Kays Translations

Chapter 32: Even as the Situation Worsens

Was the present crisis part of the original story of the Legend of the Seven Heroes, or had Ren’s existence caused events to diverge into something entirely new?

Ren had no way to know.

Regardless, he wanted to find a way out.

At nearly the same hour Viscount Given entered Clausel, Ren woke and began building a morning fire.

(Given is plainly trying to frame Baron Clausel.)

The powerful nobles of the Neutral Faction had proved unreliable. A faction offered little value when its leaders refused to protect weaker members. Ren wanted to condemn them as cowards, though he knew they also had territories, families, and subjects to protect.

Whatever their reasons, no help was coming.

(If nothing changes, the baron will be convicted and stripped of his position.)

Rank and factional power allowed Given to force through an absurd accusation. Ren had once intended to keep his distance from both Licia and House Clausel, but his feelings had changed. Knowing the world could be unjust did not make it acceptable to watch that injustice unfold.

(What can a child like me do?)

He searched desperately for an answer and found none.

Then he tried thinking of it as a game objective.

(Instead of saving the baron directly, what if I bring down Given?)

Evidence connecting Given to the attack on the Ashton village, the abduction, or some other crime could reverse the pressure. But evidence discovered by a child might carry little weight in a world where authority mattered more than truth.

Even so, it would not be useless.

(It could buy time.)

Baron Clausel was no fool. Given enough room to act, he might find an ally, expose flaws in the accusation, or prevent the worst outcome.

The ideal solution would be to infiltrate Given’s manor, but Ren lacked both the time and the ability to do so safely. For now, reaching Clausel alive and testifying about the attack and abduction was the only realistic course.

They could state that men connected to Given had attacked them and that they had escaped with their lives. Without physical proof, the claim might fail, but it was still better than silence.

(I’ll do whatever I can.)

Otherwise Baron Clausel would fall – and Ren had no idea what would happen to Licia afterward.

She slept against the roots beside him, breathing quietly. Now that Ren had seen the vulnerable child beneath the image of the legendary saint, he wanted to return her to her former life as quickly as possible.

First, however, he needed to restore her strength.

Ren prepared breakfast and readied Licia’s third dose of Meal Grass.

◇ ◇ ◇ ◇

Several hours later, the town of Clausel bustled with morning activity.

Every city in the Leomel Empire possessed a temple. Its great hall served not only for worship but also for formal proceedings involving nobles and other powerful people. Imperial law required such trials to follow prescribed ceremonies before witnesses.

The first was held before Main God Elfen. During that sacred proceeding, all participants were forbidden to lie.

“It will begin soon, my lord,” Weiss said.

The Knight Commander stood beside Baron Clausel near the rear of the temple, facing the altar. Outside, the voices of citizens supporting the baron echoed through the streets. Inside, mandatory silence prevailed.

Baron Clausel chuckled.

“Why are you laughing?” Weiss asked.

“You should have seen Given’s face when he sat down opposite us.”

As the complainant, Viscount Given occupied the seats across the altar. He appeared entirely unconcerned, chatting pleasantly with one of his knights.

“He acts as though today’s arguments are beneath his notice,” Weiss growled.

“Because he expects to denounce me today and win tomorrow’s ruling. He would not have taken such a forceful approach without confidence in the outcome.”

Weiss clenched his fist hard enough that the movement disturbed the air around him. Given glanced over and stiffened at the old knight’s fury.

“Calm yourself,” Baron Clausel said.

“But, my lord-“

“If you cannot remain calm, I will have you removed.”

Weiss lowered his eyes, ashamed not of fear but of losing control.

After a moment, the baron spoke again.

“Weiss, what sort of boy is Ren Ashton?”

“Why ask that now?”

“Tell me once more. It matters.”

Weiss answered without further protest.

“As I have said, he is an extraordinarily strong boy.”

“Even compared with the heirs of the Seven Great Houses whom you saw in the imperial capital?”

“Yes. I believe Ren is not merely their equal. He may surpass them.”

“Good.”

The baron’s satisfaction confused Weiss. House Clausel seemed certain to be framed, yet his lord retained a strange confidence.

“This must remain between us,” the baron continued. “I have been in contact with a certain noble.”

Weiss’s eyes widened.

“A noble?”

“I cannot reveal his identity yet. He promised to help when the need arose.”

“Someone of higher rank than you?”

“Higher than Given as well.”

That meant at least a count. Relief softened Weiss’s face. He had believed no powerful neutral would stand with them, yet the baron had secretly secured a great noble’s support.

“I did not expect Given to move this quickly,” Baron Clausel admitted. “That is why I have also been forced to place faith in Ren’s abilities without proof.”

“Please explain, my lord.”

The baron only smiled bitterly.

“But Ren was taken with Lady Licia,” Weiss said, regret returning to his voice.

“Even so, we must believe in him. If the rumors of his strength are true, he may escape. And if Licia is with him…”

A Legal Affairs Bureau official stepped into the center of the hall.

“It is time.”

He waited until every eye was upon him.

“The arguments will now be heard in accordance with imperial law. The petitioner shall speak first.”

Viscount Given presented the accusation; Baron Clausel answered.

Had Ren been present, he might have called it a race between opposing arguments. Given’s claims were largely as expected, and the baron had prepared extensive rebuttals: records of dispatched knights, battles fought, monsters slain, and the actual damage suffered by villages nearest Given territory.

The preparation was so thorough that Given’s relaxed expression finally faltered.

Yet the result did not change.

A Legal Affairs Bureau official repeatedly accepted Given’s position, as though the conclusion had been decided before the proceeding began.

“The bureau will review the statements and evidence under imperial law. The ruling will be announced tomorrow morning at this same hour.”

The outcome was obvious.

Baron Clausel lowered his gaze with a bitter smile.

“Two days at most,” he said afterward.

A convicted noble was normally transferred to the imperial capital. Before that, time would be allowed for instructions to civil officials and knights, since no successor had yet been chosen.

“We can gain more time,” Weiss insisted. “We can appeal, travel to the capital for another proceeding, and if necessary request a divine tribunal.”

“They will obstruct me before any appeal begins. Given will use Licia and the others as leverage.”

Weiss knew his lord was right, and his anger deepened.

Across the hall, Given spoke quietly with one of his followers.

“Thanks to the bureau’s speed, the Imperial Faction has not had time to interfere,” the knight said. “We can finally finish this.”

Given smiled, still irritated by Baron Clausel’s composure. A victory remained a victory, and soon his opponent would have no means to resist.

The next morning, the Legal Affairs Bureau declared Baron Clausel guilty and deserving of punishment.

The exact punishment had not yet been determined. Measures against a noble – including confiscation of land, loss of title, or execution – required the emperor’s approval after consultation with the Senate, the Legal Affairs Bureau, and other advisers. The many steps existed because the consequences affected entire territories and noble houses.

But once a judgment had passed through the formal trial, overturning it was exceedingly difficult.

The result would soon reach the emperor, and Baron Clausel’s future would be decided after his transfer to the imperial capital.

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