Chapter 157 - The Only Sorrow

Chairman Akard called out.

"Count Ulvera Consilus, would you please come to the witness stand and tell us your account?"

He called on Consilus instead of Ferda.

The reason he deliberately grabbed hold of Consilus rather than Ferda was to bring up the past instead of the present.

Since this had already been discussed and agreed upon beforehand, Consilus calmly rose from his seat.

"I am Ulvera Consilus, lord of the County of Consilus and the twenty-fifth head of House Consilus. I ask for your understanding, as I was called upon so suddenly and have had little time to prepare."

As he politely bowed his head, the solemn dignity of a knight was evident in his bearing.

Oldin responded to his greeting.

"As the lord of the Far East, I sincerely thank you for your devotion to the Empire."

"I am equally grateful that you think so highly of my service."

"Unfortunately, despite that gratitude, I must raise an uncomfortable matter."

Oldin took out the documents he had prepared in advance.

"After reviewing the financial records of the Far East, I found that negligence and embezzlement occurred throughout the territories in the past. I would like to ask for an explanation. Would that be acceptable?"

"If it is necessary, I will answer whenever you wish. However, I do not believe this is the time to dredge up matters from the past."

Consilus questioned why he was trying to divert the discussion toward such an unpleasant topic.

"If we intended to simply bury the past, this post-war conference would never have taken place. I believe the current incident resulted from negligence in guarding the Far East—in other words, it was a man-made disaster."

Oldin insisted that the two issues were inevitably connected.

"If you insist on linking them, an excessively contradictory conclusion will arise."

"What contradiction?"

"You said there were irregularities in the Far East's financial records in the past. However, back then, no members of the Demon Race or monsters crossed into the Far East. Up until that point, we had fulfilled our duties."

"So you're saying that makes it acceptable?"

"Please hear me out until the end. Since the Grand Duchess's territory became active, no problems have been reported in any of the territories' recent financial records. Is that not correct?"

There was no denying it.

Ferda had used their corruption as leverage, and in order to survive, they had no choice but to become competent.

Their competence left them with no time to commit embezzlement.

"And yet it was during this very period that the monsters crossed over. In the blink of an eye, twelve monsters surrounded the Far East. This was an extraordinary situation that cannot simply be attributed to a failure in vigilance. If you truly insist on connecting the monsters with the Far East's past corruption, then the absurd conclusion would be that, for the Empire to remain safe, its officials must stop working and become corrupt."

"So you admit that your previous administration was negligent?"

"If you wish to punish us according to Imperial law, then you are free to do so."

Although he spoke calmly, Consilus knew Oldin had no authority to touch him, which was precisely why he said it.

Such disciplinary actions were, by convention, delegated to one's superior, and Ferda had already granted a stay to everyone involved.

Therefore, those who had already been punished could not be punished a second time.

Even if they attempted to do so, it would only be possible if Ferda accepted it.

Consilus displayed a spirit every bit as imposing as Oldin, the Veteran Hero.

He had been called forward to be reprimanded, yet all it accomplished was revealing just how much resentment had accumulated within the Empire.

Oldin could no longer respond easily, and the next question came from Joseph Faust, the Leader of the Alte Religion.

"There is a record stating that you collaborated with Escolleia. As I understand it, you shared the technology for the Monster Appearance Prediction Device with the Grand Duchess's territory, manufactured it, and distributed it to each territory."

"That is correct."

"Despite possessing this prediction device, why were you unable to detect the monsters before the Empire did?"

"The device can only detect disturbances within the operational range of nearby settlements. It cannot detect anything beyond the areas reached by the Far East and the Grand Duchess's territory."

"And why is that?"

"It is a technological limitation. Escolleia is better suited to explain that matter. There is nothing more I can add."

"I see. Thank you for the clarification."

Rather than criticizing him, he simply reinforced the explanation for why early detection had been impossible.

Unlike Oldin, the Leader of the Alte Religion appeared to be genuinely curious.

"I would like to ask about the Magitech Infantry."

This time, Valdemar spoke.

"The records state that the reason casualties differed so drastically between this temporary alliance and the Far East Alliance was because of those infantry units."

"Yes. Their operational doctrine was established by Princess Olivia Arken and William, the commander of the Public Security Force."

"I am aware that Sir William was involved."

"To be more precise, Princess Olivia refined and polished the overall concept."

"I don't believe that detail is necessary."

The moment Olivia's name came up, Valdemar hastily dismissed it as though it were irrelevant.

That old man had to be the one responsible for branding her as incompetent.

"Why were these weapons not supplied to the Far East Alliance?"

"It was not that they were withheld. We deliberately chose not to deploy them."

"For what reason?"

"The infantry doctrine does not fit the alliance's current tactical framework. There was a serious risk of disrupting the chain of command, and both the alliance and the Regent agreed to that assessment."

"If the rifles had been prepared sooner, couldn't the situation have been prevented?"

"The rifles are still unstable weapons. They require lengthy reloading, preheating, and further refinement. Continuous research is still necessary. If we recklessly distributed them and an unfortunate soldier became a walking bomb due to a malfunction, causing casualties among our own forces, what then?"

Consilus's concerns were entirely reasonable and more than convincing.

"So you're saying the deaths of those soldiers were inevitable?"

"Their deaths weigh heavily upon my heart, but I will never regret that decision."

Consilus answered proudly.

"They died because they believed in their commanders. They believed we would create a better future. They believed that even if they died, their families would still be cared for. They offered up their lives to uphold that faith, and because of that, I refuse to let their deaths become something I regret."

Valdemar's attempt to place responsibility on someone was stopped there.

"I understand."

"Thank you for your understanding. Do any of the other council members have questions?"

"It appears not. You may step down."

Although it seemed he had defended himself remarkably well, worry still lingered across Consilus's face.

"How strange."

"What do you mean?"

"If Grand Duke Golt had truly made up his mind, he could have utterly destroyed me. The fact that he backed down is what surprises me."

Was that so?

Ferda had no idea what history existed between Consilus and Valdemar, so he could only speculate.

The senior council members began discussing among themselves.

After about five minutes of brief deliberation, they reached their conclusion.

"Crown Prince Alexander Arken, would you please come forward?"

"Yes."

The man who was destined to bear the blame for this incident.

Even if they targeted Ferda, Alexander could not escape punishment.

"As Acting Emperor, you have fulfilled your duties, and despite carrying authority surpassing that of an ordinary Crown Prince, you have managed the affairs of state admirably."

"Th-thank you."

"However, you failed to prepare an adequate response scenario for a monster invasion, and your tactical planning was also insufficient. Furthermore, despite these being your own mistakes, you attempted to shift the blame onto your adjutant's incompetence and even executed a valuable talent out of spite. These are matters we cannot overlook."

Alexander's thick throat bobbed noticeably.

Apparently, even he had no idea what punishment awaited him.

"Therefore, we sentence you to one year of house arrest. You are suspended from all official duties, and every authority you currently possess shall be delegated to the Second Prince, Ureas Arken. Do you accept this ruling?"

Only one year.

In a situation where he could justifiably have lost his head, it was an astonishingly light punishment.

Yet Alexander's expression was a spectacle.

He looked as though he genuinely believed the sentence was unbearably severe.

"I... accept the committee's decision."

But anyone who had truly held power understood.

One year was by no means a short period.

Not only had his authority been suspended, but it had also been handed to his younger brother, his greatest rival.

A year was more than enough time to change people's loyalties.

"Next, Regent Ferda Valdrova."

As though he had been waiting for this moment, Ferda rose from his seat.

"The events that unfolded in the Far East could have resulted in the entire region being swallowed by a siege of colossal monsters. I express my deepest regret that the Empire was unable to respond swiftly to this crisis."

He had a feeling.

This apology was nothing more than momentum for what they intended to say next.

"However, this incident demonstrates that the Far East's role as the Empire's defensive wall can fail at any time. Therefore, the Crisis Response Headquarters has reached the following conclusion."

A decision that laid bare their ugly greed.

"The magitech technology developed in the Far East shall be officially provided to the Empire, and the Chief Researcher, Vernel Marquis, shall be dispatched here for a period of three years. Will you accept this decision?"

It almost seemed ridiculous to ask.

The answer had already been decided, yet Ferda deliberately paused before replying.

"As the representative of the Far East, I find this order impossible to accept."

Ferda refused, and the audience immediately erupted into confusion.

In times like these, the Crisis Response Headquarters possessed more authority than anyone except the Emperor.

To ignore its decision was something unimaginable.

Whispers spread throughout the audience, while the committee itself remained perfectly silent.

As though he had expected this all along, Akard adjusted his glasses and finally spoke the words he had been holding back.

"Regent, why do you refuse?"

"Magitech is not merely the property of Vernel Marquis. It is the shared asset created through the collaboration of Escolleia, the Pascal Trading Company, and Blue Eye. It is my duty to safeguard that asset, and it is also how I honor the alliances we have forged."

"So you refuse to provide it?"

"That is not what I mean."

Ferda did not stop there and instead offered an alternative.

"If you wish to dispatch personnel or purchase the blueprints necessary to manufacture the equipment, then Escolleia and the Trading Company can coordinate the arrangements together."

"We are not fools. The most important component of magitech is the Mana Stone, is it not? Are you saying you would also provide us with all the information regarding the Mana Stones?"

"That, I cannot do."

"And why not?"

Partly because he did not want to.

But he also had a perfectly valid excuse.

"Because Vernel Marquis remains the only person who fully understands that information."

"That is consistent with our own investigation. Which is precisely why we are requesting that he be sent to the Empire."

Indeed.

That was exactly why they wanted him for three whole years.

During that time, they intended either to steal every last piece of his technology or find a way to bind him to their control.

Without Vernel, the Far East would lose the driving force behind its advancement.

"Many researchers are currently conducting their work in Valdrova Castle, the heart of the Far East. At a time when the project should be gaining momentum, forcing everyone to relocate and adapt to an entirely new environment would only lead to poor results."

"Then are you saying you would dispatch him after the project is completed?"

"Yes."

"When will that be possible?"

"I do not know. At the very least, ten years from now."

"So, in other words, you have no intention of sending him for the next ten years?"

It was little different from saying he would never send him at all.

However, even in the distant future Ferda had witnessed, Mana Stone development continued without end.

As the committee's ruling was openly ignored, the true power behind the scenes, Valdemar, finally spoke.

"Regent Ferda, this is not a matter concerning you alone."

The expression on his face carried immense weight.

He looked like a general commanding tens of millions of soldiers from behind him.

With unwavering confidence, he issued his threat.

"You stand here as the Grand Duchess's representative, and as her representative, you are obligated to speak for the entire Grand Duchess's territory. If you reject this ruling, the consequences will not fall upon Regent Valdrova alone, but upon the entire Grand Duchess's territory. In the worst-case scenario, the committee may conclude that your territory is attempting to pursue secession and independence."

Secession and independence.

Just hearing those words sent a chill racing down his spine.

To the Empire's nobility, it was the most devastating accusation imaginable.

For treason against the Empire, regardless of the reason, three generations of one's family would be exterminated.

Their retainers and even the nobles serving under them would all be wiped out.

Even innocent civilians living in their territories were no exception.

Such merciless Imperial law fostered unity, but at the same time, it bred incompetence.

Ferda, too, had been threatened with that very incompetence.

But even that was something he had anticipated from the very beginning.

Ferda answered the threat.

"Since the Dragon-Demon War, monsters have continuously emerged beyond the edge of the Far East. Those colossal monsters—of which only twelve were enough to throw the Empire into utter chaos—continue to come from beyond those lands. Every single one of them possesses enough power to tear through the Empire's walls as if they were paper. Time and again, they have sought to conquer the lands of mankind. Who has stopped them all this time? Was it this Empire? No."

Ferda spoke.

"The one who has safeguarded all of you is my fiancée, the great Aspect of Fire herself, Valdrova. It is not the walls surrounding this Golden Council or even the entire capital that protect you—it is because she stands alone upon the Lonely Mountain in the Far East."

Ferda turned his head toward not only the senior council members but also the audience as he raised his voice.

"Beyond the Far East lies the Land of Demons, where colossal monsters capable of shattering the Empire's walls pour forth without end. She has fought them all in silence, never seeking recognition from anyone. Yet there were those who dismissed her, claiming it was merely fitting work for a mad dragon who delighted in slaughter."

Ferda recalled the battles he had witnessed ever since becoming her fiancé.

Her agile movements.

Her overwhelming strength.

Flames that seemed capable of purifying all things.

Never defeated.

Majestic.

A true Monarch.

"I ask all of you this. If she truly delighted in slaughter—if she fought simply because killing one more insignificant creature brought her joy—then why would she willingly endure wound after wound?"

Even one who had never known defeat was not immune to injury.

There were many days when Valdrova returned wounded.

Sometimes her claws were shattered.

Sometimes she flew with scales hanging half-torn from her body.

She would always say the same thing.

That it hurt, but she was used to it.

That she would recover after a single night's rest.

Ferda hated even that.

"She could have abandoned that duty. She could have demanded the compensation she rightfully deserved. Yet I have watched her silently bear nothing but wounds. The way she carried herself... as though even if she were to die one day, she would blame no one and simply accept it...!"

Because those wounds did not hurt only her.

"They are the only sorrow I have ever known."

Silence filled the chamber.

But it was nothing like the cold silence born of tension.

Everyone had been drawn into Ferda's voice.

Until he had declared his refusal, Ferda's voice had been calm, rational, and composed.

Yet the more he spoke of Valdrova, the more emotion seeped into every word.

As reason gave way to feeling, his voice became all the more persuasive.

If that voice had been magic, it would have been a spell that lay somewhere between brainwashing and enchantment.

"The reason I placed my hopes in magitech was to ease that sorrow—to lessen her wounds. Everything I have developed has been for the peace of Cerdes, not merely for the safety of the Empire."

Ferda turned once more to face the senior council members.

"So let me state it once again before all of you. Magitech is not the Empire's property. It is a shared asset. And if it is not even that, then it belongs to my future companion—the great Aspect of Fire and the Guardian of the Far East. If refusing to surrender magitech makes me a damned traitor..."

Ferda placed a hand over his chest.

"Then I will gladly accept that punishment."

The moment Ferda finished speaking, everyone felt it.

The balance had shifted.

The chairman wore an expression of utter helplessness, unable to move in either direction.

His eyes repeatedly drifted toward Valdemar.

After receiving a signal that Valdemar had made his decision, Akard finally spoke.

"Given the severity of the situation, this decision will be postponed and reconvened tomorrow. This concludes today's post-war conference."

With the chairman's announcement, the day's proceedings came to an end.

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