Chapter 59
“Truth and Reconciliation”
(Kingdom of Conspiracies and Schemes, Part 10)
The day after the battle.
The royal capital’s assembly hall was filled with a tension thicker than usual.
From the chandelier hanging high above, dim light spilled into the chamber, and the gathered nobles and officials all fixed their eyes on a single point.
Seated at the center was the captured mastermind of the conspiracy—Duke Glanz.
The face that once radiated authority was now worn and pale, but the sharp glint in his eyes had not faded.
“Duke Glanz,”
Leon’s voice rang out from the podium.
“Why did you try to eliminate Kai Cross?”
At the calm question, the old man gave a scornful smile.
“Why, you ask? You wouldn’t understand.
For a thousand years, this kingdom has been upheld by the balance between the royal house and the ducal houses.
If some foreigner were to intrude upon that scale, the balance would tip—and the nation would crumble.”
The chamber rippled with murmurs.
Some nobles nodded in agreement; others grimaced.
“Balance, huh…”
Leon’s gaze didn’t waver as he stared straight at the old duke.
“But that so-called balance is nothing more than a chain born of fear.
You couldn’t trust each other, so you shackled yourselves with the word ‘balance.’”
He stepped forward boldly, his voice firm.
“I will not bind this country with balance—but with trust!
Kai Cross has already proven it! That people can be united not by birth or rank, but by wisdom and heart!”
The atmosphere in the hall trembled.
The younger members nodded passionately, while even the older nobles fell silent, lost in thought.
Kai, standing nearby, scratched his cheek with an awkward smile.
“…I ain’t much for fancy words.
But y’see, I’m a teacher. My job’s writin’ equations on a blackboard and facin’ my students.”
He opened his palm and looked toward the gallery.
His students from the Cross Class were watching him intently.
The children who had once given up on magic now stood proudly, eyes shining with self-belief.
“There’s things I wanna protect.
Not some grand country or mighty system—
but the smile of a kid who was cryin’ yesterday, or the students standin’ right in front o’ me.”
The words were simple.
But in their simplicity lay undeniable truth.
After a long silence, Duke Glanz began to shake with laughter.
“Ha… ha ha ha… How foolish—and how enviable.
I no longer had the courage to believe in such honesty.”
He exhaled deeply, his head bowing as if the strength had left him.
The masked men who had followed him stirred uneasily.
In their eyes—once full of obedience—now lingered traces of doubt and regret.
“The verdict is clear.”
The headmaster rose to his feet and spoke solemnly.
“Duke Glanz and his faction of conspirators shall be punished for their treason against the crown.
However, we must never forget what their fear gave birth to.”
Applause filled the chamber.
It was not a thunderous cheer, but a steady, genuine sign of agreement.
◆◇◆
When they stepped out of the assembly hall, a clear, cloudless sky stretched overhead.
Rutia cheerfully clung to Kai’s arm, her voice sparkling.
“As expected, my darling husband is truly wonderful!”
“Quit callin’ me that! You’re ruinin’ the good mood I just set up!”
“Oh no—you’ll always be my husband, no matter the time or place. That’s the truth.”
Laughter bubbled between them.
Leon and Philia soon approached as well.
Leon’s eyes were earnest as he met Kai’s gaze.
“Professor Kai… I ask that you continue to help support the future of this kingdom.”
Philia smiled shyly.
“Teacher, I’ll keep working to become stronger. So… please keep teaching me.”
Kai scratched his head and handed them each a candy.
“Well then, let’s start by handin’ out candy. That’s my way o’ doin’ things.”
Their laughter echoed together, melting gently into the bright blue sky.
