Ch.1515. The Hearing (2)

Click, click. Tap. Tap.

I could hear the sound of someone meticulously dusting. While a pleasant breeze leaked through the open window, I pretended to read and check documents scattered across my desk, unable to enjoy the white noise.

“Ilroy, there’s a visitor downstairs.”

Daphne said, waving her hand to brush away dust flying toward her face. With a kerchief wrapped around her head, she seemed determined to clean this room thoroughly. By the way, is she pretending not to have seen what just happened? I appreciated it, but that made it even more embarrassing. Should I just tell the truth and say, “The Holy Sword suddenly spoke to me!”?

“[If people discover I can speak to you, it will become quite troublesome. I don’t recommend it. The fanatics from the Blue Orthodox Church who worship me as the Holy Sword would make a fuss, demanding to hear my voice and trying to elevate you as a saint.]”

For a divine object called the Holy Sword, it was quite talkative. Come to think of it, between that adventurer Harbi from before and now this, haven’t I been meeting too many mind-readers lately? I ignored the Holy Sword’s words and picked up another document.

“[Reading your mind isn’t difficult. You can’t control yourself, and slipping through those gaps to read your thoughts is as easy as eating cold porridge for me.]”

Wait, so the Holy Sword really could read minds. I was so dumbfounded I almost responded out loud. Does that mean it could hear every thought I had without missing anything?

“[Do you think I’m some kind of pervert? I’ll just pick out the necessary thoughts, so worry about yourself.]”

The Holy Sword spoke as if annoyed. I wasn’t sure if I could really be at ease.

“[To make you somewhat useful, I’ll need to properly train both your body and mind later.]”

“Ilroy?”

Daphne’s voice cut through the Holy Sword’s unwelcome words. I pulled my attention away from the Holy Sword and looked up at Daphne, though I couldn’t quite meet her eyes directly.

“Sorry. Did you say there’s a visitor?”

“Yes. Someone from the royal palace, though I’m not sure of their exact identity. They’re wearing expensive-looking clothes… probably a high-ranking noble.”

A high-ranking noble, huh. The fact that they visited right after I received the summons for the hearing suggests they have some ulterior motive. Honestly, whether they’re here to help me or not, I wasn’t pleased. If they wanted to help, they’d want something in return, and if not, they’d just be a nuisance.

“[These officials have some nerve. Coming to see you with their heads held high.]”

They come to me like this because they know I can’t do anything about it. A regular adventurer could just tell them off and run away, but I have to maintain this uncomfortable relationship no matter what. …By the way, this sword doesn’t answer my questions but gets all the answers it wants from me.

“[No need to whine. I’ll answer you soon. Right now, shouldn’t you prioritize greeting this so-called visitor?]”

“Yes, yes. I understand.”

I accidentally responded out loud. I quickly glanced around to see if anyone had heard, then continued down the stairs.

“[I see him. That bald one over there.]”

At the Holy Sword’s words, I looked up. A portly middle-aged man was sitting on a sofa in the reception area of the lobby. As Daphne had said, he was wearing very luxurious clothes. Rather than focusing solely on flashiness, they seemed to be sophisticated tailored garments. His head was almost completely bald, but bushy whiskers covered his lower face, extending from behind his ears.

“You’re here, Hero.”

“…Hello.”

The man stood up, smiled broadly with a welcoming face, approached me, and grabbed my hand for a handshake. I awkwardly smiled back and shook his hand. Sorry, but I don’t know your name.

“Pleased to meet you. I am Wallace Bigwan.”

His voice was cheerful yet gruff. He had quite a strong grip, though he was clearly neither a knight nor a mage. Wallace proudly tapped the emblem on his chest.

“I hold the title of Count and serve as the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs at the royal palace.”

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs—is that a high position? Well, honestly, I’m not very interested in this person’s rank or title. Actually, I’m not even interested in his name; I just wish he would leave me alone. I stared at Count Wallace with the blankest expression I could manage. Count Wallace, in complete contrast to me, began speaking with a grin.

“By the way, you’re injured. Are you alright? Should I recommend a good doctor?”

“Thank you for your concern.”

I stepped back from Count Wallace, who was trying to look at my right arm, and forced a smile.

“You must have received the summons from Commander George.”

“Yes, I did. They put quite a lot of effort into writing just one summons.”

Whether he took my words as praise or sarcasm, Wallace burst into laughter.

“Of course! It’s from the royal palace, so we must use the finest things in the kingdom, even if it’s just a piece of letter paper.”

Hmm. He definitely wasn’t someone I got along with. I maintained my sour expression.

“Anyway. You can probably guess what questions will come up at this hearing, but most of the royal courtiers will likely pounce on you, tearing you apart. Starting with why you banished the Saint and the mercenary, they’ll ask sensitive questions, demand accountability, and treat you like a criminal.”

Wallace spoke in a rather solemn voice. Well, what Wallace was telling me was already something I had anticipated. The hearing was an opportunity. How many people would want to use the Hero as a stepping stone to amplify their own voice in the palace?

“Those people are like wolves. They would sell their own parents for advancement. And to them, you’re nothing but a sacrificial lamb. In fact, you’ll find yourself in considerable trouble after the hearing ends.”

“So, what are you trying to say?”

At my question, Wallace flashed a grin.

“But! If you take my hand, that’s a different story. I’ll drive those wolves away for you. I’m saying I’ll actively defend you at the hearing. I can shut the mouths of most of those riffraff.”

So it begins. How little must he think of Ilroy to attempt such coercion disguised as persuasion? Well, the original Ilroy would have accepted Andre Bishop’s proposal, shifted the blame to the Saint, and avoided the hearing altogether, so this wouldn’t have happened.

“I won’t have an easy time at this hearing either, but I’m willing to fight for you. That is, if you continue to maintain a good relationship with me going forward.”

I couldn’t help but let out a scornful laugh. Become my dog—that’s basically what he’s saying.

“I refuse. Being tied down doesn’t suit my personality at all.”

I cut him off without a moment’s hesitation. At my answer, Wallace’s expression crumpled like a rotten, squashed tomato.

“Think about it carefully again. Hero, not only will you safely get through this hearing, but you’ll also gain a strong political sponsor. There’s absolutely nothing for you to lose, so why are you rejecting my offer?”

“You’re making me repeat myself.”

This time I deliberately responded rudely. Wallace’s face deteriorated further, like a rotten tomato that had been stepped on. Seeing his smug expression crumble when he thought he had me in the palm of his hand made me smile involuntarily.

“You’ll regret this.”

“That’s funny. Someone recently asked me if I ever regret anything. I answered that I absolutely don’t.”

“When you meet me at the hearing, you’ll find I’ve become your enemy.”

This guy is really persistent.

“Well, do as you please. If you’re going to keep talking nonsense, please leave now.”

I lowered my voice and slightly raised my intimidation. As I took a step forward, Wallace swallowed dryly and stepped back. I smiled sweetly at Count Wallace, who was now standing at the entrance. Who’s trying to put a leash on whom now?

“…Hero. I don’t know what gives you such confidence, but you’ll find out at the hearing. You’ll see what mistake you’ve made.”

Now he’s not even being polite anymore. I smirked, raising one corner of my mouth, and kindly opened the door for him. The warm late spring breeze rushed forcefully into the building.

“Then, I’ll see you at the hearing.”

Count Wallace Bigwan looked back and forth between me and the outside before hurriedly leaving the building. I firmly closed and locked the door, then sat down on the empty lobby sofa.

“[Why did you reject that man’s offer?]”

“There’s no need to put myself in shackles just to overcome a temporary crisis. Besides, I can handle this hearing well enough without borrowing his help.”

“[From what I saw, he seemed to be someone of considerable influence at the palace. Are you sure it’s alright to turn him into an enemy?]”

The Holy Sword’s question felt less like concern for me and more like a test, as if it already knew everything but wanted to challenge me. I actually welcomed that. At least I had gained a capable ally.

“That’s the advantage of being the Hero. Even if he becomes my enemy, he can’t really do anything to me. Well, conversely, I can’t do much to him either.”

I said this while touching my broken right arm.

“And… if I had taken the Count’s hand and then defeated The Seven Calamity, Count Wallace would have wielded unlimited power, relying on the Hero’s elevated reputation.”

And I would have continued to be dragged around on a leash held by the Count.

“[You’re not entirely thoughtless after all. There might be some benefit to my speaking with you.]”

The Holy Sword seemed satisfied and made a humming sound.

“So, you said you’d give me that answer. Why did you just watch silently all this time, only speaking to me when I was about to die at the hands of that spider?”

“[Choosing you as my wielder and lending you my power are completely separate matters. I give appropriate trials, and by watching how you overcome those trials, I decide whether to lend you my power.]”

So I had to go to the brink of death after all. I frowned at the Holy Sword. The Holy Sword chuckled softly, speaking as if to soothe me.

“[Don’t make such a face. That also means the more trials you overcome, the more worthy strength you’ll gain. In that sense, this hearing might be a good opportunity too.]”

A trial, huh.

I sighed deeply, feeling the reality of having started this Hero business that I never asked for.

==

Friday.

I was blankly waiting in the waiting room for my name to be called. From young court nobles to half-retired old-timers with dentures, all the kingdom’s dignitaries had gathered. That meant this hearing was drawing a lot of attention. I stared at the firmly closed door of the waiting room. Beyond it, I could clearly sense and hear the murmuring crowd.

“[You’re nervous.]”

“Who wouldn’t be nervous in this situation?”

“[You’ll need to get more used to this in the future.]”

I suppose so.

I adjusted my collar. I didn’t know there was a specific uniform for the Hero, but wearing it made me feel extremely embarrassed. Except for the black undershirt, it was completely white like an executioner’s outfit. Apparently, I had to wear this attire for official events.

“[It doesn’t suit you very well.]”

Thanks for the cutting remark.

As I was smirking bitterly, the door opened, and someone who appeared to be a lower-ranking noble poked their head in.

“Hero, it’s time for you to enter.”

I nodded and stood up. The murmuring sound grew louder through the door crack. The Holy Sword left me with parting words, as if it wanted to observe what would happen.

“[Let’s see how well you do.]”

Yes, it’s time to shut the mouths of these wolf cubs.