79 79. A certain reason.txt (2/2)

'All right. Get in.

She was ushered into the reception room, which was small but tastefully decorated and furnished in a superior manner.

When the maids brought tea and dismounted, Claude opened his mouth as they worked together to soundproof the room.

'What do you want to know?'

''That's why the Yagami Akira retired all together, except for Master Val and you. What happened?

......

Claude's expression twisted at Meena's question.

'You could have said it yourself, but it's typical of Bartolomeus when you don't.

And it is very typical of Meena to come all the way out here just for that.

Claude thought so, and decided to teach her.

'It's a simple and stupid reason. Bartholomeus drove those six men into retirement.

Meena was unusually flabbergasted to hear Val's confession.

She didn't think he was lying, but she also didn't think Val was the kind of man who would do such a thing for no reason.

'It wasn't until you met Bartholomeus and started making limiters that Bartholomeus had trouble finding limiters. Even if you've never heard of him, perhaps you could have guessed it.

She nodded dully at Claude's words.

I can still vividly recall how happy he was that he had finally found the creator of a limiter that could keep his power in check.

On one occasion, Bartolomeus decided to experiment with a new limiter. Seven of us, including myself, were present at that time.

It's not surprising to Meena that it takes seven people to be said to be seven against Bartolomeus.

You mean ...... that's why you decided to retire from ......?

Then her eyes widen as if she realizes something.

'Oh. The experiment failed. The limiter was broken, and me and my predecessors were a wreck.

Faced with a virtually complete loss to Val, seven to one, their predecessors realized that they were on the decline.

As a result, the other six have decided to retire and the search for their successors has begun.

''I had heard from the wind service that it was unusual for eight gods to be replaced by six people at once, and I had my doubts, but if that's the situation, it made sense.

Meena accepts it easily.

Most of us are about to start laughing at the thought that it's a made up story, such as the fact that Eight God Teru was defeated by only one person in seven.

''I'm still not surprised?''

Yes. I have the confidence to take on all six except Val-sama at the same time.

To Claude, Meena makes a quarrelsome remark about Claude.

This isn't a provocation, it's a serious statement, and he can't deny the possibility.

''After you joined, Yagami Akira has increased his strength by leaps and bounds. It's a happy miscalculation for the empire. ...... We can consider it a happy miscalculation for the empire, can't we?

Claude knew that verbal confirmation would be useless, but he felt compelled to ask.

'As long as the Empire doesn't abandon Master Baru or Master Baru decides to turn against the Empire, I will remain on the side of the Empire. Believe it or not, do what you will.

Meena replies nonchalantly.

Claude laughed, though he'd be fine with not having her believe him.

'Neither of those things are likely.'

What he believes in is his homeland and Baru.