A Famous Traitor and Treacherous Genius

48 – Princesses at Orphanage (6)

The imperial palace, the crown prince’s office.

Slowly, slowly.

A spacious room where only the sound of dishes rings quietly.

A middle-aged man with navy blue hair and wearing a military uniform moves silver utensils and cuts food in a white bowl.

Pooh-ooh.

Something grayish-white with white steam rising.

Oil flows out between the well-cooked meat, and the man picks up a small glass bottle next to him and pours the red sauce inside directly.

“Hmm, hmm, hmm.”

The moment I let out a low hum, cut it into bite-sized pieces and lightly picked up a piece of meat with a fork.

Kwa-eu-ang!

Roughly, the door to the office opens.

“Crown Prince—!”

“…Ha.”

Letting out a sharp scream, a white-haired lady with slightly wrinkled mouth walked in stride.

“I’m trying to set the mood and have fun.”

“Is it true that you sent Astasia to Gibraltar?!”

“That’s right. Ah, stop.”

As the woman walked to the center of the office, the middle-aged crown prince raised his hand to block her.

“Isabella. If you come any closer, I will think it is an assassination and shoot you.”

“…I am your wife! I mean the crown princess!!”

“Of all the women, she is only one of the most noble lineage.”

“This, this…!”

The Crown Princess, Isabella, clasped her white gloved hands.

Her whole body was expressing anger, but she could no longer take her steps forward.

“It’s a good choice.”

Because the crown prince was fiddling with a fork covered in red sauce.

If I had taken just one step closer, that fork would have been lodged right in my throat, heart or between the eyebrows.

“I’ll give you 15 minutes. Still, she’s your wife, so I guess she can’t spare that much in 24 hours.”

“…Sent her imperial granddaughter to Gibraltar. Do you think this makes sense?”

“Are you asking about my intentions? Or are you asking about Erwin’s intentions?”

“Two, both.”

“I see. Nothing special.”

The crown prince lightly lifted the wine glass placed next to her.

“Erwin wanted to take Astasia away from me somehow. And she gave me a suitable reason.”

“Justice?”

“The children who went to Gibraltar, including Astacia, will be able to seduce the children of the Earl of Gibraltar.”

“Erwin, did that woman say those things…?”

“I guess she wants to steal her daughter even to that extent. It’s foolish.”

The crown prince grinned as he filled her glass with red wine.

“According to calculations, the success rate is about 0.3%, But if it succeeds, it is truly a miracle.”

“Well, if that happens….”

“When I become emperor, the right to succession to the first imperial throne will naturally pass to Astasia.”

“No!!”

Isabella shouted urgently-

“Oh, not Astasia! I have my children!!”

She took a step back and got down on her knees.

“Is it okay for me to come forward and beg like this, even though I don’t have the confidence to kneel down?”

“Please, please! Give Isaac and Francesca a chance too!”

“Isaac, Francesca. Hmm…”

The crown prince frowns.

She twirls her wine glass and loses herself in her thoughts, as if tracing her memory and finding her information in a bundle of her papers.

“…Ah, yes. They are truly noble children, just like you. They have no value other than being noble.”

“Bloodline is valuable!”

“Are you a royal family because you were born to a crown prince? No, no. You are a noble family because you were born to noble parents? It’s an old way of thinking, like the Kingdom of Nostrum. Marquis Isabella.”

“I am the Crown Princess!!”

The crown prince openly laughed at Isabella.

“His Majesty the Emperor has already approved the imperial granddaughter’s study abroad in Gibraltar, and I personally also have great expectations. Since I am officially absent for a while, if I say anything… It will be considered treason.”

“Woe to the vacancy of the granddaughter…!”

“It is your mistake to think that Francesca can fill her. If she is a mother, shouldn’t she be more dispassionate about her child’s talents?”

The crown prince shook his head as if he was truly sorry.

“You should not let your children even look at a tree they cannot climb. Rather than giving your children empty dreams and making them frustrated and despairing, you should rather let them know their purpose and find happiness in a life that suits their purpose.”

“…….”

“Personally, I’m curious. What if? This is really just a what if.”

The crown prince dipped her fork into her flesh again and grinned.

“If Astacia succeeds in seducing the son of the Earl of Gibraltar, won’t Gibraltar actually become an autonomous territory of the Empire?”

“…….”

“I’m really anxious. Would you like to go to Nostrum this time? You never know. Your temptation might make the Crimson Margrave of Gibraltar think about an affair.”

“Is that what you want to say to the Crown Princess…?!”

“You may have forgotten, but if you hadn’t risked her lineage and fallen, the crown princess position wouldn’t have been yours.”

“Erwin, that woman…!”

“No.”

Suddenly.

“It’s not just Erwin.”

The crown prince took a large bite of his flesh and continued.

“Besides you, there are tons of people who could be crown princess.”

“…….”

“And if Astasia really succeeds in seducing Gibraltar…”

The crown prince wiped his mouth with a napkin and smiled.

“Erwin will become empress.”

* * *

Send girls to the Earl of Gibraltar and bewitch them with beauty.

“In the name of… I have now succeeded in getting the children out.”

Inside the container, Gray Gibraltar was talking for a moment with her girls.

“I didn’t know how to be honest.”

“That’s how transparent transactions become.”

Chairman Erwin clearly explained everything in a separate conversation with the Crimson Margrave.

“The situation in the empire is complicated. The crown prince… Is not a normal person in many ways.”

“Hmm….”

“You may not understand the Count, but there are children in the world who are not born out of love. Oh, of course I love my daughter.”

“Of course, it’s a bit difficult to understand.”

The Marquis was as quiet as possible and took out an object from his arms.

“This is what you asked for. This will be the cornerstone of our transaction with you.”

Chairman Erwin received the object the Count took out, a camera, with a surprised look on his face.

“Did you really take the photo?”

“It looks as natural as possible, as if it was filmed by a secret agent. Gray also filmed it, so it won’t be awkward.”

“…I hope it passes well.”

In the camera, there were several photos taken of the Crimson Margrave from very far away.

“There is no close distance…?”

“These are photos taken outside the range that a Sword Master would normally see. They say that if you take the photos from close up, you may be suspected.”

“Is it gray?”

“That’s right.”

The face was hard to see because it was taken from so far away, but the color of the hair was vivid.

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“I will tell Gray the situation. Gray will be able to act appropriately seduced without hurting his feelings.”

“…I’m sorry. I really didn’t want to do it like this.”

“It’s within the limits that Gibraltar can accept, so you don’t have to worry too much about it. Instead.”

“Yes. Later, as soon as an agreement is concluded in the southern part of the country and permission for commerce is granted, we will open a mart – no, a department store.”

“Hmm. And….”

The Crimson Margrave thought for a moment.

“I would like you to create an identity for the child. An orphan born in the empire.”

“Yes?”

“Because a situation like that arose.”

He pointed to the carriage behind him.

“Wait a moment.”

Although there was quite a distance to the carriage, the Margrave quickly went to the carriage, escorted a girl, and brought her with him.

“My name is Jabeth. I’m 13 years old.”

“…Wait a minute. Who is this person?”

“…….”

The Margrave closed his eyes for a moment, and Chairman Erwin quickly looked the girl named ‘Jabeth’ up and down.

“…Blonde green eyes are common, but it’s not really a problem. I won’t ask for details.”

“It could be great intelligence for the empire.”

“Don’t worry, I have no intention of helping the crown prince. Instead, we have to do our part as well…”

“It’s just a secret between Gibraltar and Ipheria.”

The change encyclopedia and the chairman looked at each other and then lightly nodded at the same time.

“Then what I’m taking you with is… no, that doesn’t make sense.”

“Let’s say we sent 11 people, not 10.”

“But I heard that the number of children in the orphanage is 10.”

“It’s okay because adding one more person doesn’t change anything. This kid here is the same, and the kids in the container over there are the same.”

The Margrave swallowed his saliva for a moment.

“I will think of you as the daughter I had with my wife.”

“Thank you. Sincerely. Well, it’s a bit awkward to say this.”

Chairman Erwin took out a new camera from his arms and gave it to the change bag, smiling lowly.

“If we really end up in that kind of relationship, then please be kind to me. I might have to defect to Nostrum.”

“It could be the opposite.”

“hahahahaha! Count, you’re joking too.”

“Heh.”

The Crimson Margrave received the camera, quickly put it in the carriage and returned.

“Then the job is to move the entire container…”

“Ah.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“…Is there only one horse?”

“…….”

There is only one horse tied to the carriage.

“…If you just drag that around, it’s bound to attract attention.”

“Putting them on that carriage….”

“It’s impossible because it seats 4 people.”

“Uh, um… I shouldn’t ask him to drag me around… Right?”

And the horse must have already felt like he had to pull it, so he turned his head away from the container and kept looking at the floor.

“I can’t help it. I’ll take care of it so you don’t get caught, so you can go. If you have anything to say to the kids, say it now.”

“Uhm, no. Even if you don’t do that, it seems like your son is already comforting you well.”

Chairman Erwin pointed inside the container.

“Even though we’re talking like this, you’re still in there, right?”

* * *

‘Concentrate. Come to your senses, Gray.’

I met Astasia, but first I have to do what I have to do.

“Others, please introduce yourself.”

“Uh…Over there….”

“Don’t ask. I don’t allow you to ask questions.”

The girls had a hunch.

Astasia also stepped aside for a moment due to my actions.

“When asked, answer. I don’t like saying things twice.”

My attitude towards Astasia is completely different from theirs.

“Okay. It might be a little strange, right? Let’s listen to the introduction and then talk.”

Those who are quick to notice are just wondering, and those who don’t know are looking at other girls and exchanging glances.

“Introduce the external identity of you who were sent here so that I can understand.”

“!!”

“Don’t do foolish tricks.”

After exchanging glances, the nine imperial orphans began to talk about their backgrounds one by one.

A child who grew up in a beggar’s den.

A child who grew up without a father and then entered a remarried family and was abandoned.

A child who grew up in an orphanage from birth, but moved into a dormitory with the help of Iferia.

“…Indeed. Now I know. Your identity.”

While the adults were talking outside, I completed the census of the children, starting with Astasia.

“I don’t know my biological father, and my hometown, background, and age are all different. I was taken in by Chairman Erwin and grew up in an elementary and intermediate academy dormitory, and then I was chosen and brought to Gibraltar.”

Several girls nod their heads.

“There is one more thing in common.”

“Yes?”

“You are all spies sent by the empire.”

“…….”

No one could open their mouths.

“It looks like you’ve hit the nail on the head and are embarrassed, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to kick you out or abandon you. … I listen to what people say until the end.”

The oldest girl tried to run at me, but I immediately held out my hand.

“Whether you are spies, stealing information or bewitching people, I will not be involved.”

“What…?”

“And I have to say something.”

After I took a moment to catch my breath.

“Please, please, can you sit in front of me?”

“Why?”

Astasia asks, trailing off her words.

Right next to me, sitting on the box, moving his legs back and forth.

“Because I’m crazy.”

“I’m just watching from the best view?”

“Please sit down with me. Please.”

I asked Astasia, who was sitting on the box right next to me and looking at me the whole time.

“I have already figured out that you are the imperial granddaughter.”

“Eh, really?! There’s no way the chairman would have told me?!”

“Gibraltar knows more than you think. That you are the imperial granddaughter and that they are the ones who came to assist you.”

And not only are they candidates for the position of counselor, but they are also candidates who want to take the position of the granddaughter when given the opportunity.

‘Everyone is trying to hide it, but their eyes are full of greed.’

I can see it.

Putting everything else aside, the fundamental ‘desire’ in their hearts.

And about three.

‘The shadows are also mixed.’

A faint scent secretly hidden in your arms.

“Your Highness Astasia. When it’s just the Margrave and I, you can tell the truth as it is. The distinction should be… The opposite of respect.”

“If you face each other respectfully, Your Majesty, if you face the other side, you are a slave, right?”

“…Not a slave.”

“Alas! He was an orphan! By the way. hehehe. Should I call him master then?”

“…Let’s talk about titles as we go.”

If you continue talking to Astasia, she will stop you in many ways.

“Huh, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

“…Your Highness is making my head hurt right now.”

The more I talk, the more I see ‘her’.

“Your Highness. I will give you some time later, so would you please cooperate for now?”

“Hmm….”

“Please, princess.”

“Wow!”

Astasia raised her arms with sparkling eyes.

“I can’t help it if it’s the prince’s request! Be quiet, Hap!”

And she covered her mouth with both hands and her eyes sparkled.

“Yes, well done.”

“Hmph.”

It seemed like he was asking, ‘Did I do well?’

“…Then, again.”

I turned to the girls who were her orphans and her spies.

“The same goes for you. Tell everyone else your ‘identity’ as is, but never let them know that you are an informant for the empire. Of course, you will not be treated with any respect.”

Everyone seems to understand, but looks puzzled.

“Why? Why did you accept it even though you knew that you were agents of the empire? There may be many reasons…”

I lightly raised one hand.

“Tools.”

The emperor said.

“Don’t try to understand your head.”

“……!!”

If you can’t understand, it’s easier to make it unnecessary to understand.

Tools are meant to be used, not questioned.

“I’ll put everything else away, because I just hate things that are bothersome in many ways. Well… I’ll talk about the details while we go.”

Just then, footsteps are heard outside.

“Is the story over?”

“Yes.”

When my father entered the container.

“It was just as you said.”

“Huh….”

The girls immediately focus their attention on their father.

“You can explain the details on your own. There will be plenty of time along the way.”

“Yes.”

A little bit bitter.

After setting the mood as best as I could, one look at my father’s face made the spies shut their mouths and become ready to listen.

I guess I still can’t beat the face of an adult?

“What about Chairman Erwin?”

“He went first. He….”

“I already said goodbye before the gate opened! It’s okay!”

Astasia responded by raising her hand, then she got down from her box, put her hands together, and bent her waist to 90 degrees.

“Thank you, Count!!”

“…Ah, yes.”

After my father looked at Astasia and me for a moment.

“… Bitter. No way. Probably not.”

“What kind of nonsense is this?”

“It’s nothing. Rather, something difficult happened.”

Behind her father, Princess Naria pointed to the carriage.

“The horse ran away. He cut off the reins himself.”

Front of the carriage.

Only the frayed reins and the prints of her horse’s hoofs remained.

“…Who did the horse training?”

“That’s right. I’m surprised because this is my first time experiencing something like this.”

The horse ran away.

He looks at the size of the container and seems surprised that he has to pull it himself –

‘You’re scared because of the magic engine power.’

Although it is turned off now, the vibration of the engine that moves this container scared me and I ran away.

“Gray, just wait for now. After I go to the mansion, I will speak to you about five words-“

“Father.”

I got off the container, approached the carriage, and loosened the horse’s reins.

“If you do that, other people will get caught. You know that we have to deal with this quietly now, right?”

Tightly tied to the container connector.

“Turn it off.”

I handed the rope to my father.

“I can’t stay here forever. On this cold night. I can’t make everyone catch a cold.”

It’s not like it doesn’t have wheels.

“Even if we talk, let’s talk while drinking some warm cocoa. Not here. Yes?”

“…Get on.”

About 30 minutes later.

A wheeled container carrying 12 children passed through a canyon and arrived at an orphanage.