Hertrude and Marquis Frampton visited the Holfault Kingdomâs treasury within the royal palace.
Numerous treasures and lost items decorated the place.
Among them were many tools of an unknown purpose.
(I found it. I heard that it was in the kingdomâs treasury, but I didnât think that theyâd leave it out in the open like this. Even that marquis doesnât know its true worth.)
Visiting the treasury, when Hertrude found the item she was looking for, she stood still and spoke.
âMarquis, why donât you relinquish this item?â
Marquis Frampton stroked his beard while responding to Hertrudeâs proposal.
âAn arm for ancient armor, is it? This is a very valuable object, so even with my authority, I cannot do much.â
The black, sharp right arm indeed held historical value.
However, it was judged that it could no longer be used now and was there as a decoration.
(Leaving a dangerous object like this out in the open, the kingdom is beyond saving. In order to prevent the off-chance of them using it, it should come to us.)
Unaware of Hertrudeâs thoughts, Marquis Frampton displayed a haughty attitude.
âIs there something you want to ask?â
Marquis Frampton made a smile towards Hertrude, who was folding her arms.
âHohoho, you seem quite interested in it. May I ask what itâs used for?â
Hertrude glared at the newer treasures within the treasury.
One of them was the magic fluteââanother was a large sword used for armor, treasured by the Principality of Fanossâ strongest knight, âBandel Hymn Zenden.â
The sword, which had been handled by a humanoid power suit, was massive and gave off a dignified feeling.
The large sword was a valuable item wielded by Bandel, who was feared as a black knight, and was made from a special metal.
It frustrated her that it was in the kingdomâs treasury despite originally being the principalityâs.
âThe magic flute and Bandelâs sword were stolen. How about handing over those treasures?â
âStolen is an unpleasant way to say it. These are treasures that the kingdom obtained.â
Indeed, Leon had stolen the treasures and offered them.
Marquis Frampton had made an evasive and ambiguous reply, but then made a serious facial expression after perceiving that Hertrude was being serious.
âââYour Highness, do you want this treasure?â
âI want it.â
âWhat is it used for?â
âItâs an ancient armor part. What use is there other than for appreciation?â
âIndeed.â
Hertrude was a little nervous. She believed that if she showed too much desire for it, it would be suspicious, but was relieved that she managed to avoid that.
Marquis Frampton changed the topic.
âI was thinking about a friendship with the principality.â
âIâm glad for that.â
Hertrude spoke about being glad, but there was no emotion in her words.
Marquis Frampton, aware of that, continued speaking anyways.
âAs a mediator for this friendship, I was thinking about asking his Highness Julian to head to the principality.â
âIsnât he that saintâs lover?â
âItâs embarrassing to talk about. I wish that his Highness Julian was as self-aware as you are. Now then, onto the main topicââwe are ready to transfer a portion of the territory to the principality. However, for that purpose, it is necessary to clean the kingdom.â
Upon hearing Marquis Framptonâs proposal, Hertrude showed more interest.
âââIâd like to hear more about this.â
âThe principality can be traced back to a branch of Holfaultâs royal family. I was thinking of using this as a chance for a genuine friendship. We can cooperateââdonât you think so?â
Hertrude took a cold attitude in response to Marquis Framptonâs call for cooperation.
âThatâs out of the question. Youâre saying that weâre going to lay down our arms just because weâre being given a small portion of land? Besides, that talk about transferring land is probably a lie.â
Marquis Frampton shook his head and explained with a smile.
âYour Highness Hertrude, you seem to not know the circumstances of the kingdom. The process of transferring is no problem.â
âWhat are these circumstances?â
They began to talk about the Holfault Kingdomâs internal affairs.
âThereâs an area where a fight will occur with the principality, but the kingdom has no direct control over.â
Some feudal lords resided on floating islands while others were on the mainland.
In other words, although the kingdom had pieces of territoryâânot all of them were attached to the royal familyâs land.
âI see. I almost forgot about Margrave Fieldâs floating island. Though, thatâs not your peopleâs territory, so thereâs no way you would be able to transfer it.â
The household of one of Marieâs lovers, âBrad Fou Field,â was in the important position of exercising authority over the principality.
There were feudal lords in other lands as well that the kingdom had no right to hand over.
ââHoweverâŠ
âWithout the support of our kingdom, those rural feudal lords canât put up much resistance. The principality has no need to deal with such worthless feudal lords, right?â
âThatâs one way to put it. I wonât say no to the offer. Thoughââis there some kind of benefit to this for you people?â
When she held suspicions about the proposal to decrease the amount of land the kingdom had, Marquis Framptonâs mouth formed the shape of a crescent as he smiled.
There was a glint in his eye.
âYour Highnessâârural feudal lords are a nuisance for the kingdom.â
âNuisance, you say.â
(Come to think of it, Marquis Frampton and the Field household are in opposing factions.)
Hertrude accepted the proposal while not wanting to hear any more about the complicated matters of the royal palace.
âAlright. Letâs go with that. If his Highness Julian is becoming a husband, then letâs make this a pre-celebratory gift for him.â
Their focus was on the sharp right arm made for armor.
Marquis Frampton nodded with a smile.
âA splendid deal. Now then, tell me when the principality is ready. I believe that the best scenario is for us to clean up the royal palace and then make peace once the principality achieves victory.â
âââSure. I promise in my name.â
(His face is telling me that he thinks he got a good deal out of a supposed piece of junk. As if Iâm just a young girl in the palm of his hand.)
While stopping herself from smiling, Hertrude was relieved that she had accomplished her objective.
(Iâll quickly send this to the principality.)
She then shifted her attention to the magic flute.
(RaudaââI know youâll resent me for being foolish sister.)
While biting her lip, she took action in order to achieve yet another objective.
âWhat about Viscount Baltfault? You made sure to seize the lost item, right?â
Marquis Frampton ceased his smile and nodded.
âYes, the airship he calls Partner and the armor with the showy name of Arroganz are in our possession. Theyâll be analyzed soon. I wanted that little brat to be executed at once, but the queen seems to have taken him as a pet. Weâre having a small amount of trouble.â
Hearing that, Hertrude smiled.
She was convinced that the Holfault Kingdom would no longer be able to use its trump card.
(The principality will have the advantage once Viscount Baltfault is gone. Judging from that familiarâs attitude, they wonât be able to control the airship or armor.)
âI see. With the marquis still there, the kingdom is safe. How close is it until the day youâre named as the prime minister?â
Hearing the words âprime minister,â Marquis Frampton made a smile.
âNo no, having me be something like the prime minister is preposterous.â
(Lies. You were planning that from the very start. You must have done a lot of reckless actions to prevent the Redgrave family from ascending to the prime minister position. However, thanks to that, my objective was accomplished. Thank you, foolish prime minister.)
Hertrude asked Marquis Frampton a question.
âIâd like to quickly send a letter to the principality. Could you arrange an airship?â
âWeâll arrange one at once.â
â
A group stood in sky above the Principality of Fanoss.
The former black knight, âBandel Hymn Zenden,â stood on an airship coming back from the kingdom.
Upon receiving a delivered item, he didnât understand what it was.
He knew that it was some part for armor, but didnât recognize it.
It made no sense for it to be one right arm.
âThis is from the princess?â
âIndeed. We were told that itâs an important item.â
Bandel had a noticeable scar from his brow to the top of his head.
He was such a strong knight that one wouldnât believe he was beyond middle age.
âCould it be thatââthis is a lost item?â
âIndeed. It was found in the kingdomâs treasury.â
Bandel wasnât the only one on the airship.
âGarrett,â who used to serve as a messenger with the kingdom before, was there too.
He stroked his jaw with his hand, a habit formed from the facial hair that he no longer had.
His eyes burned with a passion for revenge.
âI would have preferred if the princess had sent an item that was a little more useful. Has the execution of that âheretic knightâ even happened yet?â
Heretic knightââwas an alias used by the principality for Leon.
His actions strayed from the path of a knight, resulting in that nickname.
Though Leon didnât kill his enemies, the knights and soldiers who returned home were slandered by the principalityâs nobles and citizens.
It was as Leon had said it would be.
Bandel was treated as a senile man and lost his title as the black knight.
âI will not tolerate the princess being insulted.â
However, he still retained his dignity.
Upon being glared at, Garrett shifted his gaze towards a letter, as if to escape from Bandel.
âI, I didnât intend suchââhmm?â
After a brief period of timeââGarrettâs eyes widened when looking at the letter, shifting his gaze numerous times between the black, sharp right arm and the letter.
âC, could it be?â
âWhat happened?â
When Bandel asked that question while folding his arms, Garrett raised his voice in joy.
âBlack Knight. No, former Black Knightââare you ready to give up your life?â
Bandel laughed scornfully at Garrettâs words.
âIâm an already an old fool whoâs died as a knight. Iâll do anything to help the princess.â
âSplendid! Then, let me explain. This is a piece of an ancientââno, legendary armor. A lost item that only a portion of the royal family even knows about.â
As everyone gazed at the armorâs right hand, Garrett opened his arms.
âWhat a wonderful gift! Her Highness Princess Hertrude carried out her duty well. With this, her younger sister, her Highness âPrincess Hertrauda Sera Fanoss,â has no enemies! This time, even the heretic knight has no chance!â
âIt can even compete against the heretic knight?â
âYes, thereâs a good chance of success. Howeverââit seems that the heretic knight has currently been betrayed by his country and imprisoned. Just as he deserves.â
âItâs a shame that we wonât be able to finish him off in a battlefield.â
âI canât comprehend the feelings of a military man. However, thanks to this, one of her Highness Hertraudaâs enemies has disappeared.â
Hertrudeâs younger sister was Hertrauda, the second princess.
A trump card of the principality leading fleets and monsters in the sky.
Bandel squinted, staring at the armorâs right arm.
âIâll help Hertrude. Even if it means giving up my life.â
Bandel tightly grasped his fist while next to Garrett, who was joyed that he could get revenge over his moustache.
â
I was in a dungeon within the royal palace.
The damp place was chilly and ice cold.
The air was stagnant and it was not a place I wanted to be in for long.
Since I had to be a prisoner, my hands were cuffed.
As I was yawning, the jailer gave me a signal.
It seems that a visitor arrived.
That person made a complaint upon seeing me.
âI misjudged you, Baltfault!â
The owner of that grand voice was the one who would most likely become the ruler of the royal palace.
It was Julian.
He might have been angry at me, but Iâm irritated that heâs here as well.
âWho are you?â
When I acted as if I didnât know who he was, his face turned red.
âJulian! âJulian Rafua Holfaultâ! Thatâs beside the point, explain your betrayal! I thought you were a coward, but I didnât think that youâd do this!â
He was speaking recklessly.
It seems that despite how sly Julian believed I was, he didnât think I would betray the kingdom.
ââHowever, now that I think about it, it wouldnât be strange for me to betray you guys.
And youâre the cause of that. This is your fault.
No, wait a minute. Rather than it being him, perhaps marriage is the cause? Each time I search for marriage, it results in catastrophe and Iâve thought about abandoning this country many times.
âI didnât betray the kingdom. Iâm being falsely accused. Save me, Prince.â
âYouâre still at it with the jokes. Tell me everything, Baltfault.â
It seems that he isnât going to help me.
Well, if our positions were swapped, I wouldnât help Julian out either, I suppose.
In the first place, this guy doesnât have much authority.
âTell you what?â
âYouâve got a big attitude despite standing before me.â
âDo you think that I have any attachment to a country thatâs treating me like a traitor and sending me to execution? Iâll make you regret this someday, so remember this. Iâm a guy who strikes back after getting hit.â
âIs that so? I actually have something to say, so letâs get this over with.â
He proceeded to speak about the situation regarding me.
âYour Partner and Arroganz have been seized by the kingdomâs chivalric order. It seems they canât operate it, so thereâs no problem there.â
Thatâs quite the problem for me.
Iâm not worried since Luxon will handle it, but I am discomforted.
âThereâs a push to execute you, but thereâs also a push to protect you. Perhaps youâre caught in the middle of a factional dispute, but the situation is strange.â
From my point of view, the royal palace is always strange.
Theyâve been giving me promotion after promotion. I donât think itâs only this occasion in particular that things are strange. Itâs strange all the time, so if there are any periods of normalcy, then do tell me.
âSo?â
âBaltfaultââwhy did you betray us? What are you scheming this time?â
Quite harsh of him to assume that Iâm scheming something, let alone betray the country.
Am I that cruel of a person?
âI said that Iâm being falsely accused. Thereâs someone whoâs out to get me.â
âWhat?!â
What are you surprised about?! Youâre the prince who lived in the royal palace, right? Use your noggin a little! Youâre too naive.
âYou thought I was betraying the kingdom? If I were to betray it, I would have done something with a little more force.â
âI suppose youâre right. If it was you, there would have been more force to itââand you would keep doing things just to spite us.â
Though convinced, Julian annoyed me. What kind of trust do you have towards me?
So Julian revealed what was on his mind, but why is he here to consult me?
âIâm not experienced in war, but Iâm sensing that some conflict will arise soon.â
I was about to tell him that it would be a rebellion at worst, but I closed my mouth.
After all, the Holfault Kingdom is a large country with many foes.
There are numerous enemies hostile towards the kingdom, such as the principality.
Under such circumstances, itâs frightening to think about the verge of a rebellion, or the principalityâs schemes.
Iâve got a bad feeling.
âââIs there some kind of corrective force?â
I canât help but feel that some mysterious power is at work, forcing events to realign with the story of that otome game.
Julian was puzzled by my mutters.
âCorrective? What are you talking about, Baltfault?â
âThe story. Iâm being detained here, so I donât know the full story of whatâs going on.â
Julian put his hand on his jaw and pondered about something, so I made a request.
âHey, let me out.â
âI cannot. I have no authority right now.â
Useless prince. Well, I suppose trouble would arise if he let me out.
All things consideredââIâve got some suspicions.
The magic flute, the principalityâs trump card, has a potent ability and is being kept under strict safekeeping by the kingdom.
Hertrudeâs absent from the principality, so the country wouldnât make a move right now.
However, Hertrudeâs been acting strangely.
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Itâs like thereâs this corrective force thatâs making reality follow the story.
âââThis really is a terrible world.â
Ignoring my mumbling this time, Julian quickly left the dungeon.
If things keep progressing according to the story, I need to run.
Iââno, even Luxon wonât be able to win against the principalityâs trump card.