#44 – I don’t care
“In other words, the Arviness liberation army is behind this incident?”
Asked Grafios. Taren leaned back into his chair so that the backrest creaked.
“The killed nobles were of the military faction… In particular, they were nobles who led troops and fought during the war.”
“…So it was because of their achievements?”
“The opposite.”
The old man shook his head.
“In fact, they were all punished after the war for disobeying orders. For excessive counter attacks towards the enemy… And inhumane acts including plunder, torture and genocide. Well, their parents, anyway.”
“But then… Why was the prime minister killed?”
Grafios interrupted the old man with a raise of his hand.
“Back then, he was merely an internal affairs officer. Yes, he had power, but he was not directly involved with the war. So there’s no reason for this liberation army to target him.”
He said.
“In the first place, how did someone like that get assassinated? The security should have been incredibly tight. Also, there would need to be a very good reason to target him at all.”
“…I don’t know what their aim is. However, if you had a grudge against the imperial government, then it makes sense that you would target him.”
A heavy air filled the room.
Yukito had not experienced the terrors of war firsthand.
He could not imagine the countless victims and tragedies. The pain and sadness made everything mad and twisted.
For instance, the incident with Aize’s family.
The root of it all was the butler. He had abandoned his home, was torn away from the person he loved, and lost everything. It was one of the tragedies of war.
So, were these murders also the same…?
“Hah…”
Yukito sighed. And then he smiled.
Taren narrowed his eyes.
“So? What are you trying to say? I exterminate this liberation army?”
“…”
There was silence.
Was it anger or confusion that was behind it? He could not read the expression of the wrinkled face. However…
“To be honest, I don’t really care. The reason, or who…”
The important thing was whether or not his old man was involved.
Of course, if accused of a crime, he would resist. And if had no other choice, he would cut down any who stood in his way, and escape the country.
But that was just a worst case scenario. If that happened, he would never be able to see Ms. Iria and the others again.
“I’m not the one who will expose the truth or catch the true culprit. …I’m not here to wipe your asses.”
He declared.
The old man closed his eyes and smiled weakly.
“I see. So you see through it then. I thought you were young and naive, but you have a decent head on you.”
“So…this Arviness liberation army. They are related to you.”
Said Yukito.
“Well, pawns might be more accurate.”
When they arrived in Phoenix Town, they had seen people who weren’t easterners as well. This place was a fortress for other immigrants as well. And the Yugrile people were no exception.
It all made sense now.
Yukito sighed and slumped in his chair and looked up at the ceiling.
“Now that I think about it, that reporter who brought us the information. He was sent by you, wasn’t he?”
“Oh?”
“…What?”
Grafios sat up in his chair.
“Just a hunch. After all. Wasn’t it too convenient? How we were led here. How the boss appeared and explained things to us as if he was waiting.”
The old man closed his eyes and kept his mouth shut.
Yukito was sure of it now.
“As I said before, I don’t really care who is behind it. And so if you don’t know where the old man went, I will take my leave.”
He stood up and nodded to Grafios. But as they were about to step out of the room, they heard the old man’s voice.
“Wait. …It is as you say… I forgot my manners. It is true that some actions were taken to bring you here. And it is true that we did it because we want your help.”
“I don’t…”
“What if I told you that the future of the country depends on it? Would that motivate you?”
“It would not.”
“Then I will rephrase it. The future of Iria Orlando and Aize Lilieth depends on it.”
Just then, something like a violent wind seemed to suppress the room.
“…Careful, old geezer.”
Ryu and the others realized it then.
Yukito really had been playing in the fight earlier.
Being able to kill with a look. It was said that the Sword Saint could do it. But they all thought it was a joke.
But they now realized that it was true.
“Now it’s a threat? What are you trying to do? Don’t get too confident just because I’m quiet.”
Yukito had not even unsheathed his sword.
And yet it was as if one wrong answer, and they would all be dead.
“Answer me. What did you mean by that?”
“…It’s what it sounds like.”
Taren said without a change in expression.
“Mr. Yukito. Have you thought about why the festival continues, even after the prime minister is dead?”
“What?”
“They had no choice. Because if the festival is halted, then the truth will come out.”
“And why should I…”
“The policy of integration for the Yugrile people is something the imperial family is deeply involved in. However, that will all be swept away if this incident, the crimes against the nobles becomes known. And then…”
“There will be great chaos in the empire. And nobles close to the imperial family will…”
Muttered Grafios.
Surprisingly, he was quite familiar with the politics of the country. This was because Hunters were often used by the military and police force, and so they often became involved in political problems.
As for Yukito, he quietly thought about those words.
Indeed… Aize was from Yugrile and also a noble. She would definitely be affected. As for House Orlando… While the Count might be able to manage…it was quite possible that he would also be at risk.
“…I do not mean to threaten you. Or to lie. But you cannot reject that possibility.”
“Bastard…”
Yukito cursed, but decided that the old man was right.
For him, Iria and the others were the first friends he had made in this world.
If he wanted to be cut off, and live alone, he could turn on his heels right now.
But he had made a promise.
That he would never live in regret again.
“The Arviness liberation army is inciting the Yugrile people who live in the empire. But these ghosts should not be allowed to touch our island.”
Yukito saw the anger in his eyes. The fire deep in them. It was not something you would see in any ordinary old man.
“Please, Mr. Yukito. We need your help in order to wipe them out.
Yukito let out a sigh.
“…I have one condition.”