[Chapter 3] Consequences

Around noon the next day, an official announcement sent waves through Restoration. The details of the punishment for Baronet Huguenot and his son Stewart were released, alongside the momentous news that Alfred Emerle—the most renowned knight in the kingdom—had joined their cause as the King’s Sword.

The downfall of a founding noble family, coupled with the allegiance of a celebrated hero, sent a shock through the organization. Among the younger, lower-ranking members, morale soared, and the news became the sole topic of conversation.

Amidst this stir, Christina, accompanied by Flora, made her way to Rio’s residence. Alfred and his sister, Vanessa, trailed them as guards, their presence a testament to his new role.

“Thank you for making time for us,” Christina began, her voice poised as she sat on the sofa across from Rio, with Flora beside her. “I must apologize for the short notice, especially after yesterday’s events, but there are several matters I felt compelled to report.”

Beside Rio, Celia and Charlotte were seated, with Gouki and Charlotte’s personal knight, Louise, standing watchfully behind them.

“I’m listening.”

“First, as you can see, Alfred has joined the Restoration. To be more precise, he is serving me, the queen, under the title of the King’s Sword.” Christina explained, glancing at Alfred, who stood stoically behind her.

“I see…” Rio’s gaze shifted to Alfred. He had surmised as much from his presence in their escort, but this confirmed it.

“He is the man who once stood in my way and crossed blades with you, Lord Amakawa,” Christina continued. “I thought it only proper that he offer his greetings and an apology, which is why I brought him today.”

Alfred stepped forward, bowing his head deeply to Rio.

“I deeply apologize for the trouble I caused you on that occasion.”

“No, if anything, I’m the one who injured you,” Rio replied, looking deeply uncomfortable. “And we also crossed blades during Celia’s wedding…” He trailed off, his eyes flickering toward Celia beside him.

At his words, a spark of recognition lit Alfred’s eyes. “Celia-kun’s wedding…? Don’t tell me, the hooded man from that time──” He immediately recalled the chaotic scene: a mysterious figure crashing the parade to sweep the bride away.

“I apologize for the great disturbance I caused,” Rio said, standing to bow his head in turn.

“There is no need for you to apologize, Lord Amakawa,” Christina interjected, gesturing for him to sit. “Please, have a seat.” As he did, she skillfully shifted the conversation. “More importantly, I recall that Orphia-san was also injured in the battle with Alfred. If possible, I would like for him to apologize to her in person as well.”

“Understood. I will call for her later.” Rio nodded, a hint of apology still in his expression as he settled back onto the sofa.

“Actually,” Christina began hesitantly, “there are others who have voluntarily requested to apologize to you. I did not bring them today, but…”

“Is that so? Who might they be?”

“Roanna, and two other female students who were our classmates. It seems they have regrets about their attitudes during our academy days…”

Rio shook his head, speaking calmly. “…I can’t think of any reason I should receive an apology.”

“I am sorry,” Christina murmured.

“Why are you apologizing, Christina-sama?” Rio asked, his gaze wandering in distress until it met Celia’s. She offered him a gentle, reassuring smile.

“…Understood,” he relented. “Please, bring everyone when it is convenient for you.”

“Thank you very much, Haruto-sama,” Flora chirped, her smile bright and genuine.

Just then, Vanessa, who had been standing silently beside Alfred, spoke up. “If I may be so bold, could I have a word?”

“What is it?” Christina asked, a note of curiosity in her tone.

“Well, I believe I should also apologize to Lord Amakawa for something in the past…”

“For what, exactly?” Rio tilted his head, looking puzzled.

“It’s about when we first met in the slums,” Vanessa explained. “I not only pointed my sword at you, but my subsequent handover at the castle was lax, which allowed Charles to interfere. I am truly sorry.” Her apology acknowledged that her negligence had led to Rio suffering a torturous interrogation at Charles’s hands.

“Ah…” Rio’s expression shifted as understanding dawned.

Flora hung her head in shame. “I am sorry. That incident was my fault as well.”

“That was a long time ago,” Rio said, his tone forgiving as he offered a smile that seemed to wash away the past.

“Please, don’t worry about it. It seems Alfred-san is unaware of what you’re talking about, anyway.” He glanced at Alfred, who wore a perplexed look.

“Come to think of it,” Christina admitted, “I have not yet explained Lord Amakawa’s past to Alfred.” She had likely chosen not to speak of such private matters in his absence.

“Then, allow me to reintroduce myself,” Rio said, turning to Alfred. “I go by the name Haruto Amakawa, but I once attended the Beltrum Royal Academy under the name Rio. I had black hair back then…”

Do you remember?

Alfred’s eyes widened as a vivid image of a much younger Rio surfaced in his mind. “Don’t tell me… the one who defeated Charles in the academy’s exhibition match──”

“That was over four years ago,” Rio confirmed. “I remember there was a bit of a dispute after I won, and you mediated, Alfred-san. Thank you for that.”

“It was less a dispute and more that man making unilateral, false accusations,” Alfred corrected, a weary look on his face. “To think he would go all out against a student and then lack the grace to admit defeat… As captain of the royal guard, I only did what was necessary. If anything, I was the one who was shamed.” Recalling the disgrace of Charles Arbor, he bowed his head as if nursing a headache.

“No, no, I’ve truly put that time behind me,” Rio insisted, clearly awkward with the string of apologies. He turned the conversation back to Christina. “Let’s return to the matter at hand. You had other things to discuss, did you not?”

“Yes,” she said, her posture straightening as she met his gaze directly. “I have formally decided on the punishment for Stewart and Huguenot. The public announcement was made a short while ago.”

“Is that… so.”

“It may not be of interest to you, but it is information that would undoubtedly reach your ears. If you wish, I will tell you now.”

“…I understand. I’m listening,” Rio replied, his jaw tightening as if he had tasted something bitter.

“First, Stewart has been sentenced to a lifetime status punishment. He will soon be put to labor as a slave in the Galarc Kingdom.”

“…I see.”

“Next, I have confiscated the ducal title from Huguenot and granted him the rank of baronet instead. He will be required to remain a member of Restoration for the foreseeable future, but…”

“…………”

“Is that acceptable?” Christina asked, carefully trying to read his silence.

“…Are you asking if I’m dissatisfied with the punishment?”

“Yes.”

“In that case, I am not,” Rio said, his tone almost pleading. “In fact, I believe it would be more beneficial for Restoration if my past were kept secret and the punishment put on hold…”

“It is alright,” Christina interrupted, her voice imbued with an immeasurable resolve. “A single mistake can drag down an entire organization. That is why we cannot commit the further error of pretending that mistake never happened. This incident itself is an irreversible failure on our part. To move forward, I refuse to make the same mistake ever again.”

“………………”

Rio’s eyes widened, struck by her words. Standing behind him, Gouki stared in admiration, sensing the aura of a true ruler emanating from the still-young girl.

◇ ◇ ◇

Around the same time, a visitor arrived at an office within the Galarc Kingdom’s castle.

“Well, well. I have been expecting you,” the master of the office, Duke Gregory, said, a smile breaking across his rugged face. He spread his well-fleshed arms in a welcoming gesture.

“I am grateful that you agreed to this sudden meeting,” the visitor, Baronet Huguenot, replied, bowing his head deeply.

“Not at all. I am always happy to make time for Your Excellency. I was also concerned about your son’s matter.”

“I apologize for the great trouble my foolish son caused the other day.”

“No, no, I am the one who should be sorry,” Duke Gregory said with feigned regret. “I wish I could have stopped him before things came to that…”

In truth, it was he who had incited Stewart and encouraged his rampage.

“It is all my foolish son’s failure and the result of my own lack of virtue as a parent,” Baronet Huguenot declared, his voice devoid of resentment. “I have no intention of blaming Your Excellency in the slightest.”

Well, now. I thought he’d come to complain…

Duke Gregory shot a sharp glance at the bowing man.

Does he have some other business?

“I wish there were something I could do for you…” he said, his tone laced with false sympathy.

“In that case, I have come today on a separate matter, and I would like you to hear me out.”

“Hmm. Well, if it is just to listen,” Duke Gregory conceded, gesturing for him to sit. “Please, have a seat.”

As they sat facing each other, Baronet Huguenot began, “The matter I wish to discuss is the complicated one we spoke of the other day.”

“Oh, from the other day…” The words were cryptic, but between these two, the meaning was clear. Just recently, Duke Gregory had approached the then-Duke Huguenot with a proposition.

──There is such a thing as relationships between nobles that cross national borders, wouldn’t you agree? There is someone who wishes to meet and speak with you privately, Duke.

“Do you remember?” Baronet Huguenot asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“Of course, I do.”

“Then this will be quick. If I recall, you wanted a reply by the coronation ceremony, correct?”

“Yes,” Duke Gregory replied, a light nod accompanying the grin that twisted his lips. Interesting.

◇ ◇ ◇

Around the time Baronet Huguenot and Duke Gregory were speaking, a young man was descending the stairs to the dungeon of the Galarc Kingdom’s castle. His name was Pierre, second son of the Huguenot family and Stewart’s younger brother, soon to be fourteen.

Damn it, damn it! he seethed, his eyes bloodshot and his fists clenched. His footsteps echoed on the stone floor, each one filled with undisguised irritation. Because of him! Because of him! Why do I have to…!

It was all Stewart’s fault. Because Duke Huguenot was now Baronet Huguenot, Pierre was no longer the heir to a ducal house. He wasn’t even a noble anymore. He was a commoner. A son of a duke was treated as a quasi-noble, but the son of a mere baronet held no such status. With no hereditary title to inherit, his social standing had plummeted. The family name itself had been granted to Gustave personally, meaning Pierre could no longer strictly call himself a Huguenot.

Don’t mess with me! Don’t mess with me! Don’t mess with me! Rage boiled in his blood. A burning hatred, mixed with murderous intent, dwelled in his eyes.

◇ ◇ ◇

Meanwhile, in the dungeon of the Galarc Kingdom’s castle, Stewart was huddled on the stone floor of a pitch-black, damp solitary cell, his face a mask of utter despair. He had screamed and shouted when he was first thrown in here, but two days of silence had broken him.

The cell was heavily isolated, its locked iron door and a second set of bars sealing him from the outside world. No matter how much he yelled, he couldn’t even tell if anyone was beyond the door. For two days, the only human contact he’d had was when meals were delivered. His energy was gone, drained by the silence and solitude.

But then…

Clank

The door opened.

“Huh!?”

Stewart’s head shot up. The light flooding in from the hallway was blinding, and he narrowed his eyes, making out three silhouettes. One of them touched a magical tool beside the door, and the room lit up. As his pupils contracted, adjusting to the sudden brightness, he saw them.

“…Pierre? Is that you, Pierre!?” Life returned to Stewart’s eyes. He recognized his younger brother, standing beside a male soldier and a butler who served his father. He scrambled to his feet and rushed to the iron bars, ready to cling to them. Pierre strode forward to meet him.

Did he come to get me out!? A fawning smile spread across Stewart’s face as the convenient fantasy took hold.

“Die!”

The tip of a baton, held by Pierre, slipped through the bars. The blow, thrust with raw emotion, pierced Stewart’s cheek.

“Gah!?” His face contorted in pain, and he stumbled backward, rolling on the floor while clutching his wound.

“Damn it!” Pierre snarled, his anger unquenched. He swung the baton again, striking the iron bars with a resentful clang.

“Wh-What are you doing!?” Stewart wailed.

“That’s my line! You scum! You trash!”

“H-How dare you speak to your older brother like that!” Stewart protested through the pain, but he was silenced by the venom in Pierre’s expression.

“Hey, scum! You’re lucky you’re in a prison cell,” Pierre spat, gripping the bars and glaring with pure hatred. “Otherwise, I’d beat you to death.”

“Wh-What is this about…” Cowed, Stewart looked past him to the butler, seeking an explanation.

“From my master──”

“Enough! I’ll explain it to him!” Pierre cut the butler off. “The House of Duke Huguenot is no more. Because of you.”

“…………Huh?” Stewart stared blankly.

“I said Father was stripped of his ducal title! He’s a baronet now! I can no longer inherit the Huguenot name! I can no longer inherit the title! It’s all, all, all your fault! Die! Die! Die! Die! Die!” Pierre shrieked, shaking the iron bars with the force of a petulant child.

“Please calm down, Young Master,” the butler said, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder while directing a look of undisguised contempt at Stewart.

“I-It’s a lie… Father, his title…?”

“What would I gain by lying?! Get over here! Let me hit you some more!”

“N-No, I don’t want to…” Stewart, who had been trying to stand, lost his strength and fell back on his rear, shuffling away.

“This is all because of you…! Why is my reputation being dragged down too! Guh, ugh…!” His life plans ruined, Pierre’s emotions overwhelmed him. He collapsed against the bars and broke down sobbing.

“Young Master,” the butler said gently, gripping both of his shoulders and helping him to his feet.

“…I’ll get my revenge,” Pierre spat, his tears replaced by a cold glare. “I’ll definitely get my revenge on you.”

“Tch…” Stewart flinched, still on the floor.

“But rest assured. You won’t get to die an easy death.”

“Wh-What do you mean by that?” Stewart asked, his voice cracking at the faint, cold smile on his brother’s face.

“You didn’t think it would end with Father just taking responsibility, did you? In a way, you’re the most miserable of all. You’re not even a commoner anymore. It’s been decided that you’ll become a criminal slave.”

“Wh-What? D-Don’t be ridiculous! Why would I be…!”

“Because you tried to cover up the crime of nearly killing Flora-sama!” Pierre shouted, cutting him off.

“That’s──!”

“Everyone in Restoration knows now. The crime you wanted to hide. To think you’d expose your own shameful secret… You’re a hopeless fool,” Pierre sneered, mocking him with blatant contempt.

“St-Stop it…” Stewart shook his head back and forth. Don’t look at me like that.

“Father says he doesn’t even want to see your face anymore. So I came in his place to tell you what’s going to happen.”

“I-It’s a lie…”

“It’s not a lie,” Pierre said, seeming to enjoy Stewart’s terrified reaction. “You’re being sent to a harsh environment. You’ll be forced into manual labor. If you show any sign of defiance, you’ll probably be fitted with a slave collar. You’ll die young, and it won’t be a pleasant death.”

“H-Hey, that’s a lie, right? It’s a lie. Tell me the truth, Pierre,” Stewart begged, forgetting the beating as he crawled toward the bars.

“Don’t come near me, you filthy slave!” Pierre shouted, striking him on the shoulder with the baton.

“Ugh!” Stewart lost his balance and fell.

“You bastard! You bastard! You scum! You trash!” Pierre swung the baton down again and again. The bars blocked a direct hit, but several blows landed, sure to leave bruises.

“St-Stop it! Please, stop!” Stewart cried, protecting his head as he shuffled back. He curled into a ball on the floor, groaning.

“Hmph. Don’t think you’ll be forgiven with just this, you hear?” Pierre sneered. “From now on, you’d better watch your back, wherever you are.”

“…Wh-What do you mean?”

“I’m saying I’ll find out where you’re sent, no matter where it is.”

“Wh-What are you planning to do!?”

“How should I know?” Pierre laughed coldly. “Imagine it yourself and be scared.” He paused, his expression turning malicious. “I won’t be coming here again. And no one else will bother to see you. This is your last chance. Do you have any last words?”

“Huh? Ah…” No words came. As his mind went blank with panic, realizing this might be his last chance to plead for help, Pierre gave a sadistic smile.

“See ya.”

He turned and headed for the door.

“W-Wait! Please wait! Hey, hey! To Father…!” Ask him to help me──!

But before Stewart could finish, Pierre mercilessly closed the door, plunging him back into darkness.

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