The Kingdom’s Greatest Fool? No, I’m the Ruler From the Darkness ~The Hidden Face of the Fat Prince~ - Chapter 54: The Court Banquet

Chapter 54: The Court Banquet

Under the luxurious furnishings and golden candelabras of the palace’s grand dining hall, the monthly royal family dinner was held.

The entire royal family gathered around a round table, with King Arthur and his three queens at the center, surrounded by the princes and princesses, including myself, the great one.

Tonight was a special banquet.

It followed the announcement of my engagement to Eleanor Frostheart.

“Victor, congratulations again on your engagement to Lady Eleanor.”

Father, King Arthur, raised his wine glass with a smile.

His kind face likely hid surprise that I, the “fat, ugly second son,” won the hand of the renowned Frostheart lady.

Only I knew the truth.

“Thank you, Father.”

I responded with a calm expression.

Brother Lucius and Sister Serena offered congratulations, but their eyes betrayed clear suspicion.

“To win a woman of such beauty, grace, and propriety—impressive, Victor.”

Brother Lucius said, tossing his long silver hair.

Despite his feminine beauty, his amethyst eyes held cold calculation.

“Victor, honestly, I’m shocked.”

Serena, daughter of the second queen, Mary, smiled gently, her rose-colored hair swaying.

Known as the “holy mother-like princess,” she assumed I was always up to antics.

“Lady Eleanor is a supreme woman.”

I replied with a smile.

I ate noisily on purpose.

My stepmother, Helena, seated beside me, frowned slightly.

She didn’t know my plans but understood my need to play the fool.

“How’s your trading company?”

Father asked.

He knew I profited massively from sex toy manufacturing.

Everyone did, but none praised it.

Even Mother’s family disapproved of my business shift.

“Thriving, Father. Sales are up 20% from last month.”

I answered boldly.

Father grimaced but said nothing.

“Is it true Earl Silver directs you?”

Lucius asked abruptly, his eyes wary.

I laughed inwardly.

Earl Silver is another of my personas, unknown to all.

“Yes, he’s my greatest supporter.”

I admitted confidently.

“He’s a sex toy enthusiast, offering many ideas. Rumor has it he’s taken Lady Celeste as his mistress. Perhaps he uses our products nightly? He reports on their performance, strengthening our bond. I wonder if his beautiful adopted daughter, Lady Lydia, uses them too? A thrilling thought for a man—or a merchant.”

The table recoiled.

First Queen Elizabeth looked visibly displeased.

“Such talk is inappropriate at dinner.”

Father quietly reprimanded.

“My apologies.”

I feigned remorse.

But my goal was achieved.

Framing Earl Silver’s support as a shared vulgar interest dulled their suspicions.

“On another note,” Lucius changed the subject.

“Father, are you familiar with Marcus Gray, the merchant? His business acumen is remarkable. I believe he deserves a baron title.”

My ears perked up.

Marcus Gray—another of my identities.

Lucius expected me to object.

“A splendid idea.”

Father showed interest.

“Victor, your thoughts?”

Lucius anticipated jealousy-driven opposition, planning to discredit me and boost Gray’s favor.

His miscalculation.

“I agree.”

I said calmly.

Lucius’s face showed shock.

“As second prince, I might object, but as a merchant, I must acknowledge his talent. Business acumen, whether in sex toys or otherwise, deserves recognition.”

“Ugh…”

Lucius faltered.

He’d hoped to use my opposition to solidify Gray’s title and his own influence.

My agreement ruined his scheme.

“If Victor agrees, I’ll consider it favorably.”

Father smiled at Lucius.

I smirked inwardly.

Gray’s baron title would expand my influence.

Lucius had unwittingly aided me.

“Now, Serena, Lily.”

I turned to my sisters.

“I have gifts for you.”

I presented two gem-encrusted boxes.

“What are these?”

Lily took hers warily.

“Open them and see.”

I smiled.

“They’re magically locked for six hours. Imagine the contents until then.”

“You…”

Serena eyed the box suspiciously.

“Nothing strange. Heartfelt gifts from me.”

I said, smiling.

Like those given to Eleanor.

Perfect for leveraging weaknesses.

Costly gems and functions, but worth the investment.

The boxes contained cutting-edge sex toys with recording devices.

Whether they use them or not, any footage would tarnish the saintly princess’s reputation.

Sowing traps is a schemer’s duty.

Even if unused, they’d lower their guard, seeing me as a foolish prince.

“Thank you…”

Serena said politely, clearly distrustful.

“You’re welcome.”

I beamed.

Courtly maneuvers are part of my grand plan.

Eleanor’s engagement, Earl Silver’s existence, Marcus Gray’s rise, traps for Serena and Lily.

All dance in my palm.

Lucius raised a new topic, discussing court politics.

I nodded along, plotting my next move.

As dessert arrived, I stood to shift the mood.

“A brief announcement.”

I raised my voice.

Conversations ceased, all eyes on me.

“Mother.”

I looked at Queen Helena.

Her sharp eyes showed slight surprise.

“Thanks to the trading company from your Blackstone family, my business thrives. In gratitude, I’ll send 300,000 gold coins to the Blackstone Earl.”

The room froze.

Three hundred thousand coins.

Lucius gasped; Father’s brows shot up.

“Three hundred thousand…?”

Mother’s voice trembled.

Her lower-status earl family stood to gain.

“Business is booming, so allow me to repay.”

I smiled calmly.

Everyone grasped the sum’s significance.

With this, the Blackstones could solidify their noble standing.

Given my ties to Earl Silver, synergy with their magical device trade was obvious.

Most importantly, the Blackstones would be strong allies in the succession.

“Victor… I…”

Mother was speechless, her eyes a mix of joy and shock.

“Well, well, the blindly doting prince making such a proposal. How wonderful.”

First Queen Elizabeth’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

Lucius’s mother, ever elegant, had cold blue eyes.

“Indeed, wonderful.”

Second Queen Mary chimed in.

“Helena, you’re fortunate. Protecting your ‘troubled’ prince has paid off.”

Mother’s face clouded.

I burned with rage inside but kept my composure.

“Thanks to everyone, I’ve achieved this success.”

I replied calmly.

But inside, hatred swirled.

(I’ll drag your daughters and sons to hell.)

I recalled the past.

Serena, Lily, Lucius—they mocked me endlessly.

No athleticism, no academics, no magic.

The flawed, ugly prince.

They laughed, scorned, pitied.

(I don’t deny it. But with my past-life memories, none can deny I’ll exact revenge.)

“Victor, thank you truly.”

Mother’s eyes glistened with tears.

Whether acting or genuine, I couldn’t tell.

But she alone has always been my ally.

“It’s only natural to repay your kindness, Mother.”

I took her hand, kissing it lightly.

“Victor, I acknowledge your business acumen.”

Father said quietly.

“But please… consider more dignified products.”

“Of course, Father.”

I nodded obediently.

A lie, naturally.

The sex toy business is a mere facade.

Behind it, slave trading, military enhancement drugs, and far more lucrative ventures unfold.

“As a royal, I’ll continue contributing to the kingdom’s prosperity.”

Father nodded, satisfied with my words.

Lucius’s face showed clear wariness; he no longer saw me as just a foolish brother.

Serena and Lily exchanged glances, eyeing their gift boxes uneasily.

The dinner ended with trivial chatter, but the atmosphere had subtly shifted.

My economic power and influence were slowly dawning on the family.

On the way back to the detached palace, Mother walked beside me.

“Is that sum real?”

She asked in a low voice.

“Of course.”

I replied calmly.

“Supporting your family will strengthen the Blackstones. That’ll favor my claim to the throne. Mother, I’ll propose a partnership between Earl Silver and the Blackstones to Earl Silver. Their magical device sales expertise aligns perfectly with Silver’s ventures. Silver, as a merchant, will welcome this. Arrange a meeting between Earl Edgar Blackstone and Earl Silver. Please discreetly inform Edgar.”

A faint smile crossed Mother’s face.

“You’ve truly grown wise…”

“No, Mother. I’ve always been wise, just hiding it.”

I chuckled lowly.

“To you alone, I’ll confess. The gifts to Serena and Lily are traps to disgrace them. If they use the sex toys, I’ll capture their humiliating footage.”

A flicker of hesitation crossed Mother’s eyes, then vanished.

She, too, has endured the other queens’ mockery for years.

“You’ll surely become king.”

She said with firm conviction.

“Yes, Mother. That day will come.”

I gazed at the starry sky, its cold gleam mirroring my resolve.

The day of revenge nears.

Those who mocked and scorned me will pay.

The throne will be mine.

With my past-life memories, I wield strategies and knowledge beyond this world’s mortals.

Armed with them, I climb the steps to victory.

*

Back at the detached palace, I sank into the luxurious leather chair in my study.

On the table sat a glass of fine brandy and two crystal balls, engraved with Serena’s and Lily’s names.

“Well done at the banquet, Your Highness.”

Iris bowed gracefully, her green eyes glinting mysteriously.

“The royals’ expressions were quite intriguing.”

Mia said in a calm voice, belying her youth.

“They still mock me.”

I sipped the brandy, its burn searing my throat.

“All according to plan. The more they underestimate me, the greater their fall.”

I glanced at the crystal balls, linked to the gift boxes.

No reaction yet.

The boxes had six-hour magical locks, but curiosity might prompt early opening.

“Now, who’ll succumb to temptation first…”

Before I finished, the crystal ball engraved with Lily’s name began to glow faintly.

“Oh, Princess Lily, it seems.”

Iris raised her glass in a mock toast.

An image appeared in the crystal ball.

Lily’s room.

She sat on her bed, staring at the gem-encrusted box.

Golden hair, sparkling blue eyes, youthful skin.

At 17, the second princess was already celebrated for her beauty in the capital.

“What a foolish thing…”

Her voice echoed from the crystal ball, critical yet tinged with curiosity.

“But I can’t open it.”

She touched the magical lock.

As expected, she wasn’t waiting six hours.

“Princess Lily is quite straightforward.”

Mia said with a smile, enjoying observing her peer.

In the crystal ball, Lily examined the box, then began chanting a spell.

I was surprised.

I hadn’t known she was so adept at magic.

“She studies at the Magic Academy,” Iris explained. “She knows basic unlocking spells.”

Minutes later, light burst from the box, the lock undone.

Lily smiled triumphantly and opened it.

Inside was a specially designed sex toy, snake-shaped with embedded magical stones, accompanied by an instruction manual.

“This… this is…”

Lily’s face flushed.

Yet she didn’t close the box.

Instead, she took the manual and read avidly.

“Usage… infuse magic to vibrate… apply to sensitive areas…”

Her voice trembled.

Her breathing grew ragged as she read.

“To think he gave this to me and Sister… that fat, ugly prince…”

Despite her scorn, she clung to the manual.

“Youthful curiosity?”

Iris observed coolly.

In the crystal ball, Lily wavered, then stood, locking her door.

“No one’s coming, right…”

She muttered, reassuring herself, and returned to the bed.

I held my breath.

The plan was succeeding.

Lily began undressing, folding her elegant gown carefully, leaving her in undergarments.

Her youthful body gleamed in the crystal ball.

“Truly beautiful.”

I let out an admiring sigh.

Lily removed her undergarments, lying naked on the bed.

She took the device, infusing it with magic as instructed.

It glowed faintly, moving like a snake.

“Ah…”

A soft moan escaped her throat.

Tentatively at first, then boldly, she applied the device to her body.

“Something like this… ahh…”

In the crystal ball, Lily surrendered to pleasure swiftly.

The device’s magic stimulated her body, making her writhe repeatedly.

She pressed it against her clitoris, tormenting it intensely.

Powerful pleasure surged from her immature bud.

“Ah… ah… ahh!!”

Her voice, sweet and high-pitched, became mere cries of climax.

She squirmed as fluids dripped from her tortured clitoris.

“Ihh! I’m coming!! I’m coming!!”

Lily had become a female fallen to pleasure.

“The magic calibration is perfect.”

Iris showed professional interest.

She had helped design the device.

“Hi… aaah! I’m coming, I’m coming!!”

Lily’s moans echoed.

A flood of love juices poured from her vagina.

Her body continued reacting to the pleasure.

“More… make me feel even better!”

While tormenting her clitoris, she pressed the device to other areas.

Her nipples, her anal opening—unexplored sensations drove her wild.

Lily, exposing a shameless expression, devoured her own body.

“Ah… ahh… I can’t… stand this…! This… ahh…”

Her breathing was ragged, her skin flushed.

As pleasure intensified, Lily grew bolder.

Unable to resist any longer, she thrust the device deep into her vagina.

The snake-like head parted her folds, penetrating to her core.

“Nooo!!”

Lily let out a scream-like moan.

“To witness a princess lose her virginity… too soon for her.”

As Mia noted, Lily was raised as a princess.

She’s an honor student at the Magic Academy, I’d heard.

But now, she was just a girl indulging in masturbation.

A trickle of blood from her deflowering flowed.

She had lost her virginity to the device.

Pain and pleasure assaulted her, making her writhe on the bed.

Rising to her hands and knees, she raised her hips high.

Looking back at her own vulva, she grew aroused seeing the device buried to its base.

“It’s… inside… auh…”

She began moving her hips.

Her small buttocks swayed up and down.

Each motion stirred the device inside her vagina, dyeing her thoughts with pleasure.

“It’s… good… feels so good…”

Lily was shocked by her own voice.

This wasn’t supposed to happen, yet her body moved on its own.

The device’s magical stimulation and the sensation of her first time consumed her.

She rocked her hips harder.

The device made lewd sounds.

Her movements were so vigorous the bed creaked.

“I’m… coming… auh… with the prince’s toy… I’m coming!!”

A near-scream burst from her throat, her body trembling violently.

Waves of climax overwhelmed her.

The device amplified the sensation.

“Ahh… this is… too embarrassing…”

Her voice mixed pleasure and shame.

Yet her hands didn’t release the device.

Instead, she toyed with her body even more fiercely.

“Ahh… Victor’s… toy is… rampaging inside me…”

In the crystal ball, Lily reached intense climaxes repeatedly.

Her golden hair, wet with sweat, clung to her face, distorted by pleasure.

“Ahh! Aaaah…!! Too intense…!!”

Tears of pleasure streamed as she clutched the bedsheets.

Pulling the device from her vagina, it was coated with white fluids.

Undeterred, Lily reinserted it.

Changing its shape with magic, she thrust it in and out repeatedly.

“Ah… ahn…! This… is the best…!”

She cried out in the crystal ball.

Her shameless indulgence in pleasure bore no trace of a princess.

After nearly 30 minutes of masturbation, Lily fell asleep, satisfied, clutching the device, her breathing soft.

“This exceeded expectations.”

Iris murmured, her expression still one of admiration.

“The recording is perfect. Her Highness is… quite passionate.”

Mia said in a teasing tone.

I nodded, satisfied.

I had Lily’s weakness in my grasp.

“Lily was more honest than expected. Now, what about dear Serena?”

As I spoke, Serena’s crystal ball began to glow faintly.

“Oh, Princess Serena couldn’t resist curiosity either.”

Iris peered into the crystal ball with interest.