Chapter 4: Chancellor IV / The Sword Saint’s Apology
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By combining the Communication Orb with a magical imaging device, it became possible to have face-to-face conversations even from a distance.
And now, a meeting was to take place with the Hero Party, who had boasted about their ability to conquer the Labyrinth of Time, only to fail spectacularly and return without a single victory, putting all their members in grave danger after just one floor.
The attendees of this meeting included the Hero Party, the Clan Masters of the two major guilds, Atlas and With Love, a Bouquet (Sherry Fleur), Balen from the Lemone Guild, the Arcana King, Chancellor Madison, and, most notably, Princess Puffy.
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The Chancellor was left speechless.
No, it was likely the same for the two Clan Masters and Balen.
On the screen before them was the Hero, and beside him stood Sword Saint Elise Gladius.
As the meeting commenced, the Hero said, “Hurry up! So many people are waiting for you to take responsibility. Even with that empty head of yours, you can at least bow your head.”
“I… I…”
At his words, Sword Saint Elise’s expression twisted with confusion, sorrow, and despair, her voice trembling.
“Ugh—!! Enough already!! Is it really taking you this long to do what I ordered? Unlike you, who can only swing a stick, I’m on a tight schedule! Hey! Get it together already!!”
Ryuguin shouted at her, issuing some command, his voice rising in frustration. The others in the room tilted their heads in confusion, but the nature of the command she received quickly became apparent.
Elise collapsed to the ground, both hands and knees pressed against the floor, her forehead touching the ground.
“I take full responsibility for the failure in conquering the Labyrinth and for recklessly taking command, putting all our members in danger. I know my intellect is lacking, but please, forgive me.”
She choked back sobs, delivering her apology in a trembling voice.
The Master of With Love, a Bouquet (Sherry Fleur) screamed, “Stop this immediately!!”
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Faced with such a profound apology, the two major guilds found their momentum shattered from the very start and decided not to press the Hero Party any further.
This outcome was not solely due to Sword Saint Elise’s heart-wrenching apology.
It was also the result of Princess Puffy’s eloquence.
A prodigious talent deeply immersed in academia, she was well-versed not only in politics but also in the construction of magical theories. She showcased her abilities to the fullest, defending the Hero with a skill that rivaled that of the Clan Masters.
For the kingdom, this may have been the right course of action. However, the Hero’s foolish behavior and Princess Puffy’s infatuation blinded her to the gravity of the situation—this incident was a significant blunder in Chancellor Madison’s eyes.
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When Elise Gladius was a child, she often accompanied her father to the training grounds of the Royal Castle.
Chancellor Madison, despite his busy schedule, would occasionally visit the training grounds, bringing gifts and encouraging the Knights.
As a result, he naturally became acquainted with Elise, who was close in age to his own daughter, and he took great fondness for her. He would carry the sleepy-eyed Elise on his back while the Knights laughed, or take her to the dining hall when she complained of hunger, sharing sweet treats together.
—Maa-chan
That was the name she had called him, unable to articulate “Chancellor Madison” due to her young age.
Though her father, the Knight Commander, would bow deeply in apology, it was strangely endearing to be called that by Elise.
The Chancellor had been her supporter and fan since she began to shine at the age of ten, almost like a second parent to her.
He understood her struggles.
He felt powerless to help her.
So when he heard that she had been scouted by the Hero, successfully honing her skills and achieving unparalleled feats, he rejoiced as if it were his own triumph.
But now,
—”I take full responsibility for the failure in conquering the Labyrinth and for recklessly taking command, putting all our members in danger.”
He recalled Elise, her head to the ground, her voice trembling as she spoke.
—”I know my intellect is lacking, but please, forgive me.”
Chancellor Madison locked himself in his room, tears streaming down his face as he whispered, “Why…?”
At this point, the Hero’s blunders had reached a point of no return.
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