第４２８堀：かがくのちからってすげー (Part2)
"Yes. They are children with whom we share a deep connection. We provided them with similar prototypes, so Vilia, please play the recording."
"Yes, Brother."
"W-Wait!"
"No, no. This will clear up any misunderstandings between us."
While my husband gently but firmly blocked the minister from interfering, the recording began to play.
*“The other countries won’t just sit by and watch, will they?”*
*“That can be managed once I have Roschur under my thumb. It’s merely a change of kings. No one can interfere with a nation’s internal political shifts. Attacking Weed directly isn’t the goal—it’s enough to send personnel inside. Before they know it, things will go exactly as we planned.”*
*“I see. So, rather than targeting Weed first, you intend to seize one of the three great powers and then openly dispatch operatives?”*
*“Correct. No matter how that little girl Seraria tries to refuse, she cannot go against national policy. If she refuses clumsily, other countries will grow suspicious of Weed. Once that happens, they’ll be playing right into our hands.”*
*“And what of the operations within Weed?”*
*“Hmph. Temporarily suspended. Honestly, this city is nothing but a nuisance…”*
*BANG!!*
*Thump.*
*“Ow.”*
*“What? Just a child…”*
*“H-Hey, you lot!!”*
*“What are you so panicked about? Aren’t they just street urchins scavenging for scraps?”*
*“These guys, even if they look like this, they’re adventurers!! If this gets reported, we’re finished!!”*
*“What!? You idiots, capture these brats!!”*
The room fell silent.
I hadn't known the specifics, but to think they were actually plotting to seize control of Roschur. But I wonder why? Why was there such a need to meddle with Weed? Well, I suppose I can get the details from Vilia and the others, or simply capture these men and proceed with interrogations and a search of their quarters.
"W-Wrong!?"
The ministers, now met with cold stares, huddled in the corner of the room. My husband and I had the exit covered, and there were no windows. We never intended to let them escape from the start.
"What exactly is 'wrong,' I wonder? The conversation we just heard is more than enough to warrant charges of high treason."
"That is for Roschur to decide!! If you arrest me here, it will become a diplomatic incident!!"
Oh, so he’s going to play the defiant card. Well, that makes things easier now that he’s practically confessed.
"Oh? Your own words confirm that the children were merely cleaning the streets, and that is sufficient grounds for Weed to take you into custody for attempted assault on women and children, attempted kidnapping, battery, and a host of other crimes."
"Damn you!! Then, if I just finish off everyone here… wait? You lot, why are you falling…?"
It seems he had intended to resort to a predictable outburst at the end, but Rock and Kina had already moved, and his entourage—presumably his guards—were already unconscious. As the Master and Vice Master of the Adventurer Guild, handling opponents of this caliber was child's play for them.
I decided to finish my side of things quickly. I drew my sword and pointed it at the minister.
"Now, choose. Would you prefer to have your limbs severed by my blade before being tortured into speaking, or will you surrender quietly, talk, and be handed over? Choose whichever you like."
"H-How… how are you able to use a sword, a weapon…?"
"…Honestly. It’s common knowledge that Weed’s police and key figures are permitted to carry arms. Naturally, the top of Weed is no exception. And tell me, is this man really a minister?"
My husband explained this and asked me about the status of the creature before us.
"No. I’ve never seen such an idiot. He’s likely faking his identity, isn't he? There were no travel permits filed by the Roschur inspection delegation for someone like him, were there?"
"Ah, it’s possible he came here on his own. Well, we’ll make him talk about that too. So, what’ll it be? Sliced up by a sword, or will you talk quietly?"
When my husband issued the ultimatum once more, the fool collapsed to his knees and went quiet. Steve and his men, who had been waiting outside, moved in to bind and carry them away. It seems there had been some trouble on the first floor as well, and since they were already nearby and likely to be taking prisoners anyway, Steve had redirected his unit to assist.
After watching them go, I turned back to Vilia and the others.
"Well, this isn't the place for it. Let’s head to the government building’s conference room and hear the full story. What about you, Rock and Kina?"
"Ah, Kina. You go. I’ll look after the Adventurer Guild."
"Eh!? M-Me!?"
"It’s about time you got used to these kinds of things."
"U-Understood. I-I’m sure I’ll be a nuisance, but I’m in your care."
"You don't have to be so stiff. Just act like your usual self."
"Oh, really? Then, nice to see you, Seraria."
The moment Kina said that, Rock brought his fist down on her head.
"Ouch—!? W-What was that for, Rock-san!?"
"Idiot!! Learn to separate public and private matters!! She’s here as Her Majesty the Queen, not as your friend right now!"
The sight eased the tension in the room just a little. But, things are going to be difficult from here on out. I need to contact Father and Princess Aria.