Chapter 78

When I was locked in the interrogation room and had my legs shackled to the floor, the person who came in was Minister Blow Soar.

"It's you..."

"Calling me 'you' to a sitting minister, huh?"

Blow sat down in the chair opposite with a wry smile.

"I don't feel the need to lower myself even if I'm treated like a criminal."

"I see, so you claim it's a miscarriage of justice."

"Of course it is. Or are you saying I should just be crushed without doing anything?"

"Depending on the situation."

I glared back at Blow, who replied coolly, with a murderous intent.

"Hey, Hag and Yarai... What happened to the dwarf and elf who defeated the buffalo?"

"I don't feel the need to answer."

"Come on, just answer."

"Do you think you're in a position to demand an answer?"

"I have the right to know."

"You have no such right. Your poaching is already clear. ...By the way, have you heard of the Sea Dragon?"

"Huh?"

I didn't understand what he was saying.

"Do you have any evidence of poaching?"

"The presence of the buffalo's corpse, the lack of a commission from the Commercial Guild, and hunting without permission are clear."

"That's not the point! If you want it, just take the buffalo's corpse or whatever!"

"Of course, we have already seized the corpse as important evidence."

"Shit!"

These guys have already decided on my sentence!

"Adding to your insults to the minister, you also evaded answering the question about the Sea Dragon, which confirms that you are a member of the Sea Dragon."

"What?! Even if I insulted you, what the hell is the Sea Dragon? That's too sudden to even answer!"

Blow let out a deep breath.

"Hmm. Even if you were trying to evade, it was a poor attempt. I thought you were more capable, but I overestimated you. However, if you are a member of the Sea Dragon, everything fits. Your approach to Miss Veriello and your defiance of His Majesty, the King, all make sense."

"Hey, don't just come to your own conclusions! I don't understand a thing! Are you saying the Sea Dragon is some kind of organization?"

"You dug your own grave. I didn't say what the Sea Dragon is. The fact that you recognized it as an organization is your loss."

"Huh?! No, any way you look at it, it's clear from what you said that it's the name of some organization! You called me a member!"

I barked, but it was like talking to a tree for Blow.

He spread his hands to shoulder level and shook his head, a pose that seemed to say "Oh well."

"That's a poor excuse. I'm disappointed, Akira. The idea that you were a member of the Resistance..."

"What?! Shit! So this is your scenario! You're the one who's being ridiculous! Who would believe this!"

"I do."

"...You never intended to listen to me from the start..."

"What are you talking about?"

I was incredibly angry.

"Tell me one thing. When did you come up with this scenario?"

"I don't understand what you mean."

"When I was next to the buffalo's corpse? Last night? Or..."

"That's a waste of time. I have to consult with the judicial department and report to His Majesty next."

"What's the ending of your scenario? What do you gain by framing someone like me?"

"Please spend your remaining short life meaningfully. Goodbye."

Blow Soar ignored all my words and left the room.

"Who benefits from this scenario?"

I muttered quietly.

Of course, no one answered.

---

Thrown into the cell for the third time, I shouted at the soldiers, and they spat at me. Shit.

After confirming that the soldiers were gone, I cleaned the spot with a cleaning tool and then wiped it hard with a handkerchief. It was meaningless, but it was a matter of principle.

I leaned against the wall and sat down, trying to gather my thoughts.

It seemed the situation was even worse than I had anticipated. I was framed. No, my situation was being used. I couldn't believe that the stray buffalo was a setup.

But who benefits from framing me as a member of the Resistance?

I'm just a merchant, and a traveling one at that. How could anyone in this country be so stupid as to think I'm a member of the Resistance?

No, that's not it. At least that guy, Blow Soar, is smart. So it must be a conspiracy.

Conspiracy theories, huh...?

But this is a real crisis, don't look away.

So, if it's a conspiracy, what's the purpose?

The most likely possibility is to frame Chelina...

But even if that's the case, treason is too much. I don't know the laws of this country, but in this feudal society, treason probably means the death penalty.

So, using the threat of treason to frame Chelina seems a bit unrealistic. The pig king probably just wants Chelina herself.

Even if I'm framed, it doesn't make sense that Chelina would be within reach. My relationship with Chelina is just that of a business partner. Even if I'm a consultant, there are limits.

This is bad, I don't understand at all.

I held my head in my hands.

...

At that moment, I didn't realize that the premise was fundamentally different.

Chelina's feelings, my position, and my value—all the premises were wrong.

---

Late at night.

I decided to act when the guards were at their fewest, after confirming multiple times that the corridor was empty.

Today was just for preparation. I had no intention of acting immediately.

One fear was that I might be executed or put in a situation where I couldn't move tomorrow, but with the limited information, the risk of acting unprepared was too high. I might get more information tomorrow.

There was a slim chance that Chelina could get me released. At least some action might be taken.

But from today's situation, that possibility seemed very slim.

Blow said, "I will consult with the judicial department and report to His Majesty."

So, I don't think I'll be executed tomorrow. I hope not.

I should consider the worst-case scenario, but if I do, I'll have to act immediately, and the risk of failure due to lack of preparation is too high.

...Right, if I have to act, it would be tomorrow night or the night after.

I decided on that and thought about what I needed to do now.

The top priority is escaping from this castle. But is that even possible?

By myself?

No way. No matter how I think about it.

Then what should I do?

If I can't do it alone, I should do it with others. Fortunately, this ant-like underground prison seems to hold a lot of people, and they all seem dissatisfied with their environment. If I could free them, they would be strong allies. Or decoys. But our positions wouldn't change, including mine. It's worth the risk.

Now, I need to think of a way to free them.

And so, I delved into the depths of my thoughts.

I would be incredibly grateful if you could rate, bookmark, and leave a review.

I'm also accepting feedback and comments.