“So? Was there anyone who fit the bill?”
“Nope, not among them.”
I pointed in a low voice at the knights chatting in the Royal Palace’s Training Grounds, and Caz, transformed into the Jet-Black Shield Caspary (miniature size, though) and nestled in my pocket, replied.
Thanks to Caz, we discovered the poison in the room’s drawer and immediately left to take action.
Of course, to search for the culprit.
Before that, though, we made sure to check Sandra’s room for poison as well, and we explained the situation to Minister Olson, asking him to ensure the Delegation members were thoroughly checked.
With this, even if the culprit were to accuse us regarding the poison, we should be able to handle it without issue.
“So, that means it must be someone among the servants…”
“Yes…”
We initially thought that one of the Knight Commander’s subordinates… in other words, one of the knights, had planted the poison, which is why we visited this Training Grounds, but it seems more likely to be one of the servants.
Of course, we can’t rule out the possibility of someone skilled in assassination, like Monica, lurking in the Royal Palace, but if that were the case, they wouldn’t bother sneaking into the room through a door where they might be seen.
Anyway, we were lucky they were so dim-witted.
“Well then, since we’re here, let’s take a stroll around the Royal Palace.”
“Hehe, yes.”
Taking Sandra’s small hand, we strolled through the Royal Palace’s corridors, chatting.
The culture and history are different from the Dehauvalz Kingdom, so it feels like a museum date. Not that I ever did anything like that in my previous life.
Then.
“Monica?”
“Prince Harold, Young Lady, what are you doing in a place like this?”
“Ah, actually…”
We ran into Monica walking down the corridor, and we explained that we had found poison in the room and were searching for the culprit.
“…To do something like that while I’m away, they must have a death wish.”
“Eek!”
Monica’s expression, which she rarely shows, was filled with a quiet rage like blue flames.
I couldn’t help but let out a small shriek, but she’s really scary when she’s seriously angry.
“So, we’re having Caz, who witnessed everything, identify the culprit.”
“I see. The culprit must be quite the amateur, or just an idiot.”
Yeah, yeah, I think Monica’s assessment is generally correct.
“If that’s the case, the person currently in your room is the most suspicious.”
“You mean?”
“Yes. While continuing to monitor the Knight Commander, I noticed a Chamberlain making contact, so I switched my surveillance to him. However…”
“However?”
“That person was Princess Paula’s Chamberlain.”
I see… things are starting to become clear.
To think that my own mother, Queen Paula, is involved in Jean’s Coup d’état plan.
“Just to be sure, we’ll have Caz confirm if that Chamberlain is the culprit, and if it matches, then there’s no mistake. If not only the Crown Prince but also the Queen is complicit, then it’s beyond what we can handle alone. So…”
I made sure no one was around before whispering to Sandra, Monica, and Caz in my pocket.
“I see… as expected of Lord Hal. Just like with the Lady Saint, you’re going to crush them all at once.”
“If that’s the case, then please leave it to this Monica.”
“Of course, I’ll do my best too!”
I really have a reliable fiancée, Personal Maid, and partner.
With everyone here, even though I’m the ‘Incompetent Rascal Prince,’ I feel like I can do anything.
“Okay, everyone, let’s do our best! We’ll definitely stop this ridiculous conspiracy and return to Dehauvalz with our heads held high!”
“Yes!”
“Understood.”
“Yeah!”
◇
“What!? You’ve identified the culprit!?”
“Yes.”
In the throne room of the Royal Palace.
I knelt and bowed my head, nodding to King Salomon, who raised his voice in surprise.
“S-So, who is the culprit!?”
“Regarding that, I believe it would be best to proceed with a formal trial. That way, everyone will be more convinced that it was revealed under His Majesty Salomon, who is just and fair.”
“Ooh…! Exactly as Prince Harold says!”
I’m just saying that, but I just want to eliminate their escape routes and catch them all at once.
Besides, if we prepare a trial as a stage for them, they’ll definitely use it.
“For that purpose, it is essential that you demonstrate your majesty. I would like you to attend the trial and watch the outcome.”
“Of course! I look forward to seeing the despair on the faces of the rebels who committed such an act!”
“Leave it to me. I will surely meet your expectations.”
See? He’s already taking the bait.
The Knight Commander’s eyes are filled with a mixture of confusion and expectation.
Well, of course, right? Because you were supposed to frame me as the culprit under Jean’s instructions, but I’ve preempted you.
By the way, the man Caz witnessed was indeed the Chamberlain who contacted the Knight Commander.
With this, it’s confirmed that not only the Knight Commander but also Queen Paula is connected to Jean.
“Prince Harold, there’s no need to be so mysterious. Who is the culprit…?”
Ahaha, he’s like a child who can’t wait for candy.
If you want to know so badly, I’ll tell you.
“Yes… the culprit is—Princess Lisette.”
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