Consequence of Power - Modern Weapons Cheat In Another World Kai

Gods and Fate Part 2

"She's confined in a dungeon designed for her."

What?

They noticed his stiff expression, and the mother explained herself. "It's not a dungeon you'd commonly imagine in keeps and prisons, but it keeps everyone safe and provides Iris comfort to minimize the chance of an incident."

"But that's not the point."

Huh? Then what is?

"Iris entered willingly. Rumor has already circulated among those who caught a glimpse of her with how happy she was. Can you imagine that? Smiling inside the symbol of her suffering."

"People will think she's plotting something, a vendetta."

Both royals winced. There's no doubt they held themselves back from rebuking it, but Kazuya was on Iris' side. Though, he'd never fault them. From the way they spoke, they didn't seem to have met their own child/grandchild.

"I heard from Phyllis that she couldn't wait for the time when the both of you explore the city."

The Queen shared the Crown Princess' nostalgic smile as she detailed her daughter's plans to go out with a boy.

"She talked about a gift you gave, the sunglasses, and how she'd wear them and hide her eyes, even asserting that you'd save her if found out. She talked about her future, saying she'll be a forester when she grows up if we cannot break the stigma and fail to control her powers."

She reached for a napkin and wiped stray tears as her mother pulled her into her arm and began bowing.

"So thank you. Thank you for giving my daughter hope. You have given her a reason to smile, yet we cannot repay you in full. I know your line of work cannot permit you to stay in one place, but please give a moment for Iris. It doesn't have to take long. Perhaps once a month..."

"Hush, my child. As you can see, Sir Nagato, you have brought happiness to Iris' life. We are willing to cover the costs of lodging in the capital. We only ask that you keep her company at your convenience while we maneuver through the Court and solidify her mana foundation."

Someone tap-danced outside, drawing closer, and then someone banged on the door.

"Your Majesty!"

Captain Phyllis readied her sword. Kazuya and Private Maeda shared a glance. If the insurrection's happening, it's happening right now. Killing a few of them won't hurt, but it's gonna put a dent in their ammo.

The door swung, and a flustered soldier beading in sweat buckled to his knees with the knights guarding the door following.

"What is the meaning of this!" Captain Phyllis stepped up. "Can't you see Her Majesty and Royal Highness are entertaining guests?!"

But the soldier gasped for air. "My sincerest...apologies. Runners...runners from Nashist have come. The Empire...has attacked."

Nashist? The Empire?

"How is that possible? What of the Margrave of Kangdo?!"

The soldier glanced at the door. Private Maeda slid her hand to the back of her neck, ready to grab her sharp hairpin, while Kazuya readied both hands for the Skorpion and magazine. However, he stopped himself at the impossible in front of him.

Why is she here?

The maids gasped at the bloody sight, but to Kazuya, his PFC, they could only wonder. The new face shot Kazuya a sidelong glance and bowed to the Queen.

"I, Ibuki Aoba, greet Her Majesty and the Crown Princess. I have been selected among the runners to relay information directly to the Palace following the initially assigned messenger's fall."