Episode 33: The Mob Prince Gives Hope to the Captive Princess
“All of you in the back, heads up! The most important person here is Brother Luke!”
“Whoa, hold on a second…!”
I was dumbfounded by Diana’s arrogant declaration, chest puffed out.
She seemed emboldened by having the Magical Seal undone, but… it suited her strangely well.
After all, in the game scenario, Diana would eventually dominate the Dark Elves and reign as the Demon Lord.
“Brother Luke is a god, a ruler! Now, repeat after me!”
“…Hey, that makes it sound like I’m some kind of Demon Lord!?”
“How dare you jest…!”
Even Vincent seemed to have reached his limit, emitting a dangerous aura.
This isn’t the time for this.
I forcefully changed the subject.
“More importantly… Mother Luna is scheduled for public execution in two days.”
“Is that true…?”
As expected, Vincent took the bait.
Judging by his flustered reaction, his loyalty to his mother seems genuine.
If so, this tactic should be extremely effective.
I discussed it with the Emperor, and we decided to stage a fake public execution to draw the Dark Elves’ main forces away from their hideout.
If it succeeds, the hideout’s defenses will be weakened, making it easier to rescue Princess Olivia.
“That’s right. This isn’t the time for infighting. Won’t you cooperate in rescuing Mother?”
“…Very well. First, I shall guide you to our stronghold. There, you can tell us more details.”
“Ah, by the way, is Princess Olivia also at this stronghold?”
Vincent gave me a slightly suspicious look.
Whether Olivia is at the place I’m about to be taken to is a major issue for me.
If she isn’t, I’ll have to find a way to let Kuro know.
“Of course. But… why do you ask?”
“To use Princess Olivia as a hostage to move King Macedonia and stop Mother’s execution!”
I pleaded, trying to sound as desperate as possible.
“Even if the Emperor doesn’t intend to accept our demands, he might accept King Macedonia’s! After all, he wants to avoid war with Macedonia.”
“I see. So that’s the play…!”
Vincent exclaimed in admiration.
“You haven’t harmed Princess Olivia, have you? If you have, this plan could fall apart!”
“…No problem. We are treating her with respect.”
I didn’t show it on my face, but I was genuinely relieved.
This plan was conceived to prevent Olivia from being tortured, but it seemed they were treating her surprisingly well.
“Then send a messenger to Macedonia immediately. Tell them, ‘If any harm comes to Mother Luna, Princess Olivia’s life is forfeit.’ If anyone can tame a flying magical beast, they should make it in time, right?”
“…Understood. I’ll arrange it immediately.”
Vincent nodded.
I hadn’t shared this plan with the Emperor, acting on my own.
For me, it’s a double insurance to prevent the Emperor from killing Mother.
This way, as long as Olivia is safe, there’s no need to worry about Mother Luna being killed.
Emperor Alvaise is a man who will readily resort to ruthless measures if necessary.
I needed to keep his actions in check, just in case.
“But of course, this isn’t a foolproof plan. On top of that, we need to plan a rescue operation to retrieve Mother Luna with a main force. The execution will take place in the palace courtyard. I’m familiar with the palace structure and security arrangements, so please let me participate in the strategy meeting.”
“…!”
Vincent pondered, as I gave him a serious look.
If I can participate in the strategy meeting, I can grasp the Dark Elves’ current strength. This is extremely important.
On top of that, if I can get them to send as many troops as possible, the Olivia rescue operation in two days will be easier.
“As expected, Brother’s plan is perfect! Vincent, obey!”
Diana clapped her hands in joy and commanded imperiously.
It was the best support to ensure the success of my plan.
Good job, Dia. I’ll give you lots of head pats later.
“…Rescuing Luna-sama is our dearest wish. We need any information necessary for that. You may participate in the strategy meeting.”
“Thank you. I’ll tell you anything you want to know. We have to get Mother back, no matter what.”
“Ah…”
Vincent looked down at me, seemingly overwhelmed.
He still seems somewhat suspicious of me, but if Mother’s execution is carried out, Vincent will definitely send a portion of his troops to the palace.
If Vincent’s loyalty to his mother is genuine, the operation will likely succeed.
“…Then come with me. I will guide you to our stronghold.”
We were invited to the Dark Elves’ stronghold in the forest, guided by Vincent.
They had dug tunnels underground, forming a small underground city. The entrance was hidden by magic, so you wouldn’t find it no matter how much you searched above ground.
Fortunately, Vincent and the others didn’t seem to notice Kuro’s tracking.
“Diana-sama, you must be tired. We will prepare a room befitting your status immediately.”
“Before that, I’d like to see Princess Olivia, if possible?”
“What…?”
Vincent stopped in his tracks.
“Why would you need to do that?”
“Hmph! That little hussy who was making eyes at Brother! I’ll laugh at her trembling in fear!”
Diana declared, her jealousy for Olivia flaring up.
This was something Diana and I had agreed on beforehand.
Confirming Olivia’s location is the top priority. I wanted to know as soon as possible, even if it was a bit forceful.
Besides, even though they said they were treating Olivia with respect, the Mazoku’s values are different from humans.
They might have broken her leg bones to prevent her from escaping.
It’s also possible that Vincent is lying and Olivia isn’t here at all.
I need to confirm the facts properly and then consider appropriate countermeasures.
Above all, I wanted to cheer up Olivia, who must be overwhelmed with anxiety.
“Brother and Dia were promised to be married, and yet, how dare you, how dare you!”
What amazing intensity. There was not a trace of artificiality in my sister’s stamping feet.
I’ve reevaluated Diana a little.
“Vincent, take us there immediately!”
“…Understood. If that is what Diana-sama wishes.”
Guided by Vincent, we were led to the prison.
“One warning. We have set up multiple Spell Traps that will cause an explosion if you touch Princess Olivia. Do not touch her under any circumstances.”
“Oh, you’ve set up such dangerous traps?”
Diana asked.
“We can’t rule out the possibility of traitors among our own…”
Saying that, Vincent looked at me suspiciously.
“Then no one will try to take the princess out, even by accident.”
I replied nonchalantly.
“That’s right. Furthermore, our elite guards the prison 24 hours a day. Anyone who approaches without my permission will be attacked, no matter who they are.”
“I see.”
That’s quite the security system.
“Lord Luke…! Ah, wh-what…!”
Olivia, who was facing me, had tears of emotion in her eyes.
She was awake despite the late hour and looked somewhat exhausted.
“Have you come to rescue me!?”
“Of course, Olivia. I came here to get you out of here safely.”
“I… I couldn’t be happier! Thank you, God!”
“Muu!”
Diana made a sulky noise.
“Let me tell you, the one Brother Luke truly loves is this Dia! Brother said so himself!”
Ignoring my ranting sister, I spoke gently to Olivia.
“So, please rest and wait for me, okay? I’ll make sure you get back to your father safely.”
“Y-yes!”
For the sake of escape, she needs to get enough rest and regain her strength.
“Hey, wait a minute… what does that mean just now?”
As I turned to leave, Vincent asked, his tone hardening.
“What do you mean? Just a little fun. I was playing with that little girl.”
I replied with a wicked smile.
Judging by Olivia’s attitude, even if I acted differently, they would have seen through that we were deeply involved.
So, to avoid suspicion, I decided to play the role of an evil Mazoku prince.
I knew how to do it because I had played so many fantasy games.
“Isn’t it more amusing to give them hope before plunging them into despair? After all, in the end, that little girl will be killed to spark a conflict between the Empire and Macedonia. I just love watching people despair.”