Chapter 2, Episode 28: Condemnation (2)

"Riese!!”

　When Claire happily called out the name of the girl called Riese, Riese smiled at Claire and then glared at Loteccia.

"Claire didn't steal anything! I guarantee it!”

　She walked briskly, without flinching from the royalty.

"H-How rude!! You little brat!!!!”

　One of the soldiers flinched as he tried to lay a hand on Riese's shoulder.
　He was unable to move because of the murderous intent that seemed to be coming from somewhere.
　Of course, Cyril was using his psychic powers to interfere, but the soldier had no way of knowing this and was confused by the fact that he had stopped moving for no reason.

"What are you waiting for, there's only one girl!?
　Arrest her quickly!!!”

　Viola said, pointing at Riese, who had stood in front of Claire to protect her.

"Arrest her? Well, what are the charges?
　I would like to ask you what crime my niece has committed?”

　Everyone doubted their ears at the voice that stopped them.
　The person who appeared from behind Loteccia and Viola, accompanied by a large number of priests, was none other than High Priest Lars himself.


　■□■


　A commotion arose in the square.
　There should not be any problems between the high priest and the royal family.
　And yet, they stood in conflict with each other.


　Why?? Why is High Priest Lars here!?
　Why would he get involved in a petty fight between two girls!?


　I didn't hear about this. Viola gnashed her teeth.

　I was just asked by Loteccia to humiliate Claire, and I did as I was told, so why has this become such a big deal?
　She sent a dress that hid the royal necklace from her parents' house to Claire, and then planned to expose the fact that she had stolen the necklace on the day of the ball. Claire was going to be punished for stealing the royal family's personal belongings.

　Why is the high priest here!?
　This wasn't supposed to happen!!

　She had always hated her sister, who had been favored by Alberto, even though she herself was more beautiful. With the intention of one day getting rid of her, she became close to Loteccia, who had feelings for Alberto.
　She was supposed to incite Loteccia into ruining Claire.


　Why is such a big name as High Priest Lars appearing!?
　There was no one named Lars on the list of attendees!!　


　Viola gritted her teeth.
　Of course, Lars had kept his attendance secret from everyone except the bare minimum of people, in case it was leaked to Darsha worshipers, but Viola had no way of knowing that.
　Viola could only watch as things unfolded, with cold sweat forming on her forehead.


　■□■

"T-The High Priest!!”
　
　The knights Loteccia brought over bowed their heads.

"Lars-sama!!”

　When Claire said this happily, Lars nodded, and the escorting priests had Claire and Riese stand behind Lars.

　In other words, Claire was under the protection of Lars.
　The high priest was of a higher status than the royal family.

　Loteccia's face turned pale.
　At present, no one in this country could oppose the high priest.
　Lars' position as the man who saved the country from the false saint was now secure.
　He banished the false saint and led the true saint, receiving the blessings of Eldia and Kardiana.
　He achieved what no one had ever done before, such as receiving the blessings of two Holy Trees.
　Loteccia flinched when the high priest appeared unexpectedly.

"This girl has been with us since this morning.
　The only time I took my eyes off her was when she joined in the Ball dance.
　It would be almost impossible for her to have stolen your pendant.
　Even if it was dropped, it is hard to imagine that no one would report picking up a pendant with the royal family crest on it.
　Maybe you've just misplaced the pendant?”

　Lars announced. Normally, it would be a battle with no chance of victory against the high priest, but Loteccia saw a ray of hope in Lars' words. There was still a chance.
　A chance to turn the tables and take the upper hand by framing Claire.

"However, Lars-sama.
　I lost my pendant just before the dance at the ball began.
　I didn't misplace it.
　Maybe she picked up the pendant I dropped just before the ball and is hiding it."

　Lars' eyes narrowed as he listened to Loteccia's words.

"Are you sure about that?”

"There is no mistake. I kept the pendant until just before the dance.
　Isn't that right? Alberto?”

　Alberto was taken aback when Loteccia spoke to him.
　When he thought of Claire, who was looking at him from behind the priests with a worried expression, he wanted to say that it hadn't happened, but as a knight, he couldn't tell a lie.
　Knowing this, Loteccia turned to Alberto.
　When Alberto was escorting her, Loteccia was certainly wearing a royal pendant around her neck.
　When Alberto nodded in silence, Loteccia smiled and continued.

"High Priest Lars-sama, I would like to make this clear now.
　I thought it would be better for Claire-sama if I cleared her name rather than ending up with an unjust suspicion hanging over her."

"Really? Clearing her name?”

"The magical tools here are owned by the royal family.
　This one reacts to jewels owned by royalty and makes them sparkle.
　If she has my necklace, it will probably shine.
　If Claire-sama doesn't have it, it won't shine."

"I see. Interesting."

　Lars' eyes narrowed as he said this.
　Loteccia smiled at the sight. I won this round, she thought.

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