CH 71

“May I ask you a question, Your Highness?”

Yennie inquired as we exited the room, leaving Princess Roxanne and Lady Collete behind.

“What is it?”

“Yes… Concerning the terror plot at the celebration, we have already apprehended the assassins from the other side, and we have all the evidence we need, including a recording of the conversation between Prince Otto and Lady Collete, as well as instructions given to Otto by His Highness Prince Oscar.”

“Umu.”

“Then why did you tell her something like that?”

Yes, I see.

You don’t know why I did this nonsense thing, do you?

“It’s self-evident—because if you offer such terms, it may be possible to save Lady Collete…”

“I see… Save…”

“Yes, think about it. If we end this with the evidence we already have, she will face the death penalty.”

“Well, that’s…”

“The point is that I don’t want her to die.”

Yeah… If at all possible, I’d like to save her life.

Of course, I wasn’t motivated by pity because I have no idea why she betrayed Princess Roxanne.

First, by saving her, I can show Princess Roxanne more grace.

I’ve already been fighting alongside Princess Roxanne, but I’d like to strengthen our bond.

not to advance the succession to the throne. However, it is for the sake of peace in the kingdom after I become king,

Second, I’d like to have Lady Collete on my side as a check on Oscar and Prince Charles.

Even if we denounce Oscar based on the evidence we have now, he will most likely try to cover it up by working behind the scenes.

However, having her on our side and knowing everything would be enough to put Oscar off.

The same goes for Prince Charles in the Carolin Empire.

Naturally, he would then dispatch assassins to assassinate Lady Collete, but this would put us in a better position.

A decisive break with Princess Roxanne will result in a decisive break with Prince Charles, and Prince Charles will be at a great disadvantage if we capture his assassins fighting for the throne with Princess Roxanne in the Carolin Empire.

Because I’ll give them all to the Imperial Princess Roxanne.

“…Well, there are so many advantages to keeping her alive. Of course, Hanna’s and your efforts are crucial in this regard.”

“I-I understand…!”

Yennie’s fluffy cat ears stand up, and her eyes twinkle as she looks at me.

This gives me the creeps…

“Your Highness—As expected… if I’m going to have children, it has to be with you…! Please sympathize with me!”

“I knew it… I refuse, Hanna! Hanna!”

“Yes.”

Hanna appeared out of nowhere as soon as I called her name.

It’s a good thing I kept Hanna out of sight just in case.

“I’m counting on you, Hanna.”

“I’ll handle it.”

“Iyaaaaaaaaaaaa?!”

Yennie was then taken by Hanna and re-educated.

—○█○—

“Kuku… Still, I wasn’t expecting this outcome.”

The Marquis of Friedenreich, who is standing next to me at a dinner party in the royal garden at night, smiles happily.

“That’s true! But you are now the next king, both in name and in reality!”

“Indeed!”

Marquess Metzelder and Gustav were also smiling and holding wine.

“Dee-sama—you were absolutely fantastic today. “

“Thank you, Liz. I’m overjoyed to have been able to share this special day with you.”

“Yes…”

Liz smiles brightly and leans into my arms.

We’re lucky that we’re engaged because we don’t have to worry about flirting with each other.

Then…

“Congratulations on the success of this celebration, Your Highness Dietrich.”

The country’s Prime Minister, the Marquis of Seifried, calls me.

Count Thielemann, the Minister of Justice, and a large group of other distinguished guests are standing behind him.

But these were men who had never been members of the first queen’s faction, the second prince’s faction, or even the neutral faction in my previous lives.

In other words, those who gave their lives in service to His Majesty.

They couldn’t possibly…

“Thank you very much. Today’s event went off without a hitch thanks to the efforts of many people. But there are still two more days to celebrate, so we’ll have to keep our spirits up.”

“Oh, no, you’re not required to be so formal—I’m delighted to learn that His Majesty the King has confidently nominated you as his successor.”

Something odd struck me about the Prime Minister’s words.

Is it possible… Did the Prime Minister know that His Majesty the King would appoint me to succeed him…?

“…His Majesty has been concerned for a long time about his highness, Dietrich. And if anything happens to His Majesty the King, there are only two people to keep an eye on….”

“…”

“However, that is no longer necessary as of today. We congratulate His Highness Dietrich on his succession from the bottom of our hearts.”

So… they weren’t involved in any of this in my previous life because His Majesty the King entrusted them with the future of this country…

To be honest, I have no idea what happened after I died on the guillotine.

Perhaps it was in the future that the Prime Minister would overthrow Oscar…”

“I appreciate it very much. I will continue to work hard to meet your expectations.”

“Hahaha! We will also support your highness!”

Everyone who has gathered here for me is in high spirits.

The 1st Queen, the Duke of Wallenstein, the 2nd Queen, and Oscar’s sister Josephine and Oscar are still alive, so I can’t relax my guard.

Nonetheless.

“Dee-sama…!”

I clench my fist and realize it when I see Liz crying and happy for me.

This time, I was able to capture Liz’s happiness.

“Your Highness—Please help yourself to a drink…”

“I’m so sorry.”

I drank a glass of fruit juice from the waiter in one gulp.

And then…

“…Ugh?! Gah! Fu..o?!”

“Eh? D-Dee-sama?!”

I coughed up blood, and darkness closed my eyes.