120 Congress pursues name-not-so-name flowers (1/2)

”Not yet, ......!

Madame Magnom's reign would not last long. On the witness stand, the Marquis de Merces shouted with a black face.

”Even if Oleg, Rhyno, and Bel have no connection to the Red Rose. Just because Oleg, Rhyno, and Bell have no connection to the Red Rose doesn't mean that the 'someone' who gave Oleg his orders isn't connected to the Red Rose!

”Huh. The Marquis of Stresia was amused.

The Marquis of Stresia cut back in an amused manner.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this person from the heir to the Hizet family. It's a good idea to use the time you have to make sure you're getting the most out of your time.

”...... Even if you are the Marquis of Stresia, you are rude!

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's a fan of your work.

”I don't need a hearing to condemn the 'evil' of the kingdom, the daughter of Clester!

The Marquis of Merces, trapped in a corner, can no longer afford to mend his pretenses. The Marquis of Harlai took advantage of this.

Yes!　I'm sure the people here are well aware of how infamous that little girl is and how many people she has messed with and made unhappy!

I'm sure you're all aware of how infamous that little girl is and how much misery she's caused many people. If we show an opening like this, the smart ones will counterattack with quibbles. And they will drive the righteous who are in their way to ruin. In order to prevent this from happening, we tried to proceed quickly to prevent them from fighting back, and we were not wrong!

He said softly. Without saying a word, the people in the council exploded in anger.

Led by Juke, who was seated at the king's table. In addition to the Chancellor, Volz, and the courtesans, a large number of the nobles sitting in the council seats are also showing their anger.

Dualis sighs loudly against the wall.

”I don't care what your standards are, right or wrong. At least according to the Kingdom's legal standards, it's wrong, and that's why you're in trouble.

”Shut up!　You're the master of evil, and you're talking nonsense!

Refrain, Lord Mercia!

No, my lord. Your Majesty. Don't be fooled. They're the ones who are poisoning the kingdom!

To summarize what the Marquis of Merces is trying to say, ”Since the Red Rose is an evil person, execution is the right conclusion, and the process leading up to it is irrelevant. ...... If such logic could make human heads fly, this country would be full of raw heads by now. It's not Deanna's place to think about it, but I'm amazed that a man who disrespects the law to this extent could even become an assistant director of the Mediation Bureau.

In the face of the spitting and screaming Marquis of Merces, the atmosphere in the rear court becomes scarier and scarier in three steps. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're going to be doing and how you're going to do it.

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

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

Or do you just want to disappear until there's no trace of you left?

It was the first time Deanna had ever seen Ria, Yolanda and Leticia speak so flatly. The sight of the entourage bearing the name ”Flower” all breaking through the critical mass and becoming enraged was enough to let them know that the Marquis of Merces had turned the tables on them.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I remind you?

The witnesses from the inner court are not finished yet.

Lia and Yolanda drew attention. Letitia urged.

”You are only trying to frame Master Diana. You will not stop blaming Deanna-sama, will you?

Shayla was there, speaking in a sad, yet firm voice.

At her urging, Shayla opened her mouth to the council.

I believe that the investigation of the palace has shown that the accusation that Master Diana was the 'mastermind' behind my abduction was false. However, none of the people on the stand now are convinced. ...... I'd like to add my own testimony as well.

You're the victim, your story can't be a red herring. Tell me more.

The Marquis of Eustace urged her to do so, and Shayla folded her knees to show her gratitude and took a deep breath.

I was taken out of the palace after the star gazing party was over and everyone was asleep. I was led out of my room by the bell and led to a place in the palace that was almost deserted. By the time I realized what was wrong and tried to return to my room, it was too late. A strange smelling ...... cloth covered my nose and mouth, and I was knocked unconscious.

I wonder if they used some kind of inoculation drug that can take away a person's consciousness immediately. Such strong drugs have many side effects and after-effects that can be fatal, so only qualified people are allowed to use them, but if Ryno and Oleg are behind the perpetrators, it is possible to obtain them.

I'm worried about Shayla herself, though. If Kai had rescued her, taken her to King's Landing, and met with Chris, he would have told her if there were any serious problems. The potion didn't seem to bother Shayla as much as it should have, seeing as how she was standing here, apparently in perfect health.

Underneath Deanna's personal concern, Shayla's story continues.

When I regained consciousness, I was lying in an abandoned cabin somewhere in the woods. Fortunately, I was thought to be a helpless little girl and was not restrained. --And inside the hut were the six men who were supposed to have kidnapped me.

The number of kidnappers was consistent with what Edward had found at the tavern in the downtown area, as well as with the records kept by Eunos' men. In the event that you've got any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us. ...... In fact, Deanna can't even tell for sure how much of what is going on in the current Congress was planned. In fact, Deanna can't tell for sure how much of what's going on in the assembly has been planned.

The kidnappers, unaware that I was awake, continued to talk. I didn't understand what was going on, so I pretended to be asleep for a while and listened to their conversation.

That's quite a gutsy thing to do.

That's very brave of you.” ”Whatever you do, it must be suicidal if you don't know what you're doing. ...... And then I learned that they were going to take me out of the palace and wait for night to kill me.

It must have been terrifying to learn of such a plan, but Shayla showed no fear. Her speech was firm and her voice did not tremble.

Shayla folded her hands in front of her chest, squeezing them tightly.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified in the face of the men who were planning to kill me. But as I listened to the ...... story, I had a question. Five of the six men seemed to want to kill me right now, but the other one was opposed and was modifying his plan. It seemed that they had kidnapped me because they had been hired by someone who had not told them when to kill me. Nevertheless, at the discretion of that one person, they are still driving their wagon through King's Landing, hiding in this abandoned hut, and waiting for the night to kill me. The man was unnatural for a kidnapper who had also just been hired for money.

Shayla is often underestimated and scorned senselessly because of her circumstances, but until two years ago, she was the highly educated daughter of the heir to the Caleldo Trading Company, one of the top five traders in the country. Originally, the Careldo Trading Company was granted nobility in recognition of its achievements in spreading rare goods from other countries to the Kingdom of Ergeland, while at the same time introducing Ergeland's unique culture to other countries, and acting as a bridge in both culture and economy. There was no way that the heiress of this noble family was just polishing her exterior. In fact, Shayla is a very logical thinker, even though she is not aware of it, and has excellent insight into the nature of discomfort and contradictions.

(If Shayla had thought about it, she probably would have figured out who ”Dee” really was very easily. ......)

(If Shayla had thought about it, she probably would have figured out Dee's identity easily. That's why she didn't go into detail about the setting of ”Dee”. I had a feeling that I might end up with a snake if I were to contradict myself by constructing a poor setting. I'm not going to let Shayla scare me by looking at me. ...... I don't know if it was a good thing that I kept on fooling around like that.

The congress is buzzing with surprise at the reality of the ”kidnappers” coming out of the ”favored princess” who was thought to be just a kidnap victim, neither poison nor medicine. As if to win over her audience, Shayla raised her voice.

As I watched the men, the time came for this unnatural man to stand guard alone. Caught off guard that I was asleep, he let slip his true intentions in the hut with no one to hear him. It would be bad if I killed him without the Marquis' orders.

There was a murmur, and everyone's eyes turned to the ”Marquis” on the witness stand: the Marquis of Harlai and the Marquis of Merces.

They were stung by the obvious suspicion in their eyes and shook their heads rapidly.

”No--no!　It's not us!

It's not us. ...... The girl there must have misheard 'Count' for 'Marquis' in her fear of being kidnapped.

”I mean!　This is not the Red Rose's personal crime, but the entire Crestor family's.

”What?

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A single word from Dualis on the wall froze the air of the assembly in an instant.

”And?　What if it was all of us who kidnapped Miss Callerd?　Would you add my name to the guillotine petition?

”Let me tell you something. It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this. If you are planning to switch your target to the Cresta here, we will do the same, and we will consider it as an indication of our intention to attack the entire Cresta. Oddly enough, as Mistress Stresia said, an insult to the top of the organization is an insult to the entire organization.

I mean... You still don't understand that I dared to let you off the hook for your outrageous rhetoric that since we are evil, we should be allowed to behead Diana without reason. Since you seem to have forgotten, I'd like to remind you that we, the Cresters, have been entrusted by His Majesty to deal with this matter at all costs. I'm sure you understand that insulting us is a direct disrespect to His Majesty, don't you?

The Marquis of Harlai and the Marquis of Merces looked up at Juke in the king's seat, pale.

The Marquis of Harlai and the Marquis of Merces looked up at Juke in the king's seat.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's had a bit of trouble with the whole thing.

As usual, he replied with an air of 'what's the point now'. The two marquises are even more pale now that they've incurred the king's wrath, but that's nothing new.

”Your Majesty!　It was a misunderstanding. We are in no way connected to such lowly people as the perpetrators of the kidnapping!

We do not disrespect you, Your Majesty!　We have no intention of disrespecting His Majesty, nor would we execute anyone without His Majesty's name!

”...... I'm tired of hearing your excuses. No matter how you explain it, it doesn't change the fact that you tried to kill the Red Rose out of personal passion, using the name of the state, without following the laws of the state.

”No, sir!

The Marquis de Harlais rolls off the witness stand and kneels directly under the juke.

”Your Majesty. I swear by the name of Harlai and by my conscience. It's true that I knew beforehand that the maidservant of the Red Rose faction, along with outside collaborators, were attempting to kidnap Miss Shayla Callerd, but I dared to overlook the crime as a noble sacrifice in order to capture the Red Rose, who was avenging the kingdom. The Knight of Eunos also witnessed the kidnapping and agreed to capture her because he cared for the country. --But we never!　But we are not connected to those three, nor to the six who carried it out!

”Yes, Your Majesty!　Your Majesty, I do not wish to be lumped in with such lowly people just because I witnessed the kidnapping of Miss Callerd!

After the Marquis of Harlai, the Knight of Eunos kneeled down next to him and urged him earnestly. Juke watches them intently.

”In short, Harlai. ”So you admit that you knew about the kidnapping plan before it happened, and you let it go?

”I did it to ensure the capture of the Red Rose, the poison of the kingdom!

Do you admit it?

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The Marquis de Merces, left alone on the witness stand, shook his head vigorously.

”You're talking about the wrong thing, Lord Harlai!　You said yourself that this kidnapping was indeed planned by the Red Rose and that you had proof of it!

The main culprit in this kidnapping is the Red Rose. I'm sure of it!

Don't be ridiculous!　Do you think you can make such an excuse after witnessing the kidnapping without any knowledge?

Eunos only witnessed the kidnapping, he didn't do anything!　You can't count me as a collaborator!

I'm not sure what to make of this.

In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site. The Marquis of Merced jumped down from the witness stand and grabbed the chest of the good-looking Marquis of Harrai. ...... Apparently, this is a habit of his when he gets excited.

You!　I'm not sure what to make of this.　You said it was a certain evil that could silence the King and the Prime Minister, so I helped you!

”You're not wrong!　Kidnapping and killing a concubine is a serious crime!　The Red Rose is the one who planned it!　The Red Rose is the one who plotted it, and according to the laws of the kingdom, she deserves to die!　What is wrong with you?

If you're right, then why are we in such dire straits?　If you're right, why are we in this predicament? If you're right, then why are we in this predicament?　I'm not sure what to do.

What are you saying at this moment? It is impossible for a mere maidservant to take a concubine out of the palace by herself. I only ordered Eunos knight to loosen the guards in the palace a little in order to confirm the crime of the Red Rose. --You are the one who signed the execution petition without even taking a look at our investigation, when common sense would have told you that!

”You ......!　How dare you do such a shameless thing?

”Both sides, you idiot!

The majority of the people in this place, Duarisse's voice spoke for them. The icy voice of the Demon Lord seemed to bring the two Marquesses back to their senses in an instant.

Duarisse stepped forward from the wall, clutching her forehead with her fingers.

”To summarize. Duke Harlai knew from the beginning of the plan to kidnap Miss Callerd by Bell, Rhyno and Oleg, and thought that if it was carried out, he would certainly be able to incriminate the current Red Rose. There were holes in the plan, even to the untrained eye, and in order to fill them, he embraced Eunos, the small commander of the royal palace knights who was in charge of security, and dared to create a way in, saw the plan carried out, and captured Bell. If he knew about the plan from the beginning, he probably prepared this ”Investigation Report on the Kidnapping of Sheila Callerd” in advance. And after all the preparations were made, you went to capture the current Red Rose, Diana, in high spirits.

”Wow, I didn't know that!

”Now I see you're not lying, Lord Merced. But that doesn't change the fact that you're an idiot and unfit to be Assistant Director of the Mediation Bureau. If you knew that you were doing something wrong and you dared to act on it, you'd have a better chance of getting out of this situation, but as far as I can tell, you're just being honest. I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on, but I'm not sure you'll be able to.

It's too good a theory to be true, and everyone, left and right, is nodding their heads in agreement. The Marquis of Merced shuddered, and finally collapsed in a heap.

I'm not sure what to make of that.

I'm not sure what to say. I'm not sure what to make of that. Where did you get that information in the first place?

What's ......?

In case you're wondering, even we, who you consider 'evil', didn't foresee Miss Callerd's kidnapping from the palace and Diana's capture as the main culprit. I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with that.

I'd like to know more about the movements of the palace.

I'm sure Madame Magnum was keeping a close eye on the movements of the court. After all, she's the matriarch. --Isn't that right?

Of course, sir. I swear to you, there was no sign of it.

The Marquis of Harleigh was stifled by Madame Magnum's immediate response.

Duarisse's words were aloof but sharp, and did not escape the Marquis de Harlais.

In this case, there are two possibilities, right? The first is that the Duke of Harrai himself was the main culprit in the plot to kidnap Miss Callerd, and was planning to frame the Red Rose for the crime. If you're the one who planned it, you should know about it.

No!　I would never do anything like that!