“First of all, I would like to express my gratitude.”
The next day.
We were summoned by Albert and gathered in a large reception room.
“Lady Sofia Ascart. Sir Fate Stuart. Lady Licorice. Lady Aisha. Lady Snow. I sincerely thank you for responding to my unreasonable request. Thank you very much.”
Albert looked each of us in the eyes in turn, then finally bowed his head.
A noble is someone who stands above the people.
They should not bow so easily…
Many of them are too proud to do so.
But Albert was different.
He was facing us sincerely.
…Somehow, the jealousy I’d felt toward him started to make me feel painfully small.
“At present, this city is crying out under my father’s… no, Guld Hildis’s tyranny. The people suffer, wealth is drained away, and citizens are fleeing to other cities. If we allow this situation to continue, how many tears will be shed… To stop that, I have decided to commit a sin—deliberately.”
Instead of using pleasant words like revolution or salvation, he deliberately chose harsh ones.
I felt that choice reflected Albert’s personality.
Compared to him, I…
No—no, no!
I have a lot of thoughts, but right now I need to focus on what’s in front of me.
I decided to help, so I shouldn’t become a burden. I’ll do my best.
Do what must be done.
“So, what exactly do you plan to do?”
Sofia asked.
It seemed Albert had been thinking about this plan for quite some time.
But since we hadn’t been told the details, we didn’t know our individual roles.
“There is no doubt that Guld has been involved in corruption. If we could obtain solid evidence, it would be possible to strip him of his position as lord… but we will not do that.”
“Because it would take too long, correct?”
“Yes. Exactly.”
If we followed proper procedures, we could certainly bring the lord down.
That was how extensive his crimes were said to be.
But it would be too slow.
Inevitably, time would pass—and in that time, how many people would suffer?
Unable to accept that, Albert chose the final option: usurpation.
“There is only one method to take. And it is very simple… a coup.”
“……”
The dangerous nature of the plan made us tense up instinctively.
Incidentally, since this wasn’t something Aisha and Snow should hear, after the initial greetings, they were playing with Licorice at the back of the room.
“We will physically restrain Guld, and I will take the lord’s seat. After that, we will uncover evidence of his corruption and assert our legitimacy to the kingdom.”
“That sounds… rather risky, doesn’t it?”
If it were just about removing the lord by force, I thought we could manage.
With Sofia on our side, our combat strength was sufficient.
Of course, I would fight with everything I had as well.
But…
Would asserting legitimacy afterward really work?
If we were unlucky, it might be judged that we fabricated evidence to justify the usurpation.
Or the kingdom might act before we found proof of corruption…
There were many uncertainties, and we couldn’t completely erase them.
“I understand exactly what you’re concerned about, Sir Stuart.”
“Then—”
Before I could suggest reconsidering the plan more carefully, Albert continued.
“If I fail to take the lord’s seat, then so be it.”
“Huh?”
“The primary objective is to remove Guld from power. If that happens, Lenoglade’s situation will improve dramatically. Of course, I want to become lord and guide the city in the right direction… but even if that wish is not fulfilled, removing Guld is enough for now. Even if the result is that I am punished as a traitor, I do not mind.”
“……”
Perhaps I had underestimated Albert.
He was willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of the city.
That, to him, was his duty.
I never imagined he possessed such a strong resolve and determination…
At some point, the jealousy I felt toward him disappeared.
In its place, something closer to admiration took root.
To be like him…
To become someone with such firm resolve and conviction.
To grow strong and great in that way.
That was what I found myself thinking.
“I understand.”
“Sir Stuart?”
“I don’t have power like Sofia’s… but I want to support you with everything I have.”
“Thank you. I find you very reliable, Sir Stuart.”
“The feeling is mutual. I look forward to working with you, Albert.”
Albert extended his hand—
And smiling, I grasped it.
“……”
“……”
No words were needed.
That was the kind of firm handshake we shared.
“Hm? It seems the two of you have grown close without my knowledge… how jealous.”
And just like that, Sofia sulked in a rather strange direction.
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