Chapter 91

With the unconscious Anastasia restrained by Light Bind, Caduceus was also wrapped around her neck. The purpose of attaching the Caduceus is to counter non-verbal magic. While it’s impossible to prevent the activation of magic, the moment magic is used, the Caduceus can be used to strangle the carotid artery and bring her down. It should serve as a sufficient deterrent.

The investigation inside the mansion will have to wait until after Anastasia is handed over to the royal castle. This time, I might also have to undergo a magical inquisition, but that’s inevitable given the circumstances.

“You should have followed me. What a foolish thing to do.”

On the way to the royal castle in the carriage, the now conscious Anastasia said this. Due to the Light Bind, she didn’t put up much resistance.

“I have no intention of negotiating with someone I can’t trust. It’s better not to use magic. Precautions have been taken.”

“Only if it had any meaning. Even if I did, it wouldn’t change anything. At worst, you might burn the carriage to leave no evidence.”

No... I wonder... I’m curious about how I’m being perceived, but it’s probably better not to ask.

“I’m not finished yet.”

“Surely, without the secret potion, you can’t get through the inquisition?”

“Yes. Given how thoroughly my plan was foiled, I have no choice but to admit defeat. However, watch me. I’ll at least keep my head.”

She smiled thinly. Quite brazen, indeed.

For example, she might use the secrets of the nobles she controls as leverage in negotiations, claiming that the royal family can gain an advantage over the nobles with those secrets.

Considering her actions, such as discovering and concocting the Alraune’s kiss and the dragon tooth soldiers, there’s no doubt about her talent. It’s a loss to kill her. She might suggest using her despite knowing about the poison, and negotiate with King Melvin on that basis. The stripping of her inheritance rights is almost certain, but I expect various measures to be taken. It’s uncertain how it will all play out.

Anyway, regardless of her future, I might as well ask her a few questions. She’s clearly guilty of this incident, so she’ll probably answer to some extent. As for the attempted assassination of Princess Marlene... it might not mean much without a magical inquisition.

Assuming Rosemary is the culprit... she must have planned to use the potion when the king abdicated.

Then, why did she give the secret potion to Catherine?

If the throne was her goal...

“Was giving the Alraune’s kiss to Catherine because I was the target?”

Given that Rosemary would want to have someone close to the king as a card, Catherine would likely jump at the chance to have leverage over me. If she didn’t recognize its rarity, it’s not surprising that she might use it on my father.

“Oh, do you believe my story without a magical inquisition?”

“Just passing the time until we reach the castle.”

Anastasia laughed pleasantly in response.

“Fine. I had a grudge against you. I suggested drugging you to find out your weaknesses.”

I see.

“I don’t know how much you know, but I have information on the marquis family too. Honestly, it didn’t matter whether the countess drugged the count or you. If the count’s family was in turmoil, I could threaten or help them as the situation demanded.”

Either way, it’s a nasty move.

“Did you also give information about me to Byron?”

“One of my people.”

—Whether through a messenger or a letter, Byron was used to provide information about my family, while simultaneously giving the secret potion to Catherine. By dispersing the sources of information and staging a cover-up, I was drugged, and they could control me with secrets and leverage.

All they needed was a pretext to secretly summon me. After that, the secret potion could be used to manipulate me as they pleased.

“But Byron was completely useless. He ran off as soon as he heard. Thanks to him, various arrangements didn’t work out. I expected him to be as useful as you, given that he’s the son of Count Gartner.”

Byron usually kept a low profile and didn’t cause trouble, so he managed to avoid drawing attention.

As for Rosemary’s motives... it’s a foolish question. She probably thought she deserved the throne, believing that her superior qualities entitled her to a higher position. In that sense, she might be honest with me because her plan was foiled.

—Handing Anastasia over to the royal castle. Once it was revealed that Anastasia was Rosemary, the important figures in the castle were in a frenzy.

The castle was in chaos, but it would calm down once King Melvin returned from the national protection ceremony. It’s uncertain how Rosemary will be treated, but I’ll hear from King Melvin later.

I was pardoned because Rosemary admitted to her crimes. I then went to the workshop and was talking with Alfred.

“So, you brought in a request and solved it in a day.”

Alfred looked somewhat exasperated.

“Hmm. But I think the Evil-Banishing Necklace is necessary.”

“I understand. I’ll make it. I’ll definitely make it.”

Alfred gave a dry laugh.

“Still, if Rosemary is the culprit in the attempted assassination, I don’t understand the motive.”

If the target was the crown prince, it would make sense. But why Princess Marlene, who is far down in the line of succession? However, Prince Albert seemed to suspect Rosemary.

“That’s it. The succession to the throne in Termwillis isn’t necessarily based on the first prince. The primary requirement is the ability to perform the national protection ceremony, which requires significant magical power and the right magical aptitude. Birth order, character, and popularity are also considered.”

The prince paused and sighed.

“The ones with significant magical power are the crown prince, the second and third princesses. The ones with the aptitude for the national protection ceremony are me, the second and third princesses. Even so, the crown prince is the most likely to succeed to the throne.”

“So Rosemary had a motive to target Princess Marlene.”

“Exactly. The number of people suitable for the national protection ceremony has been decreasing over generations. To address this, the royal family has been marrying from closely related families or taking in exceptionally talented priestesses from the moon temple as concubines... but it’s been a struggle.”

From what I’ve heard—considering only aptitude, the closest to the throne would be Rosemary and Princess Marlene. In reality, other factors such as the ability to govern and character are also considered. The crown prince seems capable and has a good reputation, so his succession is secure.

Rosemary advocated for a merit-based system to justify her claim to the throne. By gaining more supporters, she aimed to make it natural for her to be the successor. This led to her involvement in power struggles to expand her faction.

However, according to this logic—Princess Marlene might be more talented than Rosemary. This explains why Rosemary, who advocates for a merit-based system, sees Marlene as a rival. According to her own criteria, Marlene would be a more suitable queen.

“Rosemary always said that the most qualified person should be the king to prevent the decline in aptitude. Marlene lost her ability to speak due to the poison... but I thought that might be helping her. Without the ability to cast spells, she can’t perform the national protection ceremony. If she publicly announced her entry into the temple, it would be even more reassuring, given the possibility of recovery.”

“I see.”

“We’ll have to wait for the magical inquisition for more details. Anyway, Theo, I should thank you. Rosemary was particularly harsh on the other princes and princesses, making it difficult for them.”

That must have been tough for Prince Albert and Princess Marlene, given their weaker positions compared to the powerful factions.

Princess Marlene, disguised as Marian, had apparently offered prayers to several magic stones and was now quietly sleeping at a sunny desk.

I had heard that Rosemary was trying to exert her influence in the royal palace, which is why Prince Albert took various precautions. The future concern has been alleviated.

Anyway, I’m glad that my father, Prince Albert, and Princess Marlene are safe.

The only thing left is to settle the score with the marquis family. My father is quite angry, so it’s a matter of sympathy. The marquis family’s lifeline is the shortest route through the count’s territory. Angering the count would lead to dire consequences. What will happen to that marquis?