Chapter 68

"――Let go, I said! Who do you think I am!"

While shouting, Greg and the others involved in this incident were led away from the Knight's Tower by the soldiers. They were to undergo a magical inquisition. Normally, such high-ranking individuals would not be subjected to a magical inquisition, but this time, it was inevitable. With credible witnesses like Mercedes and Chester, and a bungler like Jasper, it couldn't be helped. Greg, of course, and those close to him would also be interrogated in some form.

I, on the other hand, put forward the condition that I would go to the castle as a party involved, and got Sheela to agree to return home. I can present evidence, so I can handle things alone.

"Sir, how did you reach the scene?"

"I followed Jasper and the others after my companion noticed they were being tailed."

"……You say it so casually…… I feel sorry for them."

The soldier's face, who was taking my statement, was strained even though he was smiling. I had to explain the sequence of events, but the treatment I received was worlds apart from that of Greg and the others. If this were modern Japan, I would probably be grilled in detail, but thanks to the magical inquisition, I don't have to waste time on unnecessary interrogations. In such situations, it's a blessing.

"I understand. That's enough. I will guide you, please come with me."

After answering a few more simple questions, I was led by the soldier to a room in the guest house.

"Although it's unlikely, please wait inside the castle for a while. If you need anything, just call the servants, and they will ensure you are comfortable."

"Understood."

The soldier bowed and left the room. A short while later, Mercedes and Chester entered the room, replacing the soldier.

"Lord Theodor, you were here."

"It's a relief to see that neither of you were seriously injured."

"Being captured was a bitter pill to swallow."

Mercedes shook her head and smiled slightly. Even though it was a surprise attack, being taken prisoner was a humiliation.

"Nevertheless, Lord Theodor is a savior to me and my subordinates. Please allow me to express my gratitude."

"I also want to thank you."

The two of them bowed their heads.

"It was just a matter of shared interests, so there's no need to be so formal."

"Even so, it's not that simple."

Mercedes smiled wryly. …Mercedes, despite her light words and attitude, seemed rather down.

"I promised not to get involved, yet I caused you trouble. …I will take my leave now. I have a lot to think about."

Chester said this and left the room. Watching his back, Mercedes shrugged.

"Your fighting style was quite a shock. I was surprised too."

Mercedes continued. …The shock refers to my method of subduing the enemies. It must have been a stark contrast to Chester's principles, and Mercedes probably felt a greater impact than Chester. However, I think my methods are extreme, so I wouldn't want them to be used as a standard. The roles of knights and mages are entirely different.

"Indeed, it was harsh, but I believe it was the right thing to do. It aligns with the instructions I received from the Knight Commander."

"…Is the Knight Commander a rather intimidating person?"

"Not as much as you were at the time. Now, he just seems his age."

I could only smile ambiguously. As I talked with Mercedes about the dungeon, a voice from the corridor said, "He's back!" The corridor and the outside of the window became noisy.

Looking out the window, I saw Fernando walking from the dungeon to the training ground, a broad smile on his face.

"…Wasn't he caught before he got here?"

"He was brought to the castle to prevent him from causing a disturbance or fleeing in the city. …It seems he has greatly displeased His Majesty."

Mercedes looked towards the tower. Following her gaze, I saw King Melvin on the balcony.

"Your Majesty, it is an honor to see you."

Fernando's smile disappeared when he recognized King Melvin, but he seemed to see it as an opportunity to report directly to the king.

"Hmm. Sir Fernando, did something interesting happen?"

King Melvin, who was acknowledging Fernando's bow, asked with a slight smile, but his eyes were not smiling. Fernando and Greg's actions had clearly angered the king.

"Yes. …I have a rather bad report."

"Tell me."

"I met soldiers from Sir Mercedes' exploration team. They said they were attacked by a horde of monsters in the Twilight Forest and escaped using the transfer stone."

Next to me, Mercedes closed her eyes and shook her head. …Wow… That's all I can think. Is this part of King Melvin's disciplinary measures? Making him explain in public and showing his incompetence as a warning to others.

"I immediately went to the dungeon with the soldier… but it was too late. The place he led me to had only a few bloodstains, and there was no sign of Sir Mercedes' team. I searched the Twilight Forest for her."

Fernando put his hand on his forehead as if he were feeling dizzy, and dramatically lamented. He seemed to be a good actor… but it was pathetic.

"I spent a considerable amount of time searching, but I could not find Sir Mercedes. The soldier who guided me was also killed by a monster during the search. Thinking of his regret, my heart is torn. I wanted to continue searching the Twilight Forest as long as my strength held, but I had to return due to unavoidable circumstances."

"…Hmm. What circumstances?"

King Melvin's voice was relatively calm, but it was slightly trembling with anger. Fernando, who was deeply into his role, didn't notice and continued.

"Yes. Despite the difficult decision, I had to return to the castle immediately to report a significant discovery. I am concerned about Sir Mercedes' safety, but…"

Fernando said proudly.

"I have fulfilled the king's command. I report that I discovered the sealed door in the Twilight Forest."

"Hmm. You fulfilled my command?"

"Yes. The door with the relief carvings is undoubtedly the sealed door we were looking for. A fellow adventurer tried to open the door but suffered burns on his hand."

"Hmm. Then tell me, what were the carvings like?"

King Melvin extended his hand to a nearby attendant, who respectfully handed him a piece of paper.

…Ah. That paper is…

"Yes. Several spheres and ellipses overlapping—"

"Was it something like this?"

King Melvin thrust the paper towards Fernando. Fernando's expression froze when he saw it.

The paper was a new one I made after coming to the castle. It had a copy of the relief from the Caduceus pressed onto it. While it could serve as proof of my discovery, the one I gave to Mercedes was likely recovered by Greg and disposed of, so I made a new one.

"Do you think I know nothing?"

King Melvin glared at the frozen Fernando.

"Mercedes and Chester have already returned to me. Greg's treachery is known to me. Now, Fernando, do you have anything to say for yourself?"

"A… eh? What?"

Only then did Fernando notice the veins on King Melvin's temples. He looked around nervously and, noticing the fully armed soldiers everywhere, his face turned pale.

"There is no need to wait for the inquisition. Take him away. If he resists, cut him down."

King Melvin, looking displeased, turned and walked back into the building. The soldiers moved in unison at this signal.

"U, o, oh!"

The situation was decided, and I was pondering something when a strange turn of events occurred. Fernando, with nowhere to run, swung his sword to fend off the soldiers and fled into the guest house where I was. Mercedes and I exchanged glances.

No. Even if there are fewer guards, running into a building is a dead end. When cornered, judgment goes out the window…