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"...And Sir Riet is claiming that Sir Norwich's solo desertion and kidnapping of Sir Philod Achen's bride was not the Grand Duke's will."
"Yes, that is correct!"
Riet answered loudly.
"The generous Grand Duke told me that if Sir Rahan Norwich had not caused any trouble by the time I arrived, I should bring him back with a rope around his neck!"
"...And if he did cause trouble?"
"Ah, as for that."
Riet narrowed her eyes and looked toward Rahan.
"She said, 'I entrust Rahan Norwich to the embrace of the god Eridrahan, who is fair, just, and possesses grace as vast as the ocean.'"
"Which means..."
"It means Sir Norwich is exiled to the Wind Rock Monastery for the time being."
Now, even Rahan couldn't take it anymore. He opened his mouth in sheer absurdity.
This woman, surely not.
Riet gave him a smirk.
"For the next three months, you may not venture beyond a radius of 2,000 cubits from this Wind Rock Monastery."
Rahan froze for a moment.
"This is nonsense!"
However, the shout erupted from Philod Achen.
"Hey! Female Knight!"
"The name Riet Klein represents me," Riet shot back. She was one of the top knights of the Grand Duchy and had a hobby of leaving scratches on the foreheads of those who called her 'female knight.'
Rahan unconsciously gauged Philod's forehead. It was wide enough to paint a picture on. Naturally. He was bald.
Of course, Philod fumed, completely unaware that Rahan was having quite rude thoughts.
"According to your words, shouldn't that man be beaten to death! I shall kill this son of a demon right now to avenge both the Grand Duke's grudge and my own!"
Beside them, Abbot Wilbert raised an eyebrow. He said that, but in reality, he likely intended to dispose of Rahan and remarry Iris, who had lost her husband.
"Unfortunately, that is impossible."
Naturally, Riet threw a wrench into Philod's plan.
"Her Excellency the Grand Duke plans to come here personally to punish Rahan Norwich after a recovery period of three months."
"Don't make me laugh!"
Regardless, Philod drew the sword from his waist. A chilling metallic sound rang out.
"If Grand Duke Lacheize truly intends to punish Rahan Norwich, is there any problem with me delivering that punishment?"
"I wonder."
However, Riet answered coldly, even in the face of Philod's sword.
"Would there really be no problem?"
Philod flinched.
In truth, he had a suspicion that this entire situation was staged.
The Grand Duke lost an eye? And to avoid punishment, Rahan Norwich stole his bride?
The excuse was almost too perfect.
But he couldn't just charge in. If Riet Klein's words were true, Grand Duke Lacheize could pick a fight with the Achen family on the grounds that he had been robbed of the criminal he intended to punish.
Philod conflicted.
'Should I just kill that Rahan Norwich?'
But when he looked at Rahan Norwich with that thought, Rahan had already drawn his sword.
"I can't give my life to a pig like you."
As he spoke, he glared back with Red Eyes.
In an instant, cold sweat ran down Philod's back.
Because of the situation, he had forgotten, but the man standing before him was that Rahan Norwich. A powerhouse who had cut down the unbelievers of Til Nebe Cedric, creating mountains of corpses.
Although he had over ten escort knights, the man's skill was legendary.
If he tried to deliver punishment, would Rahan Norwich simply die obediently?
He would not.
'What do I do?'
"This is the garden of Eridrahan. Both of you, put away your swords."
At that moment, Abbot Wilbert stepped in between the two with perfect timing.
"But, Abbot Wilbert!"
Philod felt relieved inwardly, but he continued to raise his voice for show. Priest Wilbert shook his head.
"Please calm down. Since things have turned out this way, why don't you rest for today?"
"Are you telling me to stay still after my bride was stolen? Are you also in league with that fellow, Abbot?"
Philod glared at him, but Priest Wilbert responded sternly.
"I trust you are aware that I have actively cooperated with the Achen family regarding this marriage."
"..."
Philod gnashed his teeth.
It was true. Since it became known to the world that he was protecting the daughter of the Achen family, Abbot Wilbert had consistently cooperated with the Achen family both materially and spiritually.
Of course, he was also the one who had separately scouted a groom to have Iris kidnapped, but Philod was unaware of that fact.
Furthermore...
"If you cannot trust me, I swear in the name of my elder brother."
Abbot Wilbert was also the younger brother of Archbishop Victor. Since he went as far as mentioning the Archbishop's name, Philod had no choice.
"...Tsk."
Eventually, Philod backed down. However, he didn't stay silent.
"I shall formally protest this matter to Grand Duke Lacheize later. Furthermore, I will ensure that His Imperial Majesty recognizes this marriage as null and void, and I will watch to see if that man is properly punished! Do you hear me, you son of a demon!"
At Philod's pointing finger, Rahan merely shrugged his shoulders. Philod gnashed his teeth at that relaxed demeanor.
"His Imperial Majesty will not stand by and watch this situation either," Lady Esselheim added.
It was a statement intended to organize the tangled situation and calm Philod Achen. After all, the current Emperor was a man who would simply watch regardless of whether such things happened or not.
The Emperor knew best how viciously the Achen family, led by Herbert Achen, behaved. The Emperor was also the one who used Archbishop Victor to play tug-of-war with his own children here and there.
"Since you say so, we shall have the sinner managed by the monastery. Is this indeed what Grand Duke Lacheize intended?"
"That is correct, Abbot. Additionally, she ordered me to keep Rahan Norwich detained until Grand Duke Lacheize arrives."
"I understand. I hope Grand Duke Lacheize handles this with wisdom."
The situation settled as Abbot Wilbert spoke to Riet.
Philod retreated, gnashing his teeth while commanding his subordinates.
Lady Esselheim also said, "I shall return to the capital tomorrow," and disappeared, leading her party to the monastery's guest quarters.
Now, only the priests, Riet, Rahan, and... Iris, who had been standing quietly to one side, remained in the monastery's courtyard.
"Both of you."
Abbot Wilbert looked at Rahan and Iris with a tired expression.
"Could you come see me?"
It was phrased as a request, but it was effectively an order. Rahan sighed.
* * *
The Wind Rock Monastery was a fairly large building, though he hadn't realized it when breaking in. It was indeed a fortress that had once opposed mages at the western edge of the Empire.
The inner castle within the outer wall consisted of four buildings. Only one of them seemed to be actually in use, likely because they were difficult to maintain.
The Abbot's office was located on the second floor of the low, large building in the center.
Perhaps because it was a poor monastery, the interior was shabby compared to the grand exterior. The Abbot's office was no different.
Despite being the brother of the Archbishop, the furniture inside consisted of nothing more than a desk and a few chairs.
'Compared to that pig, Archbishop Victor, he's an incredibly frugal brother.'
Rahan thought to himself as he scanned the office. Regardless, Abbot Wilbert, who had entered, let out a long sigh.
"It was what I hoped for, but I'm not sure if this is the right direction."
As the Abbot had hoped, Iris was kidnapped and spent the first night with Rahan Norwich. The Emperor's ladies-in-waiting had personally confirmed the evidence.
Philod had to return without achieving his goal.
He had achieved everything he wanted, yet he said he wasn't sure if it was right.
Rahan felt grumpy. He had suddenly gone from being the Grand Duke's right hand to a thug who kidnapped a woman while fleeing to avoid punishment. He had even ended up stuck in the countryside.
A sarcastic remark was inevitable.
"If you aren't sure if it's right, why did you swear in the name of Archbishop Victor?"
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