NOVEL NEXT Chapter 64
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—“Brother! What’s the meaning of this!”
“What, Rhode. That was quick.”
“What is this?”
A military base in the Imperial City of Valhalla.
This is where the highest-ranking military officers in charge of the military work.
This is the command center, i.e., Odin’s office.
Rhode shouts at him there and slams a warrant on his desk.
“What is this warrant!”
“As you see, I’m just asking about the situation to Ken, who committed a breach of military discipline?”
“That matter was settled by my orders!”
“I don’t remember agreeing to it. Or do you have it in writing?”
“I see… that’s what you mean. But that was my order!”
“Then why didn’t Ken insist on that on the spot? Was it necessary to cause so much damage?”
“Ggh! That’s…”
“I know. That’s about the only reason for the follow-up. That’s why I’m just listening. Don’t worry.”
“You expect me to believe that?”
“What if I do? You don’t have the authority to do that. Do you want to go to war and take him back?”
If Odin is right, and it is illegal and unreasonable, the Rhode can strongly negotiate and at worst use force.
In that case, the battle would have to wait for the Imperial Sword Festival.
But what happened this time is a fact that cannot be excused.
That is why Odin has cut this card on this occasion.
“Even I know what will happen if I hurt Ken-kun here.”
As the Emperor had declared that day, the Imperial Sword Festival would be known throughout Asgard.
That is why Odin had nowhere to run.
If he were to kill Ken, claiming that this was a breach of military discipline, Odin would lose all his centripetal power.
The military, the people, and the nobility would all condemn him, and if he were to mess up, Rhode could become emperor before the Imperial Sword Festival.
And so begins the quagmire war involving the Asian Union and the European Union.
That was why it was Rhode’s ploy.
Once announced, no matter what happens, anything but defeat will only be particularly good for Rhode, and the wounds of the Asgard will be shallow.
“Promise me. That you will not hurt Ken at all. Then I will withdraw from the situation.”
“Fine, what, I’ll just ask a few questions. I swear I won’t hurt you.”
(I won’t hurt you…)
Rhode looks Odin in the eye.
But Rhode does not know what kind of plans he has.
His future vision only works on the battlefield.
But now it is a political arena, and the odds are against Rhode
Because his opponent has been playing politics the whole time, Rhode has been fighting on the battlefield.
“Oh, and Rhode. I want you to level this battlefield. That’s another role for the royal family. It should be easy for you.”
Odin then hands Rhode a piece of paper.
Rhode looks at it and frowns.
(Easy? This battlefield? It’s a battlefield that would take a month for an ordinary person.)
“…Orders?”
“Orders. Remember, in military matters, I have the right to make all decisions now. If you refuse, you’ll have to give me a good reason.”
“I understand, but I have the Imperial Sword and Sword Festival to attend to, so I can’t accept anything other than this one matter.”
“Fine, go and clean it up.”
“I will.”
Rhode leaves the room.
I knew that nothing would come of arguing with him here.
They have a legitimate reason to detain him, and we don’t have a legitimate reason to release him.
Besides, it is the duty of the royal family to be on the battlefield.
Then there is no clear reason for refusing on this occasion.
(Sorry, Kenya. Endure… support will be sent.)
What Rhode can do is limited.
To use his brains to finish the battlefield as fast as possible and return home.
And to send his trusted subordinates.
Every eventuality was anticipated. So it was.
And how to deal with it.
“Ah, it’s me. Sorry, I need you to move. Ah, ah. Ken is going to the Inquisition. So, please.”
And Rhode calls it his alias.
“Reelbert.”
***
*** Time goes back a little.
“Military discipline violation? What is that, sir?”
“I’m referring to the treasonous act you committed in the southern provincial town of Finn a month ago?”
(Oh, that? Yes, indeed I did.)
“In the meantime, would you like to accompany me?”
“Yes, I will…”
“Onii-Chan? What’s wrong?”
“Oh, Reina. I’m going to a place called the Military Inquiry Commission. Can you tell Rhode-Sama about it?
“Military Inquiry Commission… okay. I’ll tell the Rhode-Sama immediately.”
Reina then contacted Rhode.
“Please do not resist, and if you do, you will be detained.”
“…I understand.”
Kenya was taken to a military vehicle without resisting.
Even if he tries to resist, he has no choice, as Kenya is no match for these soldiers.
Kenya gets into the car.
He poses questions to the soldiers.
“What is the Military Commission of Inquiry? I’m sorry, I’m not familiar with it, please tell me.”
“Okay, a military commission of inquiry is a military tribunal that is responsible for the military’s use of enemy spies, coups d’état, treason, rebellion, and betrayal of the state. It is a place to investigate whether you are a soldier who wants to overthrow the country in any way. We also talk to military personnel who have violated military protocol.”
According to the soldier, Kenya is now under suspicion of treason against the country.
The reason, of course, is that he went on a rampage that day and caused many injuries and damage.
That in itself is a fact, and if anything, it can’t be refuted because it is definitely treason against the state.
“But I am a knight of His Highness Rhode. Do you understand that?”
“Yes, that’s why. I have been instructed by Odin-Sama to be considerate during what is essentially a strict inquisition. I really only want to listen to what you have to say, so please don’t worry.”
Kenya is relieved to hear that.
He had imagined it as if it were a witch trial, but as expected of him, the chief holy knight and knight of the Rhode, he doesn’t want to overstep his bounds.
He was inwardly freaking out because he didn’t want to be in pain.
And Kenya is taken to a military facility in the Imperial Capital.
“Here we are…”
“…….is it here?”
What unfolds before Kenya is like a prison surrounded by iron fences.
In the glamorous Imperial City, it is a bleak military facility in nothing but black, and white.
That sight alone stirs Kenya’s unease.
(But he said he was only going to listen to me, and I wonder if he’ll let me return by this afternoon.)
Kenya imagines such a thing.
But that is not possible. But what is prepared for Kenya is.
“Is this the place?”
“Please understand that this is temporary. It is until you are cleared of suspicion.”
Laughable.
“It’s a prison…?”
A toilet, a bed, and a stone and iron book.
Kenya is led into a room with nothing but that gray color.
“Please understand that your position is very special and unstable right now. Originally, you could have been beheaded immediately.”
A military officer who had committed such a commotion would normally have been beheaded.
Kenya could understand that.
That is why it is claimed to be a considerable concession.
“I understand.”
Kenya then enters prison.
The iron prison is shut and he is completely trapped.
“Then, the hearing will start at noon, so…”
“I will be here until then?”
“No, until the hearing is over. Well then.”
“Seriously…”
At that time, Kenya still didn’t understand.
He was optimistic about what was about to happen to him.
He still didn’t understand the seriousness of the situation yet.