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 - 46

Chapter 46: Shock Across the Southern Border

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The span of a single year might have been brief in the world of politics, but for those who lived their days within it, it was a long and weighty time. Valis stood by the window of the royal castle, gazing down at the capital bathed in the gentle afternoon light. Rows of tiled roofs, neatly paved roads, and transparent waterways gliding through the air like ribbons. It should have been a familiar view—yet somehow, it looked completely different from just a short while ago.

It had already been a year since his engagement to Feril was publicly announced. And that year had also been one in which the kingdom of Alveria quietly—but unmistakably—began to change. The most visible transformation lay in the very foundation of daily life— water .

The new water distribution network that used the powers of Water and Earth from the Spirit Arts had far exceeded even Valis’ expectations, which had been based on a plan of Archive Arts and magical devices for plumbing and sanitation. It cost less, and above all, it was overwhelmingly faster.

By simply asking the spirits, “Please let water flow here,” within a few days pure water would begin to course through the town. That seemingly magical change dramatically improved public hygiene in the capital. Long lines at wells and the stench of sewage ditches were rapidly becoming relics of the past.

And the benefits of this spirit-based infrastructure were not limited to the capital. It had already begun to reach even the remote frontier villages. Each time Valis witnessed the lives of the people becoming visibly richer, a quiet warmth spread through his chest. But it hadn’t stopped there.

Once water systems were established, the next thing needed were people to manage them.

Individuals capable of constructing, operating, and repairing facilities through the power of spirits—Spirit Engineers . Their demand was sky-high throughout the country. In response, Valis and his advisors worked swiftly with the Forest City, Silva Haruna , to establish a large-scale educational institution for Spirit Arts.

“Status and origin will not be questioned. Those with talent will be given a place to learn and work. Of course, it will be free of charge.”

That was the condition. Wide-ranging aptitude examinations were conducted, and those discovered to have potential were sent to study in the forest capital, then dispatched back to serve the kingdom. At the same time, new schools were being established across towns and villages within Alveria. Not only to teach children reading, writing, and arithmetic, but also to test whether they possessed any magical aptitude.

Among them, there were even common-born children who had the ability to speak with spirits. To ensure such individuals would not be overlooked, the kingdom had begun creating a system for “picking them up.” All of it was under Valis’s direction.

“I want to create a kingdom that functions properly.”

That was his wish. Yet not everything was proceeding smoothly. One day, there was a knock on the door of his office.

“Pardon the intrusion. I come bearing urgent news regarding the southern Kingdom of Beltea.”

Valis took the documents handed to him and immediately furrowed his brow. The Kingdom of Beltea. That nation had long been torn by fierce conflict between the aristocratic faction and the populist faction. But lately, the balance between them had begun to tilt dramatically.

The aristocrats were gaining the upper hand. And the reason was all too clear. In the past, Beltea’s populist faction had controlled the coastal regions, forming alliances with private merchants and earning vast sums by exporting limestone to Alveria. But now that Alveria had established its own large-scale limestone production, those exports had plummeted.

As a result, the populists were quickly running out of funds. And when money disappeared, strife began. The more people insisted on “righteousness,” the more fiercely they fought among themselves over whose righteousness was greater. Power struggles, ideological rifts, blame-shifting—then, inevitably, violence. It was the same cycle that history had repeated countless times: the so-called internal purges .

“…The higher the ideal, the more terrible its collapse.”

Valis laid the documents face-down and let out a sigh. Though he deeply understood the value of democracy, he also knew it was a step that could only be reached once a society had achieved a certain level of stability. This world still lacked the foundation to sustain such “ideals.” Without food, shelter, and safety, politics was nothing but a word game. And yet, he couldn’t simply stand by and watch the people of Beltea suffer.

“List all of Beltea’s virtuous nobles . As detailed as possible.”

Valis rose from his chair and spread a map across the desk.

“Think ahead, to after the war. Ensure that those of sound judgment will hold power when the time comes. Build connections through technical and humanitarian support, and prepare discreet routes for communication.”

“Understood. We’ll organize deployment slots limited strictly to non-military support—such as waterway construction, sanitation aid, and installation of lime furnaces.”

“Good… But remember, from the outside, what we do might still look like interference . Maintain strict neutrality in both title and structure.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

War always hinged on that impossible question, how far to intervene. And Valis knew that better than anyone.

***

And then, half a year later.

The alarm bell of the royal castle rang out. Its thunderous sound shook the stone walls, reverberating through every corridor. An emergency message was delivered directly to Valis.

“In the royal capital of Beltea, the populist faction has unleashed a forbidden spell. Summoning by the heretical magic Valcode has been confirmed.. High-ranking demons, including upper-class beings from the demon realm Val Nostia, have manifested in the central district of the capital. Casualties are mounting rapidly, civilians among them…”

The quill slipped from Valis’s hand, scattering ink across the desk. Valcode. It was the taboo among taboos , a magic passed down only within the demon world. Not merely researching it—but even uttering its name —was forbidden. That was how deeply accursed it was. It was said to be the spell that had turned three cities to ash overnight, that could strip away royal seals and distort human memory itself. In this world, where demonic forces had already waned, it was a nightmare come true.

“…What have they done…”

On the map board, the auxiliary keystones glowed softly, and at the southern edge, a single black mark flickered like a dying flame. Sovereignty or humanity—which should be prioritized? Who should be helped, who should intervene and what would happen after ? Valis pressed his hand to his forehead and drew a long, deep breath.

“If Valcode has truly manifested… Then most likely…”

He thought of a nation that viewed demons as mortal enemies to be annihilated, no matter the cost. The theocratic state that worshiped the Creator God Zai Arios —the Holy Kingdom of Verdia . It wasn’t hard to predict how they would respond.

“…Alveria may no longer be able to maintain neutrality in this situation.”

His voice trembled as he whispered those words.

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