Chapter 30

"Seize that man. He's a traitor."

Sora pointed at the man with his index finger, addressing the guard. His words and his unchildlike behavior only added to the confusion in the room. The guards, who were used to seeing Sora without his act, were the first to recover and looked at the guard protecting Gaist. However, they hadn't yet grasped the reason why he was being treated as a traitor.

Anticipating this, Sora spoke up.

"I'm not using magic. It's clear from the fact that the reaction stone the Second Bishop is holding isn't glowing. That man intends to frame me, the heir of the Kleinzelt family, as a mage and execute me in the name of the gods. He's even surrounded the manor with his men. It's irrefutable evidence."

Sora's accusation was a frame-up, but the circumstantial evidence supported his argument. The guards exchanged glances and nodded, quickly restraining the guard. Gaist's guard, who was about to resist, was stopped by his own employer. Causing a commotion against the lord's army would make him a traitor.

Despite his confused mind, Gaist remained calm. Sora was impressed by his response but didn't show it on his face.

"Heir, we have not conspired to rebel."

Gaist met Sora's gaze and defended himself with a forced smile, trying to appear composed despite his inner turmoil.

"We were just chasing the maid over there."

Gaist pointed at Lazzette, pleading his innocence. However, Sora didn't flinch.

"Of course, you couldn't face the lord's army head-on, so you chose a hostage. As the heir's attendant, I could have thrown a tantrum to stop the lord's army from advancing, preventing any aggressive action."

Gaist's eyes widened. Sora had turned the fact that he was chasing Lazzette against him.

"Too bad you couldn't catch her."

Sora smiled. It was a smile of overwhelming confidence, the smile of a victor. Gaist finally realized he had been manipulated. He understood that the outer defenses had been sealed, leaving no room for explanation.

"...When did you start planning this?"

When did the plan begin? What was in that glass bottle? Was he really not using magic? Gaist searched for the mastermind behind all the questions that flashed through his mind.

"Ms. Lazzette, did you do this?"

Gaist glared at Lazzette with a look of resentment. Lazzette shrugged and looked at Sora. Sora briefly smiled wryly but quickly composed himself and addressed Gaist.

"Gaist, as a Second Bishop, you are a member of the church, correct?"

Sora's question made Gaist wary, suspecting a trap. The heir must have been influenced by Lazzette, he thought. Carefully considering his options, Gaist decided to answer only the facts.

"That's correct."

"Good. Then I demand that you hand over the church believer who is a traitor."

Gaist's thoughts froze. The moment he grasped the true meaning of the demand, a cold sweat ran down his spine. As a high-ranking member of the church, he could never accept this demand. It meant abandoning a believer to their death. Treason was a capital offense, and the guard would certainly be executed if handed over.

However, Gaist didn't value the guard's life. Abandoning him was an option. But if it became known that he had abandoned the guard, he would be ostracized by the believers, and his achievements would crumble like a house of cards. Moreover, all the believers he could mobilize were present here. Gaist didn't want to go against the church's teachings. Yet, he couldn't refuse to hand over the guard either. If he did, he and Lazzette, along with everyone who had chased the guard, would be treated as accomplices and arrested. But if he handed over the guard, Gaist and Sharina could still make excuses.

Which choice would he make? Gaist's heart raced as his thoughts spun. Blood rushed to his overworked brain. There must be a way. He recalled the method the church used when a believer was sentenced to death.

Excommunication. Excommunication would make the believer no longer a member of the church. In the capital, the high priest would do it directly, but in distant areas, the agreement of all First Bishops was required. However, this time, there would be those who would oppose Gaist, trying to take over the Ogallite trade. Power and influence were like a drug.

Sora continued to look at Gaist as if he were a broken toy, now completely immobilized.

"Hand him over, right now."

Sora's sharp tone was cold and devoid of any mercy. The guards, who had gathered upon hearing about the small fire caused by the glass bottle, made resistance or escape impossible. Gaist lowered his head, his thoughts grinding to a halt as he stood on the edge of despair.

"Master Sora, may I have a moment?"

Suddenly, a woman's voice echoed in the room. Gaist, realizing it was Lazzette, felt a surge of anger, thinking she was still trying to corner him.

"What is it?"

Sora replied curtly.

"These people have gathered out of respect for the Second Bishop. Perhaps you could grant them a pardon in recognition of his virtue?"

Gaist was confused by Lazzette's words. Her proposal was undoubtedly a lifeline for Gaist, but it was strange for her to offer help to someone she had just been opposing. Gaist couldn't understand her motives.

"Instead of handing over the traitor, let the virtuous Second Bishop reform him."

"A traitor? I don't think there's any room for reform."

"What if, in the event of a second act of treason, such as harm coming to Master Sora's friends, Mr. Gaist would also be held responsible?"

Sora appeared to consider Lazzette's proposal for a moment. In reality, this was a prearranged strategy. They had decided to stage this to avoid being seen as the masterminds behind the Second Bishop's downfall, which could cause trouble later.

"Gaist, will you accept Lazzette's proposal?"

Sora asked. Gaist would likely remember this exchange, which could affect his future. If he harmed the children, it would be considered treason, and the lack of specific actions meant that Sora's approval was necessary for any future interactions. Gaist carefully considered the proposal. If he rejected it, he would be socially and physically dead. There was no other choice but to nod.