We returned to the Audience Chamber, and shortly after, Lydia’s accompanying Soldiers and Athena’s accompanying Dragoner also returned.
Athena’s group was in charge of the kitchen, dining hall, and pantry, while Lydia’s group was responsible for the guest rooms and lobby on the second floor. Therefore, it was unlikely that the search would take long, and these locations were not considered likely spots for a discovery.
Mako had returned before me, but her team was responsible for the terrace and the courtyard, leaving even fewer places to search.
The prime suspect was still the royal residential area, which Mina and Feiser were in charge of.
The area where Ludia and Father were searching, the guard barracks, was also a possibility, given the presence of guarding forces.
However, the breakthrough came from Claire and Father, who were in charge of the rear of the Imperial King’s Castle.
Behind the Imperial King’s Castle, a vast secret chamber was prepared underground, reportedly containing many magical artifacts.
Food was also stored in large quantities in Storage Bags, and the area prepared as the Imperial Royal family’s residential quarter was equipped with facilities comparable to those of a noble’s mansion.
Since many of the Royal Guards were in that secret chamber, Claire’s team judged it to be beyond their capabilities. They decided to send for reinforcements, calling upon nearby Ludia and Father, Saya, and a Beastar. As a result, they successfully entered the secret chamber, defeated all the Royal Guards, and captured the entire Imperial Royal family.
“To think that such a vast secret chamber existed in a place like that. It’s fitting for the cowardly Imperial Royal family,” Emperor Reinhardt commented.
“They were likely overly concerned with their own safety due to the numerous enemies. It ended up being a futile effort, though,” Rex added.
This was the reaction of Emperor Reinhardt and Rex immediately after seeing the Imperial Royal family bound tightly.
I had the same thought.
“One Imperial King, three Queens, two Princes, and one Princess. It’s good that you captured them all safely,” Emperor Reinhardt stated.
“No, it was only possible with the assistance of Madam Saya and Madam Ludia. We would have been defeated on our own,” Father replied.
Even though Claire had evolved into an Ancient Lamia, her level was only 64, and she had only recently evolved. Compared to the seasoned Ancient Classes, her abilities were still somewhat lacking.
However, she had no problem with High Class opponents. But when it came to fighting demons, her chances were slim.
Claire understood this, which is why she requested reinforcements from Ludia and Saya. It showed that she had a good grasp of her own abilities.
I thought that the Royal Beastar’s Master could learn a thing or two from her.
That Royal Beastar’s Master, unable to hide his bitter gaze, was glaring at his colleague, the Beastar, who had played a role in capturing the Imperial Royal family.
“But I told you to only bring the Imperial King. Why did you capture everyone?” Emperor Reinhardt questioned.
“While it is fitting for Your Majesty to personally take the Imperial King’s head, it would offer no benefit to the various countries that dispatched their Knights. Since there are seven members of the Imperial Royal family captured, if the First Knights were to take their heads, it would bring honor to the Ritter’s Guild and merit to the dispatched countries,” Claire explained.
I too wondered why she had captured the entire Imperial Royal family. Claire must have thought that not only Emperor Reinhardt but also the Ritter’s Guild should gain merit by taking the heads of the Imperial Royal family members.
Although the Ritter’s Guild is an independent organization, it is also a knightly order that serves the country.
Therefore, any achievements made by a Ritter would also be considered achievements of the country that dispatched them.
I hadn’t considered that aspect at all.
“I see. No, I was lacking in foresight as well. I am grateful for you considering that,” Emperor Reinhardt said.
“Your words are too kind,” Claire replied.
Emperor Reinhardt had prioritized the unification of the Philia Continent, and the kings of various countries had agreed to it at the International Conference, so they hadn’t considered the matter of earning merit.
This was truly a stroke of luck thanks to Claire.
“Then, First Knights, step forward,” Emperor Reinhardt commanded.
In accordance with Emperor Reinhardt’s order, Father, Beastar, Dragoner, Feiser, and Soldier stepped forward.
“I apologize, but Father and Beastar already have the merit of capturing the Imperial Royal family. Therefore, the Queens’ heads will be taken by Dragoner, Feiser, and Soldier. Do you have any objections?” Emperor Reinhardt declared.
Although it was Emperor Reinhardt’s decision, no one objected.
They already had the merit of capturing the Imperial Royal family, and in a sense, it was a greater achievement than taking their heads. So, Father and Beastar had no qualms. For Dragoner and Feiser, and Soldier, it was as if they were being granted merit, so it was out of the question for them to complain.
“It seems there are no objections. Then, Father and Beastar, you will each be in charge of an Prince. The remaining Princess will be yours to take the head of, Claire,” Emperor Reinhardt stated.
“Is it truly me, and not the Grand Order’s Master?” Claire asked.
“The Grand Order’s Master has already achieved great merit, and it was you who captured them. Therefore, you are the most suitable,” Emperor Reinhardt replied.
“Thank you,” Claire said.
So, Father and Beastar would be in charge of the Princes, and Claire would handle the Princess.
The reason it wasn’t Rex was likely because he already had the merit of defeating Sleipnir, a Demise Species. Any further achievements might stir up unnecessary trouble, so it was probably to avoid that.
There was also the issue of whether there would be commensurate rewards.
“Ah, since the opponent is also a demon, I should restrain it with Telekinetic Magic so it can’t move,” I thought.
However, a problem arose at this point.
When First Beastar approached to behead the Prince, the Royal Beastar’s Master intervened, pushed First Beastar aside, and then swung his sword.
He seemed to be smiling, thinking he had achieved a great feat, but it was a complete overreach of authority and an act of defiance against His Majesty’s orders. I suspected he would be expelled from the Beastar’s Guild.
“Wha-!”
However, the Royal Beastar’s Master’s sword was stopped by Mako’s Nibelheim barrier.
“H-Hey! Are you planning to betray us?!” the Royal Beastar’s Master exclaimed.
“I think you’re the one doing that. I knew you’d do something, but this is outright treason, isn’t it?” Mako replied.
Mako sounded exasperated, but not only I, but Emperor Reinhardt and Rex also looked dumbfounded.
“Madam Mako is correct. Not only did you accompany us without permission, but you also disregarded my orders. I cannot believe such a thoughtless action from the leader of the Royal Beastars. You lack the qualifications not only to be a Royal Beastar who protects the King but also to be a Beastar who protects the people. However, as you have held the position of Royal Beastar’s Master, I cannot punish you by my own decree. This will be addressed after consultation with Emperor Glisina, and then you will be punished,” Emperor Reinhardt stated.
The Beastar’s Guild is headquartered in Alegria, and Alegria is one of the nations that make up the Amister-Philias Federation Heavenly Empire.
The top authority of the Federation Heavenly Empire is the Celestial Emperor, so Emperor Reinhardt could have punished him on his own. However, to avoid any lingering resentment, it was necessary to consult Emperor Glisina and inform the other kings.
But considering the gravity of his actions, the punishment would unlikely be lenient. Given his status as a High Beastar, it would likely be a death sentence.
If he were exiled, he might harbor resentment towards the country and even resort to force. Even if he were made a criminal slave, High Class individuals are less susceptible to enslavement magic, posing a significant risk of escape.
Therefore, for High Class criminals, capital punishment is the only option for severe offenses.
In this case, considering his ambition to become the consort of Emperor Glisina, it would be appropriate to charge him with treason.
Well, the method of his trial is beyond my concern. I should probably restrain him to prevent further interference.
“W-What are you doing!?” the Royal Beastar’s Master shouted.
“What am I doing? Just apprehending a criminal. Ah, and to prevent you from being summoned again, I’ll take away your consciousness,” I replied.
“Gah!”
I bound him with Arresting and applied a slightly stronger Shock Flow to knock him unconscious. Now he’s quiet and won’t be able to interfere.
“I’m sorry, Yamato,” Emperor Reinhardt said.
“No, it’s fine,” I replied.
Although the Royal Beastar’s Master did not participate in my Father and Mother’s training, he possessed a Jade Silver sword, so his level was 53.
Even so, apprehending him and taking his consciousness was no great effort for me.
“To be clear, even with this individual’s misdeed, the Beastars’ merits will not be reduced. This person is an embarrassment to the Beastars, but we also bear responsibility for allowing this to happen. In fact, we have caused trouble for the Beastars. I apologize here and now,” Emperor Reinhardt stated.
Emperor Reinhardt apologized to the Beastars, who were bewildered by the situation, as they hadn’t expected this to happen.
While they had overlooked him, he hadn’t committed any particular crimes. Emperor Glisina hadn’t treated the Royal Beastar’s Master, who had been pursuing her, harshly either, and she felt sorry for not being able to reciprocate. Thus, she had been unable to decide on stripping him of his position.
However, upon learning of the Royal Beastar’s Master’s ambition, Emperor Glisina had resolved to dismiss him. In a way, this outcome was either sooner or later than expected.
“Although it dampens the mood, we cannot leave the Imperial Royal family unattended. First Knights, draw your swords!” Emperor Reinhardt commanded.
Following Emperor Reinhardt’s orders, the First Knights raised their swords.
At the same time, Emperor Reinhardt also raised his sword.
“Imperial King, I have nothing to say to you, who have fallen into demonhood. For the peace of the Helios Orb, let your life end in vain!” Emperor Reinhardt declared.
With that, Emperor Reinhardt swung his sword at the Imperial King.
Taking this as a signal, the First Knights also swung their swords, and in the next instant, seven heads rolled across the Audience Chamber.
Having become a demon, he was not allowed to make any pleas. Seeing him with a face covered in tears and snot, I truly felt that I never wanted to become like that.
“With this, the Philia Continent is truly unified. This is all thanks to everyone’s efforts. I look forward to your continued contributions,” Emperor Reinhardt announced.
As Emperor Reinhardt spoke, the Knights returned a perfectly synchronized salute.
They were still amazing, as usual.
However, with this, the Imperial Royal family and Retisencia were annihilated.
There is suspicion of Labyrinth overflow, and many monsters have evolved due to Demon Crystals and the Divine Emperor’s magic power, so we need to carefully monitor the situation. Nevertheless, this is also the moment when the unification of the Philia Continent by the Amister-Philias Federation Heavenly Empire has been achieved.
There is also the issue of what to do with the ruins of cities destroyed by monsters, but we can consider that after seeing the outcome.
From here on, Mako and I will use the mythical-grade術式 (jutsu-shiki) “Tuatha Dé Danann” of Blau Solaris and Agatholam to annihilate Kobaldia.
Kobaldia is not as large as the capitals of the Three Kingdoms, let alone a Float, but it is undoubtedly a large city.
To think of annihilating such a large city is no small feat, but using Tuatha Dé Danann is the quickest way, so we have no choice but to do it, no matter how difficult.
Once the demons are gone, the gods protecting the Treasure Tree will be able to move, marking the first step towards averting the destruction of the Helios Orb.
Ultimately, we must defeat the Divine Emperor, but demons are beings that should not exist, so eliminating them alone is significant.
We plan to use Tuatha Dé Danann from the sky, so Athena will have to transform into a dragon.
