It's Not Like I Want to Play the Role of a Misunderstood, Good-for-Nothing Prince in a Villainess Story! - Chapter 20 – At 12 Years Old, An Expedition Was Decided

I recently turned 12 years old.

My body has grown a bit, and I have more muscle than appearances suggest.

However, my arm thickness only looks slightly thicker.

It seems I won’t become a bulging muscle man even if I train like one in reality.

I’ve never seen a romance game hero with a demon on their back from training like in a certain manga—I guess that’s how it is.

Anyway, 12 years old.

Now then, in these 4 years the environment surrounding me has changed a bit.

The eyes of some nobles coming to the palace have become kinder.

Apparently that incident 4 years ago when I clashed with Seiran Kingdom’s royalty was viewed favorably by some nobles.

That said, factions like the Tigos faction and Elliott faction have formed.

Tigos, who I’d talked with so much, now doesn’t speak to me at all even during breakfast.

If Father and Mother intervene we talk a bit, but when did we last talk just the two of us?

Rumor has it Tigos still can’t give up on Misty, but she’s been my fiancée for 4 years now so I want him to give up already.

Well, this past year he’s stopped approaching Misty, so he seems to vaguely understand it’s impossible.

Incidentally, my relationship with Misty was good.

Or rather, when I’m doing sword and magic training, she comes over as often as Garim and Debut to practice together.

While Misty doesn’t do swordsmanship, her magic skills are considerable.

Misty’s specialty magic is ice—beautiful and splendid.

I was surprised when the garden and Debut froze once.

Misty apologized profusely, Garim teased her, Rubert and I laughed, and ultimately Debut chatted amicably with Misty.

Somehow Misty seems to get along well with my cheerful companions.

Well, Misty herself has a good personality and doesn’t put on airs about being a noble.

Is she really a villainess…?

Anyway, I was spending such truly romance-game-like peaceful days when I was summoned by Father.

The office.

If the great hall in the palace was where the king grandly orders his subjects, the office was where the king summons subjects to consult or order them.

Not knowing why I was called to such a place, I arrived in front of the room.

“Excuse me.”

“You’ve come…”

When I knocked and entered the room, Father and Sebastian were waiting.

“Zeke, well, sit.”

I sat in the comfortable, fluffy chair.

But this chair was fancier than the one in my room.

As I enjoyed the sensation bouncing on it, Father sat in front.

Sebastian brought me fruit juice so I took a sip.

“How are things with Tigos?”

“Ahh… we don’t talk when it’s just us two. He still seems to dislike that Misty became my fiancée.”

“I see.”

He smiled only with his eyes.

“All royalty are like that. Brothers cooperating… that’s an ideal but rarely happens. Even if they were close brothers in childhood.”

He spoke in a tone resembling self-mockery.

That was quite a convincing way of putting it.

“In a nation, only one person can stand above all the people. Otherwise the nation splits and perishes. If there are two heads, at worst you need to strip one’s power. Understand?”

“…”

The Father who interacted with the family was normally a gentle, kind father.

But once it came to ruling the nation he suddenly showed the face of a cold-blooded ruler.

Personally, I like the usual cheerful Father, but I also like Father like this.

Well, in the game this king just sadly executed Prince Zeke at the end and didn’t really do much else.

He was a typical game king with a thin impression.

Father exhaled.

Then he smiled.

“Now, onto the main topic—I’m having you go to Ribauto marquis territory.”

“Ribauto marquis territory?”

Territory ruled by Marquis Gaizel Ribauto.

It’s to the east from the capital, possessing vast territory.

To the territory’s north were mountains, rivers, valleys, and forests—varied terrain, while to the east and south fertile farmland spreads—a grain production area.

Furthermore, the west faces other nobles’ territories, has well-maintained roads with frequent merchant traffic, good geographical advantage, and many plains means a large population.

There’s a very large city called Afkad.

“A report came recently that an extremely large number of monsters spawned in the territory and they’re requesting reinforcements.”

“I see…”

This game has stats, monsters, and combat—so many elements that make you want to ask if it’s really a romance game.

Especially mass monster spawns—I’ve never heard of that in a romance game.

“So what should I do?”

“The capital knight order will be sent as reinforcements, and you’ll accompany them. Take the opportunity to broaden your knowledge.”

“Ahh… huh?!”

Me? Why?

I’m busy lately though.

I’m enjoying daily life with my beloved fiancée Misty going kyaa kyaa ufufu and my longed-for idoli—can’t someone else be sent?

Honestly I want to refuse, but that won’t work.

I’m not in a position to refuse being asked to go by Father who’s the king.

Honestly I hate it and can’t stand it, but there’s nothing to do but give up on this.

“Understood, I’ll gladly go.”

Goodbye romcom-chan, hello sword and monster fantasy-kun.

Though there’s just one thing I’m a bit worried about.

I think it’ll be fine, but I can’t help worrying.

“Your Majesty, I have one request.”