Chapter 47 (2/2)

“Hah? ……Council Chairman? Is that really fine?” (Garrison Commander)

“What a welcome offer it is. Though I would normally shy away from imposing such a burden on you, but please do lend us your strength. Garrison Commander, for anything related to the arrest of Baron Koval from now on, please cooperate with Margils-dono.” (Braus)

“...... Yes, sir.” (Garrison Commander)

Sedam, Claura, and Leiha are all looking upon our exchange with puzzlement.

From the point of view of these adventurers and one a.s.sa.s.sin, there is undeniable proof, and we have the needed power on hand, so purposely going to trouble of attaining the city’s permission just seems like a waste of time.

However, if I am thought of as someone who would make light of the law whenever it suits me, I will eventually lose the people’s trust. The Council Chairman also fully understands that I am trying to take a stance of respecting the city’s law, and thus is playing along.

“By the way, Wizard-dono, about that dark elf over there……” (Braus)

“Ahh, I’d almost forgotten. I will hand her over to the city guard. Please give her a proper public trial.” (Gio)

“ “......” ”

As someone who had committed (or attempted to, at least) a.s.sa.s.sination and kidnapping in this town, at least both of her hands are now tied. Having adamantly requested for me to tie her up instead of Sedam, she seemed strangely happy at the time (which I refuse to notice).

Seeing how, aside from walking, Leiha is now always kneeling beside me, the Garrison Commander reservedly comments on it.

“But, it seems to me that she’s acting like she’s, um, Wizard-dono’s servant.” (Garrison Commander)

“This and that are separate. Unfortunately, she has committed crimes in this city. As such, it is only natural for her to be judged based on the laws of this city.” (Gio)

After displaying her loyalty to me so vocally, to be abruptly thrown to the authorities does make her seem quite pitiful.

If I pretend to not know anything and simply begin bringing her around as a servant, I don’t think anyone (except for Claura) would say anything.

However, there needs to be closure somewhere for the things that she has done. Although she was brainwashed, there might have been people who have indeed died by her hand. No world is indulgent enough for my singular decision to forgive her to suffice as all closure. At least, it’s not supposed to.

“ In that case, we will conduct the trial at the end of the month—which would be 10 days later—so in the meantime the city guard will a.s.sume custody over her.” (Garrison Commander)

“For the trial, she will need a defense attorney and a guarantor…… Will Margils-dono be her guarantor?” (Braus)

“...... Ahh, naturally.” (Gio)

Guarantor? I don’t know much about this world’s trial proceedings, but it’s great that they actually go to such lengths. Or rather, I almost even want to be her attorney too.

It would be great if she could get off with something like only a few years of confinement or a bit of forced labor.

“...... I hope it will be noted that she was under the control of some sort of evil magic of a Demonist. The various crimes that she had committed were not by her own will, and she is currently deeply remorseful and is saying that she wishes to make amends. With due consideration of all this, I wish to lend my strength towards helping her attain a more lenient sentence.” (Gio)

Mu. Did I lay it on a bit too thick? If it is perceived that I am pressuring the sentencing, it might work to her disadvantage……

“Indeed, we are fully aware. Please leave it to us.” (Braus)

“All guards will be notified to help her pa.s.s the days until the sentencing comfortably.” (Garrison Commander)

…… At that moment, I did think that the atmosphere was slightly strange, but……

It was even to the point where I can’t believe I didn’t already realize it from how Sedam had kept quiet the entire time (more like, he was outright smirking).

♥♦♣♠

Baron Koval’s whereabouts was determined a mere few hours later.

His location was, to no one’s surprise, his own mansion.

Several adventurers particularly skilled at covert operations had cooperated with members of the Thief Guild in investigating the inside of the mansion, and found the Baron and his subordinates heading towards an underground room.

Due to the possibility of that underground room being an escape route, a thick encircling net composed of adventurers, thieves, and guards was set up both underground as well as overground.

His mansion is situated in the city’s high cla.s.s housing district, which is on a higher elevation, and is surrounded by high walls.

On his tightly closed gate is a sword-and-sail crest, just like what Leiha had mentioned.

Though there was no human presence on the other side of the gate, this side is packed with adventurers and guards and onlookers. There’s no way those on the inside haven’t already noticed us.

The fact that there’s no response whatsoever must either mean that they’ve given up, or that they’ve really escaped through a secret escape route…… or that they’ve prepared some fantastical evil cult-like measure to flip the situation around.

Most likely, it’s the last one.

♥♦♣♠

“Wizard-dono! All prepares for the storming in have been completed!”

There are 7 fully armed guards lined up in front of me.

The Garrison Commander had previously told me that he’d selected out some guards to accompany me (officially though, I’m the one accompanying them). As hoped, each and every one of them look quite strong. Well, they’re still inferior in comparison to the Carbanera Knight Order, but let’s leave that aside.

These 7 people should be equivalent to one adventurer party…… is what I’m thinking as I look towards Sedam.

“Ahh, it might be better if we don’t go this time.” (Sedam)

“Nn? How so?” (Gio)

To be honest, I doubt there’s another adventurer more reliable than Sedam.

“We already know you full well. However, that’s not the case for these other guys……” (Sedam)

I see.

So he’s implying that I should take advantage of this situation to build more connections.

“We might not be as smart as Sedam, but our arms are still quite strong, you know?” (Adventurer)

“Ahh, so I see. I will be relying on you then.” (Gio)

The one who said so while drawing his party over is a warrior who had served as our escort so far.

I have self-awareness that I do tend to act quite arbitrarily at times, but Sedam also has his own thoughts. At times, it might even be different from what I’d intended.

I lightly nod towards Sedam as an expression of my thanks. In response, he smiles slightly by lifting a corner of his mouth.

“...... The onlookers…… I meant, the esteemed observers are currently watching, understand? It means that you need to say something gallant before the storm in.” (Claura)

“Ue……” (Gio)

That’s right. I must receive the advice from my respected nakama with sincerity.

Regardless of how reluctant I feel, at times.

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