The day after the tea party with Cecilia, Nia was walking through the streets of Nova Lemuria.
　The people, prices, and security of Nova Lemuria vary from place to place, but the place where Nia is walking now is the place where the lower class citizens of Nova Lemuria live, the place where Nia was born, raised, and abandoned.

　It's a lot livelier than it used to be. ......

　When Nia was little, this area seemed to be more depressed.
　But now it's very much alive.

　This is the result of Hercule's governance policies.
　And with the upcoming money reform policy, it will continue to grow. ......
　That was Hercule's explanation.

　Nia doesn't know much about the details, but she does know that Hercule is amazing.

　...... I wonder how those two are doing?

　Those two. 　
　I'm talking about my own parents.

　Nia hasn't seen her parents since she was abandoned.
　Not long ago, she had a strong hatred for them and was actively looking for them, but she couldn't find them.
　From what I've heard, it seems that they both moved away from Nova Lemuria.

　They moved shortly before Nia was picked up by Hercule.
　Rather than running away from Nia, it would be more appropriate to say that they left Nova Lemuria, where they had no good memories.

　As expected, once she was out of Nova Lemuria, Nia could not find her.
　Nia stopped looking for her parents when she found out that they had left Nova Lemuria, because she felt that it was not worth getting so attached to them.

　"Is there a job outside of Nova Lemuria?

　Nia tilted her head.
　The population of Nova Lemuria has been growing year by year because Nova Lemuria has a shortage of people and does not reject anyone who comes, and because the wages in Nova Lemuria are much higher than in the provinces.

　As far as Nia knows, her parents were born and raised in Nova Lemuria.
　There are no connections outside of Nova Lemuria.
　Unless you have some contacts or connections, it's hard to get a job.

　Well, what do I care?

　It doesn't matter. What matters now is what's in front of me.

　What Near is most afraid of is being abandoned by Hercule and Loukanos.
　The only difference between the Nia of old and the Nia of today is that she was adopted by the Lucarios.

　Losing the Lucarios family name meant returning to the same place as before, a back alley where the snow was falling.
　But then, Cecilia would always be there to help her, so she wouldn't have to worry about starving to death. ......
　I can't maintain my own identity.

　I think I'll get you a job, Your Majesty.

　If you don't have a job, you can't do anything.
　But the question is, is there a job for a fifteen-year-old Nia?

　Hercule loves and favors Nia, but ......
　It's not like he's going to favor you enough to give you an important job.

　Hercule is a man who gives top priority to merit.

　I'll give him a try. ......





　You want a job?
　Yes,......, I'd like to be of service to you. Is there anything I can do to help?

　Hercule ponders for a moment and then answers.

　Hmm, well, I personally would be happy to give you some work to do. But I can't favor you too much, you know. That's not good for you either. You'll attract unwanted jealousy. You're a nightmare, after all.

　Nia has been able to garner sympathy among the upper class, but that can easily be turned around.
　Favor can turn to malice, pity to jealousy.

　Besides, Hercule is not stupid enough to entrust an important task to a 15-year-old girl.

　It doesn't matter.
　"Whatever. Why do you suddenly want a job?
　It's because ...... I knew I couldn't go on like this. Look at Cecilia. ......

　Hearing Nia's words, Hercule narrowed his eyes.
　And after a moment's thought, he answered.

　"Well, it's not impossible.
　"Are you sure?
　"Really?" "Yeah. As you know, the security of Nova Lemuria is maintained by the patrol slaves, who are made up of the slaves and freed slaves owned by the Julianos family.

　There are two main types of police, the judicial police and the administrative police, and the patrol slaves fall under the administrative police.
　Patrol slaves patrol Nova Lemuria, deterring crime and catching criminals in the act.

　However, in recent years, this has become too much for them to handle. There has been an increase in the number of crimes committed by people who have immigrated to Nova Lemuria from outside.

　If patrol slaves are the administrative police, then what is the judicial police? ......
　In fact, in the Lemurian Empire, there is no equivalent of a judicial police force.

　Even if there is a murder case, it will not be investigated and solved by the state.

　If a murder occurs, the family and friends of the murdered person, as well as those who are in the relationship of protector (clientes) and guardian (patrones), will independently investigate, gather evidence, and appeal to the court.

　The reason why there is no judicial police force is, well, frankly, because it costs a lot of money.
　The Lemurian Empire is a very small state, a night watchman state.

　Up until now, this has not been a problem.
　This is because the local community has taken the place of the judicial police.
　A minimum level of order was maintained.

　However, with the recent influx of labor and population growth, this is no longer the case.
　The newcomers to Nova Lemuria do not belong to any community, and whether they are stabbed to death in a back alley or raped, there is no one to help them find the culprit.
　There is also a feeling of exclusion towards strangers, and crimes against new residents are rampant.

　This is all well and good, but ......
　What is more problematic is that these new residents start to form cliques for self-defense.

　I hope this is within the scope of self-defense. ......


　Well, most of the new residents are low-income, and their behavior is not very good.

　There is a possibility that their self-preservation will go too far and they will start committing crimes and eventually mutate into gangs, mafias, yakuza, and other types of violence.
　That is what Hercule wants to avoid.

　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the site, you can contact us at the following URL: ......

　In Japan, there are criminal dramas, and many children may be attracted to them. ......
　In the Lemurian Empire, people who yearn for a job in crime fighting are a kind of freaks.

　This is obvious from the fact that the main members are slaves and freed slaves.
　They are easily disliked because the investigation itself is unsophisticated and they are suspicious of people.

　For this reason, aristocrats and other intellectuals would not want to do such a job.

　This was fine until now, but it changes a little when criminal investigation is added to the job.
　This is because it requires a certain amount of knowledge of the law.

　Originally, the legal system of the Lemurian Empire was made up of a series of unwritten laws, and it is quite complicated.
　It is difficult to grasp the law unless you have at least received a decent education.

　It would be cruel to expect slaves and freed slaves to do so.

　You need knowledge of the law, but you also need status. If a wealthy person is involved in a crime, slaves and freed slaves are too shy to get involved. That's why I was thinking of ...... some nobleman of high family status, but they don't want to do it. So, what do you think?　Do you want to do it?　The Lucarios family has the perfect family status.

　Nia nodded without pause.

　I'd be happy to do it!　I'd love to, but I need to get permission from my ...... foster father, so could you wait a bit?
　"Oh, no problem. But please respond as soon as possible.
　Yes!

　Nia quickly turned on her heel to go ask her foster father for permission.
　Hercule watches her go with a happy smile on his face.

　'Looks like you've changed a bit.






　Fortunately, permission from Loukanos was easily granted.
　Fortunately, Lucanos' permission was easy to obtain. Because of the nature of the job, there was little opposition from the upper class, and Nia was successfully appointed to the position of Police Commissioner.

　I'm not sure what kind of crime I should be chasing. ...... Do you have any suggestions?

　Nia asked her second-in-command, a freed slave man.
　The man was originally the patrol commander, but his position was taken away when Nia arrived.

　At first, he was antagonistic towards Nia, but since Nia kept a low profile and left the actual work to the freed slave man, the relationship is now good.

　This was the advice of Hercule.

　There is no way that an inexperienced Nia can suddenly take the lead, so at first she should be a mere decoration.
　And if you show respect for your elders, the choroi (・・・・) liberated slaves will feel good, thinking, "The nobleman is treating me lowly! And if you show respect for your elders, the freed slave will feel better and soften his attitude.

　I'm sure you've heard of it.　

　"Well, the way you say it, it sounds like you have a candidate.

　Yes, what about the recent rampant kidnapping of women and children in Nova Lemuria, ......?

　"Kidnapping, you mean slave hunting?

　Kidnapping free people and turning them into slaves is a serious crime. ......
　It is easily overlooked.
　The reason for this is that it is usually done to children and women of the lower classes, so it is less likely to be a problem.

　In addition, wealthy slavers are sometimes involved in the crime. ......
　The victim's family has no choice but to cry themselves to sleep.

　You can't ...... overlook such a cowardly crime being committed in the lap of His Majesty. If you're dealing with slavers, you can use my connections,......, so let's do that.

　The biggest purchasers of slaves were the nobility who wanted men to run their farms and be their hands and feet.
　The Lucarios family also has strong connections with slavers.

　Nia herself could also play an active role in appealing to Hercule, so she seemed to be an appropriate first target.

　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. We'll go downtown and ask around. The Secretary is .......
　"Yeah, I know. I'll check with the nobles, the slavers, and the church.

　And so began Nia's first task.



　So that's everyone. ......
　The Secretary of State is a powerful man. ......

　After six months of investigation, Nia and her team located the hideout of the slave-hunting organization, raided the site of the slave trade, and succeeded in catching them red-handed.

　Near defeated seventy percent of the enemy.
　Ordinary humans and warbeasts are no match for Near in terms of physical ability.
　The current Nia has the ability to do just that.

　Lieutenant, when you've finished capturing them, release the victims.
　Yes, sir.

　The patrolmen used the keys they had taken from the enemy to remove the cages and shackles from the slaves.
　After checking the faces of the victims, who looked deeply relieved, ......
　He said to the man who had been sitting in his chair.

　"You are going to give me information on all the slavers involved in this transaction. Is that clear?
　"Does ...... make me less guilty?
　I'll make sure you don't get the death penalty.

　The man - the leader of the slave-hunting ring - let out a sigh as Nia said this.

　If possible, I'd like to spend the rest of my life in jail. ...... They'll kill me if I'm released on bail.
　You can tell that to the judge. ...... Tell us everything you know and we'll get them all. Don't worry.
　Okay, I'll look forward to it. ...... And step aside, it's heavy.
　That's rude.

　Nia punched the man in the head and then stood up.


　There are good things to say and bad things to say in the world.

　"Well, aside from that, ...... will this increase our budget?

　Nia giggled.





　I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to afford it, but I'm sure I'll be able to afford it.
　"My treat ......?

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

　I'm not sure.　I'm not sure what to make of it.
　I'm sure that's your flaw. No, I've heard about your exploits. I think it's great. But I'm a priest, so I can't afford to be too extravagant. ......
　"How often do you have tea and wine with His Majesty?
　No, no, ...... that's because Master Hercule told me to drink .......

　That's one thing and that's another.

　It's on me, so why not?
　I feel like I'm collecting. ...... Okay. I'll go if you'll pay in full.
　So what do you want to eat?
　A nice steak.
　Don't be a prude. I don't get paid that much.

　So Nia and Cecilia went to the city of Nova Lemuria.
　Cecilia, of course, had to hide her identity before going out.
　She wore the clothes of an ordinary town girl and a hat to hide her prominent hair.

　I've learned since I've been working here that there are murders, robberies, and rapes all over the city. So stay close to me, Cecilia.
　"Well, the master of this town is a rapist. ......

　Cecilia thought of the face of some elf emperor.
　I'm sure the people will be like that too, since the monarch is like that.

　That's why it's important to take regular patrols and let people know that they will be caught if they commit a crime.　That's why it's important to have a regular patrol and let people know that they will be caught if they commit a crime.　If anyone commits a crime in that, can you please tell me secretly?
　You can't do that, you can't do that. ...... Even if someone has committed a crime, I won't tell anyone what I heard in confession.
　You can do it in secret. You can do it in secret.
　"That's not the point, sir.

　Cecilia flatly refused.
　Nia was not happy.

　As they talked, they went inside the restaurant.
　As they ate their steaks, they continued to talk.

　"You know the Messianic doctrine that says to love your neighbor?　Forgive others. So, do you want me to forgive Cecilia, too?
　Forgiveness for what?
　My parents.

　Cecilia puts down her knife and fork and says with a serious face.

　Well, ...... as a priest, I'd say forgive.
　"But ......
　"As a clergyman, yes.

　Cecilia clarified her position.

　As a friend, I think the important thing is not whether you forgive your parents or not, but whether you can come to terms with them.
　"...... come to terms?
　"Revenge or reconciliation will not change the past. What matters is the present moment and ...... the future, right?　I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.

　Cecilia then asked.

　I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out.　Do you want to get revenge on your parents or do you want to reconcile?　
　"At least I don't want to make up with them. I don't want those scum parents.
　So you want revenge?
　Yeah, I guess.
　What exactly do you want?

　Cecilia said to me: ......
　Nia was stunned.

　As for me, I don't want to have criminal friends. Please don't do that.
　I know. ...... I'm not going to violate you or anything.
　Are you sure?　I overheard that you have been violent towards commoners.
　...... I haven't done that recently.

　It's true that in the past, Nia would take to the streets to take revenge on those who had mistreated her.
　But after being blamed by Hercule and Lucanos, she cut back on her ......
　He rarely does it now.

　He is busy with his job as police commissioner.

　Also ......
　Although Near himself is unaware of it, he has a mild form of tardiness.

　Until now, he has been venting it on the people he hates, but recently, his target has changed to criminals.

　"Are you sorry?
　"No.
　Huh. ...... Well, if you ever feel like confessing, you can always come to me. I'll make sure you're forgiven.


　"Why do I have to get forgiveness? I'll never forgive them!

　Seeing Nia, Cecilia couldn't help but laugh.

　What are you laughing at, ......?
　"No, I was just thinking that you've changed too.






　A Woman's Confession


　"You don't love your own son, do you?

　Cecilia asked the woman on the other side of the small window.
　The window was curtained, so she could not see the other woman's face.

　All Cecilia could tell was that the woman was young and had a beautiful voice.
　It is a rule not to inquire into the status of the other person.

　"Yes, I had two sons. My first son was a very bad boy and my second son is a very good ...... boy. Before the second son was born, the eldest son was supposed to be the heir in our family, and we both loved him very much.

　"...... I see.

　I've never been married, let alone had children, so I don't really feel that way about Cecilia.
　But confession is not a consulting room.
　It is a place where confessions of sins are heard and forgiveness is given. ...... It doesn't matter if you have life experience or not, as long as you are a bishop who can handle the miracle of forgiveness.

　But because of our overindulgence, our eldest son has become ...... very badly behaved. The second son was born at a time when we were wondering if he would be a good heir. We tried to keep our second son as far away from us as possible so as not to love him too much. Our second son, ......, was very bright and intelligent. My husband was very happy and named him as his heir. But I can't ......

　You don't love your second son?

　Yes.

　The woman replied in a somber voice.
　Cecilia had heard it said that there are two kinds of children, those who need a lot of work and those who don't, and that the former are much prettier ...... than the latter.
　Is that what it means?　Cecilia thought to herself: ......

　"I'm scared, my second son is ......
　"Scared?
　He doesn't laugh. No, he laughs, but ...... it's not a smile. He just puts on a smile like a mask, but in reality it's just a blank expression. When you make an angry face or a sad face, ...... it is no different from a blank face. I don't know what I'm thinking anymore. ......
　......
　I received an invitation to the wedding, but I couldn't ...... go. I know I need to love her. But ...... I just can't do it. Oh, Lord, forgive me. ......

　When the confession seemed to be over, Cecilia opened her mouth.

　I forgive you your sins in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen. ......

　Cecilia called out to the woman as she finished her confession and walked away.

　Cecilia said to the woman as she walked away from the confession, "...... Why don't you and your child talk about it?　In the event that you've got a lot more than one, you'll be able to get a lot more.　The Lord's forgiveness is only for the sins that you have committed so far. The Lord's forgiveness is only for the sins you've committed so far, not for the sins you're going to commit in the future. ...... And it doesn't change your relationships.

　Cecilia said. ......

　I'll think about it, High Priestess Medium.

　The woman replied painfully.