Ch.11EP.3 – Princess Isis, Not a Heroine.

“…I’d like to kill them. Though they may not threaten me, they are undeniably sprouts that could threaten Arthur.”

“Is that really necessary? They’re just an adopted daughter and a bastard son, aren’t they?”

Ihan couldn’t understand why she was so concerned about them.

True, being top of the Academy was impressive, but their bloodlines were nothing compared to that baby prince.

Though the others might have diamond spoons, compared to the baby prince’s bloodline, they were merely cheap neighborhood utensils.

“Yes, for now that’s true.”

“…For now?”

“What I’m about to tell you is top secret known only to me and two others. So don’t go spreading it around.”

“Then I don’t want to hear it.”

“I refuse your refusal. Just listen.”

…Such a dictator.

“First, Irene Windler. The reason my uncle adopted her is because Irene looks exactly like his deceased wife.”

“Tsk, how refined a hobby for a nobleman. Bringing in a replacement.”

“Don’t be sarcastic. Longing is something felt equally by commoners and nobles alike. He must miss his wife terribly.”

I understand taking in an adopted daughter who resembles his wife, but…

“According to the royal family’s analysis, Irene Windler is likely my uncle’s ‘biological child.'”

“…What?”

“Irene Windler might be the only daughter of my uncle, who is second in line to the throne. The cause of my aunt’s death was a fall. She was heavily pregnant at the time, and there’s a high probability she gave birth before passing away.”

“She could survive a fall and give birth?”

“My aunt was a fairy. She was as noble as royalty with mysterious qualities, so it’s not impossible she survived long enough to give birth before dying.”

“……”

“Are you that surprised? Certainly, I too was shocked when I learned of this.”

“…Hmm.”

Well, I suspect there’s a difference between what surprised her and what surprised me.

‘This seems familiar somehow…’

Secret birth, extraordinary bloodline, becoming a mage despite humble origins, entering the Academy as the top student.

Finally, being adopted into a duke’s family because she resembles the duchess, who might be her biological father.

This is completely…?

‘Isn’t this the setup for a romance fantasy female protagonist?’

When I was a non-commissioned officer, I read comics like this during night shifts to pass the time.

Stories about people transmigrating into romance games or novels and turning their lives around…

‘No, no. I’m overthinking this.’

Ihan tried to dismiss these idle thoughts.

The normal adult response would be to view her sympathetically as a woman with a sad past…

“-However, there’s something peculiar about Irene Windler. She habitually says ‘I have somewhere else to return to’ every day, and information suggests she made a strange contract stating that her adoption must be canceled as soon as my uncle takes in another adopted daughter within two years…”

“This is legit.”

“Hmm? What did you say?”

“Ah, nothing.”

“?”

Ihan was certain.

That woman. No doubt about it.

‘…So I’m not the only one.’

He certainly hadn’t arrogantly assumed he was the only one in such a unique situation.

But he hadn’t expected someone else to appear so suddenly.

And in such an obvious genre at that.

‘So, is this world a romance fantasy world?’

But why is it so devoid of dreams and hope, just miserable?

As Ihan was thinking this…

“However, there’s only circumstantial evidence so far. Her being my uncle’s daughter hasn’t been confirmed. Unless there’s a way to prove she’s his biological daughter in the future, Irene Windler is merely a potential threat. But Lionel’s young lord is different.”

“Why him?”

Could he possibly be the future Northern Grand Duke who often appears in romance fantasies?

“That young lord is suspected of possessing ‘Future Sight.'”

“……”

“Roen Dmitri de Lionel suddenly began to stand out seven years ago. At the age of 13, he defeated the ducal family’s knight-in-training and made him his subordinate. He succeeded in every business venture others said would fail. Moreover, he proved his genius by demonstrating far more advanced fighting techniques.”

“…Huh.”

“Since then, that youngster has become one of the promising heir candidates in the Lionel family. Despite being a bastard, the Grand Duke highly values his achievements and talents, giving him opportunities. Therefore-“

Her continued explanation didn’t register well in his ears.

But he didn’t need to hear it to understand the general idea.

Because this was just as obvious a cliché as Irene Windler.

‘What is it this time? A regression story?’

One of the most popular genres.

If he had to give it a title, perhaps “I Returned from a Ruined World to Save It” would work.

‘Is this for real?’

As Ihan’s feelings grew increasingly complicated, her explanation reached its conclusion.

“-Thus, his actions would be difficult to succeed at unless he knew the future. We suspect he might have awakened the mystery of Future Sight, said to have been possessed by legendary mages. And if such a person becomes Grand Duke, it would be an unprecedented threat from the royal family’s perspective.”

“…I doubt it.”

“Hmm? Do you have some insight?”

“Ah, no. Just that judging by his appearance, he doesn’t seem like that kind of person.”

“Oh, is this related to your ‘instinct’? I’ll keep that in mind.”

“…Ahem.”

Though he wasn’t lying, he felt somewhat uncomfortable.

‘It seems like she’s barking up the wrong tree, but… there’s no way to explain this.’

Starting from past lives, to possession and regression—explaining would only tire his mouth and make him seem crazy.

‘Forget it.’

Better to keep quiet.

Silence is golden—a rule that applies even in medieval fantasy worlds.

What does it matter if this world is a romance fantasy or regression genre?

‘As long as I live well, that’s all that matters.’

…And if someone bothers me, I’ll just crush them.

Ihan had declared his intention to live simply rather than complicatedly.

“-Anyway, now that you’ve heard my explanation, you understand why I want to kill them.”

“Yes, yes, they’re dangerous opponents.”

“…Your expression doesn’t seem to show any empathy?”

“I am empathizing. Now that I’ve heard your explanation, tell me what favor you want to ask of me.”

“…You really are ill-mannered.”

It’s natural to lose interest when you’re being serious but the other person shows such a poor response.

Isis spoke in a curt manner.

“I need to know if these people pose a threat to Arthur’s power.”

“Why not just bring them in and ask them directly?”

“How can one trust people’s inner thoughts? I don’t trust what people say.”

“Then what do you trust?”

“I trust their circumstances and current situation.”

“……”

That was quite a good line.

One that resonated deeply.

Perhaps this level of eloquence is necessary to become a king.

“That’s why I want you to check them out. With your eyes, no, your senses, you should be able to find out anything.”

“…After such a long explanation, I thought it would be some grand favor, but that’s all?”

He was dumbfounded.

What? So she just wanted him to use his senses to determine if they were dangerous?

After such an elaborate explanation, Ihan found the conclusion rather anticlimactic.

“No. We can’t make a decision based on just one observation.”

“…??”

“They’re still young. They might not have power-hungry ambitions now, but their true nature could change over time. Therefore, they need to be constantly monitored and observed.”

“…Just out of curiosity, how long would this period be?”

“At least during their three years at the Academy. By then, we should have a clear picture.”

“……”

“So I ask you, to-“

“Not buying it. Not buying it.”

“…Interrupting others is a very bad habit.”

“In this situation, I think it’s a very good habit.”

“…Hmm.”

“Woo?”

Arthur cutely tilted his head, seemingly unfamiliar with his mother’s dissatisfied expression when things weren’t going her way, while Ihan remained steadfast in his position, merely observing.

“Are we done talking? Then…”

He was about to leave without looking back.

There’s a limit to playing along with cruel childish games-

Thunk.

“…Huh?”

“Drink this.”

A small glass bottle was unexpectedly thrown to him as he was about to leave.

Inside swirled a purple liquid, and Ihan blinked in confusion.

“You want me to drink this without knowing what it is?”

“You won’t regret it. And I swear on the name of Pendragon, there are no tricks in that potion.”

“……”

A royal swearing on their family name.

This is a pledge made on one’s soul.

To give an example, if someone who makes empty campaign promises makes such a pledge and then breaks it, their soul would experience excruciating pain thousands of times a day.

They would ultimately spend their life in agony and curse before departing this world—that’s what a pledge is.

Therefore, Ihan…

“Well then.”

If that’s the case, he had to drink it.

Pop.

Ihan unhesitatingly removed the cork and drank the liquid.

She said it wouldn’t be disadvantageous.

So it must be something enticing, and indeed…

“…Mmm?!!”

“Hm.”

Ihan was shocked, and Isis wore the smile of a victor.

As if the winner of this game had been decided.

And there was no denying it.

‘…I must accept this.’

And for good reason.

Because a signal came from his ‘incapacitated’ thing.

He felt like he might cry at the sensation he was experiencing for the first time in ’15 years.’