Arc 4: Members of the Royal Family

Chapter 24: The Demi-human Country, and the Attempted Assassination of the King

After several days, I finished copying the wall painting of the underground ruins.

Using a useful non-attribute magicDrawingit transferred exactly what I saw to the paper, it was transcribed by magic. It was a copy machine.

I didnt use a pen and write it, the characters appeared on the surface, exactly as it would if it were a copier. While looking at the smartphone screen, it copied to the paper.

This magic is just good to me as if Id gotten a printer from the outside. I tested this by printing out several cake recipes, I took them over to Aeru who was more than delighted. Its just for the materials I had to use Search to locate several times. It had calculated the weight using the 100 yen coin in my pocket as the base measurement. Hurry up and notice more quickly, Me.

Well then, should we go deliver it to the Capital? I thought about calling everyone together but the mood usually falls when going to see the Duke, so I decided to go by myself. Its times like these I feel the difference of the nobles. There werent any nobles in my former world. No, strictly speaking there might have been some you know.

Gathering the copied documents, a Gate was opened.

I went through the door, and ended up in front of the Dukes house.

Ah, excuse me

The guard was surprised at my sudden appearance. Actually every time I come theyre surprised to be honest. I wish they would get used to it, from the looks of it its still going to be a while.

Huh?

The front gates are opening, a carriage is coming outside? Is the timing bad?

Touya-dono!? Im grateful! Please get in!

Eh? WaitEh!? Whats going on!?

The carriage door opened and came out, the Duke grabbed my arm and pulled me onto the carriage. What what!?

Well, I didnt image that Touya-dono would be here at this moment! God himself probably sent you. Im very grateful.

In his excitement while looking at me, the Duke raised his hands in prayer. I had certainly been sent here by god. But I dont think he would have sent me here like this. What in the heck happened?

What exactly happened?

I asked the Duke, who wiped the sweat of his brow, and opened his mouth in a strained voice.

My elder brother has been poisoned

..What did he just say?

When the Duke says elder brother he means the King right? Regicide as it were?

Fortunately we were able to deal with it Early on and he is holding out. However

Squeezing both hands together, as if looking for an option in those hands, as his voice trembled. They tried to kill his elder brother, thats obviously something to worry about.

Do you have any ideas about the criminal?

There is one person that I can think of. However, there isnt any proof. You remember dont you, when Suu was attacked? Its probably the same perpetrator is what I think.

But why the King? Do you think some other country tried to assassinate him?

If it were that it would be more comprehensible

With a single sigh the Duke lifted his face. An unpleasant expression appeared on his face.

Our Belfast Kingdom is surrounded by 3 countries. In the west is the Rifurisu Koukoku (meaning Empire), in the east is the Merisha Mountain range which beyond is the Regulus Teikoku (it also means Empire) and to the south is the Great Gau River, which boarders the Misumido Kingdom. Weve had a long relationship with the Rifurisu Empire for many years and have many friendly connections.

Fumufumu.

Since the war with the Teikoku from 20 years ago, there is a tentative non-aggression pact between us, honestly its difficult to say that were getting along amiably. It wouldnt be strange even if it invades again. And theres the Misumido Kingdom to the south, now that is an enigma.

Enigma?

In the middle of the war against the Teikoku 20 years ago, a newly founded nation arose. We made an alliance with this new country and the empire was restrained and we tried to create new trade with them. However, there are nobles who oppose that.

Why is that?

If it wasnt known when the Teikoku was going to invade, then wouldnt it be prudent to simply have more allies?

Misumido is a country of demi-humans. Many demi-humans live together, demi-humans rule the country. Those are reasons that the old nobles dont like.

What is that?

Because you dont like something, it makes it OK to obstruct the nations best interests? Furthermore demi-humans arent bad people. Some of them might be unwilling to listen but giving them 100 steps will make it easier to understand. Demi-humans properly understand things, Ive met Alma who was a very good kid.

Once the demi-humans were treated lower than animals, they were objects of contempt. They were thought of as a vile barbaric race. However, when our fathers era came, laws regarding recognition were enacted. Those manners gradually went out of use. In fact, there are demi-humans that are walking normally around the castle, upright without any kind of discrimination. But, there are still those backward thinking old nobles that refuse to admit that are still around.

Discrimination is it?

Thats right. Why should we have to ally with a vile demi-humans filthy country? Shouldnt we instead conquer them, and turn them into a vassal state? Elder brother cant do anything except obstruct them.

I see. So the old nobles are pulling the strings this time. But is that really required to go that far?

Those were feelings that I had. To have your own King killed. Wouldnt the Kings death cause you more problems?

If my elder brother dies, the throne moves to Princess Yumina who is his only daughter. Perhaps, that noble wants their own son to marry the princess, and approach the family as a bridegroom. With that in mind they tried to kidnap Sue, then use that as material to blackmail with, the person they were trying to get to was not myself but probably my elder brother.

If you value your nieces life, do not deal with Misumido. Its the princess of a country, the guard is probably pretty severe. Therefore, they target Sue instead. Then they try and push their luck and have their son be engaged to her instead. But what guilt they must feel.

If they were exposed even by mistake then its a one way trip to the headmans ax. The historical drama of some villains head suspended pops into my mind somehow.

And? What exactly should I do?

I wish for you to cure my brother. Using the same magic you did with Ellen.

The abnormal state recovery magic Recovery. That huh? Certainly, poisons and other afflictions can be removed. Did the Duke invite me with this in mind? I consented.

While doing so, the Dukes carriage crosses the drawbridge and reaches the Kings castle at last.

I was hurriedly brought into the castle by the Duke, the red carpet was spread out and the all doors opened to meet us. The stairs expanded downward in a gentle curve to the right and left. In the middle was a gorgeous chandelier which glittering stars shined and the same glittering could be seen on the ceiling. Is that Demon stone light?

Running the long stairs with the Duke along came a single man as we were passing each other.

Well well isnt it the His Highness the Duke, Its been a while since weve spoken.(We meet again)

Earl Balsa!

The Duke with a glance like a glare looked at the Earl who was right in front of us. The man had a thin neck, flashy clothing and was slightly overweight. He looked like a toad. A broad grin spread across his face and looked at us. (tln: it actually translates to Earl baldy, but here he is using it as an insult so it translates into toad which fits him perfectly.)

Please rest assured. The ones that threatened His Majestys life have already been caught.

What did you say?

It was the ambassador from the Misumido Kingdom. It was the wine that the King drank. That wine was what the Misumido Kingdom ambassador had presented.

Thats absurd

The Duke was surprised by that fact, and it showed on his face that he didnt believe it. If that were to be true, both countries would be forced to ditch their relations. No war wouldnt be out of the question.

But, theres something not right. Its all too convenient.

The ambassador is being restrained in another room. That demi-human did something that outrageous. Well send Misumido back their head

That wont happen! Everything is for elder brother to decide! Well have the ambassador stay in that room for a little while only!

Is that so? For the demi-human to receive such an undeserving vote of confidence. So shall it be. However, should anything happen to His Majesty, the other nobles wont be able to stop the public you know? Theyll probably demand the same thing.

Earl Balsa expressed a repulsive smile. Its this guy? The old noble who discriminates against demi-humans and opposes the Kings policies? No, could he be the one that poisoned the King as well

With one look at the Duke who was glaring at this toad, that deduction was not mistaken it seems. This bastard is the criminal.

Well then with this. It seems it will be getting busy around here after this.

The toad had said and was beginning to descend the long flight of stairs. It will become busy? Because the King dies? The toad sent the Duke off with a hand as the Dukes hand trembled as he grasped it. Alright, time for a little punishment for toadie.

Slip

The toad missed a step and fell mightily down the stairs. He didnt stop until he reached the bottom. He was then thrown on to the floor.

Gukya!

Before long the toad calmly got up, tottered and began to walk. The surrounding maids and knight guards were trembling trying to hold in their laughter.

Che. He didnt die. The Duke whod heard my tongue click asked.

You?

I who remained silent raised my thumb and replied with a smile.

The Duke gave an amazed expression and returned a similar smile thereafter.