Confusion, anger, and ridicule filled the hall with a buzz.

I'm not proud of it, but I'm good at getting down on my knees.
Now that I was no longer a fighter and no longer accompanying the Hunt, all I could do was take responsibility. Because my childhood friends never apologize, and even when they do, they are never sorry.

Even this time, Liz came along on her own, not because I asked her to. For example, even if Luke caused a problem, it was the fault of the Sword Saint for letting a random manslayer into the guard. In the first place, I'm not their guardian.
However, there was nothing I could do about that. I just have to bow and ask for forgiveness.

I have been able to cover up various scandals by getting down on my knees. Some of them have somehow become good stories, and I have even made others cry.
However, I never thought that I would get down on my knees in front of the emperor at a historic meeting,......, but the situation is so bad that I'm beginning to enjoy it.

The cold sweat sticking to my freshly-drawn shirt made me feel uncomfortable.
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'...... Even if you bow to me like that, you know. We haven't even finished our greetings yet. ...... Thousands of Changes , raise your head. You should explain the situation first.

This is the voice of the Emperor. Apparently, you won't be cut off immediately.

Now, how can I be forgiven? No, since you broke the ...... rules, you will no longer be able to avoid being punished.

The emperor seems to be a very forgiving man, and I should be honest with him. I raised my head and sincerely apologized.

'I'm sorry, Your Majesty. It seems one of my party members has taken the liberty of following me. I told him I couldn't take him with me, but he was always following me,......, and I didn't mean any harm,......, I just loved the festivities,......, and I was careless.

It's really hard to get rid of Liz's selfishness.
It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this.

'Accidentally ............? ............ What about the security of the castle? No matter how rude you are, you can't just walk through.''

The Emperor scowled and looked around.

The blood drained from the faces of the knights in charge of security who had gathered.
But I don't want to pursue the responsibility of the knights on guard. Lys is a thief. It's easy to forget because she's always on the rampage, but she's not only a fighter, she's also a great spotter and has a top-notch ability to hide herself.
Before the knights open their mouths, I say.

'No, I don't think there will be a problem with security, Your Majesty. She's a thief. It's no wonder the castle guards were completely unaware of her intrusion and let her in. ............ Oh, I was certainly surprised to find her under the table in this heavily guarded venue. Hahahahahaha ......'.

Unusually, Liz is quiet. Her eyes are wide and she's breathing hard, but there's no sign of violence.
Mr. Gark's face is bright red. Even Caina, who probably accompanied him, doesn't have her usual smile.

His Majesty's eyes narrowed. Her body stiffened under his sharp gaze.

'I see. ...... In other words, ...... are you trying to say this? It's bad enough that the castle's security was so lax that we couldn't even get in.'

Why would you say that? That's not what I'm saying.
It's not that the guards are incompetent, as far as I can tell the security of this castle is adequate. It's just that our lyceum is too big.

The knights are glaring at me with eyes that could kill a man with them. I guess the reason I'm not raging is because I'm in the presence of His Majesty.
This country is an absolute monarchy. His Majesty is the supreme authority and his word takes precedence over all others.

I'm desperately trying to think straight. We're the ones to blame.
But keep the wounds as shallow as ...... possible. Worst case scenario, we all just want enough time to get out of this country.

'No, no...... no such thing............ oh, just...... yes. Surely, she wouldn't have had her invitation checked.

What?

The entrance and exit of the venue is firmly guarded by knights, and I also had my invitation checked when I entered. I don't know how Liz got in, but if you think about it, it's possible that the security is incompetent. ...... No, no, no, no, let's be humble. There's nothing good about making enemies.

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'............ Looks like we'll need to talk to the ...... Security Chief later.'

'Your Majesty! If I may be so bold, ...... we should capture them first.''

''However, there should be a number of hunters representing Zebrudia present here. Did no one really notice them?''

Without answering the advice of the knight in fine armor, His Majesty looked around.

The emotion in his voice was more of dismay than anger.
It would have been strange if she hadn't noticed. If Liz was a suspicious person, we'd all be dead, right? Aren't we innocent?

'Good grief, it's so disappointing. ...... Since when does Zebuldia let its guests do security?

A disgusted voice came from the crowd. It was a hoarse voice.

Out stepped an old woman in a flame-red robe. Her back was straight and her height was quite high for a woman. However, there were countless deep wrinkles etched on her face, and a burning light shone in the depths of her crimson eyes that seemed to be embedded in them.

The woman showed no respect for the emperor, but no one around her interrupted her. I shrink back involuntarily.

The woman is an accomplished mage. She's the poster child for the Red Lotus, and unlike me, she's been certified as a level 8 mage, and is one of the best mages in the Imperial Capital.

I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea. This old mage, no matter how powerful he is, has a tendency to have no respect for the people he burns.

He slinks back to avoid being spotted by those monstrous eyes.

He is a representative of those who put their hands before their mouths. I don't know why such a dangerous person is invited to the Gathering every time, but it's probably because he'll burn down the Imperial Castle if we don't invite him.

The mage, who is known to burn to ashes anyone who stands in his way, continues unperturbed in the face of countless accusations.

'Don't worry, I'm not going to participate in the security, but I'll ...... protect your life ....... I'm not going to be a part of the security, but I'll protect your life . It's my reputation if a host is assassinated in my presence.

I'm really glad she's not a party member. I'm glad she's not a member of the party. Next to her, a familiar boy mage is holding his forehead, probably accompanying her.
I think this old lady is much more disrespectful than Liz.

''Abyssal Fire Extinguisher, even as a guest, you should be a little ...... careful about what you say. I know what you're like, but ............'



The first person to open his mouth at those words was Ark, who was wearing a white tuxedo. The Abyssal Fire Extinguisher glanced at Ark who interrupted him, sniffed once and gave a deep smile. It seems that Ark is a non-combustible material.

Some of the attendees could be seen breathing a sigh of relief as Ark stepped forward.
Rodin is a house with a particularly close relationship with the Imperial nobility. He is a person who can convince even the imperial nobles who do not approve of hunters sticking their nose in.

'But, Your Majesty. I think we should increase security and listen to ...... them before we capture them.''

'If that's what a level 8 hunter wants to do, then so be it. It's not in my nature, but the kid is particularly good at that sort of thing. I suppose I should be grateful that he came in peacefully. I wouldn't have gone to all that trouble if I were you.

I don't want to be lumped in with people who think it's not killing if there's no body left.
The Abyssal Fire Extinguisher pointed a gnarled forefinger at me.

'This is a waste of time. I'll end this nonsense quickly. Kid, be honest. It's possible to get in. But why did you do it so they could find you?

'Because I'm an idiot.'

'............ I didn't mean to tell you a joke, ...... kid. I'll forgive you the first time. I'm not very good at ............ going easy on people.'

I know you're not good at ...... taking it easy, but I wasn't joking.
What can I say to you that won't get me burnt to a crisp? .......

One of the knights says in a trembling voice.

'Your Majesty, this man was handing something to his companion under the ...... table.'

Apparently, everything was seen. If you know so much, it's easy to see why. ...... Maybe he's trying to humiliate me in public? If so, I'll take it in stride. Even if it lowers my level, I can't help it.
I raised my hands in surrender and gave a small sigh.

'I'm sorry. I'm sorry to say this, but I'm actually not very good with poisons or medicines. ...... And the wine didn't suit my taste a bit.

'? Poison and ...... medicine?

The Emperor's eyes widened. Mr. Gark's expression became grim, and the Abyssal Fire Extinguisher narrowed its eyes.
That's right. It's a shameful story. To think that a level 8, the norm for hunters, would reveal such an abomination. But you can't drink what you can't drink.

'It's really shameful. But don't get me wrong, you see, Liz drinks everything, don't you? The only person the poison works on is ...... me.''

The place was silent. The knight man who had advised the Emperor earlier and been ignored, knelt down vigorously on the spot.

'Your Majesty, give me permission to cut this man down! He's trying to confuse this place with falsehoods. There is absolutely no way ...... that poison or medicine could be mixed into the drinks or food at this traditional meeting. We monitor everything while it's cooking, and we inspect it thoroughly just before we bring it in.

'Oh, it's true that for a hunter, this level of poison or medicine may not be called poison or medicine. But it's strange for me to say this, but it's poison enough for ordinary people. Isn't that something that the host who did the trick is well aware of?

'Stupid. The trick ...... is a trick, huh? I'm not sure what you're talking about.

It's funny ...... that I don't understand you.
The people around me were buzzing. The bigwigs are turning pale.
Is that the wrong way to say it? Is there something wrong with me?

'I'm sorry I can't read the atmosphere. If it's wrong to call it a trick, let's call it the ...... tradition.'

'......'.

'Don't be so coy. What is it? If this isn't a tradition, then ...... the security of the imperial castle is so lax that it allows intruders into the meetings attended by His Majesty the Emperor, and so dumb that they wouldn't notice if poison was mixed into the wine. I'm not having a home party.

We're not having a home party. That's not possible.
The knight in shining armor stands up and argues against my words in a strong tone.

It's ...... ridiculous. What is it, then? You found a poisoned cup and served it to your party members without reporting it, is that what you're saying?

'Yes'.

'...... Impossible, Your Majesty ......'.

It seems that my prediction was wrong.

The emperor closed his eyes for a moment, but then quickly made a decision.
He stared at his surroundings with an air of dignity and gave the order.

'Call the mages and have them check all the drinks and food. If he's telling the truth, he'll find some traces. No one is to touch the wine or the food until the inspection is complete. Does anyone have any objections?

All those present left the table at once at His Majesty's words.
If they don't find anything, it'll be all my fault.







After all the food and drink had been inspected, the security officer's complexion had gone pale and he looked as if he was about to die.

'Impossible,......'.

There is a spell called Detect Poison. It is a famous spell for detecting poisons and drugs.

It is a rudimentary spell that is indispensable at these dignitary parties and hunter parties.
It is not possible to specify the type of poison in detail, but almost all existing poisons and drugs can be trapped by this spell. If a person is poisoned in a mystery novel, this spell is definitely cast.

That's why ...... often uses poisons that are not trapped by this spell, at least when they are put into food.

But now, one of the dishes was clearly responding to the Detect Poison of the mage who had been brought in by order of the Emperor.

The stubborn attitude of the past was nowhere to be seen, and the security officer looked at me as if asking for help, and raised a trembling voice.

'Detect Poison' is a basic rule. You've definitely cast a ...... spell. In addition to that, I've used all kinds of detection spells. The leak is ...... never.

'But I should say that I am glad that there are no ...... victims who are actually reacting like this. ......'



As expected, the Emperor remained resolute even in such a state. Perhaps the emperor has a high tolerance for poisons.
No, a nobleman would have at least taken measures against poison.

'It seems that the ...... unheard of gathering of the White Swords must come to an end.

His Majesty's words caused a stir in the crowd.

Strange ...... strange.

The only thing that reacted to my 'Silver Breath' was alcohol. At least there was no reaction to the food.
The effects of the Silver Breath and Detect Poison are slightly different, but it's impossible for the Silver Breath to miss a poison that reacts to the Detect Poison. And I'm familiar with almost all kinds of food.

One of the mages speaks up. In his hand is the glass that Liz was using.

'But, Your Majesty. Look, there's no ...... response from the glass.'

'............ Find out more about the type of poison. And how it was introduced. How dare you interfere with our gathering? ............ I want you to find out who's behind this!

I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

The only thing that my Silver Breath reacted to was alcohol.
But on the other hand, the Detect Poison only reacted to food. Only one of the dishes.

What's strange is that almost no one was touching the food, let alone the alcohol. It was obvious that no one would fall for the poison.
Nor would they have targeted me. Most high-level hunters have countermeasures against poisons, and some of them can use antidote magic. It's obvious that this will only result in needlessly disturbing the scene.

Everyone is given a Detect Poison spell in turn.
The spell that was cast on me was particularly elaborate, but there was no way I was carrying any poison. I was a little worried about Citri, but he seemed to have survived.

The discovery of poison at the Gathering of the White Swords ...... would be bad for Zebuldia.

Well, it would be nice to see the gathering come to an end. The discovery of the toxin will also make Liz's intrusion less likely. I don't know if it's a conspiracy or something,......, but it's not my job to find out.

In the same way, the Abyssal Fire Extinction, which also broke through the inspection, twisted its lips and let out a disturbing chuckle, wondering what was so funny.

You can find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of thing. There's something going on here. ......'


And so, what should have been an honourable meeting of the White Swords ended with an unsettling atmosphere, leaving nothing but disaster between me and Zebrudia.






Incidentally, it seems that it was Citri who planted the poison in the food.
He thought I would be in trouble if he didn't find anything, so he did it secretly before the Emperor sent people away from the food. I'm going to cry.