43 - The Truth Still Lies in Darkness
A heavy atmosphere enveloped the conference room.
The faces of the kingdom's heavyweights seated at the conference table were all filled with anguish. Except for one. A man standing expressionlessly, without taking a seat.
The man who led the kingdom's intelligence agency, who rarely appeared in public, opened his mouth.
"Now then. I shall report what has been uncovered thus far."
"Mm. Please proceed."
"Regarding the assassins who attacked Her Highness the Princess, most of them were former knights."
"What?"
The one who raised a voice of surprise was the Commander of the Royal Knights.
"When I say former knights, most were provincial knights."
"Agents of a noble, then?"
Relieved to find it was not the Royal Knights, the Commander of the Royal Knights questioned the man.
"No, I said former. They were all individuals who had been dismissed or expelled after causing some sort of problem. It seems such people had gathered."
"Is that not a bit vague?"
The King pointed out the man's use of words that suggested speculation, which was rare for him.
"Naturally, we have not been able to fully scrub the identities of every single one of them. This is based on the testimony of those captured."
Only three days had passed since the incident. Even for the intelligence agency of the Laurel Kingdom, said to be one of the largest on the continent, that was an impossible task.
"I suppose that is true. My apologies."
"No. I shall continue. It is believed that nearly all of them participated in this attack. This is assuming, for the sake of argument, that there is no other separate group."
"What do you mean by 'separate'?"
"It seems those people were living together in one place. This has not yet been confirmed. We are forcing them to reveal the location, so it should be clear in a few weeks. As for how they were making a living, it seems they were simply repeating their training."
"...That is a strange story."
"I judge that to be a question of where they obtained their means of subsistence. It seems they were receiving aid from somewhere. The captured individuals did not know where that was. It seems only one person knew, but that person is already dead."
"Has the connection been severed?"
"No, there is information from another source. Regarding the attack, two large groups were involved. The ones I just mentioned who actually carried out the attack, and those who caused a commotion to draw the attention of the escort knights."
"And who were they?"
"Agents of thugs who have a base near the slums. That person has also already been captured and interrogated. He confessed that he was asked by a certain individual."
"Who?"
"A low-ranking official of the Ministry of Justice. I suspect those present here would not know his name even if I mentioned it."
"Such a person as the mastermind... that cannot be."
"Yes. That official testified that he was acting on the instructions of a certain person."
"And who was that?"
"The Prime Minister."
"What!? That's absurd! I have done no such thing!"
At the sudden accusation, the Prime Minister denied it loudly, though he was visibly shaken.
"Yes. It appears so. It seems that person was deceived without knowing the true mastermind."
"Hey, don't startle me like that."
"I feel for the Prime Minister, but what is the evidence that this is the case?"
"Your Majesty!?"
"It is for confirmation. Do not take it ill."
"I understand..."
"That official reportedly told the thugs in the slums about the mastermind. He said he wondered if anyone would do something so foolish as to attack Her Highness the Princess. I agree."
"Hm? Whose testimony is that?"
"Kamui. Her Highness the Princess's slave."
"...Why does that fellow know such a thing?"
"He reportedly sneaked into the thugs' hideout and overheard it. The date matches the testimony of the official and the thugs, so it is likely correct."
"Does that boy go so far as to do such things?"
"He is quite a capable spy."
A faint smile appeared on the expressionless man's face. The only one who noticed was the King, who had many opportunities to interact with the man.
"...In the first place, why did he do such a thing?"
"Upon hearing about Her Highness the Princess's inspection, he wished to investigate the state of the slums. First, he questioned a prisoner who had been a resident of the slums, and through that person's testimony, he learned of the thugs' existence. That prisoner seemed to have been investigating the thugs, and in exchange for taking over that investigation, he was introduced to the residents of the slums."
"I don't understand. Why was there a need to go that far?"
"Perhaps he anticipated the attack? That is the only way it seems to me."
"Did he not admit to that?"
"He only said it was a natural precaution for someone guarding Her Highness the Princess."
"...Good grief."
His tight-lipped nature was commendable. If he were serving me, that is.
"By the way, I also learned the official's name from Kamui. He is quite a capable spy."
Unlike the King, the man seemed to honestly appreciate Kamui's abilities, regardless of who he served.
"Enough of that. In the end, who is the mastermind?"
"May I continue my report a bit further before answering that?"
"I don't mind."
"We have not been able to trace the existence of the mastermind through the official. After all, the man himself is convinced that he was acting on the Prime Minister's instructions."
"Is it possible to make someone believe that so thoroughly?"
"Your Majesty..."
The Prime Minister reacted to the King's words.
"I am not doubting the Prime Minister. It is merely a question."
"Regarding that, it was quite ingenious. All instructions were given in writing. Moreover, they bore the Prime Minister's signature."
"No way?"
"Someone with an eye for it would immediately recognize it as a forgery, but for a low-ranking official... I surmise that is why he was chosen."
"What kind of instructions were they?"
"They were well thought out. At first, the instruction was simply to contact someone from the underworld, anyone would do. To obtain underworld information, the best way is to ask underworld people. It seems it was written that if letting one thug go allows you to catch ten thugs, then it is worth it."
"That is natural. Except for the unnaturalness of the Prime Minister giving such instructions directly."
"He reportedly took it as a secret mission and became enthusiastic. In his position at the Ministry of Justice, he boldly contacted the thugs and gradually hinted at cooperation. Then they exchanged information. Naturally, there were bribes. Thus, his initial sense of justice vanished, and he became stained by evil. Once that happened, he did whatever the other party said. Even knowing it was a crime, he began to act according to the instructions."
"Ingenious."
"Yes. It is similar to our own methods."
Intelligence gathering is not always conducted solely by one's own people. Recruiting people from other countries is common. The method used then is the same as this. Make them believe they are working for their own country while utilizing them. Even if they are captured, that person does not know the truth. As long as they do not know, they are of no harm.
"...I see that they are capable, but that means we cannot find a connection to the mastermind."
"Yes. Therefore, we trace it from another lead."
"Another one?"
"There is one other person who was frequenting the thugs' place."
"Kamui again?"
"Yes."
"...Let's hear it."
"He pretended to be a slave trader, but the truth is different. He is a person named Larc, a Royal Guard Knight."
"What?"
"He is a guard for His Highness the Prince. As a slave trader, he was buying up children that the thugs had kidnapped. And some of those children are currently in the castle."
"...Have you confirmed this?"
"I had them identified by the residents of the slums. Ah, this is what the prisoner had been investigating. He had discovered that children from the slums were being kidnapped by thugs and tried to track their whereabouts, which is why he was thrown in jail. It was arranged by the Ministry of Justice official."
"Was he innocent?"
"That is debatable. He is the kind of person who would produce plenty of dust if shaken."
"Well, fine. He is Neil's page, then?"
"Yes."
"At least one crime is confirmed..."
"That is also debatable. There is a possibility that Larc did it on his own. Furthermore, while the children are working as pages, they seem reasonably satisfied with a life far better than that of the slums. There is a possibility that only those who were satisfied remained."
"I see..."
"If I could obtain permission to use the Orb of Truth on His Highness the Prince, it would become clear."
"That... I cannot decide upon right now."
"I understand."
The man withdrew easily. Even if it were the King's order, using the Orb on a royal member who is a candidate for the throne and then finding them innocent would not be a simple matter. The man did not yet have absolute confidence either.
"However, from what you've said, while we know Larc bought the kidnapped children, it doesn't mean he was involved in the attack on Her Highness the Princess."
The Captain of the Royal Guard, who had been listening in silence until now, spoke up. It seemed that once the matter became a crime of a Royal Guard Knight, he could no longer remain silent.
"That is correct. There is only one thing that links Larc to the attack."
"There is!?"
"The alias Larc used. He reportedly went by the name Karl, and one of the captured attackers knew that name. He remembered that the person who knew the source of the money had mentioned that name."
"But that alone is not—"
"Yes. Larc knows nothing about the attack. As a result, there is no evidence that His Highness the Prince ordered the attack."
"Is that all?"
"Unfortunately."
"Hey? Then—"
Feeling the man's response was disrespectful, the Captain of the Royal Guard spoke again.
"I mean that we have not found the mastermind of the attack on Her Highness the Princess. I have no particular thoughts regarding His Highness the Prince."
"As long as that is the case."
"Let us set aside the true culprit for now. What is the situation in the slums?"
"A considerable number have fled. We have found a few, but I judge it impossible to secure them all."
"Can we not keep it hidden..."
"Regarding that, I have one suggestion."
"What is it?"
"I believe leaving the residents of the slums as they are is one option."
"Why?"
"Rumors have already leaked outside the slums. They are still only rumors, however."
"Are the people of the slums not the ones doing that?"
"That cannot be said for certain. With such a commotion, it would not be strange for nearby residents to know of the situation."
"Even so—"
"I shall spread rumors to counteract them."
"Hm? What kind of rumors?"
"Rumors about Her Highness the Princess."
"About Ekaterina?"
"The residents of the slums' feelings of respect and love for Her Highness the Princess are surprising. They secretly call Her Highness the Princess by names such as 'Saint of the Moon' or 'Saint of Light'."
"What?"
"I shall utilize these feelings. The events in the slums were caused by rioters. Her Highness the Princess saved the wounded residents of the slums with her heart of mercy and miraculous power. That is why there were many knights in the slums that day."
"Is that possible?"
"Probably. If they believe it is for the sake of Her Highness the Princess, I believe they will gladly cooperate."
"And what will happen then?"
"I shall turn a royal scandal into a royal legend. If you leave the information manipulation to us, we shall carry it out brilliantly."
"You are quite certain."
"How does that sound?"
"...Very well, I leave that matter to you."
"I am most grateful."
"'Saint of Light' is better. 'Moon' is not bad, but the moon in the night sky evokes darkness."
"One could also say it is the light that illuminates the darkness?"
"Oh?"
It was rare for the man to interject in something unrelated to the mission.
"I spoke out of turn. We are those who live in darkness, so I spoke instinctively."
"I see. But the kingdom is still in the light. 'Saint of Light' is preferable."
"As you wish."
"Now then, in that case, for the time being, this matter remains as it is."
"Is that acceptable?"
"Does the Prime Minister have an objection?"
"If we do not make things clear between His Highness the Prince and Her Highness the Princess, similar things may happen again. I know it is a matter for the future, normally."
"...If we decide that now, it would be Neil."
Surprise spread through the conference room at the King's blunt selection of Prince Neil as the successor. Based on the conversation so far, even if there was no evidence, the possibility that Prince Neil was the culprit was quite high. The reaction of those around him was natural.
"Will you strictly adhere to male succession?"
"From the way you put it, the Prime Minister's wishes are different?"
"I support Your Majesty's decision to the end. However, there is the matter of public reputation. Lately, Her Highness the Princess—though it is for me to say—has been remarkable."
"True. I think so as well."
"Then why?"
"Ekaterina said she would renounce her right of succession."
"\"\"\"What!?\"\"\""
Those who raised voices of surprise here were those who believed Princess Ekaterina was more suited to be King. They easily exceeded half. That is how much Princess Ekaterina's evaluation had risen.
"That is why, for now, I say Neil."
"That's absurd. Her Highness the Princess should have been actively moving toward the throne of the next generation."
"It seems this incident weighed on her heart. That she does not possess the ruthlessness required of a ruler. And there is the matter of Neil. She has always cherished her younger brother."
"Then it is decided, His Highness the Prince."
Among the stunned Prime Minister and others, only the Captain of the Royal Guard made a statement supporting the King's decision.
"I said for now. I have no intention of deciding it this moment."
"That is..."
"Prime Minister. How is that matter progressing?"
"That matter, sir?"
"The matter of the Holy Sword."
"T-That. My apologies. The plan is still—"
"Hurry them. No, have them depart immediately."
"Why go so far?"
"That one is too sharp. I want to keep her away from Ekaterina and the castle for a while."
"Kamui, you mean?"
"Yes. Not only is he sharp, but he is a double-edged sword. This incident made that very clear."
"To that extent?"
"What do you think, Chief?"
The King then turned the conversation to the man of the intelligence agency. He had felt something in the way the man had been evaluating Kamui.
"I believe it is as Your Majesty thinks. I mentioned that the boy anticipated the attack. Not only that. Assuming it was by His Highness the Prince, he tried to utilize it. If things had proceeded according to his plan, it would have been decided here that the next generation would be Her Highness the Princess, and His Highness the Prince would be secretly imprisoned somewhere. While it would be a blessing for Her Highness the Princess personally, it would also wound the royal house."
In a sense, these words were as good as the man asserting that the mastermind of this incident was Prince Neil, but no one pointed it out. The surprise at how far Ray had thought ahead prevented everyone from paying attention to that.
"Why? Why was he able to predict so much?"
Here again, the Captain of the Royal Guard threw a question at the man.
"Kamui still knows something. Even if I wouldn't say he knows, there is something that makes him suspect it. If not, I am far inferior to Kamui. I would gladly yield this seat."
"Why do you not try to draw it out of him!?"
"Why are you being so emotional, Captain?"
"I am not being emotional."
"Of course I will draw it out. But that will be when Kamui has grasped more certainty. Kamui will do it. He has that much ability."
"Then would it not be problematic for him to leave the castle?"
"It is not something to be rushed. This matter seems to have quite deep roots. As for the matter of assigning Kamui to the intelligence agency? I recall such a conversation took place."
"That is as planned."
"I look forward to it. It seems I will have an opportunity to make up for this failure."
This man was the head of the intelligence agency. In the process of investigating this incident, he himself already held several suspicions. The idea that the mastermind was Prince Neil seemed plausible at first glance, but in reality, there were many suspicious points. How could Prince Neil, who stayed within the castle, gather failed knights from the provinces? The same applied to the Royal Guard Knights attached to the Prince; they never left the royal capital. Furthermore, where did the money to support the gathered failed knights come from? It was clear that it was not an amount that could be covered by Prince Neil's allowance. There was still someone else. Regardless of who was the master and who was the servant, a big shot who could reach into the provinces and produce abundant funds. To end this matter simply as Prince Neil's plot would not be a fundamental solution. That was what the man thought.
"Very well, the meeting is adjourned. Prime Minister, you understand. Move on the Holy Sword immediately. Even if there are some deficiencies, let Kamui handle the rest as he pleases."
"Yes, I understand."
Each left the conference room with their own thoughts in their heart. Those who had not yet recovered from the surprise of Princess Ekaterina's renunciation of her succession rights. Those who felt fear at Kamui's inscrutability. Those who felt anxiety over today's meeting, which felt as though it had merely postponed things. Amidst this, the King also left the conference room with a somewhat dark feeling. His judgment as King was not wrong. However, as a father, his mood sank at having decided something his daughter would likely hate.