Chapter 367: Forced Summoning
“Your Majesty!?”
As the knights were being released from the TYPE Series, a muffled voice rose from the Chancellor, who was still pinned to the floor.
“Are you really going to trust the forged documents of such a scoundrel!?”
He flailed his arms, now free, in a desperate plea.
“Yet, the seals of the Councilor and the Chancellor are right here,” the King replied, showing no intention of engaging with the Chancellor’s protests. He brought the documents closer, tapping the stamped areas to emphasize their authenticity.
“Since thieves broke into my estate, it’s only natural that I would stamp them then! I have no recollection of ever stamping such nonsense!”
The Chancellor continued to feign ignorance, but the King’s expression grew increasingly grim. It was astonishing how flimsy things could become without fingerprint or handwriting analysis. Proving who created the stolen documents was no easy feat.
“Hmph. Now that we have evidence of suspicion, there’s no choice but to use Dark Magic to extract the truth.”
“Wha—!?”
The King’s words seemed to catch the Chancellor off guard. While he was left speechless, the freed knight approached with a look of confusion. The knight proceeded to release the Chancellor from the TYPE Series, making it easier to restrain him. Dark Magic could manipulate the mind, and it was often employed to force confessions.
“Let me be clear… Zainin.”
The King pointed decisively at the Chancellor, continuing his speech.
“I have suspected you for quite some time. Now that we’ve reached this point, I will show no mercy. You will confess everything, including your other crimes!”
The Audience Chamber, which had been buzzing with tension, fell silent at the King’s booming declaration.
“Throw this criminal into the dungeon!”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
The knights forced the Chancellor to his feet, dragging him out of the Audience Chamber. His cries echoed for a moment before fading into silence.
“Now then, there was a bit of a commotion, but have your objectives been achieved?” the King asked, prompting me to recall our original purpose. I crossed my arms and scanned the room, noting around thirty individuals present. Among them, five were restrained by the TYPE Series. As I assessed each one, I realized that Count Daredimo Torgabeat, the Councilor, was not among them.
“Indeed. There are others I wish to address, but they do not seem to be here.”
“Hmm. So there are other targets?”
“I wish to discuss retribution.”
The King stroked his beard, inquiring further. I shrugged in response.
“Would you be willing to share their names?”
I listed the remaining targets: a Baron, a Councilor, and the Chancellor.
“Then let us summon them to the Royal Castle.”
“Hmm?”
The King’s suggestion made me pause. I initially thought he meant to use Summoning Magic, but I quickly dismissed that notion. If it were that easy, it would be shocking. He would likely just write Summons to call them forth. However…
“No need. I know where the targets are, so it would be faster to go directly.”
El echoed my thoughts, voicing them aloud. Waiting for them to arrive would take too long. I wanted to make it clear that I wished to leave this country as soon as possible. The targets were already restrained by the TYPE Series, and if I didn’t mind the means, I could meet them right away.
“Indeed. I have no time to waste waiting around.”
“It may not be so simple…”
The King seemed to ponder something for a moment before suddenly lifting his gaze as if struck by an idea.
“Then would you deliver the Summons?”
As he spoke, he instructed the ministers nearby to prepare the Summons immediately. It seemed he wanted to hear the story directly from them. I hadn’t agreed to this, but if I refused, someone else would simply deliver it.
“It’s important to hear what happened from the individuals involved. To pass judgment, one must know the facts… I was also curious about this discussion, but it cannot be helped.”
He appeared somewhat disappointed, but did that mean he wanted to participate in the discussion? I considered that he might be trying to protect his subordinates, but he also mentioned passing judgment. Since he had captured the Chancellor, perhaps this King was capable of making sound decisions.
If that were the case, attacking from both the military and political fronts might break their spirits quickly. If the King turned against us, then that would be the time to act. Testing the waters could be worthwhile.
“If that’s the case, I can deliver it.”
“Is that alright?”
A sly smile crept onto my face as El’s telepathic voice reached me from nearby.
“Indeed. I’ll have it prepared immediately, so please wait a moment.”
The King nodded, looking relieved, as I conveyed my earlier thoughts to El through telepathy. Her response was a subtle nod, indicating she understood after hearing everything.
“By forcibly bringing them here, we won’t have to wait. We can use the observing Bird TYPE to carry out the forced retrieval.”
“Understood. I’ll take care of it.”
With that, I promptly issued commands to the observing Bird TYPE. By sharing our vision, we could see the situation unfold.
The Baron, traveling through the city in a carriage, froze in terror as the Bird TYPE suddenly destroyed his vehicle. The Councilor, who had been discussing the results of a meeting with what appeared to be adventurers near the south gate, was effortlessly snatched away by the Bird TYPE that swooped down from the sky. The Councilor, working in his office at the Councilor’s residence, was also caught off guard and captured as the Bird TYPE crashed through the window.
“Please make it as quick as possible.”
I smiled at the King before stepping back toward the entrance of the Audience Chamber. The Bird TYPE was about to burst in, and I needed to ensure my companions cleared the area.