The Incompetent Bratty Prince is out (4/4 chapters)
Queen is Involved in Schemes as Expected
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“Silence! Now, we will begin the trial concerning the attempted poisoning of His Majesty the King!” (Judge)
Three days have passed since I told King Salomon the name of the culprit in the recent incident. The knights arrested Lizette as a suspect, and the trial was being conducted with unprecedented speed. During these three days, the kingdom’s knights had been busy with interrogating Lizette and investigating the situation, all in preparation for this trial. Of course, it was not just the knights’ captain, but those around Queen Paula as well.
As for me, I was sitting all by myself in the accuser’s seat. Unfortunately, Xandra and Monica weren’t allowed to sit with me. On the other side sits Lizette, the suspect in this case, glaring at me with eyes that look like they could kill me.
Well, I’ve definitely made some enemies this time. Especially Elene, who has been calling me all sorts of things like ‘inhuman’ and ‘traitor’. She even said, “I was a fool to believe in the ‘incompetent bratty prince'”. But it’s too bad for her. Now that the trial has started, unless the real culprit appears, it’s certain Lizette will be convicted as the criminal.
King Salomon, who was seated on the throne, watched over the proceedings with his face hidden behind a veil. He was probably looking on bitterly. Meanwhile, Queen Paula, who was next to him, seemed to be enjoying herself. Incidentally, even Jean, whose suspension was lifted just for this trial, was also observing. It would be strange if he weren’t here since this trial was the reason he was punished in the first place.
“Now, Your Highness Harold Weir Dehaubalz. Please explain the events leading to this accusation and the reasons behind it.” (Judge)
“Yes.” (Harold)
I stood at the witness stand and explained to the judge in detail how Lizette was the culprit. Thankfully, the knights had perfectly prepared all the evidence to incriminate her. Though, it was all fabricated.
“…Next, Your Highness Lizette Josephine de Capetien. Do you have any rebuttal to the testimony given by Harold, Your Highness?” (Judge)
“Oh yes, I have plenty.” (Lizette)
Of course, there’s no way she would silently accept a false charge. If she does that, , she wouldn’t escape execution even as the First Princess.
“To begin with, everything that His Highness Harold, or rather, ‘the incompetent bratty prince,’ has said is complete nonsense. What benefit would I possibly gain from doing such a thing?” (Lizette)
“Your Highness Lizette, that doesn’t prove your innocence. You need concrete evidence…” (Judge)
“If it’s evidence… or rather, a witness, I am here! I was always by Onee-sama’s side!” (Elene)
“Silence!” (Judge)
Elene, who was usually so timid, stood up in the audience and raised her voice with a desperate look on her face. But naturally, the judge stopped her. More than that, Queen Paula, who was sitting beside King Salomon, seemed utterly shocked by Elene’s actions. She must never have imagined that her own daughter would defend Lizette, the daughter of her hated rival.
But Elene wasn’t the only one interfering with the trial.
“Please wait. I, Alexandra ob Chevalier, will also testify that Her Highness Lizette is not the culprit. Furthermore, I have prepared evidence… no, a witness.” (Alexandra)
“Guh!?” (Harold)
Appearing in her armor, carrying the family heirloom sword ‘Balmung’ of the Chevalier Household, was my fiancée, Sandra. Monica was beside her, dragging along a servant tied up with rope.
“Earlier, when my fiance, Haru-sama, testified, he mentioned that ‘the poison used was found in Her Highness Lizette’s room.'” (Alexandra)
“Y-Yes…” (Judge)
“This man is the one who snuck into Her Highness Lizette’s room and planted the poison there. Isn’t that right?” (Alexandra)
“Hi-hii!?” (Servant)
The servant’s face twisted in fear as Xandra smiled with a sinister grin. He must have gone through something terrible on the way here.
“Answer quickly.” (Alexandra)
“Y-Yes! I broke into Her Highness Lizette’s room and placed the poison as evidence!” (Servant)
It was obvious that he had been coerced into confessing, but in this bizarre situation, no one could say a word. Everyone could only watch with bated breath.
“Next, was this act of planting the poison something you did alone?” (Alexandra)
“N-No! I was ordered to do it!” (Servant)
The servant passionately pleaded with a face that looked ready to burst into tears.
Now, what kind of expression is Queen Paula, the owner of this servant, wearing as she watches this?
“…” (Paula)
…Hmm, she’s keeping a cool face. I guess she thinks she can just discard the servant, no matter what he says. Well, she’s not quite able to hide the sharp glances she’s directing at Xandra, though. But inside, she must be surprised. After all, Queen Paula ordered that the poison be placed in my room, yet the servant testified that it was planted in Lizette’s room.
“By the way, Xandra, who is this man?” (Harold)
“Heh heh… He is Queen Paula’s servant.” (Alexandra)
“!!!!!???” (Everyone)
“…” (Harold)
The moment Xandra chuckled as she revealed the truth, everyone in the room turned their eyes to Queen Paula.
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