Chapter 176: Inquisition (3)
"Ugh……"
Grand Duke Marchand's mouth fell open.
A groan leaked through the gap between his blood-caked lips.
He was in no state to articulate proper words. Abel stood still, gazing at Grand Duke Marchand. Torn clothing draped over his exposed body, while his aged physique was covered in wounds all over. It appeared violent torture had been inflicted.
"What a ss."
anwhile, Gerhard stroked his chin.
Understanding the situation was not difficult. It was unexpected that a mber of the imperial family had beco a criminal in an instant, but that was precisely why only trustworthy dignitaries were seated here. The Emperor and Pope, the three dukes supporting the empire, along with himself, the head of House Farenheit, and……
"Young Sword Saint, Gerhard von Farenheit asks you."
Yes, the Sword Saint.
To think the Sword Saint was a professor at CIAR.
It was hard to believe, yet there was no room for doubt. He had ended up seated at such a clamorous stage, after all.
"The Grand Duke's body does not look well."
What was strange was Grand Duke Marchand's body.
The countless wounds carved into his flesh. They caught Gerhard's attention.
"The external injuries are not much, but the internal injuries are severe. It would be good if it were rely bruising, but sohow the blood vessels seem twisted and the organs also appear in poor condition. I cannot find traces of any spell having been used…… Do you have any idea?"
"Of course, Your Grace."
Abel affird concisely.
Then he raised his head. The seats encircled the circular space like audience seating. He looked at a woman sitting in one of them.
"……The empire has a torture technician with trendous skill."
As Abel muttered,
"Sir Argento."
The woman, Iris, rose to her feet.
Her dark leather coat rippled. She wore simple attire as if preparing to hunt deer. Between her violet hair, Iris's pale red eyes also held a chill as if aiming a musket.
"And Duke Farenheit as well. My heart is not at ease having summoned you to such an unpleasant occasion. I ask for your broad understanding. The current situation must be kept top secret, and when I sorted out trustworthy people, your nas ca to mind."
"Naturally. This is also the Sword Saint's duty."
Abel said while bending one knee,
"This Gerhard von Farenheit is His Majesty the Emperor's sword. I have been ready to be wielded at any ti."
Gerhard also bent one knee to show respect.
"Ahaha……"
In contrast, laughter reached both n's ears.
It was a sickly voice like rustling dead leaves.
"There is no need to be so polite. Especially not in a place like this. Is not today also a fine day to die?"
The Emperor, Luine Nuros, was speaking.
Between his golden hair long enough to touch the stone floor, his pale nape was connected to a grimoire device through rubber tubing. While a spell to prolong Luine's life was being supplied through the grimoire device, Luine wore a gentle smile and waved his hand dismissively.
"Please rise. Are not both Abel and Gerhard my friends? Where would friends greet each other so earnestly? Do not regard my friendship as shabby."
Abel and Gerhard rose to their feet.
They bowed their heads slightly while awaiting Luine's command.
"You two seem to be acquainted. Then this will be quick. The reason I summoned you is because I needed hands. I wanted to handle this matter discreetly and swiftly, and also secretly."
Cough, and.
Luine let out a dry cough.
The sound of coughing shook the silence for a while, and,
"Sorry, sorry. My body feels quite heavy today as well."
As Luine muttered in a light tone,
A woman's voice suddenly recited.
A woman wrapped in a robe was whispering toward Luine. While black smoke rose from the shadowy robe, the woman's voice echoed as if not of this world.
Pope Johanna.
The head of the Platinum Round Table Orthodox Church was speaking.
Grand Duke Marchand is an enemy of the empire, and.
Johanna declared in a stern tone.
A mber of the imperial family mingling with apostates.
This must not be, and.
Johanna muttered.
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