Genjitsushugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki

The next day...

When Piltory stepped aside, the Empress of the Gran Chaos Empire, Maria Euphoria, appeared. She had been listening to the earlier Jewel Voice Broadcast from off screen.

Maria put a hand to her cheek with a troubled look. To think Id learn something like that was happening in my country because people from another country told me... Thats embarrassing, as the person responsible for this country.

Her tone was apologetic.

Souma silently shook his head. No ruler can see into every nook and cranny of their country. Im sure things like this happen in my country, too. I just dont realize it.

...Thats true, Maria admitted. Everyone, no matter who, has their good sides and bad sides. Some people are bound to do evil deeds. Even with the power of an empress or king, it would be difficult to stop them before they can act.

If you wanted to stop them in advance, you would need to institute an absolute surveillance state, Souma said. But if you clamp down too hard, that will spread more discontent and distrust in the country. At present... the only thing we can do is deal harshly with these things when they come to light.

Yes. So leave this matter to me.

If youre agreeing to handle it, thats reassuring, Souma said. Ill be counting on you.

With that, Souma and Maria nodded firmly to one another.

About one week later...

Ginger and Sandria received a summons to appear at the castle together.

Normally, when there was business at the castle, Ginger would go while Sandria stayed at home, but today the summons called for Sandria, as well.

Sandria tried to refuse, saying it wasnt a place a former slave like her belonged.

But Ginger assured her, Its okay. Ill be with you, so lets go together.

That, and the fact that it was a message from the castle, made her reluctantly agree to go.

When she passed through the main gate guarded by the palace guards and saw the impressive castle rising up before her, Sandria felt awkwardly out of place, and grabbed Gingers sleeve as he was walking beside her.

Seeing Sandria like that, Ginger chuckled. Youre not acting like yourself, San. Normally, youre bold no matter who youre dealing with.

Youre more of a bully than I thought, Lord Ginger, Sandria said, pouting like a child. I feel so out of place here, its intimidating.

I think youre cute when youre acting timOuch!