9. Elijah on his birthday (6)

“I.”

Judas stumbled in.

My stomach still hurt from being kicked by the knight.

It felt like his intestines were twisting.

Still, she had to step in herself.

“Let me explain.”

Balak looked down at him, narrowing his eyes.

The guy that Elijah brought into the annex.

It was annoying. It’s cheeky again.

However, the spirit of Elijah standing in his way is formidable.

“Lia-sama?”

Judah suddenly called Lia.

“Please cover her ears.”

Recognizing the meaning, Lia immediately covered Elijah’s ears.

At this moment, she was on Judas’ side.

I couldn’t believe he had done anything wrong to Elijah.

If that were the case, there is no way that Elijah, who had opened his eyes, would have followed him obediently.

I don’t know exactly what happened inside.

But it must have been a bad and terrible thing for Elijah.

And then, Judas saved it.

She is lacking and weak, and the part she couldn’t fill.

She was good enough to take his side.

However, Ballack was different.

Looking down at Judas, she shakes her head.

“I never gave you permission to intervene.”

“Then, would you like me to personally testify about what almost happened to your precious daughter? You don’t even know what that is?”

“… ….”

Balak pondered with his eyes narrowed.

He’s sure he heard it right.

It was an unrealistic situation.

How dare a candidate for an escort knight who was born as a slave refute himself?

Even aristocrats of quite high rank tend to bow their heads in front of themselves.

Even making eye contact with him makes me feel guilty.

By the way, this cheeky creature in front didn’t show any signs of that.

Balak was genuinely curious.

“Aren’t you afraid of dying?”

It was an unexpected question, but Judas understood the meaning right away.

“I am afraid.”

There’s no way I wouldn’t do that.

The will to live is a basic instinct.

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Although he lives with his neck out, he is not without fear.

That’s why they’re trying to run away from Elijah.

But.

“However, in a situation where I shouldn’t have run away, I am more afraid of running away in fear.”

You’re crazy.

Balak defined Judah that way.

It’s rare, but there are.

A person whose beliefs are more important than his own life.

Knowledge of fear, feel it, and brave the fear.

This is a category that should not be touched carelessly.

That is, unless it’s a strong man like Balak.

‘I need to press down.’

Judah’s remarks were correct.

Having Elijah speak directly, thinking about it, he didn’t like it either.

So I will testify to Judas.

After giving a scolding.

The bloodline that gave Elijah the talent of fire.

He wasn’t good at educating others, but he was more confident than anyone else at using magic to kill others.

He made a stinging ember and set it on Judas so that he could not be seen.

But.

“So, will you listen to me or not?”

Judah was fine.

I dared to rush for an answer.

‘… Did you extinguish it?’

No matter how much he controlled his powers, he blocked his own magic neatly.

‘Maybe that power…. No, that can’t be….’

Unaware of his embarrassment, Judas hastened.

“Are you going to listen or not? You’re going to die of pain, so why don’t you decide quickly?”

“… Don’t be fooled by the remarks. However, the seat is not suitable.”

Only then did Judas check the surroundings.

All sorts of people gathered, including the servants and guests of the mansion.

My colleagues from Room 13 were also gathered in a corner.

Balak said, looking down at Judas who was shaking.

“Looks like you need treatment.”

It was as he said.

I didn’t want to express it, but my whole body was shaking.

The body kicked by the knight was not normal.

Balak turned and spoke to his guest.

“I apologize for causing disrespect last night when it should have been peaceful. We will thoroughly investigate what happened so that the damage does not spread. I hope you all die and enjoy the entertainment.”

It meant don’t be interested and go on your way.

“There.”

Balak pointed his finger at several knights.

They listened to the order tensely.

One of their comrades just died.

Even then, Balak didn’t mind.

There was a justification.

No matter how lowly he may be, no matter how unwelcome he may be, Judas is Elijah’s guest.

The knight kicked him recklessly without looking at the circumstances of the incident.

Although Balak knew that his intention was an excessive act to flatter the Bebel family, he did not bother to mention it.

He just gave instructions on what was necessary.

“Investigate that building.”

Elijah’s magic lab.

There was a fire, but the extinguishing work has already been completed.

“Yes!”

“And you follow me.”

Balak moved to the mansion first.

After that, Judas followed.

Judas nodded and smiled weakly at her colleagues in the distance.

As if not to worry.

And Elijah followed closely behind him.

Balak looked at the two close and wrinkled his face as if he was uncomfortable.

***

Elijah’s father, Balak.

I followed him to the reception room on the first floor of the mansion.

My body was dirty with the blood of Sardis, but Balak did not stop me.

It seems that they decided that listening to the story is the priority.

Just like the first time Elijah and I were alone, I sat down in a chair across from Balak.

Balak frowned as if seeing something bizarre at the bold action.

I did it because I didn’t know before Elijah, but not now.

He showed through his actions that he had no intention of giving the initiative.

Before we could talk, a priest came to visit us.

Balak called one of the guests.

To cure me.

This is the first time I’ve directly received the divine power that helps me recover from internal injuries.

The soft light from the priest’s hand stayed on the boat.

‘It seems like something, and it doesn’t seem like anything…. I can’t see the inside of the ship, so I don’t know. But the pain feels less.’

The treatment ended surprisingly quickly.

I don’t know, but it must have been a formidable injury, but it must have been a high-ranking priest.

Balak said arrogantly.

“Tell me.”

I told the truth what I saw and heard.

Meanwhile, Leah covered Elijah’s ears.

She sat next to me and looked at Balak hostilely.

The harmonious appearance of the father and daughter shown during the day was, of course, acting.

“Ask me one thing.”

By the time Elijah opened her ears, Balak said.

“Why were you there at that time?”

This is the part that worries me the most.

Attack on Elijah.

And I happened to be there and saved her.

Looks suspicious to anyone.

Elijah also looked at me curiously.

“… I woke up at dawn to go to the bathroom.”

It’s a pretty embarrassing and lame excuse.

But what if it’s true?

“I saw a man coming out of the bathroom and entering the magic lab. He was followed because he was suspicious, and he got involved in this case.”

“… ….”

I know this is hard to believe.

I am astonished too.

I woke up at that timing and found it.

I don’t know if this is good or not.

Still….

I glanced sideways at Elijah.

This kid didn’t go through that.

I can’t help but think that it’s fortunate.

“Does anyone have proof?”

“I have a colleague who shares a room with me. He also woke up for a while when I left.”

Dylan shared a room with me today and advised me that it was cold.

Ballack went straight to wait on Dylan.

Dylan arrived quickly.

“I have something to check.”

“Yes. Elder Bebel.”

“What is your name?”

Balak’s question was out of the blue.

Embarrassed, Dylan was calm.

“This is Dylan.”

“How did you get here?”

“It is thanks to the grace given by Lady Elijah. A dueling contest was held among her candidates, and the winner was invited.”

“I see. Did you like the food?”

“It was great beyond my means.”

Questions and answers that seemed meaningless came and went.

Then, out of the blue, Balak asked.

“Did you see Judas go out early in the morning yesterday?”

“Yes. Even though he was asleep, he clearly saw him going out to go to the bathroom. I said I was cold, and I remember Judas grabbing her blanket.”

Balak nodded slowly.

‘… Ah. Is it like that?’

I remember hearing it somewhere.

How to determine the truth of an answer when there is a possibility that the other person is lying.

First, ask the obvious fact.

Name, age. Things like this.

At this time, the other party responds without hesitation.

Then he suddenly throws the main topic.

At this time, check the reaction of the other person returning.

Comparing how it was when you answered the truth before.

It’s not always accurate, but it’s a pretty useful method.

‘It’s bloody….’

All of the light questions in the previous section were groundbreaking.

Keeping in mind the possibility that Dylan was lying, Ballack confirmed Dylan’s reaction in advance with the obvious facts.

“Let’s go.”

Dylan bowed politely and left.

Before he left, he looked at me with a worried look.

I signaled with a wink that I was fine.

I don’t know if I understand you well.

“It takes time to determine the truth of the case.”

For once, Balak seemed to believe my words.

“Therefore, I will temporarily suspend the execution and interrogation of your charges.”

“… Thank you.”

“It’s unusual.”

“Yes?”

“Do you understand the vocabulary I used?”

He is definitely Elijah’s real father.

The reaction is similar.

“It is a lack of knowledge, but I understand it partially.”

“Hmm.”

“The Archduke.”

Elijah said.

Names and voices with a sense of distance.

The relationship between the two is drawn.

“Yes, Elijah.”

“Mr. Sardis….”

Elijah’s clenched fist trembled slightly.

“Since long ago, I often sent that kind of look.”

“… Was it?”

Is it that even an illegitimate child is related to blood?

Balak let out a long breath as if he was deeply saddened.

“Why didn’t you tell me beforehand?”

“I said. To the Duchess. But he refused.”

“… I see.”

“And this morning. Among the applicants personally selected by the Duchess, the one who tried to assassinate me came out.”

I wanted to cover my ears.

I wonder if I can’t see the me next to me.

Why did you say this in front of me….

‘No matter how much I think about it, this is the kind of dangerous story I shouldn’t listen to… !’

Indeed, Balak glanced at me.

“What do you want from me?”

“I don’t want anything.”

Elijah smiled brightly.

The words he gave with a bright smile like a child sprouted sharp thorns.

“Because wishes do not come true, they are wishes.”

“… ….”

“I just said it because it’s a family matter that the Grand Duke should know about. You probably already knew about the assassination.”

“Yes. Understood.”

I didn’t understand.

Why do nobles speak difficultly?

“First of all, things related to the Duchess… We were investigating in order to treat it fairly according to the family’s internal laws. I’ll add this one to that as well. Anything more to say?”

Elijah ignored it with a sullen expression.

“Yes…. It’s late at night, Elijah. You better take a break. And since you haven’t cleared the charges yet, in the dungeon….”

“This is not allowed.”

Elijah interrupted.

Balak furrowed one eyebrow in disbelief.

I think I have a similar expression.

“He is my benefactor. He deserves to be treated as he deserves.”

“Elijah. Nothing has been revealed yet.”

“I am a witness. No further truth is needed.”

Elijah did not back down an inch.

It’s too hard and bloody to be a father-daughter conversation.

I am the only one who sits next to him.

“This is my mansion.”

“It’s an asset I gave you.”

“Isn’t it because the family’s water is muddy? I know there are many who want to dismantle my possibilities. But this kind of behavior is unacceptable.”

“Elijah, I….”

Balak, who was about to say something, shut her mouth.

He waved his hand in resignation.

“Do as you please. It’s late tonight, so let’s talk about it tomorrow. Instead, I will attach personnel to monitor him. That should be enough.”

Elijah reluctantly nodded her head.

That was the point of compromise between the two.

“… All right.”

*

With her eyes covered, she was ushered into a room.

You don’t know what I’m going to do, so I hid the location.

‘It’s rude.’

In contrast, the condition of the room was quite good.

It is more luxurious than the annex building I used to use.

A room with a living room, bedroom, and bathroom was like a house in itself.

‘I don’t know if the kids in room 13 are doing well.’

You must be worried by now.

There is no one to tell the story.

I didn’t even have a servant to cut off from the outside world.

Only two knights guarding the door from outside.

Even Anna can’t wait on me right now.

I headed to the bathroom first.

My whole body was stained with Sardis’ blood.

Take off your clothes and pour hot water on them.

Little by little, the bloodstains that clung to it were washed away.

I blankly looked down at my palms.

The water mixed with the blood fell in a slightly reddish color.

Killed a person.

The moment is clear as ice.

The feeling of the pen tip digging into your throat.

Splattering blood.

Things like that.

Before I started, I was afraid and trembled.

But not now.

I have no idea.

I just ran it, that’s it.

It’s unfamiliar.

Is that what murder is like?

Something like that, once you do it, nothing happens.

Like pulling out a tooth.

I once almost killed someone.

There was no intention.

During judo sparring, I almost dropped my opponent to the scruff of his neck when the angle was twisted while throwing him.

Cervical fracture is instant death.

I was so surprised at that time.

I felt uncomfortable.

But now I am not like that.

Is this the reaction of Judas, the owner of this body?

‘… What do I know?’

Is Judas me or am I Judas?

The problem of perception.

I’m not smart, so I don’t know about that.

It is not a problem that you can know just because you want to know.

It’s a waste of time to hold on to it.

So don’t tell me.

I have a question.

Did Elijah become a little less evil because of my influence?

That was also an unknown problem, so I didn’t worry about it.

It was also a cheeky question.

People do not change easily.

I have experienced several times in not very pleasant ways in my previous life that the word nature is not there for nothing.

That’s not the only reason.

A mad fire awakened by Elijah.

Stimulates the user’s violence.

From now on, Elijah will intermittently suffer from the temptation of violence.

There is no law against me being the victim.

But. Even so….

He saved Elijah.

That feeling wasn’t too bad.

‘But, I shouldn’t keep getting entangled….’

***

Articles. Armor. Pattern.

A blazing symbol.

Windows. Night. Moon. Light.

A sword that sparkles with silver.

Blood splattered red. Flurry.

“Mom? Dad… ?”

Muttered a boy.

A call out of reach.

It is a call that cannot be reached.

He who is hiding must not be discovered by them.

“Mom…. Dad….”

The boy swallowed his tears and anger alone.

The emotions accumulated inside grew like rotten pus.

He will not forget this day.

Even those who killed their parents.

Even the helpless one who can’t do anything.

I didn’t have anything to hold on to, so the hand holding the air grabbed my skin and tore it off.

Your arms were hot.

***

‘… What.’

My eyes opened.

Judging from how dark it is, it is dawn.

I fell asleep after washing and changing clothes, but it seems that I woke up shortly after falling asleep.

‘What kind of dream is this….’

I had a strange dream.

It was intense, but unfamiliar.

That’s not my memory.

It was too specific to be a futile dream.

A simple conclusion follows.

‘Judas… Is it the memory of?’

A strange and strange dream.

Emotions were strong, but I don’t remember the scene.

It seems that someone died.

Even that is blurry.

‘I don’t know…. Let’s go to sleep…. I don’t know if I’ll be able to continue my dream again.’

Correcting her posture, she naturally embraced what was being held in her arms.

It’s warm.

‘… Wait for a sec. What are you holding? What is this?’

I opened my eyes with a frightened feeling.

Ears respond before eyes.

The sound of breathing.

In this room, there is someone other than me.

Smoothly. I hear it in my arms

It also smells.

Sweet scent spreads softly. It is also soft.

I swallowed, pulled my chin back, and lowered my gaze.

After confirming its identity, I had to keep my mouth shut with all my might to contain the screams.

There, Elijah was sleeping in my arms.

‘Hey, sir… ! Why is he here-!’

It is a major accident on a different level than before.

This is a 100% execution angle.

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