Kays Translations

Chapter 47: Kingdom of Suiroku 2

Sicilian’s Perspective

Honestly, upon learning that it was not Villain Ark but his son, Absolute Ark, who had come, I felt disappointed.

While it’s true we asked for assistance from the Ark family, I never expected that their still-a-student son would be the one to come. I wanted to question King Mikael of the Rainana Kingdom about his reasoning for sending him.

However, as we actually met and exchanged words, I came to understand.

Indeed, he was a member of the Ark family.

Absolute Ark arrived in the Suiroku Kingdom with only two attendants—a maid and a butler—to care for his needs. When I asked about the absence of soldiers, he simply replied as if it were obvious:

“I didn’t bring them because there’s no need.”

A shiver ran down my spine.

Listening to these words, expressing absolute confidence in his own power, I trembled.

It was the arrogance only an overwhelmingly powerful individual could display, and indeed, he was a member of the Ark family.

Come to think of it, even Villain Ark had visited as reinforcement with only a few soldiers back then.

Moreover, his confident demeanor in front of me, a member of the royal family, and the eyes filled with pressure that didn’t seem fitting for a mere student, reminded me of Villain Ark from the past. Perhaps there was even a slight hope that he might be the one to save this country.

♢

An emergency meeting is held in a chamber within the Suiroku Castle, located in the capital of the Suiroku Kingdom. The agenda, of course, revolves around the Black Fairy.

A rectangular table is placed at the center of the room, with the attendees already seated around it.

Seated at the head of the table is the royal member, Sicilian Suiroku. Next to him sits his sister, Leone Suiroku.

Several important figures of the Suiroku Kingdom, such as the Prime Minister and the Knight Commander, participate in this meeting. And at the lower end of the table, seated at the farthest seat, is Absolut Ark, the reinforcement from the Rainana Kingdom. Since his participation was announced beforehand, no one objected to his presence.

After confirming that everyone is present, Sicilian raises his voice.

“We will now proceed with the court meeting. The agenda is concerning the bandits that are currently causing turmoil in the Suiroku Kingdom.”

The agenda for this meeting is to decide on future strategies and policies regarding the recent fall of the third city a few days ago.

Taking over the proceedings from Sicilian is the Knight Commander, who is responsible for the defense of the country.

It’s revealed that the rebels who caused the uprising originated from the fourth city.

Furthermore, they have occupied the third city and are still wreaking havoc there.

Their sinister influence has also reached the second city and the capital, where they spread rumors that members of the royal family and nobles are secretly selling citizens to other countries. It’s explained that undoubtedly someone is exploiting this misinformation as propaganda, inciting residents of the fourth city.

“To think they’re accusing us of selling our citizens?!”

Princess Leone exclaims in disbelief.

“It’s nonsense, Your Highness! We solemnly swear we’re not doing anything like that. This is a trap to undermine the unity of our citizens.”

The Prime Minister immediately denies. Leone casts suspicious glances at each participant in the meeting, but she realizes it’s not the time to pursue this further while they’re in the midst of internal conflict.

The Knight Commander continues with the discussion.

“After conducting investigations within the Knight Order, it’s confirmed that the mastermind behind this turmoil is undoubtedly an underground organization called the Black Fairy. There are seven core members, but including their affiliated groups, the numbers are estimated to be around two thousand.”

“The Black Fairy? I’ve never heard of such an organization.”

Ministers such as the Minister of Finance, who rarely deal with such matters, tilt their heads. It’s not their fault; not only is it outside their jurisdiction, but the rise of this organization is also a recent development.

“Knight Commander, many of us are unfamiliar with the Black Fairy. Could you please provide a detailed explanation?”

Sicilian asks the Knight Commander for clarification.

“Of course. Although I’m not entirely well-versed in it. The Black Fairy is a relatively new organization formed a few years ago. However, they’re not just your typical underworld organization made up of thugs; they are an underworld organization that hunts other underworld organizations.”

“An organization that hunts other underworld organizations?”

“Yes. Over the past few years, they’ve grown by dismantling and absorbing various underworld organizations within the Suiroku Kingdom. Major organizations that have long been rooted in the Suiroku Kingdom, such as ‘Gileus,’ which dealt in human trafficking, and ‘Pale Vega,’ which originated from the empire and dealt in illegal drugs, have been systematically crushed.”

“My word…”

The atmosphere in the meeting grows tense. Each of the organizations mentioned holds considerable power and fame. Among them, Gileus was particularly formidable, so much so that even the Knight Order hesitated to intervene easily. Led by the boss, Orion, and with many skilled subordinates, Gileus was considered extremely troublesome.

With its demise and supposed absorption, facing off against the Black Fairy wouldn’t be a simple task.

“As for their executives, there’s the assassin known as ‘Silent Jack,’ wanted for the murders of twenty-eight nobles in the empire. There’s also a promising individual known as ‘Brawler Bout,’ who has been approached for recruitment by the Knight Order several times. Additionally, we’ve confirmed the existence of three individuals, including one named Bruce, who recently clashed with Her Highness the Princess.”

The Knight Commander provides further information on recent activities and rumors, but the details are lacking, and there’s little substantial information.

“I see… understood.”

(So, it’s not that we’re too ignorant…)

Sicilian curses inwardly, without speaking the words.

Facing off against an enemy who has triumphed against a military force in the third city with just a handful of people, there must be formidable individuals or tactics at play. Sicilian senses a glaring lack of information, leaving him with a sense of unease.

At that moment, Sicilian’s gaze falls upon Absolute Ark.

Absolute Ark remains silent throughout the meeting, observing quietly.

As a member of the Ark family and someone familiar with the underworld like the Black Fairy, he might have some insightful perspectives to offer. With that thought in mind, Sicilian decides to address him.

“Absolute Ark. Do you have any knowledge to share?”

Sicilian’s question shifts everyone’s attention towards Absolute.

“As for the enemy’s el—“

“Who said you could speak! You brat!”

Before Absolute could say anything, the Prime Minister interrupts and shuts him down. The Prime Minister doesn’t hold the Ark family in high regard. Rather, he is wary of Absolute, an outsider to their realm. Sicilian believes that only someone as cautious as the Prime Minister can handle his position, but what he needs in this situation is information.

Sicilian reprimands the Prime Minister firmly.

“I said it’s fine. Be quiet for now.”

“I apologize…”

With a stern tone, Sicilian emphasizes that Absolute Ark should continue speaking, prompting him with a pointed look.

“At the Ark family, we’ve identified two additional individuals along with the three you mentioned earlier.”

“Wow,” murmurs of admiration arise from those around.

(As expected of the Ark family, their intelligence network is impressive. To have a firm grasp on individuals from foreign organizations is commendable. This is the Ark family, the controllers of the underworld in the Rainana Kingdom… It’s reassuring to have such dependable allies. But at the same time, we must remain cautious. In a sense, it’s not an exaggeration to say that information may be leaking to other countries.)

Sicilian marvels inwardly while simultaneously raising his guard. He concludes that the Ark family’s intelligence network extends to the Suiroku Kingdom.

However, Sicilian is mistaken. Absolute possessing information about the enemy is due to his knowledge from the original work. He remains unaware that his actions are raising suspicion towards the Ark family in Suiroku Kingdom.

(But for now, eliminating the visible threat is the priority. I need to shift my focus.)

“Please, go on.”

Prompted by Sicilian, Absolute began to speak about the enemy.

“One is a weapon merchant called Red Eye. You can honestly ignore this one. What you need to pay attention to is a brawler named Bout and the leader, a man named Evil. He has skills to command spirits.”

“‘Spirit user’… That’s troublesome.”

“Is there someone who can command spirits like that Villain Ark? It’s dangerous.”

‘Spirit user’ literally refers to someone who commands spirits. By commanding spirits with vast magical power, their strength can rival that of an army. Spirit users and those who can command them are rare and mostly legendary, but in the past, it was said that with just one spirit user, a country could be conquered.

The upper echelons of the Suiroku Kingdom know this firsthand.

Thanks to Villain Ark—

Afterward, Absolute continued to provide information about the enemy’s strength and began to contribute immediately. The cautious eyes that had been directed at Absolute until just now slightly eased.

However, the vigilance of some individuals like Princess Leone and the Prime Minister did not diminish.

Without noticing this, Sicilian continued to summarize the information from Absolute and the meeting entered its final phase.

“If we summarize the information so far, their next target is likely the second city. We’ll be waiting there to strike Black Fairy. Leone, you’ll take command of the suppression of Black Fairy. I leave it to you.”

In times of crisis, the royalty of the Suiroku Kingdom has the role of inspiring the soldiers on the battlefield. Princess Leone was chosen as a substitute for the physically weak Sicilian. Leone understands this and agrees readily.

“I humbly accept.”

Next, Sicilian turns towards Absolute. A young man who came as reinforcements from the Ark family.

His strength is unknown.

However, glimpses of his abilities can be seen from his actions and Leone’s reports.

Just as they were about to ask him to accompany them,—

“Lord Ark will accompany—”

“Please wait! As the one responsible for commanding the scene, I cannot allow Mr. Ark to accompany us.”

The one who interrupted was Leone Suiroku.

Sicilian widened his eyes. He didn’t expect her to object.

Not only him, but almost everyone who knew Leone present at the scene was surprised.

“Why, Leone?”

Sicilian asked Leone for the reason.

Then, from her mouth came the forbidden words that no one else had uttered.

“You all should know that the Ark family is connected to a dark organization, even though nobody dares to speak of it.”

Leone’s words froze the air in the room.

The Ark family’s notoriety has reached other countries. Most likely, much of it is true. While they hold the title of dukes publicly, it’s widely understood among the upper nobility that they command a dark organization behind the scenes.

But nobody speaks of it because the Ark family holds such immense power and position as dukes.

Leone made the statement about being connected to a dark organization in front of a large crowd.

It’s a statement that could cause an international incident.

(An upper noble… and to become the successor of a duke from another country…)

However, Absolute Ark says nothing. He gazes coldly at Leone but remains silent. Sicilian decides to let it pass.

Feeling internally indebted, he timidly prompts her to continue.

“…And then? What are you trying to say?”

“To be frank, I can’t trust you. I can’t afford to entrust my back to someone who might be connected with the enemy.”

Sicilian feels that Leone’s tone is unusually sharp.

(Were they classmates, as I heard? Did something happen between them?)

Sicilian considers Leone’s objection while looking at Absolute with a glaring expression. Finally, Absolute, with the same cold gaze, opens his mouth to address Leone.

“So, you’re suggesting that I’m colluding with the enemy to undermine this country. Is that what you’re saying?”

“I haven’t gone that far. I’m just saying I can’t trust you.”

An awkward tension fills the space between the two.

The atmosphere in the meeting, which had been approaching a resolution, dissipates, growing heavy.

“Sicilian-sama.”

In the heavy atmosphere, the Prime Minister, who had raised his voice at Absolute earlier, speaks up.

“What is it, Prime Minister?”

“I also agree with Princess Leone. While his information has been useful, it’s risky to allow the heir of a high-ranking noble from another country to accompany us to the battlefield.”

Starting with the Prime Minister’s opinion, opposition voices are voiced one after another.

“Indeed…”

“Frankly, I oppose involving a student from another country in this matter.”

Sicilian lets out a small sigh, realizing that the situation is getting out of hand, and decides to settle it by a majority vote.

“Let’s decide by a majority vote then. Those in favor of Lord Ark accompanying us, raise your hands.”

Several hands go up, but to the participants of the meeting, it’s a small number.

Many who are knowledgeable in warfare, including the Knight Commander, raise their hands in favor. They probably sensed something from Absolute Ark and deemed him trustworthy.

“Now, those opposed, raise your hands.”

Unlike before, this time, a majority raise their hands, indicating their opposition.

Absolute Ark says nothing, crossing his arms and closing his eyes.

(We’ve done something pitiful for someone who easily makes enemies like him. Especially after he came to assist us…)

“Understood. The defense of the second city and the suppression of Black Fairy will be entrusted to Leone. Lord Ark, you will remain in the castle for the time being as my escort.”

Almost everyone nods in agreement, except for Absolute Ark—

“Wait.”

“I apologize, Lord Ark. I appreciate you coming all this way, but I would like you to abide by the decision made here.”

“I am from another country. I have no intention of objecting to your decision, but I would like to save face a little.”

“And what is that?”

“I will not accompany you. However, I would like to send one of our household maids with you. It would be shameful for us to have come as reinforcements only to relax in the rear.”

As everyone hears his words, they all look down on him.

By sending a maid with them, he intends to claim that he contributed as a reinforcement while staying behind. That’s his stance.

“Of course, you can have guards accompany her.”

“…Leone, what do you think?”

“That’s fine with me.”

“Then, Lord Ark’s maid will accompany Leone. With that, I declare the meeting adjourned.”

As the meeting ends, people start leaving the room one by one, until only Absolute, Sicilian, and the attendant, Bisquidor, remain.

“I’m sorry once again. I never expected Leone to be so stubborn—”

“Don’t worry about it. In fact, if you want, I can secretly follow along. What do you say?”

(Even after he did something so rude, he’s still concerned about us… I might need to reassess my opinion of Absolute Ark.)

“No, it’s not necessary. I have another request.”

It would be a waste to let Absolute Ark go just like that. Therefore, Sicilian decides to test his abilities on this occasion.

(I haven’t found any leads on that matter yet. Let’s entrust it to him. Perhaps he might find a clue to the solution.)

Sicilian’s request is regarding a certain incident.

The unsolved murder case involving the assassination of the King of Suiroku, his father.

“I want you to find the culprit who murdered my father, the King of Suiroku.”

It was about unraveling the perpetrator behind the poisoning of the King of Suiroku.

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