Reputation: Conclave

The Conclave's General Meeting has been cancelled!? I ran here as fast as I could after hearing the news.

Please be careful. You might trip.

Today's the welcoming ceremony for the new recruits of the Four Pointed Star, right? I'll just watch quietly from the sides.

My name is Alexa Lovelace. I'm a new recruit of the Order of the Sword. Nice to meet you.

And you are...a new sister of the Holy Order of the Blue Cross?

Yes, I'm Montmorancy Monza. I'm still lacking a lot, but as a sister of the Holy Order, I'll try my best.

I'm so glad to see so many new apprentices gathered here today.

Through your noble oaths today, you shall become a member of the Conclave, responsible for...

...I heard the sovereign of the Sacred Kingdom of Ezera has always been the traditional leader of the Conclave, is that her?

They say she was a hero in the Archdemon War, so I thought she'd be much older...

Queen Diene is the pride of our Holy Order! She was a sister of the Blue Cross before she set off on her brave pilgrimage!

She saved the entirety of Ritania! All our priests have a deep respect for the Queen.

Wow, don't you think it's a bit late for you to only just be learning about the Conclave's history?

The Conclave is the general assembly of the Four Pointed Star, made up of the Order of the Sword, the Order of the Shield, the Rose Apostles, and the Holy Order of the Blue Cross.

Isn't that standard knowledge? I may be a new sister, but I have some common sense at the very least!

Pay attention, new recruits.

Next, I'll explain how the Four Pointed Star provides jobs for adventurers and our knights, along with our duties and obligations.

I am Iseria, second in command of the Order of the Sword. I will be overseeing your training in Commander Charles Sharon's stead.

The Order of the Sword fights for the people of our sacred kingdom. Our mission is to maintain order in the name of our Goddess.

We are a shining sword in the darkness, and I expect each and every one of you to live up to that.

She's so cool. Do you think she will be instructing us directly?

Will I ever be able to become such an honorable knight like her...? Just you watch, Mom and Dad!

...We will begin your training now. Pick up your training swords.

First of all...

...

He...hehehe...?

What are you doing in a place like this, Prince Aither? *sighing*... Please come with me.

Prince Aither, why were you hiding amongst the recruits?

I...I wanted to learn how to wield a sword with the knights.

There must be no shortage of knights qualified enough to personally teach the Prince of Ezera? Do you not like any of them?

General Vildred taught me for a while, and so did Sir Charles... but I've always felt they were being too easy on me.

They all seem to think that I only need to learn the basics. I also want it strict! Properly! Without exception!

Did you think Sir Charles would not notice you standing amongst the new recruits? The other knights will be confused as well.

If you want to train with them so badly, please get permission first.

B-But...!

Now please excuse me, Prince Aither. I have a lesson to teach.

I don't want special treatment! I want to know how normal people live!

If I want to become a great king, I need to be able to do things like this too! You said that yourself, but then you never taught me anything!

If you keep treating me like this, I...I...I'll be forced to take drastic measures!

...We'll be holding an assembly to choose the new leader of the Conclave. Does your opinion remain unchanged, Sir Charles?

Of course. With the Queen no longer with us, it is necessary for Prince Aither to take the position.

But the Prince continues to insist that he will only do so "temporarily."

Whether it is with a "temporary" or "acting" head, we can't afford to leave the position vacant.

I don't know if the other leaders of the Orders will agree to that. Katenka of the Rose Apostles might, but Angelica of the Blue Cross...

I'm sure Angelica will say that we'll have to respect the Prince's decision. She strongly believes that even parents shouldn't decide what's good for their child.

I'm not Prince Aither's parent, yet nor do I believe taking the throne is something that can be chosen or rejected.

I understand what you're saying, Sir Charles. And I am not against it, but we will have to discuss this further at the next assembly.

I'm just not so sure His Highness will accept the position as obediently as you'd hope...

Sir! We've searched the whole castle, but Prince Aither is nowhere to be found.

Excuse me, Commander. A note left by Prince Aither has been discovered in the stables.

I brought it straight to you.

I believe that one must be capable in order to take up a position, whether that be king of Ezera, or leader of the Conclave.

That's why I suggested a vote to find someone more qualified than me, but you wouldn't listen!

You've ignored all my opinions, and all you did was get mad at me and say that I don't know how the real world is! I hate you, Sir Charles!

That's why I'm running away! I'll come back when I've learned more about the real world! Bye!

Sir Charles, do you think...

That letter must have been a fake.

Huh?

Indeed. Sir Crozet! Prince Aither must have been kidnapped! This is a royal kidnapping!

We shouldn't try to deny the truth and make presumptions, Sir Charles. Prince Aither really did run away.

Until the Commander has regained himself, I will take my Order's knights out to find Prince Aither.

The other members of the Conclave shall assist you. Lady Iseria, please start planning the operation.

It's not possible! This is a kidnapping! Our Prince would never leave me behind and run away! I refuse to believe it!

Aha! I've succeeded in running away, but what now? I don't know how to make a living...

I've heard that I can find work at this pub... Hmm.

Huh? You look like you're new around here... Are you a mercenary? Adventurer? Bounty hunter? Stop loitering and go home, kid.

B-but...I fretted so much before deciding to come here! I can work hard! I'll show you!

Trying hard won't cut it. *tutting* You really are a kid.

What are you so worried about? I'm in a good mood, so I'll listen to what you have to say.

Well, a lot of people expect me to do something that I don't want to do. I don't think I'm capable, but no one ever listens to what I have to say.

So, I ran away. If I can find out what I'm good at, they'd probably leave me alone, right? But now I'm worried about how to even feed myself.

You don't want to do whatever your parents or your guardian told you to? Pfft... Whining about such luxury.

Then do something you're good at, instead of complaining like a child. Or head over there and accept one of the simpler requests.

Ah! Is there something even I can do?! I'll do my best!

Are you a rookie? I was just about to head over to the Order of the Sword's training grounds to clean, want to tag along? Knowing how to clean should help you get jobs.

Wow, really? I'm good at a lot of things! I'll come!

Ha, you're not so bad for a beginner. You spilt the water bucket three times, but I've seen worse.

Really? Hehe... Maybe I'm a genius in cleaning? From now on, I'm going to accept lots of requests and live enjoying the small things.

Haha, a sound plan for the future!

...Oh? Why is Prince Aither here...?

The recruits haven't noticed. Mmm... And he's cleaning? Why...?

I'm sure he must have his reasons. Should I be helping...?

Haha, for some reason, I feel like the cleaning's going faster.

It's like I have a whole team of professionals helping me.

Hehe. That's all because I'm a cleaning genius! I knew I was good at all sorts of things! Ahaha!

...We must make an official announcement soon, Sir Charles.

We can't make Prince Aither's kidnapping publicly known. Queen Diene has only recently passed, if the people hear the Prince disappeared, the kingdom will fall into chaos.

Oh, for the prince to be kidnapped in these tumultuous times! Missing!

...He ran away. It wasn't a kidnapping, or any sort of crime... He just ran away...

Watch your tongue, Sir Crozet! The prince doesn't have a reason to run away!

...Ah, yes, of course...

I thought enough time had passed for him to realize the truth... But it seems I was wrong.

*sobbing* Prince Aither...!

Oh, is that person carrying the cups...?

Lalala! Shoe sole flavored steak and four glasses of water-rot wood strawberry juice... Ahh?

Waaah!

*gulping* I broke all the glasses again... I already broke twenty-four today, I thought I wouldn't break any more...

...

Isn't that so? Lady Iseria.

Yes? I'm sorry, I didn't hear you, Commander.

I was saying how worrying it is. Who knows where Prince Aither is and what sort of hardships he's experiencing. He's such a delicate daffodil, I hope nobody is being mean to him...

Perhaps he's closer than we think...? Hmm. I don't think you need to worry so much, he's a strong person.

How can you say something so heartless? Prince Aither's been sheltered from the filth of this world since birth, how can I not worry?

...

I'm more worried about the harm he might cause for those around him...

We have no time for this! Let's go looking for Prince Aither! Put all the Order's other work on hold!

Maybe I should tell Sir Charles... No, I ought to at least respect Prince Aither's determination.

...Is that true?

There's no doubt, Commander!

Lady Alexa and I definitely heard it.

We were chasing a pickpocketer at the time...

They... They truly believed that the Nobles would regain their authority if Prince Aither was assassinated...

I'm certain that's what they said!

I can't just ignore this. I'll send people to investigate.

We have to find Prince Aither quickly. He's in terrible danger.

We'll do our best!

Is it true that Prince Aither was spotted here?

Yes, Lady Iseria saw His Highness here.

The owner of this pub, Garo, is a little shady, but he's trustworthy.

I thought the Prince would be safe with him... My apologies.

Hmm... I don't see anyone that looks like the Prince here.

He might have gone somewhere else. I'll continue to search for him with the other knights.

Commander! I've finished interviewing all the customers.

There was a person that looked like Prince Aither, but he disappeared a while ago.

...Something must have happened to him, hurry up and keep searching.

Sir Charles. Let us return to the Conclave first and hear the investigators' report.

An excellent idea! Oh, Lady Alexa.

Yes, Commander?

Please stay here. You might find more clues as to his whereabouts.

Understood!

I hope Prince Aither is safe...

I'm sure he is. I hope he comes back soon, we're all frantically looking for him.

I wonder where the other knights are looking... Is it okay for us two to stay here?

Shh! Look, Sister Montmorancy. Garo's whispering something over at that table.

Let's try to listen in!

Just as I expected.

I happened to find out about it while trying to find information on the Land of Death...

Don't you think you should go check out the location of the transaction yourself?

Since we have the package, of course we need to go. It was so hard to smuggle it out and keep it hidden.

Good work. For a normal bartender to keep such a thing hidden is no ordinary feat.

Well...what other choice did I have? Anyways...the transaction's going to happen soon, so when we get there...

Sister Montmorancy... Do you think this is...

I'm sure of it, Lady Alexa... Absolutely sure...

The bartender clearly found out who Prince Aither is and locked him up.

And now he's holding him hostage for a deal with someone. How could such a thing happen...

We shouldn't just sit here! We have to go back to the commander, and...!

Wait, look. Looks like they're about to leave, we might lose them if we go to the commander right now.

We have to move carefully in order to both alert the Conclave and follow that bartender!

You're right, Sister Montmorancy. We'll get the Prince back, no matter what.

It makes me so sad to even think about the hard time he must be going through as a hostage...

This is no time to cry. Let's move!

This is it, Sister Montmorancy.

Lady Alexa! Where's that vile bartender? You didn't lose him, right?

Of course not. I was watching him this whole time. Shh... He can't know that we're following him.

By the way... does the Conclave know that they've kept the Prince locked up and are planning to hand him over to someone?

Yes, the whole Conclave is frantically searching for the Prince, so I couldn't meet the commander, but...

I ran into Sir Enott, so I told him about it and he promised me that he'll relay the message.

Thank goodness! If Sir Enott reports this to Commander Katenka of the Rose Apostles, she'll definitely help us.

...Look! Garo's made contact with someone and is on the move. He has a big trolley.

The Prince might be in that trolley... I won't forgive Garo for treating him so cruelly!

I feel so bad... for Prince Aither... *sobbing* We'll definitely save you!

Ugh... Why does my ears itch?

You're not having a change of heart now, are you?

My higher ups are still suspicious at the fact that a respectable pub owner wants to make this deal.

You don't have to worry about a thing. I've got the package right here, so lead the way.

Fine. I'll trust you, so you better not be having second thoughts.

I think he fell for it.

Shh. They're the type to suspect everything, so you have to be careful with them, Aramintha.

Thankfully the booze I smuggled for them lowered their guard.

They're real scumbags for selling smuggled moonshine...

Quite. They don't even know if it could be poisonous...

As a bartender myself, I really wanted to stop them.

Well, I get to see the great Garo Rils in the field again, so it's pretty exciting. Haha.

We can take this chance to bust all the illegal smugglers at once.

Hopefully. Thanks for helping me out, Aramintha.

Having the owner of the World's End Pub owe you a favor is extremely useful.

They're too far, I can't hear them.

They're probably planning to hand over Prince Aither for a large sum of money and go travel the world.

I didn't think he'd be the type to do that. Let's keep following him!

Kekeke... I have some good information.

Do you know where to find Prince Aither?

That's right! A new sister of the Blue Cross stupidly came running to me to relay on the message!

Now that we know where Prince Aither is, shouldn't we send knights to get him back?

No, we're going to assassinate him!

Oh, I see. Assassination's a good idea.

If we get rid of the acting monarch in a time of chaos... we'll be able to weaken the authority that the throne earned after the Archdemon War.

And the aristocracy can return to their former days of glory! Mwahahaha.

Contact the assassin.

Pardon? Do I...have to be the one to do it?

Why should I, a noble, have to be the one to do it...?

Don't worry. I've already hired the cheapest assassin I could find.

All you have to do is contact them.

Cheapest...assassin... Hmm?

Wait, I've heard this dumb story before... Hmm...

Hmph, whatever. If things go wrong, I'll just pretend I don't know anything about it.

I've heard a lot about them, they're known around these parts as a sniper that never misses.

They may be cheap, but they're the best there is, so don't worry.

His name is...Slime Mask. Assassin Slime Mask! Isn't it scary?

Wow! The name sure makes me feel at ease.

Fine...I'll contact this... Slime Mask.

Maybe I should really consider not getting involved. I'll just pass on the message and then pretend I don't know anything.

Then I'll mix myself in with the other knights of the Conclave and pretend to look for Prince Aither.

...Huh? Aren't they knights from the Conclave?

The new recruits from the Sword and the Shield...

I think they're looking for me. Hmm... What do I do? I ran away, so I can't go back yet.

...I should go hide in the back alleys and watch them.

Phew... I knew Sir Charles would look for me, but...isn't this a bit much? There's so many of them.

Did something happen? Or...can they not trust me? Hmph...

If I'm to be king, I ought to know how my people live. I thought I should experience it for myself, if only once...

Anyways... Huh? What's that?

Hey, what are you looking at?

Ah! What was that? Where'd it come from?

No way... Are you a legendary assassin? If you're in the same business as me, I have no choice...

...I'm afraid I don't understand. If you need help...I'm sure I can give you some.

Uh, sure, if you want. My name is Slime Mask!

Slime... Mask...? But you're mask looks nothing like a slime.

I...I...usually wear the slime mask. My grandmother put great care into making it for me.

But it was damaged in my last job. Grandma's going to be so sad when she finds out.

That's why I can't ask her to make me another one, and have to make do with something ugly as this.

Oh...I see.

For you to find me while I'm in stealth mode... You're something else.

Since we've met like this, can you run an errand for me?

Ah! Are you giving me a request? Of course! I was looking for work anyways!

It's a very simple job. I was actually supposed to meet my client, but there are Conclave knights swarming the place, and I can't let them see me.

Why not? Are you...a criminal?

Well, technically... I have a minor criminal record for pickpocketing, so I'm scared to have them see me.

If they do, they'll start interrogating me like crazy!

Don't you know how bad things are? Hmph, you're still so naive!

Hmm...I don't understand what you're talking about, but are you asking me to meet your client for you?

Exactly that. Can you go meet them at the abandoned sanctuary just outside Ezera and tell me what the job is? Simple enough, right?

Sure, I can do that for you.

I'll be right back! Please wait for me here!

Huh? There's no one here. Are they hiding?

Hello? Is anyone there? I'm here to meet Slime Mask's client.

...Ah! There's something over there.

...Oh, it's just a scarecrow. I thought it was a person.

An old scarecrow is holding... a letter! I think this is the job. It looks like a special job.

Let's see, hmm...

Slime Mask.

Assassinate Aither, the acting monarch.

He's currently locked up somewhere, and appears to be about to be handed over to someone.

All you have to do is kill him amidst this chaos. You can do that, right?

I'll leave it to you, Slime Mask. The coordinates for the location of the deal are written below.

...Wow.

A-Assassinate me? Oh my... But how? I'm right here!

I'm not locked up anywhere... Why...does someone want to kill me?

...

Since I have the coordinates, I should try checking out the location myself.

Assassinate the acting monarch... What a scary job...

Is my life worth this much? No way. Is the assassin organization I signed up to trying to get rid of me...?

Something's odd. I told them that I'd accept anything easy, so why did I get a job like this? Damn it...

Shh! This is the location on the letter. I see a trolley coming from that direction.

Someone's blocking the trolley. I think it's the people they're supposed to meet... I wonder who they are.

Yikes... I don't think I can do this... I should run.

Ah! I can't take this anymore. Let's attack them!

W-What? Hey! Kid! Ahhh!

Who are you!? Identify yourself!

...Huh?

Aren't you...the young pri... I mean, that kid I briefly hired to work in my pub?

Huh? He's your employee? What is one of your employees doing hiding in the bushes?

G-G-Garo....? Why are you...huh?

Damn it! So this was a set up!

You were planning to give us the moonshine and snitch on us?

H-Hey. Calm down. It's not like that...

You traitors! I've caught you in the act!

I'll...I'll arrest the traitors!

How dare you try to hurt Prince Aither!? I'll never forgive you!

...*sighing* What a mess.

What....? Why are the new recruits of the Conclave...?

I'll never forgive you! In the name of justice... In the name of the Order of the Sword! Hyaa!

Damn it! Now the Conclave are involved, what a mess!

*sighing*... It's finally calmed down.

I was so worried someone would end up getting seriously hurt.

I'm sorry.

Don't be. I think everyone was just really confused.

So, to sum it up...

After overhearing my conversation with my colleague, the knights of the Conclave thought I kidnapped Prince Aither.

So you decided to tail me, right?

That's right.

Meanwhile, Aither heard the news that someone's trying to assassinate him, so he came here to find out who made the request.

And through that misunderstanding, the information on Aither's whereabouts leaked to the assassin.

I think the information was leaked after Lady Alexa and Montmorancy made their report.

Someone really did want me assassinated. I'm here to find out who...

And why they said I was here....

I'm so sorry for the misunderstanding. But...what deal were you trying to make?

I thought the prince was in that big trolley of yours.

Oh. That's just moonshine.

I got a tip that a large amount of moonshine was being smuggled.

The moonshine was pretty much poison, so I couldn't forgive those who were trying to distribute it.

I have my pride as a bartender to uphold.

That's why I had people I trust smuggle some too and make a deal with them.

So much work to uncover the group behind the scheme, but today has put a wrench in the works...

Wait...where'd it go? Someone took the trolley and ran off!

No way!

Those criminals ran away already, so it can't have been them...

...But now Slime Mask is gone, too. I think he took the trolley.

We should hurry up and catch him.

The Conclave will help out as well, so let's get him.

We need to find out who made the request as well.

I'll provide you with any information I can to help.

Thank you! Ah, this just got so complicated! Let's try solving one thing at a time!

I'll do whatever I can!

Just as I thought... It was the nobles who wanted me dead.

They probably didn't believe I was worthy of being king.

Prince Aither! Please don't be sad. It's bad to cry like that with a weak body like yours.

I, Charles Sharon, cannot let such an atrocity slide!

I'm not crying, Sir Charles. I'm braver than you think, you know.

I'm fine with them not supporting me, but I can't forgive a crime like assassination.

Other people might have gotten hurt as well.

He stole the moonshine too, he must be punished.

The evidence against him is solid, there are already wanted posters being put up.

We'll arrest and sentence him accordingly.

I'll have mercy, but I won't forgive him.

By the way, how are the new recruits that barged into the assassin organization's headquarters doing? Did they get hurt?

Ah... They're all safe.

Our Holy Order of the Blue Cross did a really great job!

According to the investigation held by the Conclave, when their headquarters was attacked...

Freeze, you inhumane scum!

I have a warrant for your arrest! For committing... Huh?

Ugh... My stomach... It really hurts... My stomach...

W-What happened? Commander! There are assassins everywhere on the floor.

I see. This is... Hmm...

Judging by the smell of alcohol, I think I know what happened.

They thought the illegal alcohol they stole was real and drank it. Because of that, they're all having stomachaches.

To do something so stupid...

Ugh, my stomach... Ugh...

...What do we do? At this rate, they're all going to die!

We have no choice. We can't let these people die. Even though they're criminals, they're still citizens of Ezera.

They're also our witnesses.

Then...the Holy Order will cure them!

I'll leave it to you, Lady Montmorancy.

I can do it!

...So that's what happened.

Thanks to that, we have a lot of witnesses! Woohoo! This is all the Goddess's will.

Prince Aither. How do you plan to punish those foolish nobles?

I can't punish them for not trusting me. I may not like it, but it's something I have to prove for myself.

I can't force them to change their minds, but I can try to convince them.

But... I can't forgive them for attempted murder.

...

So here's what I've decided.

I will order the nobles to properly dispose of the illegal alcohol and volunteer with the Holy Order to heal the injured.

And with Savara's Merchant Guild Union, I'll improve the dangerous distribution routes.

I may not have the ability to do this myself, but...I can ask everyone for help.

What do you think? I want to hear your opinions first.

Incredible... The way he moves that quill pen... Prince Aither is truly amazing...

To see him all grown up like this... Oh, it brings a tear to my eye!

Hmm... While I do agree that Prince Aither is doing very well, crying about it is a bit...

It's been a few months since the assassination case was shut.

I think that Prince Aither forgot about running away because he's so focused on his work.

Though he insists it's temporary, a day in power leads to two, four, and eventually his position is permanent. *giggling*

*sobbing*... If he doesn't know something, he asks somebody who does! Look at him... Oh, such purity and innocence...

*sighing*...

I'm only doing this temporarily! But while I'm here, I'll keep asking all of you for help and figure all this out.

I'll find out what I don't know, figure out what I want to know... If we all put our heads together, we can work things out!

It'll all work out somehow... I'm braver than I look!

Amaaaaaazing! *chuckling*

We'll trick... No, smooth talk him like this until he agrees to take charge of all the kingdom and the Conclave's business as well!

All is as the Goddess will it!