Ralph didn't even seem to move as he collapsed.

'...... So, in this case, it's ......?'

　Cain takes a sip of his tea and places his cup on the table.

'At the very least, Lord Malf resigns from the council. And on behalf of the country, Cain ...... no, an apology and compensation to Lord Silford and the Kingdom of Esfort. Well, that will be decided by the council of Tambar. As a country, we won't be waging war on the kingdom. Perhaps it will be reparations. I'm sure it will be a significant amount of money: ......

　Folt explains on behalf of Malf, who is shaking his body and unable to speak.

It's a good thing that you're not the only one. I also don't want it to be up to a war between countries. I thought that was a good deal on those terms.
That's nice to hear.

　Cain and Fault nodded in agreement.
　Then Malf got down on his knees next to the crumbling Ralph and bowed his head.

'Sir Silford. I'm sorry for ...... this time. See!　You need to bow down too!

　Malf makes sure to hold Ralph's head to the floor.

'...... Lord Silford, ...... I'm sorry for this ...... was ...... ......

　As they bow their heads, Cain looks at Fault.

'I'm sorry, but can you just accept my apology ....... I'm sure it will go to the council after this .......
I understand. I'll accept your apology. You mind if I ask Mr. Folt to make the rest of the arrangements?
''Let me take responsibility for dealing with it. I don't know what the Overseer (Edin) Lord will say to you. ......
Oh, you know Mr. Edin, ......?
'Oh, of course. It's also Edin-dono who was ordered to be the guild master of this city. And if you're the prodigy of the Silford family, that means that Lord Edin's sister, the head of the Kingsguard, is also your fiancée. ......
Did you even know about that: ......
The Guild is all about information.

　They nodded and Folt told them to leave the rest of the guild to him, and they left the guild and returned to the inn.

　When they returned to the inn, Telestia, Silk, and Riltana were waiting for them, worried that the guild had called them.

''Ah, Master Cain. Are you alright!　I went out suddenly. I asked the doctor and he said he didn't know anything.
I wondered if Mr. Cain had done something to you again: ......
Oh, no, I'm not going to come to another country. ......

　Cain intended to keep quiet, but the three of them, who had seen his expression, soon realized that he hadn't done anything. He must have done something.

''Cain-sama, for now, we'll have to go to your room to listen to your story. Cain-sama is sharing a room, so let's go in our room.
That's right, Cain. You can't fool yourself like that, right?

　Both hands were grabbed by Telestia and Silk, and Cain was taken to his room.

　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇.

　Back in the mansion, Malf was furious. He kicked the chair away and threw the glass he was holding against the wall as well.

'f*ck off!　You can't just throw away all your hard work like that!　This is all your fault, Ralph!　You need to stay home from work!　Take this guy away!

　At Malf's words, the soldier escorting him grabbed both of Ralph's arms and made him leave the room.
　When he was alone, Malf thought. How can I get out of this situation and remain a senator?
　Just then, a squire knocked and entered the room.

'How dare you come in!　No one gave me permission to do that!

　The squire opens his mouth in horror at an angry Malf.

'That's why--a messenger from the Marquis of Corzino in the Kingdom of Esfort has come to see you: ......
'The Kingdom of Esfort?　Moreover, ...... the Marquis of Corzino. This is--

　Maruf chuckles, wondering where the anger from earlier had gone.
　Maruf has deep ties to the Marquis of Corzino. Although the arrival of the shipment has recently ceased, Maruf had allowed the Marquis of Corzino to enter the country in human trafficking.
　He allowed those who were kidnapped to enter the Republic of Ilestin as criminal slaves, and then he would turn his hand behind the scenes to mediate the trade and earn a commission.
　If you're in danger yourself, you can tell the Marquis of Corzino to blurt out what he's done so far: .......
　Maluf's brain raced full speed and he gathered his wits to break free.

'So the messenger is ......?'
I'll show you to the parlor.
Okay, I'll see you soon. Show me the way.
Okay. Bye.

　He entered the parlor with his squire.
　The messenger was a young man who still looked to be in his twenties.

I'm sorry to keep you waiting. I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this. So, messenger-dono, what can I do for you today?
I'm sorry for coming in on such short notice. I'm sorry to ask you on such short notice, but I really need to talk--

　The messenger glanced at the squire. Sensing this, Malf told him to leave the room.

''I will leave you then.

　The door was closed, leaving us alone.

'Thank you for your consideration. I am the Marquis Corzino's squire, and my name is Riggan. So, in regards to the matter I've asked you about: ----.

　Maruf's cheeks gradually loosen as Riggan goes on with his story. 'It will cost you a lot of money in compensation and other expenses, but there is a chance you will get it back.

I'll make arrangements as soon as I can. In fact, I've had my own problems with ...... and if I'm successful, I'll be able to stay in my current position.
'That's it. We are about to cross a dangerous bridge, too, and we plan to do our best. Now, let's get the details out of the way--

　Their plan lasted a long time. The squire did not allow anyone to enter the room, until Malf himself made the drinks.
　The meeting lasted for two hours, and when it was over, Malf was exhausted but with a satisfied smile on his face.

Maruf smiled happily. I'll make the same arrangements for you tomorrow.
Yes, this one's as good as any. And if you think this will eliminate the bump over the Marquis Corzino's eye--

　They chuckled and shook hands tightly.

"Then, Master Rigan, I'm counting on you.
Yeah, you're welcome.

　Rigan bows and leaves the mansion.
　Now alone, Malf smiles and pours himself a glass of new wine.

If this works, I'll still be in the same position. If not, you'll still have more money than you can spend. ......

　I sit down on the couch and start drinking my wine with a big smile on my face.
　Thinking of the time when the plan had worked.

　They didn't understand, no, including the Marquis of Corzino and Viscount Bard, either.

　They recognized Cain as the standard of an ordinary adventurer. Even if they were S-ranked, they were still in the realm of people.
　Only a few people in the Kingdom of Esfort knew about it, including the king.

　Unbeknownst to Cain, the countdown to the collapse had begun.