120.2. Hate The Sin, But Not The Sinner, Isn’t It?

I almost reflexively argue.

Kyle is kind, but when the time comes, he will definitely fulfill his responsibilities as a lord.

But I gasp at the Margrave’s next words.

“Kyle would probably make the right decision and fulfill his duties. But with Kyle being so close to the residents, in that moment, they would turn against him, and he would be resented for the very love he had earned.”

If an incident or disaster occurs, and he decides to sacrifice some residents, will the remaining residents say, “It couldn’t be helped if it was the best option”?

No, even if he explained the circumstances, they wouldn’t accept it.

“Nobles… especially lords, need to make their residents understand that they are somewhat unreasonable and fearsome. That’s why I rated not only Flaten but also Zaid highly…”

I see, if people already think nobles are unreasonable, then even if they are treated unfairly, it wouldn’t feel much different from usual.

Of course, this applies even when they only think it’s unreasonable.

Kyle is too close to the residents.

For the first time, I think I understand why the Margrave doesn’t see Kyle as his successor.

“My thoughts… are a bit different, but I understand. I’ll respect your judgment. I agree with Flaten being the next lord.”

Van turns his gaze to Flaten. And says just one word.

“Do your best.”

“Yes, sir!”

Flaten gracefully stands up and returns the bow.

“But it’s a problem that you don’t have any other children with inheritance rights besides Flaten. Marry one of my daughters and have a child soon. This is a royal command.”

“…Yes, sir.”

Getting a young wife sounds great!

But if she’s not an adult yet, she’s probably about Kyle’s age?

Ah, yeah. No wonder he hesitates.

Hang in there, Dad!

“About Zaid…”

The moment Van mentions his name, a tense atmosphere fills the room.

“No punishment… is not an option. I’ll confiscate all the lands he’s governing as a deputy.”

“What!?”

I thought it was a light punishment, but Kyle reacted too strongly.

I heard later that having lands taken away as a deputy is a major stain in noble society and a very harsh sentence.

Not knowing that, I only thought the punishment was lenient.

At least let me punch him hard!

…Well, I know Kyle wouldn’t want that.

Van gives me a sly smile and then returns his gaze to Kyle.

“Kyle, you can punch Zaid as hard as you like.”

“What!?”

Oh!

What a brilliant suggestion! Go for it, Van!

But even with permission, Kyle wouldn’t do it.

As Kyle shakes his head, Zaid, who had been silent in the corner of the room, raises his head.

“Your Majesty, may I speak?”

“Hmm? I permit it.”

“I have treated Kyle poorly until now. I can’t tell what was real and what was due to the curse. I don’t think this will clear Kyle’s feelings, but please, let that alchemist over there do it.”

…What?

You mean you want me to punch him?

Are you sure? I’ll hit him really hard.

“Hmm… Craft, do you want to hit him instead?”

Van, looking amused, props his elbow on the armrest.

After thinking for a moment, I answer.

“If I hit him without holding back, will I be punished?”

“Broth… Craft!?”

Kyle looks at me with wide eyes, but honestly, I think it’s a good idea.

Whether Zaid was cursed or not, he undoubtedly bullied Kyle.

It would leave a bitter feeling if we just forgave Zaid as he was.

But it’s also true that the curse was to blame.

If I punch Zaid really hard now, I think even the smallest grudge will disappear.

“Of course, you won’t be punished.”

“Then I’ll do it.”

Van orders the knights to bring Zaid right in front of me.

“Zaid, I understand that you were cursed. I sympathize with that. But because of it, Kyle has had to endure so much extra hardship. I’m going to punch you with all that resentment.”

“Yes, please do.”

Zaid, with his hands cuffed, closes his eyes and bites down slightly harder.

“Alright then… Here goes!”

Using all the combat skills I honed during my adventurer days, I put every bit of power into this punch and hit him as hard as I could.

“Gahhhhh!”

Zaid flies back more dramatically than I expected and crashes into the wall.

“Bwahaha! You really didn’t hold back!”

“I was genuinely angry, after all.”

But strangely enough, after hitting him this hard, I felt quite refreshed.

I secretly whisper to Kyle.

“How about it? Feeling a bit better?”

Kyle’s eyes widen, then he smiles a little awkwardly.

“To be honest… I do feel a bit better.”

The two of us share a small laugh.

Van nods in satisfaction and waves his hand.

“Alright! This pre-meeting is now adjourned! All remaining decisions will be announced at the ceremony!”

He declared this and quickly left the room, but… huh?

Wasn’t this meeting supposed to be for deciding those things in advance?

Confirming my suspicion, the Margrave of Veil Road hurriedly chases after Van.

“Wait! We haven’t decided Kyle’s fate, or what to do about the marshlands…”

As they moved farther away, that was all I could hear.

This is bad.

He’s going to throw us some crazy demands during the main event.

Kyle and I could only hold our heads in our hands on the spot.