Chapter 8

After the meeting was dismissed, only the emperor and Claude remained.

"Your Majesty, I find Wilhelmina's attitude to be quite excessive."

The emperor made a bitter face at the frank opinion of his subject.

"Don't say that. You know that elves are very proud, difficult to handle, and temperamental."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The emperor spoke to Claude, who replied with a resigned tone.

"However, once you get to know them, they are a very kind and reliable race, more so than family. You can imagine this by looking at Wilhelmina's relationship with Bartholomew, can't you?"

"…As you wish, Your Majesty."

Claude reluctantly acknowledged this. It was obvious that Wilhelmina was loyal and obedient to Bartholomew. Considering that they were a man and a woman, it was almost tempting to make strange assumptions.

"I appointed her as Hachigami Ki to hope that she would form such a relationship with others. Of course, it was also because of her strength, for which she is called the Goddess of Punishment."

"Bartholomew is a trustworthy man, free of desire and ambition. As long as he is around, I understand that Wilhelmina can be counted on as an ally of the empire."

Claude, who had been told the emperor's intentions, clenched his fist and forced out a voice.

"But, her attitude towards Your Majesty…"

"Your family has been a vassal since the founding of the empire, hasn't it?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Claude answered earnestly to the emperor's words. His family was a prestigious noble house that had been ennobled by the first emperor when the empire was born. It would not be an exaggeration to say that he had been raised with the etiquette, respect, and sense of gratitude towards the royal family ingrained in his soul. For such a man, Wilhelmina's disrespectful attitude towards the emperor was intolerable. He was also a man of self-restraint, refraining from the foolish act of directly confronting her and creating an uneasy atmosphere with Hachigami Ki.

"I cannot say anything to her myself. But, why don't you consult Bartholomew?"

"…Is that the only option?"

Claude wondered why the emperor couldn't speak to Bartholomew himself, but his rigid loyalty prevented him from saying it.

"Then I will go immediately."

The emperor stopped him as he said this.

"Do you understand? Bartholomew lives as a commoner in the second-class area. No one around him knows his true identity. Go with that in mind."

"Y-Yes…"

Claude's expression was strained. He had heard rumors, but he hadn't thought they were true. Fortunately, he could use transfer magic, so there was no problem in meeting him. When Claude used transfer magic to move to Bartholomew's house, the man was drinking tea with Wilhelmina.

"Unusual guest, isn't it?"

Bartholomew said this casually, but Wilhelmina shot him a piercing glare. She seemed to be furious at having their alone time interrupted. The terrifying thing about Wilhelmina was that while she gave Claude a sense of mental pressure, she managed to keep the nearby residents from noticing anything. Claude, of course, noticed this and judged that she was still maintaining her rationality.

"Is something wrong?"

"I don't like beating around the bush, so I'll be brief. I can't tolerate Wilhelmina's attitude towards the emperor. I try to understand her as an elf, but can't she do something about it?"

In response to Bartholomew's question, Claude said this while looking at Wilhelmina.

"I won't take orders from someone like you."

Her response was cold, and her piercing gaze intensified. If Claude were to respond, a fight might break out.

"Wilhelmina, please make a concession."

"Master Bartholomew?"

When Bartholomew said this, she opened her emerald eyes wide.

"Alright, I'll try to be more careful with my language."

To Claude's surprise, she readily showed a willingness to compromise. It was only because of Bartholomew's words, but Claude was not pleased.

"Bartholomew… why didn't you say anything before?"

"I didn't like the situation where no one protested against Wilhelmina."

Bartholomew explained with a regretful look.

"I thought it was pitiful that we were on equal footing. But, I'm glad, Claude. I'm glad to know there's a man like you."

"A-Ah?"

Claude finally understood. Bartholomew had been waiting for someone to protest on behalf of the emperor.

"Bartholomew, were you testing us…?"

"You can interpret it that way if you like."

Bartholomew was unapologetic.

"No, indeed, we were pitiful, and I can't deny that."

Claude admitted. Bartholomew found this aspect of Claude's character admirable.