Chapter 175

“Ugh, I can’t believe it… this never-ending work is just killing me…”

With a face worn down by fatigue, Maraang leaned back in his chair.

As the one in charge of the capital’s guards, he barely managed to get through the mountain of tasks piling up today.

The number of ‘criminals’ had skyrocketed since the price control measures were put in place.

It was naturally his responsibility to find, arrest, and punish them, meaning his own workload only increased.

Exhausted but feeling fulfilled, Maraang began preparing to head home for the day.

Just then…

“Are you in?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, come on in.”

A figure slipped quietly through the door.

Seeing his friend Charlotte, Maraang’s fatigue faded, replaced by a smile.

“Welcome! I was just about to clock out. You timed that perfectly.”

“To be accurate, I made sure to show up; do you even know what time it is right now?”

“Haha… my bad…”

Maraang offered a wry smile.

Charlotte let out a small sigh and waved a hand dismissively.

“Enough of that, just follow me. Let’s grab a drink; I was waiting for you because of that.”

“That sounds great. Let’s go right away!”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Maraang followed Charlotte.

A little later, they arrived at a small tavern nestled in an alley.

This place, not suitable for dignitaries at the heart of the country’s power, was perfectly comfortable for the two of them who had spent many drinks together since their days as nameless soldiers.

“Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

The two clinked their wine glasses lightly before taking a sip.

The only food on offer was some typical pork skewers and roasted vegetables, but they happily began to enjoy their time.

“Ah… finally feels like I can breathe. Thinking back, we haven’t had a chance to relax with a drink for so long.”

“With all the work piling up, it’s no wonder. Both of us…”

Charlotte spoke with a hint of bitterness.

Maraang flashed a bright smile and said to her, “Hey, what can we do? It’s all for Lady Robes Fiora and for the country! Being able to work so hard for our homeland is a blessing in itself.”

“Patriotism, huh… I see… do you really think that way?”

“Huh? Isn’t it obvious? We’re punishing those thieves breaking the law. What’s more patriotic than that?”

Maraang spoke confidently.

Seeing him, Charlotte’s voice turned serious.

“…I guess you could think that way… but honestly… I’m so tired of this Pare. It seems like the stench of blood is everywhere I go…”

“Revolution always requires sacrifices. Remember what Lady Robes Fiora said? The blood we shed now will turn to sustenance for our descendants. Sure, I grumble about working late sometimes, but still.”

Maraang maintained his cheerful demeanor.

He then poured more wine into Charlotte’s glass, saying lightly, “Even if things don’t sit well with you, chin up! If we hang in there, a good world will come one day, right?”

“…A good world… will it really come? So many have died already… and we might have to kill more…”

“Of course it will! You know well what kind of person Lady Robes Fiora is. Sure, we’re struggling now because of the remaining thieves, but soon enough, we’ll sweep them all away.”

“Ha…”

Charlotte sighed heavily at her steadfast friend’s words.

She turned to look directly at Maraang’s face, saying, “…Maraang… you really are the same as ever. Thinking about the revolution… and trusting Lady Robes Fiora.”

“Of course! Who do you think got us this far? It’s all thanks to Lady Robes Fiora’s grace. Just like we have until now, we’ll continue to be loyal to her.”

“…Glug… glug…”

Charlotte remained silent at Maraang’s words, finishing the drink in front of her cleanly.

Though it was unlike her to overindulge, Maraang just thought she was thirsty for liquor like he was.

After a few hours of heavy drinking, Maraang became hazy and drowsy.

Watching him, Charlotte set her glass down slowly and stood up.

And then…

*

At the heart of Pare’s city lies the Assembly.

This place is notable for being quite small in size compared to the number of people who can qualify to enter.

As a result, it always felt crowded with people bustling in and out.

As usual, the entrance was packed with individuals trying to get inside the Assembly Hall.

Among them was…

A particularly conspicuous group.

Napoleona and her subordinates were included in that number.

“Welcome, General.”

“Thank you for your efforts.”

Lightly raising her hand, Napoleona began to undergo the security checks.

As a soldier who had always been loyal to the nation and currently ranked second in power within the Republic of Frantz, it was not only unusual but extremely natural for her to attend the Assembly.

“Very well, I will now put the Magical Power Sealing Handcuffs on you.”

Despite this, she was an 11th-grade Grand Magician who could easily smash the Assembly Hall by herself if she wished, and her other subordinates were also formidable.

Sealing her magical powers was a precaution for unforeseen circumstances.

It was just an ordinary day; however, today, it felt particularly uncomfortable wearing them as Napoleona and her generals entered the Assembly Hall.

After all, there was no need for them to use their magic inside the Assembly Hall.

*

In the vast Assembly Hall.

At its center, she…

Robes Fiora stood, surveying the faces of the assembled council members and high-ranking officials filling the hall.

There was a slight commotion, a heavier atmosphere filled with anxiety and concern.

Robes Fiora was well aware of this situation.

Though she wasn’t showing it, she had eyes and ears too.

What had started confidently with price controls ultimately turned into a failure.

In the process, many had died, and it was clear many more would perish.

Yet…

Despite the visible failures right in front of her, she couldn’t bring herself to admit it.

She knew that recognizing it would mean the end of everything.

Her grip on power…

And her dream of building a nation where everyone could be happy.

“I can’t just sit back like this… I must see this through. I will turn this country around… the revolution… I must…!”

With her determination not to give up, she steadied her heart once more and began to shout in a confident voice at the many assembly members.

“First of all, I understand that many of you are concerned about the recent situation in Pare and our nation. There have been many sacrifices as we tighten the reins of the revolution, and countless have been executed.

Yet, I dare say, this was a necessary process for the greater good… to complete the revolution.

I know many of you have doubts about this.

You think my actions have been overly harsh and wonder if it’s truly necessary to drive the revolution this way.

Along the way, many have expressed that they wouldn’t have done it like this.

That they would lead this country with greater tolerance and generosity.

But for a moment, let us halt the reins of the revolution. At that moment, you would see the wicked dictator seize the fruits of the revolution and overthrow the leaders chosen by the people.

To overcome this crisis, to complete the revolution, we must unite to fight against the evil factions still lurking throughout this nation.

Only after purging all evil will we finally be able to greet…

Paradise…

Paradise where everyone can live happily and well… will definitely come, everyone!”

Robes Fiora poured out her passionate address.

Though her policies had failed, her ability to captivate her audience was still exerting its influence even in such circumstances.

However…

Just then.

“Shut your nonsense! What paradise are you talking about?!”

Before Robes Fiora could even finish her speech, one person sprang from their seat in rage.

Janglan.

He shout out towards Robes Fiora with a voice filled with fury.

“And what do you mean by evil factions? Just who are those evil factions? We had to listen to accusations like this yesterday and the day before as well! And here you are slandering the council and the citizens once again!”

With his signature booming voice, Janglan raised his volume.

Following him, Myura nearby also stood up and shouted.

“That’s right! Robes Fiora and her party are attacking us relentlessly. They are bringing disaster upon this nation! They are dragging us down into an abyss with no end! I dare to propose that we should sweep aside this evil conspiracy right here and now!”

“Absolutely!”

“The one who is evil is none other than Robes Fiora herself!”

“A traitor who has plunged the citizens into misery and even draws a blade against her comrades in the revolution!”

“The one who must be eliminated for this country is you!”

From all corners, voices began to rise in protest.

Feeling the situation turning against her, Robes Fiora sensed something was wrong and hurriedly tried to slip away from the podium.

But then…

“Where do you think you’re going in such a hurry?”

“!… You… you’re… Napoleona?”