CH 168.1

Chapter 168 StranGri Meeting ② Part 1

Standing proudly at the center of the Zebrudia Empire. The Zebrudia Imperial Castle.

In the throne room at the far end of the castle, the current Emperor, Radrick Atrum Zebrudia, was listening to the reports from his subordinates.

It was the Director of Security, the one who was in charge of the security inside the Imperial Castle. Radrick frowned at the information brought in by the man who was also one of the nobles of the Empire.

“So, you couldn’t find it……” (Radrick)

“The measures against poisons were perfect. The food and the alcohol were prepared by the Castle’s cooks. The kitchen was guarded at all times, and there was no sign of any intrusion from the outside. Ingredients were brought in by the usual seller, and all kinds of checks were made, including poison testing. The only possibility remaining is that it has been done by…… A guest.” (Director of Security)

“This is, truly, hard to believe. To think that we have to doubt our national figures……” (Radrick)

“Their goal was probably to make a distraction. No one there would have died from the poison that had been mixed in.” (Director of Security)

Zebrudia is a country with many Treasure Shrines.

Noblemen of the Empire would visit Treasure Shrines to absorb Mana Material from an early age. And it was customary for them to strengthen their resistances with the Mana Material they absorbed.

Noblemen do not need high combat skills, but the ability to survive and not die under any conspiracy.

Most poisons do not work on the noblemen of the Empire. It would be a different story if it was a deadly poison that could kill Hunters, but it was a very common one that was used in the dish.

“Did you find out who was in charge of the alcohol?” (Radrick)

“That’s…… We didn’t even find out if there was really something in the alcohol. The problem is that 《Absolute Shadow (Zetsu Ei)》 drank all of it. It is just that, there were no abnormalities with the other drinks.” (Director of Security)

“I see…………” (Radrick)

Radrick narrowed his eyes and thought silently.

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Between poisoning the dish or the alcohol, poisoning the alcohol was easier. Because there was no poison tester for each cup of glass.

However, the security of the Imperial Castle was perfect. Of course, it can’t be said that there were no gaps, but during the 『White Sword Gathering』, the security was even stronger than usual.

Radrick could see from a distance that 《Absolute Shadow (Zetsu Ei)》 was not in her normal state.

All the information on the Empire’s best Hunters was carved in my head. She was the successor of 《Absolute Shadow (Zetsu Ei)》  the famous 『Thief (Tozoku)』 in the Empire, and she wasn’t someone who would sit quietly in a place like that.

Whether it was smeared on the glass or mixed inside while it was being carried around, it must have been a fairly well-organized plan as they had to slip through numerous guards in order to poison the alcohol.

But on the other hand, the poison in the dish was a very sloppy job. All the food that was immediately brought back from the venue reacted to 『Detect Poison (Poison Detection』 .

The possibility of an intruder invading the Castle in order to put poison was extremely low. At the very least, the culprit had to be someone who had been inside the venue.

It would be a painstaking task to find out the backgrounds of all the attendees, but it wasn’t an impossible task.

However, Radrick’s expression wasn’t good.

“So, it was the work of the 『Fox』 again, huh…… Was their goal to prevent the 『Conference』……” (Radrick)

“…… The most suspicious is still 《Infinite Variety (Senpen Banka)》……” (Director of Security)

I heard what he did. I heard that man had caused some trouble even before I had entered the hall.

However, Radrick muffled his voice and laughed when he heard him.

“Kukuku…… It is quite ironic that the most suspicious person has been proven innocent. No… Was that why he made us use the 『True Tear (Tear of the Truth)』.” (Radrick)

『True Tear (Tear of the Truth)』 was one of Zebrudia’s pillars of foundation.

Until now, the authenticity of its judgment has never been wrong, and doubting its credibility now would lead to re-questioning the veracity and falsehood of all those who have been subjected to the treasure so far. And this was something that was not acceptable.

It was the first time I met him, but as the rumors said he is a smart man.

And it was a terrible boldness on his part to demand to take on the 『True Tear (Tear of the Truth)』, which was essentially the natural enemy of schemers.

If there was a reaction in front of that public, that man would have been doomed. His appearance was as if…… Yes. As if he had no idea what he was doing.

I ordered the director of security to continue his investigation and asked him to leave. 

Alone in the throne room, Radrick muttered in a small voice.

“Are you telling me to trust you? ………… How much do you know?” (Radrick)

Zebrudia is a powerful country. And in order to keep its great power, we must show the appropriate attitude.

The era of head-on wars between nations is over. In this day and age, everything depends on how one effectively utilizes the resources available from Treasure Shrines.

Can that man be used or not?  And is it okay to use him?

Narrowing his eyes, Radrick Atrum Zebrudia recalled the figure of that man who suddenly performed a dogeza in front of him.

§　§　§

The intruder, the criminal, and the slasher, all three of them were here with us. What am I supposed to do?

While at a loss, I looked around at everyone. However, Eva and Tino were the only ones who looked pale, and the rest seemed unconcerned. They were all used to having unfortunate things happening to them.

Luke made a quizzical expression at my reaction and said proudly.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t kill them. Because that was what “Mentor (Shisho)” told me. We will interrogate them so do your best to not kill anyone, was what he said.” (Luke)

“…… Did you fight back because they attacked you first?” (Cry)

“? No? Why should I allow them a preemptive strike?” (Luke)

“Was it really a suspicious person?” (Cry)

“Aaaah. It was a tourist. Even though it has been a while since I had a real sword, he wasn’t much of a training partner.” (Luke)

Our conversation didn’t match. As always, he resorts to his sword too fast.

Well, but if you think about it calmly, if he had been released that means they had come to the same conclusion.

Luke resorts to his sword too fast, but he is not a bad guy, and if there was a problem, there would be a complaint coming to me.

I decided to not think about this. And Sytry wrote on the blackboard 『Luke-san slashed three people』.

………… Isn’t it now impossible to operate in the Imperial Capital without any problems?

And there, Liz grandly re-crossed her legs and sharpened her lips.

“Rather than that, the problem was the alcohol, right? Neeee, Cry-chan. Who do you want me to kill?” (Liz)

Eva pulled her cheeks together and for confirmation, she whispered to me.

“………… Cry-san, should I take my leave?” (Eva)

“…… No, stay” (Cry)

I said so with a desperate smile on my face. Even if you try to run away, I won’t let you escape. The more victims, the better.

Sytry said while tapping the blackboard with her chalk.

“Regarding that, the security of the Imperial Castle is very tight. If you are at our level, there are ways to get through, but it is difficult to plant the poison. It was undoubtedly someone on the inside.” (Sytry)

Their defense against magic was particularly well-prepared. The barriers that surround the Imperial Castle have the power to interfere with everything, from transfer to flight, transparency, and cognitive obstruction.

“Since it had been strongly invalidated when she entered the barrier…… I had to re-cast the magic I applied on Liz after she entered. The only thing that I could think of that can do the same is…… A Relic.” (Lucia)

“If you start to think like that, it will never end. Even in mystery stories, it is illegal to use unknown Relics.” (Cry)

TL notes:

Thanks for reading!

I love when the Emperor thought that when Cry looked like he had no idea what he was doing when he used the True Tear while that was the only time that he knew what he was doing! As in Cry’s mind True Tear = My plot armor!

And when the Emperor was wondering how much he knew when he knew nothing! XD

Tchao à plus!