“Apologies for the delay. Heronia Inderon is here!”
—After wrapping up the finer details of the discussion, it was decided to inform the person herself of the decisions that had been made.
Her hands bound and surrounded by knights, she appeared strangely exhilarated. Baron Inderon’s gaunt face, Marquis Noches’s smile filled with anger, and the icy stares from those around her seemed entirely lost on her. Perhaps her time with the light spirit had tainted her mind? The magic she wielded on the male students might be influencing her… but her focus appears sharp, and she doesn’t quite look like an addict, does she?
“Prince Cecil, I have always trusted you. I knew you wouldn’t succumb to Bertia Ibil Noches’s evil influence and that you would see my righteousness.”
Hmm. I’m not entirely certain what she means by that, but I doubt Bertia could wield anything as significant as “wicked influence”—she simply lacks it. Even if she did, someone like Silica would likely say, “Please get rid of such unclean items! It will tarnish Lady Bertia!” and promptly take it away to dispose of it.
With a tone laced with disbelief, I asked her, “Hey, do you grasp your situation? Generally, you shouldn’t start speaking before His Majesty has addressed you. You should have learned this at the academy, right?”
“Yes, of course, I understand. I have always worked hard on my studies at the academy. I’ve thoroughly acquired that level of education, so please rest assured, I can stand by Prince Cecil’s side anytime!”
… Right, she doesn’t seem to understand at all. It seems she didn’t pay much attention to her studies at the academy.
Additionally, the spot next to me is already reserved, so there’s no need for you to stand next to me.
Could you please stop thinking you can stand there?
I managed to suppress a rising wave of irritation swelling within me.
It appears Marquis Noches felt the same way; his previously cool smile fell a good ten degrees.
Amidst this, Baron Inderon’s complexion grew even paler. It appeared that he too, was harboring a quiet anger toward his daughter… or rather, his former daughter.
“Miss Heronia, do you understand why you’ve been summoned here?” Father—the King himself—asked Heronia, perhaps sensing the dangerous aura radiating from both Marquis Noches and me.
As if she had been waiting for this moment, she suddenly looked up, beaming a wide smile, and then put on a deliberately puzzled expression.
“Yes, of course. It’s about the ‘holy light’ that surrounded Prince Cecil at that time, isn’t it?” Baroness Heronia asked, her eyes filled with tears as she looked up at my father.
Certainly, such overt acting wouldn’t fool my father, who often interacted with individuals of unusual habits. He was obviously recoiling.
“It was my first time seeing a light like that… But surely, the one who emitted that sacred light was…”
“That matter has already been investigated, and the reason you’re here is different. It relates to the crimes you’ve committed and the punishment that will be administered,” I sharply interrupted Heronia.
She began to speak as if the actions of the light spirit were extraordinary, almost as if they embodied “justice.”
By using terms like “holy” and “sacred,” she appeared to be under the misunderstanding that what occurred was a miracle or something she created, even perceiving it as her accomplishment.
Listening to such claims would be a waste of time and generally unpleasant.
What transpired was a rampage by a light spirit. However, in the company of lower nobility such as Baron Inderon, it was impossible to discuss this since they are unaware of the existence of spirits and magic.
Given that a detailed explanation was off the table, if we were to continue this conversation, it would have to be approached as an “attack aimed at the Crown Prince.” She would be treated as a felon who made an attempt on the life of a royal.
That would certainly leave a bad taste, and Bertia would definitely be concerned.
Above all, the efforts of those who tried to conceal the spirit’s rampage would be futile if her narrative prevailed.
Interrupted, the former Baroness Heronia appeared confused, tilting her head as if she didn’t comprehend what was happening.
“Wait? My crimes? Punishment?”
Observing his daughter’s bewildered state, Baron Inderon finally held his head in despair.
Others around showed expressions of disdain and confusion.
“Yes, but why, Prince Cecil? I believed I was a saint acknowledged by a holy being…”
“You have demeaned Bertia, a noble of higher status, and me, the Crown Prince, in public. Furthermore, you attempted to pin false crimes on us. These actions constitute crimes of lese-majesty and various other offenses, for which you would typically face legal repercussions. However, considering that you are still a student and the incidents occurred within the academy, it has been decided to address this through a private discussion among the involved parties rather than through legal means.”
Upon hearing my explanation, the former Baroness Heronia’s eyes grew wide with disbelief.
“Lese-magesty? Other crimes? What are you talking about…” she stammered, clearly struggling to understand the reality of her situation.
“As a result, Baron Inderon has decided to cut ties with you and send you to a convent, a choice we have all agreed upon,” I continued firmly. “Therefore, you will spend the remainder of your life as a commoner, known simply as Heronia, with no connections to the Inderon family, residing in a convent. Naturally, escape is not allowed. That is all.”
Heronia attempted to interrupt several times during my speech, but I firmly ignored her interruptions. As I spoke, her face twisted with confusion and anger.
“Father! What is this all about?” Heronia exclaimed, turning to her father in desperation. “I’ve always told you I was special; why is this happening…”
Baron Inderon began to respond, his anger evident, but he hesitated as he met the king’s gaze, seeking permission to speak.
Father nodded slowly, giving him permission. “Baron Inderon, you may speak.”
“Heronia, are you still saying things like that right now?” Baron Inderon admonished, his voice heavy with fatigue and disappointment. “It’s time you faced reality.”
“You’ve caused quite a significant incident,” he continued, his tone heavy with regret. “Under normal circumstances, you could have faced much harsher punishment under the law. But since this occurred within the academy, you’re getting off relatively lightly. Be thankful… I’ve always feared this day might come and regret not being able to correct you sooner. I, too, will carry this guilt, so you must spend your life in the convent reflecting on your actions and praying daily for the well-being of others. This is my final word to you, my daughter.”