Chapter 250

Chapter 250

Kureha briefly recounted what had transpired afterwards.

The two brothers had traveled all over the continent.

The Leaf Tribe had completely fallen. Along their travels, they had joined up with children survivors of the tribe.

Unable to muster the courage to tell the whole truth, Kureha informed Kuilan and the children that the Imperial Army was to blame for everything.

Well, its not entirely wrong...

If the Imperial Army hadnt attacked the village in the first place, none of it wouldve happened. I crossed my arms and huffed.

Anyway, for years they wandered from refugee village to refugee village across the continent.

They collided with the Imperial Army that was capturing refugees. During one such encounter, in an effort to escape a dire situation, Kurehas left leg had mummified.

Following this, Kuilan began to view the Empire with true enmity, becoming a bandit and consistently raiding the Empire for ten years...

"I think I have a pretty good grasp of your brothers past."

Our conversation had shifted from the open space to the lords mansion midway through the story.

The tale had become lengthy, and Kureha had grown concerned that Kuilan might overhear.

"So its not just a name; you really have the blood of wolves running through you."

"The Wolf King Lunar, whom you encountered in the dungeon, was truly one of our ancestors."

Kureha nodded with a wry smile, looking directly at me.

"Ive heard the motto of this Monster Frontline. Kill the monsters, save the people. I think its a very correct and admirable value."

"..."

"But Your Majesty, what is a monster? And what is a person? What criteria do you use to distinguish between a monster and a person?"

Hearing this, I was suddenly reminded of the question the Emperor had posed to me in the Imperial Capital.

- You say youll protect the people? Then whats your definition of a person? Is it humans? Demihumans? Or is it monstrous creatures that can speak like humans? Exactly how far does the term person extend?

- What about traitors? Rebels? Thieves, robbers, and frauds? All of this scum is people! Are you saying youd lump them all together and protect them indiscriminately?

Criteria.

The criteria to differentiate between monsters and people...

Lost in thought, Kureha pressed further.

"Do we, with the blood of wolves in our veins... Are we monsters? Or are we people?"

"..."

"Do we truly belong on this front line?"

I remained silent, pressing my lips together.

Kureha, with his right hand, tried to pick up his teacup but almost dropped it. With his left, he grabbed it and sipped.

Cold tea flowed into his parched mouth.

"Ive been completely honest about our past. Now, whether you banish us or continue to employ us, thats for you to decide."

Damn it. I internally sighed.

Ever since this season began, Ive repeatedly found myself in situations requiring moral judgment, and its honestly exhausting.

Changing the subject, I inquired, "By the way, I heard Kuilan has been saving money to buy his homeland. Whats that about?"

Kureha chuckled softly before answering.

"Originally, the Imperial Army converged on that area primarily for its mines and other resources. Time has passed, and Ive heard resource mining has concluded. Lumber harvesting has also ceased."

"Ugh."

"After the empire withdrew from that area, there were no inhabitants due to the monsters, and there were rumors that werewolves roamed the area... so the land went for a cheap price."

Kureha nodded.

"That became Kuilans goal. Though its now a ruin, buying his homeland with money and rebuilding it with his own efforts."

"I see..."

"... He might have such a dream because he has forgotten the terrible past."

"Do you oppose that dream?"

At my question, Kureha blinked his eyes and slowly lowered his head.

"Well, Im not sure... But honestly, Im afraid to go back."

Kurehas pale lips tightly shut.

"After all, its the homeland I led to its destruction."

***

I had Kureha sent back in a carriage. He was a friend with limited mobility after all.

Watching the carriage recede, I turned to the person next to me and asked, "What do you think, Lucas?"

But one always has to be cautious with big dogs.

Just as the owner always claims their dog wont bite, its still considered polite to muzzle them during walks.

"If I tell you not to use it, dont use it! Got it?"

Upon hearing my repeated prohibition on his beast transformation, Lucas responded with a forlorn smile.

...

Typical big dog. Looks terrifying.

I wasnt sure if this protagonist would listen to me obediently. I exhaled deeply, shrugging. But hopefully, hed listen while I was watching.

***

Two days later. Military tribunal.

It sounds fancy, but the courtroom was simply an army meeting room with slightly rearranged tables.

In such a backwater place, there was no proper court of law. From the start, this place was a fortress city with a military purpose.

The judge giving the verdict was me, Ash, the lord and commander.

And todays defendant... Camus, the SR-ranked mercenary from the Camilla Kingdom, who had previously attempted to kill Lady Reina and the mages of the magical brigade.

Dragged out from prison and seated in the defendants chair, Camus was in a pitiable state.

His body was bruised all over as if hed been severely beaten, and his swollen face was almost unrecognizable.

...The mages from the magical brigade said they had interrogated him.

Sure enough, he seemed to have been beaten pretty badly.

Although he appeared to have suffered, Camuss expression was calm. Just by looking into his eyes, one would think he was innocent. Well then.

However, Camuss attempt to kill an ally was a blatant truth.

He admitted it himself. Reina, who was stabbed in the abdomen at that time, is still unconscious in the temples intensive care room.

Besides, he injured four of the guards with a knife.

Even if its a fantasy world where an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, personal sanctions, and vengeance are somewhat tolerated.

He had crossed a line that couldnt be overlooked.

Prisoner, Camus.

After recounting the crimes Camus committed, I delivered my verdict succinctly.

You are sentenced to death.

...

Camus silently bowed his head. I continued my speech.

The execution will take place after the next defense battle. Thats all.

I picked up a wooden gavel on the desk and lightly tapped the podium below. Thud. Thud. Thud.

Guards entered, grabbed Camus from both sides, and dragged him out.

Camus, without uttering a word, staggered but walked out of the courtroom on his own feet.

Sigh.

I looked down at the wooden gavel in my hand. I never wanted to get used to such affairs.

Since there werent specific restrictions on entering the courtroom, a few were watching the verdict. Mages from the magical brigade and...

...

Junior.

Juniors gaze met with Camuss as he was led back to prison. Camus quickly averted his eyes, while Junior kept watching his receding figure.

...

After everyone from the magical brigade and the guards left, and as I was packing up to leave the courtroom,

Junior stood still, looking at the spot where Camus had been.

Junior.

As I gently called out, Junior, startled, turned to look at me, to which I briefly replied,

You can visit him whenever you wish.

...

Speak up if theres anything on your mind. Understand?

Yes, Your Majesty... Thank you.

Junior flashed her characteristic fox-like smile. I returned a forced smile.

Indeed, its not easy.

Its a tough world.