Chapter 218
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After reading the letter, they immediately contact each other.
Though it irks them to feel like they’re being led around by the nose following Anon’s instructions, the two of them work to verify the facts as he suggested.
Following Anon’s directions in their investigation, they find incident after incident caused by the Holy Knight. Victim after victim who had been forced to stay silent. They feel ashamed that what they knew before was just the tip of the iceberg. But beyond that, they discover something even more shocking.
The incidents caused by the Holy Knight in the past and those caused by the Hero in Lemone share the same methods and underlying ideology.
He would get an idea and, under the pretense of giving advice, meddle in affairs for his own amusement. He would interfere in people’s work and business dealings, and if anyone disagreed with his opinions or refused to comply, he would use the Hero’s name or the nation as a shield to threaten them. Even when people tearfully gave in and faced ruin by following him, he would of course take no responsibility. He would trample on and destroy the lives of people earnestly trying to make it through each day, as casually as knocking over a stack of building blocks when the mood struck him.
Moreover, if he took a liking to a woman, he would summon her to his chambers.
If a woman refused to comply, he would manipulate her by stirring up guilt, saying things like 「You’ve made me lose all motivation. If a stampede breaks out and everyone dies, it would be the same as if you killed them yourself.」 He would use such tactics to force women to do as he pleased and violate them.
In essence, both sets of incidents could only have been carried out because of an ideology that looked down on, scorned, and mocked this world and its people—an attitude that these people could be treated however he pleased. This underlying mindset became clearly visible.
By this point, both Chancellor Madison and Gilbert are almost certain that Anon’s claims are probably true.
Less than a week after Anon’s initial contact, they complete their thorough investigation. They report to each other their shared recognition that 「Anon is likely telling the truth」 and rack their brains over how best to make contact with him.
That very night, as if perfectly timing his appearance, Anon—who should not have been able to be there—appears in Chancellor Madison’s room.
At first, Madison prepares himself for death upon encountering this mysterious figure who had slipped through heavy security into his private chambers, with his faint presence and unknowable nature.
Once he quickly realizes this is a misunderstanding(?), Madison has their Contact Pearls memorize each other’s mana so they can stay in touch going forward.
Having made contact with Anon this way, Chancellor Madison proceeds to share much more information and develop countermeasures against the Hero, bringing Gilbert into these discussions. Through the meeting of these three individuals, Hero Ryūgūin’s fate becomes clearly determined.
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When told the nation would be split, King Arcana initially laughs it off as a joke. However, upon seeing Chancellor Madison’s eyes, he falters, asking 「Are you serious?」
While Madison acknowledges the king as a good ruler who had helped build up the nation’s governance together with him, he considers the king’s excessive indulgence of his daughter to be his one flaw. This complaint had been overlooked because Princess Puffy was talented, but now she is far from merely talented. At this point, they are simply a foolish daughter and her foolish parent.
The complaints Madison had about Princess Puffy before might have been due to the Hero’s actions. Even for Madison, to break through this situation, he ultimately needs to do something about this foolish parent-child pair.
In other words, he needs to restrain both of them and then condemn the Hero.
Madison’s harsh attitude toward King Arcana is absolutely necessary to convince him, and his sincerity shows through. That’s why King Arcana falters, thinks for a moment, and then completely accepts Chancellor Madison’s proposition.
However, to avoid complications, Madison only tells King Arcana 「We will deal with the Hero’s numerous misdeeds. Regarding the difficult-to-traverse dungeon, we will take responsibility and handle it somehow.」 Though the king is not incompetent and, having dealt with Madison for many years, probably suspects there’s more to it than that, he approves saying, 「I understand. Do as you see fit.」
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「We will continue to question Hero Ryūgūin Ouji and the three members of the Hero’s party regarding the long-standing suspicions against them.」
King Arcana delivers these words exactly as they were drilled into his head, while internally apologizing to his daughter.
「I’m sorry, Puffy. But Papa had no choice when they threatened to split the nation.」
Madison’s eyes had been those of someone who would definitely follow through on what he said.
The king knows for a fact that Madison’s political rivals who had unjustly profited had disappeared along with their entire families. While he doesn’t necessarily think he would fall behind just for opposing Madison, it’s easier to let Madison handle the Hero than risk such consequences.
「From here on, I leave matters to Chancellor Madison.」
The one most taken aback by this turn of events, who recovers and raises her voice, is Puffy.
「What?! I haven’t heard anything about this!! There’s still time!! Those who have just shown disrespect to Sir Hero must apologize immediately!!」
Her shouts are filled with anger.
However—
「I’m sorry, Puffy. Papa will apologize again later.」
King Arcana apologizes to his daughter in his heart once more.
Just then, Princess Puffy continues raising her voice, but her words no longer reach those around her. She tries to strike the air, but something prevents it.
One of the Archbishops has put up a barrier targeting Princess Puffy, preventing her unexpected movements while also cutting off her voice.
「Taking over from King Arcana, I will be presiding from here.」
Madison steps forward with a stern expression.
「Without further delay, Hero Ryūgūin Ouji. I ask you. Answer honestly.」
His voice carries the determination to not let his target escape.
However, unable to hide his confusion, Ryūgūin Ouji shouts at the three women standing beside him, 「I wasn’t told about any of this!!」 「Hey! What’s going on here?! Hey!」 「Why don’t any of you say something?! Hey!」
In Madison’s hands is a long, loosely rolled document.
「Shortly after you were summoned, you spent about half a year in Greeneyes attempting to conquer the Mirror Dungeon. What I’m about to ask concerns that time period. Do you know a young woman named Wendy, the daughter of the Hudson Apothecary?」
To his question, Ryūgūin Ouji mutters with a still-trembling voice:
「Huh? Why are you asking about that time period—」
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