Chapter 20: The Hero’s (Scoundrel) True Intentions
Ryuguin would not be stopped.
“It’s Yamada! Everything was done by Yamada!”
He proclaimed loudly.
“The Apothecary’s daughter? The Florist’s daughter? The owner of the small eatery? The Sister with a bright future? The widow of the inn? That girl too?
He called out a jumble of names, but unfortunately, I didn’t know any of them. However, I can imagine that they were all threatened by Yamada, right?”
Ryuguin paused for a moment, then shouted,
“If you don’t listen to me, this country won’t be saved!”
His voice boomed. And still, Ryuguin continued.
“Your investigations must have revealed the same.”
Right? He tilted his head slightly.
“Of course. That’s just how it is. It has become that way. No matter where you search or whom you ask, the answer remains the same. Yamada did it. This is the very principle of the world.”
I could see his engine revving up even more.
“By the way, what is this? A farce to hang me out to dry? Or is it the end-of-term meeting from elementary school?
If that’s the case, I can understand. Earlier, the Holy Knight was praised, and I almost laughed. I mean, come on, there’s no way a Holy Knight could be anything decent like Yamada.
In this world, it’s a well-known fact that ‘Holy Knights are cowardly, arrogant criminals.’ Yet, here they are, puffing up with praise and shedding tears of joy. It was truly a ridiculous exchange, utterly cold and absurd.”
Ryuguin didn’t notice the temperature dropping around him. No, even if he did, he maintained this stance.
“…Well, that’s probably true. You would deny it. As you said, there hasn’t been any clear evidence that you did it.”
At those words, Ryuguin nodded with satisfaction, “I thought so.”
Madison tossed aside the paper in his hand, and one of his aides handed him a new document.
“Then how about this? Here are the numerous foolish acts you committed in Lemone—there’s enough evidence to rot. Do you have any excuses?”
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“Lemone? What about Lemone? W-Why? Why… just a moment ago, it was about the Green Eyes period—”
Madison’s voice wasn’t loud, but it carried a solemnity that only someone who had survived many trials could possess.
In contrast, Ryuguin covered his face with both hands… only to sweep his hair back a few seconds later.
“My apologies. Is that paper filled with more nonsense? No, it’s fine; you don’t need to read it. It would just be a waste of time.
I can imagine what you’re trying to interrogate me about. Low-level, low-quality, low-morality… utterly predictable and despicable people.”
Ryuguin shrugged in utter disbelief.
“I’ll repeat myself; I haven’t done anything you claimed. All I’ve done is conquer Nexbee. Seven of them, in fact. Seven labyrinths that you all gave up on.
Even during my stay in Lemone, I was tirelessly exploring the Labyrinth of Time for the sake of the people of the Arcana Kingdom.
And yet, you doubt me, the benefactor? How shameless of you.
But… why not ask my companions? Call Hilbert!!”
The person called by Ryuguin was the one who had dealt with the earlier incident in the guest room. Hilbert was summoned immediately and stepped forward beside Ryuguin, in front of Madison and the others.
“What is your name?”
“Pleased to meet you. I am Hilbert Sepia.”
“Oh, could it be that you are the famous chairman of the Sepia Trading Company? I’ve heard you’re on a meteoric rise.
Now, I must ask, since the Hero called your name, do you have anything to say in his defense?”
“Say it! Hilbert!”
Like a protagonist summoning a monster by throwing a ball, Ryuguin commanded Hilbert, pointing dramatically at Chancellor Madison.
“Just how much I wished for the happiness of the people and how hard I’ve worked to conquer the Labyrinth of Time!!”
Hilbert narrowed his eyes at Ryuguin’s voice. He glanced at Ryuguin, then turned to Madison to respond.
“Chancellor Madison, as I speak about the Hero, I may make statements that lack decorum, so I ask for your forgiveness in advance.”
Madison nodded, “I permit it. Now, please continue.”
“My support for the Hero began shortly after he stayed in Lemone. I cannot speak for what happened before that, but I am fully aware of everything that occurred afterward.”
Madison nodded again, encouraging Hilbert to continue.
“Since I met him, the Hero has not once ventured into a labyrinth. In fact, he hasn’t even held a sword.”
Ryuguin’s mouth dropped open, his eyes wide. That must be the face one makes when utterly shocked.
“Moreover, the Hero has been very true to his desires, engaging with the women I provided for him at all hours. He is extremely short-tempered, and the moment anyone dares to retort, he throws a tantrum and resorts to violence.
It’s no wonder that a Hero who is loyal to his lust and quick to anger would act as he does.”
As Hilbert lifted his bangs, a large scar was visible on his forehead. He stated, “This scar was inflicted by the Hero.”
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On Piccoma, the comic adaptation of this work is available for free reading up to Chapter 15 for a limited time.
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