When facing Ed and Fili alone in the side room, Moira still habitually sat up straight. Pen & Fun & Pavilion www.biquge.info

"I'm sorry. She smiled at Ed, "Maybe that's a bit too much...... But I want you to talk to Frederick. ”

Ed almost instinctively wanted to refuse, but couldn't.

His father's death became a knot in his heart that could not be untied...... Even after a few months outside, nothing seems to have changed. Moira smiled wryly, "This is not going to go on - he has to face this if he wants to be a real king." ”

For Ed...... Maybe it's the same.

He could only nod silently.

"And ......," Moira hesitated, "if he has anything...... Excessive words and deeds, don't let him be too tolerated. ”

"Uh......" Ed said dumbfounded.

“...... I'll protect him. "Besides, he's got a dagger in his boots." Even if he couldn't use magic, the little king wouldn't hurt him so easily. ”

"Today...... Didn't hide it today!" Ed stammered and blushed.

Moira chuckled and shook the brass bell on the table.

"Frederick will be over soon. She said.

“...... Now?" said Ed, "maybe...... Can I find another good time? I don't have anything to prepare......."

"If there's anything I've learned this year...... "Moira sighs softly, "it's that you usually can't wait for the 'right moment', and hesitation will only lead to more hesitation until things get out of hand...... Don't worry, Frederick was just as unprepared. ”

-- That's not much comfort.

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Moira didn't stay. Filly gave Ed a deep look, strode out the door, and thoughtfully reached out to close the door.

Of course, he will stand outside the door and "protect" Ed's safety...... It's not much of a consolation.

Ed withdrew his gaze a little desperately and bowed respectfully. Then, two people, who were also "unprepared", looked at each other in silence for a long time, and neither of them spoke.

There was no joy or anger on the little king's face, but his eyes were cold. Moira's worries are not without reason...... The gloom that doesn't belong to teenagers is frightening.

"I'm sorry...... Tried to kill your father. Ed lowered his head. He knew he had to be the one who broke the silence.

"Your mother's death has nothing to do with my father's death. The little king's tone was stiff.

“...... Yes. Ed replied softly, "Her Majesty told me." ”

It suddenly occurred to him that maybe things weren't that bad. Frederick was at least not out of hatred but out of hatred, and he cared about his father's reputation, the reputation of a king, hoping to prove that he had not done anything unforgivable...... That's perfectly normal.

"My mother has forgiven your sins, but she has not given my permission. His Majesty the King sneered, "And your uncle's sins don't seem to need anyone's 'forgiveness.'" ”

Ed stared silently at his toes—he seemed to be a little too optimistic.

"My mother wanted me to be 'a real king'. Frederick leaned forward and glared straight at Ed, "But if even father ...... I can't even get justice for the death of the previous king, how can I be a 'real king'!"

Ed looked at him, and for a moment he realized with a chill that the action and the look ...... It's so much like Ante.

"So......," he asked, suppressing his uneasiness, "as a king...... What kind of justice do you want to make?"

"Die. Frederick threw him the cold word, "You, and your uncle, all deserve to die." ”

"First of all," Ed calmly reminded him, "I didn't kill King Ante—and I didn't kill Scott. Of course, 'attempted' murder is also a capital offense...... If I can get a fair trial that allows me to defend myself, I am willing to accept the final verdict. But hopefully, you'll remember that when the city was nearly destroyed by the plague, it was Scott who saved it...... He also saved you. Without his warning, Fili wouldn't have been able to show up in time for your captivity. ”

"Of course I remember. Frederick said coldly, "I also remember who took me, and how 'timely' Fili's appearance was." ”

“...... Don't you even believe Fili?" Ed asked helplessly.

“...... No. The little king's eyes faltered, "But he's easily deceived." ”

-- It's easy to be deceived.

Ed wondered what the expression on Filly's face would have when he heard that.

"Besides, the plague ......," the little king quickly changed subject, "and who can prove that it was not spread by Scott?—at least, I have enough evidence that he chose to die when he could have stopped the plague earlier!"

Ed was speechless.

He'd heard such rumors...... That may not be exactly a "rumor".

It was impossible for Scott to spread the plague, but he chose the most favorable time for his "gods" to disperse it. How many innocent people have died because of this? No one needs to blame, that is already a burden on Scott's heart. That's why he was convinced that death was his inevitable end...... That was almost a salvation for him.

“...... You know something. Frederick's eyes lit up in the dancing candlelight, "Listen, Ed Singel, if you could expose Scott's crimes...... If you can tell me about his plot, I can pardon your sins like my mother did, and never pursue it again. ”

"Conspiracy ......," Ed almost laughed, "what do you think could be a conspiracy?"

“...... He wants this country!" The mocked little king finally burst into rage, "he wants mine...... He wants my crown! He wants to take her from me!"

"If he really wants to," Ed said, "he just needs to show up at Ston Butch half a month later...... All he has to do is let you and your family die of the plague, and then with the power of God and the blood of the royal family of the previous dynasty, he will save this country that has been punished for Ante's blasphemy - he must be king, no one will question it, no one will be able to shake his rule...... Why the hell is he asking for trouble?"

"That'......," the little king was annoyed, "he has a greater conspiracy!"

"Not all you can't accept is some 'conspiracy', Your Majesty. Ed couldn't help but sigh, "I admit that Scott made a mistake - and if you're willing to confront him in person, he will admit it too." But I can swear that he has done everything in his power to protect this city, this country...... Or even the whole world. And you, Your Majesty...... What did you do about it, or at least thought about doing something about it?"

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