Chapter 51

In the end, the pursuit in the hall was called off, and it became clear that Father couldn't address our sons' titles formally in such settings.

Let's just let it slide as being overprotective, but the response to the allergy issue feels less than satisfactory.

"You weren't really believed, were you?"

In fact, my aides were in that hall.

They were so far from me, near the wall, where no materials were distributed, so we could only talk after returning to the room.

"From a gut feeling, it would be good if a third of the Prince's claims were accepted."

"I was surprised that Duke Lukaios was so stubborn. I had heard he was fair."

Herkov, describing the hall realistically, seemed somewhat disappointed.

"If there was a person who could be called the culprit, they would be the only one to focus on. Perhaps you narrowed your target too much and lost sight of the bigger picture, or maybe the issue of the culprit was irrelevant, and the main goal was to exclude Prince Asha."

Ikt started to say something ominous.

"What kind of person is Duke Lukaios?"

The aides exchanged glances, but before any of the three could answer, another voice spoke up.

"Actively contributed to the current emperor's centralization and strengthening. Positive about administrative reforms, disliking old-fashioned waste and extravagance. In his youth, he led the army to besiege and open a fortress where rebels were entrenched, showing military talent. Built a balanced diplomatic relationship externally and is known for fairness. Passionate about education, using his own wealth to support boarding schools."

"Wait, wait. It's all detailed and only praise, Sefira?"

She paused, making the light flicker.

"Anyway, be quiet today. Duke Strategos is coming next."

(Critics say he is inconsistent, changing allies according to the times, and is criticized for it.)

Is there more to say?

Then, talk of conspiracies, political upheavals, and even being demoted and then returning to power came up.

Lukaios Duke is more tumultuous than I thought.

Surviving and achieving results, the overall evaluation is that he is an excellent and wise minister.

However, Sefira also mentioned that he is too rational and cold outside of his family.

Speaking of which, I am an outsider and a nuisance, and this time, they might have taken advantage of the situation to drive me out.

If the problem is solved and Terry is safe, then I, who only use the prince's treatment, money, and manpower, would be a hindrance, so it makes sense to drive me out. How reasonable.

It's infuriating!

"Why are you so calm?"

When Duke Strategos arrived and relayed that our claims were not taken seriously, he sighed.

He came to retake the statement, accompanied by the usual Reavan.

"Lukaios Duke's manipulation to make a bad impression of me is infuriating."

"That's because you lack charm."

Ikt quietly elbowed the rude Reavan.

If Duke Strategos pretends not to notice, I will do the same.

Reavan, you won't be discouraged by this.

"Out of caution, were you pretending to be flustered in the hall?"

"Oh, so that's how it looked? Good. I wanted Duke Yurasion to think I was dull and not approach me, so I didn't want to break that image."

"On the contrary, it made the credibility of those materials weaker."

When I answered Duke Strategos' confirmation, Reavan laughed again.

"Whether it was a twist thought up by your aides or not, I heard it."

"......So, Duke Strategos, you believe it was my idea. Then, did you find it so unbelievable?"

"Hard to believe at first, but I know of your extraordinary thinking and understanding, so it's not impossible."

In other words, the impression changes based on the trust in me as a person.

"Hmm, I think the Empress was so focused on reading that she believed it."

"Did you pretend to be dazed and observe such things? !?"

Reavan let out a strange sound and then seemed to be rubbing his back.

Did Ikt just twist his butt?

"I tried to keep a broad view and not focus on one thing to gauge reactions and appear harmless."

"......Shouldn't you use your talent for something else? What do you teach them normally?"

Duke Strategos cast a suspicious glance at my aides.

Before I could object, Helkov, unconcerned even with a duke, smiled like a wild beast and shrugged.

"What to do with the knowledge imparted is up to the Prince. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."

Duke Strategos turned to me with a dubious expression.

"May I ask why the Empress was so focused on you?"

He seemed curious about my specific mention.

"Because even I, meeting her for the first time, could tell something was wrong. I thought if I showed the reasons and causes, she might recall something as a mother."

In fact, the Empress was deeply engrossed in reading the materials.

I saw her leave the hall immediately after finishing.

"By comparing the situations where she has fainted before, I think the food that triggered it can be narrowed down. I believe either Father or the Empress can help with this. If the message gets through to them, that's enough."

"In other words, your appearance there was to warn the Empress?"

"Ah, um. More for the sake of Fel, Werner, and Terry. The tea party they prepared with enthusiasm was ruined."

In the end, I made all three of them cry.

Oh, thinking about it makes me sad.

Fel and Werner were smiling, but they turned red and cried.

Also, I was shocked to find that Terry was afraid of me, and it makes me angry that it was just a random assumption by others.

"I hope the next tea party can be enjoyed without worry. If you can take measures so they don't faint again, that would be great."

I thought Terry and I could become friends.

When I was three, he was friendly and didn't know about adult matters.

But after three years, it was already too late.

There was a gap, and it probably couldn't be easily bridged, and Duke Lukaios wouldn't let it be bridged.

Maybe the next time I meet, Fel and Werner will also dislike me.

Unlike with Terry, this time I actually made them cry.

"Is that all? I heard the Second Prince was quite abusive. Aren't you planning something more troublesome?"

Reavan asked suspiciously.

"Not really. I just want to know why they were so afraid."

"Maybe they just dislike you?"

Reavan, being rude, shrugged.

Though he's trying to be tough, he's being held by Ikt and Helkov, and his face is twitching.

"Reavan, are you going to prioritize your feelings even if it causes trouble for Duke Strategos?"

As soon as I asked, Reavan, putting himself in the situation, fell silent.

"I want to get along with my brothers, but if I force the issue, it will only cause problems for His Majesty. No matter what I think, I won't do anything to hinder His Majesty."

"Indeed. If you truly desire the throne, you would do better."

"I don't."

Duke Strategos nodded, but to avoid being misunderstood, I clearly denied it.

Honestly, even if I am no longer a prince according to Duke Lukaios' plan, it would be troublesome but not unpleasant.

The only thing that bothers me is that it's going according to his plan.

Speaking of which, I don't really care about the throne or the royal name......

"Oh."

"What is it now?"

Reavan, who seemed uncomfortable, closed his mouth but eventually asked.

"It's nothing much. I just thought of something I want to do using this situation."

As soon as I smiled, Reavan and Duke Strategos looked worried.

Wearel glared at Reavan.

"It's because you stimulate Prince Asha's imagination."

"Prince, you usually endure, but once you decide, you don't hesitate."

"Once I have an idea, I act, and I think of ways to make it happen."

When the aides said this, Duke Strategos also looked at Reavan.

Suddenly, Reavan bowed his head to me and then raised only his neck to look at me.

"I'm sorry, can you stop?"

"No."

As I smiled, Reavan and Duke Strategos both dropped their heads in despair.

Regular update

Next: The Curse of the Crab Disease 4