SWNOVELXO Chapter 12
“Queen Crofe, I first want to acknowledge the hardships you’ve faced. I may not be in a position to say this, but I truly appreciate you welcoming me despite your distrust of humans.”
I began by showing sympathy for the queen.
Of course, I have many things I want to say, but it’s essential not to get caught up in just that. Suppressing my own opinions to first respect the feelings of others…
That seems to be the best approach to navigate this situation.
The experience of being constantly harassed by terrible bosses in my past life is proving useful here.
Heh, in this life, I intend to assert my opinions.
“I must admit, I’m also fed up with the current King of Vefeld. Chasing his own gains at the expense of others… It didn’t take long for me to become disgusted with such days, leading to being labeled as incompetent.”
“…”
“Therefore, it’s my desire to change things. To cleanse the Vefeld Kingdom of its corruption and greed.”
Clap, clap, clap.
Despite the seriousness of my confession, Sword Emperor Mirua is tearfully applauding.
Hey, that’s embarrassing, stop it.
Lofemia also looks moved, saying, “As expected of Esmeralda-sama…” But let’s leave these two out of this for now.
“Firstly, let me clarify that Princess Yuricia Li Vefeld is the mastermind behind the elf abductions. I am not involved, and our relationship is extremely strained.”
“Yes… I’m aware. I know that Yuricia is the leading candidate for the next monarch. And it’s humans who are supporting such a person.”
“―That’s exactly why she must be stopped, don’t you think? If Yuricia truly becomes the next monarch, what will happen to the elves?”
“…”
Heh, looks like I’ve got her questioning.
Despite it being grating to admit, my hardships during my corporate drone days weren’t in vain.
The company I worked for was exceptionally black-hearted, selling ordinary, cheap snacks in bulk.
Of course, they wouldn’t sell.
A little research would reveal it’s cheaper to buy from other vendors.
So, what did we do? We used a strategy of emotional manipulation.
“…So, you’re saying you’ll stop Princess Yuricia? To rebel against the kingdom?”
“Yes… That’s the plan.”
It should be obvious.
Even with a disguise, sending Princess Lofemia, the First Princess, on such a mission is absurd. If she had been captured, it would have been irretrievable.
This implies the Elf Kingdom was indeed desperate…
But Lofemia couldn’t even reach the royal castle and was attacked by soldiers on the way. The information must have leaked from the inside.
In other words, the Elf Kingdom has…
“―Come out now, you scum.”
I cast a Fireball spell towards a certain space. Although not a powerful spell, if my prediction was correct…
“Whoa…!”
Sure enough, a man suddenly appeared from the previously empty space, dodging the Fireball in panic.
Obviously, he’s not an elf, but a man in the uniform of the Third Division.
As I thought, members of the Third Division, led by Yuricia, were infiltrating here to abduct elves.
Just like the power struggles in the kingdom, these are just sneaky, worthless people.
“Eh…?!”
“When did they…?!”
Queen Crofe and the surrounding elves expressed their shock.
“This is Yuricia’s way of doing things. She schemes behind the scenes, keeping her own position untarnished… It’s sickening.”
“…”
“Queen Crofe, if you find it hard to trust me, I won’t force you. But personally, I despise Princess Yuricia… Let us handle this.”
“Esmeralda-sama…”
―The decision is made.
I used the Third Division to boost my standing, but Queen Crofe seems deeply moved.
“Damn it… Prince Esmeralda, what are you…! We were tasked by Princess Yuricia!”
The soldier, surprised, drew his sword.
“So what? You dare to raise your sword against me, a prince?”
“Ugh…!”
“Well, it’s too late to beg for mercy now. Prepare yourself.”
“Insolent! Who would beg…!”
Clearly, more of them must be hiding around here.
“Mirua, Lofemia, I need your support. Ready?”
“Of course! As Sword Emperor Mirua, I will see us through this!”
“I’ll assist too, please leave it to me!”
Called upon, Mirua draws her sword, and Lofemia retrieves her staff.
They seem eager.
“Prince Esmeralda… I am truly proud of you.”
While holding her sword, Mirua looks ecstatically at me.
“I will follow you for life. A prince who seeks to right wrongs and uphold justice… You, Prince Esmeralda, are exactly what this world needs.”
The stage is set.
Utilizing the Third Division to elevate my status, Queen Crofe is now thoroughly impressed.
“Curse you… Prince Esmeralda, what have you…! We are under Princess Yuricia’s orders!”
The soldier, alarmed, readies his sword.
“And what of it? You dare to draw your sword against me, a prince?”
“Ugh…!”
“Forget about mercy now. Be prepared.”
“How dare you! Who would beg…!”
It seems they’re ready to fight, likely indicating more of them are hidden around.
“Mirua, Lofemia, I need your assistance. Understand?”
“Absolutely! As Sword Emperor Mirua, I’ll ensure we overcome this situation!”
“I too, will support you!”
Responding to my call, Mirua readies her sword, and Lofemia, her staff.
Both appear ready for action.
“Prince Esmeralda… I’m indeed proud of you.”
Mirua, brandishing her sword, shows a rapturous expression towards me.
“I will follow you for life. You’re the one who seeks to correct wrongs and uphold justice… You are the one this world needs, Prince Esmeralda.”