Chapter 47 – Then I’ll Give Him the Throne (The Duke’s POV)
Even though the study is soundproofed, Touko’s visit was top secret.
Even late at night, the sound was too much.
A soundproof room does not mean you can be loud.
“You’re making too much noise. What the h**l is wrong with you?”
“Sorry. But I’ve been thinking all day. I’ve been wondering why the clerk is now on our side.”
“…Hmm.”
Touko has a point.
As with anything, the earlier you declare your support, the more you will be able to contribute, especially if you do so while the majority is not yet solidified.
This is even more so when it comes to the next king.
And it is only natural that someone as sharp as the clerk would be the first to come forward if he calculated that he could ally himself with them.
“Hey Duke, think about it. What’s the most recent card we got? What was the turning point that changed the future?”
“It’s obvious. It’s the subjugation in the Ogres’ Great Forest.”
“Yeah, I thought the same. The tide changed with that grand subjugation drama that shook the entire continental nation. The two foolish elder prince brothers devised a reckless expedition plan. That’s why the clerk sided with us.”
“Yes.”
“…But what if it’s not that?”
“What else could it be?”
“For example…because I learned about Suzuha’s older brother’s existence, or strength, or influence…?”
“……”
The Duke’s back was dripping with sweat.
The story of the ogres’ defeat in the Ogres’ Great Forest is currently making headlines and shaking up the country.
In the depths of the Ogres’ Great Forest, a monster army was organized that would wipe out all humans on the continent.
It was destroyed by a small number of young people, led by Yuzuriha, who was nicknamed the Killing Goddess, the goddess of war.
They had also established a friendly relationship with the Amazons, a particularly independent group within the neighboring country.
But The Duke knows.
All those events…
Would never have been possible without just one young man.
“I think…the clerk must have had contact with Suzuha’s older brother at some point.”
“…I haven’t received any such reports.”
“Are you sure? Doesn’t it all make sense if you think about it?”
“Neither my daughter nor the escorts talked about any such thing. Moreover, when Yuzuriha said they went shopping, it seems they went to a royal store in the aristocratic district. Besides Yuzuriha, the only other person that man would have come into contact with is the shopkeeper at the accessory shop.”
“I see. Then I guess I was wrong—”
“Yes. I heard that they were discussing women’s hairstyles while the shopkeeper was picking out hair clips for him.”
Touko’s whole body froze at the Duke’s casual words.
“—That’s it.”
“What?”
“I know the store Yuzuriha took him to. There’s only one store in the capital that sells high-quality, magic-enhanced accessories.”
“What about it?”
“I know that the store only hires young women to work there. The owner is very particular about the fact that it’s an accessory store, not a magic tool store, and no matter what kind of high ranking aristocrat comes in to work there, no men are allowed.”
“…That seems to be certain, doesn’t it…”
“Of course. It’s precisely because of that reason that as the princess, I have intervened in mediating disputes among the aristocrats.”
It has been reported that the elderly shopkeeper was a man.
Then there is only one identity of the man who dressed up as a shopkeeper and served customers, which should have been impossible even for high-ranking aristocrats.
“…So that means…”
“Yes, the clerk approached Suzuha’s older brother and got an answer. That’s why he joined us. No, that’s not it—”
Touko shook her head,
“The way the clerk said it, it’s like he took Suzuha’s older brother’s side and not us…”
“It doesn’t make a difference either way.”
“For now. But if Suzuha’s older brother follows either of my idiot brothers, the clerk will—”
“That’s a meaningless assumption.”
The Duke declared.
Yes, taking into account the current situation and the man’s character, the chances of that man being attached to one of the princes are slim to none.
“Then the question would be… If that man should ever want the throne—”
“Then I’ll give him the throne.”
“…What did you say?”
“Suzuha’s older brother is probably the most powerful man in the country, and he’s backed by the clerk, the Amazons, and even Yuzuriha. And if he rules, we’ll have a good government, and he’ll be invincible in foreign wars. So I don’t see any reason for me to continue as queen.”
“That may be so…but…”
The Duke’s eyes widened at Touko’s declaration that she would simply relinquish the throne, something that would be unthinkable for aristocrats.
Those words are unmistakably Touko’s true feelings.
But even Touko has not revealed all of her innermost thoughts.
Of course, if Suzuha’s older brother becomes king, marrying me would be the quickest and most reasonable option, so Yuzuriha will have to shed some tears, but…it can’t be helped, right?
Royalty cannot marry commoners. That is the law and tradition of this country.
However, what if the queen gave up her status at the moment of marriage?
There would be no law anywhere that prohibits her marriage.
