Exercising power was not easy, especially in cases like the Kingdom where there was no guarantee that two large factions getting into a conflict would not lead to a civil war.
Renner could not cause the collapse of the Kingdom.
That was the reason why those topics came up in the discussion with Lakyus and her party. That was why Climb did not say anything. No, he could not say anything.
Interpreting something from Climb’s silence born from his troubles, Sebas muttered that he understood and told a shocking truth.
“…According to the girl, that place had many others besides her, regardless of gender.”
Impossible. Despite not being run by the slave trade organization, a brothel like that exists? Or… maybe that’s the brothel that they were talking about?
Climb spoke.
“If it was to only help them escape… I could ask my master. She possesses territory of her own so if they were to seek refuge there…”
“Is that possible? …And the girl could be sheltered as well?”
“…I apologize, Sebas-sama. I can’t tell you for certain without asking my master. But my master is benevolent, that person will approve without a doubt!”
“Hoh. If your master is that reliable… must be quite an amazing person indeed.”
At Sebas’ question, Climb nodded deeply. No one could be greater, he claimed.
“Though this regards a different matter, what happens if there is evidence that the brothel is involved in the slave trade and thus breaking the law? Will that be covered up as well?”
“Although that’s possible, if the evidence was given over to the appropriate hands… I want to believe that the Kingdom would not be so corrupt as to ignore it.”
“…I understand. Then allow me to ask you a different a question. Why do you wish to be strong?”
“Eh?”
At the sudden change in topic, Climb unwittingly made a strange noise.
“A moment ago, you asked me to teach you my technique. Though I determined that you are someone who can be trusted, I wish to know the reason behind why you seek strength.”
Climb narrowed his eyes and Sebas’ question.
Why did he want to be stronger?
Climb was an abandoned child who did not know the faces of his parents. Stories like his were not uncommon in the Kingdom. Dying in the mud wasn’t uncommon either.
Climb was also one of those whose fate was to die in the rain.
However— on that day, Climb met the sun. The existence that had been crawling in the dirt, in the darkness, was captivated by that light.
When he was young, he longed for her. And as he grew up, his feelings changed shape without hesitation.
—It was love.
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