The Incompetent Bratty Prince is out (1/4 chapters)
Confronting Margrave Stone
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It had been exactly three days since we buried the thieves alive.
We finally arrived at the town where Margrave Stone lived, Salso… or rather, we were about to.
“This is…” (Harold)
“It’s not a town, but a fortress… is it?” (Sandra)
Salso, was completely surrounded by towering defensive walls with the sea at its back. From any angle, it looked nothing less than a fortress city designed for warfare. Perhaps, it was a remnant from when they fought the Dehaubalz Kingdom, or perhaps they still regarded the kingdom as an enemy, watching and waiting for the right moment.
“Anyway, we won’t know until we enter. Let’s go.” (Harold)
“Yes.” (Monica)
I instructed the coachman to start the carriage, and we passed through the city gates, finally entering the city.
Then…
“Wow…” (Harold)
Inside the high city walls, the view was completely different from the one outside. It was a peaceful town with brick houses scattered about. If it weren’t for the walls, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it a picturesque countryside town.
“This is different from the rumors…” (Alexandra)
Xandra’s mention of rumors referred, of course, to slander based on the history of the Norz people’s invasions. They were rumors like, ‘the Norz people are barbarians who eat people’, and ‘They have no culture culture, and they live only to satisfy their desires’, among other unbearable things. I had heard those rumors before leaving and thought they were harsh, but still, considering they probably didn’t think well of us, I couldn’t deny that I looked at the situation with a bit of bias.
“Your Highness Harold. Do not be misled by the scenery and be cautious.” (Monica)
“I understand.” (Harold)
Monica never forgets to remind me properly.
I do tend to be a little soft on things, so I really appreciate her reliability in such matters.
“What’s wrong?” (Harold)
“…Your Highness Harold, I think it’s better if you refrain from speaking out what you’re thinking.” (Monica)
Ah… I said it again, didn’t I… W-well, it’s the truth, so it’s not a big deal, right?
“Truly, Haru, without realizing it, you… (mumbling)” (Casparleague)
“As Cas said, that’s correct.” (Alexandra)
It seems like the two of them are saying something, but I’ll just ignore it. It’s probably some kind of insult.
“So, where is the Margrave Stone’s mansion…?” (Harold)
“Ah, it’s straight ahead down this road.” (??)
“!!!” (Harold/Alexandra/Monica)
A portly middle-aged man suddenly appeared beside me, causing everyone to jump back in unison. Leaving that aside, but I’m amazed that Sandra and Monica didn’t notice him.
“Hahaha, did I surprise you?” (??)
“Uh… well…” (Harold)
“Sorry for the sudden appearance. I’m Laertes Stone, the ruler of this Salso. Welcome to this distant borderland.” (Laertes)
With that, the slightly overweight man… Margrave Stone, bowed grandly.
—
“To think that royalty would come all the way to such a place, this must be the first time in the history of the Dehaubalz Kingdom’s founding.” (Laertes)
We were invited to Margrave’s Stone mansion and were having tea in the reception room. Of course, Monica had already tasted the tea to check for poison.
“Is that so? I know the distance from the royal capital, Kadit, to this town is considerable, but still, it’s surprising that in over 300 years of history, there has never been a visit.” (Harold)
I said while pretending to be surprised, but when I think about the history, it was natural that royalty would avoid this place. After all, there was a chance they could be avenged by the Norz people.
“You must be joking, Your Highness Harold. You know well the history between the Dehaubalz Kingdom and our Norz people.” (Laertes)
“Ahaha… yes, you’re right…” (Harold)
Margrave Stone laughed with amusement as he pointed that out, and I could only give a wry smile.
“Now, why have you come to our town? What is your business here?” (Laertes)
Margrave Stone suddenly became serious as he observed my expression closely. Perhaps, given the past, he believed that we might bring disaster to this town.
“Well… actually, I’ve been attending the Royal Academy with my fiancée Xandra and my maid Monica since this year. I’ve heard that your son, who is the same age as us but has postponed his enrollment due to illness. I became a bit concerned, so I thought I would come and check on him.” (Harold)
I said this while sipping my tea.
If I mix truth and lies like this, even Margrave Stone won’t be able to read my true intentions. Also, if it were true that his son was sick, the Margrave wouldn’t have any qualms, but if the illness was a lie, he would have shown some kind of reaction. Now… what kind of answer will he give us?
“Hahaha, to think you’d come all the way here for something like that… I’m truly surprised.” (Laertes)
“Is that so?” (Harold)
“Yes, but if I were to answer honestly, my son is not ill.” (Laertes)
I couldn’t believe how easily he revealed the truth. If this was true, the new student I met might really be Ulysses, the son of Margrave Stone.
“…Your Highness Harold, may I ask one thing? Is it that you came here to confirm this and perhaps intend to forcibly take my son to the capital? To use him as a hostage to control me?” (Laertes)
The Stone Border Lord narrowed his eyes, giving me a sharp look. His demeanor seemed as though he was ready to face a battle if needed.
“That’s certainly not the case. I must admit, I have no interest in the historical conflicts between our nations.” (Harold)
“Then…?” (Laertes)
“To speak plainly and directly, I met Ulysses Stone himself on the day of the entrance ceremony.” (Harold)
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