Orc Hero Story: Discovery Chronicles

“It’s important. In fact, behind the barrier, there are even more distinguished figures,” Nazar replied.

Nazar’s words made Judith break into a cold sweat. There was only one figure more distinguished than the prince.

“You must be wondering why. It’s written all over your face. Even without everyone saying it, I’ll tell you something harmless. You can’t interrogate anyone if you don’t know anything too. Besides, you have to know it, or else the interrogation doesn’t make sense.”

“I can’t say I’m eager to find out… So, what should I ask Sir Bash?”

“Ask if he is assisting those seeking the resurrection of Demon King Gediguz.”

Judith thought this might be what they meant by “knowing too much.” Secrets like these could make you a murder target just for knowing them. However, doing nothing without knowing anything wouldn’t help either.

“What evidence is there that Sir Bash is involved?”

However, Judith couldn’t fulfill her duty without asking. The information she had been given was simple. There was a faction attempting to resurrect the Demon King Gediguz, and this faction was trying to steal various relics located in different places for a ritual. There was a possibility that Bash might be involved, and if he was, they wanted to capture him and gather information about the members and their base.

Could Sir Bash truly become an enemy…?

Judith wasn’t well-versed in magic, so she couldn’t dismiss the idea as ridiculous. The fact that the authorities were taking this matter so seriously probably meant that there was a significant chance of Gediguz being resurrected. As for Bash’s potential involvement, she couldn’t imagine it. However, she couldn’t rule it out entirely.

When he left Krassel, she thought he should be prepared for anything. She thought it wouldn’t be easy to restore the orcs pride and had prepared accordingly. She deeply respected the tremendous individuals who were part of the orc race and believed they wouldn’t be easily swayed by such ridiculous plans.

However, he must had had several experiences since then. Since he started his journey being an orc, it must have been tremendous. He must have faced humiliation at every turn. Many humans probably had the same mindset as Judith did in the past. He must have been subjected to harsh words repeatedly. It must have been a series of disheartening events. After being defeated repeatedly, if he found out about a faction attempting to resurrect Gediguz, it wouldn’t be surprising if he joined them.

I don’t like this, Judith thought to herself. She held the orc hero Bash in high regard. It would be unpleasant to see someone she admired pressed to the point of having to make such a decision. However, that was no longer in her power.

“But from what I’ve heard, when the incident at the checkpoint occurred, he might not have been involved yet.” Gathering her determination, Judith spoke.

“Oh? Can you provide evidence of that?”

The one who asked was Chancellor Crusader. Normally, Judith wouldn’t be able to engage in a conversation with someone as important as him, but she clearly conveyed her thoughts.

“Is there any proof? Those words were written by his companion, Lady Zell. When Sir Bash arrived there, the checkpoint was already abandoned. Sir Bash, who is notably thorough for an orc, must have thought it would be impolite to pass by silently, so he had Lady Zell write those words… It seems like a reasonable assumption.”

“What about the idea that the orc passed through there along with the demons?”

“Do you think the demons would leave behind such notes? Or allow them to be left behind?”

“Then, is there a possibility that one of the soldiers left a dying message before being killed?”

“Do you believe that those stationed at the checkpoint were quick enough to leave a note saying ‘The orc hero Bash passed through here’ when they were on the brink of death? Without mentioning how they were defeated or the number of enemies?”

Crusader was left speechless by Judith’s words. She recalled the words Houston had spoken before leaving. He had mentioned, “There might be someone trying to frame Bash”.

“These are purely my speculations, but… I want to make it clear that I won’t be a party to framing an innocent Sir Bash.”

Judith said this with a serious expression. Several people nodded in agreement.

“So, everyone, while I’m conducting the interrogation, please refrain from using provocative words towards Sir Bash. This man is known as the ‘Orc Hero’, and although he is one of the most rational orcs, he is still the ‘Orc Hero’. It won’t be taken lightly if you insult his race.” Judith addressed those around her, especially those outside the barrier who might be listening in the adjacent room. “I’ll say it again, as there may be those who understand it and those who don’t: the individual we are about to interrogate is a formidable monster, even more so than you can imagine. Burn it once more in your minds that the ‘Orc Hero’ is considered an entity equivalent to Lady Thunder Sonia among the orcs. If the need arises, Lady Thunder Sonia’s group will have to intervene to stop him, but even then, expect significant consequences.”

She issued a warning. Thunder Sonia asked the nearby elf, “I’m not really a threat, am I?” and received a slow nod, but Judith preferred to ignore it. In any case, to conduct the interrogation successfully and without complications, she had to make things clear to those around her.

“I understand, but… what if it were Houston, the ‘Pig Slayer’? Weren’t you sent here by Houston himself, trained under his command, and tasked with this mission?”

In response to Chancellor Crusader’s words, Judith replied slowly.

“Sir Houston is fair. Especially when it comes to orcs. Unlike silly me, even when Sir Bash came to Krassel, Sir Houston treated him with due respect.”

“I see. Are you fine with it as a member of House Hoplons?”

“I don’t mind. My sister is my sister.”

Judith felt something odd in this exchange. Maybe this Chancellor…? She thought for a moment but decided not to press further. She had just received a warning about not getting too involved.

“Well, we’ve spent enough time on introductions. Let’s begin the interrogation.”

With Judith’s determined attitude, some people smiled in approval, some seemed uncomfortable, and others remained expressionless while nodding.