Published: July 3, 2025
When Ryo returned to the dormitory, he was immediately told by the receptionist to go to the captain's office.
Upon entering the captain's office, he saw various people gathered there.
Hugh, Former King Robert Pirlo, his captain of the guard Grown, Nils, Eto, Amon, and Gladys, the negotiation officer from the Ministry of Military Affairs, along with her aide Ashley.
From what he heard, it seemed that the Holy Sword held by Grown had been targeted.
Fortunately, the three people from Room 10, who happened to witness the incident, managed to stop it.
"Wow~"
Ryo was genuinely impressed.
He then turned to the three and said, "You got a reward, didn't you?"
"…"
No one said anything.
"…Huh?"
It seemed Ryo had said something wrong.
He quickly glanced around nervously.
"Of course! The alliance delegation will present you with a monetary reward," Robert Pirlo said in a fluster.
Could it be… that if Ryo hadn't said anything, they wouldn't have received anything at all…?
While discussing this, a loud voice echoed from outside.
Soon, he could hear the sounds of footsteps approaching up the stairs.
The door swung open roughly, and DeLong, the leader of the "Coffee Makers," rushed in.
"Hugh, those guys from the church's inquisition bureau said they want Ryo handed over."
"What?"
"Me?"
Descending into the lobby, he found himself in a situation that was almost explosive.
Members of the kingdom's adventurers blocked the way as the church members in black ritual robes attempted to move deeper into the lobby.
Hugh stepped in to break the tension.
"I am Hugh McGrath, head of the kingdom delegation. I demand an explanation for this."
His voice carried a weight that seemed to press down on everyone around.
It felt as though there was even a physical pressure accompanying his voice.
However, a woman who stepped forward from the black-robed members of the church showed no signs of wavering.
"I am Archbishop Stefania, head of the inquisition bureau. We will put the kingdom adventurer Ryo on trial for heresy. Hand him over immediately."
The woman, appearing to be in her mid-twenties, spoke in a calm and quiet voice, contrary to Hugh's intensity.
"What are you talking about? This is the kingdom's delegation! You think you can put that guardian adventurer on trial for heresy? Do you really think that's allowed?"
"No permission is needed. No one can obstruct the inquisition."
"Do you know Cardinal Graham at the desk over there? He used to be the head of the inquisition bureau, didn’t he?"
"Cardinal Graham does not have the authority to obstruct the inquisition either."
"What did you say…?"
Hugh's face turned bright red with anger at Stefania's words.
But then, a voice interrupted the tension.
"You may not have the authority to obstruct it, but you did express concern."
Coming out from behind the inquisition members was Cardinal Graham.
As soon as his voice resonated, the inquisitors blocking the way stepped aside, creating a path.
Even six years after resigning from his position, his presence was evidently still commanding.
"Graham! What is the meaning of this?"
Hugh shouted.
"I apologize, Master McGrath. As Stefania said, no one can obstruct the inquisition, not even I, a cardinal."
"What did you say…?"
"However, I mentioned that putting Ryo on trial here would lead to the breakdown of negotiations with the delegation, which is something we should be concerned about. Stefania, if you're going to withdraw, this is your last opportunity."
But Stefania completely ignored Graham's words.
"I will take adventurer Ryo into custody."
"Don't be ridiculous!"
Hugh shouted, and at that moment.
"Silence!"
The voice was neither loud nor sharp.
Yet it reached the ears of everyone in the lobby.
The kingdom adventurers, who heard the voice from behind, immediately turned around and opened a path.
For some unknown reason.
But everyone understood that doing so was the right thing.
Quietly.
And slowly.
A mage draped in robes appeared, moving through the parted way made by the adventurers.
During this time, no one spoke.