The Villainous Lady Doesn't Speak chapter 199

 Chapter 199: Prelude to the Game 7

The personnel reforms in the Royal Court and the Knightly Order were completed with less turmoil than Riley and his allies had anticipated. However, they had not been able to completely oust the Grand Duke’s faction. Riley, sitting on a sofa in his office with Austin, was receiving an explanation from Clyde that included some behind-the-scenes details. With the Investiture Ceremony fast approaching, Clyde and Austin were being increasingly relied upon as Riley’s most promising close aides. Lucian, who had been conducting background checks on civil officials, military officers, and knights alongside Clyde, had been summoned by his father, Margrave Kennys, and had returned to his domain.

Clyde handed a concise report to Riley and spoke in a flat tone.

“Those with clear violations have been dismissed, but those without evidence have been relegated to trivial posts under suitable pretexts. However, such men are merely the lizard’s tail. The more important the position, the more likely it is held by someone with ties to the Grand Duke’s faction who shows us no weakness.”

“—Earl Mellars and Marquis Scone come to mind,” Riley grunted with a troubled look. He had intelligence indicating that both men were part of the Grand Duke’s faction. Austin, whose physique had filled out considerably since his growth spurt, had his hair, which he was growing out in the style of a Magic Knight, tied back in a single tail. He furrowed his brow and glanced at Riley.

“Wait a sec, I’ve heard rumors about Marquis Scone. But the Chancellor, too?”

“Even my ‘Shadows’ have yet to find conclusive proof. But Margrave Kennys sent word to be wary of him.”

Of course, Margrave Kennys hadn’t visited Riley in person. His son, Lucian, had come to report on the recent border incursion by the neighboring country and had slipped the warning into their conversation as if it were idle chatter.

Austin muttered, “I see,” with a complex expression.

“If the Margrave is investigating, it’s probably reliable.”

Among those who brought warnings to Riley’s ear were some who sought to sow suspicion and endanger the positions of their political rivals. But the Margrave had no need for such schemes, and his heir, Lucian, was not a man to act rashly. Clyde nodded in agreement and spoke.

“That is why we are continuing to gather information on Earl Mellars and Marquis Scone. However, both seem to be of a very cautious nature and are difficult to pin down.”

“Might be their business partners who trip up and show their true colors first,” Austin said with a grin. As if on cue, Clyde also let a smile slip, a rare expression for him these days, having become so adept at concealing his inner thoughts. Riley, too, chuckled deep in his throat.

“In that case, we need not rush. We already have one who’s dancing naked, completely unaware that his horse costume has fallen off.”

“Oi, a crown prince shouldn’t be talking about dancing naked. You’ll make the noble ladies and young misses faint.”

Austin shot Riley an exasperated look, but the smile on his face robbed it of any credibility. The only reason Riley, who never set foot in the commoners’ districts, knew such phrases was entirely thanks to the widely-traveled Austin. You’re the one who taught me, Riley thought, giving Austin a small glare, but he was still smiling as he turned his gaze to Clyde.

“How are things with the Knightly Order?”

“Progress there is relatively smooth as well, but the Eighth Brigade is proving to be a challenge.”

“Bruno Scone…”

Hearing Clyde’s words, Austin grimaced bitterly. The captain of the Eighth Brigade was none other than Bruno, the second son of Marquis Scone, who was suspected of being part of the Grand Duke’s faction. Had Thomas Hegarty become Commander earlier, Bruno would likely never have been promoted to captain, but he had secured the position just before then. The previous Commander, while a man of deep loyalty, had no interest in political strife. As such, he had appointed Bruno based purely on his qualities and abilities.

Clyde narrowed his eyes and added succinctly,

“His abilities certainly make him suitable for the position of Eighth Brigade Captain, but in the current situation, it is a problem to have a man suspected of ties to the Grand Duke’s faction in that seat. He could glean information and create a situation disadvantageous to Your Highness.”

“It’s possible,” Austin interjected, glancing at Riley, “that Bruno Scone was the one who deep-sixed the Commander’s written orders for your protection the other day.”

“We investigated that possibility, but unfortunately, we found no evidence whatsoever. In fact, we couldn’t even find the order itself.”

“What did you say?”

Austin’s eyes widened at Clyde’s explanation.

No order—that would mean the Commander had never ordered Riley’s protection. If the Advisory Council were to learn of this, it would become convenient material for impeachment for the nobles who disliked Hegarty. Seeing the face of Austin, who respected Commander Hegarty above all else, turn grim, Riley chuckled wryly and placated his childhood friend. “Calm down, Austin.”

“The Commander is not at a disadvantage. Multiple people saw him issue the order, and their testimony has been recorded.”

“That’s a relief.”

Austin let out a deep breath, visibly relieved.

Commander Hegarty, along with Second Brigade Captain Danhill Calvert, had been impeached for needlessly sacrificing sorcerers and knights during the suppression of the monster attack four years ago. At the time, thanks to the intervention of Duke Clark and Marquis Finch, they were not charged with any crime, but the man who had impeached them, Ministry of Magic Director Nicholas Bergson, still held his post. It was clear that if Bergson got wind of this new matter, he would seize upon it with glee.

“Still, that leaves the question of who hid the order. It was probably Bruno Scone, but… does an Eighth Brigade Captain have that much authority?”

Riley voiced the question with a look of genuine curiosity. It wasn't directed at anyone in particular, but it was Austin, a member of the Knightly Order, who answered. He spoke with a firm tone, even as he appeared to be thinking.

“His authority is no different from any other captain’s. But the Eighth Brigade itself was formed for the purpose of investigating and suppressing treasonous organizations engaged in espionage and sabotage. This means its captain is, to some extent, well-versed in such covert activities.”

“I see. So he’s the right man for the job in more ways than one.”

When Riley said this bitterly, Clyde’s expression showed he was nursing a headache as he agreed.

Bruno Scone had been appointed captain of the Eighth Brigade because he was suited for the role. This meant he was the knight currently in the order with the deepest knowledge of covert operations. At the same time, it was precisely because he was that man that he could have made the Commander’s written order disappear without a trace.

“If the son is a dead end, what about the father? He may be cautious, but the Marquis himself might have slipped up somewhere.”

It was Riley who pointed this out. Judging from his remarks in the Advisory Council, Marquis Scone did not seem as meticulous as his son. Clyde appeared to have had the same thought and nodded quietly.

“We will place the Marquis under constant surveillance.”

“Yes, that would be best. I want to have a firm grasp of the situation by the time of the Investiture Ceremony.”

As Riley spoke with a sigh, not only Clyde but Austin as well adopted a solemn expression. If the Grand Duke’s faction was planning something, it would likely be before the ceremony, but if that failed, they might try to make a move on the day itself. They could not afford to show the foreign dignitaries their country’s internal strife. If it were laid bare that there was conflict within the kingdom, it would give the neighboring Yunatian Empire, in particular, a perfect opportunity to invade. The Empire was likely aware of the kingdom’s internal affairs to some extent, but they did not want to disgrace themselves in front of esteemed guests.

“Though, it seems highly likely the esteemed guest arriving from the Empire will be the Second Prince.”

“Prince Roland?”

Austin, who apparently had not heard this, looked at Riley with wide eyes. Riley nodded.

They had initially received intelligence that the first prince of the Yunatian Empire would be attending the Investiture Ceremony. Although there had been no formal notification, there were sources of information other than official letters. But for the last six months, it seemed there had been a series of assassination attempts against the first prince. Assassinations were easier to carry out in a foreign country than in one’s own. For that reason, reports indicated that the second prince, Roland Dille Unakaytis, was increasingly likely to attend in his older brother’s stead.

“That’s right. When the Margrave’s neighbor invaded his lands, we were notified that his trip abroad would be canceled for safety reasons—but it seems circumstances have changed on their end as well.”

As Riley answered, Clyde interjected.

“It is not yet confirmed, but there are rumors that the first prince is in critical condition.”

“—Critical condition? Is that true?”

“We are currently confirming the situation, but—unfortunately, information regarding the first prince is under strict control.”

Riley’s eyes widened in spite of himself, but Clyde remained calm and explained the situation matter-of-factly. He had heard that the first prince was indeed the most powerful contender for the imperial throne. If his life was in danger, the Empire would be thrown into further chaos. Unlike the Kingdom of Slibegrad, that country had a great number of heirs to the throne, and greedy princes and princesses were constantly watching for any weakness in their political rivals.

“Understood. Keep me informed as soon as you have more details.”

“As you wish.”

Clyde gave a firm nod to Riley’s request. He had already planned to report to Riley once the information was more certain. There was no reason to refuse.

＊＊＊＊＊

On that day, with the Investiture Ceremony a month away, Austin Ealdred, along with several other knights, was heading to the throne room. Not only knights, but also a young sorcerer who had apparently belonged to the Ministry of Magic, walked at the very end of the line.

All of them were dressed not in the familiar black uniforms of the Knightly Order or the robes of a sorcerer, but in lavish outfits based in white and red. It was a new design, created for the selection of Riley’s royal guard. The most significant difference from the order’s uniform was the mantle draped over the left shoulder. It was unnecessary for daily duties, but apparently mandatory for formal dress.

With tense expressions, they all stepped into the throne room. The throne itself was empty, as the King was still confined to his sickbed, but in the ornate chair placed beside it sat Crown Prince Riley Williams Slibegrad. Earl Mellars, as Chancellor, stood at Riley’s side. Then, the Chancellor solemnly declared the beginning of the investiture.

The ceremony for knighthood itself was conducted when one joined the Knightly Order and graduated from being an apprentice. This time, however, it was a ritual to mark their selection as royal guards. As such, it was somewhat simplified compared to a formal investiture. Even so, Austin’s cheeks were slightly flushed with a mixture of nervousness and exhilaration.

“As of this day, I hereby appoint the following five individuals as the royal guards of His Highness the Crown Prince.”

As each name was called, the figures clad in white answered briefly. Just as Riley had declared that age and lineage would not be a factor, the youngest was Austin at fourteen, and among the knights was one of common birth. But without a doubt, all of them had sworn their loyalty to Riley and were experts in their respective fields.

When Earl Mellars finished calling the names, Riley stood and took a step forward.

When Austin’s turn came, his eyes met Riley’s. Neither’s expression changed, but their eyes spoke volumes.

Finally, we’ve made it this far.

For Austin, this was a stage he had long dreamed of. He had always wished to become Riley’s royal guard and had worked tirelessly towards that goal, and Riley, too, had believed that the day would surely come when Austin would serve him as a close aide and royal guard.

And more than anything, it had been the fervent wish of Duke Ealdred, who had fallen to an assassin’s blade. From the moment Austin had said he wanted to be Riley’s royal guard, the Duke had supported and guided his son. He had always encouraged him, telling him he would surely become a royal guard.

“Thou who art about to become my knight, uphold the truth and swear fealty to the one who shall be thy master.”

Riley lightly tapped Austin’s neck with the flat of his sword, then offered the sword to him. With a tense expression, Austin accepted the sword and sheathed it at his hip.

The investiture proceeded solemnly and then came to an end.

On this day, the Royal Guard of Crown Prince Riley Williams Slibegrad of the Kingdom of Slibegrad was born. One among them was Austin Ealdred—a boy who would one day be renowned as the kingdom’s greatest Magic Knight.

※Since this is an otome game setting, the knighting ceremony is designed to be visually appealing. Please ignore historical accuracy.

Toc

chapter 200