CH 28

Chapter 28/77│Read translated stories and daily updates at: awebstories.com

“Ufufu… I’m having a good time, but will His Highness Dietrich be okay? Isn’t she the daughter of Lord Reinmayer?”

Countess Metzelder inquired, her gaze drawn to Petra, who had walked away.

“Fu… What exactly do you mean by “okay”?

“Ara? Don’t you get it?”

Countess Metzelder gave me a cold stare while holding a feather fan over her mouth.

I see… Her assessment had already begun.

“Yes, I’m not sure. What effect does my displeasure with his daughter have? In the first place, “he’s not on my side.”

“Ara?”

Countess Metzelder’s eyes light up when she hears my response.

I apparently made a good impression on her because of this Petra.

…No, thanks to Marguerite, who pushed Petra out of the way with tenacity.

The only problem was that, while I managed to strike up a conversation with Countess Metzelder, Marguerite was right beside me.

As expected, I am unable to involve her in any sort of trouble, including factional disputes.

Hanna nodded slightly when I looked at her.

“Marguerite-sama—I’m sure it was during your earlier conversation with the ladies, but your dress appears to have gotten a little dirty.”

“Eh? Is that true?”

“Yes—Please allow me to clean it for you…”

Hanna then escorted Marguerite away.

Hanna is, indeed, an excellent chamberlain…

“Fufu…But is it really okay if you send your beloved fiancée away to be alone with me? Do thirteen-year-olds nowadays prefer older women?”

“Well—true, I’m interested in you, but not in the way you think. Besides, Marguerite is the only one I have feelings for.”

“You certainly have zeal—isn’t that the essence of youth?”

“How about that… Could I please have a few minutes of your time? We have some fantastic wines.”

“Indeed, the royal palace teaches such a young boy the flavor of wine… fufu, Interesting.”

Countess Metzelder appears to have accepted my invitation.

“So, since we’re here, let’s switch places. Please, this way…”

“Please, yes.”

Countess Metzelder places her hand on my extended right hand.

I then escorted her to the reception room that had been set up for the meeting with the Countess of Metzelder.

—○█○—

“Oh…This is an excellent wine. I’m surprised you’ve planned something like this for me. But… Fufufu, what are you trying to accomplish here, get me drunk?”

She looks contentedly at the wine, and now she has a glazed expression on her face.

I had no idea she had such a difficult personality…

“…I have no other plans for the time being. I simply thought it would be proper to entertain Her Excellency Metzelder, so I borrowed some of His Majesty the King’s priceless wine.”

“Ara? Is this the wine of His Majesty…?”

Countess Metzelder blinks open her eyes as she switches between me and wine.

then

“Pfft! Hahahahaha! I had no idea Your Highness Dietrich was such a carefree individual!”

“I-Is that so…?”

“Yes! Who the hell gave you the derogatory nickname “Cold-Blooded Prince?!”

Countess Metzelder laughs loudly as she clutches her stomach.

She no longer possesses the dignity of a frontier countess.

Or, more accurately, my image of the Countess of Metzelder has been shattered…

“Hahaha! Then I’ll drink some of His Majesty’s expensive wine.”

Countess Metzelder uncorked the wine with a practiced hand, poured it into a glass, and drank it all at once.

“Fu~ah… Yes, it’s excellent…”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“Fufu—Yes, it appeals to me. And you gave me such excellent wine. At the very least, I’ll listen to what you have to say.”

“…I appreciate it.”

It’s all up to me from now on.

“All right, let me get right to the point. I’m going to be king of this country.”

“Hey, isn’t it fine?” You’re the first prince; can’t you become king without declaring anyone?”

“No. Unfortunately, even if I try to be king as I am now, I will be labeled a fool and deposed by my younger brother.”

I shake my head.

This is an undeniable fact that I have firsthand experience with my previous life…

“So, what are you going to do about it?”

“Yes, this time… I’m going to build up my strength so I don’t lose.”

“Well…”

Countess Metzelder tilted her wine glass disinterestedly.

Well, I know she’s not interested in the politics of this country or in me.

If this is the case,

“As a result, I’d like to have your Excellency Metzelder as my strength.”

“Ara? I never expected to hear such passionate words from His Highness Dietrich, who was recently engaged.”

“Of course, Marguerite is the only one who can keep me under control. So, if it’s okay with you, when I become king…”

“Wait…”

I was about to offer my terms when I was interrupted by Countess Metzelder’s soft voice.

Her amethyst eyes glowed with disapproval.

“Isn’t that very naive of you—? You were foolish enough to tempt me with a plan that has no guarantees.”

“…”

She’s right.

All of this talk about when I’ll be king will be for naught if I don’t become king.

So.

“Of course, I don’t expect you to assist me for free. Besides, I understand that making such a vague condition is pointless.”

“Ara, well. What are we going to do? I’ve finished your share of wine.”

Countess Metzelder turned the empty wine bottle upside down as she said this.

…Are you drinking it too quickly?

“I don’t think so. We still have ten more bottles…”

I opened the wooden box next to the sofa and took out a new bottle of wine.

“Arara, I’m going to get drunk tonight. Will Prince Dietrich look after me if that happens?”

“My best lady-in-waiting will, of course, look after her excellency.”

“Pfft! Hahahahaha!”

Countess Metzelder is rolling on the sofa again with laughter after hearing my response.

“Well? What’s the rest of the story?”

“Yes, I’d like to say “that’s all,” but for the time being, you’ll have to listen to what I have to say. But in two years, you’ll undoubtedly want to assist me.”

“Oh? What will happen in two years?”

Countess Metzelder inquired, opening the second bottle of wine and sipping it.

“Yes. A foreign student will be admitted to our Royal Academy in two years.”

“An international student?”

Yes, a student from the Caroline Empire, which is a big country next to the Countess of Metzelder’s territory.

In order to avoid the evil hand of one’s brother, she is…

“Roxanne du Carolin, the first Princess of the Carolin Empire.”