Chapter 5

Chapter 5 - Returning to the Past (5)

 

"Enter."

The King's office was truly a more comfortable and familiar sensation than my own room.

Is that why? The feeling that I was truly alive felt stronger than ever before.

Father was standing in front of the desk, agonizing over something.

"I heard you called for me. Father."

"Take a seat."

I naturally sat in the seat of honor, then was startled and stood up again.

Then, with an awkward face, I sat in the seat opposite the seat of honor.

Although I knew that such a trivial action would be misunderstood, I could not help it coming out instinctively.

Fortunately, Father did not seem to mind much.

"Have you decided on an aide?"

"Not yet. However, I have placed an individual more outstanding than anyone else as an aide candidate."

"Yes. You probably decided on your own. Well done."

As Father sat down, the chair let out a creak.

The aura emanating from his burly frame was no joke.

As I was envying that appearance, Father's voice was heard.

"I want to hear your thoughts. That is why I called you to this place."

"Is it the story about the intelligence department I mentioned last time?"

"That is correct."

That subtly raised eyebrow represented Father's heart, which was displeased.

"Information belonging to an individual is something that should not exist, both in the past and in the future."

"How could something of a prince be limited to that individual? Everything is for the glory of the kingdom."

"Quite the irreproachable logic. But it seems the ministers do not think that way."

The justification that it was for the kingdom was sufficient.

In addition, was Esteban not after having experienced the great threat of a king's poisoning?

Therefore, even if their opposition is fierce, the matter will not fall through.

Even so, if there are nobles who oppose it, that is.......

"In the end, the reason they oppose it is because they themselves are afraid they will walk the same path as Count Asus."

"......"

"Those who are innocent will agree to this matter."

I stood up from my seat and poured hot water into the kettle that was placed on the desk.

The subtle scent of tea spread through the office.

"Shall I give you a cup?"

"Ahem! That is enough."

He was not someone who liked tea that much originally.

I slowly returned to my seat and leisurely savored that scent.

A fleeting silence passed, and a low voice flowed out of Father's mouth as if he were growling.

"It is as you say. If they truly had nothing to hide, those bastards would not have opposed the establishment of the intelligence department."

"If that is the case, is it not a matter of simply proceeding with the procedures normally?"

"Regrettably, that cannot be done. Excessive dogmatism only increases the confusion of the country."

"My words did not mean that."

I lightly tapped the armrest of the sofa.

"It means to reach a compromise."

"Compromise?"

"Whatever the reason, is what those bastards want not a minimum safety device in the end?"

Although the noun the two people used to refer to the nobles had already changed to "those bastards" before they knew it, Father did not seem to have realized it.

I spoke with a small laugh.

"How about we have an audit?"

"......What?"

Hearing this, Father's body stiffened.

Was he saying to have an audit for the intelligence department and the knight order?

Because it was not something that would come out of the mouth of the subject of the matter, it seemed to take quite a while for him to understand the meaning.

"Does that audit refer to being dispatched by the decision of the nobles?"

"That is so."

"Indeed. If that is the case, those bastards will also not oppose the establishment of the intelligence department, but......"

However, Father's eyes seemed a bit concerned.

"Allen Esteban. Just what are you thinking?"

At Father's words, I shrugged my shoulders and spoke confidently.

"Tell them to do as they wish. Should a lion be afraid of a mouse that has hidden itself in the pride?"

"Is it really okay to do that?"

"Yes. Even the release of a mere mouse will not be able to stop the path of a predator."

What those bastards are worried about.

That is me holding the eyes and the sword and poking around here and there, digging up crimes.

Thus, they probably think that as soon as their crimes are discovered, I intend to give them the appropriate punishment just as Count Asus did.

Half of it is correct.

It was true that I established the intelligence department to ask for the price of the crimes those bastards have committed.

However, what those bastards do not know is the fact that I am a regressor who returned from the future.

The purpose of the intelligence department is not to discover their crimes.

By intentionally revealing the shell of an intelligence department, it is to find the "evidence" of the crimes those bastards have committed even more secretly.

They were similar words, but this was strictly different.

Try to block me if you can.

While those bastards are acting complacently, trusting the position of an auditor, I will move extremely secretly to collect evidence.

When I thought that. Father's small voice was heard in the silence.

"......You have truly changed a lot. What has made you this way?"

Betrayal and conspiracy. Power struggles and petty loyalty.

To Father, there must have been much he felt from this incident.

Therefore, I had no choice but to smile calmly and answer.

"Only my own will can change me."

"......I see."

Regrettably, the old lion's sentiment ended here.

"Fine. Based on that opinion, we will proceed with the establishment of the intelligence department."

"Then I will consider this story finished."

"Yes. However, since there are various procedures and budget issues, it will be impossible to establish it immediately."

"Do not worry. I also do not intend to start things immediately."

Establishing the intelligence department is a matter for after I have adapted to the regression and when George's education is finished.

Now, it did not matter either way.

But.

Saying it did not matter either way did not apply, at least, to Asus's remnants who opposed the establishment of the intelligence department.

Rather, if they showed an opposing opinion on every single one of my actions after I took a step back in this negotiation, it could not be more annoying.

"Is it not quite troublesome?"

"Hmm?"

"The fact that there are bastards who want to manipulate the country while hiding behind public opinion."

"But, with the current situation......"

"I know it is difficult to catch all those bastards. I merely think it would be good if at least one person got caught as an example."

I brushed back my hair and said suggestively.

"I have a good idea."

Perhaps...... the expression I had while saying that was smiling.

I myself was unaware that a low voice was coming out.

***

A heavy atmosphere pervaded the mansion of the Viscount Honore family.

It was not because of the thick fog that had descended so heavily that even moonlight could not enter.

"Damn it!"

CRASH!

The expression of Viscount Honore as he threw the wine bottle was not just dark, but distorted with rage.

Whether it was the gaze of the world or the position in noble society, everything had become incomparable to the past.

This gathering was the same.

"To think we were plotting while hiding like idiots......"

The glorious past was gone, and now we had to move carefully even when meeting.

If things went wrong, we could lose everything we had painstakingly built and fall.

......Yes. Just as the house of Count Asus, who represented them, had.

Viscount Honore muttered while biting his fingernails.

"Evidence...... the evidence was disposed of long ago. We are also tracking the merchants involved in corruption......"

The remnants of corruption that had been with Count Asus.

In a time like this, if such things were to be discovered, we would not be able to let it pass lightly.

Knowing that fact, I have moved with all my might to conceal information.

But what is this unease?

Just what am I missing?

The clenched fist turned white and blood began to seep out.

At the same time, the Viscount's eyes snapped open.

"......We cannot fall like this. We have no choice but to lie low and hold out until 'then'."

The day the establishment of the intelligence department proceeds.

Then, we will finally be able to escape the suspicion and return to our previous life.

The announcement of the intelligence department establishment agreement was announced five days ago from the King's own mouth.

-The necessity of establishing an intelligence department is recognized, so further bickering will be prohibited.

-However. As a minimum safety device, auditors from the nobles will be dispatched, and a system will be created to prevent power from being used arbitrarily.

In summary. I will take a step back, so you all stop as well...... something like that.

Naturally, there was a commotion among the nobles.

-Indeed, yes! Is it not something that should have been done long ago.

-To speak bluntly, the First Prince could wield power in a wrong way.......

-The fact that the worried events will not occur just by minimizing the side effects.

-It was, after all, an opposition for the sake of following the will of His Highness.

This was the reaction of the nobles who held a skeptical position regarding the establishment.

Conversely, there were not a few voices showing a negative reaction to this agreement.

-The First Prince is making a mistake. It was a matter where he should not have backed down like this.......

-We should have used this opportunity to root out the spies who were infesting Esteban.

-Whew. I heard about it through rumors, but he is too frail.

Opinions that were split almost in half.

Besides that, there were also opinions that stronger restrictions should be placed, and opinions that the subject of the intelligence department should be the King.

A time of transformation where such numerous opinions clashed and collapsed.

The fact that they were the ones who led all these public opinions—perhaps no one will know.

"Khehehe...... to think the operation to hinder the establishment of the intelligence department would work so well."

Does it mean that even if you fly and crawl, the stupid bloodline does not change?

Although it was said that the sprout called Asus had been cut off, the clutches of the Federal Empire had already arrived, and the spies who had disappeared in the meantime were countless in the current situation.

In such a situation, the compromise of establishing the intelligence department was, truly, a foolish action.

"When that time comes, the First Prince and the King, who made us receive such humiliation, surely......"

I will kill them.

It was at that moment when Viscount Honore was painting a hope for the future.

"You are talking about an interesting story."

"......Uh?"

A familiar voice heard from behind my back.

Leaving aside why such a voice was heard, the too-vivid sense of fear that took over my heart was strangely natural.

"Could it be......"

Did I hear wrong?

If I did not hear wrong, that was surely no different from the voice of a grim reaper.

What placed a wedge in his heart was immediately after.

"I wish I could be included too."

Moonlight that peeked through the fog illuminated the balcony.

The one sitting on such a balcony railing was the First Prince, wearing a black robe.

It was truly in an instant.

"First Prince! Just where do you think this is......!"

"Hoho."

Viscount Honore's scream of horror echoed through the mansion.

The First Prince spoke to the protagonist of the noise while smiling brightly.

"Are you supposed to speak that way to royalty?"

"D-Damn it! Is no one there! Guards!"

"Guards?"

Ah, I seem to have forgotten to explain.

"All the personnel in the mansion have already been suppressed. A merchant appeared who accused you of being involved in the rebellion."

"......What does that mean?"

"To be precise, we succeeded in finding him first. Eventually, rather than being killed by you, he seemingly wanted to spill all the information and receive leniency."

The First Prince's red eyes reflected the moonlight, creating a bizarre atmosphere.

Why did things turn out like this? That thought had long been discarded.

Now, there was nothing left in my head except that I had to somehow make this cunning beast retreat.

"I, I know nothing of this story! Who dares to treat me as a criminal? I will report the fact that you invaded a noble's mansion to the King!"

It will work if I act strongly.

As if I have nothing to be ashamed of, if I act that way, he will not be able to ignore me.

And Viscount Honore thought he would settle the matter with the King by taking advantage of that gap.

But.......

"Go ahead."

"Yes?"

"I said, go ahead and do it."

At the too-confident words, the Viscount was speechless.

Soon, his body began to tremble uncontrollably.

"I think you are still making a misunderstanding, but I have already been delegated full authority regarding the Asus situation by Father."

"That cannot be......"

"Do you really think that cannot be? That we would not have taken any action until now?"

"......Could it be."

The royal decree pulled from the First Prince's chest was leisurely shaken.

The Viscount's eyes were closed tightly.

Just when on earth did things proceed like this.......

The only time the bastard moved was five days ago. It was the private talk due to the King's summons.

Before that, because of the First Prince's period of self-reflection, not a single conversation had passed.

Of course, even after that, there were no signs of suspicious movement.

Wait, could it have been then!?

The Viscount brushed away the thought that occurred to him as his body trembled.

It makes no sense.

It was a situation he was not even entertaining because it was something that was not possible.

The fact that he was delegated full authority at the private talk five days ago meant that he had tracked down the merchant in just five days.

Furthermore, while specifying that he must have committed a crime.

Damn it...... what should I do?

Because he hindered the establishment of the intelligence department while monitoring the movements of the King and the First Prince, he judged that everything was going as he wished.

And that was the cause of defeat.

The bastard was slowly, without anyone knowing, tightening the noose around my neck and only looking for an opportunity.

If things continued like this, it was truly the end.

The First Prince who beheaded Asus without mercy.

The fact that the next turn would be himself was a glaringly obvious thing.

He could not fall like this.

Since it has come to this.......

The eyes of the Viscount, who had decided on something, shook pitifully.

"Your Highness, I am wronged! I have never participated in anything like a rebellion!"

"Hmm?"

"I know all the information. If you only turn a blind eye just once, I will prove my innocence and reveal the whole story of this situation!"

"Oho."

As if a bit of interest had arisen, the First Prince stepped down from the railing and met the Viscount's eyes.

"So, you have nothing to do with this situation?"

"I was merely deceived by Count Asus!"

"Oho. Furthermore, you will share evidence of internal rebellion?"

"T-That is correct."

"Hmm."

At the appearance of the First Prince nodding as if his interest was piqued, the Viscount's expression brightened.

It, it worked!

The information the bastard holds is only the merchant's revelation.

Because I have worked with all my might to erase the traces of corruption until now, the evidence will likely be insufficient.

Therefore, he must have tried to collect information by inducing such a situation.

He was merely lowering himself to plan for the aftermath.

Even while accepting the sacrifice of his comrades.

But even such a single hope was soon to be trampled upon.

"Why should I?"

"......Yes?"

"You are going to die here anyway?"

Die?

Why on earth?

To the Viscount, who was blinking as if he did not understand the situation, the First Prince spoke.

"Viscount Honore. The corruption he committed with Asus and the rebellion plot were discovered, and he took his own life."

"What on earth does that......"

"Afterward. Thanks to the First Prince's wit, the information collection operation proceeded successfully, and all the masterminds were caught, and Asus's rebellion plot was concluded in that way."

......As if explaining a long-ago event, just like that.

The Viscount's face, as he chewed over the situation, turned pale.

"Could it be......"

"It is truly a pity. For it will be recorded that way in the history books."

Beneath the royal decree held in the First Prince's hand, familiar-looking letters were seen.

They were the evidence of corruption that he surely must have burned and destroyed five days ago—no, even earlier than that.

A laugh came out naturally.

"Ha, haha......"

The time it took for their information to be discovered was not just five days.

At an even earlier time. Without them even realizing it, he had already known everything.

The First Prince who was standing right there.

Before he knew it, it was himself who was crawling on the floor in an ugly manner.

"U-Ugh...... P-Please give me just one chance! I cannot die like this!"

"Does it mean that your life is more important than your utterly useless face."

"I-If you only spare me, I will lay everything down and go far away!"

"Tsk."

The First Prince coldly struck away the Viscount's hand that was desperately clutching his hem.

"The cold sensation of the wine glass you handed me, I still remember it."

"What on earth does that......"

"It does not matter even if you do not know. It was not a good memory for me either."

"Your, Your Highness......! AAAAAAAAH!"

The moonlight that was peeking through was obscured, and the First Prince's smiling appearance was stained with darkness.

The Viscount could clearly see the last words he spit out.

"You are the second one, Viscount Honore."

STAB.

"Kuh...... Kuhhk......!"

Inside the secret room that had become quiet before long.

In that way, the situation ended, and only the First Prince, who was wiping the blood-stained sword, remained in the room.

"It is finished."

With this, there should be no one to annoy him for the time being.

The mouth of the First Prince, who was smiling as if satisfied, opened.

"Information collection is done this way."

Then, a man who appeared to be an attendant appeared from the darkness.

"......Even if you had not disguised it as a suicide, was he not destined for execution anyway?"

"If by any chance he were to spill information about his accomplices, it would be troublesome."

"Are you worried about the confusion caused in the process of dealing with the nobles standing in public office?"

At George's question, the First Prince lightly shook his head.

"No. Justice surely needs an enemy to be placed on the opposite side."

"......"

"The superficial raison d'être that made the establishment of the intelligence department possible was the spies who had dug deep into the national administration. But what if we cast those bastards out all at once."

The First Prince's muttering as he left the room echoed in the room.

"The leash is already fastened. I will use them as they are."

George, who stood behind him, merely nodded his head in puzzlement.