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“And on top of that, if even members of our clan are to be judged, it’s unacceptable.” (Vivila)

“To someone like you without children, it might indeed be hard to understand.” (Sharne)

Sharne Charleville provocatively replied.

“Someone like me?” (Vivila)

Vivila retorted irritably.

“I’ve borne five children myself. Each of them has had children of their own. I have grandchildren and great-grandchildren too numerous to count. We have countless blood ties, even in the branch families. Among them… well, some might have taken advantage or misappropriated funds, but many of them haven’t done anything truly heinous. Deciding whether to spare or kill their children is a serious issue.” (Vivila)

“Well, that’s certainly true.” (Yuri)

“Yuri-san, I expect that these children won’t receive excessive punishment in the name of a fair trial. Also, just because the main family members like us have died and our assets have been confiscated, don’t tell me they’ll use that to cover fines or compensations for these children.” (Sharne)

‘There was something clingy in Sharne Charleville’s words. For example, when the Witches in Charleville’s relations were fined or asked for compensation, it would imply they would use the estate of their already deceased relatives. After all of the Witch’s assets were seized, if only fines or compensations were imposed, it would not start from nothing, but from debt. That would likely bankrupt them economically.’

” I won’t say that. Don’t worry.” (Yuri)

When I said that…

“Yuri-kun. I have something to say.” (Myaro)

Myaro opened his mouth.

“Basically, all assets of your Great Witch Households will be confiscated.” (Myaro)

Myaro said something cruel. However, it was decided that she would be left in charge of the aftermath of the Witch incident. This should be entrusted to her.

“First of all, I’ll confirm this, but confiscating assets is legitimate from the perspective of post-war reparations. Most of Hou Household’s army suffered almost no damage, so they may misunderstand, but since the war did happen, post-war reparations are naturally generated.

Moreover, what you said earlier, Sharne-san, is not acceptable. Because if we don’t confiscate, then we’ll have issues with inheritance. If we follow the Witch customs without confiscating assets, inheritance rights will pass to the closest relatives, who will then have discretion over how to use the property.

In that case, a few surviving close relatives after the trial would inherit all the assets, pay their fines and compensations, and distribute only what’s within their conscience to the lower ranks. This would result in the upper ranks having money left over while the lower ranks would be left in debt.

Debt remaining means that the people who should receive payment won’t, which is socially unjust. If Yuri-kun agrees, I plan to confiscate all assets, create a fund, and distribute it equally to those in the family who cannot pay fines or compensations. That way, even if there’s debt, it will be evenly distributed among everyone. If there’s anything left after all payments, it will go to the national treasury.

Regarding the scope of asset confiscation, we’ll consider each case individually for households not involved in the war who would still have assets after paying fines and compensations.  Naturally, if we end up killing all the Witches, we’ll confiscate all assets. This discussion is void. That’s all.” (Myaro)

Myaro concluded, taking a step back and moved closer to the wall.

“That’s the gist of it. Understand that. We won’t issue special instructions for heavier penalties than usual.” (Yuri)

“Huh… that’s a really nice way to say it.” (Sharne)

Sharne Charleville took a deep breath.

“That’s fine. I agree.” (Sharne)

‘She seems to agree. I guess this is the end.’

“What about the pride of the witches? Living while enduring disgrace is worse than death.” (Vivila)

Vivila Marmasset interjected.

“You only think about yourself because you have no children. Saying death is better… well, what if we offered not to kill us in exchange? Would you still not comply? You’d hand over your life to save yourself. Talking about pride and all, in the end, you only care about yourself.” (Sharne)

“Ridiculous!” (Vivila)

Her nose seemed to bother her again.

“And if we don’t comply and end up being slaughtered, will the honor of the Witches be protected? Will they build fancy tombs and inscribe on their graves that they had nothing to do with the Crusades? That’s unlikely.” (Sharne)

‘Of course, that’s unlikely. She’s probably saying that out of concern for her household, but she’s hitting on a good point. It’s just difficult to accuse without solid evidence, but our actions won’t change. Besides, depending on the hiding place, we might find it easily.’

“Old lady, it seems you’re in agreement, but I don’t need unanimous consent. If you know the location, just spit it out, and we’ll be done with it. I don’t want to listen to the Witches’ internal quarrels for too long.” (Yuri)

“Sorry, but I’ll have to make a vote on this. It’s decided by the Seven Witch Covenant. Let’s do this properly for the last time.” (??)

They seem determined to take a vote.

‘Such a hassle. What’s with these people?’

“Keagel, what’s your stance?”  (Vivila)

Vivila Marmasset asked nasally.

“I oppose it. Having evidence or not will affect how we’re treated in the future. Besides, everyone from my place will probably be executed anyway.” (Keagel)

‘Well, that’s understandable for Carsefit. Keeping alive those female officers who are only useful for maintaining the women’s military force won’t serve any purpose.’

“Gula, what about the Temper Household?” (Vivila)

“I agree. We have solid business at the harbor. Unlike yours, we don’t have many scoundrels who kill or kidnap people.” (Gula)

“Heh—Ahaha” (Luida)

Luida Gudanvier couldn’t contain his laughter.

“Oops… Sorry, please continue.” (Luida)

It seemed like he just found something amusing.

“…Kiki. What about the Enphile Household?” (Vivla)

Vivila continued to ask in order, seemingly acting as the moderator or chairperson.

“I’m in favor… Hey, think about it logically, Vivila. Everyone wants to live, don’t they? Is posthumous honor really that important? Whether someone wants to live or die is something only they can understand. It’s not for us to decide. Therefore, we should let them live.” (Kiki)

When I heard those words, a sudden urge to kill him surged, and for a moment, I almost got up from my seat to silence him.

‘Who does she think he is talking like that? Should I make sure he never speaks again? It wouldn’t be good if seven became six right now. We’re going to kill them anyway. I consciously suppressed the urge to kill.’

I relaxed my tense muscles and slowly sat back down.

“Kiki, you almost got killed by that young lad just now. Watch your words.” (Luida)

Luida Gudanvier retorted.

‘You should stay quiet too.’

“Oh, right… my apologies.” (Kiki)

Kiki Enphile responded, genuinely apologetic and lowering his head while still bound.

“Aren’t you being overly hypocritical? Acting all nice, but didn’t you orchestrate the tie-making for that foolish princess to use in the castle? It was probably you, even if you didn’t raise your hand.” (Yuri)

“I didn’t raise my hand. Both Gula and I… were close to His Majesty, and Gula’s opinion was that Kura people can’t be trusted due to his experience in trade.” (Kiki)

It was four against two.

‘This Kiki Enphile person may sound kind, but she’s the one who dismantled the patent system. She applied strong pressure to personnel decisions, sending his own people into the Patent Auditing Office and completely ruining the budding patent system. Because of that, patents from emerging inventors in the market were squashed, and my Hou Paper ended up with counterfeits circulating openly, disrupting business. Was that incident also decided by a vote here?

Damn nuisances.’

“Well, whatever… the plan itself wasn’t bad.”

Luida remarked.

“Hah…” (Myaro)

Myaro chuckled, looking amused in a condescending way. I had never seen Myaro laugh like this before.

“I’ll tell you now, that was the worst plan. After all, our trading partner is likely the Papal State…” (Myaro)

‘This inference was likely from Lilica Kucriricson’s report. I agreed as well. Since the end of last year and into this year, all calls for Crusades had originated from the Papal State. Besides the Papal State, the Tyrelme Divine Empire is fervently supportive of the Crusades, but this country hasn’t shown active participation in this current Crusade. So, the speculation that the Papal State is centrally involved in this conspiracy holds true.’

“They won’t honor any promises. That much is clear. During the previous war, the Papal State army we fought against tore apart our fallen comrades’ bodies and hung them up. The atrocities committed near Reformation are countless. If you had seen the war in Kilghina, you wouldn’t even entertain such a pointless scheme.

Moreover, they don’t even consider us Shanti as human. All Kuran are treated the same, but the Papal State is especially cruel. Is there anyone with a conscience who would break a promise made with beasts?

Even if their secret dealings were exposed over there, it wouldn’t bring any dishonor. On the contrary, they’d be praised as cunning strategists, and if they kept their promises, they’d be condemned. I don’t know what kind of promises were made, but there’s virtually no chance they’ll be honored.

Without even knowing such things, they gleefully tore up agreements and caused such chaos. You all have simply sullied the end of witch history, being truly exceptional in your incompetence. Even though boys and girls throughout the country might suffer the same fate, you all—” (Myaro)

“Myaro.” (Yuri)

I interjected.

“Oh—sorry for overstepping.” (Myaro)

Myaro responded.

“There’s probably a lot on your mind, but these people are about to die anyway. There’s no point in saying anything.” (Yuri)

‘Myaro also harbors quite complex feelings toward Witches. However, continuing to say things that won’t be understood serves no purpose and is no longer necessary.’

“Alright.” (Myaro)

“Enough already. Hey, hurry up and take the vote.”  (Yuri)

I said, prompting a glare from Vivila Marmasset.

“What’s…? Isn’t that your role? Just get on with it.”  (Yuri)

I visibly annoyed by her unwillingness to cooperate.

‘It’s so frustrating.’

“…Then, according to the rules of the evening party, we will take the vote. Those in favor of Yuri Hou’s proposal and submitting negotiation documents, raise your hands.” (Vivila)

Following Vivila’s words, four hands went up.

Sharne Charleville

Gula Temper

Kiki Enphile.

Luida Gudanvier.

“That’s a majority in favor. So, it is decided.” (Vivila)

Three people did not raise their hands.

‘Actually, I had been listening to everyone’s opinions in order, but I hadn’t heard Jura’s thoughts. Well, it probably doesn’t matter.’

“The documents are in the vault on the third floor of my house. Normally, they would be kept in this house, but we had to move them because of Gudanvier…” (Sharne)

‘They seem to be in Chalruvill’s house. Normally, they would be stored in the adjacent room. There seems to be a vault-like structure there.’

“The shelf labeled ‘Seven’ in the vault room is a hidden door. If you search it thoroughly, you’ll find a lever. Pull that, and the latch will release, opening the door.” (Sharne)

‘You’re well-prepared, aren’t you?’

“Indeed. I’ll look into it later.” (Yuri)

I wasn’t lying. If I were, I’d just kill all the witches.

“So, how do you plan to kill us? Will you tear us apart limb by limb?” (Vivila)

That was Vivira Marmasset speaking. It had already been decided.

“The execution of Witches usually involves burning at the stake.” (Yuri)

‘In my mind, that is.’

“In other words, I plan to burn down this house.” (Yuri)

As I said this, the Witches lined up reacted differently. Some with stiff expressions, some seemingly unfazed, and others visibly frightened. Interestingly, Jura’s reaction was particularly intense, but surprisingly, Vivila Marmasset also showed fear on her face.

“What’s wrong, Vivira? Why are you scared?” (Yuri)

“Am I not allowed to be scared?” (Vivila)

‘Of course, she’s allowed.’

“Isn’t the Marmasset family infamous for torture? You’ve inflicted terrifying pain on others, far beyond just burning at the stake. I’ve seen many people who were brutally tortured by you, then released as a warning, forced to live miserable lives in the capital.

…They all had the same burn marks on their faces. It’s not something to laugh about. Ideally, I’d gather them all and let them have their way… Have your tongue cut out, nails pulled off, wounds seared and cauterized, slowly suffering until death suits you. But time is short, so I’ll settle for burning at the stake. Cry and be grateful to me from the bottom of your heart.” (Yuri)

‘Marmasset is particularly notorious, but other households have engaged in similar atrocities, too. Even those without grudges for their families are better off dead.

Next in line after Marmasset is Charleville. Her’s traditional execution method involves drowning in the river near the capital. They not only weigh the body down but also use gases to make the decayed corpse float back up. They’ve studied how to attach weights for this purpose meticulously.  When an entire family is killed, men, women, and children all float up perfectly without any day-to-day variations. That would immediately reveal it as Charleville’s retribution. It’s incredible how they can talk about family matters with such blood on their hands. It’s chilling how even murderers have their dualities.’

“Kid.” (Luida)

That was Luída Gudanviel’s voice.

“What? Got something to complain about, old lady?” (Yuri)

I know this old woman has done some despicable things, but I refrained from killing her in front of Myaro.

“I don’t have any complaints. I just want to make sure that if this house burns down, the soldiers are told to remove the valuables from the adjacent room.” (Luida)

She’s coming up with another nonsensical idea.

“Why?” (Yuri)

‘Is she advising them to take valuables because they’re valuable?’

“There are valuable items here that have been here since the days of the Great Empire. They’ve played their roles throughout history. You have no right to burn them. Strictly speaking, they’re not even ours. They’re items we’ve temporarily held in history.” (Luida)

‘Ah.’

“Well, I suppose you have a point. I’ll allow that.” (Yuri)

‘I felt a bit undermined. Regardless, it’s probably a good idea to do that, from a cultural heritage perspective. If we burn them, scholars of future generations might complain.’

“Myaro, you’ll supervise this. You’ll inherit the Witches, after all.” (Myaro)

Luída said this while looking at Myaro, seated.

‘What is she suggesting?’

“Have you gone mad, old lady?” (Yuri)

“I’m not mad. This child is a Witch to the bone. Perhaps she’s a more exceptional Witch than anyone here, regardless of her intentions.” (Luida)

“Today is the end of being a Witch. Don’t you get it yet? I won’t let Gudanvier’s family business continue. It’s all over.” (Yuri)

I briefly thought about allowing her to live out her remaining years quietly.

“It’s not about that. Those born and raised in a Knight’s household remain Knights until they die. Similarly, this child born and raised in a Witch’s household will remain a Witch until death. It’s not in a negative sense.” (Luida)

‘There’s no way that’s not in a negative sense.’

“Witches are your business alone. Don’t involve Myaro.” (Yuri)

When I said that…

“This child’s father was a Knight until his death.” (Luida)

Luida said while looking at Myaro.

‘Father…? What is she talking about? But looking at Mialo’s face, though I don’t understand the reason, she looked very emotional and was staring intently at Luida.’

“Myaro, that’s good. I’m not saying become like us. The role of a Witch has changed over time. Next, you should become the Witch you envision.” (Luida)

“Understood. Obaba-sama.” (Myaro)

‘What’s going on here? Obaba-sama. Does she usually call her that?’

“Kid, I’ve decided to make my exit here. That’s the end of the Witches for now.” (Luida)

‘Make her exit? She’s leaving too? Does that mean together with them?’

“Obaba-sana, did you come here planning to die?”” (Myaro)

‘Wasn’t she just here for sightseeing? I thought she was a fool for risking my anger.’

“Yeah, that’s right. But please, skip the burning. I don’t like the idea of being cut down by a sword either.” (Luida)

She’s starting to choose her death.

“A gun would be fine. It’s quick and easy.” (Luida)

‘If it’s a gun, the people outside should have one.’

“There’s a gun outside, but… Are you sure about this?” (Yuri)

“Today’s the perfect day. I’ve had those people looking down on me since I was young. Finally, I can look down on them. I’ve lived long enough, and I have no regrets.” (Luida)

‘She claims to have no regrets, but what about Myaro?’

“For me, that works out better, but…” (Yuri)

“That also works out well for this child. Gudanvier’s family will prosper.” (Luida)

‘When you say that, it makes me feel like I’m being manipulated to do whatever I want.’

“Hurry up and tell the soldiers to bring out the goods. I assume you’re not just wasting time.” (Luida)

“Yeah, I’ll take care of that.” (Yuri)

I went to call the soldiers outside.