Chapter 67

It was well said that the High Priest Reul is a monster of convention, Sora sent heartfelt praise to the one who named him.

"Following the established path, there's not even a slight opening. What to do...?"

He had even tried mapping out the relationships, but he couldn't find a single way to win. Reul's plan was nearly perfect from Sora's perspective. It wasn't entirely perfect, but there was no way to disrupt the plan other than assassinating Salon, the next heir. Sora had excluded the assassination of Salon from his options. Even if he assassinated Salon, it would be publicized by the church, and his rule after inheriting the barony would not go smoothly. The people were followers of the church, after all.

Reul's thinking was clear. If he could make Salon the heir, he would take over the Kleinzelt territory as a puppet. If Salon were assassinated, he would tarnish Sora's reputation and use the people's revolution as leverage to take over the Kleinzelt territory from behind the scenes. No matter which way it went, Reul would not only avoid losing but also achieve his goal.

A monster who could perfectly execute the most conventional strategy. That was the true nature of the High Priest Reul, the monster of convention. However,

"Unfortunately, I've never played my pieces according to the established path."

With a mischievous grin, Sora called out to Lazette and instructed her to gather everyone in the conference room. After a while, when the gathered companions looked at Sora, he declared:

"This time, we can't win."

Everyone's eyes widened in shock at his sudden resignation.

"So, let's not win. We'll aim for a draw."

"I don't understand at all. It's incomprehensible."

When Lazette protested, Sora held up both hands to stop her. Chaff, who had been watching with a bewildered look, leaned his elbow on the conference table.

"I understand that we can't win, but I don't understand your thinking."

"It's not like it's a new thing..."

When Sanya muttered, everyone nodded in agreement.

"That's it. Sora-sama's sanity is to do completely serious but crazy things, so it's normal not to understand."

"Haha, indeed, that's true."

While Lylu fiddled with a ship model and casually said something harsh, Zess burst out laughing, clutching his stomach. Next to him, Cole nodded solemnly several times.

"You guys are too harsh. Gorge, are you on my side? Don't look away."

"There's no denying it. I'll cast my vote for Lord Lylu."

"You traitor. Anyway, let's move on."

With a disgruntled look, Sora cut to the chase about the countermeasures.

"I'll explain the plan, but don't get angry, okay?"

Sora cast a glance at Chaff. With a puzzled look, Chaff listened as Sora continued.

"First, I want to buy some time to prepare. Chaff, my stripping of the title is supposed to take place in the capital, right?"

"Yeah, the king will take back the title before granting it to Salon Kleinzelt. There will be a handover, so we'll need to stay in the capital for a few days."

Chaff answered. To prepare for any contingencies, not only Salon but also Baron Kleinzelt and High Priest Reul would come.

"Delay the summons to the capital as much as possible without it seeming unnatural. At least a week. I'll ask Duke Belts to help."

"...Understood. I'll do it."

Chaff reluctantly agreed, though he looked reluctant. For the serious and conscientious Chaff, interfering with the king's decree was not something he wanted to do, but given the situation, he had no choice.

"Zess, go to the sea and gather seaweed, squid, and fish. Cole, buy lottery tickets in the capital and exchange them for a certain stone. I'll tell you what it is later, but it's urgent, so get ready to leave. Lylu, make a substance called agar by solidifying the seaweed. I'll give you the method later. Sanya, prepare the magic, improve the cooking magic to stabilize at around 36 degrees."

"There, you've started something strange again."

When Sanya said this, everyone chuckled. Sora, who had decided to be straightforward, puffed out his chest.

"Got a problem with that?"

"Nope."

"Then get to it."

With a nod, Sanya and the others stood up. Gorge looked at Sora sideways, hoping to be given a task. Sora waited for everyone except Lazette and Gorge to leave the room before turning to them with a serious face.

"Alright, I want to entrust the cleanup after the plan's success to Lazette and Gorge."

"Are you worried about the aftermath now?"

Lazette tilted her head.

"There's a high chance I won't be around. If it succeeds, I'll probably be arrested in the capital."

Seeing Sora scratch the back of his head in frustration, Gorge raised an eyebrow.

"What do you intend to do?"

"Heretical acts and good deeds."

"Those are contradictory, aren't they?"

Gorge strained to guess what his lord intended to do.

"It's not a big deal. Chaff would get angry if he knew, but fortunately, he's been kicked out, so I'll tell you."

Sora calmly explained the entire plan. As the story progressed, Gorge's eyes widened in shock. Leaving the stunned Gorge behind, Lazette looked at Sora intently.

"Your plan will result in your death, won't it, Lord Sora?"

"I don't intend to die. That's why I want you to run as soon as you finish the cleanup."

Sora said, pulling a piece of paper from his pocket. Lazette, who took the paper, read it thoroughly and sighed deeply.

"I see, that's why you left us behind."

Handing the paper to Gorge, Lazette's voice sounded tired, as if she was already exhausted by the troublesome task. Sora nodded at the two, who understood.

"That's right. I'm counting on you."

With that, Sora left the conference room.

"Those guys will manage even if I die."

Laughing, Sora looked out the window from the corridor, grateful for his good companions.

"Well, I'll take steps to avoid dying, I guess."

June 16th revision