Reincarnation into the Barrier Master

"But you don't have any proof, do you?"

No, we're going to start gathering evidence. It will be easier if we know the name of the ringleader.

With these words, the Prime Minister left the basement at a quick pace. As the door closed behind him

"Master Krumphal has nothing to do with this! I don't care... Ggh!"

I pretended not to hear it.

When I left the Prime Minister's mansion, night had already begun to fall. The Prime Minister returned to Miyagi without sleeping a wink. I went back to the store and transferred from there to the mansion. When I entered the house, Peris and Meirias were awake and waiting for me. I heard that Irimo and Jeneha were also awake. I told everyone to rest, and fell into bed without taking a bath, and fell asleep.

I woke up in the evening. Over an early dinner, I reported what had happened at the Prime Minister's house. It seems that no one is particularly worried. They seem to think that I will be able to handle some difficulties.

"Even so, it's a bit violent to condemn Princess Licorette to death, isn't it?

"It can't be helped. It's the best chance we have to crush the imperialists. They will be purged mercilessly to prevent future power struggles.

Well, I guess that's not so bad. I enjoyed my first bath in a day and went to bed early that day.

I wake up near dawn. There was a response on the map. The mark is yellow. They approach the house, wary of me. There are three of them. I get out of bed and get dressed. I went to bed early so I have enough sleep.

As soon as I get downstairs, there is a knock at the front door.

"Sorry to bother you at this time of night! I am Seono of the Imperial Guard! Is Mister Linos at home? Please come in!

"Mr. Seono, it's been a long time. What can I do for you?

"I am very sorry, but we would like you to accompany us to Miyagi Castle.

"Miyagi?"

I never expected to be summoned to Miyagi. He stared at Ceono's face. He looks very tired. I called out to Gon, who was sleeping in the dining room, and rode after Seono's horse on Ilimo.

When the sky begins to turn white, we arrive at the gate of the palace. Once inside, we are led to an area we have never been in before. The hallway is eerily quiet. Then, you are led into a room with a large door.

When I entered, I saw the Prime Minister, His Highness Weiras, and another man. He is as thin as a wire, his eyes are swimming, and he is mumbling something. He was dressed in a luxurious costume, so I guessed he was a member of the royal family.

"Oh, Mr. Linos, I've been waiting for you. Come this way."

The Prime Minister beckons me to enter.

"I wondered what was going on when I was summoned to the palace, but it was the Prime Minister.

No, something urgent has come up. I know it's hard for you to do, but I need you to do something for me.

If there's anything I can do, anything at all, sir.

"Here you are, Your Highness the Heat, or rather, soon to be enthroned, and I want Your Majesty the Heat to ward you."

This wire-like man is the next emperor of the empire? I can't hide my surprise.

"My brother, this is the Lord Rinos I was telling you about. His wards are very strong. I don't know how many lives Prime Minister Gremont has saved with it. Brother, quickly!"

"Why is it strange that Licorette has been telling me that she will help me? Only Riccolette..."

Muttering to himself, His Majesty Heat. I'll put up the wards for now. It should be enough to prevent any kind of assassination.

"Thank you, Master Linos.

"Did Princess Lycorette's faction draw the bows?"

"Master Lycoretto is now confined to his room. The problem is that a faction is trying to carry him out. Yesterday I went to the house to capture Krumphal, but the house was empty. He has probably fled to his own territory. But when we captured those who had been taught by Madame Krumphal and questioned them, we found that they had even planned to assassinate His Majesty the King.

That's why they called me.

"As for Krumphal and his wife, they are currently in pursuit. It won't be long before they are captured. But who knows what kind of trouble those involved in this plot may cause. That is why we had to ensure your safety.

"Call Licorette! I'll talk to him myself!"

His Highness Prince Heat, who had been mumbling to himself, suddenly raised his voice. You scared the hell out of me.

"No, Your Majesty!"

"Why not? This warding master must have placed wards on me. I no longer have to worry about Ricoulette killing my own lord. It would not be a problem if I were to ask him myself!

"Brother, I also object to your meeting with my sister. Your sister has a temper. I don't know what she'll say when she gets angry. It could be dangerous to your health. So I beg you..."

"Father has commanded me to listen to what others have to say and to move the country. And I want to hear why my sister is trying to kill me. With my ears.

"But..."

"With this warder, my life will be protected, won't it? With this warder here, everything will be fine, won't it?"

His Majesty here is in a rather unstable state of mind. If we push him, it will have the opposite effect.

The Prime Minister gives an earful to His Highness Weiras. His Highness seems to agree, albeit reluctantly. The Prime Minister gives instructions to his subordinate.

"Your Highness Linos, I need you to promise me one thing. I ask that you keep what is said here to yourself.

No, I'm leaving this room. I think the rest of you can take care of yourselves.

"You stay here! You are not allowed to leave this room!"

"No, the wards I have placed on your Majesty will work just fine even if I am not here."

"If I say it must be, it must be! If your wards are ever broken, they will have to be rewired! What? You don't have to worry about it being broken? Why not? Absolutely? Is it absolute? That's the only reason I can't give you a straight answer! Stay here! Do not leave me alone!

He was so fierce that I couldn't even get to him. I am not sure if he can really serve as emperor with such emotional instability.

After a while, Princess Licorette was brought to me, surrounded by soldiers. She found me as soon as she entered the room.

"Is it you again? Why are you here?

"That man is my warder. He allows me to be here.

I have no desire to murder your brother.

"Then why does Krumfal disobey the empire and me? And just after your father's death!"

I did not know that.

I took a peek into Princess Licorette's past, and it seems to be true.

"Well, you would say that! But what the hell was Krumphal trying to do! What are you complaining about!"

His Majesty Heat rants and raves as if to throw up.

"Perhaps you were dissatisfied with the imperial system. All positions in the Empire are monopolized by the nobility, regardless of ability. There are many talented people among the ordinary subjects. The Empire is not making the best use of them.

"But, my sister, doesn't the empire create universities, give people of all ranks a chance to study, and promote the best to government posts?"

"So, I ask you, Weiras, how many subjects of the empire have been appointed to the positions of vizier, general, treasurer, secretary of agriculture ... and other major officials of the empire?"

"That's..."

His Highness Weiras clammed up.

"None. None. They can serve as petty officials, but they can't do the main work. In the empire of the future, men and women, nobles and commoners, should be given jobs according to their abilities. It is wrong for a handful of nobles to rule the country.

"Are you suggesting that the imperial system itself should be changed?"

"Ricoulette! Is that an insinuation that I am incompetent? Even as emperor, do you expect me to choose among the best of my subjects?"

No, I don't think I'd go that far.

"Don't say it! Ever since I was born, I have worked hard to become an emperor. It has not been a pleasant life. Never! Isn't that what Lycorette and Vilas have been doing day in and day out! I believe that the nobles serving in other important positions have not had a good life either. I am sure that the subjects have had their share of hardships. But we, the royal family and the nobles, have suffered more than they have. If they work hard, if they earn money, they will be free, right? We can work hard, but we will never be free. We must live in crippling conditions for the rest of our lives. What sustains it! Is it not for the sake of the empire, for the sake of the subjects of the empire!"

His Majesty the Heath rests helplessly in his chair, breathing on his shoulders. No one opens his mouth. Then, one of the soldiers comes in and overhears something to the Prime Minister.

"A few minutes ago, when we tried to capture the Krumphal couple near the Krumphal territory, they resisted and we had to fight. The Imperial Guard suffered some damage, but all of their followers were cut down. As for Krumphal and his wife, they both committed suicide.

With a somber look on his face, the Prime Minister reports to His Majesty the Heet.

"Capture those who have joined Krumphal. As for Lycorette, I will deal with her in due course. Lycorette, you are not to leave your room! Take him away!"

His Majesty the Heath, with his last ounce of strength, loudly commands the soldiers outside. When he saw Princess Likolette being taken away, his eyes were filled with tears.