Chapter 163 - Allen Cell and Political Marriage [14] (2/2)

「From a specialist. It’s pretty obvious where one would get such illegal information from.」

「Is it perhaps… Rize-san?」

Rodis-san nodded.

「I went through a lot to get a face-to-face meeting with the『Bloody Fox』. That woman really does know everything. 70% of all my property was taken in return for information, but thanks to that, my preparations are done.」

He made a fist, and said so with fighting spirit flaring in his eyes.

Then, Ria and Rose, who were listening to the story silently so far, continued to ask more questions.

「But marching into the middle of the enemy’s camp… Isn’t it too reckless?」

「And if the『Lord of House Arcstria』perpetrated such an attack, wouldn’t the Empire bare its fangs at us?」

「I am fully aware it’s reckless. Don’t worry about that. There will be no evidence that I’m the one who attacked the Empire. After all, on that day, I’m going to wrap that around my belly」

Where his gaze lay, there was a large number of bombs connected in a circle.

「「「「「Wha!?」」」」」

「If Sie’s rescue fails, I’m going to blow myself up immediately. I will be blown to pieces, making it impossible to identify me. And if I succeed, then there’s no problem. For nobles,『face』is more important than life. “A single intruder snatching away the bride” – such a disgraceful matter would be buried in darkness by any means. So, one way or another, the relationship between the Ringard and the Empire will remain friendly on the surface. It’s a plan that doesn’t cause trouble for Tenshi-sama.」

Rodis-san said so with terrifyingly calm eyes, which were resolved for『death』.

「W-Why… Why are you devoted to Tenshi-sama so much!?」

I couldn’t understand.

There may have been complicated circumstances such as politics and diplomacy, but ultimately… Tenshi-sama sold the president to the Empire.

From Rodis-san’s point of view, his beloved daughter was sold.

And yet… the reason why he would cover for Tenshi-sama, is something I can’t comprehend at all.

And then,

「It’s『tradition』. For hundreds of years, House Arcstria has protected Tenshi-sama from generation to generation. That long-standing『significance of time』… I can’t afford to turn that all to dust.」

With his eyes closed, Rodis-san explained in a heavy tone.

(…Hundreds of years, huh.)

From my point of view, of swinging the sword for over a billion years… It’s a very short time.

But in a normal sense, it would be a tremendously long time.

That’s exactly what binds Rodis-san.

「I-If that’s the case, then I’ll join too! Whether it’s the Empire or whoever, I’ll even go to the ends of hell!」

「Sie has been my precious friend since childhood. Of course, I’m going too, though!」

Lilim-senpai and Ferris-senpai stood up vigorously and offered to help Rodis-san.

However,

「No. This is the problem of House Arcstria. I can’t involve outsiders.」

He refused bluntly and opened the door of the reception room.

「Now then, the discussion is over. I need to prepare my spiritual power for the decisive battle. If you really care about Sie, pray for the success of the operation and just go home quietly.」

「「……」」

『If you really care about Sie』- Lilim-senpai and Ferris-senpai who were told so, grit their teeth and nodded.

「…Let’s go home, everyone.」

「…I don’t think we will be of help, though.」

The visibly depressed two, left the reception room feebly.

「Ah, wait senpai.」

I, Ria, and Rose followed after them in a hurry.

From there, we passed through the hallway with heavy air surrounding us, and stepped out of the mansion.

And just before the imposing door closed,

「Thank you. Sie is really fortunate to have good friends like you.」

Rodis-san said that line at the end, and smiled ever so slightly.