Chapter 69

Afternoon.

Leaving the housework to Yuki, I and Winfield headed to the Royal Magic Academy via the Seven Stay Oh, having made a detour to Nikesetsu.

"Hey, why didn't you make an appointment?"

I couldn't help but ask during the journey. This visit was surprisingly without an appointment, even though we were going to see a prince. I couldn't understand the reason.

"It's to show that Jipang is above the Kingdom of Castar."

"Ah... I see."

I hadn't heard the term "Jipang" in a while! I remember there was such a setting.

You must have a good grasp of such minor details, even when the person involved has forgotten. It's hard to believe you've only been summoned for a day. You must have heard it from Sylvia or someone yesterday. You must be really good at extracting information, always absorbing only the necessary information at the highest efficiency. You're like a walking RTA.

"By the way, while I'm impressed, haven't we arrived?"

"Yeah, we're here."

I'm used to your ESP-like abilities.

We didn't get off the Seven Stay Oh but rode straight through the school gates.

"Kyaa!" "Second Prince!?" "No way!" "Why!?"

Screams... or rather, high-pitched voices echoed from all around. Mainly the female students were excitedly squealing, and no one commented on us riding in on a horse.

"Hey, anyone there?"

Since no one was paying attention, I circled the schoolyard, repeatedly calling out, "Is Main here?"

Then, some students who realized I was looking for Main sprinted towards the school building.

...A few minutes later, Main, looking flustered, ran over to us.

"Second Prince!? What are you doing!?"

"There's no place to put the horse."

"Even so, don't ride in like this!"

It's nice to see you again, and you're still good at pointing out my mistakes. I'm happy.

"Is there a place where we can talk calmly? And what should we do with the horse?"

"Calm, what, horse, huh? Wait, that's too sudden! Just wait there quietly!"

"Hurry up."

"What is this! I just thought we met after a long time! Ahh!"

Main clutched his head and walked back to the school building, looking dejected. A few seconds later, a maid assigned to the Second Prince, following Main's instructions, guided us to the stables.

"The salon is being prepared. Please wait a moment."

She bowed politely, saying this. Unlike our maid, she was composed. This is what a top-tier maid looks like.

By the way, I didn't understand what a salon was, so I asked Winfield. It's apparently like a parlor. As expected of an encyclopedia spirit.

"Second Prince! This is outrageous! No appointment, riding in on a horse, and running around the schoolyard!"

As soon as we arrived at the salon, I was scolded by the crowned Main.

I apologized casually, saying, "Sorry, sorry," and thrust my fist forward.

"Ah... You're so..."

After a moment's hesitation, Main thrust his fist forward to meet mine, bumping them together. His smile, looking somewhat pleased, still made him look like a girl. But he's a prince.

"Who is that person? And where are Sylvia and Eco?"

Main, now in a good mood, turned his gaze to Winfield.

"This is my strategist, Winfield."

"Nice to meet you."

"Ah, yes. Nice to meet you, but... a strategist?"

The Second Prince was taken aback by the word "strategist." He should be more knowledgeable in this field than I, a former net game addict.

"Please excuse us."

When Winfield said this, Main looked at the maid. The maid shook her head, saying, "I cannot allow it."

Hmm, this is a problem. If Winfield thinks it's necessary to clear the room, it must be. We can't let this maid hear our conversation.

...Ah, I know.

"Should we brainwash her?"

I asked in a low voice, wanting to try the brainwashing magic I had just learned. Winfield said, "No," and explained the reason.

"Probably, there's a limit to the number of times brainwashing magic can be used. My guess is four times."

"Really?"

A limit of four times? Why such an arbitrary number?

"Twice on Master and the head of the Morris Trading Company, Philip. Once on myself to prevent me from revealing the method of learning it under torture. And once somewhere else, which led to the prime minister targeting the Aishein Duke and dismantling the ducal family. A total of four times, I think."

The Aishein Duke was dismantled for treason. But that was the official reason. The real reason was that the prime minister, fearing the existence of brainwashing magic, orchestrated the dismantling. I knew this too.

In my previous life in Mevion, the Prime Minister Bal Moro used the "Brainwashing Magic" to brainwash King Bawel of Castar, making the kingdom a vassal state of the Marbel Empire. However, thanks to the player's efforts, the prime minister was defeated, and the king's brainwashing was undone. It was a typical MMORPG plot.

However, in this world, there's no sign that the king has been brainwashed. The Duchess Lucia must have prevented the prime minister from obtaining the "Brainwashing Magic." This was due to her meticulous caution, using two of the limited uses to ensure the succession to someone who could solve the problem of a rebellious slave and become an exceptionally good person.

"Could it be too cautious...?"

The Duchess used it four times in a situation with no hints, leaving the information that "it can be used four times" to her successor. But I can't help but think, "four times" or "only four times"? What if there was no limit at all?

"If that's the case, then we're lucky. But for now, it's safer to assume four times. We should conserve it."

It's a sound argument. In this world, unlike in a game, you can't start over. Trying to test how many times it can be used would be pointless. I sighed, feeling frustrated, and Winfield added, "I understand how you feel."

This spirit is a good spirit.

"Alright, then. We'll start the conversation as is."

Is that okay? Main and I were taken aback, and the maid looked slightly confused.

"Um, let's start with Second Prince's request. Second Prince wants Main to inherit the throne."

"Huh?"

"To do that, the First Prince, the First Queen, and the prime minister are obstacles. We plan to corner them."

"Wha!?"

Main jumped up in surprise at the sudden bombshell. The maid was stunned.

"But, just eliminating that trio won't do, right?"

"Yeah. Probably, the people won't accept it. The First Prince's supporters and the empire's agents will stir up trouble."

"Wait, wait, wait! What are you talking about!? What do you mean!?"

Main seemed to be struggling to understand, asking us for an explanation. The maid, realizing she shouldn't be hearing this, covered her ears with her hands but refused to leave.

"We're talking about you. How to make Main the next king."

"Me!? King!? Not my brother?"

"Yeah. Don't you think the country will be doomed if he becomes king?"

"Um, I don't want that, but me as king?"

"You're still hesitating. Do you want it or not?"

"Of course, I'd want it if I could. But my brother—"

"But no buts. Do you want to be king?"

"......Yes."

"Good. A prince's word is his bond."

"Yes."

"Really?"

"Don't worry, it's my true desire. I just lack confidence."

"That's fine. Confidence can be built later."

"Ahaha, you're still the same."

Alright, I got the commitment. Now, the crucial part is the method.

I glanced at Winfield, who smiled and began to explain.

"We'll use three strategies. Let's start with the first one."

She held up three fingers. Incidentally, she uses her middle, index, and thumb. I use my middle, ring, and little fingers. I can't relax unless they fold in order from the thumb.

"The suppression of the vigilante R6 in the capital Vinston was supposed to be settled with the head of the boss, Reimsma. However, after the execution, the suppression continued, ignoring the agreement. There should be an official document somewhere."

"Ah, I've heard that story. The first knight regiment, which rarely goes out, was sent to thoroughly suppress the anti-government forces. That was after the agreement?"

"Yes. R6, in particular, had the support of the people. This was a hindrance to the policy of rapprochement with the empire."

"So, they were eliminated? Was it my brother?"

"No. The prime minister is guiding the First Prince. The prime minister is an imperial agent."

"Whaaat!?"

Ah, you didn't know. In my mind, it had become common knowledge, but indeed, only someone who knows Mevion or a genius like Winfield would know this.

"During the suppression of the vigilantes, R6 and the Second and Third Knight Regiments signed a ceasefire agreement. If we obtain and disclose the official document from that time, criticism of the First Knight Regiment will increase."

That's a good strategy. But I have one concern. I asked, still surprised, on Main's behalf.

"What if the document has been tampered with?"

"That's the second strategy. If we obtain the original and present it along with the evidence of tampering, the criticism will be even stronger."

Hmm, easy for you to say. If we can obtain it, that's great, but obtaining it will be difficult. And, of course, obtaining the original will be my job...

"Yeah, you got it."

See?

"Wait. What if both the document and the original have been destroyed?"

Main, who had recovered, asked. Good point.

"We can't make it disappear. If they've been destroyed, it's as good as a confession."

"I see. But the impact will be weaker if the strategy succeeds."

"That's true. So, as a precaution, the third strategy."

I realized Main is also smart. I felt a bit left out.

"Find a living witness, bring them forward, and have them testify publicly."

A living witness... a survivor of R6, one of Kyubero's comrades.

"Um... if we do that—"

"Yeah. They'll probably be targeted by agents or First Prince supporters."

Oh, I get it.

"A decoy strategy, huh?"

"Yep."

Winfield said it casually. Main looked pale.

"If Second Prince guards them, they'll probably be the safest in the world. If they fall for it, the First Prince's supporters will be seen in a very bad light."

It's nice to be praised, but you're making it sound so easy again.

"Using these three strategies, the First Prince's supporters will be in a very tight spot. We'll discuss the next steps after this succeeds."

Winfield smiled, and I felt she was saying, "It will definitely work out."

...Alright, let's do it.

"So, what should I do first?"

"First, we need to get into the palace."

We both looked at Main, who answered with a somewhat reluctant expression.

"I don't think just being on good terms with me will get you in... Hmm, what should we do?"

We need a reason. Thinking about it, I turned to Winfield. She must have a reason in mind.

"Hehe, it's easy. Isn't it about time?"

Winfield swayed her body from side to side, saying, "Isn't it time yet?" What does she mean? Is she waiting for something?

—And the next moment.

"Ah, Second Prince. I didn't expect to see you here."

"Second, what's up, what's up!"

Sylvia and Eco entered the salon.

"Ah, Sylvia, Eco. It's been a while."

"Long time no see."

"Ah, Prince Main. It's been a while. Second Prince must have caused you a lot of trouble. Please accept my apologies on his behalf."

"Stop it, that's embarrassing. You're not my mother or anything."

"Typical of Second Prince to not think it's his fault for causing trouble."

"True."

It suddenly got lively. Main was laughing happily too.

...No, no, no, that's not the point.

"Hey, Winfield. You already have a reason to infiltrate the palace, right?"

"Yeah. Did you bring it, Sylvia?"

"Of course. This is the headmaster's recommendation letter, and this is the signatures of 230 students."

"......Huh?"

Recommendation? Signatures?

"Court Magicians Corps"

When Winfield whispered this, Main looked startled.

"Right! The First Court Magicians Corps, which is part of my faction, can be flexible. We can use that..."

"There might be a special temporary lecturer position."

"51st Magic Tournament champion. Fastest to reach Rank A adventurer in the kingdom. Solo clearance of the Proline Dungeon. Add to that the headmaster's recommendation and the signatures of 230 students. I'd find it hard to refuse."

"Still, the trio of obstacles will probably oppose it. If the king doesn't agree... we might need to reconsider."

No, wait, there are too many things I don't understand. Where should I start...

"Why is the headmaster recommending me?"

"Pola Memento is close to the Second Queen, Flon. Naturally, she's on the Second Prince's side."

The Second Queen Flon. Main's mother. I see, that's why there are few guards for Main at the magic school. But even so, his reputation in the school seems too bad. There must be some Klaus faction members too. Wow, this is complicated.

"Then, what about the student signatures?"

"There's an organization. A huge one."

"The one you mentioned this morning?"

"...It's better not to know."

Sylvia shook her head with a caring look. What is that? It only makes me more curious.

"Anyway, why a lecturer? Being a member is fine, right?"

"Having some authority makes it easier to move around."

"True, I guess."

"Second Prince."

"Huh?"

"Go ahead. Become a special temporary lecturer."

"......"

Winfield, probably tired of the hassle, pushed me roughly. When you're pushed so aggressively, you feel weak. You just want to nod along with the flow.

...And so, for some reason, I was recommended to become a special temporary lecturer in the First Court Magicians Corps. I have an audience with the king tomorrow. Everything is going smoothly.

Well, that's all beside the point.

After finishing the discussion with Main, on the way home at dusk, I told the three to go ahead and secretly stopped by the pharmacy. After searching and asking the staff, I finally found Mr. Kondo and bought it. In this world, Mr. Kondo is made from the swim bladder of a fish-like monster, specifically from the Vanilla Lake in front of our house.

Then, I ate dinner while floating with the swim bladder, skipped the evening drink, took a long bath feeling buoyant, and skipped to Yuki's room in high spirits.

The moment of decisive battle—

<To be continued in the theatrical version!>

Thank you for reading.