Chapter 5

It seems that the Prime Minister noticed the old man's sarcasm, his face twitching as he directed a menacing gaze towards His Majesty the King.

"Your Majesty, what do you mean? When I mentioned the move of the First Prince to the Prince's Palace, you said, 'The Prime Minister has no authority to interfere in matters within the palace,' did you not? Since I received no communication from the Palace Minister, I assumed that the First Prince had already moved to the Prince's Palace. Is that not the case?"

Ah, that's right. Basically, the Prime Minister's role is to oversee domestic and foreign affairs, while the management and administration of the royal palace and the royal family are handled by a different organization.

This reaction is different from what I expected.

I thought that my current situation was due to a conspiracy between His Majesty the King and the Prime Minister, but is that not the case?

From the looks of it, the Prime Minister does not seem to be one of the King's merry companions.

Then, was my mother and I being neglected a result of the palace organization's consideration towards the King and the Queen?

Is such a thing possible?

Our country is a monarchy, and there are places where the King's word is law.

Even if the palace organization was showing consideration towards the King and the Queen, neglecting the Concubine and her prince—how is that acceptable? Is it allowed? Is it something that the organization can permit? Isn't it disrespectful to me, who has royal blood?

"Lord Hunt, Lord Fous, what have you been doing?!"

The Prime Minister's reprimand also targeted the King's attendants.

"This is not how the First Prince should be treated! As a parent, you are imposing clear mistreatment on Prince Ryugen, and you, as attendants, have not advised the King against it! Have some shame!!"

That's true, but it feels like the conversation is veering off course.

Glancing at the old man, it seems he feels the same way, as he glares at the King and his merry companions with a frown.

Yeah, such matters should be handled internally.

The main topic for me and the old man is my mother's stay and my removal from the royal family to join the Marquess family.

This is more important, and the internal affairs of the King and his companions are irrelevant.

To steer the conversation back on track, I addressed the King and his companions.

"May I ask a question?"

When I spoke, the King, his merry companions, and the Prime Minister all turned their attention to me.

The King looked surprised that I could speak, as I rarely responded to him, usually only saying "Yes" or "No."

Even when addressed by the King's merry companions, I couldn't express my thoughts well, and partly because I didn't want to speak to them, I remained silent.

But now I can speak properly, and I can counter any of their statements.

I asked the person who had done the most incomprehensible thing, the King.

"What does His Majesty want to do with me, the First Prince?"

I have an idea, but it may not be correct. I don't think there's any reason for it, but I want confirmation that my thoughts are right.

When I asked, the King, who was named, reacted slightly but did not immediately respond.

Since I entered the room with the old man, the King was surprised to see me with him. However, he ignored my presence, only glancing at me furtively.

Perhaps he couldn't follow the petition about my mother's treatment and the exchange with the Prime Minister, and just watched the two of us.

Then, this question came from me, whom he had been ignoring.

In front of not only the Prime Minister but also the old man, he couldn't treat me as if I didn't exist as he usually did. Come on, answer the question quickly.

The old man and the Prime Minister also want to hear the answer to this question.

Yet, the King looked either flustered or confused, as if my attitude was unbelievable.

Hmm, why are you so surprised... Oh! That's right. The King had been trying to raise me as a foolish prince who couldn't endure the hardships befitting a royal, so that he could make the prince born to the Queen the Crown Prince.

I see. That's why he was surprised to see me calmly being held by the old man in this room.

But, originally, I was like a prince with a mental deficiency, as if my brain wasn't functioning properly.

What the King and his merry companions wanted was for me to run up to the King happily the moment I saw him, act arrogantly towards others, and believe that I was important because I was a prince, and that my father loved me and would affirm everything I did.

They were trying to make me a proud and foolish prince, but the me here now is far from what the King wanted.

I'm sorry, but things didn't go as you planned.

More importantly, answer the question quickly. I know the answer, but I have plans too.

"Your Majesty, I would like you to answer Prince Ryugen's question?"

Even when prompted by the Prime Minister, the King remained silent. The old man directed a menacing gaze at the silent King, and the Prime Minister looked suspicious.

Well, you can't answer, can you? You were trying to make me look foolish to legally dispose of an unwanted First Prince.

I think this is the correct answer, but if it's not clarified here, I'm afraid it might interfere with my future plans.

"If you cannot answer, I will ask the questions. I will take your silence as an affirmation, so please answer if it is not the case."

I've set it up for you, so answer properly. If you remain silent, I'll proceed with the conversation in a way that suits me.

The Prime Minister is not one of the King's merry companions, but he is a witness to this exchange and is being forced to participate.

I feel sorry for him being dragged into this family mess, but it's the Prime Minister's fault for not putting a bell around the King's neck.

If you find this interesting, please like, bookmark, and rate it with a ★. It would boost my motivation, so I appreciate your support.