Ch.356EP.75 – The Cogwheel Declares (4)

……A chilling silence fell.

This was to be expected.

Suddenly, a noble youth was called forth, a dagger was thrown at him, and he was ordered to cut out his tongue with it—the nobles had no choice but to remain silent.

“T-this, I mean…”

The one singled out continued to sweat profusely with lost eyes, and suddenly…

“Y-Your Majesty!! If I have committed any crime, please enlighten this foolish one! And show mercy in allowing me to atone for my sins! Please…!!”

Showing decent situational awareness, he immediately bowed deeply and begged, sweating cold sweat along with tears and snot, appearing quite unsightly.

However, no one reproached or frowned at him for this.

If they themselves were in such a situation, they too would ignore others’ gazes and behave just as disgracefully.

Faced with this attitude, King Edmund…

“Mercy to atone for your sins, indeed. That’s not wrong. A king must show mercy at times.”

“!!”

Robert raised his head abruptly at those words.

Finally, he saw hope of survival…

“But tell me. What kind of mindset allows you to insult the royal family with your words and actions, and then beg for mercy?”

“…Pardon?”

“What an impudent fellow you are, Robert of House Solvenin. To think you believed no one would know that you insulted me in my own domain—truly absurd.”

Click.

As King Edmund raised his hand, attendants immediately unfolded documents.

There it was written.

“This morning at the palace, you said to your friends: ‘The recent increase in incidents is due to the king’s incompetence. The king knows nothing of economics and only knows how to spend money, so isn’t the kingdom constantly shaking? If I were to become the second consort of Princess Isis, I would gladly save this country’s economy’… or so you said.”

“……”

“Of course, what I’m saying now is merely a summary of your conversation. To think you believed you could utter such unspeakable nonsense and remain unscathed—truly foolish.”

“Y-Your Majesty, I-I…”

“I don’t think you’ll claim you never said such things. There are ears everywhere in the palace, and those ears always convey only the truth to me.”

“……”

“Yes, you show no sign of repentance until the end, and you’re plotting to escape this situation. Heh, I was willing to overlook your cunning tongue, but now I see that the family that raised someone like you must also have issues, so no more mercy is needed. Chamberlain.”

Snap.

“Command me, Your Majesty.”

“From tomorrow, ensure that House Solvenin is no longer visible in the noble registry. Understood?”

“It shall be done as you commanded.”

The chamberlain gave a signal, and numerous royal attendants rushed in to drag away Robert Solvenin and others associated with House Solvenin.

They tried to resist, but the royal senior attendants were a match for high-ranking knights, making resistance nearly impossible.

They were quickly subdued and dragged out of the banquet hall, and thus…

Whoosh.

They disappeared without a trace…

The entire process flowed like water.

It was undeniably as neat as a well-choreographed play, but the nobles watching could only bow their heads with pale expressions.

Drip, drip.

Despite it not being particularly cold weather, and despite the temperature control system operating in the banquet hall, strangely, many were sweating.

As if to explain why these people were sweating…

“I understand. I know there are those who speak insultingly of the king when he is not present. I understand such words. As humans, it’s impossible not to have complaints. However, one must not cross the line. Going beyond insult to touch the authority and honor of the royal family itself is an unforgivable act. Do not call me heartless.”

“……”

“Perhaps some of you feel uneasy, reflecting on words you’ve spoken. But worry not. Fortunately, none have crossed the line as much as Robert of House Solvenin, so there are mitigating circumstances.”

You may rest assured.

…Hearing these implied words, the nobles once again bowed their heads, grateful for the king’s mercy.

For someone considered a shadow king and incompetent, this display of both mercy and ruthless action was a glimpse of true kingship in Edmund.

‘…As expected.’

He’s not quite the shadow king people make him out to be.

Ihan nodded to himself.

His eyes had not been wrong.

‘He looks ordinary, but his eyes are quite something.’

From the moment he first saw him, Ihan realized that King Edmund was not as incompetent as rumors suggested.

How did he know when both appearance and presence seemed utterly ordinary?

‘He has resolve.’

His eyes already show he’s a person with resolve.

Though he may lack charisma, he’s the type to lead with determination.

It means he’s a person with self-confidence and drive.

‘That flashy entrance isn’t necessarily a bad thing.’

Knowing his charisma is lacking, he’s filling his presence with splendor.

In other words, he’s keenly aware of his own shortcomings.

An above-average person, at least.

That was Ihan’s assessment of King Edmund.

…However.

‘That makes it even more regrettable.’

Ihan shook his head inwardly.

Perhaps his assessment was wrong, but if what he saw just now and what Isis had “directly” told him were true…

“L-Lord Ihan, y-you need to prepare. His Majesty will call for you soon.”

“Tactless fool. I was in the middle of crucial thoughts.”

“Eh?”

“Never mind. What should I expect from a precious idiot like you?”

“……”

“Let’s go.”

“Y-yes…”

The attendant replied with a strangely aggrieved expression.

* * *

Originally, a debutante ball—that is, a banquet attended by the king in person—was an event where young noble sons and daughters would meet the king for the first time and make their entrance into society.

Simply put, it was about getting face time with important people.

Well, since it was already the last day, most young nobles had already made their appearances, so fortunately they didn’t have to wait in line like at a restaurant.

As a result, only a very small number of remaining individuals came forward to present themselves.

“Levi Jeanne d’Arc greets the descendant of the great Knight King.”

“Judia Pierre greets the one blessed by the dragon’s lineage.”

“Karin Alencia de Guinevere greets the lord of the south.”

The funny thing was that these remaining individuals were from quite prestigious noble families.

Tristan, Lohengrin, and Guinevere.

With such families before him, the king’s remarks grew longer.

“Levi Jeanne d’Arc, word of you has reached my ears. Your talent is recognized by Marchioness Jeminia, is it not? However, such talents are often dismissed as mere rumors, but I’ve heard you’ve shown results proving your abilities are no falsehood. Excellent.”

“Your words are too kind.”

“Not at all. I shall summon you when the opportunity arises. I will bestow a fitting reward upon a promising knight.”

“I-I am honored.”

“Judia Pierre… I had no idea that Count Roseth had a child without my knowledge.”

“I was born with a weak constitution and could not appear in public. That is why my father concealed my existence.”

“Hmm, I never thought Count Roseth would have the heart to care for his own child.”

“…I am honored.”

“It’s been a while.”

“I greet Your Majesty.”

“Don’t bow so deeply. Your grandfather was my teacher who oversaw my education. And you and I are not strangers. So, feel free to be at ease.”

“I am honored.”

“Haha, I said be at ease.”

Honestly, there was no way she could be at ease.

He had just erased an entire noble family moments ago—how could anyone be at ease?

King Edmund seemed to understand this atmosphere, but he remained casual.

After the mood settled somewhat and the king sent the young ladies back to their places…

“Your Majesty, it’s about time.”

“I know without you telling me, Chamberlain.”

Thud.

King Edmund rose, using a staff engraved with a dragon’s mark as support, and then…

“Everyone here already knows about the unsettling events that have been occurring in the kingdom recently.”

[[…]]

His words naturally brought about silence.

“There are subversive forces. Forces whose intentions we cannot determine—whether they aim to overthrow the kingdom or something beyond that. The royal family and the noble council are doing their utmost to eliminate them, but we continue to face setbacks in many ways.”

A calm yet sincere statement.

King Edmund sighed.

“I also know that this sounds like nothing but an excuse. Therefore, all I can say is this: I will do my best. To regain the trust that has been lost!”

Bang!

He struck his staff down forcefully, instantly creating a dent in the marble floor.

As expected of royalty, he demonstrated his proficiency in energy manipulation, which impressed several onlookers.

The attention on King Edmund surged greatly, and in this situation, the king spread his arms.

“Yet even in these uncertain times, there is a hero who has saved the kingdom!!”

Boom, booom!

As if performing, the military band played their instruments appropriately.

As if to heighten emotions.

“Ihan Turtle, step forward!”

With the chamberlain’s resonant yet articulate call, a man confidently walked along the gold-embroidered red carpet.

“……”

His gait was neither too fast nor too slow.

His expression showed neither a smile nor was it expressionless—it revealed emotion.

In every way, he appeared to have properly learned royal etiquette.

“…Was he such a person?”

“Why is our instructor acting like that?”

“????”

Those who knew him experienced cognitive dissonance.

He wasn’t that kind of person, so why was he acting this way?

However, those who didn’t know his true nature felt their hearts swell at the confident steps of the knight.

Ah! He must indeed be the hero recognized by the king!

Wearing the attire of the Order of the Silver Lion and exuding an impressive spirit, he truly had the appearance of a hero.

As everyone held their breath while the knight stood directly in front of the king, before he could even kneel…

“Ihan Turtle! I have heard of your bravery and valor for some time! And today we finally meet!”

Swoosh!

[Thud-!]

The knights and soldiers guarding the king stomped their feet.

The banquet hall shook momentarily, and people’s hearts shook with it.

It was a magnificent sight.

The king had created such a grand spectacle for a mere knight, and was now praising that knight.

For a knight, no, for any man, it would be impossible not to feel overwhelmed.

People were curious.

“Ihan Turtle. Loyal knight of House Pendragon and new hero! I wish to present you with a royal sword.”

Oh!

A royal sword.

Receiving one is equivalent to the highest honor for a noble.

Considering that no knight since Lord Baltar’s generation has received a royal sword, it’s enough to make one envious to the point of jealousy.

What words would this knight utter?

How would he express his loyalty to the king?

Or would he tear up?

“……”

With everyone’s gaze, the pressure, the overwhelming atmosphere urging him to bow his head to the king right now, the knight then…!

“—This is truly artistic, really. Listen here, Your Majesty. Stop this nonsense. You should be begging for your life, not spouting this rubbish. I might just have to rip out that cunning tongue of yours.”

[[[…?]]]

…He threatened the king.