The beast tamer exiled from the hero’s party and the cat eared girl from the strongest race meet

Chapter 264 After that... Part 1

(TL:By Rafael,valhallatls.blogspot.com)

A week has passed since then.

It wasn't a leisurely week, though...

It was a tumultuous and busy week, like a storm.

First, there was a reinvestigation into the murder during the promotion exam.

I cooperated with that investigation.

Thanks to Arios's self-destruction and Lady Saria's assistance, my suspicion was completely cleared.

However, to nail down the details of the case, we had to conduct a thorough reinvestigation, and I agreed to cooperate with that.

The investigation resumed, and of course, Arios was not involved.

I was again questioned, and I participated in on-site inspections and other procedures.

However, since the suspicion was completely cleared, I was not treated as a criminal.

Instead, I contributed to solving the case as a collaborator.

Rather, the knights regretted having aimed their swords at Arios under orders, and they treated me exceptionally well.

In some quarters, there were calls for severe punishment for the knights who sided with Arios.

However, as military personnel, it's difficult to go against higher orders.

Understanding their position, I didn't say more than necessary. This was a decision we all made.

So, they escaped severe punishment...

But it seems they received various penalties.

That's something they'll have to accept.

Anyway...

When the reinvestigation was conducted, the evidence was already complete.

The investigation didn't drag on; it was finished in a few days.

And then... Arios was found guilty.

――――――――――

In the audience chamber of the royal castle...

Arios and his companions are kneeling before King Argus, bowing their heads. Everyone has a uniformly strained expression, with beads of unpleasant sweat on their faces.

"Raise your heads," Argus commands, but no one responds.

"I said, raise your heads."

Again, Argus speaks, and this time only Arios slowly lifts his face. His expression is noticeably bitter.

"From now on, we will begin a simple trial."

Under Argus's stern gaze, Arios trembles slightly.

"Hero Arios. Despite being in the position of a hero, you murdered an innocent adventurer. The motive was incredibly selfish, aimed at framing a former party member. Do you have any explanation for this?"

"I don't remember doing such a thing. Could it be a mistake?"

"Many citizens heard you confess due to the magical tool possessed by Princess Sarya. Not only that, an analysis of the surveillance magical tool at the examination site recorded you impersonating someone else and committing murder. Do you still claim to remember nothing?"

"Yes, I don't remember."

Arios, with a pale face, nevertheless firmly maintains his innocence.

This is the definition of shameless. Despite the overwhelming evidence, he can still insist on being unrelated.

Sarya, who was watching the situation next to the king, couldn't help but sigh deeply in disbelief.

"Admitting to having done something like framing my former comrade... I'll acknowledge that. However, it was for the sake of the country. He is a dangerous individual with several powerful creatures under his command. If he were to rebel against the country, the damage would be severe."

"So, you deliberately chose despicable means for that? Is that what you're saying?"

"Yes, that's correct."

Argus listens quietly to Arios's words without changing his expression. It's difficult to gauge his emotions from his expression, and it's unclear what he's thinking.

"Now, how do you justify the murder of the adventurer?"

"That was probably created by someone intentionally to frame me. I suggest the analysis of the magical tool is not complete yet. If a thorough investigation is conducted, my innocence will surely be proven."

"I see. So, you claim that the record of you committing murder is also false?"

"Yes."

Argus's words come to a halt.

Here it is.

Arios decides it's the time to press further and adds more words.

"I take responsibility for causing an incident like this. I feel ashamed of my own lack of power and am furious at the despicable criminal. I want to make amends."

"Hmm... And?"

"Can you give me a chance? I will personally clear the suspicion cast upon me."

"Are you suggesting you investigate this incident?"

"Yes. I will find the real culprit and make them pay for their crime."

The momentum in the room is favoring Arios. The high-ranking officials around are listening attentively to Arios's words, occasionally nodding in agreement.

Lin and Mina, sensing that the atmosphere is flowing in their favor, brighten their expressions. Arios would never commit murder. This must be a mistake. Their tension has lessened since the beginning.

However, Argus maintains an impassive expression. He directs a somewhat stern gaze at Arios.

"I understand your words, Arios, the hero. I assume there is no lie in your words?"

"Then...!"

"Did you think I would say something like allowing a re-investigation of this incident? Or something along those lines?"

Until now, Argus had maintained an expressionless face, but now his expression changes dramatically. With intense anger akin to a raging fire, he glares fiercely at Arios, gripping the armrest of the throne with so much force it seems it might break.

"This... fool!!!!"

"Huh!?"

In response to the vehement scolding like a thunderbolt, Arios's body trembles.

"To not admit your guilt even at this point, but to pile up pathetic excuses... the height of folly! Are you still a hero!?"

"B-but, I haven't lied..."

"The evidence is conclusive. After thorough consideration from all angles, the conclusion is that there is no one else but you as the culprit. Moreover, taking advantage of my absence, you acted during that time...!"

"Guh...!"

"I didn't just prioritize official duties and leave the capital. Do you think there was no other purpose?"

"Could it be..."

"Investigating you was the real purpose. Remaining in the capital, I would inevitably overlook the small details occurring in the provinces. Even if I were to receive reports, it would become a game of telephone, and the truth would be distorted. Therefore, I personally went to confirm the truth. The result was... worse than I imagined."

"Ugh, ku..."

"Regarding this incident as well, you, as a hero, abused your authority and unilaterally mobilized the knights. Not only that, to completely control the situation, did you use magic to brainwash some of the knights with authority? Was that the work of Lin or Mina?"

Lin shivered involuntarily.

It seems Lin was the one behind it.

"...That's enough."

Argus sighed as if exhausted, then turned a disdainful look toward Arios.

"Because you were a hero, I've overlooked your actions until now... That was a mistake. A misunderstanding."

"W-what do you mean..."

"Fortunately, that mistake can be corrected."

Argus stood up from the throne and pronounced the verdict to Arios.

"Arios Orlando! As of this moment, I hereby revoke your status as a hero!"

"What...!?"

"And you will be imprisoned on suspicion of killing an adventurer! Your companions are equally guilty!"

Lin and Mina trembled, their faces turning pale.

"The measures will be communicated later. Now, cool your head and reflect in the prison!"

"This is absurd! I am a hero! To not need someone like me... By doing such things, are you implying that you have a death wish? Do you want to face demons without the aid of hero and die!?"

Forgetting that the other person is the king, Arios shouted loudly. Immediately, the surrounding knights rushed over and restrained Arios.

"Wait, why... Stop it! Don't touch me! Why is this happening!?"

"Why, in this way... Oh, gods...!"

Lin and Mina were also restrained. Aggus, too, was restrained, but he behaved calmly without resisting.

"Stop it! Don't touch me! I am a hero, I am chosen! This can't be happening! What is this!?"

"Silence, foolish one claiming to be a hero! Just hearing your voice is unpleasant. Knights, lock them in the dungeon!"

And thus...

Arios had his hero status revoked and was imprisoned.

TL Note- End of Arios or a new beginning?

Next

Prev