Chapter 516: An Important Talk with the Prince

While they waited for Ragune’s return, events were unfolding in the Royal Capital. Marquis Halagoura was summoned to the royal palace, confronted with a long list of suspected crimes, and forcibly detained in what was practically a surprise arrest.

A major reason the royal family resorted to such hard-line measures was the arrest of Alexa, the [Hero] and close aide to Marquis Halagoura.

Alexa had been caught red-handed attempting to assassinate Tauro—an honorary viscount—and Tauro’s companions, all of whom also held honorary titles. In addition, he was suspected of involvement with the forbidden barrier-and-sorcery system in the Halagoura territory that had harmed surrounding lands.

There was also strong suspicion that Marquis Halagoura had personally recommended several individuals who appeared to be Imperial agents for positions close to the Crown Prince.

In other words, there were grounds to suspect him of treason against the state.

Given all this, the royal family had ample reason to carry out such a forceful arrest and detention.

Marquis Halagoura had also long been suspected of involvement in numerous crimes that were repeatedly covered up. Considering all of those suspicions together, even a high-ranking noble who led the country’s largest faction was unlikely to escape severe punishment, possibly execution.

This was a tense moment not only for the royal family, but also for the military and the nobles who supported them.

After all, if matters went badly, the country could split in two and descend into civil war.

For that reason, the Royal Capital, the Prime Minister’s faction, the neutral faction, and other nobles loyal to the Crown were all on high alert, with many prepared to mobilize troops at a moment’s notice.

That was how dramatic the arrest had been.

“Any movement among the high-ranking nobles of the Halagoura faction?”

Tauro was in a room in the royal palace checking in with Prince Fleue about the current situation.

Tauro and his companions were deeply involved in the affair, so he had come to hear the latest situation directly.

“Most of the Halagoura-faction nobles in the Royal Capital have been placed under house arrest. However, Marquis Halagoura’s son and grandson returned to their territory and are reorganizing their territorial troops, gathering them near the borders under the pretext of training. Some high-ranking nobles who escaped the capital have also returned to their domains and are watching what happens here. His Majesty is sending them letters now in an attempt to calm the situation.”

Prince Fleue spoke calmly, as though he had already steeled himself for the possibility of a war breaking out.

“I’m really sorry. I never imagined our actions would cause things to escalate this far.”

“What are you saying? You only brushed aside sparks that were flying at you! …Besides, we knew this would have to happen sooner or later. We couldn’t keep overlooking Marquis Halagoura’s tyranny forever. His Majesty knew that too. After what happened to my brother, he decided this was the moment to act. Fortunately, we detained the senior military officers tied to the Halagoura faction, and the rest renewed their oath of loyalty to the Crown. We avoided turning the capital into a sea of flames.”

Prince Fleue expressed his gratitude to his friend and let out a sigh of relief that it hadn’t come to war.

“I can’t help feeling this might be related to my ability…”

Tauro found himself wondering whether [Great Fortune] was somehow drawing events toward him.

“Still, the man you captured, Tauro… To think he possessed [Hero]. That alone makes Halagoura’s actions extremely serious. He concealed someone with [Hero] and used him as his own personal tool.”

Prince Fleue had a point.

A person possessing [Hero] could reasonably be considered a national asset.

Even if the Crown didn’t automatically claim custody of every such person, concealing Alexa’s existence and exploiting his power for private crimes was serious in itself.

“Haha… I know a [Great Hero] myself, so I can’t criticize that part too strongly.”

Tauro could only give a wry smile at the prince’s words.

After all, Tauro knew many people with extraordinary abilities unknown to the public, including a [True Saint] and a [Sky-Soaring Dragon Knight].

“You mean the dragonfolk? There’s an old pact between them and the royal family, so that isn’t a problem. Still, if your letters are accurate, having so many people with abilities far beyond ordinary humans would normally be frightening. But people can’t fear what they don’t even know exists.”

Prince Fleue laughed, brushing aside Tauro’s concern.

“And thank you for indulging my selfish request and sending the court physicians.”

Tauro expressed his deepest gratitude to his royal friend.

“No, it’s fine. On the contrary, I heard the doctors were thoroughly impressed with you and Aeris. That aside, is everyone all right?”

“Thank you for asking. We still haven’t heard from Ragune, so we don’t know her condition, but Ankh and Zion have finally recovered enough to get out of bed.”

“I see! I’m glad to hear they’re safe. —By the way, Tauro, your plans for your new adventure have changed quite a bit. What are you going to do now?”

“We were actually planning to head south, but after everything that’s happened, we’ve all had our own thoughts and are talking about going north for a while.”

“North? …Toward the Empire?”

Prince Fleue lowered his voice reflexively, surprise on his face.

“No. After clashing with the Empire’s elite special forces, we don’t have that kind of courage. We’ve been talking about going back to basics and training at the Dragon’s Den in the Dragonfolk Village.”

After denying it with a wry smile, Tauro said something outrageous.

“Th-that’s quite a bold idea… Isn’t that place like hell?”

“…Apparently. To be honest, Zion is reluctant to go, but Ankh says he wants to try even if he has to go alone, so she’s torn. Personally, I’d rather grow stronger through ordinary adventures.”

“What about Aeris?”

“She says either is fine. She told me she’ll follow my lead.”

“I see. Then that’s good. By the way, Tauro, you’re an honorary viscount now. Don’t you think it’s about time you made your relationship with Aeris clear?”

Prince Fleue knew he was meddling, but he was touching on something very real between the two.

“My relationship with Aeris? I think it’s already clear, though…”

Tauro looked thoughtful, unable to grasp the prince’s true intent.

“In what way is it clear?”

“Well, ever since we started adventuring together, she’s been an extremely important companion and friend to me—and someone I care about very much.”

Tauro, who was often thought to be dense about such matters, casually said something rather significant.

“Is that so!?”

Prince Fleue was also surprised by the unexpected answer.

“Aeris is beautiful, she has a wonderful personality, and above all she’s a companion I can trust to guard my back as an adventurer. Of course I like her.”

Tauro’s feelings still seemed strongly rooted in their bond as fellow adventurers, but it was clear that he also saw Aeris as a woman. Realizing that his friends’ relationship was moving in a positive direction, Prince Fleue felt reassured.