I Next
Next is Anise, daughter of Hasinto, Raciels solemn voice resonated through the square.
The spectators who had gathered to witness the trial of the criminals, the knights and soldiers of the inspection team overseeing the place, and even the investigator leading them, all fell into silence. Raciels piercing gaze swept across the surroundings, and nobody dared to utter a word in his presence.
Perhaps it was the imposing Minotaur standing behind Raciel that intimidated them, fearing that any provocation might unleash the beasts fury. However, the real reason for their silence was the overwhelming presence exuded by Raciel himself, surpassing even the pressure from the formidable creature. An unexplainable aura surrounded him, instilling an ominous premonition that anyone daring to interfere would face severe rebuke.
With a confident tone and detailed words, Raciel presented his case as the crown prince, leaving little room for doubt.
Anise, as my werewolf nurse, you rescued that night when I was thrown out of the mayors building, clinging to the arm of the Minotaur. Without your swift response and courageous actions, I would have been left as a lifeless corpse. You endured tornt and pain when you were caught by the Minotaur and thrown onto the ships deck. All of this was an extraordinary act of bravery and sacrifice on my behalf.
Raciel spoke gently, and Anise, confined in a cell, nodded in acknowledgnt.
Their eyes t briefly, and in that mont, he silently expressed his gratitude. Her actions had saved his life, and he appreciated her dedication during his absence.
Crash-!
Uruus forcefully broke the iron bars, and following Demian, Anise was freed. Yet, none of the knights from the inspection team dared to intervene.
Raciel continued his stride, along with his proclamation.
Sergio, my special duty guard captain. On that night, you were the first to rush forward and escort as I fled. But thats not all. When the Minotaur attacked the ship, you faced it head-on with your sword, even though it eventually led to losing your weapon and severely injuring your shoulder. Could I have reached safety without such courage and sacrifice?
Your Highness.
The eldest mber of the special duty team, Sergio, was visibly moved. Raciel smiled faintly and nodded.
Crash-!
The iron bars shattered, and Sergio was freed.
Raciels steps continued, and his sincere and gentle praises echoed magnificently in the square. The other special duty guard mbers, loyal knights, each received Raciels acknowledgnt one by one.
Montero and Pedro, my devoted twin special duty mbers. Both of you endured having your right and left arms broken while facing the Minotaur. Montero was thrown back while trying to block its horn, and Pedro was crushed while attempting to protect his brother. Are you both alright?
Crash-!
The twin gladiators were set free.
Ricardo, I distinctly recall you injuring your knee while shielding from a flying fragnt. And Sir Frandel, you showed exceptional bravery, leading the evacuation of fallen special duty mbers to safety despite enduring the Minotaurs relentless attacks until you collapsed.
Your Highness, I
I cannot forget the actions of Sir Hamilton. Despite injuring your waist in the Minotaurs charge, you stood up ti and again to fight and protect . Even when you lost your sword and your shield shattered, you fought on with a wooden stick, embodying the true spirit of a brave royal knight.
Your Highness
One by one, those who had served Raciel were set free. They gained their freedom and reclaid their honor, proudly standing by Raciels side.
The sight left the citizens of Cremo deeply moved. The words spoken by the crown prince resonated with them, making them feel sothing profound.
That he truly was the rightful Crown Prince.
He undeniably carries the deanor of His Highness the Crown Prince, doesnt he?
But how did he manage to return?
And how on earth did he ta the Minotaur?
Whispers and murmurs filled the air, causing a stir in the previously quiet cellblock. The investigator from the emperors inspection team felt a dryness in his mouth, a sign of growing unease.
Why is the atmosphere like this
He couldnt shake the feeling that sothing was amiss from the mont Raciel appeared. The crown prince had been captured by the fearso Minotaur, a creature far from ordinary monsters. It had been six days since his disappearance, and the chances of him being alive seed slim. Everyone assud he had already been devoured by the Minotaur, with no hope of finding a complete corpse.
In this grim situation, the bla and guilt naturally fell on the princes attendants. It was a customary procedure to identify soone to take responsibility when a person of noble status t such a fate. The investigators mission was to pinpoint the party to bear that responsibility.
So, I followed the usual protocol
He never bothered whether the accused felt unjust or not; he simply preferred dealing with matters without much thought. This thod had worked for him in the past, creating the impression of an efficient and competent investigator to his superiors. The subsequent promotions had been a welco bonus. So, he applied the sa approach this ti as well.
But now, things had taken a twist.
Why? How did the crown prince manage to survive? And why is the Minotaur with him?
He couldnt comprehend it. It felt like a nightmare. He desperately wished soone would wake him up from this bewildering reality.
Sir, Your Highness!
The anxious investigator blurted out, hoping that confirming the princes identity would be sufficient. He was rely following procedure, after all, but Raciel didnt even spare him a glance. Proving his identity to a re investigator was beneath his concern. Ignoring the desperate plea, Raciel calmly proceeded to the next cell.
Jermang, the youngest gladiator of the special duty guards. Despite your youth, you never lost your courage in protecting . I saw you trying to stand up even after dislocating your shoulder during the Minotaurs attack. Although you were limping a bit throughout that night.
Uh, Your Highness?
Dont worry. It was probably because of the ships movent, right?
Right, ah!
The youngest of the special duty guards, Jermang, blushed and responded. To him, Raciel whispered softly with a knowing smile.
Did I forget to ntion that you wet your pants then?
Th-thank you, Your Highness.
Clank-!
The cell bars shattered, and even the youngest of the special duty guards gained his freedom. Witnessing this, the investigators expression turned even more desperate.
Your Highness! Your Highness!
He rushed towards Raciel and knelt before him, blocking his path. With his forehead touching the ground, he pleaded, Please forgive for daring to seek confirmation of Your Highnesss identity!
For now, he had to beg. A conviction within him urged him to do so. Raciels mood seed far from normal, and acting recklessly might have dire consequences. So he chose to appease the princes mood, even if it ant begging.
With this single idea in mind, the investigator spoke hastily, And Your Highness, there appears to be so misunderstanding here.
However, his response fell on deaf ears.
Raciel didnt halt his steps. He simply walked past the investigator, heading towards the last cell.
Mayor of this city, Aizel Cremo. I had no inkling of the hardships you were enduring. That night, you exhibited unwavering courage in the face of countless dangers and hardships. Rather than fleeing, you took full responsibility for the city. Even as you arranged for my evacuation on a ship, you chose to remain at the docks until the very end, stating that you could not abandon your city and its citizens. Your actions exemplified the noblest and most aningful qualities of a true leaderone who wholeheartedly dedicates themselves to their duty.
Your, Your Majesty
Tears welled up in Mayor Cremos eyes.
Clang-!
The final iron bars shattered, and only then did Raciel turn his gaze to the investigator.
Inspector of the Inspection Team. You are
Yes, Your Majesty! I did not imprison and interrogate your followers out of animosity!
Do you dare to interrupt without even listening to my words?
Uh?
I asked if you just interrupted .
The investigator fell silent, his body covered in nervous cold sweat. Raciels words struck like a series of verdicts.
Earlier, you asked to prove my identity by myself.
Yes?
But it is not I who proves myself. It is those who stood by my side, those who were unafraid to sacrifice everything for . They are the ones who prove my legitimacy.
Yes?
Does that clarify your query?
Your, Your Highness
Furthermore!
You claid you did not imprison and interrogate my followers out of spite.
Yes, Your Highness!
But the truth is, you imprisoned and interrogated them because they were easy targets to shift the bla and guilt onto.
Uh?
Enough with the excuses. I already know what you want to say. They were serving , and yet they could not protect , so they should pay for their sins, isnt that what you would like to argue?
Yes, Your Highness!
Really?
Yes, Your Highness!
The investigator nodded fervently, but Raciel tilted his head inquisitively.
It doesnt sound very convincing.
Yes?
In fact, I overheard your earlier conversation. I know exactly what you said.
What
Hmm hmm!
Raciel cleared his throat and mimicked the investigators tone.
So its not too late now. Speak up. You were colluding with the Minotaur to harm the Crown Prince, confess your sins, and plead for rcy.
?
The color drained from the investigators face. The words that the crown prince had just uttered They were the exact words the investigator used to extract a confession from soone nad Demian. Could it be that Raciel had overheard that?
The investigator looked up at Raciel, his eyes trembling, but the crown princes gaze remained icy.
That phrase wasnt just about assigning bla. Did I misunderstand?
You conveniently made soone a criminal, shifted all responsibility and guilt onto them, executed the criminal, and attempted to quickly and simply resolve the troubleso incident, didnt you?
Were you trying to handle the case of the missing crown prince, who was kidnapped, in such a reckless manner? Really?
I asked earlier, who is the person in charge here. You stepped forward. Do you know what that ans?
That, that ans
It ans the person in charge bears the responsibility. And you, my dear inspector, must rightfully bear the responsibility for the reckless investigation you have conducted thus far.
Raciels cold verdict resounded, and in that mont, the investigator had a sinking feeling.
Ah.
This is the end for .
(To be Continued)
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