The Assassination Attempt on Chancellor Richelieu of the Franz Kingdom.
This further worsened the already tense atmosphere surrounding Hestia’s assassination risks.
“What on earth happened? An assassination! How can such a thing occur here, where countless ambassadors from various countries are gathered?”
“I… I’m sorry! We should have been more vigilant…”
“Is apologizing all that it takes? If something had happened to Chancellor Richelieu, what would we have done? Do you not understand that this could lead to war?”
The Lord of Westphalia repeatedly bowed his head, apologizing for this unfortunate incident.
However, observing the enraged lords, I spoke calmly.
“Everyone, please don’t escalate this too much. When you think about it, attributing blame solely to the lord seems a bit excessive.”
“Mr. Santana, what do you mean by that?”
“The one responsible for security here is clearly the Lord of Westphalia, isn’t it? Therefore, it must logically fall under his responsibility, wouldn’t you agree?”
The ambassadors expressed doubt at my statement.
To them, I began to seriously address the lingering threat posed by Valenshtein’s party.
“Of course, if we’re going to assign blame, that is correct. But as you all know, most of the people present here are powerful figures who have brought their elite guards from their countries. Do you truly think that an outsider could cause trouble against such capable individuals?”
“Hmm…”
“Well, yes, but…”
Given that we had established a magical barrier, it was outright impossible for someone to infiltrate and attempt an assassination.
Moreover, I had ordered increased security concerning Hestia, making the situation even less plausible.
And what this suggested was clear…
“In conclusion, I suspect that the perpetrator of this assassination attempt is not an outsider but someone present here among us.”
“W-what do you mean…?”
“That implies that among the ambassadors representing their countries, there might be someone plotting such a heinous act?”
“Good heavens… what an absurdity…”
The notion that one among them could be orchestrating a vile conspiracy was enough to generate considerable discomfort among the listeners.
Yet simultaneously, they couldn’t outright deny the validity of the statement either.
They too trusted the abilities of their guards, making it highly unlikely that an outsider could infiltrate.
Furthermore, everyone present was eyeing opportunities, eagerly waiting to maximize their own nation’s interests through this conference.
It seemed only natural for attempts to create variables and shake things up to emerge.
“For now, we need to enhance security to prevent anything like this from happening again. That would be the best course of action.”
“Hmm…”
“I understand what you mean.”
The lords expressed their agreement with my words.
However, there was still something regarding this matter that I hadn’t shared with them.
Depending on the situation, this could provide a crucial hint in identifying the culprit behind the incident.
Yet, if I carelessly disclosed that point, our side could suffer repercussions. Therefore, I concluded it would be best to address this after wrapping up our internal affairs.
‘Regardless of everything, someone from the Dragona Empire is after Hestia’s group. This means…’
*
“No, not at all… It’s only common sense that I wouldn’t tell Mr. Santana such a thing, right?”
“Hmm… that seems likely…”
Cazerose replied with absolute certainty, without a hint of doubt.
Since I had harbored similar thoughts even while posing the question, I could only nod in agreement.
“Then, do you happen to know anything about this? I’ve heard that Lady Hestia hails from the Dragona Empire. Have you heard anything related to her?”
“Hmm… well, her activities primarily occurred in Rosenlar, not Sophia, where I resided. I think I may have heard the name occasionally, but I don’t know much about her.”
“Ha… is that so?”
“Perhaps I could ask my mother or His Majesty, the Emperor? I believe they would know something.”
“I’d appreciate that. Please do.”
I couldn’t help but feel disappointed at Cazerose’s rather lackluster response.
Although I would eventually get answers if I were to ask the Duke or the Emperor, it was certain that it would take a considerable amount of time to receive those replies.
That left us in a situation where things could go wrong at any moment.
Then… Polena, who had been quietly listening to our conversation, spoke up in a calm voice.
“Master, excuse me, may I say something?”
I nodded in response to Polena’s words.
She began to speak with a tone of seriousness.
“This is just my personal opinion, but… I don’t think this incident is significantly related to Lady Hestia’s case.”
“Hmm? Why’s that?”
“The main point is that the target of the attack was not General Valenshtein’s group, but the Franz Kingdom. Furthermore, based on Mr. Santana’s deductions, the method of attack differs too greatly.”
“Hmm…”
Indeed, the assassin aimed to infiltrate and plot against the meeting where countless people were gathered, completely different from Richelieu’s party, which had attempted to act under the cover of darkness and failed.
Moreover, it was unlikely for an assassin targeting Valenshtein’s group to suddenly attack the Franz Kingdom.
“I can’t say for certain, but it seems that the assailants targeting the Franz Kingdom have some other motive. Perhaps they aim to create chaos and gain an advantage during the conference.”
Polena had a point, and I nodded in agreement, concluding that we needed to investigate further.
At that moment…
-Knock! Knock! Knock!
“Hmm?”
Urgent knocking echoed through the room.
In response, Polena looked puzzled and slowly opened the door.
What appeared before our eyes was a group of soldiers.
I felt slightly bewildered and questioned them.
“What’s going on?”
“Forgive us, Mr. Santana. We’ve come to investigate the recent assassination attempt. Can you cooperate with us?”
“Cooperate?”
The atmosphere was clearly off; I felt a growing sense of caution as I inquired.
They maintained a respectful demeanor, calmly continuing their explanation.
“Indeed, we previously examined the site of the incident with the assistance of 12th Grade Mage Athena. We found traces of witchcraft that is exclusively used within the Dragona Empire.”
“A witch? Is that reliable information?”
“Since it’s from the 12th Grade Mage, we have no choice but to believe it. Therefore, we request an investigation regarding the ‘witch from the Dragona Empire’ present here.”
The soldiers spoke with unwavering respect, yet there was a firmness in their tone that indicated a shift in the situation.
I began to sense that things were unfolding strangely.
‘As Polena mentioned… something is definitely amiss here. They must want to involve us, who are associated with the Dragona Empire.’
The political game began to reveal its shape, especially as Athena, who had voiced complaints during the war, was the one leading the investigation.
But since they had initiated the dialogue, it was only proper to comply at this point.
With that conclusion in mind, I turned to her standing behind me and spoke.
“Thus, I would like to request a brief delay, please. Freddy.”
“…Yes?”
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