Chapter 20

Let's start solving the mystery.

First, regarding who gave false testimony, it turns out that Villager A and B were lying.

When asked if they saw anything strange or suspicious, Villager A to C all claimed they had been drinking all night and couldn't remember anything.

It is known that Gals, the second son of the Filere family, died, but the time of his death has not been made public.

However, by saying "at night," it indicates that they knew Gals died at night.

Next, why did they give false testimony? Considering the personalities of the people in Oren Village, the culprit must be someone from the village.

Moreover, the person they wanted to protect and who could create an opportunity to talk to the nobles is almost certainly one person.

"Village Chief, why did you kill the second son of the Filere family?"

"Is that so, Aul? I can't hide anything from you. Hahaha, you're quite the boy, Aul."

"Lady Mire, as the lady of this domain, could you also hear the reason?"

"The reason is that the noble tried to kill Aul and forcibly take Mire away. ... I am truly grateful to Aul. And I love this village very much. That's why I couldn't forgive it!! How could that lowly brat, using his status, try to kill Aul! ... I just couldn't forgive it!"

"But what did you do with the weapon?"

"Ah, that's..."

"Rock salt, right? Village Chief."

"Hahaha, I can't match you, Aul. That's right. It was for the skewers for the four-eyed wild bull. Moreover, it wouldn't leave any evidence once used."

As the truth came to light, a silence fell over the scene, and words slipped from Lady Mire's mouth.

"By the way, do horned rabbits appear near this village?"

Only Albus and Aul understood the meaning of these words instantly.

"Of course, they do."

The Village Chief seemed to have no idea.

"I see, the weapon wasn't found in the village, and there were no witnesses. The stab wound to the heart closely resembles an injury from a horned rabbit's horn. Isn't that right, Albus?"

"Hehehe... That's right. There's no other explanation but that it was the work of a monster."

"What...?"

"Albus, I need you to report as well. I'll handle the general cleanup, but I need your help."

"That's one favor you owe me."

"Ah, that's fine. If you want, you can take Aul for a set period. How about that to even things out?"

"That's a tempting offer. Then, let's do that. It will make things easier with the young lady. Hehehe."

"Not that! Can't I take responsibility alone?"

The Village Chief insisted on taking responsibility alone, but in reality, the death of a noble's son couldn't be resolved with just the Village Chief's head.

Moreover, the deceased was the disliked Gals. Rather than making things complicated, it was better to claim he was killed by a monster.

"Aul, do you understand?"

"Hmm, I understand. I like the Village Chief, and I've been taken care of by Lady Mire."

"It's all because of my unnecessary actions... I'm truly sorry!"

Even though Aul was only 10 years old, the Village Chief, who bowed deeply to apologize, showed that he truly saw Aul as a person.

"Village Chief, please stand up. I was actually happy. You were thinking about me, the village, and Mire, right? So, it's fine. But please consult with us next time. We might come up with a better plan. Still, thank you."

All that could be heard was the sobbing of the usually kind and reliable Village Chief.

Despite everything, the incident was announced as the work of a horned rabbit. It was best to keep the number of people who knew the truth to a minimum, and those who did know were strictly warned to keep quiet.

The harvest festival continued without incident, and although it wasn't entirely smooth, it came to an end.

Incidentally, my stall won the vote, so I successfully acquired two cows.

Lady Mire had already returned to the capital. She was apparently going to quickly compile the details of the incident to prevent any leaks and smooth things over.

It was a major event for a noble from another domain to die in her territory, and she had to handle the response.

Later, I would send a large amount of sweets to make amends.

"Hehehe, Lord Aul, would three days be enough for preparation? I'll explain to your parents."

"Yes, please do. By the way, how long will I be going?"

"Well, you'll be a guest, and with the season being winter, how about until next spring?"

"Wh-What!? That long!?"

"I can't say for sure, but I'd like you to stay until our cook can make your sweets. Of course, you'll be compensated, and the recipes won't be disclosed. We can even make a contract if you wish."

"… I'll discuss the details with my parents, but I understand the content. However, my sweets are quite expensive, you know?"

"Hehe, please be lenient. I'll try to persuade your parents."

Returning home with Albus, my father was quite surprised. It was understandable, given that I came back with someone in obviously expensive clothes.

On the other hand, my mother was calm, which was strange.

When I shifted my gaze to Albus, he was momentarily surprised upon seeing my mother, then seemed to understand something and bowed politely.

… Could my mother really be that beautiful, beyond what a brainy gorilla's wife would be?

The persuasion of my parents went smoothly, and I was indeed going to the capital until next spring. Both Albus and my parents said that spring was the plan but not a certainty.

While preparing for the capital and explaining the situation to Mire, she was initially upset but perked up after my mother said something. "I'll practice more magic! And I'll take care of Shia's magic education! And, and, I'll work hard on my bridal training!"

… There are several things I want to comment on, but I'll be back next spring, okay? Well, effort is a good thing, so I won't say anything about that.

"Aul, make sure to eat well in the capital. Take care of your health. And read this letter when you arrive in the capital. Got it? After you arrive."

"Okay, Mom. I'll bring back some souvenirs!"

"Oh, that's great! Bring back something you like. And make sure to stock up on cookies before you leave."

So, I made a lot of cookies, and since I was at it, I made some more elaborate ones for the duchess's daughter.

Finally, the day came to leave for the capital. My parents, Shia, Mire, and the Village Chief were at the village entrance, even though it was early in the morning.

The Village Chief stepped forward.

"Aul, I've heard the capital is a tough place. But I believe you can handle it. I'm truly grateful to you. You are the pride of our village. Good luck."

Encouraged by the Village Chief's words, I was more determined to finish quickly and return home.

"See you, I'm off to the capital for a bit!"

On the way to the capital in the carriage, Albus taught me about driving, basic knowledge of the capital, and how to camp. Initially, I was anxious, but Albus's teaching was so good that I quickly learned.

We easily repelled a weak monster attack and learned how to take night watches.

We also encountered bandits, but I'll tell that story another time.

As we approached the massive walls and gates of the capital, I remembered my mother's letter and decided to read it a bit early.

What...?

"Wh-Wh-Wh-What!?!?!"

My scream echoed. I'll update gradually.

I'd be happy if you could rate and bookmark this.