Afterwards, while we were waiting in the carriage, Claire spoke.
She no longer wore that cold, stubborn expression.
This must be her nervous face.
"Although this may not be an appropriate place to hold such a conversation, when I calmed down, I realized we would likely be too busy to speak after this, so let's talk now. Will that be all right?"
I nodded in silence.
Did she find out... Is she angry that I have three wives?
Even if it's all right with two people, three people might be...
It's not something that would be permitted in the Milis religion.
"It's about what I did."
"Okay."
It was different.
It seems to be something about herself.
Yeah.
She's not trying to denounce me, or blame me.
No, she might still be difficult.
Without changing her expression, she started speaking.
"What I was attempting to do... was not something permissible as a human being."
"Yeah..."
Even if it was to help Zenith, that was going to far.
After all this, I don't want to have a carefree chat about it in a place like this.
"So, please give me penance."
"Penance...?"
"Yes, penance. I took Zenith away from you, and tried to do something awful, such a crime requires a suitable punishment."
"I think your apology was enough?"
"Such a thing is not enough. The punishment must fit the crime."
I can understand that.
If everything could be settled with an apology, the police would be unnecessary.
In an incident like this, the perpetrator would normally receive severe corporal punishment.
But, I don't blame Claire.
Even though Claire might not be satisfied with that.
"... What kind of punishment would be fitting?"
"To be whipped, or to have both arms cut off... Even death would not be an unfitting punishment."
Err...
That seems like overkill.
"After listening to Zenith's story, how could I act so selfishly? Even considering doing something like that to my own daughter, I deserve to burn in hell. Such a stupid person only deserves the hammer of judgment."
Her fist was trembling.
Were we listening to the same story?
I never heard such a thing.
I heard something else.
Zenith forgave her.
I didn't understand it at the time.
But, she could sense Claire's anguish.
Now I properly understood.
Claire, at that trial, without a single ally, when you were trying to bear the brunt of the blame yourself, you were forgiven.
That's why Zenith slapped Carlyle and I, but didn't slap Claire.
Although I thought something like that was too far-fetched at the time...
It wasn't.
Well, Claire still needs a reasonable punishment.
Claire herself, rather than forgiveness, wants a punishment.
Until she receives one, she won't budge an inch.
Hmm.
I mean, I wonder what I should do with someone so stubborn.
Alright.
"I understand... well then..."
"...."
Claire looked tense.
I'm bad, let's go in a selfish direction.
"Please convert."
"You mean, to your religion? A faith of the demon race?"
That's not it.
I didn't mean a religious conversion.
I'd be too embarrassed if you converted to Roxyism.
In this case, what should I say?
Well, the phrasing isn't worth worrying about.
"No, I don't mean stop being a Milis believer. I'd just be thankful if you left the Demon Race Expulsion faction."
"You mean, the Latreia house as a whole?"
"Only Claire-san is fine. My wife is actually a demon race, so describing them as [filthy] is no good. And I'd like you to accept the differences in our beliefs and education policies."
"...."
"Ah, and next time, if something happens please consult me. I should be able to find a solution... I think."
Claire watched me with a blank look of amazement.
Then nodded immediately.
"Yes, of course."
Claire didn't look like she needed anymore convincing.
Does she understand that's the punishment?
I can't tell.
But, she seems to have given it some thought, and nodded again.
"Henceforth, Claire Latreia is of the Demon Race Acceptance faction, and will act as such. I will trust you, and won't interfere in your religion or educational policies."
"Thank you in advance... But, don't overdo it. Forcing yourself too much is bad."
"... Of course."
For the time being, if this Baachan becomes a little more lenient, she shouldn't cause any trouble with my wives and daughters.
Right now she seems fine, but she might just be restraining herself.
The next time we meet... Well, if we quarrel, then I apologize in advance.
"Then it's settled."
"... For your kindness, thank you."
Claire was silent at first, but nodded with a serious face.
That's an awkward way to apologize.