That evening.
I was relaxing at the inn.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, my thoughts drifting.
「Tomorrow’s the King Selection Tournament, at last, huh?」
Nordura said from a chair by the table.
Vischy hopped onto the bed and declared:
「I know you’re gonna win, Henry, but I’ll still cheer you on just in case! Do your best, nyaa!」
「Yeah…」
Honestly, I wasn’t worried about the battle itself.
What concerned me was something else,
what Lord Hydra was planning.
Judging from what he said this morning, it was obvious he’d try some kind of interference.
(If it comes down to raw strength, I can crush whatever he throws at me. But if he uses tricks and underhanded tactics, I can’t say for sure that I’ll win.)
If only I knew what kind of stunt he was going to pull…
Maybe I should ask Vais?
Just as that thought crossed my mind…
Hurried footsteps echoed outside the room.
Then…
BAM!!
The door burst open.
Knights and guards stormed in.
A stern-looking knight at the front barked.
「Is Henry here!?」
I rose from the bed.
「I’m Henry.」
「Good. You’re under suspicion of murder.」
「…What?」
Murder?
Well, I couldn’t say I’ve never killed anyone.
In fact, I’ve killed quite a few.
But not here.
Not in the Bernada Warrior Kingdom.
There’s no reason I should be under suspicion.
「We found the body of a woman in an alleyway in the capital. Witnesses say they saw you at the scene.」
「I have no memory of that.」
I replied immediately.
Because I haven’t killed anyone in this city.
This was clearly a setup.
The knight’s voice turned sharp.
「Still playing dumb, are you?」
「I’m just stating the truth. I didn’t do it.」
「How shameless. Either way, you’re coming with us to the guard post. Resist, and we’ll charge you with obstruction of duty.」
「I see.」
Yeah, now it made sense.
This was Lord Hydra’s doing.
His plan was to arrest me on false charges, detain me,
and lock me away so I’d miss the tournament.
(So this is the kind of move he’s making.)
I smirked inwardly.
Well, I may as well play along and see how far he’ll take it.
「Fine. I won’t resist. If you want me to come to the guard post, I’ll comply.」
「Good. Glad you’re smart about it.」
The knight grabbed my shoulder and started walking me out.
That’s when Nordura spoke.
「You’re going?」
「I’ve got no choice.」
I said, pausing briefly.
「Don’t stop. Keep moving!」
the knight snapped, kicking me forward.
I resumed walking.
And just like that…
I was escorted to the guard post under arrest.
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