The Ugly Orc Strikes Back ~ Reincarnated as the Cruel Crown Prince of a Twisted Doujin Eroge with No Happy Endings, But as an Inexperienced Guy, Cruel Play is a Hopeless Challenge, So I'll Give My Best to Break the Flags and Strive for Survival ~ - Chapter 24: Overwhelmingly Handsome

Chapter 24: Overwhelmingly Handsome

“Please wait.”

Among the crowd, Sophia, Thomas’ master, appeared.

The moment Thomas saw her, a smile escaped his expression.

Perhaps he thinks that the woman who is his master will save him. And maybe this incident was caused under Sophia’s orders.

But… I wonder if he really believes that everything will be resolved this easily?

“Do you need something, Your Highness Sophia?”

“Yes… It’s about Thomas over there.”

“Hou…?”

Ophelia gazes at Sophia, her expression filled with melancholy, seemingly intrigued. Of course, I am also very interested in what Sophia will do next.

“However, this Thomas went so far as to spread lies, scheming to bring down His Highness Ludwig, the Crown Prince of the Waldberg Empire, and even plotted against me, the fourth princess of the United Kingdom of Brinth. I’m sorry, but I have no intention of listening to your story.”

“Yes, I am well aware of that.”

Without being shaken by Ophelia’s words, Sophia responded with a composed expression. But then, why did she appear?

“What I want to say is that Thomas, who committed such rudeness behind my back, which I am unaware of, is a disgrace to me… no, to the Kingdom of Beruga. In order to restore our honor, I would greatly appreciate it if you would sentence him to the harshest punishment.”

“!?”

Sophia’s words filled me with anger.

Honestly, I had expected Sophia to abandon Thomas like this.

But even so, how can she say such things, demanding his life while wearing a calm expression? How can she say that to someone who served her faithfully as a servant, especially when she herself had given the order?

“Are you alright with that? Then I shall decapitate him on the spot.”

“Yes, I don’t mind.”

“Y-Your Highness! I didn’t ask for it! Everything… all I have done is for you!”

“For me? What do you mean?”

“!? … “

Thomas bit his lip and looked down, receiving the cold gaze. Maybe he’s being blackmailed or has some sort of weakness.

For example, if his family in the Kingdom of Beruga were being held hostage, and he had no choice but to serve as a servant, just like Ilse is serving me under the condition of supporting her own family.

“Very well… I would like to say that, but the one who was most insulted was His Highness Ludwig and Ilse, the attendant. Therefore, it is only fitting that His Highness Ludwig decides this man’s punishment.”

Eh… does this mean I have to handle this now? 

I have my own thoughts about this guy, but honestly, I don’t want to deal with him. It’s just troublesome.

“Louie-sama, shall I take care of it?”

“Ilse, let’s calm down for now.”

I tried to calm down Ilse, who was fully intent on killing Thomas with a dagger in hand. Ophelia is the same, but why do people in this world have absolutely no hesitation?

“Thomas.”

“…”

“What you did is unacceptable to me, the Crown Prince of this country. And also the students, who foolishly followed your lead.”

““!!!!””

Isn’t that obvious? Do you think I’ll let it slide just because you were deceived?

“However, it is not for me to judge, but rather for the judicial system of the Waldberg Empire. Therefore, I will leave it all to the judiciary.”

Well, Thomas aside, the students in the audience probably won’t face any consequences. Moreover, considering their families, if something were to happen, the empire would collapse. So, at most, there might be a stern warning to their noble families.

But…

“Thomas. From now on, the interrogations will be conducted in private. In other words… whatever you confess will not only stay within the empire but will also never leak to the Kingdom of Beruga.”

“!?…”

Ahaha. That Sophia, she’s really glaring at me.

Well, it makes sense. If Thomas betrays and reveals the truth, it would jeopardize her own position.

But she can’t blame it all on Thomas. After all, she has no means to interfere with the interrogations.

“You’re amazing, Louie-sama.”

“Ahaha, thank you.”

Ilse nods with a slightly excited expression. I’m glad she’s satisfied as well.

“Fufu… Your Highness Ludwig, it was an excellent judgment. And… among the audience, there are likely many attendants like Ilse, Claris, and Thomas, who serve both me and you.”

“…”

“So, pay close attention. Witness the consequences for each attendant based on the events of the ball.”

As Ophelia addressed the crowd, they lowered their heads.

However, they did so for different reasons: some attendants were seriously contemplating their loyalty to their masters, while some masters feared their attendants’ rebellion.

Especially…

“…”

A piercing gaze shot at me from the audience. It was Eleonora, the student council president.

Unexpectedly, her words at the ball backfired on her. It must be frustrating, I suppose. Not that I know for sure. That’s what I thought, but…

“Hmm…”

Eleonora’s expression softened, and she briefly smiled? Ehh… What does that mean?

Well, never mind that. More importantly…

“Your Highness Ophelia, could it be… that you planned this from the beginning?”

“Heh, who knows?”

Ophelia only responded with a suggestive smile. Damn it, even though she’s a muscle-head heroine, she’s so cool.

“Now then, it’s already late. I shall take my leave.”

Ophelia sheathed her greatsword and carried it on her shoulder as she headed towards the exit of the training ground.

And then…

“Ludwig von Waldberg! It was quite a revelation to witness your true self!”

“Excuse me.”

“Ah…”

With a wave of her left hand, Ophelia left the training ground, accompanied by Claris.

By the way, what’s with that handsome girl? I might actually fall for her.