Chapter 68

EP.68 Senate-3

The Senate was nothing more than a collection of colorless entities. Nowadays, it was a dull fortress made of ash-gray bricks, and the surrounding area, covered in white snow, was even somewhat frightening.

Moreover, with the night's time draped over the sky, the atmosphere became even more chilling.

And most importantly...

“The lion...is actually...vile...and the wolf...is factional...even the white tiger I trusted...haha...”

A woman with an ashen face muttered beside him, creating a scene that was impossible to find more chilling.

[Why did you act so foolishly?]

<Do you think I did it because I wanted to? >

If you think about it, the fault lies with Sir Chris, who was still immersed in the fantasies of fairy tales even at his age. Just from those few words, his mind had half-collapsed, and the fact that he immediately opened the door now was proof enough.

[But was that really such a shock?]

If you think about it, Leo had merely explained a natural fact through his studies.

<...If I knew, I would have comforted you.>

[Cruel guy.]

Even under such criticism, Leonardo didn't flinch. Originally, this would help Sir Chris's dignity in many ways.

“Here...”

Now completely pale, Chris led him to the grand entrance. In the center of the door, the holy sword and lion emblem symbolizing Reinhardt were clearly depicted.

<...It's been a long time.>

Standing in front of the door, he was reminded of the past. In the old days, it took several years to stand before this door, but now he could enter after just two years and a few months.

“Your expression of honor is pleasant to see, but it's best not to be too reassured.”

Seeing his absorbed expression, Chris, with a face that had regained some color, advised him.

“The people here are those who have driven stakes deep into the heart of Reinhardt.”

Indeed, he was the one who had most painfully realized this.

“I understand. I will keep it in mind.”

“Then let's go in.”

Chris pushed open the grand door with both hands. Inside, a massive marble round table was visible.

At the center of the round table, the old figures sat in order. They were all warriors and knights who had shared in Reinhardt's glory.

And the most prominent and distinguished figure sat in the largest and most prominent chair.

“I greet the Senate Chairman, Jairon Reinhardt.”

He bowed his head and knees to Jairon, the greatest pillar of Reinhardt. The traditional greeting surprised everyone slightly.

“...Do you know me?”

Jairon could deliver weighty words even with his wrinkled lips. The weight of his words gave a sense of the name Reinhardt he carried.

“I know the honorable name of Jairon Reinhardt and the high honor that comes with it. However, the history and achievements you have built are beyond my limited experience to measure.”

His statement was dignified yet seemed flattering, and with his low posture, the senators were reassessing Leonardo's character with a conservative mindset.

In contrast, those who originally knew Leonardo looked at him with slightly disappointed eyes, as if he was no different from the rest.

“Lift your head.”

At those words, Leonardo raised his head. The gazes that pierced him were not just unfriendly but filled with threatening intent, infused with mana.

[What do these people, who haven't even reached half my age, think they've done to glare at me like that?]

In fact, he was used to such gazes, and dealing with old men had become familiar to him, thanks to the ghost beside him.

“I will now begin the hearing. Answer immediately when asked.”

The hearing started immediately, not giving any room for relaxation but rather tightening the noose.

Without even acknowledging his understanding, they began their questions arbitrarily.

“First, answer about the Sage's Legacy.”

The start of a hearing always targets something that seems like the subject's fault. Naturally, the subject being questioned would have nothing to hide, so they would unconsciously feel at ease.

“I want to ask first if there was no immediate report on such a significant matter. Why not?”

The Senate's

smooth talkers were adept at finding and stirring up such unexpected points. By slowly uncovering faults through questions, they aimed to eliminate the subject's legitimacy and diminish the value of their achievements, a despicable but surprisingly effective strategy.

“I judged that reporting would be dangerous.”

But such a barrage of questions was also Leonardo's forte.

“The first ‘Ring of Tranquility and Peace’ I found is a type of bonded magical artifact; once worn, it cannot be removed.”

Based on the facts,

“If I reported in such a situation, some mages would have tried to take the ring by any means necessary.”

He wrapped additional reasons and justifications around the facts.

“In that case, I could not guarantee the safety of the fellow mage wearing the ring. My judgment was to minimize harm according to the chivalry of Reinhardt.”

If the facts themselves are not inherently wrong, the reasons and justifications gain even more value and credibility.

“You're saying there was no way to report without being discovered?”

“If I had formally proposed and submitted a plan to find the Sage's Legacy, I would accept the reprimand for that.”

And most of the facts were flowing in Leonardo's favor.

“But I was merely on personal leave to obtain a permit from the Magic Tower."

It was hard to call it a mistake from the beginning.

“There will be a leave application approved by Mr. Alfred and the head of the house. If you find it hard to trust, please verify it.”

There was nothing for Leonardo to lose, having followed the procedures.

“...Then why did you hand over the Sage's Legacy you obtained later to the Magic Tower and display it? Wasn't that a unilateral decision?”

Normally, saying it was ‘mine’ would be enough.

But the relationship between the Senate and himself was like a distant superior and subordinate. Even if he claimed ownership, it wouldn't be hard to suppress it in that relationship.

“If I had brought it, I would have the qualifications but not the justification, and the value but not the benefit.”

So, he had to use what they valued most as a shield.

“The Sage's Legacy is the wisdom left by the Sage for the mages serving in the Magic Tower. If I had claimed it just because I passed the test, I would have become a public enemy to all mages in the Magic Tower, including the Magic Tower itself.”

The authority and elitism that the Senate, steeped in, valued most, and the source of that authority and elitism.

“And this could also tarnish the honor of Reinhardt. I couldn't stain the honor of Reinhardt for my own benefit.”

Using the Reinhardt family as a shield was enough.

“At least, wasn't it a matter that should have been discussed before deciding? To me, it looks like just an excuse to gain the benefits from it.”

Sharp, but that was the limit of those old men.

“Indeed, you're not wrong, but I also have the right to do so. I didn't come to find the Sage's Legacy on Reinhardt's orders but found it during my personal leave.”

He emphasized the part they had already acknowledged.

“If my actions under my judgment bring disgrace and contempt to the Reinhardt family, I will accept the punishment then.”

This was practically impossible. Instead, some people now praised this action, raising the chivalry of Reinhardt even higher.

“...Then how will you explain the next issue?”

This sounded like a threat, but in fact, it was a declaration of defeat in the primary Q&A. It meant there was nothing to argue about with that issue.

“How will you explain your response to the terrorist situation at the Magic Tower?”

“Excuse me, but your question is not clear. Could you specify what needs to be explained so I can explain it properly?”

Though polite, the old smooth talkers would have sensed the hidden intent.

‘By being vague like this, you can't punish me.’

It meant that punishing or reprimanding him with their shallow tactics was impossible, and it was also a provocation.

“Fine... Then why did you leave Ariasfil Reinhardt alone? Did you forget your duties during your leave?”

“Your words are sharp and disrespectful. Maintain your dignity.”

Surprisingly, it was Marquen who defended him. Whether it was out of some affection or because he wanted to discipline the boy himself, it was a welcome help now.

“I left because I thought Ariasfil would be safer at the Magic Tower. The Magic Tower is equipped with the latest and best security facilities.”

“Do you not understand the essence of the question? I am reprimanding you for the mistake of leaving your post, even in such a place. Why did you leave?”

[It seems you didn't understand the essence of the question.]

A perfect summary, but the unnecessary formalities and pretenses were necessary. If you were a subordinate, they would nitpick at every word.

“Precisely, if I had gone to the scene, Ariasfil would have been in more danger.”

“Why? In some cases, you could also be punished for that...”

Patience had its limits.

“Myn Jihard Dainons coerced a civilian to summon me.”

Silence fell. Leonardo felt more astonished than cold. He had clearly reported it and even included it in the report, but it seemed they hadn't read it properly.

“Jihard coerced a civilian out of personal grudges. At that time, I didn't know he was collaborating with the Clayman.”

This explained why the seat was empty during the terrorist situation.

“That's why I prioritized suppressing Jihard and ensuring the civilian's safety. I also judged that this would connect to Ariasfil's safety.”

Without the Clayman, Jihard could have been easily suppressed.

“Arrogant. Did you think you could handle Myn alone?”

“Ha, I'm astonished.”

This time, Chris spoke up.

“Is there any meaning in saying such things to someone who actually faced and defeated the opponent?”

“I'm saying your judgment was arrogant. What would you have done if you had lost? If the damage had spread because of that?”

Chris was even more exasperated by the pointless nitpicking.

In such a situation, he couldn't even call for security, and Leonardo had significantly assisted in the suppression of the Clayman and the monster as soon as he caught Jihard.

If they were to reprimand, it should be the Execution Knights for their inadequate investigation of Jihard and the Senate for halting the investigation.

If Leonardo had been of noble birth, he would have deserved a reward, not a punishment.

“And I also can't understand why you took the young lady of the Reinhardt family on your personal leave. Considering the matters at the Magic Tower, shouldn't this be punished?”

[The barking is so long-winded, it sounds like nonsense.]

As the Sage said, it was common for a knight to accompany their master during leave, and the place Leonardo took her to was not the Magic Tower during a terrorist attack but just a famous magical city.

“And the battle with the Clayman was only resolved because Rios came by luck. What would you have done if he hadn't? That young and arrogant blood needs to be reformed!”

“...Is that so?”

Hearing the double standards and hypocritical sophistry, Leonardo spoke.

He never thought they could be persuaded by words. In terms of the relationship, he was the subordinate, and the Senate was the superior.

The relationship was absolutely unfavorable to him.

“Then how should I be punished?”

What should be done?

“Arrogant...! Asking that yourself?! First, return to the mansion and reflect! The Senate will discuss...!”

“No. That's not right.”

It was simple.

“By what right do you say what is right and wrong...!”

“My faults are so humble and arrogant that it would be a waste for the venerable Senate to punish me. I also realized that my lowly self cannot follow the pure beliefs of Reinhardt.”

Everyone in the Senate fell silent. It seemed like a repentant statement, but something about the focus of the words was off.

“So, I will impose a penalty on myself.”

“What...”

“I will return my position as a knight of Reinhardt. It seems to be too heavy a position for me.”

Eliminating the superior-subordinate relationship was enough.

Then, which side would suffer the loss?

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