I reincarnated as the hated villainous prince, and thought to live as I pleased in this life, but it turns out I’ve been unconsciously making saintly moves. I’m trying to create an evil kingdom, but for some reason, everyone respects me!

Now then.

Having played our trick on the soldiers, we decided to head straight to the Elf Kingdom.

Given that I’ve caught Princess Yuricia’s attention, it’s risky to return to the royal castle thoughtlessly. Being the Fifth Prince who doesn’t really do any prince-like duties, it shouldn’t be a problem if I disappear for a while.

I think being Esmeralda the “unliked” is working out pretty well.

As for the location of the Elf Kingdom, if I remember the game’s setting correctly, it’s right at the center of the world. There’s a giant tree in the middle of the world, surrounded by unexplored forests, where the elves live…

Well, it’s a pretty common setting in the games of my previous life.

Since it’s quite far from the royal capital Vefeld, it would take too long to get there normally. So, what to do…

“There!”

In the underground waterways of the royal capital Vefeld.

After dispatching a weak monster—a Goblin Knight—with a single stroke of my sword, I looked around, catching my breath.

It’s just like I remember from playing the game countless times.

Narrow passages just wide enough for people to pass each other stretch on endlessly. This place was a tutorial-like area in the game, so the respawning monsters aren’t too strong.

And in one corner of these underground passages, there’s a warp point to the Elf Kingdom.

As a former game junkie, I naturally remember this.

“We should be safe if we go this way. Follow me, both of you.”

Walking ahead, Sword Emperor Mirua and Princess Lofemia, following behind, stared at me, mouths agape.

“How does Esmeralda-sama know this path…?”

“Hehe, didn’t I tell you? Elves may be outstandingly intelligent, but Prince Esmeralda’s intelligence far surpasses theirs! It is a testament to his divinity, the proof of his ultimate strength, and one of the reasons I chose to follow him! I have so much more I want to talk about, but if I keep going, my blood will gush pffft!”

…And there goes Mirua, muttering and collapsing with a nosebleed again.

She’s been bleeding a lot; can she even make it back alive?

And there’s another thing that doesn’t sit right with me.

“Lofemia. Your purpose in coming to the human realm was to uncover the truth behind the elf abductions, right?”

“Eh? Oh, yes. Ehehe…”

Just being spoken to makes Lofemia blush.

Like a game or anime character, her exposed chest area is distractingly large. I try to look her in the eyes during conversation, to avoid looking like a petty villain.

“…If you have such an important mission, forgetting your way back home would be pointless. I was really surprised, seriously.”

Indeed. This was just a few minutes ago.

“Alright, let’s head to the Elf Kingdom. Lofemia, can you lead the way?”

“…”

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m sorry, I forgot the way back…”

“…What?”

I’ll never forget the shock I felt at that moment.

If she hadn’t met me, she would have been stranded. What a ridiculous situation.

“But I’m really glad I met Esmeralda-sama! Not only did you save me, but you’re also so smart… I might faint from how cool you are.”

“Hey, Princess Lofemia, don’t cut in line.”

As Lofemia tried to entwine her arm with mine, the recovered Mirua grabbed her shoulder firmly.

“I kept quiet earlier, but that’s my spot. After all, I was the first to recognize Prince Esmeralda’s charm!”

“―Oh, what are you talking about? My chest is bigger, and I am a princess. A Sword Emperor has no place here. Or are you planning to stab me?”

“Don’t be ridiculous! My chest is bigger! It’s an undeniable fact!”

“Oh dear♡ Maybe we should have Esmeralda-sama check who’s bigger.”

“…”

On one side, the rapidly speaking and collapsing Sword Emperor Mirua Lainis.

On the other, the strangely aggressive and yandere Princess Lofemia Mu Austria.

Despite their impressive titles and positions, an unbelievable party had formed.

Well, I don’t think they dislike each other… probably.

“Esmeralda-sama, please check who’s bigger!”

Both girls said, emphasizing their chests.

“Heh.”

I smirked meaningfully, shoved my hands in my pockets, and turned around dramatically.

“Don’t worry. You two are irreplaceable family to me. There’s no need to fight.”

Damn.

I really want to touch them, but when you’re a long-time single, you can’t muster the courage in these moments.

So, I tried to sound cool, but…

“Amazing… Prince Esmeralda is so cool. He accepts our shallow thoughts and recognizes our beauty. I really want to follow him forever. Yawn, my naughty thoughts…”

“Esmeralda-sama… As you said, fighting doesn’t do any good. From now on, I’ll try to get along with everyone around you, including Mirua-san…!”

…Yep, they haven’t changed a bit.

And at that moment, I had no idea.

After building the true harem kingdom, this would be just the beginning…