episode_0114

Eliya spoke calmly.

“Of course, neither we—the subjects of the rumors—nor they have any such intentions. But that’s something ordinary people, even the current Emperor, could never know. After all, no magic exists that can perfectly read someone’s mind.”

“If more people start believing those rumors, and if those who trust Eliya—beginning with Count Rustral and Duke Grave—increase in number… It could cause quite a disruption, couldn’t it?”

“If it comes to that, would my parents return to clarify things? Somehow, everything seems to be falling perfectly into place for you alone, sister.”

“Then, does that mean there’s someone more fitting for the throne than me? I already hold the answers regarding the current state of the empire. Even if I know nothing about the succession or post-Demon King subjugation, handling imperial affairs—both the present and near future—is something I could do blindfolded.”

“So, the key is to make it appear as though I’ve regained my sanity. Pretending to be crazy as usual won’t hold much significance now.”

“Honestly, even if Chris supports me, it won’t carry much weight. What’s needed is the spectacle of Eric Grave—the lunatic—declaring his support for me the moment he regains his senses.”

Eliya pressed me with each deliberate word.

“You might not have anticipated things escalating this far, but the situation has grown too big. Starting from your first cooperative venture—the collapse of the First Cathedral of the capital—then the saint and heir of House Rustral being seen getting alarmingly close to the heir of Duke Grave’s household. Your very existence has now become a counterweight.”

“But, sister.”

Chris suddenly stepped between me and Eliya.

“What is it?”

“Thinking objectively, this could spiral into a major issue regardless of whether our parents or brother return.”

“There’s nothing problematic about it. Even if Eric’s declaration disrupts the neutrality of the imperial election among the high nobility, including the ducal houses, it doesn’t violate imperial law.”

“Doesn’t violate it? But that makes no sense. Historically, from the past until now—”

“That’s exactly why it’s acceptable. Nowhere in imperial law does it state that nobles cannot openly pledge support to someone. Of course, if powerful noble houses arbitrarily throw their weight around, it would drown out the voices of most imperial citizens.”

“Are you planning to exploit that loophole?”

“Hmph. An emperor swayed left and right at this level wouldn’t be fit to rule properly anyway. And after witnessing this incident, others will surely realize—that without explicit laws, the imperial election will remain at the mercy of the great houses.”

“How arrogant.”

“Just confident. No one in this world understands the empire better than I do.”

“If that method works for our parents… the only remaining factor is your will, brother.”

“My will?”

“No matter how much we discuss this, the crux lies in whether you truly act on it. Some may speculate—no, they undoubtedly will—about you now that you’ve regained your sanity. It’s embarrassing to sound self-praising, but given our respective standings, it’s inevitable.”

“So? If I decide to keep playing the fool and focus on raising you all, will you accommodate that?”

“Of course.”

“Yeah.”

Eliya turned her head as if there was no need to even answer.

“I was a fool to even ask you all… Fine.”

No matter how much I talked about alleviating my guilt, the response from these three was painfully predictable.

“So, for now, we need to deal with Lucilla first.”

“Why is Lucilla being brought up here?”

“Because mingling with you all will have to wait. You and Eliya must prepare the stage for my dramatic debut, and Chris is already swamped with work—two bodies wouldn’t be enough.”

Even if I act sane, it’ll take months for the public to accept it.

In the meantime, Chris will handle minor household duties as acting head and academy affairs.

“Sorry to ask more of you, but Eliya and Cecilia, keep eroding the rumors already in circulation.”

After all, rumors of my sanity and my ambiguous relationship with Cecilia are entirely separate matters.

The two nodded, understanding my implied meaning.

“Well then, since we’ve said most of what needed saying and I’m refreshed enough from sleep…”

I addressed the three still seated beside me—simple and concise.

“Get out.”

Luckily, none of them insisted on staying to monitor my condition or warned me against roaming outside recklessly.

With advice to avoid drawing attention, I was finally free.

“Whew…”

Though healed by a miracle and rested for a full day, the mental calmness I felt was different.

So, what now?

I’d asked Chris to inform the academy I’d return the next day.

Of course, rumors would fly, but there was no need to care. If any student dared confront me openly, I’d almost be impressed.

We also needed to expedite Lucilla’s Hero selection ceremony.

Originally, I planned to let her grow stronger before attempting the sacred sword, but recent events forced me into the spotlight.

“Hmm.”

Mulling over it now wouldn’t help—I’d only know more tomorrow.

I considered staying at the palace, but with interrogation officers lurking amidst the snow-covered halls, I had no desire to linger.

Though the labyrinthine corridors would baffle first-time visitors, I’d long memorized every hidden passage.

“—That’s…”

“—If it’s ramen, two servings…”

“—See… That’s why…”

As expected. The moment I strode through the palace gates and stepped into the streets, I felt the weight of countless gazes.

Unavoidable.

This area around the palace housed high noble estates—including House Grave (a five-minute walk)—forming the royal stratum, the heart of the capital.

While commoners only vaguely knew House Grave’s name and members, the residents here understood the importance of social connections.

Of course, they recognized me—yet none dared approach.

After all, no one would openly question rumors.

Despite my grievances with this world, I at least appreciated its rigid social hierarchy.

“Welcome back, young master.”

“Exhausted. Don’t disturb me today—I’ll skip meals and stay in my room.”

Half-heartedly greeting the servants, I collapsed onto my bed the moment I arrived.

Though barely awake for hours, sudden lethargy engulfed me.

Before I could question why, I surrendered to the mattress.

Today, I’d spend mindlessly blank—no thoughts, just emptiness.

And I kept that promise.

“Greetings, Heir Grave! It’s a relief to see you unharmed!”

“Long time… Glad you’re safe.”

“Thanks. I was hoping for that reaction.”

The academy buzzed the moment I stepped in. The rumors over those two weeks must’ve spread terrifyingly far.

After calming the students, I joined Dave and Sheryl, who’d approached me.

Neither asked why I’d been confined nor about my relationship with Cecilia—they simply greeted me warmly.

“Dave, what about the group presentation? Did we already…?”

“Handled. We insisted it was impossible missing two members, so they let it slide.”

Fair. Losing two in a group project would derail anything.

“Sorry about that. Chris must’ve been overwhelmed too.”

“No worries. Unavoidable circumstances, and it wasn’t all bad…”

Sheryl’s face reddened slightly.

Huh?

Before I could inquire, Dave cut in.

“So, Heir Grave—”

“Wait, before that.”

“Y-Yes?”

“Just call me Eric. No need for formalities—we’re practically the same age.”