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~ - Chapter 97: I decided to use their evil scheme against them

“How is it? Did you see anyone that matches?”

“Nope, none of those guys are the ones.”

When I pointed toward the knights chatting in the training grounds of the royal palace and whispered my question, Cass, who had transformed into the Black Shield Casparieg in miniature form and was hiding in my pocket, quietly replied.

Thanks to Cass, we’d discovered the vial of poison hidden in my room’s drawer. Naturally, we immediately set out to take action to find the culprits behind it.

Before that, of course, I’d made sure to check Sandra’s room as well, just in case something similar had been planted there. I’d also reported the situation to Minister Olson and asked the delegation members to be equally thorough in their own inspections.

This way, even if the perpetrators tried to accuse us regarding the poison, we’d be prepared to deal with it.

“It would seem the culprit must be one of the palace servants, then…”

“Yes…”

At first, we suspected that one of the knights, specifically a subordinate of the Knight Commander, might have planted the poison, which was why we’d come to this training ground. But now, it seemed more likely that one of the servants had been responsible.

Of course, we couldn’t completely rule out the possibility of an assassin like Monica infiltrating the palace, but in that case, they wouldn’t have risked sneaking in through a visible door where someone might have seen them.

Well, either way, we were lucky our enemies were so stupid.

“In that case, we might as well take this opportunity to have a little stroll around the palace.”

“Hehe, yes.”

Taking Sandra’s small hand in mine, we walked down the corridors of the palace, chatting lightly as we went.

The culture and history here in the Capetien Kingdom were so different from Dehaubarz that it felt almost like a museum date, not that I’d ever been on one in my previous life.

Then…

“Monica?”

“Prince Harold, Lady Sandra, what are you two doing here?”

“Oh, actually…”

We ran into Monica in the corridor, and I quickly explained how we’d found the poison in my room and were now searching for whoever had planted it.

“…To think someone would dare attempt such a thing while I was away. They must have a death wish.”

“Eek!”

That calm, icy fury, the kind that flickered like a blue flame, only appeared on rare occasions. I couldn’t help letting out a nervous squeak. When Monica got truly angry, she was downright terrifying.

“So we’ve asked Cass, who witnessed everything, to identify who the culprit was.”

“I see. They must be either a complete amateur or a total fool.”

Yeah, Monica’s assessment was… pretty much spot-on.

“In that case, I would say the one currently inside that room is the most suspicious.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, while I was continuing surveillance on the Knight Commander, I noticed he made contact with one of the attendants. I switched my watch to that individual. However…”

“However?”

“That attendant is in service to Queen Paula.”

I see… things were starting to make sense now.

To think even Queen Paula herself, Jean’s own mother, might be involved in his coup plot.

“Just to be certain, let’s have Cass confirm whether that attendant is the one she saw. If it matches, then there’s no doubt. If not only the crown prince but even the queen is involved, this has gone beyond what we can handle alone. So…”

After confirming there was no one nearby, I whispered my plan to Sandra, Monica, and Cass, who was still tucked away in my pocket.

“I see… as expected of you, Haru-sama. We’ll crush them all at once, just like with the Saint incident.”

“In that case, please leave everything to me.”

“Of course, I’ll do my best too!”

Truly, what reliable companions I had, my fiancée, my personal maid, and my little partner. With them by my side, even I, the so-called talentless wicked prince, felt like I could do anything.

“Alright, everyone, let’s do this! We’ll stop this ridiculous conspiracy and head back to Dehaubarz with our heads held high!”

“Yes!”

“As you command.”

“Yeah!”

◇

“What!? You’ve identified the culprit!?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

In the royal audience chamber, I knelt before King Salomon, who let out a shocked exclamation.

“So, who is it?”

“In regard to that, I believe it would be best to conduct a formal trial. That way, everyone will see that the truth was revealed under the fair and righteous rule of Your Majesty.”

“Ooh…! Prince Harold is absolutely right!”

Of course, the real reason I’d said that was because I wanted to corner them completely in order to leave them no escape. Since a trial provided the perfect stage, I was certain the conspirators would try to use it for their own ends.

“For that purpose, Your Majesty, I would ask that you personally preside over the proceedings. Your presence will show all that justice is done under your authority.”

“Of course! I shall look forward to seeing the despair on the faces of these treacherous fools!”

“Please do. I promise I’ll meet your expectations.”

See? He was already hooked.

The Knight Commander’s face was a mix of confusion and apprehensive anticipation. Well, that made sense. After all, he was planning to frame me as the culprit under Jean’s orders, and now I’d gone and turned the tables on him.

As for the man Cass had seen, he did indeed turn out to be the same attendant who had met with the Knight Commander, which meant not only the Knight Commander but also Queen Paula herself was connected to the conspiracy.

“Prince Harold, there’s no need to keep us in suspense any longer. Tell us, who is the culprit?”

Ahaha. Like a child who couldn’t wait for his candy.

If he was so eager to know… then I’d tell him.

“Yes… The culprit is… Princess Lisette.”