Even if Felmenia had been the one to initiate things, he couldn’t help but ask that question.
In answer to his question, Suimei took on a strangely serious look.
“I won’t deny that I somewhat lost my cool. Nevertheless, I am one who treads the path of magic and we magicians adhere to a magician’s etiquette. When faced with a wild dog – sorry, a prideful young girl – raising her nose at me, to fail to punish such ferocious conduct would be unthinkable. That said, with regards to what happened afterward, well… I have to admit I might have been venting my anger at having been forcefully brought to this world.”
Suimei revealed a wry smile befitting one his age, and sighed.
“…Seriously, what a naughty brat.”
“Magicians are just such people. People who consider only what they stand to gain, without the least interest in anything else, who never spare a moment’s consideration for how their actions might affect those around them. That notwithstanding, considering how unrestrained Your Majesty has allowed Felmenia to be, I don’t think you have any right to complain.”
“That’s true.”
Certainly, even though he was well aware of Felmenia’s intentions, he had washed his hands of the matter. He definitely did not have the moral authority to condemn Suimei’s actions. Unrestrained magic use could be used for an uncountable number of evils. Although Suimei clearly possessed the power to realize his desires, he had chosen to avoid causing problems, instead holing up in his room. Even when he had left his room to investigate the palace, venturing through the storehouses, offices, and treasury – places that housed priceless objects – he had not done a thing.
In contrast, Felmenia’s violent actions could only be seen as deserving of the response that had come. He had no way of knowing what ideologies presided in the other world, but given the danger posed by the golem trap, even if Suimei had taken her life, they didn’t have the right to complain.
While he was thus reflecting, Suimei suddenly turned to face a nearby pillar.
“There’s no way—” the King thought to himself as Suimei suddenly broke the silence.
“…So that’s how it is. I was pretty much just venting my anger on whatever was right before me; that’s why you can rest assured, I won’t do anything like that to you again.”
Those words didn’t seem to have been intended for him— no, they had clearly been intended for someone else. Suimei had meant those words for Felmenia. A figure stepped out from behind the pillar.