Published at 18th of February 2020 1:36 am

Chapter 70: Pitiful Elder Brother, Child Yearning For Motherly Love

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

“We in the R6 were deceived!　Our boss, Rimusama, wanted reconciliation, so he offered his life to stop the fighting and signed a cease-fire agreement with the Second and Third Knight Orders!　I’ll never forget it!　The mediators were the First Knight Order!　That agreement was certainly signed!　BUT WHAT WAS OF IT!?　A few days later, while ignoring that agreement, the First Knight Order joined in on our suppression! “

　In front of a fountain on the central square of the royal capital, the surviving member of the R6, Besaid, spoke loudly.

　Most of the people gathered around him, which now reached almost a thousand, didn’t say a single word and quietly listened to his speech.

“I still remember it clearly. We were gathering the dead bodies of our friends, lost in the fierce suppression that happened until then, and were holding a funeral. It was then…… it was at that moment!　THOSE BASTARDS!　TRAMPLING OVER THE FLOWERS!　KICKING OFF THE DEAD BODIES!　THEY SET EVERYTHING ON FIRE!　THEY AMBUSHED US WHEN WE LEAST EXPECTED IT! “

　Clenching his fist in anger, Besaid continued to speak.

　At last, he could say it. He could finally reveal everything that happened. He could let the people know about their tyranny. That hellish sight that he had been tormented with and suffered remembering, had unexpectedly transformed into a powerful weapon at this place. Therefore, he had to continue wielding that weapon until the battle was over. He had a firm resolve. That’s why, more than anyone else, his words felt more real.

“I can remember the face of the guy who was at the head of the surprise attack team clearly even now!　KLAUS CASTALL!　UNDOUBTEDLY!　IT WAS KLAUS!　KLAUS, THE CAPTAIN OF THE FIRST KNIGHT ORDER!　KLAUS, THE FIRST PRINCE!　I’LL NEVER FORGIVE HIM FOR WHAT HE DID! “

　A commotion arose among the people. It was only obvious. This because, whether Besaid’s remarks were true or not, they were quite troublesome.

　Even then, Besaid did not stop his speech. That day, on that night, what had happened? He spoke in detail about the hell he experienced at that time. How terrible it had been, and how infuriating it was. The people listened to each and every one of his pained words, to what could be called the cries of his heart, aware that it had been a terrible experience. And thus, among them, doubt and suspicion against the First Prince Klaus began to increase.

“Besaid, that’s enough.”

“Boss!　But there’s still-“

“Looks like it’s time to leave.”

　After a while, Cubero approached to stop him. Cubero too still wanted Besaid to talk a little more, but he had to stop him because the Third Knight Order was approaching, and they were going to take Besaid into custody for the crime of slander.

“……Did we get out safely? “

　As they made their way out of the square, the fleeing Besaid asked.

　Cubero laughed at those words that seemingly implied “I thought I was going to die”.

“Even with just giving out one speech, they were sure to have an opening in their encirclement. And also, people will open a hole on their own. After all, Second-sama didn’t tell you to make the speech until you were killed.”

“Is that so? ……To be honest, I feel relieved. I was already prepared to never see the revival of the R6, I wonder if I’ll be able to now.”

“Second-sama will eventually think of the re-emergence of the R6, and the search for survivors with potential. And if the search proves to be difficult, he will most likely consult with his tactician-sama.”

“……There could never be more reassuring words than those.”

“Yeah, I think so too. Second-sama’s chivalrous spirit brings tears to my eyes. Windfield-sama too, I’m sure she could solve any problem with a hand behind her back.”

“Just like Second-sama, that cat girl also looks like she can’t do anything…… however, I’m afraid to imagine what she’s capable of.”

“I agree with you on that.”

　Behind the two people running away, a row of people was seen blocking the Knights of the Third Order.

　Or rather, as soon as they ran. Inspired by Besaid’s speech, the people interfered with the Third Knight Order. “We can’t let Besaid get caught”, they thought, and soon they moved into action.

　Hoping this would happen, Windfield had given those instructions, “To attract the Third Knight Order until the last minute”. Therefore, this dispute had ensued. And, the more the conflict between the people and the Third Knight Order advanced, the greater the doubt towards Klaus and the First Knight Order became.

　In addition, by letting him get away here, it became very difficult for the First Prince faction to deal with Besaid. As time went by, Besaid’s testimony spread, and the feelings of the people deteriorated. But, with that said, so long as they didn’t silence Besaid, that story will spread no matter what they say. The other option would be assassination, but that would make them look without doubt, as the bad guys. It was a poison that should never be used.

　Right. After all, the moment they allowed Besaid to speak out, the First Prince Faction was already check-mated.

　Just how far ahead and how many scenarios were planned? That’s something only the tactician knew.

　And at this moment, these two reaffirmed something they already knew…… Second and Windfield, these two should never be turned into enemies. Cubero was very proud of his master and that tactician, and Besaid was so awe-inspired that he shuddered.

　And thus, the political conflict finally rushed from the middle to the late-stage――

“WHY!?　WHY AM I BEING INSULTED LIKE THIS!? ! “

　The First Prince Klaus awoke in his room at the royal palace.

　Every day, the Vinz newspaper continued to report suspicious allegations about the suppression of the bandits. And using information gathered from the Vinz newspaper, other newspapers also had started to publish articles suspecting of a violation of agreement by the Knights.

　Some articles criticized the First Prince in a roundabout way, some referred to the official documents, and other articles anonymously exposed the truth behind the breach of that agreement.

　On the other hand, imperial operatives performed small demonstrations in order to protect the First Prince, and thus, the Prime Minister. They published articles that defended the First Prince Faction using the state-owned newspaper, but that was just a desperate ploy.

　As a result of that, not a small amount of people were incited to come and speak out. Therefore, the people in the royal capital were divided between the two camps and they all confronted the top.

　What happened next? So long as the conflict continued, the story would become bigger. The allegations of the violation of the agreement by the First Knight Order was soon replaced by a scheme of confrontation between the First and Second Princes factions, and not long after, it came to a point where neither faction could withdraw.

“All I did was to suppress the rebels!　Aren’t those breach of agreement allegations just a hoax!? “

　Klaus was never convinced these allegations were true.

　That was because Klaus himself was never made aware of the ceasefire agreement that was signed with the R6.

　He simply traveled triumphantly, doing as the Prime Minister told him and “suppressing the rebels”. As a result, when it came to being bashed out like this, he felt like he could no longer understand what to believe in.

　Was all of this fuss just a hoax? Or did the Prime Minister deceive him? Klaus couldn’t find an answer.

　Currently, there were no voices speaking about the violation of an agreement from inside the First and Third Knight Orders. Of course, the Prime Minister Val, and the captain of the Third Knight Order, Djarum, were silent.

　However, as a result of the investigation carried out by the captain of the Second Knight Order Memphis, several voices were raised from within the Second Knight Order. He didn’t know if it was true or a lie since they didn’t have enough proof, but “their voices were being raised” so this issue was only getting bigger.

　In other words――RELEASE THE OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS, they cried.

　Maybe there was an agreement with the R6 in the official documents. In that case, Klaus, as the captain of the First Knight Order, would probably be held responsible. Responsible for one-sidedly violating an agreement, even if he didn’t know of its existence.

“DAAAAAAAAAMN IT! “

　He just couldn’t accept it.

　With this incident, the throne was definitely getting further and further away.

　And it was no longer clear whether the younger brother Maine or the older brother Klaus, will sit on that throne……

“――Klaus!　Ohh, my Klaus!　My poor child. You’re not doing anything wrong.”

　The one who unexpectedly visited Klaus’ room was Klaus’ biological mother, First Queen White.

　As soon as she saw Klaus’ agitated breath, she ran up to him, hugging him from behind.

“Don’t worry about those newspapers that speak badly of you, I’ll silence them. No matter what people say, you should aim to be the King in your own way.”

“Mother…… If you take that kind of action right now, they will write worse stories.”

“The more they write, the more I’ll silence them. They should know their place, and become aware of just who they are insulting! “

“……But.”

“Klaus. All you have to do is think about becoming the next King. Seriously, what is that person doing? He does nothing even though his very own son is being tormented! “

“…………”

　Klaus was not good at dealing with Queen White.

　An annoying woman who flaunts power, knowing nothing about politics……This was his evaluation of his mother.

　During his twenty years of life, he had never felt genuine love or affection from his mother. All the words that came out from White’s mouth were “self-aggrandizement under the pretense of aiding another”. Everything was selfishness disguised as love. “Become the next King”, this was a phrase he always heard every time he met her. “We must never lose to THAT concubine” she repeated, so it was imprinted on him from an early age. This was why Klaus was so attached to the throne, and why he saw Maine in such an unusual bad light.

“I will go cool down my head a little.”

“Is that so?　You’re right. You need to get better.”

　While White urged a maid asking “Is the tea still not ready? “, Klaus left his room, leaving his mother behind and heaving a small sigh. Trying to return as late as possible, he slowly walked down the grand hallway while thinking “Are you really going to wait in my room?”.

　He then went out to the balcony as if being invited by the autumn wind.

　In that place, was the figure of a beautiful young woman, and next to her was a waiting maid.

　She was that person, the one he was expecting to be there as he went to that balcony, the one that fragment deep within his consciousness wanted to see. She was Maine’s mother, Second Queen Freon.

“Oh, if it isn’t Second Queen Freon. Are you really having tea in such a place? Someone as refined as you?”

　Offensive words came out of his mouth. Seeing Klaus like that, Freon gently smiled, almost as if watching her own child going through a rebellious period.

“People, you see, need to have some space when they have lost theirs. First Prince Klaus.”

　Freon went out of her way and got up from her chair, pulling out the one across from her, and looked at Klaus. That smile that looked just like Maine’s made Klaus felt extremely uncomfortable, however, he still sat on that chair.

　Tea was poured into his cup by the waiting maid. Klaus then opened his mouth without even touching the teacup.

“What’s with this behavior? You and I are enemies. Are you trying to pity me? “

“I’m just acting the same as in the past. You too have always been like that. Whenever something hard happens, you come secretly to me, and after being spoiled, you go back.”

“Wh-……”

　Klaus’ face flushed bright red. He had never been aware of this until now, and when he was told that, he felt it really hit the mark.

“Something bad happened, right?”

　Laughing like a mischievous child, Freon looked very similar to Maine. Recalling the face of his hated brother, Klaus managed to regain his composure.

“Are you happy to humiliate me in front of the maid?　As expected of the mother of that weak coward. Aren’t you quite wicked?”

“Children really grow up more than you expect when you take your eyes off of them even for a minute. Don’t expect that child to be weak and cowardly forever.”

“I know that even without you telling me! “

“I wonder. That child seems to have met someone good.”

“……Tch.”

　The subject of Maine came out of Freon’s mouth, causing Klaus’ mood to deteriorate. He couldn’t get rid of the idea of “I have to be better than him”. It can be said this was the “gift” he received from Queen White’s education.

“And hopefully, you will too. That’s what I really think.”

“Hmph. I’m not such a weak person who can’t be strong unless I’m being influenced by others. I will defeat that stupid younger brother of mine on my own, and I’ll become the next King.”

“……Is becoming King the only way to feel rewarded? If you haven’t noticed that, then that is not your sin to bear after all.”

　While speaking of Klaus’s dream, she had a face of pain as she whispered those words. Freon, who had watched him grow for many years ever since he was a kid, muttered so with sad eyes.

“What are you talking about?　Tell me to my face.”

“In the not so distant future, you will be forced into a corner. And there will come a time when you’ll certainly have to pay for it. Even then…… but even then, you still have a heart that can be saved. It’s alright. No matter who abandons you, I will continue to look only at your heart. Don’t forget this.”

“……So what? You want me to give up on being the next King? “

　Towards Klaus, who looked at her with sharp eyes, Freon gently smiled and continued.

“Think of the Prime Minister as an enemy. You will become the next King on your own, right? “

　　　＊　＊　＊

“This was so effective I’m starting to feel bad.”

　Three days have passed since Besaid’s speech.

　The contents of the different newspapers lined up on the table were mostly about “Bashing the First Knight Order”. There was a newspaper that had put out an article advocating for the First Prince Faction, but according to a maid who investigated in the capital, nobody was really paying attention to that newspaper and were labeling it as a traitor. Furthermore, when I asked the maids, it seems the voices of the people in the capital are mostly “anti-First Prince”.

　……All of this happened just because of “doubt” born out of the ceasefire agreement and suppression, politics are scary. That’s what I honestly thought.

“But you see. In this case, with a silly dispute like this, the more the government is idle, the more chances of something behind the scenes happening.”

　Windfield came and sat next to me. Well, this silly dispute is actually mainly your doing, but that’s not something I’ll really say now.

“How bad? “

“Maybe, an invasion, maybe, a third power.”

“I see. A chance is a chance after all.”

“Yes, indeed.”

“Well, in any case, you probably already started making a move, right? “

“Yeah. For now, with this kiー”

　While Windfield said “With this kiー”, she approached me with a kissing face. I can’t really tell if this tall, cool, and beautiful female spirit is joking or not.

　And immediately after that, “kyun”――She was sent back with 《Unsummon》. Seems like she really pissed off Yukari.

“Master. For today, you were planning to go with the First Royal Court Magician Division to the dungeon, right?　If that’s the case, then you don’t really have the time to be wasting in a place like this.”

“Ohh, you’re right. I was supposed to leave a bit earlier. I shouldn’t be taking it lightly.”

　Today is the day for experience earning that I’ve been waiting for. Experience training day, if I had to say it in the style of Captain Zephyr.

　Well, it isn’t really a “day” per-se, since we’ll be going for three days and two nights. Experience training “journey”?　It almost feels like a school trip, so I’m a bit excited.

“Muu, you can still take it slowly, Second-dono. Also, you’ll be fine even if you take a cup of tea. I’ll help you get Eko ready.”

　In order to ensure the safety of all members, Silvia and Eko will be coming together with us this time. Even if it’s a lower-class dungeon, you can never be too cautious. It was decided that it was better to challenge it in a way so that nobody suffers a serious injury, even if our preparations are way too overkill for it.

“Eko. Let’s get ready. Mealtime is over.”

“Hmmーmmmhmhhmー.”

“Come on, spit out those shells. How many did you put in your mouth? That’s not how you’re supposed to eat scallops.”

“MMHHMMー! “

“Don’t MMHHMM me!　Eko! “

“MHMHMMMー! “

“HEY!　Take them out!　Take them out right now! “

“MHMMNNnー! “

　That quarrel between Silvia and Eko lasted almost three times longer than I expected. Eventually, Eko was satisfied with using the other shells to scrape off the scallops of the shells she had to eat them.

　And in the end, we were late. Well, it was just the usual.

　And then. Silvia, Eko and I joined the First Court Mages and set off on an experience training trip.

　Our destination, the commercial city Leñador.

　And the lower-class dungeon『Ngultrum』――

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