Chapter 26: Crucifixion, Sublime, Martyr──Kill Me
Chancellor Madison inquired of Ryuguin.
“Do you claim that all your actions thus far have been as commanded by God?”
His voice betrayed no hint of emotion. In response, Ryuguin solemnly nodded.
“That is correct. If I continue to follow God’s commands as I have, all Nexbee will likely be completely conquered.”
With a confident demeanor, he continued, “And originally—”
He hesitated, clearly reluctant to speak, yet feeling compelled to do so. After a moment, he opened his mouth decisively.
“I intended to keep this matter to myself until my death, taking it to my grave.”
“Then why? Why are you speaking of it here instead of taking it to your grave?”
At that question, Ryuguin turned his gaze toward Mika, Ange, and Eris in order.
“I’m sorry, all three of you. You’ve done nothing wrong…”
He lowered his gaze slightly, apologizing with a downcast expression.
“The reason I brought this up is that the blame has shifted toward the three of them.”
Having answered Chancellor Madison’s inquiry, Ryuguin knelt down, his head bowed.
“I wouldn’t mind if the blame fell solely on me.”
“But for them to be blamed… that is utterly unreasonable.”
“That is something I must absolutely avoid…!”
“And above all… my heart cannot bear it…!!”
He displayed a tortured expression, caught between guilt and remorse—then suddenly lifted his face with determination.
“They are not at fault!! The one to blame is me alone!! If only I had made a wiser decision!!”
“Please!! I beg you! Just let them go! It’s all my fault! I am the one to blame!!”
Ryuguin stood up weakly, staggering forward.
“What are you doing!! Stop!!”
Even at Chancellor Madison’s command, it seemed as if Ryuguin did not hear, continuing his advance. In response to this anomaly, four knights rushed forward, drawing their swords and pointing their blades at Ryuguin.
“I am the one at fault.”
Ryuguin approached one of the blades. The knight wielding it instinctively recoiled, “D-Don’t come any closer…” But Ryuguin disregarded the warning, letting the blade touch his neck. A single drop of crimson fell from his nape.
“…Yes, that’s right.
So, please… I want you to kill me.
Kill me.
I am so tired.
Tired of following God’s commands and continuing to hurt the people…”
Ryuguin spread his arms wide, adopting a pose of acceptance for all his fate, tears streaming down his face in an unrestrained flow.
This… this is nothing but a fallacy.
A lie. A deception.
Isn’t this his specialty?
How much more must Ryuguin hurt and mock others before he is satisfied…?
When will it be my turn to act?—Just as that thought crossed my mind, I felt a gentle pat on my back.
───It’s alright.
Her caring voice reached deep into my heart.
In the next moment, the girl beside me, dressed in a disheveled light purple kimono, stood up.
She moved gracefully forward, exuding a mysterious allure that captivated everyone in the King’s Chamber, their eyes glued to her.
No one could reproach her.
With a swift motion, she snapped her Scarlet Fan shut and pointed its tip at Ryuguin, declaring:
“Doubt, isn’t it?”
The usual gentle aura around her faded, replaced by a devilish, seductive beauty, as Sensei wore a chilling smile.