It's Not Like I Want to Play the Role of a Misunderstood, Good-for-Nothing Prince in a Villainess Story! - Chapter 44 – Report to His Majesty

“Excuse me!”

After parting with Garim, Debut, and Ted at the palace entrance, I immediately returned the horse and headed to the office.

Honestly, I wanted to go see Misty. But first, I had to make my report.

I knocked and entered the room right away. Leaning back in his chair looking at documents was Father, with Sebas standing by, and in the opposite direction stood an unfamiliar noble.

Blonde hair, blue eyes, with a goatee. His body was thin with a fox-like face. In fantasy games, this guy would be the final boss scheming behind the scenes, so should I be cautious?

“I have returned from Marquis Ribauto’s territory.”

“Mm, come a bit closer.”

“Yes!”

After walking several steps, I glanced at the noble standing to the side. I didn’t sense hostility, but I couldn’t trust him.

“Zeke, well done returning safely.”

“No, it was a good opportunity for me to broaden my knowledge. I’m grateful.”

“Hmm… very well. Then, your report.”

“Yes.”

I spoke without hiding anything about what happened in Marquis Ribauto’s territory. I also mentioned that I became friends with Knight Commander Beldiha.

“That concludes my report.”

“I see. Count, what is your opinion?”

“Worthy of being called Marquis Ribauto indeed.”

“Mm…”

Wait, the two of them were nodding in agreement without any words of praise for me—what was going on? And Sebas was just standing there respectfully.

When I looked, Father seemed to notice and smiled at me.

“Ah, I haven’t introduced him yet. This is Count Tufal, who holds territory near the capital. He’s my right-hand man who has served for a long time.”

“My apologies for the late greeting, I am called Tufal. Please remember me.”

“Y-yes, I am called Zeke.”

When I bowed politely, Tufal peered closely at my face as if scrutinizing me.

“Um… is something wrong?”

“No, I was reflecting that I must not doubt His Majesty’s keen insight.”

“I see…”

What was he reflecting on?

“Zeke.”

“Y-yes!”

“When I received the letter from Marquis Ribauto, I wondered what would happen.”

“A letter?”

I wondered what letter he received.

“May I ask the contents?”

“Ah, you probably don’t know. After the monster subjugation, Marquis Ribauto requested to keep Zeke at his house for a while longer. I thought he must have some plan, and it seems I was right. Isn’t that so, Count?”

“Yes, he probably considered him as a barrier.”

“…? …..??”

What did that mean?

The two slowly explained to me as I tilted my head.

In conclusion, that old man skillfully manipulated me.

When requesting rescue for the monster subjugation from the capital, the Ribauto house had a longstanding problem. It was a territorial dispute with the Romash house. The Romash house, though the bloodline had thinned, was a family connected to the royal family. Close to the center, and furthermore a prestigious house with marriage discussions involving royal children.

To reject them would create friction; to accommodate them would lose the trust of noble houses around Ribauto territory.

While pondering what to do, I arrived. A royal, reasonably competent, and furthermore on bad terms with Concubine Hilma—seeing me as usable, Gaizel apparently didn’t return me to the capital even after the monster subjugation was complete, intending to oppose the Romash house with me as backing.

He didn’t tell me any of this, and acted like he was just observing the situation with Larba and Driema—he was a crafty old man. His extremely good mood at the end was probably because of this.

“Hahaha, Zeke. You were in the palm of the marquis’s hand. But you’re still young—think of this as experience.”

“Yes…”

True, it was an experience. But I felt frustrated at being outmaneuvered. Though I was 12 years old, my inner self was definitely not a child. I thought I was conversing well, but it meant I was being guided by Gaizel.

Hmm…

“Zeke, Zeke.”

“…Y-yes!”

“Good work on your report. You’ve returned after a long time, so you may rest and go see your fiancée.”

“Yes, excuse me.”

I bowed politely and left the room.

*****

“What do you think?”

“Magnificent… would be appropriate. Taming Beldiha, bringing the Ribauto house—which has maintained neutrality for years—into the faction, and furthermore pulling Driema-sama into his own faction, I cannot help but praise.”

“The Romash house was originally in Elliott’s faction, but I hear they separated after this incident.”

“Hehe… after being shamed with a broken engagement, that’s natural. But a broken engagement? I heard of such a thing recently among western noble houses, but normally it almost never happens. Raising one’s own power while weakening the opponent… an excellent method.”

After laughing briefly, Count Tufal became serious again.

“So, Your Majesty intends to make Prince Zeke your successor?”

“No, I haven’t decided clearly. I simply want to pass it to someone capable. However, Zeke’s achievements this time are significant. Though being skillfully manipulated by Marquis Ribauto is not praiseworthy.”

“Oh my, that’s harsh. However, don’t forget the fact that he was recognized by that Marquis Ribauto who has more than a few quirks.”

Halt looked at Tufal with surprise.

“What’s this? You sound like you’re evaluating him. I thought you didn’t acknowledge Zeke much, Count.”

“…That’s right. Frankly speaking, I didn’t evaluate the prince much. However, after seeing him up close earlier, I’m somewhat looking forward to his future.”

“Haha, is that so. Mm, but don’t let personal feelings interfere. Even if you try to protect him, if I deem otherwise, I intend to disinherit him. You understand, yes?”

“Yes, as Your Majesty’s heart decrees…”