「Hold the Prince down. If anyone lays a hand on that carriage, fines or suspension will not be enough!」
Konsuro, who was organizing the 『underground』 subordinates gathered urgently for today’s ambush, barked.
Usually serving as the adjutant to Halfren, the Commander of the Royal Guard, he also managed the covert operatives.
By the order of the middle-aged man, the four people holding the Prince were surrounded by double their number.
Even so, there was a monster who moved his legs to charge, gripping his sword.
「Konsuro-sama. We will hold the Prince here. But why is His Highness the King’s Brother’s carriage at Argusta-sama’s residence?」
「I do not know. It is likely Head Maid Sieck-sama who is moving behind the scenes. But…」
The elderly man watched the carriage start moving with a bitter expression.
Over ten years ago, King’s Brother Wilhelm lost his wife and child, and ten years ago, he was involved in the execution of young people in 『that incident』. Leaving behind the words, 『I have had enough of politics』, he withdrew from the public stage.
Since then, the 『Carriage Dedicated to the King’s Brother’s Family』 kept at his residence in the capital had never been used. The person who should have used it was too busy with hectic work within the castle walls.
But undoubtedly, it was moving, carrying the people who had planned to somehow suppress them today.
If his older brother attacked his younger brother… that alone could become a major incident, but if they even attacked the King’s Brother’s family carriage, they would be beheaded without question.
At best, with the mercy due to a member of the Royal Family, being allowed to drink poison and die would be fortunate.
「How did that Head Maid manage to force such an unreasonable request upon His Highness the King’s Brother…」
From her recent actions, he had assumed she was acting on the premise of being attacked.
He thought she was attacking the elites of the Royal Army and Royal Guard to demonstrate her power to repel any assault… Probably, the moment they thought that, they had already fallen into her trap.
Konsuro stroked his face with a sigh.
「As expected, the opponent is that monster.」
「Ah. Sieck, who was called the Kingdom’s foremost guard. It was a good strategy.」
At the voice that continued his thoughts, Konsuro hurriedly dropped to one knee and bowed his head. The spies, like him, formed a line and all bowed their heads. Except for the few who were desperately holding down the one person still rampaging.
「Stop it, Halfren. Your subordinates are troubled.」
「……」
「You continue to look at me with terrifying eyes.」
Chuckling in his throat, the man… King Wilmott approached his son and tapped his head.
「Consider your position. And cool your head a little.」
「…But Father.」
「I said to cool your head. In the first place, even if these people attacked and managed to deal with Sieck, what would you do about Noie? She will attack you with all her might to protect Argusta, won’t she?」
At those words, the subordinates’ faces turned pale.
Because they could not imagine surviving an encounter with the Dragonslayer’s true power.
「I say it again. Stop, Halfren. If you attack your younger brother’s couple and the King’s Brother’s wife, beheading would be too lenient. Do not make me a King who kills his own children, his own clan members… any more than I already have.」
Saying this, the King asked his attendant for a chair.
Sitting on a folding chair made of simple wood and cloth, used in battlefields, Wilmot let out a deep breath.
「I had kept silent at her request… but Sieck is Wilhelm’s second wife. Well, it was only a marriage on paper, and she obtained that status solely to get closer to my wife, Linea.」
「That monster is my uncle’s wife?」
Finally calming down slightly, Halfren asked the fundamental question.
「That is correct. That Head Maid came to the capital as Wilhelm’s wife and as the guardian of his son, Ilham. But she had another role… or rather, a promise, and for that sake, she obtained the position of the King’s Brother’s wife.」
「What is that role?」
Looking exasperated at his son, who was still radiating killing intent, Wilmot smiled lightly.
「She was ordered by Wilhelm’s deceased wife to guard Linea, who had been attacked twice.
『Please protect her.』
Therefore, the one who fears taking Noie to that place the most is not you. It is Sieck herself. And if anything were to happen, she would gamble her life to protect Linea. That is precisely why I permitted Argusta’s audience with the Queen.」
This was a stage prepared by Sieck, the Kingdom’s foremost guard, betting her life on it. Interfering with it was unforgivable, no matter what uncertain elements existed.
Even if that decision meant losing his wife, Linea… Wilmot had decided to fulfill it. The wishes of the two women.
「A man should always be someone from whom women request something. I believed I should be such a man and acted accordingly.」
「The Stud King says that often.」
「…I also want to remain a man who strives when requested.」
A cold wind flowed quietly.
Everyone present… could not pursue the King’s words further, remembering his status.
「So, Halfren. Quietly withdraw from here.」
「…I cannot.」
「Halfren.」
Returning the sword he had been gripping to its sheath, he turned his back on his father.
「Konsuro. Withdraw.」
「Yes. And the Prince?」
「…It seems my aunt has arrived. It is only polite to go and greet her, isn’t it? Besides…」
Stopping his feet, he looked at his father over his shoulder.
「I have always wanted to be a man who lends a hand beside a woman who fights.」
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