47-Shrine maiden of light (1/2)

I stepped into the King's Chamber.

From the door to the back of the room, a luxurious carpet was laid out, and on either side were knights with swords and spears.

Among them was the leader of the knights, Gregor.

At the back of the room were two thrones, one next to the other, with the king and a young woman, possibly a princess, sitting on them.

”Well done. Gentlemen of the 5th squad.

The king's voice rang out with dignity.

We kneeled down on the spot.

”Mr. Spinoza!　”Mr. Spinoza! In the presence of the king, kneel. ......!

”Hmm?　Hmm?” ”Oh, yes.

Spinoza knelt a little later. His movements were faltering.

”It seems you did a great job in the battle against the demons the other day. Thanks to your efforts, the city is safe and sound. I thank you.

That's very kind of you. I'm extremely grateful.

Good. So far, I've managed to do it without getting ripped off. ...... If I can keep this up and receive my medal without incident.

And that's when I had this vision.

The knights around me were suddenly buzzing.

--What?　What is it?

...... Hey. What's that smell of alcohol?

That's true. I can smell it coming from those guys.

...... Are you telling me you've been drinking?　I'm about to be awarded a medal. That's an insult to the king. ......!

--Oh, shit.

Spinoza has figured out that I've been drinking.

He has had dozens of drinks, not just one, but dozens, but the number is irrelevant at this point. It is not good to be here in a drunken state.

He must have sensed the buzz of the knights.

The king looked at us with a sharp gaze.

”Boys. Is it true what the knights were saying?　They were drinking in the middle of the day, despite their duties as guards.

No, no!　I was dealing with a dispute in a tavern a while ago!　No, I was dealing with a dispute in a tavern a while ago, and that's when I got drunk!

She looked at Spinoza and asked him to agree.

”Right?　Ms. Spinoza.

”Hmm?　Oh, yeah.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

......　I'm not sure what to make of it.　I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out.

...... I hope you don't mind. If I'm going to be purged, I want it to be Spinoza. I don't want to be the one to take the blame.

Fam muttered to himself.

”By the way, Fumm. Why are you hiding behind my back?

We were all kneeling side by side in the 5th squad, but for some reason only Fam was kneeling behind my back.

She was unreliably clutching the hem of my dress.

”Mm-hmm. I told you. I told you I'm a very shy person. It's a little too embarrassing to be the center of attention in a crowd like this.

He had a pompous tone and said something petty.

”Hey, you!　It's not polite to hide yourself in front of the king!

Gregor, the Knight Commander, shouted at Pham.

There's nothing hostile or malicious about this guy. He's simply shy and uncomfortable in public. I ask you to be lenient with him.

”Don't be silly!　You can't talk to me like that!

Gregor. It's a big day. Let's overlook a little rudeness. And it's no wonder guards like them don't know manners.

The king said.

”They live in a different world than we do.

...... I had my doubts about that statement, but I was glad that the matter was dropped. It looks like we won't have to go through a purge.

Just when I was feeling relieved.

”Ugh. Oh no. I'm starting to feel sick from the sudden change in position. ......

I was surprised when Spinoza, who was standing next to me, started to hold his mouth.

--What?

I'm not sure what to say. Mr. Spinoza, ......?

You. You look really pale.

Hey. You're not .......

The next thing we knew, we were in a panic.

Tragedy struck.

'O-ro-ro-ro-ro ......'

The liquor he had been drinking poured out of Spinoza's mouth. For a moment, she almost thought she was in the bathroom of a tavern.

But this was unmistakably the King's Chamber.

Naturally, the knights were in a state of excitement.

”Whoa!　He threw up!

”How dare he do that in front of the king!

”Disrespect!　This is nothing but disrespect!

The King's Chamber was filled with screaming and shouting.

It was a hellish scene.

”............

When she looked next to her, Seira was looking up at the sky as if she had lost her mind.

Femme is holding her forehead as if she has no more words.

And then.

The next thing I knew, I was surrounded by knights. All of them had hostility in their eyes, and all of them were pointing the tips of their swords and spears at her at once.

”This outrageous behavior. This will not be tolerated. We, the Knights, will purge you.