Truth be told, Bali wasn’t really incorrect there.
There were indeed a number of suspicious points in this matter.
“Balon Murrow had just mentioned that the former Old Demon Faction member made contact with Shien originally because his powerful magic item drew her attention and made her consider mass producing it, but those magic items in question has already been proven to not exist. This is a contradiction in the adventurer Shien’s explanation.”
“Also, the Old Demon Faction infiltrated Lamdrion in order to search for that first one, but why did Jillian end up searching out this adventurer? Is it really pure coincidence?”
“And under the situation without the magic item in question, why did this adventurer bring up a plan to draw out the Old Demon Faction? Is it really that he had the confidence to deal with the Old Demon Faction after they’ve all been drawn out? But the result was that a great many still died, right?”
“In addition, I have a hard time imagining that a high level Old Demon Faction member like Jillian would so easily betray Baydr. There may very well be deeper reasons involved.”
“Those are all points of suspicion.”
Bali’s words were recognized by many of the nobles.
“Those are indeed very suspicious.”
“There’s no reason for it.”
“It feels like this adventurer is plotting something.”
“Your majesty, it’s best not to be too hasty on the matter of rewards.”
Those nobles all spoke out one after another.
Ancil, Lucy, Liadella, and Joule were silent.
Megis, Balon, Alrith, and Leon seemed to want to say something, but stopped themselves.
Jacinta also raised an eyebrow and gave a deeply meaningful look toward Shien and Bali.
Shien ignored the wave of opposition facing him and instead also looked deeply toward Bali. However, Bali never looked back at all.
Bali had brought up his opposition without even looking at Shien at all.
That attitude and posture did indeed match his reputation of being coldblooded and emotionless.
However.
“Please forgive my rudeness, Duke Bali.”
Vivian stepped forward and addressed Bali.
“Do you mean to say that there’s an issue with my comrade?”
Now, Vivian had ceased her previous stance of staying silence and keeping a low profile. She was now fully on the offensive.
That’s how Vivian is. She won’t try to fight for advantage for herself, but as one who protects, she won’t turn a blind eye toward someone who might try to slander her comrade.
“Protector God, huh?” Bali didn’t ignore Vivian and instead looked at her as he coldly spoke, “You misunderstood. I’ve never said that. I only brought up points of suspicion in the belief that it’s far too hasty to give out rewards without having cleared them up first.”
Bali’s argument is completely correct.
But his attitude and wording were obvious in their intent, letting everyone know that he’s here to oppose Shien.
“Until the whole matter is cleared up, I won’t agree to rewarding this adventurer.” Bali raised his head and looked toward the three up on the dais. “Of course, if his majesty, his holiness, and his grace all believe that my words are unreasonable, then pretend I didn’t say anything.”
In response, Ancil and the others exchanged glances.
“Sir Shien.” Ancil spoke toward Shien, “Can you help us clear up our questions then?”
The meaning behind those words is that he hopes that Shien could offer explanations for those issues in question.
However.
“Sorry, I can’t.”
Shien replied without hesitation.
“That-”
Ancil was stunned.
Never mind Ancil, everyone else present were also stunned, including even Bali.
After all, Bali had prepared his own rhetoric in preparation for counterattacking after Shien had made his explanation.
Who would have though though that Shien would just so readily give up on explaining altogether.
Was he not going to resist?
As everyone was stunned, Shien instead spread his hands and shrugged.
“Don’t look at me like that. This is the truth.”
Shien lied without so much as a blush.
“Why that Leisha person made contact with me? What are you asking me for? You should go ask her instead!”
“Why did Jillian come for me of all people? What are you asking me for? You should be asking him!”
“Also, although I brought up the idea of drawing out the Old Demon Faction, it was Sir Balon and guildmaster Leili who agreed you know? You sure you can place those that died on me?”
“What does it matter what reason I had? If everyone believes that this is suspicious, then go ahead and suspect. But if you want to accuse me of something, then go ahead and bring out the evidence. If you can pull it out, then I’ll admit to it, but forgive me if I’m not going to cooperate with you convicting me of some strange crime out of nowhere.”
Shien not only tossed all responsibilities, he also showed a completely uncaring attitude. It really did dumbfound pretty much everyone present.
But truth be told, Shien should have been the one dumbfounded.