Even Though I Defeated the Demon Lord, My Wife and Daughter Treat Me Like Trash ~ I Found Out My Wife's Child Isn't Mine, and When I Confronted Her, She Got Mad and I Was Exiled. The Country's in Trouble Because the Demon Lord Came Back? Sorry, I'm Getting Remarried to a Princess, So I Can't Help. - Chapter 22: Full Swing (Albert’s Side)

Chapter 22: Full Swing (Albert’s Side)

If Van’s lineage was connected to the emperor, Albert had no choice but to conceal his own failures—no matter what. 

He had to mislead everyone with everything he had.

“I regret that I delayed informing you, Father, as I didn’t want to worry you while you were ill… but Van has fled the kingdom.”

“What!? When did this happen?”

“About two weeks ago. Van infiltrated the royal residence and attempted to harm me. I had no choice but to apprehend him and imprison him. However, he escaped from his cell and fled.”

“Attempted to harm you? That’s ridiculous! Did you do something to make him your enemy?”

“I don’t believe I did, but… it’s possible he suspected something between me and Lady Camilla.”

“…What do you mean by that?”

“Recently, I’ve been inviting her to the castle to discuss your health. It’s possible Van misunderstood those visits. That’s one possibility. The other is…”

Albert intentionally paused, making it seem like the matter was more serious than it was.

“What is it? Speak quickly.”

“I ask for your understanding, as this is only speculation… but Van may have been ‘ensnared’ by the witch…”

“The witch… Galforne?”

“Yes. Van has been hunting her for years.”

“I know. I’m the one who assigned him that task.”

“Exactly. As you know, many men have fallen under her spell. It’s possible Van, too, has fallen into her clutches…”

Albert’s father stared at him for a long moment, then finally spoke.

“Hmm… Albert.”

“Yes, Father?”

“Fetch that staff over there.”

The king, after listening to his son’s explanation, pointed to a ceremonial staff hanging on the wall.

It was heavily decorated, used mainly for formal occasions, and though impractical, it held great artistic value and was often displayed during diplomatic meetings.

“That one? If you’re not feeling well, I can support you or have a proper walking stick brought instead…”

“No, that one will do.”

The tone in his voice left no room for argument.

Reluctantly, Albert removed the staff from the wall and handed it to his father.

The king took the staff, but instead of holding it by the handle, he grasped the bottom—the part meant to strike the ground.

“Father, you’re holding the wrong end.”

“No, this is fine. Now, Albert, stand right there. And don’t move.”

“…Uh, alright.”

Albert stood where instructed.

Suddenly, his father swung the staff with both hands—like a club—and struck Albert full force.

Whack!

The decorated part of the staff, the handle, struck Albert squarely in the cheek.

The blow, delivered with unexpected strength for the king’s age and condition, knocked Albert to the ground as he spat blood from his mouth.

Albert, lying on the ground, tried to speak through his swollen lips, “W-W-What are you—”

But the king didn’t stop. He kept striking Albert with the staff, shouting angrily as he did so.

“Trying to deceive me with your pathetic lies! I see it clearly now! You laid your hands on Camilla and earned Van’s wrath, didn’t you… you fool of a son! Tell me the full truth, and I will investigate everything myself! If you lie again, you’ll be disinherited!”

As his father’s blows continued to rain down, Albert curled up, protecting his head from the strikes.

It was over. His secret was out. He couldn’t even argue back.

After a while, the king’s breathing grew heavy, and he finally dropped the staff.

“Someone! Get in here!”

A few knights entered the room in response to the king’s call.

They looked shocked at the sight of Albert on the ground but quickly regained their composure.

One knight stepped forward and asked,

“Your Majesty, what is your command?”

“This foolish son is to be confined to his quarters! He is not to leave his room! And summon Camilla—I will question her myself!”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

“By the way… have any of you heard anything about this fool and Camilla?”

At the king’s question, the soldiers became visibly uneasy again.

Albert tried to send a signal with his eyes, telling them not to say anything unnecessary… but before he could, his father looked at him—

Wham!

This time, the king kicked Albert in the face.

“Are you still trying to hide something!?”

“N-No, it’s a misunderstanding!”

“Listen well, if any of you hide anything, it won’t end well for you!”

“Y-Yes, Your Majesty! Th-there have been rumors in the castle that Prince Albert has frequently invited Lady Camilla and, well, enjoyed her company late into the night…”

“…What a disgrace.”

The king slumped into his chair, looking exhausted.

Silence filled the room.

After a moment of staring up at the ceiling, the king spoke again.

“What are you waiting for? Someone go summon Camilla!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

“Hold on, don’t all of you go! One person is enough.”

The soldiers seemed eager to leave the room, none of them wanting to stay behind. But, with the king’s order, the soldier closest to the door left as quickly as he could.

“As for the rest of you, escort this fool back to his room. I… I’m tired. I’ll retire to my chambers.”

With that, the king left the room.

As the door closed behind him and his footsteps faded, Albert turned furiously toward the knight who had spoken up earlier.

“You Bastard! You said too much!”

“My deepest apologies, Your Highness! But I couldn’t disobey the king…”

“Silence! When I become king, I’ll make yo—”

Albert couldn’t finish his sentence.

His father—had quietly cracked the door open and was peeking in.

The door fully opened again, and the king stepped back into the room.

“Did you forget that I was once the master of scouts?”

“N-No, F-F-Father…”

“So, when you become king, what exactly?”

“!!!”

Albert was speechless.

His father picked up the staff that had fallen to the ground—and swung it at him again, full force.