| Author: Tensei Mikami | Original Source: Syosetu | Word Count: 2269 characters |
| Translator: Jiro | English Source: Re:Library | Word Count: 1086 |
| Editor(s): Robinxen | ||
Lichter placed a comfortable chair beside Seletina’s bed and sat down.
“First of all, location-wise, we are in Leverence’s garrison. You’ve been asleep for about 5 hours Dear Angel, the sun outside is completely set.”
“Stop with the angel thing.”
“Many lives were saved without serious injuries. It was a great fight. But it was quite virtuous that you presented yourself for the sake of the imperial soldiers and children. However, it might have been better if you had stayed out of it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Look out the window.”
Lichter gestured with his chin.
As soon as Seletina slipped out of her blanket and looked out the window, her brow furrowed. The garrison gate reflected downstairs.
A large number of guards with torches were crowded around, creating an atmosphere of disquiet. The only thing Seletina could tell was that they were not equipped with the same equipment as the soldiers she’d rescued, so these were probably other soldiers.
They were shouting angrily and waving torches around, almost like a mob.
Squinting, Seletina turned to Lichter, who was taking a big yawn.
“What’s up with that?”
“Here you’re an angel, but once you step outside, you become a witch who led the demons to devour the children….”
“What the hell do you mean?”
Seletina asked in confusion, her dubious look falling on Lichter who simply shrugged his shoulders.
“The carriage that the kids were hiding in. You know, the horse was shot dead with an arrow, and the wheels were busted, right?”
“Yes.”
Seletina had certainly seen it. Clearly, it was not the work of a Demon, but rather a human’s.
“That old man Lord Zeeney, or whatever his name was, is behind it. I guess he saw the horde of demons closing in on him and got afraid for his life. He tried to use the kids as bait, killed the horses with his bow, and even used the explosive magic in his grimoire to destroy the wagon.”
“What a mess.”
Seletina’s teeth began to creak in frustration. In contrast to Seletina’s distorted expression, Lichter’s face remained cold and impassive.
“There were many imperial soldiers who got caught up in the explosive magic, and some of them lost their lives. The Empire’s soldiers did everything they could to assist the wounded and rescue the children, but they ended up surrounded by Demons. In the midst of this chaos, Lord Zeeney abandoned the struggling soldiers and managed to escape all the way to Leverence.”
“And that’s when we intervened. That still doesn’t explain why I’m being treated as a witch…”
“You still don’t get it?”
“I think I’m starting to piece it together.”
“Well it’s great you catch on quick.” Lichter then continued, “When the surviving soldiers arrived in Leverence, they denounced Lord Zeeney. They were vocal about his use of the kids as bait.”
“Figures.”
“Lord Zeeney thought that the entire army had been wiped out. If such denunciations continued, his credibility with the people and the emperor would be at an all-time low. Not liking that, Lord Zeeney attempted to defend himself by racking his lacking brains. In the end the one who ended up taking the blame for his unsightly excuse was none other than you, Seletina ul Gold Aldelight, the young lady of the Kingdom of Elugor and the revered angel.”
“Continue.”
“This is how Zeeney’s script went. According to it you were portrayed as a witch. An enchantress capable of seducing people into believing you are an angel. Allegedly, you charmed the soldiers, making them attack the children’s carriage. The unneeded soldiers were fed to the demons under your control, and were planning to later devour the children. The only one who managed to escape the perilous situation was the brave Lord Zeeney, who sought refuge in Leverence.”
Upon hearing the fabricated narrative, Seletina felt unspeakable anger welling up.
Me, a witch?!
She thought, clenching her fists tightly as the blood rushed to her head.
Lichter then continued, “However, when the courageous Leverence soldiers went to meet the children and the surviving soldiers, the witch became overwhelmed with fear. She ordered the Demons to back down, and she is still being protected to this day, sharpening her claws in the shadows, using her enchantment to fool the remaining troops into believing she is a beautiful girl.”
“A truly third-rate script.” Lichter said.
“Not only is it poorly written, but it’s all riddled with holes,” Seletina added, “The soldiers who protected us and the rest of the survivors would feel uncomfortable with such accusations. Moreover, what will they achieve by capturing me? Me being a member of a Duke’s family in the Kingdom, will surely bring about a plethora of headaches for them.”
“It is rumored that the city chief of Leverence and Lord Zeeney are close friends. They could’ve easily bribed people with money, enforced a gag order, and hired individuals who would spread the rumor that you’re evil among the populace, easily swaying the public’s opinion.”
“Then what good does capturing me do?”
“I’m just getting to the good part. Lord Zeeney claims he’s going to apprehend the witch who has assumed the identity of Lady Seletina.”
“So in the end I’m still a witch…”
“In Zeeney’s story Lady Seletina was killed on the battlefield, and the witch simply took on her appearance. It truly is revoking. By doing this he can sway it in a way to avoid conflict with the Kingdom.”
“But there’s no evidence that I’m a witch. Are they going to lock me up on the basis of false accusations? That’s ridiculous!”
Seletina exclaimed. Lichter chuckled at her concerns. Seletina’s frustration grew as Lichter continued to laugh.
“What’s so funny?”
“You don’t seem to realize how perilous the situation you’re in right now is.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s over once you’re caught. You’ll be forced to confess that you’re a witch.”
Lichter slowly got up from his chair and looked out the window. Downstairs, riotous soldiers were still holding up their torches.
“Lord Zeeney is willing to resort to illegal methods like drugging, brainwashing, and torture to make you confess you’re a witch. It’s essentially a witch hunt, and he’s making a huge fuss about it.”
Lichter said with a smile.
Drugging, brainwashing, torture, the sheer mention of these words made Seletina break out into a cold sweat1.
“I seem to be in quite the predicament.”
Seletina said, her face white as a ghost’s2. Lichter nodded at her with a hawkish smile, seemingly satisfied with her reaction.
