Chapter 16: Turmoil in the Royal Capital – 13
Under the command of the Cardinal, six priest-knights surrounded Freinir and me. Other members of our party were similarly restrained by priest-knights, preventing them from coming to our aid.
With spears pointed at us, Freinir and I had no choice but to comply as we were led toward the front of the venue. Freinir looked up at me with a worried expression, so I gently patted her head. I had anticipated this outcome, but being singled out as villains would surely weigh heavily on her heart.
We were brought before the platform where the Cardinals stood. Looking up, I saw Cardinal Holwood wearing a stern expression, while Lady Mirannera smirked down at Freinir. Next to her, Garsonia had somehow taken up a position as her guard. However, the usual arrogance in his gaze was absent; instead, he seemed weary, perhaps even frightened.
As we were forced to kneel, Cardinal Holwood raised his voice once more.
“Do you all recognize these individuals? This is Soushi, the leader of the adventurers known as ‘Soul’s Guidance,’ and his member, Freinir! And it is none other than this Freinir who, I must reveal, was a false candidate for the Saint!”
The crowd began to murmur again. Many seemed confused, as Freinir did not appear to be the type to engage in deceitful acts, especially not in the way Cardinal Holwood described. In fact, she exuded a more saintly aura than Lady Mirannera.
Nevertheless, the momentum of this condemnation seemed unstoppable. The “truth verification” mentioned by the Cardinal likely referred to the “lie-detecting magical tool” that had been discussed during Shizuna’s incident.
Glancing toward the platform, I noticed a grand, angelic statue-like magical tool being brought in. If that truly was a lie-detecting device, it would only serve to prove our innocence, but I suspected it had been tampered with.
However, “tampering” was not solely their privilege.
“Wait!”
A resonant voice echoed throughout the venue.
The owner of that low voice, imbued with overwhelming authority, was none other than His Majesty, King Zeicrid of the Kingdom of Vermillion.
Having observed the unfolding events, the King stood, his cloak billowing behind him as he strode toward Cardinal Holwood, flanked by three Royal Guard Knights.
Cardinal Holwood’s expression momentarily soured at the sight, but he quickly masked it with a bow.
“Your Majesty, I apologize for presenting you with such an unsightly scene. What brings you here?”
“Indeed, Cardinal Holwood. If what you say is true, that Soushi and Freinir of ‘Soul’s Guidance’ instigated this turmoil, it is something the royal family cannot overlook. For this is the Royal Capital, the land founded by my ancestors.”
“Ah, that is certainly true. However, we cannot overlook the fact that they impersonated the Saint and disrupted the Saint’s succession ceremony.”
“I understand that. But they are adventurers closely connected to the royal family; let us first conduct our own interrogation.”
“That is… Yes, you are correct. Conveniently, our ‘Eye of Judgment’ is available for use. I would like to request that we clarify their crimes here, as we cannot proceed with the Saint’s succession ceremony without addressing this matter.”
It was quite audacious to request the King to subject the suspects to a truth verification in front of the crowd. Yet, after a moment of contemplation, His Majesty solemnly nodded.
“Hmm, it is not the royal family’s intention to delay the Saint’s succession ceremony. It would be wise to clarify their involvement in this disturbance here and now.”
“Indeed. The citizens gathered here in the Royal Capital would likely find that acceptable.”
With a bow, Cardinal Holwood concealed a smirk. However, his expression froze at the King’s next words.
“Then let us use the royal family’s ‘Eye of Judgment’ for the truth verification. Prepare it at once.”
“…Your Majesty!? No, if it is the ‘Eye of Judgment,’ the Church’s should—”
“The royal family will conduct the investigation. It is only proper to use the royal ‘Eye of Judgment.’ In fact, it just so happens that it was being transported nearby. Rest assured, it will not take long.”
“What!? N-no, why… I would prefer if you used the Church’s ‘Eye of Judgment’ instead…”
“We are more accustomed to using the royal tools. There must be no mistakes.”
“That is true, but… we have also been conducting our own investigation into their actions… Regardless of which ‘Eye of Judgment’ is used, the results should be the same…”
“You must not presume, Cardinal. However, if you claim to have conducted an investigation, then there should be no issue. If they are proven innocent, we will have to subject everyone present to the ‘Eye of Judgment.'”
At that, His Majesty lifted the corners of his mouth, a knowing smile gracing his lips. It seemed he was quite the performer as well. Such qualities are necessary for one in a position of leadership.
Of course, this exchange was something I had previously requested from His Majesty. I had anticipated that Cardinal Holwood might attempt some underhanded scheme, and it was likely he would fabricate charges against us. When I consulted with the King, I was fortunate to learn that the Church also possessed a “truth verification magical tool.” I reasoned that if they intended to frame us, they would use a tampered device to declare us guilty, so I arranged for the royal magical tool to serve as a countermeasure.
For a moment, Cardinal Holwood seemed at a loss for words, but as he grasped the true intent behind the King’s expression and phrasing, his complexion shifted multiple times before he began to tremble.
It was no surprise. The notion that the royal “Eye of Judgment” just happened to be nearby was far too coincidental. Moreover, the declaration that if we were innocent, everyone present would have to be subjected to the “Eye of Judgment” implied that the true culprit was likely among us.
Cardinal Holwood’s face turned pale, and he collapsed to his knees.
A nearby priest hurried over to support him, muttering, “No, I’m still fine… still fine…”
I then turned my gaze toward the platform where the priests stood.
I noticed one priest attempting to discreetly slip away. It was that strangely familiar priest.
I stood up and shouted, “Mariane!”
At that moment, a female ninja appeared beside the departing priest, swiftly seizing his arm and pinning him down. It seemed that the priest himself was not particularly strong.
Realizing what had just transpired, His Majesty turned his attention toward me.
“Hmm, Soushi, what is the matter?”
“A suspicious man has been captured by a member of our party. I had warned them in advance.”
“I see, that priest. Cardinal, what can you tell us about him?”
At the King’s inquiry, Cardinal Holwood turned his head with a mechanical creaking sound, confirming the captured priest’s identity.
“…That man… that man is the one who transported the stone tablet! He may very well be the mastermind behind this incident!”
I was taken aback by his words. Given that we were about to use the “Eye of Judgment,” lying would be futile, yet it seemed he had lost his composure and was unable to think clearly.
“Oh? Is that so? Lord Harsivil, apprehend him.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
The handsome Royal Guard Knight, Lord Harsivil, rushed over and took hold of the priest that Mariane had subdued.
Despite being restrained, the priest’s face displayed no emotion. He stared blankly at us, as if his humanity had been stripped away.
“That man… he recently came from the Armand Duchy, and he is quite skilled at ingratiating himself…”
Cardinal Holwood continued to make nonsensical excuses.
The very priest who was about to be framed suddenly raised his voice.
“Ah, it seems I’ve failed, huh? I should have ignored the schemes of fools…”
His voice, sounding as if it belonged to someone else, was raspy and unrecognizable.
“Impersonating the Saint to create chaos was an interesting plan, but it seems it has fallen apart at a most unfortunate moment. However, I cannot let it end like this. While it would be against doctrine to take direct action, a bit of venting is necessary.”
The priest uttered his selfish thoughts before suddenly arching his body.
“Lord Soushi, there is a sudden surge of malevolent energy from that man! It feels incredibly powerful!”
Freinir shouted.