Chapter 69: The Tanuki and the Fox’s Game of Deception
《Duke Everett’s Side》
The vast Throne Room of the Royal Palace.
That space, surrounded by lavish decorations, is a place that symbolizes the authority of the Kingdom. However, I feel no particular emotion standing in this place.
“Everett, I have arrived.”
I kneel before the throne and pay my respects. As my voice echoes through the Throne Room, the King, seated before me, looks down with a gentle smile.
“Thank you for your efforts. Rise, Duke Everett. I am well aware of how important your work is to our country.”
His voice carried dignity, and at the same time, a sense of gentleness could be felt. However, to me, that voice sounds only like the fawning voice of a scoundrel. But today, the King’s words do not move my heart.
“I am grateful for your kind words.”
I slowly rise and bow once to the King. But, in the next moment, the Chancellor, waiting beside the throne, steps forward and speaks in a chilling voice.
“However, Duke. Are you aware that a situation has arisen concerning the smuggling occurring in your Dukedom, and the disrespect shown by your only daughter, Lady Claris, which the Royal Family cannot overlook?”
“Smuggling, you say?”
“That’s right. Our investigations have uncovered evidence of activities within your territory that distort the Kingdom’s distribution. And the matter of Lady Claris’s insulting words and actions towards the Royal Family is also an issue that concerns our honor.”
The Chancellor’s cold voice echoes.
“Your Majesty, with all due respect, I have some doubts regarding the Chancellor’s words.”
“Oh? You have an objection?”
“May I be permitted to speak?”
“Permission granted.”
“Thank you. Indeed, I do not deny that there have been inappropriate actions within my territory. However, do you possess evidence that I myself was involved?”
I calmly weave my words. The King’s eyebrow twitches in reaction, and veins are visibly throbbing on the Chancellor’s forehead.
“Duke, regarding that, a detailed investigation will be necessary.”
“Oh? That’s odd. I thought you said you had seized evidence?”
“Guh! Th-That’s right!”
“In that case, a detailed investigation should be unnecessary. You may present the evidence here and now, and pass Judgment upon me.”
“Guh! Regarding that…! Hmph, what about the matter of Lady Claris? There are reports that the incident where her engagement to Prince Edward was annulled constituted disrespect towards the Royal Family.”
To that question, I feigned pondering for a moment before answering.
“Indeed, that is not acceptable. She is my daughter, and my only blood relative. Disinheritance is saddening, but as a noble, to have sullied a Duel conducted under the laws of the Kingdom is truly unforgivable.”
At my words, the faces of both the King and the Chancellor turn grim.
“Following the King’s command, I will proceed with Claris’s Disinheritance. However, this does not mean our parent-child bond is severed. I wish to see her married in a way she desires.”
“Mm. Duke, my apologies.”
“Not at all. I simply hold the outcome of the Duel in high regard.”
It was exceedingly amusing to watch their faces grow increasingly stern.
“Your Majesty, I, as her father, take full responsibility for Claris’s actions. I deeply apologize for my daughter’s immaturity. And, as a way of taking responsibility, I intend to remove her as the heir to the Dukedom. I humbly ask for your forgiveness with this.”
“…Mm.”
The King raises an eyebrow. Surprise was evident on his face. The Chancellor, similarly, narrows his eyes.
“Yes. In her place, I have already made arrangements to install a candidate from among my relatives as the successor to the Dukedom.”
At those words, the atmosphere in the Throne Room changes. I saw the King exhale deeply, and the Chancellor give a slight smile.
“That is an interesting decision, Duke Everett. But do you truly believe that will resolve the problems in your territory?”
The Chancellor speaks again. His voice was tinged with ridicule.
“Chancellor, I am aware that your spies have infiltrated my territory and are gathering information. This report is likely the result of that. However, is that not an action that endangers your own position?”
At that remark, the Chancellor’s expression clouds over for just a moment. But he quickly composes his face.
“Spies? No such thing exists.”
“Is that so? However, as long as individuals acting under His Majesty’s name are active in my territory, I, as a Duke loyal to your House, will take appropriate measures. Or, if they are not your men, where shall I bury them?”
At those words, the Chancellor gulps.
“I know nothing of it!”
“Duke Everett, I understand your intentions well. However, I wish to test your resolve.”
“Please, as you wish.”
At my words, the King slowly rose. An intimidating pressure, as if to dominate the entire Throne Room, was directed at me.
“Duke, your decision to disinherit Claris, and to install a relative as a candidate. If I judge that this will benefit the Kingdom, I shall support you. However, if in the future, you become a detriment to the Kingdom, I will pass Judgment upon you without mercy.”
“I understand, Your Majesty.”
While bowing deeply, I raised the corners of my mouth.
Having finished my conversation with the King, I quietly left the Throne Room.
My steps as I walked down the corridor were light. The oppressive atmosphere of the Throne Room could not affect me in the slightest.
This is good. With this, both the honor of my Everett House and Claris’s future will be protected.
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー
Afterword
Hello, this is the author, Iko.
That’s all for today!!!
Just a little more to 5000 stars!!! Share your stars with me!!!
Thank you for your support! w