What? Cox stared back.

You show up out of nowhere and talk shit like thatWhere are you getting off? Baron Ashval raged. What do you mean the rat is Count Cox!? Do you have any idea how much hes done for the family? Weve been patient with you so far because youre the Young Ladys guest, but youve crossed the line! He glared hatefully at Icarus. If he had his sword, he would be pointing it at Icarus. You dug your own grave. You thought I wouldnt see through your plan to sow chaos at the last minute?

Where are the knights? he demanded. Its not enough to let this brat intrude; youre going to make us listen to this drivel too?

A fistful of knights stormed into the room with weapons in hand.

Charles snapped out of her shocked stupor. Wait, hold! She struggled to keep up with the rapid turn of events.

Its not that I dont trust Icarushow could I doubt Joshuas people? Charles considered Icarus the most reliable friend she had, even if they werent able to meet frequently. Just how many people had Icaruss plans saved? But Charles turned her head to Cox, who looked just as confused as Charles was.

It was hard to believe, even if no one else knew him as Charles did. Cox had never left her side since she was a toddler; in some ways, she trusted him more than her own father.

Icarus, Charles looked at Cox and then Icarus. I really hope For a moment, they regarded each other, and then Cox gave her a reassuring smile. But when she saw Icaruss blue eyes, her blood ran cold.

I have three reasons.

The knights hesitated. The truth was, they were the people with the most doubts about this situation. They owed Cain too much for holding the Gorge on his own.

What the hell are you

Wait a minute, Baron Ashval.

Young Lady?

Lets hear Icarus out. You can make a choice afterward, no?

The vassals carefully avoided looking at Cox.

Dont move, Charles said to the confused knights, who backed away.

The latest_epi_sodes are on_the . website.

Icarus gave her a grateful look before speaking. I knew there was a traitor from the beginning. No matter how strong Marquis Crombell is, even with the Mercenary Kings favor, one of the pillars of the Empire is not defeated so easily.

Youre not saying anything we dont already kno

And. Icaruss eyes glowed with determination. One particular event put the Pontiers onto the defensive, ultimately pushing them back into this basin deep in Eiden Gorge.

What of it? Charles asked.

The attempt on Duke Pontiers life, the center of this mess. Isnt it strange how the Duke himself was poisoned in the middle of the war when security was at its maximum? Youre telling me that the patriarch of one of the five greatest families in the Empire was poisoned, despite multiple tasters? And no trace of poison was found afterward, mind you.

This time, not even Baron Ashval was willing to speak up. He was commander of the knights and, therefore, responsible for the Dukes security.

The poison used on the Duke was Blue Mountain Gary. It is scentless and tasteless, making it difficult for even a knight to detect it. Even a small amount of this white powder is lethal.

Everything brought to the Duke was taste-tested by three different servants, Count Verdot interjected. The traitor would have to bypass all three of them for the poison to reach the Duke. Its not impossible, but it certainly wouldnt be easy. The servants have been in the family for the longest time. You may be able to buy out one, but all three?

Then what

Its not impossible to bypass the taste-testing. The place we need to look isnt the way the food is made, but where its served.

Hah! Baron Ashval sneered. The Duke always had the knights and I by his side while he ate. No one could have fooled our eyes

So you guarded the Duke?

Ashval gave Icarus a poisonous glare, but the young strategist was undeterred.

And all the knights are under your command You see where Im going here?

Thats Charles tried to intervene.

Even within the family, only four people had permission to speak with him directly: Young Lady Charles, only daughter of the Pontiers, Count Verdot, directly in charge of the Pontiers affairs, Baron Ashval, commander of the knights, and, finally Icarus looked sadly at Cox. Count Cox, responsible for the Pontier familys finances. As a merchant family, the Duke placed a huge amount of faith in Count Cox, as much faith as his own daughter.

The latest_epi_sodes are on_the . website.

But, Cox No, Cox was always with me, unlike everyone else. Ever since I was a child, I was usually away from the house

That makes him even more suspicious, Young Lady. Icarus firmly replied. Because he was always accompanying the Young Lady, he had many chances to meet with foreign agents. It made it easy for him to keep out of sight.

Cox chose that moment to speak up. Didnt I tell you? You have to believe in yourself, Young Lady. But, Icarus, dont you think its a bit of a stretch to say that Im the only one implicated by your evidence?

Second reason. Icarus pushed past the knights and strode toward the table.

What?!

May I direct your attention to the map for a moment? Icarus pointed to a set of four bright yellow linesthe aforementioned secret supply routes. As you can see, we discussed four different supply routes at our conference. I added some tricks to them.

Dont tell me Most of the vassals looked confused, but Count Verdot and Baron Ashval seemed to have a realization.

Young Lady?

Charles jumped guiltily when Icarus called out to her. There was actually one additional route that we didnt speak of at the meeting. Count Verdot and Baron Ashval I only told Count Cox about the fifth route. I apologize. It wasnt because I didnt trust you

Not at all, Young Lady. Count Verdot shook his head knowingly. It only makes sense, given the situation.

None of the supply routes I talked about are the same.

What do you mean?

Simply put, they were bait. Even if the enemy didnt try to attack the fifth supply route, I thought they would at least try to verify their intelligence. I was right. Icarus stared at Cox as she spoke.

There is a direct path between here and the Aksel estate. When I told Count Cox, a strange man dressed like an herbalist showed up.

Maybe hes just an herbalist Cox began.

Icarus cut him off. Third and last. Count Cox was spotted leaving the area late at night.

The latest_epi_sodes are on_the . website.

Coxs face hardened. I couldnt sleep last night, so I went for a walk.

Did I say it was last night? Icarus smiled, but it did nothing to hide her anger. That last one was a lie.

Once again, I admire you for taking on such a challenge. Im kind of sad, actually. It wouldve been nice if you said something to me

Joshua laughed out loud. The match can be used for any kind of battle, even one not between superhumans.

The Lion King looked confused for a moment and then burst out laughing as well.

Must be niceI mean, being young. Here, take this. A gift from me to you.

Joshua plucked a hexagonal plate out of the air. It had a lion with a sword in its mouth on it.

As someone who doesnt listen, Ill give you one piece of advice.

Joshua gave him a puzzled look.

Ive only lost once and only tied once in my entire life. I fought for two days and two nightsnot against one of the Nine Stars or Twelve Superhumans, but against a normal Master. What you see isnt everything, so dont look forward too much. It helps to look back sometimes. The Lion King smiled bitterly. I say that because Im worried that youll break your neck by staring forward.

I appreciate any advice.

You have no sense of humor. Geiger waved his hand as he resumed walking. Thank you, but I have a lot to do. Lets go; Ill handle everything else.

Thank you.

Remember what you have to do. I dont know about the rest, but you must engrave your name on Nagas tombstone. Dont forget: the royal tomb is on the outskirts of Reinhardt.

Geiger then realized that the new king wasnt thereemotionallyanymore.

If youre too busy, youll regret it. He shook his head and started walking back to the castle. By the way That snake jerk has been with us for two days, but he still hasnt said goodbye. How sad

The latest_epi_sodes are on_the . website.

In the end, the Lion Kings seal of words, which was where he said his last words, was no longer anywhere in the castle.