Published: July 3, 2025
The happy times were suddenly shattered.
Just as a loud noise came from the hallway, the door to the Duke's Reception Room burst open, and armed soldiers flooded in.
At first glance, it was clear they were not the guards of the Duchy Castle.
However, they were not merely rogues or adventurers either.
It was evident from their unified weaponry and seamless movements.
Upon confirming this, the five members of the "Valkyrie" moved swiftly.
They positioned themselves in front of the most important person in the room, Grand Duke Cyrus, ready to protect him with their bodies.
As expected of c-rank adventurers, their reactions were impressive.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Cyrus raised his voice towards the soldiers who had entered… no, specifically towards the person at the center.
"I will ask you again. What is the meaning of this, Count Magija?"
Count Magija replied without changing his expression.
"Cyrus Theo Santayana, you are under arrest for treason against the state."
"What did you say…?"
Cyrus widened his eyes in disbelief and muttered.
"It has been confirmed that you attempted to sell the national treasures through the visiting delegation, and furthermore, you tried to sell the nation itself. Your actions can indeed be called treasonous. At this moment, all of your privileges as a grand duke are frozen. I advise you to accept your judgment quietly."
"Ridiculous… Why are you doing this? There is no need for this. If 'you' desire it, I am always ready to abdicate my position as grand duke. You know that!"
It was not just the count and his associates who were surprised by Grand Duke Cyrus's words.
It was the members of the Valkyrie, including Mew.
However, they too did not interject.
They understood that this was not an issue for them to intervene in.
And then…
"That would be problematic, Cyrus."
The words came from deeper inside the door, from the hallway.
Then, the owner of the voice appeared.
"It seems it was indeed 'you,' Marquis Espiel. Why must you do this? You should understand that there is no need for this!"
However, the man called Marquis Espiel did not answer that question and addressed the Valkyrie instead.
"Adventurers of the kingdom, we have already detained twenty members of the delegation. It would be wise not to resist."
At those words, the five exchanged glances.
Representing them, Mew asked Cyrus with her eyes.
"Ah, that is probably true. Resisting them would be futile. They are the true rulers of this country."
"Grandfather?"
"I’m sorry, Mew, for dragging you into this…"
Grand Duke Cyrus Theo Santayana slumped his shoulders and declared that he would not resist.
Mock battlefield.
From Abel's perspective, it was honestly progressing without much excitement.
(If asked for my impressions now… it would be troublesome)
While letting out a deep sigh in his heart, he did not show it on his face.
In the midst of his trouble, a swift horse arrived, and Count Regio Robert listened to a report from a distance.
Once he finished listening to the report, Robert nodded to the soldiers in the viewing area.
A trumpet sounded, and the soldier's voice echoed across the mock battlefield.
"Mock battle, concluded."
Abel was surprised.
(So it's over here? What a timing to end it… I’m really troubled about impressions)
In his heart, his face twisted in agony.
Ignoring Abel's predicament, Robert called out.
"Now, Abel, let’s go down."
Leading the way, Robert, followed by Abel and the remaining three nobles, descended to the mock battlefield.
During this time, Abel was desperately thinking in his mind about the impressions of the mock battle.
Not that he was supposed to, but as he followed Robert, he found himself led right into the center of the knight order.
"Huh?"
It was then that he finally noticed the oddity.
He was precisely in a position surrounded by knights, who, although they had not drawn their swords, had their hands resting on their sword hilts.
"Now, Abel, I apologize for the suddenness, but I would like you to surrender without resistance."
Count Regio Robert's voice contained a slight hint of mockery compared to before.