Chapter 236
Before long, the welcome news spread widely throughout the Hevania Kingdom that in the territory called Inferna, Cytiro was being handed out to those who came, without any compensation. At the same time, Rufus’s reputation only continued to rise.
“Even what His Majesty the King couldn’t resolve, Lord Rufus has managed to do again.”
“As expected of the hero who cut down the Demon King, he’s truly an admirable man!”
His reputation rose so much that it even reached the King’s ears.
The King summoned Rufus to confirm the facts.
“Is it true that you’re distributing the medicinal herb to the people for free?”
“Yes.”
Rufus, who was called before the King while staying at the Crown Prince’s Palace, remained calm. From his standpoint, he had nothing to feel guilty about.
Now it was a fact everyone knew that as the alliance with the empire collapsed, securing Cytiro had become difficult. What problem could there be in giving that hard-to-obtain Cytiro to poor commoners?
Even the royal scribes were curious what kind of reward the King would grant Rufus, who had helped the kingdom weather this incident.
However, what came down to Rufus was neither a generous reward nor an honorable medal.
“Why in the world would you do such a thing!”
Bang!
The King’s fist slammed down hard on the throne.
“If you obtained the herb the people want so desperately, you should’ve brought it to the royal family at once. How could you move it to that Inferna territory of yours, which is little different from a wasteland?”
A critical gaze and a cold interrogation. The King was glaring fiercely at Rufus, who was kneeling before him.
“Now that I see it, I know what you’re after. Since there are hardly any people in Inferna territory, you did this to draw more people in.”
Having concluded as he pleased, the King shouted at Rufus.
“In a situation where the nation’s safety is in jeopardy, you arrogantly pursue private gain. Are you truly in your right mind?”
“……”
With his head bowed, Rufus silently accepted the King’s rebuke.
He had already expected this kind of reaction.
‘Damned old man. Pointlessly sensitive, horribly wary of anyone taking credit from the royal family, and no matter how good a thing someone does, the moment they fall out of his favor, he lumps them in as a subversive and runs his mouth without restraint.’
He realized it back when, in his previous life, the King tried to brand him a traitor and kill him even after he captured the Demon King. Knowing the King’s temperament well, Rufus also knew that no matter what he said right now, the King would shut his ears and refuse to listen.
So he decided to give the opportunity to someone other than himself.
“Your words are too harsh, Your Majesty.”
Without offering any excuse, Rufus remained kneeling before the King, and someone stepped forward in front of him.
“Rufus Inferna has done nothing wrong.”
The shield that blocked the enraged King was none other than Crown Prince Viren.
As soon as Crown Prince Viren spoke, the King narrowed his eyes. He looked perplexed, as if he had heard something wrong.
“Nothing wrong?”
“That’s correct. Rufus Inferna purchased Cytiro in advance to prepare for a situation like this. And because there was no proper place to store the herb, he merely sent it to his homeland, the Inferna territory.”
“What nonsense are you spouting, Viren?”
The King’s harsh voice rang out.
“Do you even understand this situation properly? I am not blaming Rufus for purchasing the herb.”
“Then what is the problem?”
“Are you truly asking because you don’t know? The problem is that he transported the herb he purchased to his own territory instead of submitting it to the royal family! If he has no crooked intentions, why doesn’t he move it to the royal palace even now!”
“Why does Rufus Inferna have to submit the herb to the royal family?”
Viren stubbornly continued, trying to persuade the King.
“Your Majesty, at present, many of the people are suffering from the illness called malnutrition. We must give them Cytiro as soon as possible. But when would we have the time to move the herb to the royal palace and distribute it? Please reconsider—”
“Viren!”
Unable to bear it any longer, the King failed to restrain his temper and shouted again. His face was mottled red and blue, like someone who had been struck across both cheeks.
“Insolent! Are you going to take that noble’s side right in front of me?”
Before the King’s raised voice, the scribes hurriedly bowed their heads. Like dead mice, they couldn’t make a sound.
“……”
Viren pressed his lips tightly shut.
What should he do?
The enraged King was glaring at him sharply. The meaning in that gaze was clear. Do not provoke me any further. If Viren continued speaking against the King’s will, it would only inflame his anger even more.
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