Published: January 15, 2026
Earlhardt, puzzled by the unexpected situation, quickly changed his expression and faced us.
"Now then... I have already heard the reports, but there seem to be suspicions that our Wang family is hiding private wealth..."
"That's correct."
Panamera answered, stepping forward.
"The information that the Yelinetta Wang family has been hiding private wealth without reporting it is accurate. Therefore, we have decided to take this firm course of action."
"...Well then, all the castles and mansions owned by our Wang family should have already been investigated. Are you planning to investigate a mansion in another city as well?"
Earlhardt responded with a puzzled look at Panamera’s words, as if he found the suspicion itself unbelievable. His reaction seemed natural, not at all like an act.
However, our trust in our sources was unwavering. If Prince Freitliner’s terrified demeanor had been an act, it would have deserved an award for best actor.
Apparently, Panamera agreed with this sentiment, as she looked Earlhardt straight in the eyes and responded.
"No, there is no need to go that far. Earlhardt Asbach Yelinetta... what we are going to investigate is the underground of the cathedral here in the capital city."
Panamera said this with a smile, and Earlhardt’s cheek twitched slightly. Though subtle, it was clearly an unfavorable response for him. Many nobles present also voiced their surprise.
"N- Nonsense...!"
"Why that place...?"
Panamera was not about to miss such voices.
"Oh? I thought it was hidden wealth of the Wang family, but it seems others beyond the royal family were involved in concealing it."
Panamera muttered with interest, and silence immediately returned to the hall. The atmosphere became as still as water, and Panamera snorted and shook her head from side to side.
"Then, please select one person to accompany us. It would be best if someone who can guide us inside. Who will come along?"
When Panamera asked this, Earlhardt sighed deeply and lowered his chin.
"...My son, Cosworth, will accompany you."
Upon Earlhardt’s words, a large man appeared from the back. He wasn’t particularly tall, but his broad shoulders and solid build were unmistakable. Seeing the muscles bulging even through his clothes, I almost wanted to apologize for not being as well-built.
There was another striking feature about him: a white cloth covering half of his face.
"Prince Cosworth. Well, well... Should I say it’s been since we met on the battlefield?"
Panamera asked, and Cosworth ran his dark green hair back with an irritated look. Then, with his one uncovered eye, he glared at me alongside Panamera.
"...Cosworth Yelinetta. I will guide you."
Cosworth walked ahead alone, followed by Panamera. Behind us, the knight order, including Dee and Makan, formed a line, so there was no fear.
Cosworth walked with his shoulders raised in anger, but I wasn’t scared at all.
Thinking that, we proceeded for a while until we reached a large round building situated roughly between the royal castle and the northern city gate.
It was a strange structure, made of three half-oval shapes stacked vertically. Was this a church?
"This way. It’s narrow inside. Please keep the group to no more than ten."
Cosworth said, and Panamera immediately reduced the group. Of course, that included me, Dee, and Kamushin. The rest were Panamera’s subordinates.
We opened the wide double doors on the side and entered a dim room with simple benches arranged. At the far end stood a man in white robes, presumably a priest.
"Well, well..."
The man smiled gently at Cosworth.
"...Bishop. The door to the underground, please."
Cosworth said that, and the man referred to as the Bishop instantly wiped the smile off his face and looked toward us.
"...Understood."
Feeling a slight fear at the sudden change in atmosphere, I steadied myself and refused to look away. The Bishop furrowed his brows slightly and exhaled thinly.
"Everyone, please remain still..."
He said, then moved toward the wall. As Cosworth stepped back, we did the same. Watching closely to see what would happen, the Bishop operated something on the wall. Immediately after, we heard something move beyond it.