“Lucas: «Brainwashing» Skill is scary, I won’t keep it close…”
“That boy keeps bringing trouble one after another. At this rate, Prince Lucas is going to die from overwork…”
Before informing Prince Lucas, I told Alissa-san and Lily about the Lecty Kidnapping Plan that Idiot had told me, while in the carriage at the meeting place.
Apparently, Prince Lucas had called not only me but also Lily.
“It’s not like I want to bring trouble…”
If the surroundings were peaceful, there would be no need to rely on Prince Lucas. It’s because the Succession War and the Holy Maiden are making everything so turbulent that it has come to this.
“I left Lecty alone in her room, I wonder if she’s okay…?”
Lily looks out the window, worrying about Lecty’s safety.
According to the plan Idiot heard from his father, the kidnapping was supposed to take place on the day of the Inter-Class Tournament… But there’s no guarantee that they haven’t changed the plan due to not being able to get Idiot’s cooperation.
“Well, members of the Knights Order (ours) are on alert, so I think she’ll be fine. Besides, even if Lady Lily was with her, the result wouldn’t change much.”
“Y-yes, that’s true, but…”
Lily, having been told to her face that she was not a combat asset, droops her shoulders. Well, Lily doesn’t have her Skill constantly activated either… If they were to suddenly break into the room, there would be nothing she could do.
After finishing the report, Alissa-san moved to the driver’s seat and the carriage started moving. During the travel time, I also shared the information about Rosalie and Cardinal Malicious with Lily.
After about 30 minutes, the carriage stopped in a quiet residential area. It was a different place than before, but this time it seemed to be one of the Knights Order’s outposts. As always, Prince Lucas had arrived earlier and was waiting for us in the back room.
“Ah, you’ve arrived. Let’s start the discussion right away.”
Prince Lucas is hiding his eyes with a black cloth and has a smile on his lips.
It’s a familiar sight, but my observation skills, enhanced by the «Ninja» Skill, could see a hint of fatigue on Prince Lucas. It seems he made time for us despite being very busy.
There are two things I need to tell him, but first, let’s start with the Lecty Kidnapping Plan. I’m sorry to Rosalie and Cicely-san, but I’ll prioritize my own people.
“…I see.”
Prince Lucas sighs as he looks at the kidnapping plan that Idiot wrote down.
“The Slay of the past was a much calmer and more cunning person. At the very least, he wasn’t the type to resort to such a reckless and thoughtless plan.”
There seemed to be some sadness and loneliness in Prince Lucas’s voice. Even though they are rivals for the throne, Prince Slay is Prince Lucas’s blood-related brother. He must have some feelings about it…
“What does Prince Slay intend to do by marrying Lecty?”
When I asked, Prince Lucas thought for a moment and replied, “That’s a good question…”
“There are several advantages that Prince Slay could gain by taking Lady Lecty as his wife. For example, Lady Lecty’s «Holy Maiden» Skill. There are quite a few nobles who have sick family members. If he promises cooperation in the Succession War in exchange for treatment, he might be able to rebuild his faction.”
“Might be…?”
“Not all nobles act out of a sense of duty or loyalty. In fact, there are more cunning nobles. They might just receive treatment and then support a different candidate in the Succession War. Well, not everyone is like that, and we could make them obey by adding the condition that they will become king.”
It’s not a very good plan, Prince Lucas shrugs.
“Your Highness, do you not consider using Lecty?”
Lily asks, directing a probing gaze at Prince Lucas.
If Prince Lucas were so inclined, it would be easy for him to gather the support of the nobles using the method he just mentioned. It would be difficult for us to refuse if Prince Lucas asked. Lecty wouldn’t dislike treating the sick either.
“…Certainly, if I were to use Lady Lecty’s power, I could easily gain the support of the nobles. This also applies to you, Hugh. If I were to use your power, I could easily obtain the throne. In fact, if it were just about becoming king, you alone would be enough.”
Prince Lucas explains why he doesn’t do that, even though he knows he could.
“But it’s not like that after becoming king. If I rely only on you, there will be no one around me to support me after I become king. The same goes for using Lady Lecty. I can’t trust vassals who swore loyalty in exchange for treating their family members… For me, taking the throne is not the goal, but the start. It’s important how many cards I can obtain before becoming king, and how I use them after I become king.”
“Prince Lucas…”
Prince Lucas’s answer must have been unexpected for Lily. Her eyes are wide with surprise.
“From now on, I basically don’t intend to rely on Lady Lecty’s or Hugh’s Skills. Well, I’ll ask for help when there’s no other choice, and I’ll keep them close because I’m afraid of them being used by my brother. —Does that put your mind at ease a little, Lady Lily?”
“I-I’m so sorry! I asked a question that was like testing Your Highness…!”
“It’s alright. It was a question out of concern for Lady Lecty, right? Did my answer meet your expectations?”
“Y-yes…! I am grateful for your consideration.”
While chuckling at Lily’s exaggerated reaction, Prince Lucas nodded at me.
I thought I was being left out despite being drawn into his faction, but it seems there was a reason for that… Regardless of whether his words are true or not, it’s clear that Prince Lucas is aiming for the throne without using my power.
“Let’s get back to the topic. By marrying Lady Lecty, Prince Slay can also gain the initiative over Father. Even though his health has recovered, there’s no telling when his illness might relapse.”
…His Majesty the King’s poor health was not caused by illness. Someone had intentionally poisoned him, gradually weakening His Majesty the King. Prince Lucas’s statement is probably based on the possibility that the culprit might poison His Majesty the King again.
“By obtaining the card that is Lady Lecty, Prince Slay intends to cling to the Succession War. …I feel bad for my brother, but it’s about time he was removed from the game.”
After that, we discussed countermeasures based on the kidnapping plan that Idiot had provided.
By the way, the details of the plan are as follows.
The execution date is four days after the Inter-Class Tournament. The location is the forest area near the Royal Capital, which is the venue.
During our Class 1-A match, mercenaries disguised as bandits will break in and kidnap Lecty. Prince Slay, seeing the situation as serious, will order House Hortness and lead his own private soldiers to rescue Lecty from the bandits.
Then, Lecty, having been saved by Prince Slay, will offer to become his wife, and Prince Slay will accept.
…Did an elementary school student come up with this?
“They’re probably trying to confuse us by giving Idiot a fake kidnapping plan, there’s no doubt about it.”
“Let’s consider that possibility as well. If that’s the case, I don’t think we can beat Prince Slay…”
After reconfirming the plan, Lily and Prince Lucas both held their heads in their hands.