The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 71

Chapter 71: Settlement of Accounts

Having silenced the surviving upper echelons of the Holy Kingdom, I briefly explained the current situation to them.

I detailed the riot led by Vice Commander Vagras and Ganard’s death, resulting in the theft of the Xenostand. The residential area was in ruins, and the surviving population faced a desperate situation. I also mentioned that support from the Empire would take at least twenty days to arrive. Finally, their faces turned pale, indicating they were beginning to grasp the severity of the situation.

“Serena was quick to sense this situation and requested our protection for this country. She took the initiative, considering the survival of the remaining citizens and all of you. Yet, what were you all doing until you were called upon?”

“W-Well…”

“Weren’t you the first to seek refuge here? The upper echelons of the Holy Kingdom, all safe and sound, just hid here without helping the people and waited until the situation calmed down.”

Most of them either bowed their heads or looked away, confirming my speculative accusations.

“Originally, those of you holding higher positions in the church should take responsibility and lead in such situations. Do you think you have the right to refuse our decision after abandoning that responsibility and position?”

“…”

“In the first place, there is no future for you all.”

Saying that, I took out the evidence of corruption that I had received from Serena. It contained the names of those involved in the Pope’s corrupt activities.

“This is evidence of the corruption the Popes were engaged in. Naturally, your deeds until now are also documented.”

The faces of those who heard this turned even more grim. It seemed to go beyond pale, almost turning white.

“In addition to your past actions, abandoning your responsibilities in the current crisis… As someone with the authority to make emergency judgments, I could execute you as disruptors in resolving this situation. Do you understand?”

“P-Please! Spare us! Just have mercy!”

“W-We couldn’t defy the Pope! Please, show mercy!”

Those who seemed to have guilty consciences pleaded, lowering their heads. Despite their lives being at stake, it was surprising to see them discard their pride to this extent.

“You have two choices: expose your own sins and face execution, or follow my orders and hope for leniency. Choose now.”

Upon hearing these words, everyone pleaded to follow my instructions. Confirming their compliance, I made an announcement.

“From now on, your positions and authorities are revoked, and all your possessions are confiscated. You will now serve as labor to resolve the situation. If you refuse, I’ll release the evidence of your actions to the public, and you’ll be set free. But, considering the many tasks I have, I may not be able to attend to public order.”

The individuals, now aware that their deeds might become known to the public, seemed completely broken. They all obeyed, their spirits crushed.

—

“As a conclusion, is that acceptable?”

“It’s reasonable, isn’t it? We have enough manpower right now. But will those people quietly obey? Some might try to escape, right?”

“If they do, it’s fine.”

Aria’s question was expected, and the decision took that into account.

“Heinlberie is not within walking distance to a place with accommodations, even if you travel along the highway. If they choose to flee, they’ll end up dying in the wild. There are monsters and carnivorous beasts around here. Without escorts and knowledge, they’ll perish.”

“I see. No need to execute them then.”

“Also, considering the circumstances, they reluctantly went along for the sake of their own survival. So, let’s give them a chance to start anew.”

“That was your plan.”

Having heard my thoughts, Serena turned towards me and bowed her head.

“Thank you both. I couldn’t have sorted things out so neatly on my own.”

“…Well, we’re in this together.”

“Haha, don’t worry about it.”

Aria responded to my reply, diverting the topic with a somewhat embarrassed smile, scratching her head.

“For now, onto the next matter. We’ll manage until reinforcements arrive from the Empire.”

Both of them nodded at my words, and immediately, we set our plans into motion…

Five days later, I woke up to find the naked Empress and Saint sleeping next to me on the same bed.