episode_0269

I chronologically recounted my past entanglements with Moriarty.

The Carlsen Marquis, the Tetragrammaton Society, the Academy midterm exams, Jane, the dungeon practicum, and another Academy attack. I keep suspecting I might have missed something.

“The Empire’s shadow, Moriarty, repeatedly violated the Kingdom’s security through such machinations. I changed my appearance and attacked Moriarty as retribution.”

I excerpted reference materials from the Empire’s newspaper. I didn’t reveal Princess Narita’s involvement, but I left a very long white ghost’s tail. I selected the targets to make my purpose easily understood.

The materials at the time describe the White Ghost as only killing thugs belonging to specific groups. Included are eyewitness accounts from ordinary citizens who narrowly escaped death, or slightly shaky secretly taken photos.

“Th-that appearance…!!”

While everyone’s attention was captivated by the reference materials, I quickly changed my appearance. I limitedly activated ether manipulation on my dress, transforming it into the White Ghost’s attire. Simultaneously, my hair turned white, and a black eyepatch covered my eyes.

“It really changed!”

“Their appearance truly resembles the photos here…”

“Yes, that’s me. I attacked dozens of bases and caused thousands of casualties. Now that I look back, it’s somewhat anticlimactic. If I knew it would be this easy, I should have moved sooner.”

Retribution. A truly futile and infuriating word. Because what’s lost doesn’t return, meaning can only be found in the act of retribution itself. It’s utterly meaningless.

But restoring the disrupted balance is a necessary act. Heroes and police all exist for that purpose.

“Unfortunately, this isn’t the end. I haven’t annihilated Moriarty’s base yet. They’ll soon swallow the entire Empire and declare war.”

“How can you speak so lightly of such a critical matter…!”

“Does it seem like I’m speaking lightly?”

“Th-that’s…”

Perhaps it’s better to appear that way. The matter is so grave that no one dares act rashly. Therefore, I, who’s taking the lead, must appear lighthearted, even if it’s heavy. That’s how people will follow me.

A nobleman with a long white beard stepped forward.

“Are you certain? About… that war?”

“Certain. At least, I think so. We’ll diligently prepare for war; and if it doesn’t happen, then so be it. That would even be better. Everyone can just scold me. It’ll just end with me being the fool.”

“…Our House Flandre will fully support war preparations.”

“Thank you, Marquis.”

Marquis Flandre. So that was this old man’s identity. It doesn’t matter if I didn’t know. I intended to treat everyone here equally and respect the opinions offered. Names or titles are useless in that process.

More nobles besides the Marquis joined the war preparations. And that also meant supporting me. Because I’m the one handling the war issues most directly right now.

“Yes, what power do *you* have to prepare for war-!!”

“Shut up, Fourth Prince. Do you have power? Even Evan-hyung, the master of the First Knights, is staying quiet. Know your place.”

“Ugh…”

I feel like I’ve delved a little too deep into the stories of the White Ghost, Moriarty, and the war. I quickly changed the subject.

“What shall we discuss next? 1 to 3.”

“Since it’s come to this, let’s go in reverse. 3.”

“3, that will be an interesting story as well. The third identity is the adventurer, Narias Philbrogue.”

Excluding the overlapping parts with the White Ghost’s previous actions, there are three main stories. Exploration of the Spirit’s Sanctuary, a special dungeon; the Artemis relic exploration and dungeon break prevention; and the Libertyport Demon Lord subjugation.

This isn’t directly related to the Kingdom’s security. However, in terms of power, honor, and experience, it’s unparalleled. I’ve received certification from adventurer guilds worldwide, where many powerful people are active.

“Especially, I’m currently in a loving relationship with the high-level spirit I met then. She’s a cute girl who is curious and loves to immerse herself in her work.”

I felt a strange sensation in my lower body. Nix, who was enveloping my penis, flinched. She must have reacted to her own story being mentioned.

“Where is she now?”

“She has a lot of work to do. She’s probably showcasing her talents now. If I ever obtain the throne, I definitely want her as my prime minister.”

I didn’t lie. I can’t possibly show you all my softened, drenched penis here.

By the way, even aristocrats aren’t very familiar with high-level spirits. I described her as being similar to humans, so they understand intellectually, but a fear of the other species may lurk in the back of their minds.

Nevertheless, because I described Nix as human-like, it was easily accepted by everyone. It all went according to plan.

When the noisy atmosphere subsided, I continued the story.

“The second is Narias Philbrogue, the identity I created to attend the Academy.”

This explanation also flowed smoothly, because I previously mentioned Moriarty and outlined all the major events.

Especially in Narias’ case, Academy-related matters were already discussed. The countless things that happened until I was elected student council president. The fact that I maintained the top spot in overall grades is enough explanation.

‘I’m not sure if it’s alright to reveal this much.’

It’s an impulsive act. Isn’t this deceiving many people I formed bonds with as Narias Philbrogue? I should have at least given them a heads-up before revealing my identity.

No. I won’t hesitate. They wouldn’t be disappointed by something like this. I trust them. I can boldly let go of that hand.

Because we won’t part ways because of this.

I recounted my numerous experiences with a smile. The colleagues who were always by my side during those happy days; the rivals with whom I grew together; and the new parents who gave me a warm home.

I could somehow tell my expression was vacantly confident and happily smiling.

Finally, I spoke about my true self, the Fifth Princess, Narita Floraine Naifrantz.

The story of me exposing the underbelly of the Kingdom’s aristocratic society was the most interesting. I quite enjoyed Fruin’s expression twisting in real time.

“I think I’ve already talked enough about suppressing and restoring the Academy incident… what else is there? Ah, right. I exposed the Pope’s misdeeds in the Holy Kingdom and overthrew him.”

Political issues with other countries must be handled with care. Depending on the outcome, it could even lead to war in serious cases.

Of course, the outcome was extremely successful. Everything ended successfully. Both casualties and property damage were minimized.

Furthermore, I even made an acquaintance with the Goddess of Light Lumine, so it’s a great personal gain. Scored some points with my mother-in-law, too.

“G-Goddess…”

“…I’m not even surprised anymore. I can’t tell the truth from a lie anymore.”

“Even if less so than the Holy Kingdom, the Goddess of Light is a revered being even within the Kingdom. What more needs to be said?”

Most of the nobles’ minds were already numb. The volume and quality of information was beyond comprehension. Almost everyone swallowed dryly with a troubled expression.

The game was already mine. I spun around with a light step.

With numerous supporters at my back, I looked at the princes. No one opened their mouths.

“There must be more to uncover… Shall we dig deeper?”

“Yo-you…!!”

I wiped out the Third Prince Glen and his underlings. Even if they exaggerated everything they’d achieved, they couldn’t defeat me. I already possess far more than they do.

Only two remain unclear: the First and Second Princes.

. . .

I instantly jumped from 11th to 3rd in line of succession. This was an expected result.

I tilted my head slightly.

“Fruin-hyung?”

“…Yes. You’ve been through a lot. I’m proud of you, my dear sister.”

“Why are you like that? You seem weak.”

I can’t really laugh here. A well-orchestrated play is reaching its climax. I have to maintain a perfect stage until the end.

But Fruin’s expression, shattered more severely than when he threatened my life a few days ago, was a masterpiece. It was like looking at a Jenga tower riddled with holes – so precarious that it seemed it would collapse with a single touch – a more fitting description than “a house built on sand” could not be found.

Thump-thump-

“Pr-Prince Fruin… I have an urgent message…”

At the perfect timing, officials swarmed Fruin. From their attire, it was evident they are from the judiciary branch.

“…!! Not now…”

“You should go immediately…!”

At this point, it’s difficult to pretend not to notice. I had already pulled out the supporting aristocratic factions, the wooden blocks supporting Fruin. The result was obvious.

Only downfall awaits him.

Fruin glanced at me a couple of times before hurriedly leaving the hall.

“Hy-hyung…! What’s happening?!”

“…It’s none of your business.”

Witnessing this, the Third Prince Glen gritted his teeth. Thinking about it, he wasn’t exactly part of Fruin’s faction, but he was an aide. Perhaps he feels like the roof of his house was suddenly ripped off by a sudden storm.

In the middle of a race, the first-place runner suddenly stumbled. Evan, in second place, spots an empty finish line without understanding. He naturally can’t stop.

“…So it ends like this.”

However, he’s not a fool. With five out of six runners disappearing instantly, he could only see the person who suddenly appeared and aggressively pursued him as the culprit.

“Did you know?”

“From the beginning… I can’t say that. I vaguely felt it. Hyung wasn’t upright, and my younger brothers aren’t wise, so I thought I would win in the end… until I saw you that day.”

That day. What day was that? It wasn’t difficult to figure out. My contact with Evan was minimal.

That day, I briefly visited the palace after the first-semester midterm exams. The moment I cut down the Carlsen Marquis, who had turned into a monster.

“Strength… I was confident in my magic, swordsmanship, and command. I honed only those skills. But it wasn’t that. You had already surpassed me that day.”

“Then… will Hyung give up on this?”

“…”

A brief silence. Then a long sigh. Even without words, Evan’s countless tribulations were palpable.

And after a while, Evan, having made up his mind, looked at me with a determined expression.

“Since it has come to this, I have to lay out the groundwork properly. Consider this a last-ditch effort.”

“Hyung?”

Evan gestured slightly. His servant then brought a large sword – the blue sword Evan always uses.

“Come outside. I will be your final stepping stone.”