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~Argus’ Perspective~

　It’s probably already midnight.

　Inside the mansion, I’m waiting for the moment to come.

　I’m waiting for my elite troops to return while watching the clock.

“Argus-sama, it’s time to take a rest…” (Bard)

“Bard don’t be such a downer when I’m this excited.” (Argus)

“I’m sorry” (Bard)

“I know you’ve been very supportive. But today is a new beginning for me. I will be able to influence not only this city but all of this continent, you know? A great healer who will go down in history as the greatest healer, if only we knew how to compound his special medicine. The Argus name will be remembered in this world. How can I rest on such an occasion?” (Argus)

“I understand. Then just take your medicine.” (Bard)

“Alright.” (Argus)

　I then throw the medicine into my mouth and swallow.

　Bard is relieved to see me take the medicine.

　However, I also knew that this drug was just letting me live on borrowed time.

　After a while, there is a sound coming from the back door of the mansion.

　I smiled from ear to ear when I heard the sound.

“They’re back…” (Argus)

“Please wait for a while as I will bring them here.” (Bard)

　Bard bowed to me before leaving.

　Bard then goes to the back of the mansion to see that they have captured Kaoru and Reese.

　Bard feels like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders as they succeeded in abducting them.

“Well done. Bring them to Argus-sama.” (Bard)

~3^rd Person Perspective~

　The men under the black robes enter the mansion through the back door after giving a bow.

　Bard undoubtedly takes them under Argus.

　That was typical because to enter this mansion, you cannot use the back door without chanting special magic words.

　Only the captain of the elite unit knows of it.

　Also, Bard doesn’t know the face of any of the elite troops.

　The faces of those who undertook numerous schemes and dirty work behind the scenes were unknown except for Argus.

　Soon, Bard entered the room where Argus is.

　But Argus paled as soon as he saw them.

　His smile disappears, as he grinds his molars, and an expression of rage is pasted.

“Bard! They’re not my troops, kill them!!!!” (Argus)

“!!?” (Bard)

　He couldn’t understand what Argus was saying, and his body’s reaction was delayed.

　Ralph, Dahlia, and Schmidt all subdued Bard and pressed him to the floor at a speed that took advantage of his momentary shock.

“Thank you for your hard work. Mr. Butler.” (Ralph)

“Damn… how did you get here!” (Bard)

　Bard uttered as he is struggling.

　 They are an elite unit supported by Argus. They are not the ones who will easily lose.

　However, those who are in front of them are wearing black robes, which were given only to the elite troops. Because of that, Bard was late in noticing the surprise attack.

“The five of them were all captured and sent to the Hall of Sinners.” (Ralph)

“!!?” (Bard)

“And I’ve had them spit out all the information about you. And I have something to tell you. Your status as a Count will be gone.” (Ralph)

“…” (Bard)

　Ralph told Bard that and he couldn’t stop his mouth from hanging open.

　Ralph sure in his mind that Bard is wishing that what is happening in front of him was a dream.

“It’s over … I’m sorry… Argus-sama.” (Bard)

“I don’t know those people! They are not enough as proof…” (Argus)

“They used to work for your master, right? Like a lizard’s tail getting cut……. They thought they were going to get cut off too, so they easily opened their mouths and coughed up information.” (Ralph)

“I have nothing to do with it, and there’s no evidence that they are my subordinates!” (Argus)

　Argus was completely anxious.

　Aware that, despite sending his elite troops, they have failed, and those in front of them know everything.

　Argus thinks.

　The best action he could take is to get out of this place right now.

　Before this moment, such incidents have never happened, but if such incidents were to happen his elite troops would be able to resolve them all. But he doesn’t have his elite unit. It is impossible to manage this number by himself. He is trapped in all directions. As time goes by, he’s just digging himself deeper.

“I am someone who stands at the top. Why do I have to take responsibility for my subordinates’ actions ? My position is not of someone who can be held responsible for—” (Argus)

“Just shut up.”

　The tone of Kaoru’s voice was quite chilly, as he cuts off Argus’ lengthy sophistry.

　It feels like he’s about to choke on his breath as he closes and opens his mouth.

　But, Kaoru just inhaled deeply and talked.

~Kaoru’s Perspective~

“Your first mistake was trying to steal the medicine. Even if you easily rob someone else’s achievements, you can’t learn anything more yourself. In short, you’re just a decorative papier mache. You’re just filled with air and pride. You’ll just collapse with a little force.” [T/N: Haribote (はりぼて) it is pretty much Japanese papier mache. Google-sensei has very few images of haribote I don’t know why though.]

“Me empty? Huh! I’m a count!” (Argus)

“That’s just a decorative title. And what if you’re a count? Would anyone just follow you? That’s from my point of view since I’m just a healer.”

“Just … a healer …” (Argus)

“You don’t have the knowledge to use outstanding healing magic or make medicine. And there is not much difference between a healer who works hard every day and the people you employ. If a healer is employed by you their growth will also become poor.”

“Kuu …” (Argus)

“I’m not telling you to make an effort, but I don’t want to follow a guy with nothing. You don’t even have charisma. All you have is money.”

“…” (Argus)

　Argus is unable to argue with my words.

　Bard didn’t move while he stares at the floor in silence.

“Ah, I said what I wanted to say, it was quite refreshing. I still want to say…”

“Kaoru you’re really merciless.” (Reese)

“If you have something to say, Reese, just say it.”

　I said with a smile.

　Reese comes to my side and sighs in dismay.

“Argus … I won’t forgive you. Please be prepared because you will pay for all your crimes.” (Reese)

“… Hahaha. Atone for my sins? I’m not long for this world. How do you expect me to pay for my sins? I wouldn’t mind thinking about it if I would be cured of this disease! I know it’s not possible anyway.” (Argus)

“You’re still quite pompous huh. Well, then I’ll fix you up, so don’t worry about anything and be prepared for your atonement.”

“” Huh? “” (Argus & Bard)

　Argus and Bard let out a bewildered voice.

　Everyone behind me sighs.

　They just look exhausted all of a sudden.

“It’s a good thing you know, we didn’t really need to come here because we already have the information to put you down. It’s pretty much over.”

“Then, everything until now…” (Argus)

“I’m wondering what kind of excuse you’re going to make. You gave quite the terrible answer. To be honest, I’m afraid you’ll just do the same thing again even if I cure you.”

“Hmm … can the illness really be cured?” (Argus)

“Oh, it’s not a problem. Instead of just getting healed, guys will pay for everything you’ve done. You should thank Reese. She said she wanted you to live and pay for your crimes.”

“… Little girl!?” (Argus)

“If you die like this, it will just leave a bad aftertaste.” (Reese)

“That’s right. The price of a cure is relinquishing your title and paying for all the sins you’ve committed.”

“Argus-sama! Don’t trust him! If you agree to what they say, you’ll lose everything.” (Bard)

“It doesn’t matter if you trust me or not. It’s a matter of whether you want to be healed or not. And besides, when everything is gone, you can just try again from the bottom. If you don’t think that’s even possible, you’re just a hopeless guy”

“…” (Bard)

“If I listen… to you young…” (Argus)

　I could see Argus’s hesitating.

　And about Bard, I felt that he doesn’t think I’m reliable.

“I… I will atone for my sins … and more…” (Argus)

　Ralph, Dalia, and Schmidt screamed the moment Argus tried to say so.

“You shouldn’t be healed by anyone but us.” (Voice)

　I heard such a voice out of nowhere.