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 36: I Want to Change This Country

Chapter 36: I Want to Change This Country

“So… Can you explain what’s going on?”

“”…””

Having finished our Frappuccinos, Ilse and I were currently being bombarded with questions by Ophelia and the others, who were standing with their arms crossed behind the dormitory. 

Well, if you write something like that on a coaster, it’s bound to be discovered by the four of them. Maybe Big Sis didn’t consider it enough.

“So, what is that cafeteria? And what is it that Your Highness Ludwig had requested to do?”

The Sly Saint tilted the corner of her mouth with a smirk as she bombarded us with questions. 

Well, first of all, this matter is an issue within the Empire, so these four people, who are from another country, shouldn’t get involved.

“Louie-sama, what will you do?”

It seems Ilse is leaving the judgment up to me. …I shouldn’t involve Ophelia and the others, but if I stay silent, these two will definitely get furious.

As I pondered what to do, suddenly Ophelia grabbed both my shoulders, causing me to let out a surprised cry.

“Your Highness Ludwig, by clashing swords, I feel that at the very least, we have come to understand each other. And, not just here at the Imperial Academy… no, even from now on, I want to form a friendship with you all.”

“…”

“That’s why I don’t want you to build walls like that. If you’re in trouble, if you need help, I want you to rely on me.”

“Ah…”

With her shining golden eyes, Ophelia stared at me. When I shifted my gaze to Ilse next to me, she nodded in agreement.

…Seriously, enough already.

“Sigh… I understand.”

“! Then!”

“Yeah… we’ll talk properly.”

Upon hearing my response, Ophelia broke into a wide grin. Ah, come on, that’s not fair at all.

In my past life, I was a gloomy guy, and even in this world, being treated kindly like this makes me weak, you know.

Removing her hand from my shoulder, Ophelia, with her golden eyes gleaming, waited for me to explain. As I looked at her like that, I couldn’t help but feel unexpectedly happy, and my lips involuntarily relaxed.

◇

“I see. So, that student council president, Lady Eleonora, is…”

After explaining everything about Eleonora to the four of them, Ophelia closed her eyes quietly and fell into deep thought. The Sly Saint and Clarice did the same, placing their hands on their cheeks or covering their mouths as they pondered.

Meanwhile, the mob holy knight Batista was the only one who seemed bored. It seems he’s generally not interested in anyone other than the saint.

“Right. So, if we are indeed starting to move towards a revolution, we thought of conducting a background investigation through the Information Guild to see if we already have allies… or rather, comrades of the revolution.”

“I see… Then what are you planning to do from now on?”

“In any case, we can’t make any moves until the background investigation by the Information Guild is complete. Besides, it’s unlikely that a revolution will happen in the next day or two.”

In general, the “Rebellion End” occurs after the main story of the game begins. That means for the next four years, such an event won’t happen.

Above all, Eleonora is only eighteen years old and just a student at the Imperial Academy, albeit the student council president. She shouldn’t possess the power to do something as grand as that.

“But, if we leave it alone like this, it might eventually become a grave illness that corrodes the Empire. So, we have to nip it in the bud.”

“You’re right, Your Highness Ludwig.”

“Yes.”

Ophelia and the Sly Saint nodded in agreement.

“So… Your Highness Ludwig, as the Crown Prince, I understand that you are taking action for the sake of the Empire, but are you completely opposed to President Eleonora’s ideology?”

The usual serene expression of the Saint was replaced by a serious one as the Sly Saint asked with hidden intentions. 

I’m not sure of the intent behind the question, but it seems better to answer seriously.

“No. Even though it may sound strange coming from me, I believe that this Empire is heading in the wrong direction.”

“”…””

Upon hearing my words, both the Saint and Ophelia, as well as Batista, who usually seemed bored, stared at me in silence. Perhaps my answer was unexpected.

“My father… The current Emperor is pushing for the strengthening of the Empire’s military. As a result, both the nobles and the common people are burdened with heavy taxes, making it a struggle just to get by day after day.”

That matter was briefly mentioned in the synopsis and prologue of “The Ugly Orc Strikes Back,” although it was only a line or two. 

It could be the destiny of the Empire, which originally expanded its territory through invasion and grew larger.

“If we truly want to resolve this, it’s not a revolution like President Eleonora envisions that matters, but rather, it is crucial for everyone living in this Empire to think and act for themselves. Otherwise… the country will end up in chaos and perish.”

“…But how do you plan to achieve that? I apologize for being harsh, but the common people, let alone the nobles, don’t have the luxury to think about the country. Moreover, the common people don’t necessarily seek change.”

“Yes, what Your Holiness says is valid. That’s why I have pointed out the same thing to President Eleonora.”

Yes… that’s why a revolution needs signposts. Something that shows how everyone can live happily and protect their loved ones. It should provide a path.

“…I am the ‘Ugly Orc,’ despised by everyone, and all of you here are the ones who consider me an ally… Haha, it’s just my own perception, so please don’t mind.”

“No! That’s not true! I will always be by your side!”

“Me too! To call those with whom I’ve exchanged swords and hearts anything but friends, what else would I call them?”

The words of Ilse and Ophelia made my heart swell with warmth. Yes… I’m truly fortunate to have two people who speak to me like this.

I won’t let any bad ending flags like in “The Ugly Orc Strikes Back” stand. I’ll crush them all and even bring forth the main story.

Not just for myself, but also to protect the precious people right in front of me.

That’s why…

“I… I will become the Emperor of the Waldberg Empire and change this country… no, I will show that it can be changed.”

Placing my hand over my left chest, I declared firmly.