Volume 4 Chapter 23-2 Intense Debate and Settlement
It may sound trivial to say, but if Gaspar were just a normal person, this wouldn't be such a big deal.
No, it would be a big deal, but not THIS big.
However, because Gaspar is the 'head of the Three Great Families,' the situation has gotten so serious.
Strictly speaking, it's more accurate to say it could have become a huge problem.
Still, from Belsal's view, it's a landmine that was way too big.
Everyone knew Gaspar would act arrogantly if he got carried away. Honestly, even just being normal, he tends to act like he's on a high horse.
The Obsidian Magic Dukedom heavily invests in education, with many schools under its control.
For the ruler of such a nation to use bombs in a foreign school is a disaster not just for reputation but extremely shameful.
I knew they'd push back.
But I didn't expect it to go this far.
"So, Gaspar──"
Belsal wants to treat Gaspar as just an ordinary person and keep the conversation simple.
In diplomatic issues, the usual tactic is to insist 'It's clearly the other side's fault,' but pushing that angle risks blowing up the Chaos Stone Dragonstone Kingdom, especially if it triggers 'the hero's power release,' which would be disastrous.
That's why they want to acknowledge 'Gaspar's reckless act as an ordinary citizen's crime,' apologize deeply for their own citizens' terrorism, and just want to move on.
But Valzeil refuses to let him go easily, so they're terrified.
"Well, I'm not planning to rush this entire matter all at once."
"Huh?"
"Because, this time, the victim is, well, quite something."
Valzeil points.
It's Lucia's seat in the audience... but she's sleeping soundly, resting her head on Horace's lap.
She looks impossibly adorable, with a face so peaceful it's almost as if she has no worries at all.
Lucia doesn't seem set on saying anything about this incident.
At this point, it's already certain Gaspar will go to Prison Dungeon.
No damage done, no victims harmed, and the perpetrator will be punished.
Since it's already decided, it's true that I shouldn't interfere from the side but...
"For this matter, I will step back now."
"Ugh..."
Valzeil glances at Gaspar.
Still blushing intensely and saying things that make no sense, but since he just keeps talking nonsense, that's probably enough.
"...Now, to the main point. Twelve years ago, when Gaspar was the Magic King, the great labyrinth explosion in Diamante Kingdom happened. I want him to take responsibility for causing it."
"W-what?! What are you talking about?! That never happened!"
Belsal is stunned.
Meanwhile... in the audience, Horace's expression shifts slightly.
"It's been covered up, so you probably don't know, but it's in the records from back then, and I have them stored too."
"Wha──..."
"Gaspar's statement, 'I was the one who caused the labyrinth explosion in Diamante Kingdom,' is recorded. It cannot be overturned."
"That's ridiculous!"
"Gaspar, remember. Twelve years ago. That was around the time of the 'Jewel of the Azure Sky' trade, right? And related to that, you said you caused the labyrinth explosion in Diamante Kingdom."
Gaspar, hearing this, hesitates but then, without doubt ── in fact, proudly ── nods deeply.
"G-Gaspar! What are you ──"
"A country that causes labyrinth explosions in other nations. No way such a country could sit as a Permanent Council Member."
"..."
"If so many people are watching, it's impossible to cover it up. Belsal. Do you understand? More dangerous than a powerful enemy is a useless ally. That's an unchanging fact."
Valzeil looks at Belsal with a piercing gaze.
There's no room for compromise there.
Belsal lets out a heavy sigh in response.
"...I... admit it. Our country will step down from the Permanent Council."
"You cared so much, yet you're surprisingly quick to give up."
"We don't know how much authority the Permanent Council Members actually hold over other nations. But... I'm already fed up."
"I see."
You hear everywhere that Belsal rules like an ordinary ruler, neither a foolish king nor a wise king.
But... letting someone who doesn't know the meaning of restraint hold that much power, something is bound to happen.
That's all it took──just one mistake in judgment.
"...I'll take my leave now. The punishment for Gaspar Redless──life imprisonment in the 'Gate of Death' of the Prison Dungeon──is already decided. Imprisonment in the Prison Dungeon is the harshest punishment. I have nothing more to say."
Valzeil glanced once at Horace before leaving, but he didn't seem to intend to say anything more.
With that, all procedures finished, and Gaspar was taken to be imprisoned at the Gate of Death.
... Supposed to happen.
A figure approached the carriage, as they were being taken away.
This would later cause a scandal as the 'Gaspar kidnapping incident' in the newspapers.
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