124 Episode 20: The Responsibility to Save (1/2)

It wasn't long before the night came. After Uffi, who was climbing the castle, and Raini, who was accompanying him as his escort's maid, returned to the outhouse, I asked him to gather at the salon.

I, Yufi, Raini, Ilia, and five Priscillas are in the salon. Everyone's face was tight because she told them she wanted to talk about something important in advance.

And I told everyone the other day what I heard from Priscilla and the information on the empire's inner compassion that the royal brother of the Aylene Empire was an adventurer in the Kingdom of Palettia.

”... and I'm just saying”

At the end of the whole conversation, I look over to see how Uffi and the others react. Nobody said anything and seemed to be seriously thinking about something. I unwittingly swallow in the tense air.

Looks like Priscilla sitting next to me is nervous somewhere too. I can't feel the usual floating air at all. It also makes me feel as if I'm going to be a sinner to be told my sins.

It was Uffi's sigh that broke such a heavy silence.

”... As long as it's done, I understand the story. So you also admit that this is due to the internal circumstances of the Empire, that Priscilla is related to His Royal Highness the Emperor of the Aylene Empire, and that you were proposing to direct this raid?

”... Yes”

Priscilla replied quietly, but clearly, to Yufi's inquiry. For the time being, Yufi was staring at Priscilla, but by closing her eyes, she took her gaze off.

”... anise”

”Yes, sir”

”You do not intend to set things up with the Empire, but you will not be allowed to distribute the magic artifacts that the Empire has requested. Is that what you're thinking?

”... right. At least the circulation of magic props related to weapons will never be allowed. The Empire is a land of strife. You can easily imagine what it would be like to sell an easy weapon, can't you?

”I agree with you on that perception. Most importantly, it would be premature to think about domestic and foreign distribution when it comes to magic tools that cannot meet domestic demand.”

Demonic props haven't gone all over the country yet. In the future, we need to do something about the factories and craftsmen that can be developed, and for this reason we cannot hope to develop the technology of magic without preparing a place for education for the entire civilian population.

This reform will take years. If we give civilians the opportunity to learn, the difference in status with the aristocracy that we now have will narrow. Even aristocrats will be dissatisfied if we make a sudden change.

So a slow reform was desirable. The nobles are also trying to differentiate between magic techniques and magic props in order to maintain their present position. It is also beginning to move to preserve and pass on culture and to leave it behind.

Therefore, the intervention of the Empire is honestly not very favourable. If we go to war, there will be munitions, even if we don't like them. It could lead to a hustle and bustle about the value of the weapon. That brings about the muddling of war, no ex or child.

If I think about it, I don't think the Empire should be thoroughly selling magic artifacts. Because only the people I should protect are the people of the Kingdom of Palletia, not the people of the Aylene Empire.

”One day our relationship with the Empire may also change and we may be able to distribute demonic props. But that's not now, at least. The same is true of the Kingdom of Palletia, where domestic conditions are not stable.”

”... I know what Anis thinks. So Annis has no objection to the Empire at the moment, so he's just trying to be quiet, right?

”Yeah, I guess so”

He said, ”You don't even care that they're after your life?

”... a little angry, aren't you?

”A little?”

Unexpectedly, Raini squeaked in response. The sighs of Yufi, Raini, and Ilia overlapped at the same time, causing me to shrink unexpectedly.

”Okay, Priscilla”

”... Yes”

”You must connect with His Royal Highness Aylene. I will also officially apply for a meeting place with the protest documents here. In keeping with that, please move to tell His Royal Highness the Emperor that there is no intention of active hostility and that we are ready for dialogue.”

”... Huh?

”At this time, we will thoroughly use your friendship. Do your best to build a relationship with the Empire.”

”Wait, then I hear no blame whatsoever...”

”Yes, on the face of it, there's nothing wrong with you, that's what I'm gonna do.”

Priscilla looked back at Uffi with an eye that was narrowing, incredible to Uffi's answer.

”But I am silent about the imminent danger to Her Royal Highness the King...”

”” There is no such fact. ”Everything is what I was instructing you to do. I also lay low on Annis because I didn't think Annis could do abdominal arts. This will be the fact.”

”... so what can I do in the future”

”Nothing has changed. However, you will report here regarding your relationship with your personal Royal Brother. … and if there was a second time”

Pale and Ufi groans in a voice that doesn't make her feel emotional. And I told him, looking at him like he blamed me.

”Anis, dispose of it by your own hand”

”... the next time you think Priscilla has betrayed you, you want me to put my hands down myself?

”That's right. She will not be punished with” superficial punishment. ”... Are you going to shelter Priscilla? Then all responsibility for it lies with Anis. The next time you betray Priscilla, she dies of illness.

Priscilla alternates between me and Uffi with a look like she doesn't know what she's been told. I can't believe that Priscilla ever broke her expression so much, I don't think so.

”... ok. So you can take responsibility for yourself.”

”Yeah, don't put Priscilla's betrayal on the table. It was definitely a betrayal, but it's an action on what I knew would be in our interest here as well. In view of that point, this ruling shall be made. I will not forgive you a second time, but I will not hold Annis responsible for her crimes in exchange.”

”Is that such a sweet disposition good...?

”Sweet......?

Priscilla's baffled inquiry returns Uffi's chilled out voice. It's cold enough to make me feel like I've been caught in the heart by accident.

”It would certainly be sweet. But you're not responsible for that sweetness, Annis. Because I sheltered you, Anis is responsible for it.... that it would be sweet to make that arrangement if this person were to get their hands dirty next time? Do you really think so? Priscilla.”

Looks like he's asking, and Uffi stares at Priscilla like he won't allow objections. Is it difficult for Priscilla, stared at by Uffi, to breathe or breathe shallow? Sweat spreads on its cheeks.

It's as much pressure as I feel even if it's not directed at me. I was about to feel sorry for Priscilla, who was pointing that thing head-on.

”Your failure will no longer compensate you for anything. I won't let you take any responsibility. Let Annis take everything.... If you are a sweet fool there, you must learn from Anis who tried to shelter it. And if you regret it, keep regretting that you made the Lord shoulder unnecessary responsibilities. I can't redeem your sins this time. I will not forgive you for redemption.”

”... Your Majesty...”

”We also know that there have been a variety of misery in your background. Still, you are Annis' squire. And Anise tried to protect you. I do what Annis wants, but I don't condone everything unconditionally. To tell you the truth, if there's no fence, I'd like to make the undead regret breathing for Anise's life.”