"Is that so? If these funds really were being spent on the people, why are so many homeless residents still living in a sunless place like the Underground District?" Historia demanded firmly.
The senior official who had just spoken was struck speechless.
"Your Majesty, Wall Maria has yet to be retaken, and the military still needs to purchase and repair vast quantities of weapons. If we spend this money on the residents of the Underground District, how are we supposed to sustain the war? Or are we to abandon Wall Maria, the land humanity depends upon for survival, under Your Majesty's leadership?" Daclais picked holes in everything she said, making no attempt to cooperate.
"Does simply letting the children of the Underground District live aboveground require that much money? In the Queen's name, I order you to carry it out at once!" Furious, Historia rose to her feet and slammed her hand on the table.
"Your Majesty, forgive my bluntness, but you are nothing more than a puppet of our Military Government. I call you Your Majesty out of respect, so I hope you will refrain from making things difficult for me." Daclais acted as though he had nothing to fear, his attitude outrageously arrogant.
"Oh? Daclais, it's been years since I last saw you. Have you grown this arrogant? I won't tolerate a word of defiance against the Queen. Understand?" Kenny slowly walked up beside Daclais, drew a knife, and pressed it against his neck.
"K-Kenny..." Daclais's hair stood on end, and cold sweat poured down his skin.
The other senior officials trembled in fear. None of them had expected Kenny, who had served the Former Royal Government, not only to escape the purge but to enter Historia's service.
"Hmm?" Kenny pressed the blade a little deeper, drawing a