CHAPTER 465.1: STRANGE GRIEF WANTS TO RETIRE ⑩

“I am so sorryyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy about this time!” (Cry)

“Wh-What are you apologizing for, you idiooooooooooooooot!” (Franz)

“Ca-Calm down, Franz-kyo! We need to hear his side of the story first――” (Noble)

The Imperial Capital of Zebrudia, one of the world’s leading powers. Right now, I, Cry Andrich, have been summoned to the Imperial Castle, which lies at its very center.

The Imperial Capital has changed dramatically over the past few days. Apparently, it seems that Phantoms have started appearing all over the city.

Fortunately, I haven’t encountered any Phantom yet, and it is such an unbelievable phenomenon that I can only say that it with the word 『Apparently』, but since all the Hunters and Knights have been mobilized and are busy dealing with the situation, it must be true. So far, there have been no reports of any tragic accidents, but this may be due to the formidable military power of the great nation of Zebrudia.

I was led into a room that looked like a conference room. As I performed a magnificent Dogeza right at the start, I was greeted by angry voices. Somehow, the voices sounded familiar. Or rather, by Franz-kyo――They just meant Franz-san. I feel like I have been interacting with him a lot recently.

A solemn voice calls out to me, who has a meek look on my face (Although my face is obviously firmly pressed against the carpet).

“Stand up, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》. I didn’t call you here to do that.” (Radrick)

I timidly lift my head.

The interior was simple and sturdy, with almost no decorations, making it hard to believe that it was the inside of the Imperial Castle of a great nation. Large tables were lined up in the spacious room, and people with stern expressions were surrounding them. Judging from their clothing, they were likely nobles.

Franz-san is standing at the back of the room. His face is bright red and is *purupuru* trembling violently.

And sitting firmly at the very back of the room is a middle-aged man. Could that be…… His Majesty the Emperor?

Heck, isn’t that the Emperor’s voice just now?

I was prepared to some extent when I was called, but the unexpected turn of events nearly made me want to puke. When it comes to the Emperor of a nation as great as Zebrudia, it is not like he is someone you can meet even if you want to.

I am summoned before His Majesty without even having an audience, what is going to happen to me.

Franz-san *fuufuu* takes a deep breath, glares at me, and asks me a question.

“………… Do you know, why you were summoned, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》?” (Franz)

I don’t know…… Is what I want to say, but this time, unusually, I do know. Or rather, I answered the summons precisely because I know.

I have been involved in all sorts of incidents in my life, and in most of them, I was not at fault at all. Even if I was, I was at most only about 10% or something like that at fault.

However, although I don’t understand the reasoning behind it, I am clearly at fault in this case.

If not 10%, then 70%…… No, maybe 50%. Now that things have gotten this serious, there is no way to wriggle out of it or play it dumb.

Or rather, even if I didn’t speak up, Lucia would say something. And that would be the right thing to do.

I take a deep breath and say with all the sincerity I could muster.

“…… You are talking about that time when I pressed a button and Phantoms started appearing outside, right?” (Cry)

“!???” (Franz)

The room falls completely silent.

The change that occurred when I pressed the button in that Treasure Shrine was so tremendous that it was comparable to Code’s crash.

Nothing visible had changed. However, the change was obvious even with my dull senses.

If I have to say, it would be that everything around me has changed. In the end, I don’t know anything about what that button was. However, since Phantoms seem to begin appearing in the Imperial Capital the night I pressed the button, it is only natural to assume there is a causal relationship. 𝐑𝐀ℕőＢĘş

No, the chance that it is all just a coincidence is not zero!!

I always thought that if my childhood friends ever caused a terrible incident, we would run away from the Imperial Capital, but when it actually happened, I found it hard to bring myself to run away. It wasn’t intentional, you know………… No, really, it was a clever trap.

There is a moment of silence. Franz-san asks in a hoarse voice.

“Wait a second, what, did you just say?” (Franz)

“Etto…… Phantoms started to appear because I pressed a button when I was Spirited Away?” (Cry)

“??? S-So, what are you saying? Is that what you bastard is telling us? That you are the one who caused all this chaos?” (Franz)

“Weeell, maybe?” (Cry)

“………………” (Franz)

Franz-san’s face flushes red and trembles in fury like a demon. The other nobles also have an expression mingling with confusion and anger. As for His Majesty the Emperor, he frowns deeply with his eyes closed.

I see, so this is how you react when a really terrible incident happens……

I have some knowledge regarding the Empire’s law. Had this been intentional, it would definitely be a case of capital punishment. The severity of my guilt will depend on how well I can make people understand that this was an accident.

“B-But, it wasn’t on purpose. You see, it is also because the Spirited Away case was taking so long to be resolved.” (Cry)

“………………” (Franz)

I heard the circumstances of why Lucia was there. If the Spirited Away incident had been resolved, I would never have been tricked into going to the Treasure Shrine, and I would never have pressed the button. Since the investigation was led by the Knight Orders, you can say that it was the Knight Orders’ negligence that caused the button to be pressed……………… Is it too far-fetched?

“…………” (Franz)

Somehow, the atmosphere feels dangerous. I came here prepared to face their wrath, but right now I am just scared of this silence.

Franz-san’s face is so red that it is almost worrying. All I can do is apologize profusely.

I simply put on an apologetic expression and say.

“I am truly, sorry. …… By the way, I heard that all the Spirited Away victims were miraculously safe.” (Cry)

“………… Everyone is safe.” (Franz)

“I heard that thanks to the Knight Orders and Hunters waiting, there were no casualties caused by the Phantoms that appeared…………” (Cry)

This is Eva’s information. I check every time, but the number of victims is important. If someone dies because of my mistake, no amount of apologies will ever be enough.

“…………” (Franz)

“…………” (Cry)

“…………” (Franz)

“…………” (Cry)

What I said causes an uncomfortable silence to hang over the room once again. This tension feels like something I might dream about.

Finally, Franz-san speaks in a trembling voice.

“U-Usually, you insist you don’t know anything, but this time you say you are the one who did it…… What are you thinking?” (Franz)

Even if you ask me what I am thinking…… I came here because I thought I was summoned because of what I did. Even if I try to hide it, it will come out eventually, so it is better to apologize earlier rather than later.

“………… No, usually I really don’t know, you know. But this time I do…… Honesty is a virtue, right? If you want to know if what I am saying is true, hey, you can just use 『True Tears』 as usual……” (Cry)

If you use the Imperial Treasure that exposes lies 『True Tears』, it should be easy to prove that I am not lying. However, Franz-san’s expression doesn’t change even when I suggest using the Relic on my own.

Just, he takes several deep breaths and confirms with a shaky voice.

“In other words, 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》. Can we assume that you know everything about this Spirited Away incident?” (Franz)

“Eh…… No, you cannot.” (Cry)

Because I don’t know! Not only do I not know everything, I know nothing at all!

“All I know is that I did it. Moreover, I was deceived! I was caught in a Phantom’s clever trap! Besides, there is no way I would know, I have been suspended in the Clan Master’s Office the whole time!” (Cry)

“Hh………… Guh…… No need to put it that wa――” (Franz)

Franz seems quieter than usual today, but come to think about it, maybe it is because the Emperor is sitting next to him? All the nobles are here too, so maybe he cannot just carelessly yell at me.

If it is now…… Maybe it is okay to ask a question.

One of the reasons I came here is to apologize, and the other is because there is something I need to check. I also need to confirm the scale and number of damages, but there is one more thing.

“Ano…… There is one thing I want to check.” (Cry)

“What?” (Franz)

As I timidly raise my hand, Franz-san shoots me a look that seems to be full of killing intent. I take a deep breath and muster up the courage to ask.

“Does this time incident………… Violate any Empire’s laws?” (Cry)

“!? ???” (Franz)

Franz-san’s eyes widen, and for a moment, anger disappears from his expression. And just as his expression was about to turn demonic again, His Majesty the Emperor, who is sitting next to him, sighs and says.

“《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》, I see your point. This incident is unprecedented, and of course it violates the Empire’s law, but――We need some time to properly assess the situation. I order you to remain suspended. Remain quiet until a decision is made.” (Radrick)

§ § §

《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 leaves the conference room with a nasty, and obviously fake apologetic look on his face.

For the first time in a long time, I, Franz Argmann, feel like dropping everything and screaming. The only reason I have managed to hold on without doing so is probably because His Majesty the Emperor is by my side and because of the treatment I have endured from 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 up until now.

An unknown atmosphere permeates the conference room. No one can say anything. This is an unthinkable situation at a gathering of Imperial nobles. However, the remarks 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 made were so outrageous that they led to such a situation.

We summoned 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 to learn the details. However, I didn’t actually expect 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 to give us an answer. After all, this is only natural, considering that he had consistently claimed ignorance regarding all the major incidents that had occurred up until this point.

But that was still fine. After all, during this Spirited Away incident――Hugh has brought back some information about the Treasure Shrine, the cause of all this.

A Treasure Shrine that exploits human fear――The 【Star God’s Miniature Garden】.

A certain amount of risk had already been factored in when the decision was made to relocate the Imperial Capital to the former site of the Temple Type Treasure Shrine. There was a reason why the relocation had to be made, even if it meant taking the risk. The reason was that by building a large city, we would absorb Mana Materials and prevent the Temple Type Treasure Shrine from manifesting again.

And the results were certainly evident.

The Phantoms that poured out of the Treasure Shrine were not particularly strong. At least, they were not strong enough to break through the formation I had set up. The Phantoms were far weaker than those in the original Temple Type Treasure Shrine, and this was undoubtedly due to a lack of Mana Materials. This also proves that the decision made by the Emperor of Zebrudia at that time to relocate the Capital was correct.

Within the Empire, it was judged that this incident was akin to a natural disaster.

There were no casualties, and if the Capital had not been relocated, an even more powerful Treasure Shrine would have appeared here, causing damage that would be incomparable to what we have now. No one could be blamed, not the Hunters or the Knight Orders, for not resolving the incident quickly…… Or so it should have been.

All of that was shattered. By the testimony of 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 who had been summoned――.

You did it, you say? Moreover, saying that in such a public place――That is just the worst.

A mastermind has emerged in an incident that was supposedly no one’s fault. This is no laughing matter, it has become a situation that cannot be brushed off lightly.

Honesty is a virtue, you say!? What is that man thinking! Providing unnecessary information while withholding essential details, he is truly the worst.

And what’s more, you did it, you say?

If he hadn’t been able to prevent it, he would still have been forgiven, but what the hell does he mean that he was the one who did it!

“Let’s hear everyone’s opinions.” (Radrick)

The Emperor, renowned for his capabilities, sighs and seeks our opinions.

“…… Well, if you think about it in accordance with the Empire’s law, it would be capital punishment or, at best, exile.” (Noble)

“That man has never been cooperative with the Empire before. It’s a miracle that a mere Hunter hasn’t been exiled until now.” (Noble)

That is ridiculous. It is because he is not just a mere Hunter that he has not been exiled. It is strange that this man has never been charged with a crime before, but it is only natural.

I certainly wanted to throw 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 in prison. However, that was solely intended to hold him accountable for violating his suspension and taking action, but if his charge were to become the release of the Phantoms, the matter would become far too serious.

Indeed, according to the Empire’s law, capital punishment or permanent exile would be appropriate. After all, he committed an act that even the most deranged criminal would not commit. However, I have to say that this would be undeniably far too short-sighted.

There, one of the nobles then raised an objection.

“Hold on, hold on, hold on. We must not forget, about our diplomatic relationship with Yggdra. If we execute 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 now, our diplomatic relationship may be reduced to nothing.” (Noble)

“That’s ridiculous………… I heard that “Princess Serene (Serene-kojou)” is quite keen on this. Even if they have a connection, wiping the state clean just because we punish a criminal is not something a national representative should do, and her people would never allow this.” (Noble)

No――”Princess Serene (Serene-kojou)” would definitely do it. And the other residents of Yggdra would not object to her decision. In other words, Yggdra is a dictatorial state with “Princess Serene (Serene-kojou)” at its head.

The Emperor wields immense power in Zebrudia, but the power that “Princess Serene (Serene-kojou)” wields in Yggdra is incomparable. To the people of Yggdra, Serene Yggdra Frestel is a god who is very close to them. If she says yes, it is yes, and if she says no, it is no. The high-ranking Spirit People who are her aides may give her their opinions, but they never object to her decisions.

“It would be bad to scrap the plans to establish diplomatic relations with Yggdra now. You know how much is riding on this, right? Moreover, there is also the fact that many countries are eyeing that position.” (Noble)

That is right. The reason the Empire was bustling despite the mysterious Spirited Away incident was because it was overshadowed by an even greater event, the establishment of diplomatic relations with Yggdra. If that event were to disappear now, it would be the biggest blunder since the founding of the Empire, and “Princess Serene (Serene-kojou)”, a free spirit who casually tours the Imperial Capital, is extremely popular within the Empire.

And exiling 《Inginite Variety (Senpen Banka)》 is an even worse option.

That guy is the worst, but he is also extremely competent. Even this time, as soon as he took action, the incident started to move toward its resolution. What he did was despicable, but such despicable acts aren’t something you can just decide to do. Even if he were a criminal, there are many countries that would want to recruit him.

“But we cannot let him off scot-free. The law is the law.” (Noble)

“Exactly! Since he confessed his crimes, we have no choice but to punish him.” (Franz)

I clench my fist as hard as I can in response to the opinions raised and declare this. Of course. Zebrudia is a country governed by law. No matter how inconvenient it may be, we must judge those who have committed a crime to set an example for our subjects. Especially since he has confessed.

“B-But, there are no casualties, right? I heard that Franz-kyo quickly deployed all forces.” (Noble)

That is right. There were no casualties――At least, no deaths in this incident.

No, it is not just this time. Up until now, there has never been a single death in a commotion caused by 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》.

In other words, as infuriating as it is, it means that that man has completely read all my movements this time. He has predicted that I would wake up the sleeping Hunters and Knights and prepare to be at full strength. And he assumed that those members would be able to deal with the appearance of the Phantoms.

Everything, absolutely everything, is in the palm of 《Infinite Variety’s (Senpen Banka)》 hand. And even now, that man is probably enjoying imagining us running around in confusion. What could be worse than this?

At that moment, one of the nobles, Gladys-kyo, known as the Sword of the Empire, suddenly speaks as if he has remembered something.

“…… Speaking of which, I have heard rumors that this man has a habit of testing people. Apparently, he subjects them to trials to push them to the very limits of their abilities, regardless of whether they accept it or not.” (Gladys)

“………… So, in other words, Gladys-kyo, are you saying that he was testing Franz-kyo?” (Noble)

What he said caused a stir in the conference room. Normally, testing a noble would be unthinkable.

But that man would do it. Regardless of whether the other person is a noble, a colleague, or a friend――That is the man I investigated and experienced firsthand, the man known as 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》.

Thanks for reading!

Cry: You were too slow and incompetent, so I had to move my ass from my chair and resolve the issue. Cry’s provocation skill showing up after a long time and hasn’t rusted at all.

Nooo, we only have 1 more episode after this episode! Did I plan everything to have the last episode on the last chapter of this arc? I will let you think about the answer, but let’s say I pull the same move as Cry ;D Cry’s smug face when he thought his magic finally blossomed was hilarious, but poor Kruz-kaeru even I feel bad when Cry crushed her. Too bad we didn’t have more bits with Cry and Lucia when he tried to transform water into juice and Lucia being all tsun tsun. We finally have the boxing fight between Cry and Car-kun! Does Cry look weak when fighting Car-kun or is it Car-kun that is too strong… No one knows! We finally have the full Sheet Ghosts team! I never expected them to doodle a face on the sheet and they each have their specificities! They are sooooo cute! Term is so funny too with his misunderstanding about Kruz relationship with Cry, thumbs up! Guys, did you notice that on the box Sytry prepared for Cry, there was 1 box with different colors? I wonder what is inside! Must be something very important for what might happen next and is it just me or the symbol looks like a fox! Apprentice-Ghost so cute, wanting Cry’s headpat but sadly, Thief-Ghost isn’t going to let that happen. And the Sheet Ghosts on the Ninja-kite move! Obviously, it was going to be hit by lightning! Thank goodness Apprentice-Ghost did a lightning training earlier in the season! Term and Kecha finally made their move to assassinate the Emperor! How is Comfortable Cry going to save everyone, is it linked with the light that we see a little bit further!? Yoo in the trailer for the next episode, not only we are finally going to see Imouto Kitsune, we also have Cry rapping his name, but when you listen to it, he say Kr-y-hi An-dri-ch-hi! Another season confirmed!? Am I smoking too much hopium!? Sniff, this episode went by so fast, and next episode already is the last one… Noooo I don’t want it to eeeeend TT.TT