The Expelled Boy Does All Sorts of Things with the Onee-sans He Saved.

Chapter 072: Grand Duke Assassination Defense Operation ⑤

From that point on, the battle was completely one-sided.

The giant ice serpent I summoned with my magic attacked Dan and his group.

His comrades screamed, and some even collapsed on the spot from sheer terror.

“You spineless cowards!!”

Even so, Dan readied his sword and charged at the serpent.

“Uwooooooh!!”

He swung his magic-infused sword down, but it was easily deflected.

“Dan!! What do we do!!”

“Shut up!!”

Dan was completely occupied with the serpent and had no attention to spare for anything else.

I sent instructions to the serpent — capture them.

“Uwaaaaaah!!”

One of Dan’s comrades broke away from the group and suddenly attacked the guards. He was probably trying to escape onto the terrace. He targeted the guards to clear a path.

The others followed suit and scattered. Some even tried to attack the Grand Duke’s family.

“Father!! Oneechan!!”

At my shout, the two of them and Caterina-san moved.

Caterina-san handled those heading toward the Grand Duke, Father dealt with those going for Mother, and Oneechan restrained them with magic.

The guards worked in groups to capture every single one.

In the end, only the spy and Dan remained.

“Tch!!”

“Dan, surrender.”

The Duke said to Dan.

“Don’t screw with me!! I won’t!! Hey, you! Protect me!!”

“……Kukuku.”

The black-clothed man, sweat visible on what little of his face could be seen, laughed — as if he was exasperated or had simply given up.

“What are you laughing at?”

“You idiot!!”

“What!?”

“Can’t you see the situation? Even if it’s two against this many, do you really think you have any chance of winning? And the enemy still hasn’t done anything — the Captain of the Imperial Guard Knight Order and the Magic Division Captain haven’t even moved yet!?”

“Even so, I, an S-rank—!!”

He was still clinging to the glory of being S-rank.

I glanced at the Grand Duke, who nodded.

『Freezing!!』

I cast the spell, encasing the two of them in ice.

Freezing this many people (over a dozen) was difficult. At most, I could only handle three at once.

Once the two were secured, Dan’s followers collapsed in despair.

I dispelled the ice serpent and made it disappear.

“Mm. Take the criminals to the prison. We will hold a trial later.”

The guards saluted and escorted the dozens of prisoners away with twice their number. They were being extremely cautious.

“Then we will take our leave as well.”

“Kei-oneechan, you’re going?”

“Yeah. This time the crime is far too serious. They will be charged with major crimes. We can’t let them escape.”

“Well then, Alphonse-san. Let’s have tea again sometime.”

With that, the two followed after the guards and left.

“Well done, Alphonse.”

“Thank you.”

Hmm. It feels like I was the only one who did anything…

“We will give you a formal thanks later. Duke Marqus, we will hand down your punishment in due time. You may leave.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

The Duke bowed once, then bowed to us as well before leaving the room.

The Grand Duke let out a deep sigh and slumped back into his chair.

“Thank goodness… Nothing happened…”

Charlotte-sama smiled in relief.

Yes, for now we should… Ah!!

I quickly took out a crystal from my Extra-dimensional Storage.

“That is…”

“I gave Elena and the others pendants before, right? I designed this to connect with them.”

“To think there’s such a magic tool…”

“There are tools that allow long-distance calls, right? I just combined that magic with a few other things.”

I only referenced what was in the magic books, so I’m not that amazing.

Everyone was staring at me in surprise. I wonder why?

“W-well, anyway, I can see the situation through the pendant from here.”

I immediately poured magic power into it. Then—

“That’s!!”

Mafalda-sama raised her voice.

On the other side, the pendant of the enemy female knight was glowing.

“This is bad!! It’s the self-destruct magic formation!!”

I hurriedly adjusted it so I could not only see but also speak and use magic on the other side.

“Sophia. Hold this!!”

“Understood.”

I handed the crystal to Sophia and focused on the magic.

(Connect!! Connect!!)

I channeled my magic power to link with the pendant.

(Just a little more!!)

And then—

“Alright!! Connected!!”

I somehow managed to establish the connection.

～～～～～～～～～～

Rosaria Side

“So that’s what happened.”

“I see.”

From Al’s story, it was clear the enemy wasn’t particularly competent, but—

“Isn’t he just way too stupid?”

“I’m stunned.”

Even Urka, sitting beside me, had gone past surprise and was simply dumbfounded.

“Yeah. Dan never really thought about strategy. He would just charge ahead, and the rest of us in the party would support him.”

“Al and the others must have had it tough. The people around him should have warned him.”

“If only he would listen.”

Al said sadly. Seriously, what kind of guy was he?

“So, what will happen to them?”

Urka asked from the side. I was also curious about their punishment.

“According to Mom, this is clearly high treason.”

“In the Empire, it would be the death penalty without question.”

“The Grand Duchy is similar. The masterminds will probably get that, but those who only participated might get lighter sentences or something.”

“Well, that stuff is still a bit difficult for Al.”

“Even though he’s so advanced in magic and languages.”

It’s true. Al has extreme strengths in some areas and knowledge appropriate for a 10-year-old in others.

“Time to study more.”

“Yeah.”

Al replied enthusiastically. I’m looking forward to what comes next.

“I’ll hang up now. When will you arrive?”

“We should arrive tomorrow.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

“Yeah. But Elena went to the Holy Kingdom. To settle things.”

“I see.”

Al sounded a little lonely. Can’t be helped.

I looked out the carriage window.

(Elena.)

I never thought I’d be worried about a woman who was once our enemy, but for now, I’ll pray for her safety.

Chapter 073: In the Holy Kingdom – Elena Side ①

Elena Side

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen this scenery.”

The road leading to Lutetia showed me the same unchanging landscape.

While I felt a sense of relief, I also knew I was no longer a person of this country, so I tried to burn the view into my memory.

“Do you feel nostalgic?”

Prime Minister Grant spoke to me from inside the carriage.

He had come to the Holy Kingdom together with the Foreign Minister and would serve as plenipotentiary for the negotiations.

“Yes. It’s only been a few months, yet it feels like I haven’t returned for many years.”

I recalled picnics with Maria in the suburban fields and sweating alongside the knights during training exercises on horseback. But—

“I fought against the Holy Kingdom as its enemy.”

“That couldn’t be helped.”

“Even so, it was an act of betrayal for the Holy Kingdom.”

I had come here to settle things — both my relationship with the Holy Kingdom and to atone for the sins I had committed as the former 1st Knight Order Commander, even if it was unavoidable.

In the distance, I could see the castle gates of Lutetia and the massive cathedral that towered far above them.

“That is—”

“Yes, the holy capital, Lutetia.”

We headed toward Lutetia together with tens of thousands of prisoners.

～～～～～～～～～～

“Wow, it’s huge!!”

When we arrived at the castle gate, Foreign Minister Samuel let out a voice of admiration.

The knights guarding the gate clearly knew who we were. Their faces were dark, and they wouldn’t even look at me.

Moreover, the atmosphere inside the city felt strange — gloomier than before. It was probably due to Vols’ control.

“We are envoys from the Grand Duchy. Open the gate!!”

At Grant’s representative declaration,

“Open the gate!!”

At the knight’s command, the heavy gate began to open with a deep rumble.

Voices gradually leaked out from inside. What I heard was murmuring.

The news that the Holy Kingdom had lost had likely spread during our march.

How would they respond? If Vols’ power had been lifted…

But what if it hadn’t? Such anxiety crossed my mind.

What we saw beyond the opened gate was—

“!!”

“This is…!”

It was an astonishing sight. Priests and knights were waiting for us, performing the proper etiquette according to Grand Duchy protocol.

Among them was—

“Cardinal Valente!!”

When Vols became Cardinal, this man had opposed him and, though less severely than me, had been stripped of his position.

“It has been a long time, Commander Elena.”

“I am no longer a Commander.”

Naturally, the people from the Grand Duchy beside me couldn’t hide their surprise.

“The fact that you are here means—”

“Yes. The corruption that man inflicted upon everyone has been lifted.”

“I see…”

Thank goodness.

“Maria-sama is waiting.”

“…Let’s go.”

They walked ahead to guide us. We followed with the prisoners in tow.

It was a strange scene. People on the streets watched us.

Some looked at us with clear anger. Ah, as I thought…

But that worry turned out to be unfounded.

“Elena-sama!!”

“Welcome back!!”

From both sides of the street, a large crowd called out to me as I rode on horseback.

It was almost like a victory parade.

As for the earlier anger, it was directed at—

“Don’t screw with us!! You bastard!!”

“What have you done to Maria-sama!!”

Yes — at Vols. They were throwing things and showering him with insults. The same was happening to his subordinates.

I thought this would dirty the capital, so I sent my subordinates to stop them.

The procession continued toward the cathedral.

When we arrived at the entrance, there was—

“Maria…”

Wearing a veil that hid her face, she bowed deeply, hands clasped in front of her, and knelt on the ground. It was the highest form of etiquette the Holy Kingdom showed to honored guests. Behind her, several cardinals were performing the same ritual.

“To all esteemed guests from the Grand Duchy. Thank you so much for saving our country this time.”

She was behaving fully as the highest authority of the Holy Kingdom. I watched her with nostalgia.

The last time I saw her, she had been emotionless, like a doll. Now…

“The ones who stole our country will be restrained by our knight orders. Please do not worry. I promise we will not release them.”

Maria removed her veil. It had been a long time since I last saw her face.

There was clear resolve in her expression. Light had returned to her eyes.

Shortly after, a knight order approached us. At the front was—

“Frederick!!”

“Hey, Elena. We managed to come out safely too.”

The former knight commanders had all gathered. They gave orders and began restraining the prisoners.

“Vols, I won’t forgive you!!”

Two knight commanders walked on either side of Vols as they led him away.

“Commander Artemisia. Will you accompany them as well?”

“Yes.”

Even though she had been manipulated, Artemisia had still taken part in the invasion.

“Artemisia…”

“Elena-sama.”

With a sad smile, she was led away.

“We welcome you all. This way, please.”

We dismounted from our horses and carriages and entered the cathedral.

“The negotiations will be handled by our designated representatives. Foreign Minister and Prime Minister, please go that way. Elena-sama, if you are willing, may I have some of your time?”

Maria asked. I looked at Grant, who nodded.

General Antonio and the others headed to the conference room with Grant.

Maria and I, now alone, headed to her private chambers.

“…………”

Silence continued for a while.

“Elena.”

She was the first to speak.

“Let’s sit down. I’ll prepare some tea.”

She guided me to the sofa and instructed a servant to bring tea.

“Maria. I—”

“I’m sorry.”

She bowed deeply.

“I know I did unforgivable things.”

“But Maria, Vols was controlling you—”

“Even so, what I did to you and to the people of this country cannot be erased.”

She seemed to remember everything she had done to me. Every time she spoke, tears fell and her body trembled.

I listened to her story in silence. Saying “I forgive you” is easy, but I felt it was something I shouldn’t say lightly.

I simply listened to her speak and waited until her tears stopped.

After a while, when she finally stopped crying,

“That collar…”

“After that, I was sold as a slave.”

“A slave…”

Her face darkened and she bit her lip hard.

“And then I met my current master.”

“I see.”

She listened quietly as I spoke about him.

She understood that she had no right to comment on that part of my life.

“Are you happy now?”

She asked.

“Yes, of course.”

I answered without hesitation.

“If I met that person too… would I become happy?”

“Maybe.”

As we reached that point, a servant entered and informed us that today’s negotiations had concluded.

Outside the window, it had already become completely dark.

“We have prepared rooms for you. Please rest.”

“Yes, I’ll take you up on that.”

“Elena.”

“What is it?”

“See you tomorrow.”

I felt happy that I could exchange “see you tomorrow” with her. I replied “See you tomorrow” and left the room.

Chapter 074: In the Holy Kingdom – Elena Side ②

The next morning, Maria and I also participated in the negotiation meeting.

However, the seat I took was on the side of the Grand Duchy. The knights standing behind Maria and the others were looking in this direction.

Feeling a bit awkward, I sat down as the meeting began.

“Following yesterday’s discussions, we have already reached an agreement. The Holy Kingdom will proceed with the early establishment of the new regime. Additionally, we ask for your permission to attend the trial of Vols and the others, who were the main culprits this time, and to state our opinions.”

When Prime Minister Grant said this, the Holy Kingdom side nodded.

“Then, today let us decide on the final contents to be included in the peace treaty.”

“We have no objections.”

The central figure on the Holy Kingdom side was Cardinal François, who was skilled in negotiations.

The one who opened the discussion was Samuel, the Grand Duchy’s Foreign Minister.

“First of all, even if it was a puppet regime, there is no doubt that your country broke the treaty and invaded ours. This must be condemned.”

“We will offer no excuses on that matter.”

Cardinal François offered no rebuttal at all. The same went for Maria and the other priests.

“Then, regarding the reparations based on that…”

When the Prime Minister nodded to the Foreign Minister,

“We would like you to cede the Loire region, which lies along our current border with the Grand Duchy.”

“Wha—!!”

“That’s the Holy Kingdom’s second most resource-rich area!!”

The Holy Kingdom side erupted in commotion. So they were aiming for that place after all.

It is a region famous for its abundant iron ore deposits and is under direct national management.

“You broke the treaty, invaded our country, and waged war. You sent an army of 50,000 toward us. We judged that this was undoubtedly an attempt to seize our nation.”

“……”

“Our country defended itself and stopped you. As the victorious nation, we have the right to make this demand.”

“Indeed… That is true.”

François acknowledged it, but then added,

“However, our country is currently in unprecedented chaos. The Loire region is necessary for us to rebuild the nation. We humbly ask for your understanding.”

He bowed his head. In response, Prime Minister Grant said,

“Then we will not insist on full cession. Instead, could we receive a portion of the mining rights?”

“…So that’s what you were after. However, doesn’t the Grand Duchy already possess the continent’s largest iron ore and mithril mines in Talent, as well as gold and silver mines? Aren’t you also producing something called petroleum in recent years?”

“You are well informed.”

“Why is that?”

“Is there any reason we would be lacking in resources?”

“That is not an explanation.”

“Resources are finite. Excluding Talent, output from our other mines has been declining. Furthermore, since your side declared war and attacked us without provocation when we had no intention of fighting, we believe it is most appropriate to receive compensation in this form.”

“…I see.”

The Holy Kingdom side showed troubled expressions at the Foreign Minister’s explanation.

“We accept.”

Amid this, Maria spoke up.

“Your Holiness!!”

“Are you certain?”

“However, we ask that the mining rights be limited to 20%.”

“We would also like the right to renegotiate the terms once per year.”

“…Very well.”

With Maria’s words, the first item was decided.

“Next is the matter of reparations.”

“You still aren’t satisfied even after securing mining rights!!”

“We are the victorious nation and the victims. Do you understand what that means?”

“……”

One priest unexpectedly shouted, but it carried no weight.

The Holy Kingdom, which had built a solid international position as the only country capable of opposing the Empire for many years, had not stood on the side of the defeated in negotiations like this for the past hundred years.

Therefore, they were rarely the ones being demanded compensation from.

“The reparations will be one million coins in the Holy Kingdom’s Anis white platinum currency.”

“Preposterous!! Such an amount!!”

“We have heard that your country’s national budget is 150 times that amount. Considering the reconstruction that will follow, we believe this is already a considerable concession. Eighty years ago, during your war with the Empire, we heard that you demanded half of the Empire’s national budget.”

“……Indeed.”

There was no room for excuses. The Grand Duchy was making quite a few concessions. What exactly were they aiming for?

“It is impossible to pay it all at once. Would installments be acceptable?”

“Yes. How about over ten years?”

“Regarding that, shall we set up another meeting in five years?”

“That is fine.”

Another item in the negotiations was settled. Then,

“There are two more points.”

“What are they?”

“The first is that we would like permission for official trade with the Holy Kingdom.”

“Isn’t it already being done in secret?”

“To eliminate such hidden dealings, we believe it is desirable to grant official permission and conduct proper oversight.”

“Absolutely not!!”

At that, the priest sitting at the very end stood up.

“The Belladonna family is in the Grand Duchy. If that wealthy merchant house opens stores in our country, it will deal a severe blow to our economy and industry. That alone we will never allow!!!”

As expected, they were wary of the Belladonna family. Because I am currently staying with Master’s house, I can see the situation, and occasionally people wearing clothing from distant countries would visit the residence.

Their influence was probably as immeasurable as the priest claimed.

“This proposal was made with consideration for the Belladonna family. Is that wrong?”

In response to the priest’s words, Prime Minister Grant said,

“Our country wishes to conduct formal trade and import items such as Holy Kingdom silk. It is true that the Belladonna family will likely be involved.”

“Then—!!”

“However, you are Priest Giorgio, correct? You are in debt to the Belladonna family.”

“!!”

“If the Belladonna family comes officially, they will begin demanding repayment in earnest. That is what you wish to avoid, is it not?”

“That’s not it. I am thinking of this country’s best interests…”

His words lacked persuasiveness.

“Understood. Let us discuss the matter of tariffs again later.”

“Yes, thank you very much.”

This was undoubtedly orchestrated by Lady Louisa. With this, the Belladonna family’s commercial expansion into the Holy Kingdom was officially recognized.

“Finally, let us once again include a non-aggression clause, along with the corresponding penalties.”

“Understood.”

In the end, the Holy Kingdom ended up accepting almost all of the Grand Duchy’s demands. The initial demand for territorial cession was nothing more than a smokescreen to make them swallow the subsequent demands.

It was formally decided that the “Lutetia Treaty” would be concluded between the Holy Kingdom and the Grand Duchy.

“And what about the trial?”

“It will be in two days. Tomorrow, Lady Maria will give a speech in front of everyone.”

“May I observe?”

“We will prepare a special seat for you as a state guest.”

The discussions continued until evening. After learning that Maria’s speech would be tomorrow, we returned to our rooms. Tomorrow… I wondered what Maria would speak about. Feeling uneasy, I got into bed.

Chapter 075: In the Holy Kingdom – Elena Side ③

The day after the peace treaty was concluded.

I was told that someone wished to see me, so I was waiting in the guest room.

(Who could it possibly be?)

There was no point in guessing. There were plenty of people who might want to meet me.

“Lady Elena, they have arrived.”

A servant called through the door. When I granted permission to enter, the people who came in were—

“Elena…”

“Father, Mother… and Louise and Martine.”

It was the family that had cast me out.

Their complexions were poor. Mother and my sisters had clear traces of tears under their eyes. Father had a bandage wrapped around his left wrist. I could already guess what had happened, so I stopped that train of thought.

“Please, take a seat.”

I treated them purely as guests.

“…………”

They sat down, but no one spoke.

Even though they had been manipulated by Vols, they had hurled abuse at me, treated me as no longer family, and handled me like a death-row prisoner. In the end, they had even consented to throwing me off a waterfall.

I cannot completely forgive this treatment. Betrayed even by my own family, I was saved by seeking that familial bond from my current Master instead.

“Are you doing well?”

Father finally spoke.

“Yes, without issue.”

“I see…”

Silence fell again.

“Is that all you wished to say?”

I stood up and began to leave the room.

“Wait!!”

Mother raised her voice. She then dropped to her knees on the floor. The others followed suit.

“We are truly, deeply sorry!!”

Father bowed his head so low it nearly touched the ground.

“Big Sister!!”

“We are so sorry!!”

My sisters also bowed their heads. These were the same people who once screamed “Witch!” and “Heretic!” at me.

“Why didn’t you come the day before yesterday?”

“…………”

“It has already been two days since I arrived. Father, you command the unit guarding the western gate as part of the Holy Capital’s defense force, correct? My sisters are sisters at the southern cloister. Mother works at the cathedral. So why?”

“Because we didn’t have the face to see you.”

Father answered on behalf of everyone.

“I see. Even so, I wish you had come sooner.”

I spoke clearly.

“Big Sister… I’m sorry!!”

Louise’s voice was already tearful. She was probably crying.

“Lady Elena.”

A servant from the Valois household entered through the door.

“Master and the others have not slept at all for a long time. Please, please…”

“You are making a big mistake.”

“What!?”

The servant sounded surprised.

“Asking for forgiveness is nothing more than self-satisfaction. From now on, I want all of you to live while thinking about what you can do for yourselves.”

“……”

“Father, Mother, sisters.”

I turned to face all of them. They slowly raised their heads.

“I am happy with my current life. I was expelled from the Holy Kingdom, but now I have met precious people and am living together with them.”

“P-Precious people?”

“That is—”

“Elena!!”

“I still cannot say it. However, if all of you find a way to atone for your sins—other than death—and move forward, then I will come to see you again.”

“!!”

I heard sharp intakes of breath. The words “I will come to see you again” probably made them realize that the bond between us was not completely severed.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave.”

“Elena!!”

Mother called out. When I glanced back, she wore the same gentle smile as in the past.

“Take care of yourself. I will pray for your happiness.”

Those words of support brought tears to my eyes as I left the room.

～～～～～～～～～～

In the afternoon, Maria addressed the people of the Holy Kingdom from the terrace of the cathedral, speaking to the square below and across the entire nation through magic crystals. We listened to her from the back of the room where the terrace was located.

“Lady Maria!!”

“Welcome back!!”

In the square, the citizens of the Holy Kingdom were cheering the long-awaited return of Maria.

“Everyone!!”

Maria spoke through a magic tool that amplified her voice.

“I am truly sorry for causing you all such great distress this time.”

She bowed her head.

“As Pope, under the divine protection of Anis God, I should have guided the people of this nation.”

“But,” her expression darkened.

“This country was defiled and brought to ruin by a single man.”

In the square, Vols was bound with ropes and exposed before the public.

“He was once my husband and a cardinal.”

Curses and insults rose from the crowd. The sound of knights desperately holding them back could be heard. When Maria raised her hand, the crowd fell silent. Her charisma remained unchanged.

“He colluded with the Empire, seized control of the Holy Kingdom, and then ordered the invasion of the Grand Duchy.”

“Kill him!!” “Don’t mess with us!!”

Among the crowd were likely parents of knights who had died in that war. I had heard Maria’s speeches before, but the people had never shouted this intensely.

“And he labeled even the former First Knight Commander, Elena = Shell = Valois, as a witch and heretic. After torturing her, he threw her off a waterfall in an attempt to kill her.”

Her voice was filled with sorrow.

“However, Elena survived. She reached the Grand Duchy and defeated this man in the recent war.”

She phrased it skillfully, but the truth was that I had fought as a member of the Grand Duchy. This was clearly an act of betrayal against the Holy Kingdom.

“Tomorrow, judgment will be passed on this man. Righteous judgment under Anis God shall be delivered!!”

At that moment, cheers erupted. The public approved.

The speech was supposed to end there, but—

“And there is something else I must tell all of you.”

The surrounding cardinals voiced their confusion at her words.

“This man’s sins are also my sins.”

The crowd and the people around me stirred. Maria continued.

“Even if I was being manipulated, I am the one who allowed this country’s state of affairs, the war, and the expulsion and torture of my precious friend. This sin will not disappear.”

Everyone held their breath, waiting to see what would come next.

“A person like me is not fit to sit on the throne of the Pope—the highest authority of the Anis faith. A person who could not save her own people, her country, or even a single friend does not deserve the title of Saint.”

Maria… you can’t be—

“Therefore, tomorrow I intend to stand before the inquisitorial council as a sinner and accept judgment!!”

Everyone was shocked. The inquisitorial council was essentially a trial. Maria intended to subject herself to judgment.

“And with this moment, I shall resign from the position of Pope.”

“!!”

“No!!”

“Lady Maria!!”

Cardinals and priests around her stood up, raising voices of confusion. The citizens murmured, and even the knights could not process the situation.

Maria finished her speech, bowed once, and returned to the room.

“Now then, knights, please take me into custody.”

Maria put her own hands together. The knights did not move. Naturally—they were being asked to bind the Pope.

“Elena.”