[VOL. 2] CHAPTER 11 SECRET MEETING

Then shall we greet him?

Is that alright? The other party is a big shot.

Were going to fight anyway so theres no need to be reserved.

I grinned at Lunos and went towards Rejum.

Rejums followers seemed surprised as they saw me come over.

But as one would expect of Rejum, his expression didnt change.

If it isnt Carlo-dono, it has been a long time, hasnt it?

Duke Armandi, you havent changed at all.

I heard about the thing with Viscount Gerg. Carlo-dono seemed to have wonderfully uncovered this crime.

To talk about this matter right away on his own accord, what an impudent guy.

He plans to put all the blame on Gerg and make himself appear completely unconcerned.

Thanks to that the ringleader committed suicide. From this point on I intend to search for the person who controlled them from the shadows.

Did I sound like Pick just now?

The person who controlled them from the shadows, is it? You have to track that person down by all means.

For the Duke to say this, it boosts my motivation. His Majesty also told me that.

Rejum should have heard about my report to the King from Earl McBell from a little while ago.

But he shouldnt know about the exchange in the Kings living room.

Hoh, his Majesty, is it?

Yeah. He told me something like I should find that person no matter what to ensure Franz Kingdoms stability and order.

Carlo-dono, you were that close to His Majesty?

Thats strange. Isnt it natural to devote all your loyalty to His Majesty the King as we received our peerage in this Franz Kingdom?

On the surface, this sounded rather innocent but if I had to summarise its meaning it would be Could it be you arent on the kings side? and Shut up, I dont feel like becoming your follower, Idiot.1

Seeing the bitter faces of his followers in the vicinity made me smile.

I see. I shall keep that in mind.

Is that so? I shall take my leave now.

After I said just that I lowered my head and left.

This much should be enough to provoke them.

I was just going to leave the Ball hall when I passed Fraudia.

She passed me a small, folded piece of paper while we were walking past each other.

Tonight, 11:00

Fraudia left after she whispered only that.

What is this? An invitation to a date?!2

As I left the Ball hall I opened the small piece of paper Fraudia gave me and read the following: At the bridge leading into the royal palace.

What on earth does she want from me?

Im really excited!

Carlo-sama, did something happen?

N, no, nothing at all.

I hastily hid the paper as I heard Lunos who followed me.

I see that good-looking guy as my rival after all for now.

Is that so? I shall take Carlo-sama to the residence now.

Please do

I left the castle, crossed the drawbridge and went to my residence.

The bells indicating its half past 9 just sounded which means its another one and a half hour until that time.

Welcome back, Carlo-sama. I waited for you.

Even if you call it a residence it wasnt really big.

Its no surprise that it is like that, Im an emerging, inexperienced noble after all.

Nals was also waiting there.

Lunos, how did the intelligence gathering at the ball go?

Everything went smoothly as I found a woman with a loose mouth. I shall make her talk tonight as well slowly.

As I expected, Lunos lady-killer skills could be useful as well.

But even I have a date today!4

I see, then please do that. Nals, how was the meeting with the Minister?

As I expected, Minister Walles is a capable person. Hes a formidable opponent but Ill be able to do something.

If this negotiation goes well we will gain more flexibility in our military reform and economic policies.

Understood. It should be fine as increasing our power to benefit the other side isnt a bad excuse.

As I was talking with Nals like that Lunos left.

Ill also use that as reference.

Shit, only 30 minutes left.

Lets leave it at that for today. Please give it your all tomorrow as well.

Certainly, good night

After I confirmed that Nals left and entered his room I hastily got ready to go out once again.

Of course, I changed my underwear as well. 5

Should I take my Oricalcum sword with me, just in case?

I quietly left my room and sneaked down the stairs.

In those days I still had friends.6

I tried to open the entrance door with the key as quietly as possible.

Squeeeek

Carlo-sama, are you going out this late at night?

Uwaaaa!!

Please stop that~ Im weak to those kinds of things.

When I looked closer he had his huge axe in his hand.

Do, Doji, huh? What are you doing here?

Lunos-sama told me to stand guard because we dont know if a noble might decide to attack us.

I see, the possibility for that to happen surely exists as I declared war just a while ago.

Though Im grateful that you are concerned about me but Im running out of time here.

Wheres Carlo-sama going?

No, its just some boorish business I have to take care of.

Hehe, its that kind of thing, huh? As I thought. Then let me accompany you.

Eh? N, no, but, thats

Isnt it fine? I wont tell anyone what I heard or saw, not even Lunos-sama or Pikaru-sama.

Well, is it alright because Doji is a character who admires Carlo a whole lot?

It cant be helped, I dont have time to persuade him so lets take him with me.

I got it, then come. Please keep this a secret.

I shall keep it a secret.

I hurried to the bridge as promised together with Doji.

Uwa, Im late.

Coming too late to ones first date is the worst in my opinion (cries).

Im sorry, I kept you waiting.

When I reached the promised place I saw a woman standing in the dark.

I let Doji stand close to me and called out to the woman.

No, Im sorry for calling you out at such an hour.

What business would you have with me this late at night?

Yes, theres something I want to ask Carlo-sama by all means.7

Shit, what does she want to ask me?

If she asks me that what should I answer? How did I answer in those games?

Why did you propose to Princess Charlotte?8

Ah, its about that, huh?

Well, of course, shed be bothered about it as that happened right in front of her.

I want to get engaged to Sharon because its necessary for the story.

But its not like I can tell Fraudia that. What should I do?

I didnt propose to her I asked His Majesty to get engaged to her, you should have heard that as well, Fraudia.

But isnt that the same as proposing? Why? This should have been the first time you met the Princess.

I cant make a wrong choice here.

Think carefully, dont make any mistakes, me.

Fraudia, can you promise me that you are absolutely loyal to Her Imperial Highness the Princess?

Of course. I value the Princess more than anything else.

Can you also promise me that youll never leak a secret if its asked of you?

If its for the princess good.

This girl is a smart child.

Of course, I cant tell her about the final part.

Got it. Then listen well to what I have to say now.