The Talentless Wicked Prince Wants To Survive ~ The Only Way For Me, Reincarnated As The Punching Bag Third Prince In A Romance Smartphone RPG, To Live Is To Not Break Off My Engagement With The Duke’s Yandere Daughter Who’s Stronger Than The Heroine~

“Harold. You must give your utmost effort in fostering goodwill with the Kingdom of Capetien.”

As soon as I gave my acceptance to Minister Olson, King Eival summoned me and formally appointed me as goodwill ambassador.

I mean, wasn’t all this a little too well-prepared?

“Also, this delegation will have Harold as its leader, but Wilfred will accompany him as an assistant.”

“What!?”

“Yes, sir!”

Oh no… So I had to bring Wilfred along? I really didn’t want that.

“Your Majesty, please wait. Prince Harold alone will suffice for this delegation. Prince Wilfred’s assistance is unnecessary.”

“What are you saying? With Wilfred, who is well connected in the Holy Kingdom, on the team, negotiations will proceed more advantageously. They too would surely like to stay on good terms with the Holy Kingdom.”

Minister Olson tried to reject Wilfred’s inclusion, but King Eival wouldn’t listen. The King’s reasoning might sound logical, but in reality, it was me who actually had ties with Saint Christia and the Pope. Not that I’d ever say that out loud.

In other words, Wilfred’s presence brought no advantage whatsoever to the Holy Kingdom. If anything, it was a liability.

“If I may speak bluntly, I agree with Minister Olson. To begin with, there is no need for two princes on this visit to the Kingdom of Capetien. On the contrary, having two princes will only confuse the other side as to how they should conduct themselves, and discussions that could have gone smoothly may instead fall apart.”

“Hmm…”

Unexpectedly, even the Prime Minister sided with Minister Olson, making King Eival frown and groan. It seemed the King was determined to force Wilfred into the delegation, but if both the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs opposed it, even a king couldn’t simply overrule them.

“…Very well. I’ll leave the matter in your hands.”

With a sullen expression, King Eival rose and left the audience chamber.

“Hmph… I can’t imagine Harold being able to fulfill such an important role.”

“Now, now.”

Cardis snorted as he muttered that, and Raphael smiled wryly, trying to calm him down. Still, since Raphael glanced at me and smiled slightly, it seemed he wasn’t opposed to my appointment as goodwill ambassador. In fact, it almost looked like he was enjoying the situation.

While I was watching the two of them from afar…

“Brother Harold.”

I had a bad feeling, and sure enough, Wilfred came over to start trouble.

“…What is it?”

“When you hosted the Holy Kingdom’s delegation, you pushed all your duties onto me and did nothing yourself. Are you truly going to be all right? Even now, I could speak to the Prime Minister and Minister Olson and request to accompany you…”

“Mind your own business. Frankly, having you around would just cause more problems.”

He was seriously trying to make it sound like he’d done all the work last time. Did he not realize all the bureaucrats hated him?

“Brother Harold, you really ought to face reality. I am no longer the ‘tainted prince’ I once was. Continuing to sulk like this is simply disgraceful.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

I couldn’t be bothered to keep talking to him, so I just waved him off dismissively and started to leave the audience chamber.

“Oh, by the way.”

“?”

“We’re both princes, nothing more. The Prime Minister and Minister Olson are not our subordinates. At the very least, use proper honorifics when addressing them.”

I said that over my shoulder as I turned to leave.

From what I’d seen, Wilfred’s face was twisted up in anger.

◇

“…And that’s how I’ve officially been appointed as goodwill ambassador to the Kingdom of Capetien.”

I explained the situation to Sandra, who as usual had come to visit the royal palace.

“So I’ll be away for about two months…”

“N-no way…”

When I said that, Sandra’s face fell in despair.

I’d like nothing more than to have her come with me, but if I brought my fiancée along on a diplomatic mission, people would definitely accuse me of “forgetting the purpose of the trip”

Especially Cardis and Wilfred.

“O-of course I’m coming with you! Even if you say no, I’m definitely tagging along!”

“No one but I, Monica, can properly attend to Prince Harold’s personal needs.”

“Whaaat!?”

My partner and my personal maid both jumped in so fast that I flinched. Still, Cass could shrink down into a miniature shield and fit in my pocket, and Monica was my personal maid, so it wasn’t strange for her to accompany me.

Actually…

“Haha. I’ve always intended for Cass and Monica to join me.”

“! R-right! I’m Haru’s partner, after all, so it’s only natural!”

“Please leave it to me. During your stay in the Capetien Kingdom, I promise to ensure you live as comfortably as you do in the royal palace.”

Cass bounced with joy, smiling ear to ear, while Monica placed her hand on her chest and gave a graceful bow, her expression holding a hint of smugness. Meanwhile, Sandra alone looked left out, biting her lip and looking as though she might cry at any moment.

…Somehow, I had to bring her along too.

With that in mind…

“Sorry. I just remembered something I have to do, so I’ll step out for a moment.”

“Huh? Ah, yes…”

I stood up and left, with Monica seeing me off in confusion… but just as I reached the door…

“Oh, my goodness… Prince Harold, perfect timing. Might I have a moment of your time?”

I ran straight into Minister Olson, who had just arrived.

“Ah, excellent. In fact, there’s something I wished to ask of you, Prince Harold.”

“As it happens, there’s something I wanted to ask you too, Minister.”

And so, I invited Minister Olson into the room.

Sandra, Monica, and Cass all looked puzzled since I’d just left, only to walk right back in again.

“Well then, may I hear your request first, Your Highness?”

“Yes.”

Meeting Minister Olson’s gaze, I steeled myself.

“Regarding the upcoming visit to the Capetien Kingdom… May I bring my fiancée with me?”

“Ah! Ha-Haru-sama!”

When I bowed deeply as I said that, Sandra’s face lit up for an instant, like a flower blooming, only to immediately look down, her expression apologetic.

But…

“That is most convenient. In fact, I had also been hoping to request that your fiancée, Lady Sandra, accompany you.”

“What!?”

I couldn’t help but cry out in surprise at Minister Olson’s unexpected words.

“As goodwill ambassador, you will of course attend the banquets hosted by our counterparts. It is customary for a goodwill ambassador to attend such events with their partner. If one is unmarried and has no fiancée, attending alone is acceptable, but in your case, Your Highness, you have such a wonderful lady at your side.”

“Ah…”

I see… That meant I could bring Sandra along without reservation.

As my proud fiancée.

“Sandra!”

“Yes!”

Now I could take her with me without any hesitation.

Overjoyed, I couldn’t help but embrace her tightly as she leapt into my arms with the brightest smile, even though Minister Olson was right there in front of us.

Of course, everyone gave us those warm, knowing looks.