Chapter 94

With the matter settled, it should have been over... but a few days later, I was summoned by my father, King Charles. When I went to the throne room, Charles and Albert were there.

"Good to see you, Lloyd," Charles said.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

I answered Charles's voice briefly. What could this be about? The heavy atmosphere made me catch my breath. Charles cleared his throat and began to speak.

"The other night, you left the castle, didn't you?"

At Charles's words, I shuddered. Uh, did he find out? I thought I was safe since I returned in the middle of the night, but it seems someone saw me. I messed up... While inwardly holding my head, I nodded in response to Charles's question.

"Y-Yes, well, the night air was pleasant..."

"Hmm, shall I guess what you did? You went to the church, didn't you?"

I tried to bluff, but he responded with a confident smile. ...This is bad, it seems he saw right through me. He might have waited a few days to summon me to verify my actions.

—Namely, the collapse of the church headquarters. I immediately had Ren investigate after that, and it turned out that the church headquarters had been half-destroyed by an unknown attacker. The Pope, Gitan, had gone missing, and the believers were in chaos, unable to regain order... I had a headache just hearing that much and dismissed Ren halfway through the report. At this point, I decided to pretend I didn't know and pray that Charles wouldn't hear about it...

"The incident at the church, of course, reached my ears. Truly, you've done something incredible."

Charles looked down at me with a sharp gaze. ...But it seems that didn't work. Many people in this castle, including Charles, have been helped by the church. If they think I've done something to worsen the relationship, it won't just be a scolding. I've been allowed to go out freely recently because I've gained trust, but now I might not be allowed to leave the castle. With my resolve, I waited, and Charles spoke solemnly.

"Excellent work, Lloyd."

"Wh-What?"

I widened my eyes at Charles's words.

"I knew you had been going to the church through Albert. At first, I was just observing your actions, but then I realized the Pope was up to something, so I switched the investigation. It turned out the Pope was involved in the recent disappearances in the city. We were gathering evidence to arrest him when the incident happened."

Charles nodded. When did he start investigating this? ...Ah, Silfa. She was probably ordered by Albert or someone around him.

"I was really surprised. When we were about to raid the church, it was already in chaos. Many believers said they saw you fighting a monster that was the Pope, and even with an angel. They even asked if the seventh prince was a messenger of God! Ha ha."

Charles seemed genuinely pleased. Hmm, so I was seen by the believers. And a messenger of God? That's embarrassing.

"Perhaps it was just a resemblance to someone else..."

As I tried to bluff, Albert, who had been standing by, smiled.

"There's no need to be modest, Lloyd. Remember when you snuck out at night and stopped the Lord Roadst's plot? That's when it clicked. Ah, it must be Lloyd's doing."

Albert winked. It seems he thought the same thing.

"Yes, some believers even suggested you as the next Pope. How beloved you are! Ha ha!"

Gah, there's no place to run. If I become the Pope, I'll lose my freedom. I might get useful information about sacred magic, but that's too much.

"Slipping into the night and secretly fighting evil, huh? Did you think you were passing the trouble to me? For example, to replace the Pope you defeated?"

Did he see through my inner flinch? Charles laughed.

"Ha ha, I wouldn't say such a thing. Besides, I told you, didn't I? You are the seventh prince, with no claim to the throne. Live as you please without worrying about your role."

"Father, so...!"

"Yes, I told them it was a mistake. Lloyd was sleeping all night. The believers eventually gave up and left."

Phew, I'm saved. Charles continued as I breathed a sigh of relief.

"Lloyd, you should live freely and without worry. I am your father, after all. I promise to always be your support."

"Of course, I will too, Lloyd. Come to me if you need help."

"Father, Albert, thank you!"

I bowed to both of them. I thought they had forgotten the promise from long ago, but I was moved that they remembered. I stood up, bowed again with gratitude, and left the throne room.

"Lloyd as the Pope, huh. Those church people have no eye for talent. To think they would see my son as just that. But it's not bad to have the church owe us a favor. There are churches outside our country too. The connection to the church will be a great asset to Lloyd when he travels to other countries. Lloyd, absorb as much as you can, following your heart. That is your destiny as one who is meant to rule the world."

"I thought Lloyd was just making connections with the church, but I didn't expect him to be almost made the Pope. The believers gave up for now, but even as they were leaving, I heard some of them still trying to make Lloyd the Pope. He has captured their hearts more than I expected. If something happens, a single call will bring them to Lloyd. There are over ten thousand believers in this country alone, more than ten times my private army... If Lloyd wanted to, he could even overthrow the country. Ha... It's a bit scary. But as his brother, I'm proud."

Albert and Charles were muttering to each other, but I was just relieved. Both of them were still giving me freedom despite what I had done. Being the seventh prince is really easy. I can continue my magic research freely.