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Airi's POV
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It didn't take long for the aide to return with a pile of books, each holding information about Count Poin and Baron Vionne's territory.

None of us said anything whilst the King was looking through them, but we could tell something was up when his face started contorting.

"Haah... As I thought..." (King)

"What is it?" (Captain)

"The Baron and the Count had similar income gains. They were likely doing the same kind of business with each other." (King)

"And that means they both had illegal earnings?" (Airi)

"Maybe. It's only suspicion, but considering the timing, it likely isn't a coincidence." (Captain)

"Can we do something about it?" (Subaru)

"... With just this we can't. It isn't suspicious that the two had similar earnings since they could be in the same business. We need proof..." (King)

"Could we try to get it out of the Count?" (Subaru)

"We could try, but he might be holding on to the hope that someone can save him." (King)

"Then how about we go? Then you two can continue brain storming." (Subaru)

"... Alright. Get something out of him at least." (King)

"Ok!" (Subaru)

Subaru turns around to leave, and I follow close behind.

The prison isn't as far from the Palace as you'd expect, but it still takes several minutes to get there.

As I step down the stone stairs to enter, the cold atmosphere of the prison makes me shiver.

It really isn't a place you'd want to be trapped in for a while, especially at night.

Of course, there are the several torches that hang against the wall, but the flickering flames makes the room that much more ominous.

We walk past several empty and occupied cells before reaching the Count's.

"...! Y-Your Highness! Please, forgive me! I truly didn't do what I've been accused of!" (Count Poin)

The sudden exclamation of the Prince from the Count causes murmurs from the other prisoners, but nothing more.

"Is that so?" (Subaru)

"T-Truly! I didn't do anything of the sorts! I haven't even thought of going against the Royal Family!" (Count Poin)

"Then... I may be able to help you..." (Subaru)

"Really? Please! I don't want to die!" (Count Poin)

"You need to do me a favour first, however." (Subaru)

"A-Anything!" (Count Poin)

"Tell me... What is the business you are doing with Baron Vionne?" (Subaru)

"...! That... I-I don't know what you are on about, Y-Your Highness..." (Count Poin)

"... Well, it would seem you don't want my help. I suppose I'll have to leave." (Subaru)

He turns to leave and takes a few steps before the Count calls back to him.

"W-Wait! I... I'll tell you!" (Count Poin)

"Good. Then, what is the business you have with Baron Vionne?" (Subaru)

"W-We... Started introducing the s-slave business into our fiefs... We wanted to earn more money, you see. T-To help the Kingdom, obviously..." (Count Poin)

"A slave trade? How long?" (Subaru)

"Your Highness?" (Count Poin)

"How long have you been earning money from this?" (Subaru)

"S-Several years... I-It is not connected to the claims of treason! I swear by the name of Poin!" (Count Poin)

"...Who else is involved?" (Subaru)

"J-Just me and Baron Vionne. The deceased Marquis Revenhelm was also involved but..." (Count Poin)

"Was his death involved with this?" (Subaru)

"Y-Yes... He didn't die peacefully... He... He was stabbed by one of his slaves... No... They weren't his slave. He was stabbed by a simple, dirty slum boy!" (Count Poin)

"... How do you know they weren't a slave?" (Subaru)

"T-They couldn't have been. All slaves are branded with a slave crest, it makes it impossible for them to go against us." (Count Poin)

"'Us' being you, Baron Vionne and Marquis Revenhelm?" (Subaru)

"Y-Yes..." (Count Poin)

"All right. That is your favour done." (Subaru)

"T-Then you'll help me, right?" (Count Poin)

"... I may be able to do something." (Subaru)

With those as his parting words, Subaru walks swiftly out of the prison, making his way towards the Palace.

As soon as he reaches the walls, the slams his fist against it.

"Your Highness?" (Airi)

"Those... Those dirty bastards... Have the audacity to enslave their own people... In our Kingdom?" (Subaru)

He seems to be seething with rage over what he found out, though he did a considerably good job holding it in while facing Count Poin.

"At least we know. We can abolish it now, right?" (Airi)

"... Hoo. That's true. We need to get back to Father. He's going to be livid after hearing this." (Subaru)

"That's true." (Airi)

The reigning King, Andreas Boule, completely banned the use of the slave business when earning money.

Slaves were considered forbidden and have been for years, even before the start of the Demon War, which started 17 years ago.

For nobles that serve under the King to be using the slave trade as a way to earn money to contribute to the Kingdom is completely dirtying the King's trust in them and the hard work he put into destroying the cursed thing.

The only good thing that came of this is that, as I told Subaru, we now know that it exists, so we can get rid of its remnants.

It doesn't change the fact that it exists and is taking place now, but it is some sort of solace.

We make our way back to the King's study soon after leaving the prison.

When we finally arrived, we opened the doors to see only the King sitting in his chair, still in the same position always.

"...? Father, Where's Doujima?" (Subaru)

"Hm? Ah, I sent him off to visit Baron Vionne's fief." (King)

"Well, that's ironic..." (Airi)

"What is?" (King)

"Ah, well, from the Count, it seemed that the business the two were working together with was a slave trade." (Airi)

"WHAT?!" (King)

At the same time as he shouts, he slams his fist into his desk, cracking it and leaving a dint where he hit.

You could see the veins popping out of his head as he gritted his teeth.

"... Aide. Send a letter to Doujima at Baron Vionne's fief. Give him free reign." (King)

"...! Father!" (Subaru)

"It is necessary." (King)

"Understood, Your Majesty." (Aide)

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Author Notes
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Hoo, finally, another chapter.

This one took wayyyyy too long to write. I'm talking nearly 2 weeks. This chapter completely stumped me.

At first, I was planning on writing it from the Captain's POV, but that left me stuck for about a week in itself. Then I changed it to Airi's, which let me write up to them leaving the prison, which then got me stuck up until now when I'm writing it, which is about 2 days before it'll release.

But anyway, enough about my bad writing, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, please continue reading!