The Incompetent Bratty Prince is out (2/4 chapters)

 

 

Politely Declined Second Prince’s Invitation

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“Harold. Since we’re here, why not take Brother’s words literally and join forces with me?” (Raphael)

Raphael just officially invited me to join his faction.

“Uh… if my memory serves me right, you don’t really like me, do you?” (Harold)

“Who knows? At the very least, I don’t dislike you as much as I dislike Brother.” (Raphael)

What a nasty way of saying it. In the end, it means that while I’m better than Cardis, I’m still closer to being disliked.

“Just to confirm, you do know that my mother is also Her Highness the Queen Margaret, right? If so…” (Harold)

“…Why are you asking such a thing?” (Raphael)

Ah, I slipped up. I know Raphael is a mama’s boy only because of the setting in my previous life’s ‘Enhaz’, so I shouldn’t have said that.

Thanks to that, the temperature around him has definitely dropped by a few degrees.

“Well, it’s clear if you just observe. Her Highness Queen Margaret treats Her Highness Queen Rosemary poorly. So, it’s only natural that you, Raphael, as Her Highness Queen Rosemary’s son, would have feelings about me or Cardis.” (Harold)

“Heh… you’re quite observant.” (Raphael)

Raphael smiled, but his emerald eyes weren’t smiling at all. In fact, it looked like the light in them had gone out.

It’s really scary.

“Well, whatever. To answer your question, leaving Brother aside, Harold has never had deep involvement with Her Majesty the Queen Margaret until now. So, there’s no real reason for us to be enemies, is there?” (Raphael)

“That’s true, but…” (Harold)

“Now that you’ve parted ways with Brother, there’s no need for you to be loyal to him, and you certainly don’t need to worry about Her Highness Queen Margaret anymore, right?” (Raphael)

What Raphael is saying makes sense. After all, this whole situation arose because Cardis, following King Eibar’s orders, brought Wilfred into the faction. And then, there were those words from Cardis earlier.

“If that’s how you want it, then I have plans of my own! Don’t think this will end here!” (Cardis)

This means he’ll definitely come back for revenge later. In that case, there might be some merit in accepting Raphael’s protection until I marry into the Chevalier Household. But…

“As much as I appreciate the generous offer…” (Harold)

“Why not? As I said, there’s no need to stay loyal, right? If you think about the future, this is undoubtedly the best choice.” (Raphael)

“Of course, I understand.” (Harold)

Yes, I understand that Raphael’s proposal is quite attractive. But only if we’re considering the time before the main storyline of ‘Enhaz’ begins. After all, once the main story starts, it’s certain that Raphael will secretly support Wilfred. For someone like me, who’s below even a side character, that would mean placing myself right in the middle of the enemy’s camp. Then, if I think about avoiding a bad ending, getting close to Raphael isn’t a smart move.

Although I’m coming up with a plausible excuse, the real reason is that I don’t want to involve Xandra and her family, the Chevalier Household. Knowing Raphael, his invitation to me isn’t just to annoy Cardis and Margaret. He likely also wants to bring the Chevalier Household into his fold. Avoiding a bad ending is important, but more than that, I’d hate it even more if something happened to Xandra.

“Ah… I want to make it clear that I’m not turning you down out of concern for Brother Cardis or Her Highness Queen Margaret, nor am I doing it out of concern for you, Brother Raphael.” (Harold)

“Then why are you refusing? Could it be that you’re aiming for the crown prince’s seat yourself?” (Raphael)

“No way. I respectfully decline such an idea.” (Harold)

Though Raphael’s expression was smiling, his eyes weren’t smiling at all. I shrugged my shoulders and made a lighthearted joke.

This is my true feeling, and besides, I’m marrying into the Chevalier Household, so it’s entirely irrelevant.

“Anyway, please let me say this. I have no intention of getting involved in the succession struggle, and I won’t help or hinder anyone. So, if you could just treat me like air or something, I’d appreciate it.” (Harold)

I bowed respectfully on purpose as I said that, and the pressure I felt from Raphael eased. At least, he didn’t seem to view me as an enemy.

“Well… if your resolve is that firm, I suppose there’s no helping it. I’ll give up this time.” (Raphael)

“That would be much appreciated.” (Harold)

Though honestly, I wish you’d give up for good, not just this time.

“But…” (Raphael)

“Hmm?” (Harold)

“If you ever find yourself in trouble, don’t hesitate to ask for help, alright? We are brothers, after all.” (Raphael)

“Ahaha…” (Harold)

Raphael suddenly closed the distance between us, bringing his face so close that our noses nearly touched, and smiled.

That must have been one of Raphael’s light-element skills, [Door of Light]. It’s a ridiculous ability, like a certain magic door. Totally different from Harold.

“Well then, I’ll be going.” (Raphael)

Raphael waved his hand and left the room, accompanied by his maid, who bowed deeply.

“Sigh… That was exhausting.” (Harold)

“Yes, it was.” (Alexandra)

When I sighed deeply and spoke, Xandra nodded happily.

But during the exchange with Cardis and Raphael, was there anything that would make her happy?

As I tilted my head in confusion, she said…

“I understand that you made that choice with me in mind, Haru-sama.” (Alexandra)

“Eh… Ahaha…” (Harold)

It seemed Xandra saw through everything. Embarrassed by that, I laughed awkwardly to cover it up.

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