Tensei Shitara Slime Datta

Chapter 221: Disruption of the Royal Capital

Hinata felt hopeless when she understood the current situation,

However, as the supreme leader, such emotions could not be displayed in his expression.

The main church in the Kingdom of Ingrassia was filled with residents who had taken refuge in it.

Hinata perfectly understood that she could not let the anxiety be seen on her face in front of them.

Just before noon on the second day after Velda's declaration, each of the countries' capitals fell into chaos.

Residents showed various reactions, there were people who fled for their own lives, people who rioted, and people who welcomed the death that Velda was about to bring.

The Holy Knights and trained priests sent to each country worked hard to suppress the confusion of the citizens and guide them to shelter.

There was no other word other than beautiful for their ability to suppress the confusion of people with just one day.

It was a great achievement achieved under the command of Hinata who was chairman of the Freedom Arbitration Committee with the cooperation of Nicholas who was a cardinal of the Holy Church.

To the bewildered citizens, he explained that it was impossible for Demon Lord Rimuru to be defeated which calmed their anxiety.

The governing body of each country that knew Demon Lord Rimuru showed a direct settlement, but could not gain the trust of the countries that did not associate with Rimuru.

Even Hinata understood that it was inevitable.

Even if he said to believe in the Demon Lord, there might be some people who were convinced.

However, even so, there was no choice but to believe it now.

After all, if the Demon Lord Alliance were to be defeated, this world would be destroyed by Velda.

Therefore, Hinata did not falter.

The things Hinata can do now is to prevent chaos and suppress citizen anxiety little by little.

Hinata did her best as the leader of the army to ensure the safety of the citizens.

But–

Rioters are inevitable at the end of the world.

In addition to their bad character, they appear and choose the worst decision at the worst time which becomes the main factor that torments Hinata and her partner.

Those people mustered all the power of the state and cornered Hinata and her comrades.

They denounced Hinata as a witch who deceived people's minds, triggering people's anxiety.

A magician who was enchanted by the Demon King, the one who brought everyone to their ruin―― exclaimed loudly, The Holy Church of the Ingrassia Kingdom where Hinata was inside is surrounded.

Residents sheltering inside the main church borrowed under the name Freedom Arbitration Committee to look at Hinata with anxious faces.

Maybe so.

After all, the one who denounced Hinata ……

"My people! The witch falsely accused me and made me lose my position on the board.

Besides, he killed my father and brought chaos and grief to this country.

If you're all wise, I'm sure you'll understand whose words are true! 』

That's right— because it's Elrick himself, the prince of this country.

The figure of the leader of the Knight Order, Reiner could be seen by his side.

The culprit who killed the king and led the Knight Order without hesitation was Reiner, Hinata thought with a sigh.

He was completely preventing Hinata. He planned everything, even if he were to say something now, all the evidence must have been destroyed.

The problem above all is that Prince Elrick is quite popular among the population.

Prince Elrick with his polite appearance is very popular among women. In addition to his abilities, he gained the support of the people due to his friendly appearance.

His guilt in the council was not made known to the people.

Because it was a disgrace of the royal family, Elrick was only sentenced to 1 year of house arrest.

Taking consideration because he is the heir to the kingdom, house arrest is said to be a form of re-education.

Either way, Tempest has become a major force. What happens to the heir of a country is not Hinata's business.

So he thought, he did not raise any objections to the punishment, but it seems that it backfired.

His horrible and reckless act of planning to kill his father and usurp the throne was an unexpected event for Hinata.

(I never thought that he was this stupid ――）

Hinata cursed her own indiscretions in her mind. Hinata felt a naivety that could not be found in her before.

It could be said that it was Hinata's fault that she failed to see that Prince Elrick was stupid and did not execute him back then.

Although there is no point in regretting it now ……

It cannot be said that the land of the Holy Church is vast.

However, even so, more than 1,000 residents took refuge inside.

The former members of the Freedom Association who lived around the Ingrassia Kingdom had no home in the capital.

Now they work for the committee, but because they do not belong to the state, neither land nor houses can be owned by them within the kingdom.

Apart from people living in buildings borrowed by the committee, most people lived in city blocks around the capital.

It was Hinata who chose the church as the place to receive those people.

Therefore, Prince Elrick's speech was not for the people inside the cathedral.

His speech was aimed at nearby residents who saw the national army surrounding the church with trembling eyes.

Responding to this unprecedented crisis is the answer to the question of what is happening in the kingdom for troops to move.

「 it, to smooth the mistakes in the board, how arrogant ……

「In addition, they killed the king and intend to accuse Hinata-sama as the culprit of his death――」

To Hinata's mutter, Nicholas calmly threw his words.

It seems that Elrick intends to take advantage of this mess to make all his mistakes and crimes forgotten.

What's annoying is, Elrick as the prince of this popular kingdom.

Which one will people trust? It's clear as day.

「It is because Hinata-sama cannot be said to have a good reputation ....」

Fritz made a joke, Holy Knight Leader Leonard made a small agreement.

Both of them were the only Holy Knights left here.

Everyone was sent to various places or assigned to the task of defending the Holy Capital under Arnaud, the vice-captain ordered.

Unlike the capital which was a safe place, there was no spare room for additional war troops.

Although there were dozens of apprentice soldiers, many of whom were boys, it was impossible for them to become war troops.

As for the adventurers, they were keeping the refugees gathered in every country under Hinata's orders.

There were only 4 people among Hinata and co who could actually fight.

On the other hand, his opponent was the state army.

Soldiers and knights, the Ingrassia Kingdom which was a great rich country was proud of

a large number of knights commanded by Reiner seemed to have surrounded the church.

Even an ordinary warrior was troublesome, and Hinata and co could not move carelessly because there were knights.

There were two Holy Knights here, but it would be difficult to protect the citizens who had taken refuge.

The refugees are like hostages to Hinata and her comrades.

「Then, what will we do? It's a matter of time before they break in.

If it was just us, we could break through and escape, but we would let the citizens die.

Is it impossible to protect citizens? 」

「If this will happen, it would be better if we move to the Holy City ...」.

「No, it's hard there too.

The opponents there were the angel army and the Chain of Restraint Titan Army of Demon Lord Dagruel, the war seemed to have escalated.

Just a moment ago, not only was the telepathy cut off, the gate also stopped working.

I'm sure there's some kind of emergency going on there. 」

For information on Leonard and Nicholas, Hinata furrowed her brows.

In the worst case, it was planned to escape to the Holy City, but that exit seems to have been closed.

However, there might not be enough time to transfer everyone.

「What are those people asking for?」

「Yes, they said to take out Hinata-sama from a while ago.

The man named Reiner seemed to want to show his strength.

They said, they did not like that Hinata-sama was called the strongest.

If you want, should I be their opponent? 」

Fritz answered Hinata's question.

「In this crisis situation, how relaxing――

No way, he seriously said that?

Is Reiner so stupid that far? 」

Hinata tried to laugh at him and stopped moving.

And, he timidly asked Fritz

Fritz sighed and,

「It 'Not possible' indeed ....」.

He answered while shrugging his shoulders.

According to Fritz's explanation, it seems that Reiner wanted to remove the disgrace of bedwetting due to Shuna's coercion in the council at all costs.

Therefore, he planned to clear his name by defeating the so-called Hinata as the strongest holy knight.

"Craud . I have no power like before. I'm retired, you know? 」

Seems to be irrelevant.

In that case, I could see that her ulterior motive was to harass you. 」

Fritz reported with an insulting appearance.

Nicholas who heard it, was furious.

「He cannot be forgiven, we have to kill him. That lowly person is not qualified to live! 」

Soon, Nicholas who may go to kill is stopped by Leonard from behind.

「Please wait, Cardinal. That's what the enemy wants! 」

Leonard said so and desperately held back Nicholas.

He thought of the action while waiting for Nicholas to calm down.

Not much time left.

"then? If I am defeated, will the citizens survive? 」

「I can't say anything.

However, even though he said defeat, it meant death.

Blaming for the crime of killing the king is Prince Elrick's goal.

Reiner and the prince cooperated in this coup because their interests matched.

Showing your defeat is―― 」

Fritz stopped talking.

Needless to say, their plan was stupid, and even Hinata could understand that.

But, there seemed to be no other plan to suppress the damage.

At least, if he accepted the duel, the citizens would be out of danger ……

He's somehow going on a counterattack.

However, once he did, Hinata would not be able to erase the stigma that accuses him.

As a witch who rebelled against the army of the country.

Right now, as long as he had the chance to reason, it might just be possible to clear his name of those false accusations.

If all goes well, there may be evidence found that Prince Elrick and his comrades were the ones who killed the king.

「I have no choice but to go out.

In the meantime, strengthen the defense as much as possible.

Lay down many layers of defensive barriers, making the cathedral an impregnable fortress.

After all, even though it might be only a temporary peace, I will be able to buy time rather than do nothing.

Don't expect anything ...... Incidentally, something may happen— ――

In this time of emergency where one had to think about the act against the angel and Velda, there were people who did a truly foolish action.

Hinata issued her orders to the three people while hiding her depressed and desperate thoughts.

「But, Hinata-sama――」

Nicholas tried to stop Hinata with a restless expression but,

「Do not worry. I have no intention of dying.

I'll fight as far as I can to buy you all the time.

No matter how ungrateful I am, I will not give up. 」

Leaving those words behind, Hinata started walking.

―― To stand in front of Reiner, sacrificing his body to buy time.

Nicholas and his friends finished putting up the barrier in a hurry as Hinata ordered and went outside the church.

What they saw outside was too horrible.

Hinata's clothes were already tattered and torn, black bruises were visible.

It seemed that he had received a ruthless punch and kick attack.

His fingers were also stepped on, it was clear that it was broken.

What stood out were his hands and feet.

He humbled himself on the ground as his tendon was cut.

Not to mention holding a sword, there was no way he could stand up.

Meanwhile, there were no wounds on his face, which was what made Hinata's doom stand out.

「Hi-hinata-sama!」

Nicholas rushed to Hinata.

「Hahaha, You can't meet your demands! You brat, it's more suitable for you to roll around on the ground! 」

With an annoying laugh, Reiner laughed out loud.

"You ! Isn't that a fair and fair one-on-one fight !? 」

Hearing the words of Leonard who shouted furiously, Reiner laughed.

「A criminal does not have the human rights you see. What, we're full of mercy.

If she cried and begged for forgiveness, I would think of delaying the day of the death penalty a little.

Anyway, in the meantime I'll make you show your gratitude. 」

Saying so, Reiner grinned and laughed harshly.

「I can't take it anymore. As I exclude, here and now you will— 」

「――Wait ..... Fritz ............ Match .......... still silent ........ will ..................」

Fritz who was angry and pulled out his sword was stopped by the dying Hinata.

And then, he performed a small recovery magic and connected the cut tendon.

Hinata stood up while staggering and somehow raised her sword.

「Hyaahahahaha! Do you still want to cut? Are you a Masochist?

No matter how many times you try, you can't seem to understand that you won't be able to win against me.

All right, I'll cut you again and again! 」

With deep red eyes, Reiner shouted.

Driven by his sadistic pleasures, his reasoning begins to drift.

Normally, it would not be out of control but, since the pleasure could trample on someone stronger than him, Reiner's mind was on the verge of abnormality.

Even Reiner was aware that he was inferior to Hinata.

No, it was true that their differences were clearly shown at the time of the confrontation.

Although much of Hinata's soul power had been lost, the abilities engraved on her body were still there.

Even with just swordsmanship, it slightly exceeded Reiner.

But ――

Reiner whispered, 'Don't fight if you don't want to be attacked by everyone at once', according to the unreasonable orders, Hinata did exactly as she was told.

It was just as Reiner had planned.

She made sure that her face was not injured, as it was her goal to enjoy seeing her beautiful, full-featured face bent by pain.

And then, after hitting him hard, he waited for another 'other' pleasure'.

Just by imagining it, Reiner felt his own blood boiling and brimming with power.

Absolute superiority.

Even if he were to contact them now, it would take time for the Holy Knights to return.

Even if they stopped guiding the evacuation and returned, they would not be able to return so easily.

Moreover, if he sensed such a presence, he only needed to give the attack order quickly.

Reiner went with him 4,000 soldiers and 300 knights of the Knight Order.

There is no chance of losing.

(He! After I finish torturing her who fooled me, I will also make that woman named Shuna――）

By the time Reiner swung his sword down while having such a delusion—

'Shit!' it sounded clear like that, Reiner's sword was stopped.

「Hinata nee-chan! I have come to help !! 」

It was a Hero with a bit of light.

Following behind him were four children.

Dan–

Small whispering sounds started to be heard from the mouths of the people who saw the person who appeared in front of them,

「He-hero-sama――?」

「That Hero-sama ....」.

「That's Hero-sama! Hero-sama is back! 」

「It-it's Masayuki-sama! Masayuki-sama has returned !! 」

So, it didn't take long to become a grand choir.

『MA ~ SAYUKI, MA ~~ SAYUKI !!』

Bathing inside the choir, a young man stood in front of the crowd.

Reiner with his red eyes glared at the person.

That person was standing in front of Reiner.

Right! That person must be the strongest man in the Ingrassia Kingdom.

He's Masayuki's Hero!