Chapter 25 (1/2)

Termite Extermination

「Everyone, the party has magnificently ended.」

As Eagle arrogantly declared that on stage, various bits of applause was heard, but most people were directing eyes of hatred towards him.

For them, he who had noisily intervened was an eyesore.

Ignoring such glares, Eagle begins his speech on stage.

「All the people that have gathered today are in positions that bears an important responsibility to the kingdom. Therefore, I ask of you, help me with the country.」

When Eagle lowered his head, some of their expressions softened.

It seems that at last they had finally arrived at the point of respecting each other’s position.

「No, no, it is as you say. We are loyal retainers who are prepared to risk our lives for this country any time after all. We’ll cast away the current circ.u.mstances for now so we can work together in the future.」

To the Great Knight Rudolph, who’s heartily laughing, Eagle finally laughs.

「How about it, Antoinette-sama?」

「Eh? Err… If there’s something I can do…」

Although she was puzzled at being suddenly asked, she still answered with an appropriate reply.

「Minister Soleil?」

「Certainly!」

As Eagle directed a glare and scowl, a fl.u.s.tered Soleil arbitrarily shook his head.

Having earned the commitment from the three, Eagle gave out an order.

「Well then, I’ll have you cooperate immediately.」

When Eagle gave out a signal, dozens of knights broke in and restrained them.

「What is the meaning of this!」

Rudolf found his subordinate, Gourai, among the Knights and yelled out to him.

However, Gourai expressionlessly responded.

「There is something I would like to confirm with you, and this is something I’ve already received permission from His Excellency, the Prime Minister, to ask. This is also a sign of love for the country. I hope you can understand.」

「This is absurd! What kind of crime have we committed!」

Minister Soleil then yells out in a hoa.r.s.e voice. His entourage of merchants was utterly frightened, shaking and trembling in a corner of the room.

「…That’s what I want to confirm. Right now, there are troops heading to your homes. If you have not done anything to be guilty of, they will be able to prove your innocence.」

Hearing Eagle’s cold voice, Soleil turns blue. That’s because, in his mansion, there are doc.u.ments that will serve as evidence to show that he colluded with the merchants to pocket a large portion of the expenses.