The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I'm a "Farmer", Not a Demon King! ~ - Chapter 310

The Strongest Farmer in Another World ~I’m a “Farmer”, Not a Demon King! ~

Chapter 310   Crown Prince: Return

・Crown Prince

— It was a failure.

After being captured as a prisoner in Karakas and inexplicably released without any issues, I had come so close that I could now see the capital city in the distance.

Thanks to the escort from Karakas, there hadn’t been any incidents, especially no attacks by anyone along the way.

Once I left Karakas, my first action was to head towards the nearest village. It could have been a town; I just wanted to go where there were people.

Then, revealing my status as a prince, I decided to obtain a horse.

Even if I claimed to be a royal now, there was, of course, no credibility. Despite wearing armor adorned with some decorations, the fact remained that I was walking with only two companions.

So, I exchanged the adorned armor and horse for something more practical and secured transportation.

After securing transportation, I hurried towards the capital as quickly as possible, and finally, I had returned.

However, my heart was filled with nothing but the ‘failure’ I had caused and everything surrounding it.

Of course, I had thought about the subsequent actions and how to proceed until I got here, and I could come up with answers.

However, the initial failure was just too significant, and it dulled my thinking.

The ‘initial failure’ was not the way the battle was conducted this time—it was already predetermined that the outcome would be that way once the war started. Regardless of the strategy and moves we made, the result of losing was inevitable, and I understood that.

So, where I went wrong was what happened afterward.

The Demon King who claimed to be my younger brother seemed to have some attachment to the concept of family. I thought it would be great if I could use that to our advantage and make him consider us as his family.

But I failed. Certainly, looking back now, my actions at that time were a bit too rushed. Ideally, I should have taken more time to talk and settle things on the basis of friendship. In reality, under normal circumstances, that’s what I would have done.

I panicked. If I were to sum it up in one word, that would be it.

Considering the situation at that time, it might be understandable in a way. It’s impossible to stay calm and have a conversation right after witnessing such a hellish scene.

I felt the need to do something and hadn’t been thinking about what would be best for me or us.

As a result, I ended up considering only what was convenient for myself, ignoring the interests and situation of the other party.

Looking back now, all I can do is regret how foolish I was, but what’s done is done.

It can be somewhat of an excuse, but besides the panic, the fact that the Demon King was a young boy and claimed to be my brother also played a role.

I had mentally prepared to meet the Demon King, and when I felt the danger diminish, I let my guard down. No, I let it down too much.

As a result, the negotiation failed. While there was no hostility, we couldn’t become allies.

Considering the initial expectation that we would gain positive results by learning various things and increasing the number of people who could help us… sigh.

“So, Your Highness!? A-Are you unharmed?”

Entering the city and advancing toward the castle, I found myself lost in thoughts. However, I eventually reached the castle.

“Yeah. Sorry for causing you worry.”

“No! The fact that you’ve returned is…!”

I understood this, but judging from this reaction, it seemed that our defeat was already known. However, the atmosphere in the city didn’t change much, so it might not be widely known.

“More importantly, how did you return? I’ve heard stories about the soldiers fleeing… it was said to be a tremendous battlefield…”

“I plan to talk about that, but first, an audience with His Majesty. Despite being a defeated general, I can’t avoid going to see him now that I’ve returned, right?”

“Y-Yes! My apologies!”

After a brief exchange with the gatekeeper, I proceeded into the castle grounds.

Finally, it felt somewhat calming, but in reality, nothing had concluded.

“What will you guys do?”

Suddenly turning around, I asked the two who had accompanied me as guards.

“We are ‘mercenaries,’ so for now, this is where we part ways.”

“However, if you can continue to make use of us, we’ll gladly take on more work.”

Despite being from Karakas, the two men were more polite than I had expected. They claimed to be ‘mercenaries,’ and the setup was that I had picked them up as escorts on the way, making use of their mercenary status.

“I see. In that case, I’m counting on you. It’s reassuring to have you by my side as always.”

Letting them go here would be a foolish move. Although they labeled themselves as escorts, I understood that they were, in reality, acting as monitors. However, at the same time, they were the only messengers I could use to contact the other side.

“Lucius, you’ve done well to return.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I am also delighted to have the opportunity to see you again.”

After returning to the room and changing into different attire, I immediately had an audience with my father—the King. Present in the room were not only His Majesty but also the remaining two of the Eight Heavens, the ‘Alchemist’ and the ‘Martial Artist.’ Besides them, ministers and other members of the royal family were also present.

I quickly glanced around, but as expected, there was no sign of a warm welcome.

“However, regarding this war—”

“It’s quite a spectacle for someone who lost in battle to come back, isn’t it, big brother?”

As I was about to explain the details of the recent war, an interjection came from someone other than His Majesty. Looking in the direction of the voice, I saw Marcus, the second prince, sporting a smirking smile.

It seemed the fact that there was a boy claiming to be the Demon King, who was supposed to be the second prince, had caused quite a stir. Compared to that individual, this brother of mine felt like a far lower rank.

“I sincerely apologize for the recent war. I held command over the army and am responsible for the outcome. There’s no room for excuses.”

However, ignoring Marcus, I continued my report to His Majesty.

“Even though we lost, it is a fact that we approached. The one who claimed to be the Demon King—what kind of being was he?”

As expected, His Majesty was curious about the ‘boy claiming to be the Demon King.’ If the boy’s words were true, it would be natural to have such concern.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t know anything. Before we could get close, the Demon King launched an attack, and the Eight Heavens were defeated. After that, our camp was also attacked, and everyone was desperately trying to escape. I, too, find it miraculous that I survived to be here now.”

However, true to the promise made earlier, I shook my head in response to His Majesty’s inquiry, stating that I knew nothing.

“Even though you were the overall commander, you abandoned the army and fled on your own! Is that really acceptable to you?”

For some reason, Marcus interrupted again, loudly criticizing me.

“I will submit a detailed report on the recent war later, so I would appreciate it if you could read that for more information.”

However, I continued to ignore those words and pressed on.

“Why not try saying something! Brother!”

It’s noisy. Thinking that this was the same brother as before, I genuinely pondered why there was such a difference. However, at the moment, I appreciated even this attitude.

“Your Majesty, if I may be so bold… —we are in the presence of His Majesty now. Show some restraint. Regardless of being siblings, consider the circumstances and the setting,” I interjected with a brief explanation to King, then turned to Marcus, addressing his behavior with sternness.

“I am a prince! For the sake of the country, I have the right to reproach my older brother, who has brought detriment to the nation!” Marcus retorted, momentarily flustered but still defiant.

Nevertheless, I shook my head to dismiss his words. “Even as a prince, you should conduct yourself appropriately. Certainly, I lost in this battle and barely returned alive. However, that doesn’t give you the right to interrupt now. If you have something to say, say it. If you want to blame, I’ll accept it willingly. But not now. Show some restraint,” I emphasized.

It was an obvious truth. In this country, the king held the highest authority. Despite that, a prince interrupting the king to voice his opinions was inherently disrespectful, no matter the circumstances.

However, oddly enough, I felt thankful for Marcus’s actions. A prince who would interject abruptly during a royal report and a prince who, despite a defeat, could use his intellect. Even among nobles, they carefully choose who to support. If not, they would struggle after elevating someone to the throne. That’s why having someone who could play a supportive role was appreciated. If I could showcase my worth even in such a role, there might still be a path for me.

“…Your disposition will be decided later. For now, return to your quarters and reflect.”

“Yes. Understood, Your Majesty.”

Whether it was due to Marcus’s intervention or the realization that there was no more information to glean about the ‘Demon King,’ the discussion came to a halt. In that moment, my fate remained unresolved, with no immediate decision regarding my standing in the kingdom.