V5C3

Volume 5, Chapter 3: Interrogation

I underestimated the interrogations in this world.

Or rather, this is not an interrogation room, it's just a torture chamber.

There are whips, a triangular horse, and water torture tools.

The whips have metal hooks at the tip.

The triangular horse is covered in blood.

If done in real life, it would tear your crotch apart, making it impossible to walk properly again.

For water torture, there is a contraption that makes you arch your body backward while water is poured over you.

Huh?

Don't they have human rights here?

"I'll make you talk after taking plenty of time," said the police officer with a smile.

Five constables were smirking and looking at me.

"Tch, are you kidding me?" Apolito snapped.

"Even with an introduction letter from Kazanzakis-san to the king, is this how it turns out?"

I asked calmly.

"That's why I'm saying it's an order from Lady Uraka, the First Queen," the constable sneered.

"No, think about it carefully. I understand our role. But the one giving the orders isn't the king. And we're relatives of Kazanzakis-san, a prominent figure in Patrida, with an introduction letter. Furthermore, Aoi, who was with us, is Kazanzakis-san's granddaughter and the daughter of Yamato's prime minister. Moreover, Mitsuki is of the Yamato royal family. In other words, I have deep connections with Yamato."

"So what?" the constable laughed with his baton and lightly slapped my cheek.

"Think about it carefully. Most likely, someone close to Lady Uraka, the First Queen, gave the order. That's what I understand."

"So what?!" I irritably asked.

The constable got angry and shouted, "What if we're investigating the mistakes of the Second Queen or Patrida and you don't cooperate?"

"Are you an idiot? That's irrelevant, isn't it?" the constable said dismissively.

"So, I'm telling you to think carefully. You're planning to torture a highly influential person closely related to Yamato, a prominent figure within the Patrida clan. Even if we were to die and some information were to be revealed, would it be enough to overturn this matter? Do you have sufficient evidence? Who will take the blame?"

"Huh?"

The constable flinched.

"I see, brother. I understand. In other words, it means that these constables will be solely responsible."

"That's right, brother. Someone has to take responsibility. And in that case, they can say that the constables went out of control. After all, I heard that Emperor Sanshu and Mr. Kazanzakis here are close friends. It would be ideal if the order came from Emperor Sanshu, but in this case, it is said to have come from the First Queen, Lady Urala. In other words, it would be easy to claim that the constables went out of control."

"Huh?"

The constables' faces changed.

"From the beginning, you were just pawns to be sacrificed. The blame will fall on you. Moreover, since you went as far as torture, there is a possibility that your families will be implicated as well. To nobles and royalty, constables are nothing but insects."

The constables looked at each other.

"Listen carefully, I'll say it again. If you torture us, it will be hell for you. Although you may have been promised rewards for doing this job properly, it's a lie. You were disposable from the start."

The constables turned pale.

"...What should we do then?"

One of the constables asked me.

Good, good, this is going well.

Making the other party think calmly and fueling their fear.

By doing so, I unsettle them and break their spirits.

Well, it's fortunate that they have enough judgment to think rationally about the situation.

Actually, the story is strange.

There are too many risks.

"One option is to join our side, ignore the orders, and go to Patrida together. In other words, we will protect you."

"Wait, we have families too."

One of the constables pleaded desperately.

"The other option is to admit it was a mistake and release us. We will escape without being found. Of course, the approval of the most important person here is needed for this matter. Who is it?"

"It's me."

The person who pinched my cheek turned pale and raised their hand.

Oh, it's you.

"Alright, I understand. Release us and admit it was a mistake. I won't kill you for something like this. The one who said it wasn't a legitimate arrest, and there are various shady circumstances. However, there might be some harassment like demotion or reprimand. Bear with it for a while if that happens. After all, I have a close relationship with Mr. Kazanzakis, and he is a close friend of King Sanshu the First. I will also put in a good word from Yamato. I will definitely promote everyone as my benefactors."

I reassured them, urging them to release us as a gesture of gratitude.

Well, I hope they will yield to this somehow...

"Is that true?"

That's a relief.

They agreed.

"Oh, I promise. At first, there might be severe reprimands, but I'll make sure you'll be rewarded. Anyway, hurry up and admit it was a mistake."

"I understand, but why the rush?"

One of the officers asked curiously.

Seeing the situation with Mitsuki and Aoi, I thought they would immediately contact Tera for a formal protest. If that happens, these guys who resorted to such clumsy measures would be exposed. We might be done for, and you guys would also be in trouble for destroying evidence.

"Is that... for real?"

The officer trembled.

"For now, write down your names and hand them over properly. I will definitely repay you. If we are released before a formal protest arrives, they probably won't make a big deal out of mistaking us. After all, this isn't a proper procedure."

"U-understood."

The officers hurriedly released us.

Of course, I have all their names.

"I apologize for the mistake. We will immediately send you to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Patrida by carriage."

Suddenly, the officer's speech turned respectful.

"Oh, you'll provide a carriage? It's certainly better to hurry."

Saying that, we got on the carriage.

"Brother, what will we do with them?"

Apolito asked quietly.

"I'll work to ensure they can advance in their careers and give them some money. After all, I might continue working here in the future, and it would be convenient to have influential officers as allies, right?"

"Indeed, brother. I see."

Apolito murmured in admiration.