The contents of his speech sounded like a cross-examination, but the pope's voice is just as kind as usual.
As if to say that everything will be fine if I reply honestly.
"I said it earlier, but it was only to ensure my own safety and protect the people important to me. Naturally, I got Miko-sama's permission as well."
"Is that true?"
"Yes. When I looked into his eyes, I could see that Rudeus-sama has done nothing to feel guilty over."
The miko said that and scanned the surroundings, and the pope and cardinal casually averted their eyes.
It must be difficult for people who have done nothing but things to feel guilty for.
"However, if that's the case, why annihilate the guards? Couldn't you have persuaded them with words?"
"I was suddenly trapped in a barrier, given a farce of a trial that I had no right to speak in, and was told both arms would be cut off. There was no reason not to resist."
However, looking back, there certainly wasn't any need to completely annihilate them.
It would have been smarter to leave only Therese standing and smoothly persuade her.
The miko was just about to come out, after all.
When she saw that I didn't act even with the miko in front of me, surely even Therese would...
Nope, impossible.
I had no way of knowing that the miko was about to come out, and if I remember the atmosphere back then, I don't get the feeling that it would have been possible to persuade them by talking it over.
It was a trial with a predetermined result.
In my previous world as well, I've been bullied that way before.
"I see... Then..."
The Pope slowly spoke, cutting to the heart of the matter.
"In the first place, what kind of issue was it that you had with the Latreia house?"
Claire's body shook with a start.
Seeing that, the gloomy feelings within me resurfaced.
Claire's egotistical speech and conduct from that time were revived in my mind.
I can endure anything being done to me.
However, those words about Aisha.
Those words about Zenith.
That cruelty towards Gisu.
"That countess, abducted my mother, who is standing over there, and confined her in a place beyond my sight."
As I spoke, my irritation gradually rose.
"She tried to force my mother who couldn't even speak to marry some unknown man against her will, and make her bear his children."
My voice is getting rougher.
"When I opposed that, she used cowardly methods to kidnap her, and pretended to know nothing when I questioned her!"
Those around us shuddered in fear.
Therese and the other Temple Knights wore grim faces and had their hands on their swords.
The miko was grimacing slightly.
It seems I was grasping her too tightly.
"... Well, that's how it was."
My words suspiciously cut off, and my story was left unfinished.
However, my fury seems to have been passed on to the listeners.
Their gazes closed in on the Latreia house from all directions.
They glared at Carlyle and Claire, and sent pitying eyes towards Zenith, who was blankly staring at the ceiling.
"Then, Sir Carlyle, Madam Claire. From those words, the fault for this case seems to lie with you. Let us hear your views."
Carlyle and Claire exchanged glances for a moment.
I wonder what they're planning.
At the very least, there's no sign of the cardinal intending to help them.
"My wife did that of her own accord, I had no knowledge of it."