's solitary contentment as she recalled the faces of her family, the clamor of the assembly (which had not even begun yet) continued unabated.

"The involvement of the Red Rose is certain, based on the testimony of both the perpetrators.
"No!　Testimony alone is not enough to warrant a maximum sentence.
Wait. First we need to confirm the safety of the abducted princess. Is there a search going on?
She was abducted under the orders of the infamous Rose of Ice and Fire. --There's no way she's alive.
What?
Then beheading is even more appropriate. The Red Rose, a mere concubine, murdered the same concubine in a despicable manner. Letting a person who has committed such a crime live on unhindered is exactly what will upset the kingdom.
"Silence!

　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's had a bit of trouble with the whole thing. I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm so excited about this.
　The current Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Ergeland, Volz Mondrian. He is the current Duke of Mondria, the brother of the Dowager Queen, and the uncle of the current King, and he is also the Speaker of the House of Lords.
　Because of his ordinary appearance, he was inconspicuous, so he climbed up to the Speaker's seat without being noticed and spoke for the first time.

It is now ten o'clock, the appointed time. The House of Lords is now in session. --All rise!

　At Woltz's command, the nobles rose in unison and focused their attention on the stately door at the highest point in front of the assembly hall.
　In the quiet space, only the sound of the doors opening could be heard clearly.

　From behind the open doors. The king of the land, Jouk de l'Ail Elgrand, appeared with a blank expression on his face that could not be read.
　Everyone in the room hung their heads in silence.
　After a pause of a full three beats, Juc's "Raise your head" was heard.

"Today is a great day for all. Let those who are to be brought to justice in this chamber be brought to justice according to the law.

　That's all he said. Juke sank deeper into his chair and closed his eyes.
　What did he think of Juke's appearance? The faction that had been insisting on "Kill the Red Rose!
　Woltz's gaze turned toward the criminals' table, and Diana, backed by the knight behind her, stepped forward.

　The whole place's gaze focused on Diana as she appeared diagonally across from the Prime Minister, visible to the entire hall. There was no point in looking back and forth, so Deanna just stared at Volz in front of her.
　This is the first time I've ever seen such a thing. Behind the mask, she is sure that he is apologizing, "Oh, Deanna, I'm sorry ......! I'm sure behind the mask, he's apologizing.

"The accused, Deanna Crester, chambermaid of the Red Rose. "Accused, Deanna Crester, a chambermaid in the Red Rose, of kidnapping and murdering Shayla Callerd, a subordinate chambermaid rumored to be the favorite of the king, in order to monopolize his favor. --The penalty is beheading.



　The air in the council room moved softly as Volz read out what he had said. Some of them nodded their heads in satisfaction, and Deanna secretly checked.

"I will now ask the defendant, Deanna Crester. --Are you sure about your claim?
"Yes, sir. I was not involved in the kidnapping of Master Shayla. I am not involved in the kidnapping of Master Shayla. In the first place, it is questionable to assume that a person who is currently missing has already been murdered and to add "murder" to the charge. As for the sentence you are seeking, I believe it would be an unjustifiable massacre for you to be cut off for a crime you do not remember.

　His quick retort was met with an unparalleled buzz. A few people kicked their chairs and stood up.

"Cheeky!
"How dare you, Prime Minister!
Stand down!

　The nobles, who had reluctantly risen to their feet in response to Volz's threats, kept their mouths shut. The people on the right side of the table were the ones who were clearly piqued by Diana's rebuttal. From the middle to the left, they are carefully observing Diana and Vizier Volz.
　The eyes of Woltz softened a little as Deanna, unfazed, proclaimed her innocence. I think it was because he was sure that Deanna was not mentally ill.

I see. You are saying that this charge itself is false?
Yes, my Lord Chancellor.
But the accuser would not come forward with such a claim without proof. --Marquis Hallai.

　The Marquis of Harrai, summoned by Woltz, a portly nobleman steps forward to the witness stand in the center of the room. This is the father of the Marquise Harlai, the daughter of the Peony Faction, whom Deanna also recognized at the garden party.

You're the one in charge of this case, aren't you?
"Yes, sir.
Why did you, the Assistant Vice-Minister of the Ministry of the Interior, take notice of a case that was supposed to take place mainly in the Inner Palace and organize the appeal? Speak before His Majesty.
"Yes, Your Majesty.

　After bowing to Juke, the Marquis of Harlai began to speak.

"As you know, my daughter has been given a room in the palace. As a nobleman of the honorable Kingdom of Ergeland, I have told my daughter to serve His Majesty well and to support the country. --She must have listened well to those words. At the beginning of the year, she sent me a letter saying that there was a disturbance in the palace.
Tell me more about it.
Yes. Originally, the current Imperial Palace was in disorder due to factional strife that broke out when Deanna Crester, the daughter of the current Imperial Palace, attempted to gain power. The kind-hearted girl was also worried about the current situation, but ...... finally, a chamberlain who is a member of the Red Rose faction began to harm the same chamberlain, Miss Shayla Callerd.

　As the murmurs continued, so did the words of the Marquis of Harlai.

The Marquis of Harlai's words did not cease, "It is an outrage that a concubine should abuse another concubine. I immediately instructed my daughter to keep a close eye on the Red Rose Faction's side chambers and the Red Rose herself. --Because she kept me informed of the situation in the palace, I moved quickly, and thanks to the efforts of the palace knights who helped me, I was able to capture the girl who called herself Belle, who had been acting suspiciously. She was the lady-in-waiting to Countess Tandor, a member of the Red Rose Faction.

　The Marquis of Harrai is keeping a low profile because he is in the presence of the king, but his haughty pride can be seen here and there in his words. The way he looks at Juke is more contempt than reverence. It's the kind of look that makes you believe from the start that this "king" will never doubt you. --It makes me sick just looking at him.
　In the face of such a man, Juke... Juke's face is as expressionless as ever.

"Hurrah, huh? ...... I believe you came to me at one time to instruct me on the various procedures of internal affairs.
"Oh, Your Majesty. It's a great honor to be remembered by you, Harlai!
...... So it is strange. If you knew as much as you do, you would know that punishing the daughter of a nobleman requires the permission of the king and the vizier. I, of course, have confirmed that the Prime Minister does not approve of the Red Rose's petition for execution. When was the last time you made a law that allowed you to behead a noble at the discretion of only a few of your subjects?

　Juke's words, quiet but resonant, quieted the buzzing assembly. Everyone was looking at Juke with incredulity.
　The Marquis of Harlai, who had been talking so well, must have felt the same way. Of course, he was accused by Juke of having broken the "internal procedures" that he had taught Juke in the past.
　The Marquis of Harrai opened his mouth reflexively, but words did not come out of it. The Marquis of Harrai opened his mouth reflexively, but the words did not come out. ...... I see, he almost said, "You must not dwell on such trifles," out of old habit. You may be able to twist the juke's thoughts without hesitation in a closed room full of people on your side, but if you do that in public, you know you'll get a lot of flak. That's how smart he is.
　He turned his emotionless ice blue eyes to the Marquis of Harrai. With just a glance, Juke is pressuring him to 'answer'.
　The Marquis of Harlai broke the heavy silence with a shaky voice, "...... of course.

I had intended to ask your Majesty's and the Prime Minister's permission. But yesterday, all day long, you were nowhere to be seen!
That's not an answer. I'm told you've been preparing the execution table without our permission.
But, Your Majesty. The Red Rose's crimes are clear for all to see. To let her go now would be to upset the kingdom!
I don't think she heard me. --Mondria.

　Juke shifts his gaze to Volz. The Prime Minister bowed quietly.

"What is it, Your Majesty?


"When did our country establish a law that allows a nobleman to behead his daughter at the discretion of only a few of his subjects?
I'm afraid I have an answer for you. There is no such law in our country. There are some punishments such as confiscation of territory and imprisonment that are determined solely by the discretion of the Conciliation Bureau, but even these require the final approval of His Majesty. --As for the extreme punishment of beheading, after a minimum of three rounds of conciliation by the Conciliation Bureau and a discussion with His Majesty, the approval of the relevant authorities, the Prime Minister, and His Majesty the King will be granted, and then a period of several years will be allowed for objectors to file complaints, and only if no objections are raised will it be carried out. It will be done.

　Deanna nodded profoundly inwardly. This is the reason why in recent years there have been no capital punishments in the Kingdom of Ergeland to the extent that the guillotine has rusted. In this country, the restrictions on capital punishment are extremely strict.
　Juke nodded in agreement with Volz's detailed explanation.

It agrees with my knowledge. So, under the current law, it's impossible to behead the Red Rose at noon today, right?
In light of the law, yes.
There are exceptions to every rule!

　The Marquis of Harrai interrupted the conversation between the king and the vizier, looking frothy. The Marquis of Harlai interrupted the conversation between the king and the vizier, shaking his lanky body as they looked at him.

"Your Majesty, my Lord Chancellor. The Red Rose, a concubine, has disrupted the kingdom by privatizing the palace and involving many concubines in factional fights. Not content with that, she took the life of His Highness' favorite princess in order to monopolize His Majesty's favor. It is not in the best interest of the kingdom ...... or His Majesty to allow such a poisonous woman to flourish any longer!
"So you wanted to ...... execute the sentence quickly?
Yes. We only wanted to make sure that His Majesty's reign would be peaceful!
When did I ever ask you to go against the law and protect the peace of the land?

　When did I ever ask you to protect the peace of the land against the law?" At this point, the Marquis of Harlai finally seemed to notice.
　The king, expressionless. The expressionless king was so furious that he had no time to make an expression.
　Juke's words continued.

"Hurley. You once told me. --The law must be obeyed, and even a king cannot break the law without cause. The most important thing in internal affairs is to understand the law and follow the procedures set forth in it.
It can be found at .......
I found your words to be true. That is why I have always conducted my affairs in accordance with the law. I am now deeply disappointed that you, who taught me the basic stance of politics, have repeatedly made statements that disregard the law.

　The Marquis of Harlai's complexion turned white. Behind him, on the right side facing the Lord, there was a busy whisper.
　--Perhaps it was natural. The king, who up until now had only nodded in agreement to the words of his subjects, was now, in the presence of all the nobles of the country, speaking harshly to the man who had once been his 'educator'.

(Amazing ......, Your Majesty.)

　As she sat in the accused's seat watching the proceedings, Diana had to work hard not to look at Juke with admiration.
　From beginning to end, Juke's stance had been consistent. "Is there a law that allows a vassal to kill at will? Even when the Marquis of Harlai desperately tried to change the point of the argument, Juke remained unmoved. He blamed the Marquis of Harlai for his 'disregard for the law', only for the fact that he had proceeded with the preparations for the guillotine yesterday and today without the approval of the King and the Prime Minister. He was not distracted by words like "factional strife," "favored princess," or "national security. He took out the rough edges of the enemy, which were obvious to everyone, and appealed for their injustice from an impartial perspective. --The Marquis of Harlai would not be able to easily bring up the beheading of the Red Rose against Juke.

　Many of the nobles gathered here must have been trying to figure out what the king's intentions were in holding the assembly. Was it to protect the Red Rose, or to bury her for harming his favorite princess?
　But... Up to this point, Juke only accused the Marquess Harlai's group of breaking the law, but did not mention the Red Rose or the Princess. In spite of this, most of the aristocrats think that he had something definite in mind when he held the assembly. ...... It was a brilliant first strike, that's all I can say.

I know you're angry, but... I'm sure you're angry, but you're cool with it, Your Majesty.

　Fortunately or unfortunately, Deanna, who has seen too many bloody-headed jukes, can see that he is now angry, but not self-conscious. He seems to be talking only to the Marquis of Harlai, but he also has a good grasp of the entire council.

"Your Majesty. You are right to be angry, but we are still in the middle of deliberations about the Red Rose.

　The vizier, who was also the facilitator of the meeting, moved the meeting, which had stalled when the Marquis of Harlai became speechless. I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

"I see. Harlai, continue.
"Ha, ha, ......?
"I believe you have captured Belle, maid of honor to the Countess of Tandor. To be continued, I say.

　Poor Marquis Harlai is completely overwhelmed by the juke. He probably didn't expect that the king, who had once been at his beck and call, would come at him with the sword he had once taught him. He was trembling, as if he wasn't even sure what he was being asked.
　Time passes in silence for a while. --Eventually, Deanna's back moves.
The knight who had brought the accused here stepped forward, "With all due respect," he said.

"May I be excused, sir?
"And you are?
"I am Eunos, sub-commander of the Royal Guard.
"Hmm. You're Viscount Eunos' brother. I've heard your name before.

　I've heard the name before." Volz, who informed Juke of his identity with a gesture of confirmation, is indeed a vizier who can compete with a thousand noblemen from all over the world. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing.

(I'm sure the Eunos barons are moderately conservative and were close to the Marquesses of Stresia after they took over,......, but the younger brother of the current head of the family is more than that.



　The Marquis of Stresia (whose face I had already seen at the garden party) was sitting secretly in his seat. He had a stern face, not unlike that of Raia. As expected, he was talking to the nobleman behind him with a grim expression, and the one who was talking to him was looking at Little Commander Eunos with a look of dismay and resignation. Although it is difficult to guess the actual situation of the Eunos family from that look, it is certain that the elder brother has no intention to protect his younger brother.
　Whether he knew his brother's gaze or not, the Little Commander stood right next to the witness stand with his shoulders hunched, looking up at Volz.
　After glancing at Juke, Volz nodded.

"I'll allow you to speak.
"Well. It was a small band under my command that captured a maid of the House of Tandor named Belle. She was wandering around the outer gates of the palace, and when I questioned her about her identity, she made a number of incomprehensible statements. As a result of questioning her in her chambers, she confessed to the kidnapping of her ladyship, Sheila Callerd, and we have taken her into custody.
"So you're saying that Belle, the maidservant to her side of the family, escaped from the palace?
That's right. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site. When I asked Belle, she said, "The Red Rose should be the rightful queen. That's what my Lord wants. Any woman who gets in the way must be eliminated.
...... But that testimony seems more like Belle's own rashness.
Of course, that's not all. In addition to the above, you will find a number of other things that you can do to make your life easier. --Both of them proudly stated that the most important thing for the kingdom was to ensure the power of the Red Rose, the first in line to the throne! Both of them proudly stated, "The most important thing for the kingdom is to ensure the power of the Red Rose, the first in line to the throne! It would be unreasonable to assume that the Red Rose's own intentions are not involved here.

　Suddenly, without warning, Juke looked at Diana. Deanna is surprised by the King's sudden gaze.
　No one will ever know. With just a glance, Juke had challenged Deanna to show her what "Crester" could do. His intentions were readily apparent because ...... his ice blue eyes were somewhat like Uncle Oath's, calm and mischievous.
　He seemed to smile slightly as he gave his approval to Juke.

"Red Rose. Do you have any objections to Commander Eunos' testimony?
"Yes, Your Majesty. "Yes, Your Majesty. I believe that the testimony of the three of us is too weak to take the life of a man.
"Are you saying that I'm lying?

　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a little concerned about this. ...... The defendant's seat is the second most expensive seat in the house after the king's and speaker's seats, even though it's the seat of the judge. This may be because only royalty is basically judged in the parliament.
　The Eunos knight was instantly silenced by Deanna's gaze. Why don't you just admit that you are no match for him?

I don't think anyone is saying that. I'm sure you're right about Belle leaving the palace and wandering around the outer gates of the palace, and I'm sure you're right about that testimony. If it wasn't for ......, it would be impossible to summon them as 'witnesses', you know.
What's your point?
I'm sure you're right. I had nothing to do with it. --Your Majesty.

　Deanna looked straight up at the king.

You, of all people, should know that. It is true, as the Marquis of Harrai said, some time after the new year, there was an incident that should never have happened, when several of my close aides harmed Master Shayla Callerd.

　There was the loudest roar so far. This was the first time in over a hundred and fifty years that the "Kresterian argument," which accepted facts as facts, had been deployed in such an open space. No wonder the nobles were bewildered.
　Only Juke, the Prime Minister, and a few others seemed to be unfazed by the situation.
　Juke nodded daintily.

"That's right. I was there once.
"Yes. Yes, and you saw how harshly I dealt with Master Sophia and the rest of the household.
You were frightening. You were really angry, weren't you?

　She was angry with Sophia, but more so with Juke. I'm sure Juke remembers that much, but if you blur the subject, people will imagine what Deanna was angry about.

"For some reason, they thought that Master Shayla was interfering with my relationship with you. When I told them that it was a misunderstanding and that there was no such thing, they believed that I was looking out for them and would not stay. ...... If you are accusing me of inadequate supervision, I will take it in stride. It is true that I was given the Red Rose Room, which means that I am the first in line to a side chamber, but it was my inability to control the problematic behavior of the side chamber that prevented me from doing so.
That's an auspicious thing. You are accused of harming a lady who is in the same position as you, yet you are the first one to take responsibility for the actions of all the ladies in your entourage?
I know that it is the duty of those who have been given the Red Rose Room, as part of the nobility of the kingdom.

　He said this sincerely, and then continued with the paradoxical words, "But.

I've been wondering. I've always wondered about this. Sophia and the others have a straightforward temperament, but they've never been so stubborn in misinterpreting my words. And yet, only in the case of Shayla, they seemed to be convinced of my "true intentions". --She said that I was suffering from Shayla-sama's existence, and that I was unable to deepen my relationship with His Majesty.

　At this point, Diana dares to tilt her head and smiles in a charming way.

"Isn't that strange?　It's funny, isn't it? Your Majesty and I are so much in love. Why should I suffer for Master Shayla's presence?

　Nearly a scream, the sound of the assembled nobles' astonishment echoed. Everyone watched the king with bated breath.

"...... Yes, yes. There's no reason for you to be concerned about anyone else's relationship with me.



　Somehow, he seemed amused. This time, I couldn't stop myself from screaming at the King, who fully affirmed the Red Rose's words.

"Your Majesty!
Don't be fooled!
That woman is a pawn in the plot to overthrow the kingdom!
Poisonous woman!　How dare you take advantage of His Majesty's kind heart, have you no sense of humanity?

　This is the first time I've ever seen such a thing.

(Even though no one said that a "heart-to-heart relationship" is a "love relationship". Well, it's funny how upsetting it is.

I wonder if Asto, the "King of Unity," and Paulast, the "Strategist in Kuro," were also exposing discontents in this way. It is true that there are few "test pictures" that are as easy to understand as this one.
　Well, at least, the most pitiful one here is.

"Quiet, quiet, quiet!　Quiet!

　There is no doubt that the facilitator, the "chairman," is Volz.
　Several times he shouted, "Silence! He shouted "Quiet!" several times, rattled his mallet, and the place finally quieted down to a murmur. The laborious Prime Minister sighed casually and turned to Diana.

"Continue, Red Rose.
"I'm sorry.

　I'm sorry," she said, bowing to Woltz with a coy apology, and looking at Juke again.

If you know my heart, you know that I would never get rid of Master Shayla because of my disagreement with you. --But in reality, many of you, including the three who were captured, are convinced that my desire is to get rid of Shayla, monopolize Her Majesty's favor, and gain power. I find that very strange.

　She glanced from the juke to the knight Eunos, who was listening to her words from the witness stand.

I am very curious.　I've been in the palace for a long time. I have never thought of monopolizing His Majesty's favor or gaining power since I entered the palace. If you have a reason for my actions, please explain it to me. --I will reveal in front of the nobles who support this country what my intentions were for all my actions.

　The fool was speechless, his mouth agape. The Marquis of Harlai next to him was the same.
　The reason why Deanna came to lead the Red Rose Faction in the first place was because of the outburst of the conservative noblewomen gathered in the rear court. They probably wanted to use the factional strife that broke out in the palace as a basis, but Deanna declared that she would reveal everything about the palace before the summer. The head of all the noble families in the kingdom were gathered here, and of course, the father and brother of the innovative side family that the conservative side family had abused were also present.
　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on. I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but it's a good idea. ...... I hope this proves in a roundabout way that Diana's motives are mere speculation.
　It's a good idea to take a look at the actual information on the web, as well as to make sure that you are getting the most out of it.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what's going on in your life. The logic that I instructed them to do so does not hold water, as it is far from my intentions.
"Hmm. At ......, Deanna Krester. So you have no idea about this 'false heart' of yours?
To be honest, I'd like to know. Why did you misunderstand my mind?
"I see. Then it would be in your best interest to call the perpetrators to testify here, wouldn't it?
"Yes, sir.

　Deanna, who was accused of 'directing' the perpetrators, easily nodded to the testimony. That, too, would have changed the minds of those gathered here. I don't know which group it was, but they decided that the guillotine was not going to be used this afternoon, no matter what. And then there were the detractors, who looked bitterly at Diana's accusers and said, "My lord, I'm not fooled.

"My Lord, do not be deceived.
"We all know that the infamous Rose of Ice and Fire has already nailed the perpetrators to the wall, telling them not to say anything.

　I'm not sure what to make of this, but I think it's a good idea.
　While Juke is listening to the opinions of the proponents from right to left, the door in front of the king's seat opens and two men and a woman enter, accompanied by a royal knight. When she saw Belle, the last woman to enter, Diana couldn't help but let her emotions show on her face.

(Wait a minute. (Wait. ...... Belle was such a skinny, ribbed maid of honor?

　The last time I saw her with my own eyes was, I believe, the day before the star-gazing feast. In other words, the day before yesterday. At that time, there was nothing to convince me that she was abnormal at first glance.
　The word "emaciated" is too mild. Her eye sockets were sunken, her cheekbones were floating, her neck and hands were like dead trees. She barely wears her maidservant's dress, but it is too tight and ill-fitting. The best way to describe it would be to say that the body has disappeared somewhere and is now just skin and bones. ...... Honestly, it's a wonder he's still alive.
　Diana wasn't the only one who gasped at Bell's abnormality. I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but I'm sure you have.

"What kind of abuse could cause such a horrible situation?
"Sir, you misunderstand me.

　Forgetting that he was in front of the king, the knight shook his head.

We, too, have our suspicions. We have given him food and drink as needed, and we have not done anything to interfere with his health in any way. We gave him food and drink as needed, and did nothing to interfere with his health. ...... and yet he was wasting away as if something was sucking the life out of him.
"In just a few days?
I know it's hard to believe. I know it's hard to believe, but that's all I can say!

　Behind the knight, Bell is muttering inarticulate words. It was clear to everyone that ...... she was already unable to give a proper testimony. She is clearly broken, not only physically, but mentally as well.

(What's going on? ......)



　Although not as thin as Bel, Rhyno and Oleg are also thin and their eyes are vacant. They seemed to be barely thinking, and the way they stood there, struggling to keep their backs straight, was rather painful.
　The next thing I knew, I was opening my mouth.

"Do you have any idea?
"Red Rose?
Your Majesty. Their condition is beyond abnormal. Even if they were incurable, it's only been a few days ......
That's what I think, too. But what do you know?
"Mr. Lino Tandor. Mr. Oleg Magentis. Can you hear my voice?

　Oleg responded vaguely to the call. He looked at Deanna, and she could see his lips moving as he said, "Beni-bara-sama .......

There's no need to shout. You are both physically and mentally ill and need to see a doctor right away.
I'm sorry, sir.
No need to apologize to me. Please, just tell me this. --Do you have any idea what drove you to the brink of extinction?

　At Deanna's question, Oleg's eyes flashed slightly. The light flickered, and then Oleg's mouth opened.

"I'm .......
"Kami?　Is that the paper on which the document is written?
Yes. A mysterious paper.
A paper with strange patterns on it?
If you touch the god. ...... can tell you a story.

　In my mind, I'm going through all the books in Clester's house.
　There must have been. I'm sure there was a passage in the collection of old folklore.

"Two are one, a pattern of pairs. No matter how far apart we are, we can still accept each other's bond and bring each other's voice.

　I found this interesting in my childhood and asked my father, "Where is this pattern? --What did my father say then?

"Diana. This is an untruthful folklore that is over a thousand years old. If you mess with it, it'll eat you alive. ...... This book is just a fairy tale.

　The moment I remembered my father's words clearly. The moment she remembered her father's words clearly, the fear that turned her world upside down took over her.

　The pattern of the lore. If you mess with it, it'll eat you.
　So this is what it's all about. There really are patterns that allow you to communicate with people far away, but if you misuse them, they can destroy you. That's what my father, the wise man of his day, called "being eaten".
　Looking at the three people in front of me, I can't help but agree that they were eaten. I don't know how a mere pattern on a piece of paper can "eat" a person, but...

(Wasn't that a fairy tale?)

　That book is a collection of lore. It was the magical world of a young child's dreams. That's why Deanna was able to nod easily when Dualis said, "Just think of it as a fairy tale.
　No way, really. The "lore" is the reality of more than a thousand years ago?

"Red Rose ......, Red Rose!

　I came back to myself at the sound of Juke's voice. ...... No way. This is the place where all the nobles of the kingdom gather for the assembly. It's not the time to be stunned.
　Oleg's words were almost lip-read. Those who lacked that skill would not be able to hear him.
　I looked at Juke with a pale face. I bumped into his worried eyes.

What's wrong? What do you think the strange pattern on the paper is?
"Oh, ......, no.

　This is not the kind of thing you want to talk about in front of a crowd. Deanna shook her head helplessly.

"Master Oleg seems to think that the paper is the cause of the trouble they've gotten themselves into. ...... I don't even know what kind of paper it is.
A piece of paper can destroy a human being to this extent. ......?
Yeah, ...... I don't know what that means either.

　When I managed to cover up the reason for my suspicious behavior, Juke just looked at me and told me to talk to him later. As you can see, we've known each other long enough to know that Deanna is not so soft as to be shocked into collapse by the mere mention of a suspicious piece of paper.
　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

"Your Majesty. In any case, I think it would be difficult to expect them to testify properly.
Yeah, I guess so.


"Once he's down, he'll see a doctor, get his health back, and then he'll go to .......
"That's what you want, poisonous woman!

　The crowd immediately erupted. When I looked at the parliamentary seat, I saw that the pro-execution group, who had looked pale just a moment ago, had changed their tune.

"I see. You knew this would happen, didn't you?
"It's only natural, when you think about it. It's only natural for a lowlife who's used to doing bad things to know what happens to his pawns.
You were so convinced of the impossibility of giving honest testimony that you agreed to testify. --That's despicable.
The woman may not be able to testify, but Tandor's eldest son and Magentis' second son can at least move their mouths. We can get them to testify. Your Majesty, interrogate them now!

　It's not just Deanna. Juke and Volz in the Speaker's chair are also furious.
It's not a matter of 'mouths moving'. Ryno and Oleg can barely make out the words, and are struggling to find the answers, answering with broken words. They only look better than Bell because they have more physical strength, but they are still on the verge of a mental breakdown. It's likely that it's too late to see a doctor right now, but you're screaming at me to do something outrageous to push a dying person further. ...... Who is the more despicable of the two?
　How did you mistake the king and the vizier, who were both raving with rage? A stocky man stepped forward from the council chamber.

"Your Excellency. Permission to speak.
"...... What do you want? Marquis of Merces.
I'm the Assistant Director of the Mediation Bureau. I thought I'd be more qualified to interrogate the guilty. No matter how that evil woman tries to explain it away, the truth will always come out in the open.

　He is also the father of a concubine who has a daughter in her palace. His daughter is a crony of Liliane's and was actively involved in the bullying before the summer.
　He approached the wobbly three before Volz could give him permission. As soon as Belle, who could no longer stand, slumped and was supported by the royal knight beside her, Diana, who had lost her patience, screamed.

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

　I know that these are the same people who used Bell, Rhino and Oleg. If they were planning to cripple the three of them, they're the ones who killed them.
　After using them so much. Is that still not enough for you?

I'm sure you're not the only one. ...... Those who are on the verge of death are less likely to give false testimony.

　I'm sure you're not the only one.

I see. So you know that their lives are at stake, and you dare to force them to testify. Even if it means killing three people.
"Well, well. The death of a pawn is indeed heartbreaking even for the 'Rose of Ice and Fire'.
Yes. Everyone's death is heartbreaking. --A man with a heart is never a pawn.

　This man. This man treated people as pawns in front of Deanna, a direct descendant of Cresta.

"Your life, your death. Their minds, their actions. It's not a board game, that's for sure!

　The moment I shouted from the bottom of my heart.

"You don't have to flog a dead man to prove he's guilty. If the assistant director is like this, it's no wonder the conciliation bureau is called incompetent.

　When did you get everything ready?
　With a mobile cart, Dualis and Edward reigned right in front of the main door.