At the Itsutsu tavern, Rigel attended the secret nightti gathering.
The participants, unaware of his true identity, carelessly began discussing their plans for rebellion.
(Even though the Valenstein Kingdom has already been destroyed… I can't believe there are still so many people with such strong patriotism…)
Rigel thought with exasperation while calmly continuing his analysis.
He was particularly bothered by the phrase "powerful helper" that the beautiful boy had ntioned.
(Who exactly is it? We publicly executed the royal family. As for the royal guards, while we didn't execute them publicly, we've kept them off the public stage since the war ended…)
To restore the fallen Valenstein Kingdom, they would need both a symbolic figurehead and military strength.
However, both the royal family and their close guards had been forced into hiding in a secret mansion on the outskirts of this town through Rigel's behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
To the outside world, they were supposed to be either dead or missing.
While Rigel sat at the far end of the counter, looking suspicious, the eting continued without concern for him.
"So, what kind of person is this helper?"
"Miranda, as the signboard girl of this tavern, surely you've at least heard the rumors?"
"Umm…"
The woman called Miranda tilted her head.
"Don't tell … it's about that mansion on the outskirts of town? That huge, mysterious mansion that was suddenly built one day…"
"Exactly. It's about the rumors surrounding that mansion."
"Y-You… Do you know who's living there!?"
"No, I don't. Even when I asked my father, the town mayor, he wouldn't tell ."
The beautiful boy leading the group shook his head.
Of course he wouldn't know.
Even the town mayor had no idea what was really inside the secret mansion.
Rigel had threatened him strongly and ordered him not to investigate.
"But there is a rumor. That the forr royal guards are being held in that mansion…"
"What do you an?"
"The vile invaders publicly executed the great Valenstein royal family… However, they didn't kill the royal guards. They secretly took the talented ones into that mansion in order to win them over."
"…Is that really true? If it is, that's a pretty big chance, isn't it?"
"Yeah. Those noble royal guards couldn't possibly have been won over in such a short ti. There's a high chance that the Silver Moon Squad, the strongest warrior Lu Kaine, and many other powerful fighters are still alive and well. It's even possible they're waiting for our help."
"That's true…!!"
Miranda grew visibly excited at the beautiful boy's words. The others reacted similarly. Everyone's eyes were sparkling.
"B-But…"
"Is there sothing worrying you?"
"It's still just a rumor and speculation, right? What if we're wrong…"
"Indeed, it's nothing more than rumor and speculation. However, there's another piece of information that raises its credibility."
"What is it?"
Miranda asked. This was very important information. They had to confirm it carefully.
"Just the other day, a noble carriage arrived in Itsutsu."
"Umm, I think it was… from a noble house connected to the royal family…"
"It was the House of Valestelia. A distinguished family that carries the blood of the previous king."
"That's right… So what about the Valestelia Duchess's carriage? Didn't it just pass through town on the way sowhere…?"
"No, that's not it. Apparently, the personal maid of Lady Stella was riding in that carriage. And that carriage entered the mansion on the outskirts of town. There are reliable eyewitness accounts."
"!?"
"So that ans…"
"The exact circumstances are unclear. But there's no doubt that mansion holds so kind of secret. I believe my earlier speculation is highly likely to be correct!!"
""Oooohhh!!""
The beautiful boy declared strongly. In response, everyone raised cheers.
The content was nothing more than hopeful observation based on rumors and speculation.
But for them, it was more than enough.
They had already been on the verge of giving up—on the restoration of the Valenstein Kingdom.
That was why the beautiful boy leader's words gave them new vitality.
"It seems the ti has co for us to reclaim the glory with our own hands. We shall once again proudly raise the flag of the proud Valenstein Kingdom!!"
"Yeah! Let's do it!!"
"Glory to the Valestelia Kingdom!!"
"""Glory be!!"""
Everyone agreed with the beautiful boy's words.
Watching the scene, Rigel clicked his tongue inwardly.
(Tch… This is bad… Everyone's patriotism is way too strong… Even royal court officials would be one thing, but for ordinary townspeople to feel this level of loyalty…)
As far as Rigel knew, he hadn't heard of such things in other towns or villages.
Even if the king was publicly executed, as long as their own hotown and family were safe, people usually wouldn't feel such strong hostility.
Normally, they would quietly submit to the new ruler—Rigel—or the king of Wistaria behind him.
"We will rescue the mighty royal guards from that mansion! And we will defeat the wicked Wistaria Kingdom soldiers!! For the future of this country!!"
"""Uwoooooohhh!!"""
The beautiful boy leader raised the Valenstein Kingdom's flag high.
That flag seed to be the emotional anchor for everyone gathered here.
The other mbers raised their fists in response. Their eyes burned with passion, as if they were about to burst into flas.
"Our ultimate target is the demon Rigel! We must defeat that bastard no matter what!!"
"I'm with you!!"
"We can't lose to a scumbag like that!!"
" too!! Let's deliver heavenly punishnt to that piece of trash!!"
Everyone voiced their agreent with the beautiful boy's declaration.
The very person being cursed—Rigel—continued to silently observe from the corner of the counter.
Miranda, noticing him, spoke up.
"Was it a bit too intense for you, kid? Sorry about that. Everyone here is pretty hot-blooded…"
"…"
"If you're scared, you don't have to join the operation, okay? But please cheer for our success. You're a victim of those hateful invaders too, after all…"
"…Heh heh… Ah-hahaha!!!"
Instead of replying, Rigel let out a loud laugh.
The sudden laughter startled Miranda and the other patrons.
And then—
A chill ran down their spines.
An indescribable terror welled up in the back of their minds.
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