episode_0094

After solving the unique curse, Lucia regained her original appearance.

The skin, which had been red and bumpy, became smooth like a pearl.

My rough hair became smoother, and I no longer felt any discomfort when moving my body.

All lesions on the face, arms, and body disappeared without leaving a single scar.

“Um.”

She looked around in the mirror and nodded as if she was satisfied.

“It’s pretty.”

“… … .”

Ian, who came to check if she was okay, pretended not to see her and tried to go back.

“Why are you just leaving? I also know that I’m pretty pretty, right?”

“… I didn’t say anything, why are you doing that?”

anyway.

It is time to leave the elf forest.

Eight elves quickly followed Ian’s group.

“Hello!”

“Thank you very much!”

“Princess! What is human society like?”

Everyone, including Mercy, looked at Ian in confusion.

Ian explained briefly.

“They say there are a lot of things they want to learn from the outside world.”

Last night, a total of 8 elves came to visit Ian.

They were elves who were greatly shocked by this dungeon incident and gained enlightenment.

I was surprised that the elven forest, which I thought was absolutely safe, could not be so.

I was once again surprised at how casually Ian and the humans handled it.

In the end, they decided to learn for the sake of their hometown.

Even if it is an entry into human society where it is taboo.

“Ah… .”

Those who heard Ian’s explanation each expressed their emotions in different ways.

Mercy seemed to sympathize with them.

But Ian wasn’t worried.

He was going to write a pass and a credit guarantee under his name ‘Philip’ and give one to each of them.

‘I didn’t receive portal research support, but… The scouting team had given up in the first place. ‘It turned out to be an unexpected benefit.’

Ian left the Elven Forest, calculating where to send them.

‘… The number of people to handle is slowly increasing. ‘If things turn out like this, sooner or later I’ll have to ask for land.’

Standing in front of the rotating portal, Mercy looked back for a moment.

Miseri did not come to see him off.

Knowing that it was Miseri’s own effort, Mercy wasn’t upset.

I just promised to come back someday.

“Princess! Be careful!”

“Come visit again next time!”

“Hello, humans! Thank you for your help!”

Ian and his party left the elf forest, receiving a chattering farewell from numerous elves.

***

There was only one carriage, but fortunately it could carry eight elves.

This is because everyone can turn into fairies and become smaller.

The problem was that the carriage with 8 additional elves was not only noisy but also caused noise pollution.

I was sitting in the coach seat so I didn’t have to get caught up in the commotion.

Fortunately, the other party members did not seem to be uncomfortable with the noisy atmosphere.

He seems to enjoy chatting in his own way.

Except one, Katy.

“Nyaang.”

After getting out of the carriage, Kati transformed into a cat and sat on my lap.

While stroking it here and there as usual, I keep stopping my hand without realizing it.

… Honestly, there’s nothing I can do about this.

“Miyaan!”

“Hey, don’t lose your temper and listen. I told you to treat me the same way as before, but you’re getting more angry than before.”

“nyang?”

It pricks its ears like a real cat that doesn’t understand human speech.

“If you look at me with such innocent eyes, I feel like I’m a strange person.”

“Nyaung.”

“Did you just say that?”

“nyang?”

Kati blinked her wide-open eyes again, pretending not to notice, and then grabbed my hand with her soft front paw and started pulling.

More than that, it’s really disgusting that you can communicate telepathically with the Ring of Subordination, but you’re deliberately making fun of me… .

I had no choice but to stroke his stomach, back, head, and chin like I used to.

“… Okay, let’s just say I’m weird.”

“Nyaung.”

*

I also joined Galatea and Malion, who I had left behind.

Fortunately, the two seemed to get along well, without any problems or danger.

First, we stopped by a nearby city and prepared to send the elves to another place.

The elves were divided into two groups of four.

Team 1 goes to Galway, a trading city near the sea on the western side of the continent.

This is the place where sea dragons appear in the fall.

This is one of the biggest risks before a war begins, so you must keep an eye on it.

Team 2 is sent to the Margrave of Frederick.

It is the country closest to the front lines, and therefore one of the safest.

Because it is close to a dangerous place, safety and security are considered more important than anything else.

Frederick, the king there, doesn’t like me very much, but he is a person who understands respect regardless of personal likes or dislikes, so there won’t be a problem.

They will periodically report unusual findings to me from both locations.

Apart from that, there will be a lot to see and learn.

Because of its position, the border kingdom will be able to know a lot about the rules and order of human society, and the act of ‘fighting’ itself, which they most desire.

Galway is a trading city, so you will be able to learn about human commercial activities and exchanges.

“These people will do the escorting… .”

A mercenary group was hired to carry out security duties.

Their fees are high, but their skills and credibility are certain.

There won’t be much danger, at least until we reach the city.

“Once you arrive in the city, just show this document to the gate guard.”

It is an official document of cooperation written by hand and stamped by Philip.

Since it has almost the same effect as an imperial decree, there will be no inconvenience to them within the city.

The elves, who were unfamiliar with all of this, just accepted it indifferently and repeatedly said thank you.

… I’m a little anxious, but it’ll be okay, right?

“Thank you! We will try our best to help you too!”

“See you next time, princess!”

So I parted ways with the elves early.

*

I returned to Supebia and completed the registration of Katy and Lucia as heroes.

For reference, Galatea entered with her head and arms tightly wrapped and was instructed not to leave the dormitory.

I had to endure it here until I could find somewhere else to get it.

It seemed like a tolerable inconvenience for both of them.

Lucia and Kati’s temporary hero promotion test were also easily passed.

It was as expected.

Lucia has already conquered the F-class dungeon alone in the elf forest.

What about Kati… .

“Umm… .”

“Don’t look at it that way.”

“Umm… .”

Lucia looked at me with strange eyes.

I’m on my way back after taking the temporary hero exam.

Right after I found out that Kati could transform into a kitten, and that the kitten I was holding and petting was none other than Kati.

“… I’m also complicated, so please don’t despise me like that.”

“Yes, what… . As long as the two of you are happy… .”

“Nyaung.”

Lucia, who had been looking at him indifferently, slowly approached and was at eye level with Katy.

Katy, who was in my arms, looked up at her blankly.

Lucia gently grabbed Kati’s front paw, and Kati stayed still, then slowly pulled it out and hid it under her body.

The act was repeated several times.

“Hehe, it’s cute.”

“Don’t act like you understand everything.”

About that time, a letter arrived.

[1st Hero Party Trial Date Announcement]

[You can participate in the trial as a juror.]

The date for the trial of the first warrior party has arrived.

*

Immediately after Lucia took the test, Vivian and Helena solved a dungeon together.

As expected, the two’s skills improved even further.

Now, all that remains is for the three to cooperate.

Before that, I had to participate in the trial as a juror.

I came to the central court in Spevia.

In fact, if you didn’t want to come, you couldn’t have come.

Because it’s not a trial I have to be in.

I just do my best to fulfill the role expected of me by the imperial family.

Just as they do their best for what I want.

“You might see something bad.”

I told the people who followed me.

Even if you don’t know Lucia’s first party, they were idols to Vivian and Helena.

I said this because sometimes it is better for an idol to remain an idol.

“I will still watch it.”

“I’m fine too.”

There was no wavering in their decision.

“Good. Then let’s go.”

We entered through the back door, which is accessible only to officials.

With the military police and Lazuli strictly guarding the place, the Wolfgang came out to meet them.

… And Grace next to him.

“Oh my, Ian. I can’t believe we meet again in a place like this. The frequency of our reunions is increasing, so it must be fate that brings us together… .”

I couldn’t ignore him, so I listened to everything until the end and then said hello.

“… Yes, it is an honor. The princess.”

Grace lifted her chin high and looked proud, as if she was satisfied with just that.

“Wolf Gang. Where should I wait?”

“Please come this way.”

“My companions would like to attend the trial. Is that possible?”

“This is a request from someone, of course it is possible.”

The place we arrived at with Wolfgang was the VIP waiting room on the second floor.

“The trial is scheduled to begin as soon as the judge and jury arrive.”

“It looks like the defendant has already arrived.”

“Yes.”

Soon, Wolfgang’s explanation continued.

On the empire’s side, it is said that Emperor Julian himself appeared as a judge.

There were a total of three judges on the imperial side, including the emperor, the chief justice, and the magistrate.

On the Holy Cross side, three randomly selected cardinals among the seven cardinals will step forward.

In this way, major trials involving both the Empire and the Holy Church have judges from both sides.

The host who reports the crime is composed of two people: Wolfgang, the head of the military police, and Lazuri, the head of the group.

Next, he announced the list of jurors excluding me.

Crown Prince Edipus, Aegis leader Leon, Vicar Esther, etc… .

It wasn’t that important, but I listened until the end because I had something to do.

Vivian and Helena seemed a little taken aback by the endless list of names.

Even Lucia, who was relaxed in any situation, looked surprised right now.

“… That’s it.”

“Okay.”

“Although my brother is here, he asked me to tell him that he is sorry for not being able to visit me because he was concerned about other issues.”

Grace just now looked quite elegant and formal, unlike usual.

“You should even apologize for something like that.”

“Then rest in peace until the trial begins. If you need anything, please tell the crew outside.”

“Okay.”

“But… .”

Wolfgang hesitated and then spoke.

“Since you are here as a juror, the defendants may request an interview.”

“… aha. There was such a rule.”

“Yes. But if Ian doesn’t want it… .”

“Hmm.”

The worries didn’t last long.

“No. That’s my role, and I can’t make any exceptions.”

“… Thank you.”

“As expected, it’s Ian! The way you carry out all your duties, you should become a role model for many nobles… .”

… Grace became noisy again as usual.

Eventually, Wolfgang and Grace left, leaving me and my group alone in the room.

Vivian and Helena looked tense and nervous.

On the other hand, Lucia quickly relaxed when Grace left.

“I heard it was great.”

Lucia sat next to him and spoke slyly.

“You are a much greater person than I heard?”

“Well, I’m surprised sometimes too.”

I also jokingly joked back.

Lucia laughed.

“It was the warrior party that Ian was in charge of, right? People on trial today. And they were also very famous and strong people.”

“That’s right.”

“Why were you kicked out? To such great people.”

Lucia, who was speaking, turned her head and looked at me.

“Such a great person?”

Come to think of it, I didn’t tell Lucia why I was kicked out.

Because she didn’t seem to have much interest in the first party in the first place.

“If I were to tell you exactly what I heard when I was kicked out, they said I was no longer needed.”

“… Do you need it?”

Lucia thought about the word ‘necessity’ for quite some time.

If not because of this trial, Lucia now knew quite a bit about the First Hero Party.

This is because none other than Vivian and Helena explained it passionately.

If it were like the old days, their praise and compliments would have been unanimous.

Recently, I heard that the main story was about how I raised the first warrior party.

After thinking about it, Lucia raised one corner of her mouth.

It was an obvious ridicule.

“You’re arrogant.”

“Arrogance?”

“Well, I guess you can date people when necessary. But kicking out the person who cared for you just because you no longer need them is extremely arrogant. Is that really what happens when you reach a high position? Lorenzo is similar.”

Lucia erased her sneer.

“Don’t worry. Because I will never do that.”

The smile instead of a sneer was full of confidence.

“Me too… !”

“I agree! I can promise you!”

Vivian and Helena, who had been quiet, suddenly reacted.

I looked at the three of them one after another and burst out laughing.

“This is truly an honor.”

Mercy, who was a step away, was also seen smiling.

Katy, who was sitting at the desk, also gently waggled her tail as if she was satisfied.

at that time.

-smart.

Someone knocked on the door.

Since I am the main person in charge here, I stepped forward.

The person who came was a military police officer.

“Juror Ian. This is a request for an interview with the defendant.”

“… I understand.”

Now it’s time to get to work.

***

When you are asked to meet with a juror and are told that you can have a conversation about the trial in advance.

The first warrior party four and Penny were indifferent.

But when I found out Ian was on the jury list.

They had no choice but to jump up from their seats.

Except for Beatrice, who has trouble with her legs.

They immediately requested a meeting.

However, Sylvia remained alone in the defendant’s waiting room.

She was the only one who didn’t ask.

‘Not yet… .’

I miss you.

too many.

It’s hard to be sure, but she probably had the strongest desire to meet Ian more than anyone else here.

Still, I endured it.

‘It’s not the time yet… .’

I couldn’t dare to cause trouble to the subject of expelling Ian, and face him as a suspect.

Even to talk about the trial?

There is a degree of shamelessness.

‘I miss you so much… . still… .’

Sylvia raised her head and looked at the ceiling.

I tried to sense Ian’s presence somewhere here, but it didn’t work.

As the tears kept welling up, she did not lower her head.

‘I have no choice but to look at it later when the trial takes place… . I have to endure it… . Because I don’t deserve it… .’

Sylvia eventually had to purse her lips and bury her head in her knees.

‘miss you so much… .’

The longing became painful and ate away at my heart.

*

Ian was sitting in the interview room, and Katy was standing behind him in case something went wrong.

Although there was one military police officer involved, I couldn’t rest assured because it was the other party.

There were three people sitting across from me.

Kylie, Beatrice, Aria.

Jurors and defendants.

The desks facing each other were blocked by a glass wall, but it was still possible to have a conversation.

Ian looked at them bluntly.

The first to speak was Beatrice.

She immediately stretched out her right arm.

“Look at this.”

The prosthetic arm hanging below the elbow shook and fell down.

“I guess this is the price I paid for kicking you out. how is it? Do you feel a little refreshed?”

Beatrice grumbled with unfocused eyes.

“Beatrice. If that’s going to happen, just shut up and get out.”

When Kylie noticed, Beatrice looked at Kylie with dead eyes and smiled weakly.

“… okay. It’s all my fault. that’s right. I’m sorry.”

It was a soulless voice.

From then on, Beatrice was quiet, with her chin down, as if she were dead.

Kylie cautiously opened her mouth.

“Ian. hmm. I never thought I’d see you like this again. Well, you must have been surprised last time. I understand. I would have done the same.”

Ian calmly listened to what was said one after another.

Kylie’s conclusion at the end was one.

“… sorry. Really, I know saying sorry isn’t enough, but… .”

Kylie lowered her head as if she was going to hit her forehead on the desk.

“I’m truly sorry… . Actually, I should have said thank you first… .”

She kept her mouth shut, feeling a pang of guilt.

This time it was Aria’s turn.

“Ian, you’re not in any pain, right? Hello, how are you? Oh, I guess I might have gotten hurt… . How about the new heroes? By any chance, do you have any intention of returning to us… .”

“Stop.”

Ian cut him off.

All three looked at Ian at that cold response.

He brushed up his bangs and said as if he was annoyed.

“I’m not here to listen to your personal stories. As a juror in this trial, I came to meet the defendant.”

It was a very public annoyance.

“What you will say to me here is set. What are your charges? How much do I need to know and how to interpret it? What do you hope for in this trial: guilt or innocence? How are you going to convince me about that? If I had to convince a judge, what would I say? What is the basis?”

After finishing speaking, Ian exhaled and finished.

“If you’re going to waste time talking about other useless things, please leave.”

“… … .”

No one could answer that.

However, Beatrice suddenly burst into laughter.

“Hee, hee! Oh no, why am I like this… . Pfft, pfft! Ah, heh… ! Phew… . Ugh, huh, ah… .”

She flinched and laughed, but suddenly burst into tears and whimpered.

She herself didn’t understand why.

Ian said to the military police.

“It seems like they have nothing to say to me. Please let me out.”

In the end, the three had to leave without any results.

Mercy, Vivian, and Helena, who were waiting outside, glared at them.

Instead of glaring at him, Lucia raised her chin and looked down, as if it was ridiculous and pitiful.

“… … .”

They just silently received those humiliating looks.

Mercy spoke after them leaving.

“Humanity is as lacking as the tail of a cave lizard. When are you going to kick me out because I don’t need it… Now that you need it, do you want to find it again?”

“… … .”

“I’m curious. If you had become useless and Ian had kicked you out first, how would you have reacted?”

“… … .”

Mercy became certain of one thing after what happened last time.

Even if Ian’s needs run out, Mercy will not leave Ian’s side.

I won’t kick him out.

Even though it wasn’t said in words, it was the same feeling from everyone present.

The three members of the first party walked away helplessly, unable to refute anything.

*

Penny was the next to come in.

Penny didn’t even sit across from him, but stood and bowed her head politely.

“Philip… . It is truly an honor to meet you in person… .”

“Let’s get to the point.”

Penny continued to speak while standing.

How much she chased Ian, how much she wanted him.

And what Ian, who came to this land, has to do.

It was a random story, as if it were reciting a biblical narrative.

Ian listened to the story silently.

“So Philip, no, Ian. You must help your heroes. They will take your honor… .”

“Stop.”

Ian couldn’t help but laugh.

Because her bullshit was so novel.

‘At this level, it’s mental illness.’

Penny looked at Ian with blank eyes.

Although it was an angle looking down from where I was standing, it was as if I was looking up to him.

“Penny.”

Facing her, Ian spoke firmly.

“I am not your god.”

Penny has never directly mentioned the word ‘God’ to Ian.

“… Yes?”

However, Ian could tell how she viewed him.

“This means that you should not forcefully use me to justify your own failure. I am not a person who follows you around, nor am I a person who wants to achieve a great cause like your delusions.”

“No, no… . You are my… .”

“They say imagination is free.”

Ian rubbed his forehead in annoyance and then spat it out.

“Please don’t arbitrarily fit my reality into your fantasy game. Because I feel dirty.”

“… … .”

Penny was denied her life by the person she admired so much.

*

None of the defendants saw any results in the jury interview.

“The judge enters. Please everyone please take a seat.”

The clerk announced the start of the trial.

To the left of the judge’s seat.

Three imperial figures sat down.

Supreme Court Justice, Emperor, Chief Executive Officer, in that order.

On the right, three cardinals of the Holy Church are seated.

In the middle of the courtroom facing the judge’s seat, the five defendants stood and there was a podium where each could come forward and give a statement.

And on the right side of the defendant’s seat.

The jurors, including Ian, sat close together in a row.

More than a thousand citizen spectators filled the place.

In this solemn atmosphere, the mere exhalation of so many people was noisy.

Vivian, Helena, Lucia, Kati, and Mercy sat side by side in the first row, the best seats for the audience.

They also remained silent and stared at the defendant’s and jury’s seats.

Ian, who was sitting next to the crown prince in the middle of the jury box, looked down at the courtroom with his arms crossed and a sad expression on his face.

“The trial will begin now. Due to the nature of the case and the defendants, we ask for the understanding of the guests who participated in the fact that it was conducted all at once.”

A Supreme Court judge from the Empire took charge of the proceedings.

“The two persons who will make oral arguments for the crime, please come forward.”

The trial began in earnest.