Chapter 5: I Was Staring at Myself
We left the Grand Cathedral and headed back toward the Academy, taking a detour to explore the Royal Capital's streets. I think we had a wonderful time, peeking into the general stores and stopping by a bakery for a snack.
But as noon approached, I couldn't help but worry about the afternoon's events.
Should I really not tell Lugue about it...?
"Hugh, did you not have fun...?"
"Eh?"
Lugue leaned into me with an uneasy look on her face on the park bench where we had stopped to eat our bread.
"What's wrong?"
I definitely was having fun being with Lugue...
"Because you've been looking so troubled this whole time."
"I-Is that so...?"
I touched my face and checked it in my mirror, but I couldn't really tell myself. ... Ugh, doing this is just confessing that something is wrong.
"Hugh..."
"Ah, well... That's not it! It's not that I wasn't having fun, or anything... I've just been debating whether to tell you or not..."
"Tell me...?"
Was it alright to tell her in such an impromptu manner? ... But I can't keep deceiving her any longer. If deceiving her would only end up hurting Lugue, then I will protect her with my life if something goes wrong. I made that resolve and came clean.
"It's about the thing this afternoon..."
Making sure no one was around, I told Lugue that Lecty would be treating His Majesty the King for his illness. And that the King's condition was severe, with this coming week being a crucial period.
"No way..."
Lugue's eyes widened, and she covered her mouth with her hand.
"Prince Lucas said I could bring you along as Lecty's friend, Lugue. But I couldn't decide whether I should tell you or not... I'm sorry, Lugue."
"............ I wish you had told me, but... But Hugh, you were thinking about me, worrying about me, right...?"
I nodded when Lugue asked.
"Then, thank you. I'm sorry I made you worry... If I go, I'll probably just get in Prince Lu-nisama's way, and everyone else's, too, right...?"
"Lugue..."
"I'll be fine, Hugh. I can wait patiently at the dorm."
Saying that, Lugue forced a brave smile, her face twisted in a desperate attempt to hold back tears.
... Was I truly alright with that? I asked myself, considering the option.
—I carry the regret of my previous life with me, still haunting me now.
My father in my previous life suffered from heart disease and was in and out of the hospital many times. That day, my mother called, telling me my father had been rushed to the emergency room and pleaded with me to come immediately. But I was so consumed by work that I convinced myself he would be fine and ignored the urgency.
I learned of my father's death half a day later. If I had just jumped on the bullet train immediately after the call, I would have had time to see him one last time...
I can't forget the sense of emptiness and regret from that day, even fifteen years after my reincarnation.
I don't want Lugue to experience the same emotions as my past self.
Therefore,
"Lugue. If you want to see your father even a little, I think you should go. I will do everything in my power to support you."
"Eh... but, is that really okay...? I might cause trouble..."
"I'll handle it. ... Sorry, I should have just done this from the beginning."
If getting flustered about it and making Lugue sad was the alternative, I should have made the decision and told her right away. I bowed my head to apologize, and Lugue gently stroked my hair.
"It's okay because you told me properly."
After waiting for Lugue to calm down, we returned to the Royal Academy. We ate a light lunch at the cafeteria and moved to the rendezvous spot. We were a little early, but Alyssa-san and Lily were already there.
Seeing Lugue walk in with me, Alyssa-san looked up at the ceiling, while Lily smiled softly. Lily seemed to welcome my decision, at least.
"... Sorry, Alyssa-san."
"Well, it's fine, I guess. The Prince seemed to have anticipated this outcome, anyway. But now that you've brought her, take full responsibility."
"Understood."
I nodded in response as she patted me on the shoulder.
Alyssa-san immediately climbed up to the coachman's seat, and we all got into the carriage. I sat facing Lugue, Lily, and Lecty, lined up on the opposite bench. This is the first time all four of us are riding the carriage together.
I looked at the people across from me. Lecty looked uncomfortable, constantly glancing around. She even let out a small shriek when the carriage started moving.
"I-I'm so sorry. This is my first time riding a carriage..."
"You don't need to apologize... Is everything okay, though?"
"Y-Yes! I am completely fine!"
No, I'm not asking about your health.
Lecty seemed incredibly tense. I looked toward Lily, who was stroking Lecty's pale blue hair with a wry smile.
"She wasn't fully aware of the gravity of the situation because of all the things that happened yesterday, I think. She suddenly got very nervous this morning."
"Ah, I see..."
I felt incredibly apologetic, knowing I was part of the reason she wasn't fully processing things until now.
"U-Um, am I truly going to be treating the King now...? I-I am so worried if I can do a good job..."
Lecty clutched the hem of her uniform skirt and looked down.
Of course she's nervous. This is completely different from treating classmates who were injured in a fight. It would be nerve-wracking enough to meet royalty, let alone having to treat the gravely ill King. If I were in Lecty's shoes, I might be throwing up from the pressure.
I wanted to say something to relieve her tension, but I couldn't be too irresponsible, with Lugue right there. Lily, unable to find the right words, simply held Lecty's hand.
Amidst the awkward silence in the carriage,
"You don't have to worry about it so much, Lecty."
Lugue smiled softly, attempting to soothe Lecty's nerves.
"Lecty's 〈Saintess〉 Skill is amazing, but we won't know if it can cure illness unless you try, right? So I think Prince Lu... cas-denka also asked you as a last resort. If my fath—... I mean, if His Majesty the King's illness doesn't get cured, it's not Lecty's fault. So please, don't be too nervous, okay? We'll be right here with you."
"L-Lugue-san...! Thank you so much!"
Lecty's eyes teared up, and she bowed her head to Lugue. Lugue laughed shyly, saying, "You're exaggerating."
... It wasn't just me who felt like Lugue was comforting herself as much as she was encouraging Lecty, was it? There was no way Lugue wasn't feeling anxious.
A little while later, the carriage safely arrived at the Royal Palace. Alyssa-san guided us to a room inside the castle.
It was a moderately large receiving room. Inside, Prince Lucas and Roan-san were already there, along with Lucretia.
... Ah, dammit.
"Fweh...? Eh—Mugumugumugu!!!???"
I barely managed to cover Lugue's mouth before her shriek, upon seeing her own double, echoed through the Royal Palace.
S-Safe...
"Mug! Mugugugu! Mug, mugugu, mug!"
"C-Calm down, Lugue. We're in front of Prince Lucas and Princess Lucretia-denka."
Roan-san and Alyssa-san wore twin wry smiles, and Lily shot me a look of pure reproach, clearly saying, Why did you forget to tell her about the body double?
It-It can't be helped! A lot was going on! I completely forgot about it! Also, Lugue, you're getting drool all over my hand, stop trying to talk already...!
"Hello, Lugue. It's been a while, hasn't it? Have you been well?"
Perhaps taking pity on our frantic state, Prince Lucas walked over to us. When we tried to kneel, the Prince waved his hand to stop us and placed his hands on Lugue's shoulders with an amicable smile.
"How many years has it been since we last met? My apologies, Lugue. It was your first meeting with my sister, so I shocked you."
"Eh, um, eh?"
"Let me introduce you. This is my sister, Lucretia."
Saying that, Prince Lucas introduced Lucretia (the fake) who was sitting on the sofa, to Lugue. Lucretia—or rather, Merry, who was dressed as the Princess—stood up from the sofa, put her hands on her waist, and gave an arrogant, Hortness-esque pose.
"I am Lucretia! I demand you treat me well, is all!"
... She still doesn't sound alike when she speaks.
"Luc—er, um...?"
Lugue looked confused. She seemed a little bothered by the low quality of her own double. But this time, she finally understood that the person in front of her was a fake.
Confirming Lugue was calm, Prince Lucas turned his attention to Lecty.
"It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Lucas von Reese, the Third Prince of this Kingdom."
"I-I-I-It is an h-h-h-hohohohon-"
Lecty's tension peaked upon seeing a Prince for the first time. She couldn't even manage a coherent greeting. Prince Lucas smiled wryly at Lecty and suggested, "Why don't we all calm down for a moment?" and ushered us to the sofa.
"Hey, Hugh. Is that young girl going to be alright?"
"... Probably, perhaps."
I couldn't say I was completely sure when Roan-san, who passed by as we sat on the sofa, asked me. Lily was desperately telling Lecty, "It's alright, calm down," but I doubt Lecty could hear her.
As we sat down on the sofa, Alyssa-san placed teacups in front of us. Judging by the refreshing aroma, it was herbal tea. She must have done it to help Lecty relieve her tension.
"Now, let us begin with you, Lady Lecty. Thank you for rushing here in response to my request. As a representative of the royalty and the people, I offer my sincere gratitude."
"N-No, I am not worth all that... I have not done anything yet..."
"No, you came all this way to help my father. First, I wish to commend your courage. Thank you, truly."
"Y-Yes..."
At Prince Lucas's words of gratitude, Lecty let out a soft sigh, clearly relieved.
He truly is terrifying. He adjusted his tone, speech pattern, and speed and instantly eased Lecty's tension. I wonder if he'd be better suited as a con artist than a Prince...?
Right as the thought crossed my mind, Prince Lucas looked at me and smiled warmly. ... I should stop thinking such unnecessary things.
"Prince Lucas. And His Majesty the King's condition...?"
Lily asked Prince Lucas with a somewhat tense expression.
"For now, he's stable. Though, I can't say the situation is out of the woods yet."
At Prince Lucas's words, Lugue, who was sitting next to me, squeezed my hand tightly. I squeezed her hand back a little harder.
"Your Highness, it is time."
Roan-san, who had been conversing with someone outside the room, called out to Prince Lucas. It seemed the arrangements for the audience with the King were complete.
"Alright, let us go. You all follow me."
We followed Prince Lucas as instructed. I couldn't help but wonder if it was alright to crowd a sick person with such a large group. Including Merry, Roan-san, and Alyssa-san, we were a massive party of eight.
After climbing a few stairs and walking down a long corridor, a door adorned with extravagant decorations appeared. Prince Lucas stopped in front of the door and knocked three times at regular intervals.
That must have been the signal. The door slowly opened from the inside, and a white-haired middle-aged man appeared.
"Hello, Chancer. How is my father?"
"No change."
The man, whom Prince Lucas called Chancer, shook his head quietly.
"Marquis Chancer Prime. He is the Chancellor of this Kingdom," Lily immediately whispered the information to me. The Chancellor... the head of the bureaucracy, one of Prince Lucas's support bases.
"Are these the people you spoke of, Prince Lucas?"
"Lady Lecty, who possesses the 〈Saintess〉 Skill, and her classmates. May we enter the room?"
"Of course. Please, this way."
Prime Marquis had clearly been informed in advance, and he welcomed us into the room.
Contrary to the gorgeous door, the King's bedroom was simple, with barely any decoration. There was only a four-poster bed and a sofa large enough for many people; the other furniture was minimal. The spacious room felt somewhat austere.
Inside that room, lying on the four-poster bed, was His Majesty the King.
His beautiful golden hair, the same as Prince Lucas and Lucretia's, was spread out on the pillow. His face, which must have once looked stern, was now hollowed, and his color was ashen. Shallow breaths escaped from between his dry lips.
I had heard about his condition, but this is...
Even I, a layman, could tell with one look that he didn't have much time left. They must have tried various treatments, and are now left with no choice but to bet everything on Lecty's 〈Saintess〉 Skill as a true last resort.
"Lady Lecty, I know this is sudden, but—"
Prince Lucas was about to ask her to begin the treatment, when at that exact moment,
"Are we interrupting something, Lucas?"
The blue-haired, strapping man with a large, crescent-moon-shaped earring on one ear burst through the door we had entered through.
He looked to be in his early twenties. His sharp, handsome features bore a resemblance to Prince Lucas and His Majesty the King. He stood over 180 cm tall, and his trained physique was evident even through his clothes.
Calling Prince Lucas by his first name and barging in like that... is he...?
"Well, well, well, Elder Brother Blut. I heard you were inspecting the Second Division today. Why the surprise visit?"
"Just wanted to see for myself if this rumored 〈Saintess〉 Skill could really cure our old man who's on his deathbed. Don't worry, I won't interfere."
Saying that, the strapping blue-haired man plopped down heavily onto a sofa. So, this is Prince Blut...
I briefly checked Prince Lucas's reaction, and he was wearing his usual unreadable smile. He must have anticipated Prince Blut's intrusion.
But,
"Oh, by the way, things are about to get a bit messy. It seems that idiotic elder brother of ours has been scheming in the background again."
"... Elder Brother Slay?"
The smile vanished from Prince Lucas's face.
"He seems to be taking those groundless rumors seriously. I think he's too desperate, what with the matter of that pervert, Lecherie."
"............ Hah. I wonder what he's up to this time."
"You'll know soon enough if you just wait."
In less than a minute, the room door opened again.
Standing at the doorway were Prince Slay, whom I'd also seen at the Lecherie Dukedom, and an elderly man in a clerical robe.
And, one more person.
"No way..."
Lugue's eyes widened in astonishment. I was utterly shocked too.
It was Rosalie Saint, the girl who was supposedly just a humble novice nun with her cherry-blossom pink, drill-like twin tails.
"... You did it, Elder Brother Slay."
Prince Lucas showed a look of rare—no, a first-time look of complete chagrin. Was Prince Slay's appearance that unexpected, or was it something else...?
"Why are there Royal Academy students in Father's bedroom?............ What!? You are Lily Puridy!?"
"It has been a while, Prince Slay."
Lily wore a composed expression, elegantly curtseying with a slight pinch of her skirt. She showed absolutely no change in demeanor when facing the very person who tried to force her to marry Lecherie Duke. Prince Slay, however, made no effort to hide his disdain.
"How dare you show your face here! Guh... Lucas, did you call her...?"
"Yes, I did, Elder Brother. Though she is merely accompanying this girl."
Saying that, Prince Lucas placed his hand on Lecty's shoulder and smiled. His brief grimace was long gone.
"Who is that woman...?"
"Didn't the rumors reach your ears, Elder Brother?"
"Rumors...? ... Don't tell me, the 〈Saintess〉 Skill?"
"Precisely. She is Lady Lecty, who possesses the mythical 〈Saintess〉 Skill."
"I'm L-Lecty. Pleased to meet you."
Lecty bowed her head slightly as Prince Lucas introduced her.
Prince Slay looked down at her and sneered, curling his lips into a scornful smile.
"What could a false Saintess possibly do? Tough luck, Lucas. I am the one who will save Father and be recognized as the next King."
"... Hmph, so you believe a true Saintess can save our father?"
"Naturally. Is that not so, Cardinal Malicious?"
"All is as the will of God wills it."
The elderly clergyman standing behind Prince Slay gave a non-committal response to the Prince, who had referred to him as Cardinal Malicious. I think that means, I don't know if we can save him. But Prince Slay took it as a confirmation and nodded with satisfaction.
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Prince Blut, who was sitting on the sofa, shrugging his shoulders as if to say, Oh, great.
Now that I think about it, Prince Blut just mentioned that Prince Slay was worried about some groundless rumors. Indeed, he does seem desperate, or perhaps even having tunnel vision.
But what kind of rumors is he worried about...?
"Begin immediately, Cardinal Malicious."
"As you command, Prince Slay. Rosalie, if you please."
"Yes, Grandfather."
Prompted by the elderly priest—referred to as Cardinal Malicious by Prince Slay—Rosalie, who had been waiting by the door, stepped forward.
That's when her eyes finally met ours.
"My, my, my, my! Hugh-sama and Lugue-sama! Eh, what brings you here!?"
"A-Ah... Prince Lucas invited us as Lecty's escorts. I never expected to see you here."
"The same here! This must be a divine guiding hand from God!"
Rosalie nodded vigorously, her expression cheerful. Divine guiding hand or not, it was Lugue who suggested visiting the Grand Cathedral. Perhaps Lugue has something about her that attracts such coincidences.
"Rosalie, are they acquaintances of yours?"
"Yes, Grandfather. I gave them a tour of the Grand Cathedral earlier!"
"That was good of you. However, you are on official duty now."
"Ah! M-My sincere apologies! I got so excited that I forgot myself!"
Rosalie apologized, bowing her head in all directions after being gently rebuked by Cardinal Malicious.
The attention shifted to Lugue and me, which made my heart momentarily skip a beat, but neither Prince Slay nor Prince Blut seemed to realize Lugue's true identity. Could it be because Merry, who looks like Lucretia, is present in the same room...? Whatever the reason, I was relieved.
While I secretly let out a sigh of relief, Rosalie clenched her hands tightly in front of her chest to psyche herself up and took her place by His Majesty's bedside.
She is indeed the Saintess of the Divine Grant Religion...
"I cannot say for certain if my power can cure His Majesty's illness, but I will give my utmost effort! 〈Heal〉!"
A faint, pale green light appeared in Rosalie's hands. It was the same healing power of the Saintess Skill that Lecty could use. The light slowly penetrated His Majesty's body, and—
"Gah!"
—His Majesty the King spat up blood.
"Your Majesty!?"
His Majesty continued to cough violently, expelling more blood. Had his condition suddenly worsened!?
"H-Hey! What is going on!? Were you not supposed to be healing our Father!?"
"I-I do not know! I was simply trying to soothe His Majesty...!"
Cornered by the visibly distraught Prince Slay, Rosalie paled and shook her head. Had her healing power not worked...? Or had the healing power somehow caused an adverse reaction...?
"...!"
I felt a sudden impact in my abdomen and looked down. Lugue had tightly clung to me. She must have desperately wanted to rush to His Majesty's side. She must be forcefully suppressing that urge.
I wrapped my arm around Lugue's back, hugging her as I looked at Prince Lucas. The Prince had his lips tightly pressed into a straight line, silently observing the situation. His expression offered no clues to his state of mind.
"............ No. Not like this."
Lecty murmured quietly. Her amethyst eyes were fixed on the agonizing King.
Her gaze held the same determination as when she rushed to help her classmates in the mock group battle,
"Keep casting 〈Heal〉!"
Lecty shouted to Rosalie and rushed toward His Majesty's bedside.
"You! Are you trying to interfere, you low-born!?"
"Low-born, noble—it doesn't matter!"
"What!?"
Prince Slay, apparently shocked by her reply, stuttered. Lecty was completely different from the meek, timid girl he had encountered just moments ago.
"A-Are you sure!? M-My 〈Heal〉 made His Majesty cough up blood...!"
"I do not think 〈Heal〉 itself is the problem...! I will support you, so please trust me!"
"... I-I understand! Um—"
"I am Lecty!"
"I trust you, Lecty! 〈Heal〉!"
Rosalie cast 〈Heal〉 on the King once more. But the King's condition remained the same. He still coughed violently, spitting up blood mixed with spittle.
Then, Lecty held out her hands.
"〈Cleanse〉!"
It was a different power, distinct from 〈Heal〉. A pale blue light spilled out from Lecty's hands, enveloping His Majesty's body.
Suddenly, the King's coughing weakened. His agonizing expression visibly began to ease.
"Well, well. That girl is good. She's a completely different person from a moment ago."
Prince Blut, who had approached us from the sofa at some point, whistled, impressed, as he watched the King's change of state.
"Impossible... You mean to tell me this is the power of the 〈Saintess〉 Skill!?"
"How incredible..."
Prince Slay and Cardinal Malicious stared wide-eyed in astonishment.
The two Saintesses, sweat beading on their foreheads, continued to treat the King.
How much time passed in that palpable tension that choked even us observers?
Eventually,
"... Ngh... How long... have I been asleep...?"
His Majesty the King slowly opened his eyes and regained consciousness.
◇
After the King regained consciousness, we all were asked to leave the bedroom for a moment. His Majesty was about to be examined by the doctor. Only the Chancellor, Prime Marquis, remained in the room, and everyone else, including the Princes, stepped out.
"Alright, I'd better go dismiss the troops I'd gathered as a contingency, I guess."
Saying such a provocative thing, Prince Blut left. He said it jokingly, but I wonder... Prince Blut, just like Prince Lucas, exudes a certain ambiguity. He seems carefree but meticulous.
"Roan, we should recall the Knights we've deployed, too."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Upon Prince Lucas's order, Roan-san signaled another Knight waiting in the hallway. He's also quite meticulous. It seems Prince Lucas's Royal Knights and Prince Blut's Royal Army were facing off underground.
The situation was far more tense than I had imagined. If the King had died at that moment, we might have immediately plunged into a civil war...
The only reason that didn't happen was because of the two Saintesses' hard work.
"We did it, Lecty!"
"Y-Yes, Rosalie-san!"
Lecty and Rosalie faced each other, exchanging a high-five. Working together to save the King's life, they seemed to have instantly formed a bond of friendship. Rosalie was quickly familiar with Lugue, too. She must be good at befriending people.
"My, my, your activity was certainly true to the rumors, Miss Lecty."
Cardinal Malicious, wearing a kind, benevolent smile befitting a good-natured old man, addressed Lecty.
"How would you feel about dedicating that power to the Divine Grant Religion, if you are so willing?"
"My goodness! That is a wonderful suggestion, Grandfather! Lecty, let us spread the will of God to the world together!"
"Eh, E-Eeeeh!?"
Receiving the joint offer from the two, Lecty, having completely forgotten her earlier bravado, looked around flustered. She clearly needed help, but Lily rushed to her side before I could make a move.
"My apologies, His Eminence Cardinal Malicious. This girl has just enrolled in the Royal Academy, so you will have to wait at least three more years."
"I see. Then, please do consider it as a future career path after her graduation."
Cardinal Malicious bowed slightly and turned on his heel. He was heading toward Prince Slay, who stood by himself, arms crossed with a grumpy look. He probably felt Lecty and Prince Lucas took half the credit.
"Well, I should be going now, too. Lecty, Lugue-sama, and Hugh-sama! I look forward to meeting you all again!"
Rosalie waved vigorously, "Bye-bye!" as she walked away toward Prince Slay and Cardinal Malicious.
"Th-Thank you, Lily-chan."
"You're very welcome. I'm sorry, was I being overly helpful?"
"No, no! I received much aid from the Church's charity soup kitchen in the past... but I don't feel like working at the Church right now..."
Lecty glanced over at us, seemingly checking my reaction. What is it?
"Fufuh, I see. While it is a fine career path after graduation, there's no need to decide on something so far in advance. Let's enjoy our Academy life for now, shall we?"
"Yes!"
Lecty nodded brightly at Lily's words. She should be tired from treating the King, but she seemed to be doing fine. If anything, Lugue might be the one who's tired.
"Are you okay, Lugue?"
I asked Lugue, who was clinging to my right arm. Lugue, who had been completely silent, finally looked up when she heard my voice.
"Hweh...?"
No, not "Hweh"...
"Hey, are you truly okay...?"
If she's just relaxing because the King has recovered, that's fine, but she's far too slack right now. Her face seems a little flushed, too. It doesn't look like a high fever, but she might have a slight one.
"Yeah, I'm fi... I just feel spaced out after relaxing..."
"Lugue, stay still for a second."
I bent my knees to match Lugue's height, placing my hands on her and my forehead. ... Just as I thought, Lugue feels a little warmer. I don't think it's a high fever, but she seems to have a low-grade one.
"Prince Lucas, Lugue seems to be tired. Could she rest for a bit?"
"Could it be a wisdom fever...? I see. Let's return to the room we were in and let her rest."
At Prince Lucas's suggestion, we headed back to the receiving room. However, we had walked quite a distance here... She needs to go down the stairs now, too. I'm a little worried about having Lugue walk.
"Lugue, hold on tight."
"Hweh............ Kyah!"
When I lifted Lugue into my arms, she gave a short squeak and gripped the collar of my uniform tightly.
Lugue's body was much lighter than I had imagined. Since my current Skill is 〈Fire Kinesis〉, I was worried about the lack of the 〈Body Enhancement〉 effect, but her lightness should be manageable.
I wonder what Lily would feel like... As I had that thought, I glanced at Lily, and she smiled sweetly at me. ... Yep, I should stop thinking that way, ever again.
"Hugh, put me down... I'm embarrassed..."
Lugue flushed even brighter, her navy eyes moistening. She constantly clings to me, but is embarrassed when I carry her in a bridal carry...?
"Bear with it for a little while longer."
"Muuu—"
Lugue puffed up her cheeks as if in slight protest. Seriously, she's so cute...
I carried Lugue in the bridal style to the receiving room. Lecty tried to use 〈Heal〉 and 〈Cleanse〉 several times on the way, but they seemed to have little effect on Lugue's fever.
"No way...! Even my Skill can't cure it!"
"No, I think she'll be alright..."
Her fever is probably psychosomatic, which is why Lecty's Skill isn't working.
My past self also suffered from a fever due to overwork and stress before dying. I remember the agony of a fever that wouldn't break even with medicine because the cause wasn't inflammation. I felt terrible, but the fever was low-grade, so I couldn't rest.
But Lugue isn't as severely ill as my former self. She'll probably feel better after resting for a while.
We reached the receiving room, and I put Lugue down on the sofa. Lugue was already breathing softly in a peaceful sleep when I put her down. She might have been suffering from sleep deprivation or exhaustion.
"Hugh, Lady Lily. I need to talk about what happens next. Can you spare a moment?"
Prince Lucas called me immediately after I put Lugue on the sofa. I would have liked to stay by Lugue's side until she woke up, but I guess I can't. Lecty, Alyssa-san, and Merry stayed in the room, so I left Lugue to them and moved to a separate room.
The room across the hallway was almost identical. Roan-san stood by the door, and only Prince Lucas, Lily, and I entered.
Prince Lucas sat on the sofa opposite us and immediately bowed his head.
"My apologies. I miscalculated Elder Brother Slay's move."
Prince Lucas's sudden apology left Lily and me looking at each other in confusion. I was shocked both that he miscalculated and that he apologized to us. I had no idea why he was apologizing.
"I never thought my brother would be this foolish. To bring the Church's Saintess of all people..."
Prince Lucas covered his head with his hands and sighed heavily. I've never seen him look this defeated before. He's usually such a good actor, though. Which is it...?
"Um, the girl Prince Slay brought... is she really...?"
"Rosalie Saint, the Saintess appointed by the Divine Grant Religion. Hugh, you two know each other, don't you?"
"Yes, well. Lugue and I visited the Grand Cathedral this morning. We had planned to go out since yesterday... We met there, and she gave us a tour of the Grand Cathedral. She introduced herself as a humble novice nun then..."
But there were some tell-tale signs, such as having a Holy Knight accompanying her. Rosalie being the Saintess didn't surprise me all that much. Reconnecting with her unexpectedly in the King's bedroom was a huge shock, though.
Prince Lucas must have found that reunion problematic.
"It should be obvious that the Church's Saintess has no power to cure illness, if you think about it for a second. We shouldn't have involved the Church in this matter at all. It's clearly going to lead to trouble, no matter what."
"... If the Saintess had healed His Majesty the King, the Royal Family would be eternally indebted to the Divine Grant Religion. Conversely, if the Saintess could not heal the King and His Majesty died, it would be an insult to the Saintess's dignity."
"What was Prince Slay trying to achieve...?"
From what Lily said, it seemed like there was very little to gain from dragging the Saintess in. The Sacred Scripture itself stated that the Church's Saintess has the power to heal wounds but not illnesses... I hope he didn't bring her here as an all-or-nothing gamble on the possibility of her healing the King...
"I'm sure someone advised him to do it. I don't know if it was a noble or someone from the Church. What's certain is that my brother is much more desperate than I realized."
"... Is that because my engagement with Gried Lecherie was broken off?"
"No, I think that's only part of it. I've always thought your engagement to Gried Lecherie was also a result of Elder Brother Slay's desperation. Otherwise, pushing your engagement forward so forcefully—earning the resentment of the Puridy Marquis, who heads his faction—makes no sense."
"... Ah, is that related to the rumor Prince Blut mentioned earlier?"
When I asked, Prince Lucas nodded, "Perhaps." I wonder what rumor is making Prince Slay so desperate.
"Hugh, what did you think when you saw my father and us three brothers earlier?"
"What do you mean by that..."
I thought they looked somewhat similar because they are a family. His Majesty the King's golden hair is the same as Prince Lucas's. His stern features were identical to Prince Blut's. I didn't get a chance to scrutinize their eyes and noses, but I felt like they shared enough similarities to tell they were family.
............ Ah.
"Prince Slay... doesn't look like His Majesty the King...?"
"Exactly. Our father isn't that tall, just like me. Elder Brother Blut is tall, but that comes from his mother's bloodline, so there's no problem there. But there are no tall people on Elder Brother Slay's mother's side."
"... Could that rumor be..."
"The rumor is that Elder Brother Slay is not the King's real son. That's the groundless rumor spreading around. It's an unfortunate fate for a Queen who married in from a foreign country."
"I guess he has reason to be desperate..."
Lily mumbled quietly, sounding sympathetic.
The rumor that he might not be the King's blood relative. If such a rumor spreads, it would be a fatal blow to Prince Slay, who relies on his bloodline to gather the nobles' support. I can understand his urgency to seize the throne before the truth is revealed.
"I still think my brother is worrying too much. There's no point in even trying to verify the truth of the rumor."
"Can't it be seen with the Appraisal Skill or Prince Lucas's Skill?"
"The Appraisal Skill only reveals information about objects. So far, no Appraisal Skill capable of revealing human blood relations has been confirmed. And my Skill is not so convenient that I can just see whatever I want. And even if I could see the truth, my words wouldn't be convincing."
"Ah, because you're a suspicious character—Guh."
Lily elbowed me hard in the side.
"I apologize, Your Highness. Please accept this as my sincerest apology."
"Well, I'm self-aware enough, so it's fine. It's not entirely wrong, either. Whatever I say, as Elder Brother Slay's adversary, would not serve as conclusive evidence. Hugh, the same applies even if you use your Skill."
... I see. Even if the truth is verified with a Skill, only the Skill user knows the result. I would then have to prove the credibility of my words.
I can't objectively prove it with a DNA test like in my previous life. That's why Prince Lucas said there's no point in verifying it...
That also means Prince Slay can't prove his own lineage, either. He has no conclusive evidence to refute the rumors, even if he wants to. It's what is called a devil's proof.
"Um, wouldn't the Royal Family keep records of the dates the King and Queen spent the night together for such cases...?"
"That is a keen observation, Lady Lily. There are indeed records. Elder Brother Blut and I have confirmed them. The result is positive; the records indicate that Elder Brother Slay is our father's child."
"... But that means the possibility of something happening off-the-books can't be denied."
"That's how it is. That's why I think Elder Brother Slay is unnecessarily obsessing over the rumors. I can't deny that it led to my miscalculation this time. Allow me to apologize again. I truly am sorry."
Prince Lucas bowed his head toward us again. I understand the circumstances that led to his miscalculation, but I still had no clue why he was apologizing to us.
... No, deep down, I do have a vague idea. After all, there's only one reason Prince Lucas would apologize to us.
"Lady Lecty's safety might be in danger. Of course, it won't happen immediately. It depends on Elder Brother Slay and the Divine Grant Religion's next move, for better or worse. It's possible nothing will happen."
"... If that possibility was high, you wouldn't be apologizing to us, right?"
"Well, no."
Prince Lucas smiled wryly and nodded.
"The original plan was for Lady Lecty to secretly treat my father. Elder Brother Blut and I had coordinated our stories from the beginning. If Lady Lecty's treatment didn't go well and my father died, we had an agreement to maintain peace until the funeral by deploying the Royal Knights and the Royal Army to ensure public safety, avoiding a military clash. I called Elder Brother Slay as a precaution, but he rejected me, saying, 'I won't be ordered around by you two.' So, I asked Elder Brother Blut to deploy the army."
"That's why Prince Blut was also present..."
Lily nodded, looking convinced.
I had assumed Prince Blut had the Royal Army deployed, ready to start a civil war immediately upon the King's death. It seems that was not the case; the army was merely meant to keep Prince Slay's forces in check.
"And if Lady Lecty's treatment succeeded, the matter would be handled internally. I would impose secrecy on my father and Chancer and not claim credit. That was the condition for gaining Elder Brother Blut's cooperation. Only those present in that room should have known the truth."
"So that's why..."
Prince Lucas showed that pained expression when he saw Prince Slay and Rosalie in the bedroom. It was because his plan had failed.
"Your Highness tried to be considerate of Lecty."
"Alyssa told me she was not fond of standing out, so I tried to. It was also convenient for my negotiations with Elder Brother Blut. Well, everything's ruined now."
"If Lecty had cured the King alone, the matter could have been kept internal, right...? But she cured him with the Divine Grant Religion's Saintess, so in this case..."
"We can no longer conceal Lady Lecty's existence. We have no choice but to announce it to the public... If we attribute the success solely to the Saintess, the Reese Kingdom would be forever beholden to the Divine Grant Religion."
"The entire Kingdom will now know about Lecty's 〈Saintess〉 Skill power..."
The 〈Saintess〉 Skill caused an uproar during the entrance exam, but that was mostly due to the novelty of a skill, believed to exist only in fairy tales, actually being real.
In fact, Lecty's Skill hasn't drawn that much attention since then. While the rumors are widespread enough to reach the Princes, most people who heard about the 〈Saintess〉 Skill were likely skeptical, just like Prince Slay.
No matter how miraculous the 〈Saintess〉 Skill is, it probably can't truly possess the power mentioned in fairy tales. Healing not just wounds but illness is impossible, they'd think.
What happens if the power to cure illness is announced as the Skill that saved the King, who was given a life expectancy of one week?
"It will be a huge commotion... People needing cures might flock here en masse."
"I wonder about that... I don't think commoners would flock to her just because the King got cured..."
Nobles aside, that's a world far removed from the common people.
If Lecty and her 〈Saintess〉 Skill were accessible to the commoners, it might be different. But she came straight to the Royal Academy entrance exam the moment she received her Skill.
To the masses, Lecty is a mystery shrouded in a veil. They probably wouldn't rely on her unless the situation was truly dire.
Instead, the masses who will flock will target...
"I agree with Hugh's idea. At least for Lady Lecty, the Royal Academy serves as a wall, so she won't be pressed for treatment by the populace. The nobles will probably ask her, but if it becomes too much, we can formulate an appropriate countermeasure. The bigger problem is the Divine Grant Religion. The masses who seek healing will probably target the Church's Saintess, not her."
"But the Church's Saintess shouldn't have the power to cure illness..."
"Exactly. That's the problem. I believe it was a miscalculation on the Divine Grant Religion's part, too. They surely didn't expect the King to actually recover."
"So, they intentionally let the public see their failure...?"
"If that were the case, the goal must have been to incur a debt from Prince Slay... Perhaps they were aiming to increase their influence within Prince Slay's faction, believing that the Divine Grant Religion would have to intervene if the Reese Kingdom fell into civil war...?"
"Or, they might have planned to curry favor with Elder Brother Blut and me, using Elder Brother Slay as bait. No matter how the civil war turned out, the Divine Grant Religion would have successfully positioned itself."
"... But the civil war was avoided. So, was Lecty being recruited by Cardinal Malicious earlier because the King's recovery was unexpected...?"
"The more they welcome Lady Lecty and help people suffering from the same illness as my father, the more prestige the Divine Grant Religion gains. I agree with Hugh's assessment."
"... So, since things unfolded this way, the Divine Grant Religion wants to acquire Lecty. That's why her safety might be in danger...?"
"Simply put, yes."
Prince Lucas nodded at Lily's summary. This... might have gotten much more complicated than I initially thought.
"Well, as I said earlier, it depends on Elder Brother Slay and the Divine Grant Religion's next move, for better or worse. Everything we've discussed so far is merely speculation. How the Divine Grant Religion will act is an unknown variable."
"... But it doesn't hurt to be prepared, does it?"
"Indeed. So let's plan our countermeasures now."
We then predicted various movements by the Reese Kingdom, the nobility, Prince Slay, and the Divine Grant Religion, formulating corresponding counter-plans.
Ideally, everything we planned would be completely unnecessary... but that's just wishful thinking.
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