I Was Reincarnated as the Prince in a Villainess Story, so I’ll Use My Cheat Knowledge to Create a Noble Lady Harem and Make Them All Happy - 38

Chapter 38: The Envoy from the Elf Forest

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In the high-ceilinged council chamber, the lights of the night flickered softly. Before King Ars, who sat in silence at the head of the table, lay an opened letter—an official missive from the King of Silva Haruna. The silver seal upon it attested to its authenticity.

“…That concludes the message from King Auguste.”

With the court official’s closing words, a heavy silence fell over the room. The letter contained an apology for the previous discourtesy, a request to once again invite a diplomatic envoy, and a proposal for the Crown Prince and next king, Michel, to personally visit Alveria. Valis bowed, then, choosing his words carefully under the weight of every gaze upon him, began to speak.

“As you are all aware, in Laurel-dono’s posthumous journal, we discovered traces of a communication spell. I believe it highly likely that the information about Feril inheriting the elemental spirit Amon has already reached the Silva Haruna side. Taking that into account, I see this abrupt shift in policy as a calculated response.”

His tone was both cautious and clear, and the assembled ministers nodded quietly in understanding. Marquis Agreia placed his hand lightly on the table and spoke.

“In other words… It is safe to assume that—for the moment, at least—they hold no intention of war, is that correct, Your Highness?”

“Yes, Marquis Agreia. Given that the Crown Prince himself has offered to make a personal visit, I believe it can be interpreted as a gesture of goodwill toward peace.”

A few of the dukes and marquises voiced their agreement in succession. Then Duke Rozheim spoke in a low voice.

“…Even so, can we truly rule out the possibility that they might send a double in his place, in order to lure us into lowering our guard, Your Highness?”

Before Valis could answer, a deep voice cut through the air. It was Duke Balmuth’s.

“Unlikely. There’s no need to doubt them on that point.”

A short but firm assertion—typical of the military-minded Duke Balmuth. Even without elaboration, the reasoning was clear. The incident caused by Laurel was indeed Alveria’s fault. However, should war truly break out, the advantage would rest with Alveria. By King Ars’s decree, defenses in the Everett Territory were already well underway.

If it came to a prolonged war, Alveria’s losses could be minimized and it was Silva Haruna, not Alveria, that lacked time. In a battle where the aggressor was at a disadvantage and the balance of military power already leaned toward Alveria, Silva Haruna had neither reason—nor right—to choose war. That much, Valis understood as well.

“It is true that our nation holds the advantage. However, to use that advantage to apply undue pressure upon our counterpart would, I believe, go against the spirit of diplomacy.”

He let his gaze move slowly around the room as he continued.

“The original reason for this negotiation was to seek support through Spirit Arts regarding limestone resources and other matters. Therefore, we must not impose unnecessary burdens upon Silva Haruna.”

A quiet sense of agreement spread throughout the chamber. Yet, within Valis’s heart, another thought lingered. For the Crown Prince of Silva Haruna to travel alone into a country that might well be an enemy—such a decision could only be born from extraordinary resolve.

And in a world where heroes and sorcerers existed, “alone” did not necessarily mean “helpless.”

If an individual possessed overwhelming power, there might well be a plan to produce results single-handedly. In that sense, Silva Haruna’s disadvantage could become a driving factor rather than a deterrent. Still, Valis did not let go of his wish to believe otherwise.

“Therefore, I propose that we hold the meeting with Prince Michel in the village of Ryui, to the west of the Everett Territory. Choosing a midpoint between our nations will allow us to balance sincerity with caution.”

His suggestion spread quietly through the room, soon followed by a shared sense of approval. For Alveria, the side at fault, it was only natural to demonstrate goodwill first. Yet, within Valis’s words, there was also an undercurrent of prudence, a refusal to neglect preparation for the worst. That sentiment seemed to reach both King Ars and the nobles clearly.

King Ars spoke softly.

“Do any of the lords object?”

“None.”

With the united response, the council reached its conclusion.

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Beyond the doors, in the shadow of the long stone corridor, two figures awaited.

“…How did it go?”

Though Feril’s voice carried a trace of tension, her tone remained gentle. Valis answered with a slow smile.

“The destination has been moved a bit closer. We’ll be meeting the Crown Prince in a village called Ryui.”

“Ryui… Then, does that mean I will get to see Father again…?”

“Yes. I suppose you’ll be seeing the Margrave again after a long while.”

Feril’s expression softened for a moment—then a faint shadow fell over her eyes. Reina, standing beside her, leaned close and whispered.

“…Fufu, Feril. You mustn’t cry, all right? You’ll spoil that pretty face of yours.”

“I’m not crying…”

Feril smiled faintly and lowered her gaze. Watching the two of them, Valis let out a quiet breath. The desire to believe—it was, in itself, a heavy burden. But if that burden was supported by a quiet wall called resolve, then it was not a prince’s duty, but a human choice.

“Let’s talk again tomorrow morning before we depart. For now, get some rest.”

At his words, the two nodded silently. The night air had grown a little gentler, and the moonlight spilling through the corridor stretched the shadows of the three quietly across the stone floor.

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The next morning—before the sun had fully risen—the castle courtyard was alive with movement. A mounted unit stood ready for departure, the horses’ breaths misting white in the cold. Armor fittings clinked faintly in the still air, a mix of tension and calm. Valis took the reins of his black steed.

“Your Highness, all preparations are complete.”

At his attendant’s report, Valis gave a nod. When he turned, Reina was already mounted, smiling softly as she waited for him. Feril still looked uneasy, yet in the depths of her eyes there shone a quiet determination.

“Then let’s go. To Village Ryui, in the outskirts of the Everett Territory.”

At Valis’s command, the formation began to move. The sound of hooves echoed across the stone pavement as the castle gates opened. The cold morning wind brushed their cheeks, and clouds drifted across the far horizon. Soon, the royal castle of Alveria receded behind them, and the western road stretched straight ahead into the pale dawn.

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