The infant cried so excessively that a temporary recess was declared. Or rather, was it my imagination that Lady Rashem reached out and pinched the bundle held by the maid?
The maid bowed deeply all around and exited through the door on the opposing side.
Kumura-san rushed over to the Republic’s VIP seats and, while looking at the documents in her hand, appeared to be discussing matters with someone who was likely the Minister of Internal Affairs.
Just when I had successfully disrupted their pace… they were resetting everything at such a troublesome timing.
Thud.
Something hit my head, so I looked around and saw a rolled-up piece of paper lying there. When I scanned the area, my idiot aniki seemed to be urging me with his chin, 『Come here』.
「What is it?」
「You… what are you trying to do?」
「A draw, I suppose.」
I answered honestly to my brother, who looked angry with his arms crossed.
To be blunt, my goal this time was a draw. It wasn’t about who was better or worse, but to make them think, 『Isn’t what both sides are saying illogical?』 thereby making the complaint itself ambiguous.
It was a mutual destruction, or rather, I intended to crush the evidence from the very foundation of the hearing.
When I explained this to my two brothers… the eldest gave me a wry smile, and the second made a throat-slitting gesture. I didn’t understand.
「Why do such a troublesome thing? You could just thoroughly deny it.」
「Yes. But if I did that, I would become 『someone who has lived a life that might include having a secret child』.」
Since it was a question from ikemen oniichan, I answered politely.
「That would make me a husband unworthy of Noie, the 『hero』. I dislike that.」
I also conveyed the matter I had heard from Glodia, which might be the Republic’s scheme. Both of their expressions turned serious, and they began giving various instructions to their subordinates.
「Therefore, what I seek is not victory or defeat. I am focusing all my energy on one point: making this hearing as if it never happened.」
「Can you do it?」
「Yes. In the worst case, I will use forbidden moves.」
「Forbidden moves?」
I couldn’t cause trouble for the future King who was asking, so I bowed and evaded the question. Actually, the 『remote hearing』 spell formula Noie had cast on me had temporarily stopped… so why was she here?
Returning to my seat, I looked toward the skylight. Above… outside that high window, there was an existence who hid many things but failed to hide her ahoge.
「Good grief… Noie really is…」
She was too kind, it was troubling. She must have come because she was worried about me.
…Surely she isn’t here because she learned the content of this hearing and got angry, right? If that were the case, I would prostrate myself with all my might and then pray to God.
After a while, the hearing resumed.
-0-
After the resumption, the Republic’s method of attack changed. They calmly explained the information they had gathered in order.
At times, they let people who claimed to be 『friends from when I was playing around』 speak as witnesses. Since we didn’t know their names or faces, we stuck to a total denial starting with 『Nice to meet you』 and picking apart their words.
In the chamber, which had turned into a mudslinging match… an indescribable, stagnant atmosphere began to appear.
Even the spectators could be heard saying things like, 『Is there any point in doing this?』 The Republic side also showed signs of giving up, but only the Minister of Internal Affairs glared at me with an angry face.
And one more person… Lady Rashem as well.
Then, Lady Rashem, who had remained silent until now, raised her hand.
「Chairman. May I speak?」
「You may.」
「I will say something rather extreme. Is that acceptable?」
「…You may.」
His Majesty the King, looking somewhat tired, responded.
She gave a slight bow, glared at me, and opened her mouth.
「I was deceived by that man. He told me, 『If you date me, I will make you Queen…』 Not fully understanding the world yet, I inadvertently agreed. But at that time, he was fourth in line for the throne. I thought becoming Queen was impossible, but he also said this to persuade me: 『My family will overthrow the current Royal Family. Then I will be the next King.』. Hearing him go that far and even explaining the procedures for rebellion, I complied with his request. Because before I knew it, I was an accomplice. What I feared most after bearing a child… was his existence, having sold out his relatives and survived alone. After all, his family attempted a 『rebellion』. But he is living carefree as the husband of the Kingdom’s 『hero』. Witnessing such an absurd story, how could I think my own safety was guaranteed? Therefore, I fled to the Republic. Because the Royal Family of this country chooses no means to achieve its ends!」
The conference hall fell silent at her shrill appeal.
Instead, as if unable to bear it any longer, the infant started crying.
I was so anxious that the weak crying sound felt irritating.
Damn it. So that was their move.
Struck by the second arrow I had completely forgotten about, I was left speechless.
The attempted rebellion of the Lucefert family, my mother’s maiden home… was a fact acknowledged by the Royal Family.
However, I was acquitted because I was the only one who swore loyalty to the Royal Family and reported everything. Yes, I was technically innocent… but that was only from the Royal Family’s perspective.
If the impression of 『son of a rebellious family』 was planted in the citizens’ minds and manipulated, the story would change.
It wasn’t just a disadvantageous situation. Unlike the secret child, this was a definitely acknowledged event.
It couldn’t be helped. Shall I use the final measure? I really didn’t want to use this, but…
「Sorry, Noie.」
I lifted my gaze from the desk and stared at the opponent, who looked triumphant.
Something seemed to sparkle and surround her with light… wait, was something falling?
When I looked up, I saw the answer.
I didn’t know what she had done, but the window, with its glass neatly removed, was open.
And the person who must have been outside… appeared silently in front of Lady Rashem.
The final measure had gone rogue on its own.
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