“Next, regarding the treatment of the students who were complicit,” Dennis said.
“We have already received petitions for forgiveness from the families of the apprehended students. Unfortunately, there are cases where the parents are also involved, making the situation difficult to handle.”
The King nodded continuously at Dennis’s words.
“Cassandra has also appealed, so if possible, I want to give the children a chance to redeem themselves. However, that does not mean we can easily forgive them.”
Even if they were deceived by sweet words, the crime of treason against the nation was too grave, and it was undeniable that there had been a crisis of life for everyone present, including the King, had the rebellion succeeded.
In fact, Lucas Gallagher had clearly harbored murderous intent towards the Royal Family.
The King and everyone gathered understood the feelings of parents for their children and the desire to grant the petitions of relatives. However, this was not something that could be easily accepted as an accident.
“May I also speak?” Kirsi Santala asked.
“Please do, Madam Kirsi Santala,” Dennis replied.
“Being called ‘Madam’ by Dennis is rather ticklish, but that aside. I wish to make a request both as a Court Mage and as a teacher. I am not saying they should not be held accountable for their crimes, but I ask that the students be given a chance. They are still young and prone to discontent. You must remember such times yourselves. It was Leonard Gallagher who exploited that. When the Commander of the Royal Mage Corps, who is in a position of authority, stood up for the mages, they likely saw him as a hero, even if his cause was a mere illusion. Your Majesty, and the Dukes and Marquises, I implore you to show leniency.”
Kirsi, who had dressed appropriately for the occasion unlike her usual self, was doing her utmost to assist the students. Of course, the students bore responsibility for their actions, and the crime of aiding treason was too immense. However, it was not possible to sentence minors to death alongside adults.
Among the students, some were not swayed by sweet words and willingly participated in the rebellion, while others were merely swept along.
They ought to be punished, but they should also be given a chance to start anew.
“I, too, would like to ask for leniency towards the students, as Madam Santala has done,” Tres Brauer said.
“I agree. Considering they are still minors, perhaps leniency is appropriate,” Adelina Bischof added.
The two Court Mages, Tres Brauer and Adelina Bischof, agreed with Kirsi’s opinion. They themselves had been forgiven after being held responsible for the earlier incident of the murder of a Court Mage Candidate. Perhaps that was why they advocated for leniency in the students’ punishments from the outset.
“… I am tempted to say that mages protect mages, but I know you are not that kind of people. Your Majesty, while strict punishment is necessary, if it is too severe, it will lead to discontent among the people. Furthermore, the sheer number of them makes it impossible to sentence all minors to death.”
Dominic, who harbored a dislike for mages, voiced his agreement with Kirsi, shifting the direction of the discussion.
“It is acceptable to give them opportunities, but once they have been involved in treason, I will be concerned about them taking positions in state organizations, no matter how capable they become in the future. However, if their future is to be restricted, then granting them leniency would be appropriate.”
There were no dissenting voices. The students had committed acts that warranted such consideration. Moreover, some had actively participated in the attack, and a few had fled when the Gallagher father and son were defeated.
Those who had joined, but quickly realized their mistake and withdrew, might receive lighter punishments. However, for students who had aided the rebellion until the end, commensurate punishments awaited. The council continued, and a conclusion was reached regarding the students.
“The students involved in this incident will not be charged with major crimes, considering they were manipulated by Leonard Gallagher. However, they will be expelled from their respective academies and will never be allowed to hold any positions or jobs related to the country in the future. This will remain true regardless of whether they change their names or identities. It is necessary for them to realize the gravity of their actions and reflect deeply. Furthermore, depending on their attitude, they will be placed in forced confinement or kept under family surveillance.”
As long as they reflected on their actions, they could return home for now. However, having rebelled against the country, they would be barred from working directly for the nation, effectively closing off half of their future prospects, whether they were mages or not. The students who sought to improve their standing had, by their own hands, sealed their fates, resulting in expulsion from their academies and the shattering of their dreams of becoming mages. Still, it was better than a death sentence.
“We are grateful, Your Majesty,” Kirsi, the Court Mages, and the Duchess bowed their heads. Although severe punishments had been decided, there was still a chance to make amends.
“Now, for the next agenda item. Dennis,” the King said.
“Yes. Next, regarding the Royal Mage Corps. There are fifty members who did not follow former Commander Leonard; this means the Royal Mage Corps cannot function. However, I believe a swift reorganization is necessary, not only for Leonard but also for the members who remained loyal to the country.”
“As King, I am grateful to those who did not forget their loyalty to the country. Therefore, for their sake, I wish to reorganize the Mage Corps as quickly as possible and show the people that they are not like the traitors.”
These loyal members had fought alongside the Royal Knights under the instructions of the Court Mages. With so many members of the Royal Mage Corps having turned traitor, everyone was hesitant to trust them fully, and they were not entrusted with the protection of the Royal Palace or the ducal families. However, without complaint, they had fought and apprehended their former colleagues as protectors of the nation. As a result, they were now hailed as the pride of the nation and the mirror of mages. The praise for their loyalty was particularly strong from the Knights, with whom they were supposedly at odds. From the perspective of the Knights, who valued loyalty, the fifty members of the Royal Mage Corps who remained loyal to the country were recognized as being just like themselves.
“Your Majesty, may I speak?” Abraham Sinclair, the Commander of the Royal Knights, asked, raising his hand.
“Of course. I would gladly hear your opinion, Commander of the Knights.”
“I deeply understand Your Majesty’s desire to rebuild for the sake of the members of the Royal Mage Corps who demonstrated loyalty to the country. However, the actions of former Commander Leonard Gallagher and the rebels are already spreading among the populace, even if they were initially kept under wraps. Therefore, I believe it would be best to start by changing the name of the Royal Mage Corps.”
He was not only the Commander of the Royal Knights but also the head of the Sinclair Marquis Family. At fifty-eight years old, he was the strongest swordsman in the Wethered Kingdom and commanded immense popularity among children aspiring to be knights due to his constant presence on the front lines. As a Marquis, he governed justly, was revered by his people, and taught martial arts to the children in his territory, where he was affectionately called “Sensei.” His popularity extended to the capital, and countless individuals aspired to become knights after admiring him. Despite leading an order often inclined to dislike mages, he held no prejudice against them and had maintained a positive relationship with Leonard before the rebellion. In his younger days, he was known as “Shura” and had, along with his direct subordinate, known as “Sword Demon,” struck fear into neighboring countries. Although he had calmed with age, his skill remained undiminished, embodying both righteousness and technique, befitting the leader of a defensive force.
“In other words, you suggest that the Royal Mage Corps should be given a different name and reorganized?” the King asked.
“Yes, Your Majesty. If you would permit it, I believe combining the Royal Knights and the Royal Mage Corps into a single organization could be a solution.”
Abraham’s proposal caused a stir among everyone present. The animosity between knights and mages was legendary, with frequent quarrels and duels. In a way, it had been a persistent headache for the Royal Palace. Now, the Knight Commander himself, who had often gotten into trouble with mages in his youth, was suggesting their unification.
“In recent years, there have been many young individuals with magical abilities… no, indeed, many aspiring mages have begun to seek entry into the Knight Orders. Therefore, I believe the era of distinguishing between knights and mages is over,” Abraham continued.
The main cause of their animosity had, in fact, been the elitism of mages. Now, not a single mage with such elitist views remained. Therefore, it was an unprecedented opportunity to unite knights and mages.
“Hmm. To establish a new corps by merging the Knights and the Mage Corps, is it? Not a bad idea. And you would be in command of it?” the King inquired.
“If it is Your Majesty’s command, I, Abraham Sinclair, will gladly accept. However, to ensure the new organization is clearly recognized as a national entity and to prevent discontent among the mages, I believe the Court Mages should be placed at its head.”
“… You suggest Abraham take a secondary position?”
“I have no interest in who holds the top position. My life has been dedicated solely to serving the country as a knight. And that will not change until my dying day.”
“Then I ask, who would you propose as the Court Mage above you?”
“I… recommend Lord Tres Brauer.”
