Ch.314314. Sirah Relocation War (8)

I knew exactly how the executives would react.

I knew precisely what arguments they would make and what evidence they would present to oppose the Sirah relocation operation.

But now, that was no longer necessary.

“Well, let me explain. Weren’t you all just questioning whether Junon has the qualities of a commander? Perhaps we should first verify whether you deserve to be in executive positions yourselves?”

Pointing to the medications spilled out before them, Senia stepped forward with an intimidating demeanor.

As always, she displayed those sharp eyes that seemed to see right through people.

“Let me warn you in advance, it would be better not to deny that these came from your quarters.”

“…!”

Storage containers. As expected of Senia.

‘Most of these are things people would try to hide. Whether hidden in drawers or keychains, taking the entire storage container proves definitively that these items were there.’

This way, even if they tried to deny ownership, there would be clear evidence of their access to the location, and with personal items also inside, they couldn’t feign ignorance.

In other words, Senia had preemptively blocked their escape route.

In that case, they had only one option left.

“Hmph. Even if these are our items, what’s the problem?”

They claimed they had done nothing wrong. Even if these items were found in their private storage, they justified and rationalized their actions by insisting they had committed no crime.

So all they had left was to confront Senia head-on.

But that would be the worst move.

“Well, wouldn’t you find it strange if these were mixed in with your belongings?”

“Huh. So Miss Senia is suggesting there’s a problem with these medications, is that it?”

“This is ridiculous. What’s wrong with having medications on hand before battle? Is this really something to make a fuss about?”

“This is offensive. Entering our domain and invading our privacy like this. Don’t you think you’re going too far?”

The executives argued.

They claimed these medications were for maintaining their optimal condition.

In other words, they were asserting these were performance-enhancing drugs.

Pills that increased mana circuit circulation when consumed, ampoules that greatly expanded one’s limits for short periods, potions that reduced the burden on buffers by providing instant recovery effects or sustained healing during combat—all these were contained there.

So it wasn’t entirely wrong to say they were for maintaining condition, even outside of combat.

But.

“Yes, yes. I understand that perfectly. So you’re saying these are doping medications that pose no problem for you to possess. Is that right?”

“Why state the obvious? Of course.”

“Then tell me, why are these mixed in?”

“Huh?”

Senia wasn’t so easily deterred.

If she could be stopped with just a few words, she wouldn’t have confidently bared her teeth in the first place.

“What… why is this…?”

“W-wait… this is…!”

What she was pointing to weren’t the medications, potions, or ampoules used for doping.

She was indicating medical supplies with set dosage limits—items that transformed into narcotics for humans the moment they exceeded the standard dosage.

Medications that clearly became drugs when overdosed had spilled out from their storage containers, drawers, and military packs.

With this, Senia’s objective became clear.

‘She deliberately came in late, targeting this.’

There’s no way they would openly display such things mixed with ampoules. She must have found them. She discovered the drugs they had hidden somewhere and placed them there for all to see.

To completely purge the executives who had been opposing the Sirah relocation from the beginning.

“The medical team is right here, so let’s ask them directly. Is it permitted to take medications in quantities that exceed the standard dosage—in other words, amounts that would be considered narcotics?”

As expected, the medical team firmly shook their heads, stating that it should never be allowed.

According to regulations established by Professor Muniher, if such a situation arose, military law permitted severe punishment.

“There you have it. Commander, the punishment.”

The executives panicked and hurriedly tried to defend themselves.

“W-wait. Just wait a moment! We, we…!”

“The records are all there. How much more disgraceful can you get?”

At the mention of evidence, Senia promptly produced ledgers.

“The drug manufacturers, those who secretly trafficked them—everything is recorded in these ledgers. Do you still want to deny it?”

This was the knockout blow.

As commander, faced with the irrefutable truth that they had been engaging in the irrational act of drug use during wartime, there was no room for rational judgment.

So what option remained for them?

“Don’t be ridiculous!!!”

“You think we’ll fall to mere youngsters like you!!”

Desperate struggle.

Rather than being purged as criminals, they revealed their hidden claws and fangs, making one last desperate attempt.

They drew their weapons and cast spells, charging from all directions. Their first target was naturally:

The commander they resented most.

But of course:

“Guhaaack…!”

“Ugh!”

Those who caused a disturbance in the meeting hall were quickly subdued.

There was no need for Junon to step in. The former captain of the royal guard stood firm, Tembris firmly blocked their escape route, and Lenias had already begun releasing magical power.

He simply watched them being subdued without moving a finger.

“Commander.”

Dusen spoke after subduing the executives who had violated military law.

He was asking for instructions. At this point, there was no other path for them to take, and Junon had no reason to hesitate.

“I’ll leave all punishment to Lord Dusen.”

“I will carry out your orders.”

As high-ranking officials of the Imperial Army, as executives in key positions, as soldiers of the Empire, they had violated military law and dabbled in drugs.

Their end would likely be a painful death after lengthy torture.

The drug addicts, transformed from executives to criminals, were taken away by Dusen and his soldiers.

A brief silence fell, but this was still the meeting hall, and the meeting had not yet concluded.

However.

“Does anyone have anything else to say?”

“…”

The advantage had clearly shifted to one side.

A great victory for Junon’s faction, having greatly weakened the executives’ power through Tembris’s strength. They couldn’t even mention Erica’s whereabouts that Kelnur had revealed.

***

In truth, those executives were the type who valued their own lives yet pushed young, inexperienced academy students to the front lines.

That’s why Junon needed to deal with them in advance. He had decided to remove them if faced with the same situation and had prepared to drive them out in this meeting.

But.

‘…This has become much easier.’

There was no need for a multi-step process; they were cleanly removed. Because evidence that the executives were involved with drugs had been revealed by Senia’s hand.

As people began to leave one by one after the meeting was declared over, Junon received a signal visible only to him. From Senia.

‘What’s that… the back garden?’

Since she didn’t speak aloud, she must want to meet privately.

It would be best to wait until everyone had left.

But as soon as the meeting ended, several executives flocked to him.

“You shouldn’t think this is over.”

It was evident from their eyes and tone. This was a warning.

Since he never expected them to let this go, he needed to confront them appropriately. For them, this was an extension of the meeting and the main issue.

“No need to mince words. Just say what you mean.”

“Hmph. Quite bold for your age, aren’t you?”

“The bold one is you. As I’ve said before, I think you’re underestimating my position.”

When he responded with a slight threat, the eyes of the apparent leader twitched.

“Well, if that’s the case, I’ll be direct. While we can’t deny that they were involved with drugs, you also need to prove something. That those rumors about you aren’t true.”

He subtly provoked Junon, saying, “Surely you’re not going to pretend you don’t know?”

‘I thought they were being suspiciously quiet, but this is their approach.’

Though he wasn’t sure of the rumors’ source, it was clearly advantageous to them.

Similarly, his actions during the Shute Major Subjugation and the Defornice III Subjugation had been meticulously documented to support these rumors.

In a way that was perfect for misunderstanding.

“The Grand Duke and Lord Zelbarten may have awarded you medals of honor, elevating your achievements, but sadly, I didn’t know such truths existed. So, to dispel our doubts, you should clearly demonstrate in this opportunity that a commander doesn’t just use soldiers as chess pieces.”

With those final words, the executives left the meeting hall.

That last part was nitpicking. They were blatantly saying that Junon was an untrustworthy commander who gained achievements by using others.

“Haah.”

He hadn’t expected them to pick a fight so confidently, as if their faction remained strong despite losing some members.

But because they confronted him this way, he could be certain.

“They mean I shouldn’t stay back while others fight and take risks at the Ripol River—I should fight directly? Well, that works out perfectly. That was my intention anyway.”

If the plan was to dig a massive trench at the Ripol River and continue fighting the monsters, he would have to take on that role himself.

“They seem to be openly hoping for the operation to fail, but that won’t happen.”

The Sirah relocation would definitely succeed.

“Hiing. You said we’d be together today too!”

“Ahaha… S-sorry.”

Though he felt bad for Lenias, he had no choice but to persuade her to leave after the meeting.

After promising to grant her one request later, sealing it with a pinky promise, Junon left the now-empty meeting hall.

And immediately headed to the back garden, where he had agreed to meet Senia.

Senia had apparently arrived first and checked the surroundings.

“How did you find out all that?”

“There were suspicious elements. With so many strange things, we did some investigating among ourselves.”

“Wow… I’m amazed you uncovered this. I’m genuinely impressed.”

“Remember during the faction battle? How popular those kids were? One of them came to tell us that his father was involved in drug trafficking.”

“Hmm… I see.”

There isn’t much information to be gained from Sirah. It’s actually the most remote location among the Empire’s four provinces outside the capital, and unless you’re a resident there, there’s no way to obtain such detailed information.

As Junon nodded in understanding at the appropriate connection, Senia abruptly got to the point.

“Junon. That’s why I wanted to ask.”

“Hmm?”

“The task of dealing with the executives who opposed you. I’d like you to leave that to us.”

She was asking Junon to entrust Tembris with a task that was originally his responsibility.

***

The executives returned to their quarters with sour expressions.

They had expected that after the meeting, Junon’s qualifications would be questioned, which would work in their favor. But to Kelnur, they looked as if they had suffered a major defeat in the meeting.

‘Could it be… they were completely overwhelmed in the meeting?’

Surely the information he had obtained through his own investigation should have been effective? Combined with the rumors about Junon, it shouldn’t have been difficult to gain the upper hand by casting serious doubt on the commander’s qualifications.

Yet this scene before him was incomprehensible.

“Excuse me, could you tell me what happened…”

Before long, Kelnur found himself grabbed by the collar by one of the men.

“Guk?! Why are you doing this all of a sudden!”

“Shut up and be quiet. Can’t you read the atmosphere?”

“But what…”

Faced with the executive’s fierce glare as he gripped his collar, Kelnur had no choice but to turn his head away in silence.

‘What on earth happened?’

Kelnur had no way of knowing.

He had no idea that Tembris, whom he had asked for help and claimed had fallen for Junon’s sweet talk, had actually been investigating the executives’ backgrounds.