Claire said that and once again let out tears.
Trying to do something inhuman to her own daughter, she probably couldn't bear to show her face in public.
There are still ill feelings left, probably.
Depression probably grasps her heart.
I feel refreshed.
I can finally understand her actions until now.
For her daughter, for the house.
There were no falsehoods in Claire's words.
Furthermore, this situation.
The situation where this case was attempted to be put to use in the power struggle.
She at least tried not to reveal what she was trying to do.
She wanted to bear the weight of this sin by herself.
That way she could at least protect the Latreia house.
To protect Therese and the uncle and aunt I still have not met.
Of course, the way she went about things was mistaken.
She can't deny that.
There should have been a better way to do it.
There should have been many other ways to approach the problem.
However, that was for mine and Zenith's sake.
For her daughter, for the house.
That's why me and Carlyle were struck by Zenith.
"Haaa..."
I let out a sigh.
Then, I turned to Cliff.
The Cliff who suddenly covered for Claire.
"When did Cliff-senpai hear about it? This story."
"This morning. I coincidentally ran into them at the headquarters."
"... Why didn't you stop them at the time? You also know about Elinalise-san's case, right?"
"As far as the specifics, I was only told that the method is something unforgivable as a person."
I guess that's the case.
She never told anyone before, even to Cliff she would be hesitant.
"I was planning to tell you sometime today, but... Sorry."
It was certainly impossible in this situation.
This is Cliff, after all.
I'm sure at that time he censured Claire and Carlyle.
"What you're doing is wrong.
Quickly return Zenith and apologize to Rudeus" and such.
Then, losing to that attitude, Carlyle explained the circumstances.
Hearing something unforgivable, he would have wavered in his own way.
Probably would have fallen silent, too.
That's why, when I didn't even ask for an explanation, he admonished me.[10]
All he needed to do was to stop me here.
Just tell me that Claire was properly thinking about Zenith.
He thought he could once again see signs of a peaceful solution.
I can't say that his methods were good...
But he was sympathizing with Claire's and Carlyle's feelings.
You could certainly say it's like Cliff.
At any rate, I understand now.
I feel refreshed.
"Now then, I ask you once again."
As soon as I've settled my feelings, Cliff addressed the entire assemblage.
"This case is the result of a woman trying to save her daughter. Using this to gang up on and torment her, can you really say that is in accordance with Saint Milis's teachings?"
The pope was smiling.
The cardinal was sullen.
The Order of the Church and the Order of the Temple were making slightly relieved faces.
They all looked at Cliff.
"This case was merely an accident. Furthermore, it was an accident where fortunately not a single person passed away. Caused by a lone mother, a kind accident. It certainly took time and caused a disturbance. It temporarily brought about a foul mood, and there were those that were injured. However, what say you. Shouldn't we let this all be water under the bridge, and forgive her, and judge her with generosity?"
Cliff said that, and looked at me.