Chapter 18: I’m Sorry, Puffy
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I was told they wouldn’t mind splitting the kingdom.
At first, King Arcana laughed it off, thinking it was a joke. However, upon seeing Chancellor Madison’s serious gaze, he faltered.
It finally dawned on him that this was no mere jest. In fact, the groundwork had already been laid, and the preparations were undoubtedly complete. Madison likely didn’t even need the king’s opinion on this matter. This was merely a final report made out of duty to his master.
While Madison acknowledged the king as a good ruler who had worked alongside him to elevate the kingdom, he also felt that his excessive indulgence towards his daughter was a flaw. This discontent had been overlooked due to Princess Puffy’s exceptional abilities, but now, her capabilities were no longer a topic of praise. Instead, the father and daughter duo had become a foolish daughter and a foolish father.
For Madison, the only way to break the deadlock was to somehow deal with this foolish pair. The grievances he had harbored towards Princess Puffy might have stemmed from the actions of the Hero.
Thus, this time, he needed to rein in this foolish father and daughter while also holding the Hero accountable.
Madison’s firm stance towards King Arcana was essential for persuading him, and there was a genuine intensity behind his demeanor. It was precisely for this reason that King Arcana hesitated and, after a moment of contemplation, accepted Madison’s assertions without question.
However, to avoid complicating matters, Madison only informed King Arcana, “We will deal with the Hero’s numerous transgressions. As for the difficult Labyrinth, we will take full responsibility.”
The king was not incompetent, and while he suspected there was more to Madison’s words, he ultimately agreed, thinking it would be better for the kingdom to let Madison handle it. “Understood. Do as you see fit.”
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“I would like to question Hero Ryuguin and the three members of the Hero Party regarding the long-standing suspicions.”
King Arcana spoke the words Madison had instructed him to say, internally apologizing to his daughter.
“I’m sorry, Puffy. But your father had no choice when they threatened to split the kingdom.”
King Arcana knew. Madison’s eyes were those of someone who would follow through on his threats.
Indeed, it was true that his political enemies, who had unjustly profited, had vanished along with their families and allies.
They had shared a similar gaze back then. King Arcana understood that even if he opposed Madison, it wouldn’t set him back. In this situation, it was more beneficial for the kingdom to trust Madison than to risk a confrontation.
“I will leave the rest of the discussion to Chancellor Madison.”
Puffy, taken aback by the sudden turn of events, raised her voice in disbelief.
“Wha—?! I haven’t heard anything about this!! It’s not too late! Whoever has disrespected the Hero, apologize immediately!!”
Her shout was laced with anger. She looked at her father, the embodiment of supreme power, but—
“I’m sorry, Puffy. I’ll apologize again later.”
King Arcana once more apologized to his daughter in his heart, choosing to ignore her outburst.
Princess Puffy continued to shout, but her voice failed to reach anyone. Realizing something was amiss, she struck the air, only to find her fist collide with an invisible barrier.
One of the archbishops had erected a barrier around her, preventing her unexpected movements and silencing her voice.
“On behalf of King Arcana, I will take charge from here.”
Madison stepped forward with a stern expression.
“Without further ado, Hero Ryuguin, I have a question for you. Answer honestly.”
His voice carried a determination that suggested he would not let anything slip by. Yet, Prince Ryuguin could not hide his confusion.
“W-What…?”
Still shaken, he finally managed to speak. He turned his gaze to Mika, Angelica, and Eris in succession, his eyes wide with desperation.
“Say something! I’m being dragged into this farce!”
He shouted at his three companions, but they remained silent.
“Why won’t you say anything?! Hey! Hey!!”
Realizing it was futile, Ryuguin looked around, searching for someone to support him.
“Hey! What’s going on here?! Come on, everyone! We’re allies, right? You have to say something!”
But no one came to his defense.
“I-I wasn’t told about any of this!”
In Madison’s hand was a long, coiled parchment.
“After you were summoned, you spent about six months in Green Eyes while aiming to conquer the Mirror Labyrinth. What I am about to ask pertains to that time. Do you know a girl named Wendy, the daughter of the Hudson Apothecary?”
“Eh?”
At Madison’s question, the color drained from Ryuguin’s face, turning it as pale as a paper plate.
“W-Why are you bringing that up now…?”
He trembled, not just in voice but in his shoulders as well.