Reincarnated as a Villainous Aristocrat in an Otome Game, So I Bought the Main Heroine with Money - Chapter 69: A Battle of Wits

Chapter 69: A Battle of Wits

《Duke Everett’s Side》

The grand throne room of the royal palace.

A space adorned with lavish decorations, standing as a symbol of the kingdom’s authority.

And yet, standing here stirred no particular sentiment within me.

“Everett, at your service.”

I knelt before the throne, offering the proper courtesies.

My voice echoed through the vast chamber, reaching the king, who sat before me with a composed smile, gazing down at me.

“You have done well. Rise, Duke Everett. I am well aware of how vital your contributions are to this kingdom.”

His tone carried both dignity and warmth—yet to my ears, it was nothing more than the honeyed voice of a scheming fox.

Not that it mattered.

Today, I would not be swayed by his words.

“Your Majesty, I am honored by your gracious words.”

I rose slowly, offering a respectful bow.

But just as I did, the chancellor, who stood beside the throne, took a step forward.

His voice was sharp—cold.

“However, Duke Everett, are you aware that the royal family cannot overlook the recent incidents involving your territory? Specifically—illicit trade within your lands, and the disgraceful behavior of your daughter, Lady Clarice, toward the royal family?”

“…Illicit trade?”

“Indeed. Our investigations have uncovered evidence of trade practices within your domain that disrupt the kingdom’s economy. Furthermore, Lady Clarice’s remarks against the royal family are a direct insult to the crown—one that threatens our honor.”

The chancellor’s icy words reverberated through the chamber.

“Your Majesty, Chancellor, if I may, I have some concerns regarding your claims.”

“Oh? You mean to dispute them?”

“May I speak freely?”

“I will allow it.”

“My gratitude.”

I kept my tone calm and measured as I spoke.

“I do not deny that there have been irregularities within my territory. However, do you have proof that I was directly involved in these actions?”

The king’s brow twitched slightly.

The chancellor, on the other hand, was visibly irritated—his forehead veins subtly bulging.

“Duke Everett, we intend to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.”

“Oh? But I was under the impression that you already had concrete evidence in your possession?”

“Grh…! T-That is correct!”

“In that case, an investigation is unnecessary. Simply present your evidence now and pass judgment upon me this very moment.”

“Ugh…! That is…! Then what about Lady Clarice? There are reports that she committed an act of disrespect against the royal family, which led to the annulment of her engagement to Prince Edward!”

Desperate to regain control of the situation, he quickly changed the subject.

I let a contemplative pause settle before responding.

“That is indeed unfortunate. She is my only daughter, after all. It pains me, but as a noble, I cannot overlook the fact that she disrupted a formal duel—a violation of kingdom law.”

My words made both the king and the chancellor stiffen.

Their expressions turned grim.

“I will comply with His Majesty’s decree—Clarice will be disinherited. However, this does not sever our bond as father and daughter. I still intend to see her married off in a way that she desires.”

“Hmm… Duke Everett, I regret that it has come to this.”

“There is no need for concern, Your Majesty. The outcome of the duel must be honored, after all.”

Watching their expressions grow increasingly grim was… highly entertaining.

“Your Majesty, as her father, I take full responsibility for Clarice’s actions. It was my failure that she lacked the necessary wisdom. I deeply apologize for this. To take responsibility, I will remove her from the line of succession for House Everett. I ask that this be enough to settle the matter.”

“…Hmm.”

The king raised an eyebrow, his surprise evident.

The chancellor, too, narrowed his eyes.

“In her place, I have already arranged for a new successor from among my relatives.”

The air in the throne room shifted.

The king let out a deep breath.

The chancellor, however, gave the faintest of smirks.

“An interesting decision, Duke Everett. But do you truly believe this will resolve the issues within your domain?”

The chancellor’s voice held thinly veiled mockery.

“Chancellor, I am well aware that your spies have infiltrated my lands to gather information. This so-called report is merely the result of their efforts. But tell me—wouldn’t such actions place you in a rather dangerous position yourself?”

The chancellor’s expression darkened for the briefest moment—but he quickly masked it, regaining his composure.

“Spies? I am afraid I have no knowledge of such things.”

“Oh? Is that so? However, since certain individuals—acting under His Majesty’s name—have been operating within my lands, I must, as a loyal duke, take appropriate action in response. Unless, of course, they are not under your command? In that case… where would you like me to dispose of them?“

The chancellor stiffened, sucking in a sharp breath.

“I have no involvement in this!”

Before he could flounder further, the king spoke, his voice carrying an unmistakable weight.

“Duke Everett, I understand your intentions clearly. However… I wish to test the depth of your resolve.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty.”

The king slowly rose from his throne, his very presence commanding the room.

“Your decision to disinherit Clarice and appoint a relative as your successor—if I deem this to be in the kingdom’s best interest, I will support you. But understand this, Everett—should you ever become a threat to this kingdom, I will not hesitate to destroy you.”

“I fully understand, Your Majesty.”

Lowering my head in a deep bow, I allowed a small smirk to touch my lips.

With the audience concluded, I turned and calmly exited the throne room.

My steps through the palace halls were light, unburdened.

The oppressive air of the throne room had no power over me.

This was enough.

With this, I had safeguarded both the honor of House Everett—and Clarice’s future.