Reincarnated as the Hated Villainous Prince, I Thought I Could Live Freely in This Life, but Unconsciously Acted Like a Saint ~Trying to Create an Evil Kingdom, but for Some Reason I'm Highly Respected by Everyone~ - Chapter 2

“Alright…”

The honorific was a bit puzzling, but having successfully completed my training without incident, I clenched my right fist tightly and savored the afterglow of victory.

As I had thought, my body felt much lighter compared to my previous life.

What’s more, I was able to use magic easily on the first try, so it seems that I’m fitting into this world better than I expected.

And most importantly, the basic skills to bring the Sword Emperor Mirua to her knees…

Generally, Esmeralda is regarded as an “incompetent” and “lazy” person, but it seems that he must have originally had some excellent powers. If he had lived a little more seriously, he might have become a king capable of ruling a country…

…That’s right, why not try it…

“Status Open.”

As I chanted, familiar numbers appeared in my vision.

—

Esmeralda Dia Vefeld Level 3

Physical Attack Power: 102

Physical Defense Power: 97

Magical Attack Power: 142

Magical Defense Power: 87

Agility: 95

—

“What…?!”

This was indeed a surprise.

I can understand the low level, but the stats are too high.

Especially for the protagonist of the game, it wasn’t until the later double digits that the physical attack power finally exceeded 100.

To have stronger stats than the protagonist who would later save the world, what in the world…?!

“No, it was a complete defeat, Prince Esmeralda.”

While I was lost in thought, Mirua suddenly spoke from behind me.

“I never expected you to block all of my attacks and counter with ‘Dazzling Sakura Strike’. Have you been secretly training hard without me knowing?”

“As if I would do something so annoying.”

I did not know how to respond, but for now, I said something that Esmeralda would probably say in the story.

“No, my eyes cannot be deceived. The swordsmanship you just displayed is not something that can be performed by chance. Prince Esmeralda, you must be standing in the realm that only those who have trained diligently can reach.”

“…”

This is annoying.

Indeed, even the final boss in the story considered this Mirua to be a troublesome figure. I can’t fool her with a half-baked lie.

“Oh my, what do we have here, Esmeralda and Lady Mirua? What happened?”

Oops.

Princess Yurisia Li Vefeld, the first princess, appeared on the scene after hearing our commotion. She had long blonde hair that reached to her waist, and unlike me, she exuded “elegance” and “nobility”.

“Princess Yurisia, were you here?”

“Yes. I heard a rather loud noise for a training session, and it piqued my curiosity.”

“I apologize for the disturbance.”

With that, Sword Emperor Mirua bowed deeply.

“Actually, Prince Esmeralda has grown quite a bit since I last saw him… He managed to score a hit against me.”

“Esmeralda did…?”

Yurisia raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Meanwhile, she didn’t even look in my direction. It was an involuntary reaction that made it clear that she saw me – no, all of her siblings – as a threat to the throne.

“Fufu, is that so? Having such concern for the royal family is also why you are called the Sword Emperor, isn’t it?”

“…? No, I’m not worried, it’s just that Prince Esmeralda really…”

“Well then, I will apologize. Mirua, whenever you tire of entertaining… feel free to end the training.”

With a small bow, she turned and walked back through the door she had come from.

“…”

Surprised, Mirua stared at the door without moving an inch.

Her words were polite, but she clearly held a grudge against me. It must stem from the bloody struggle for the throne mentioned in the game’s setting.

…In this environment, it’s no surprise that Esmeralda’s mental state could collapse.

As the fifth prince and not the queen’s child, he had almost no chance of ascending the throne in the first place.

Yet he’s caught up in this meaningless power struggle, with no allies around him…

It’s quite understandable that he would lose his motivation for everything.

“Hahaha… Hahahaha…”

That’s why I couldn’t stop laughing.

Esmeralda Dia Vefeld, the tyrannical evil prince.

A prince disregarded by both royalty and citizens, fifth in line to the throne with no relation to the succession.

In other words, a position of great “power” but virtually no “responsibility”.

So I can live as I please. Waking up when I want, eating what I want, keeping the women I like around me, and acquiring what I want – this lifestyle isn’t bad at all. Compared to the miserable days of my previous life, this is practically heaven. No wonder I can’t help laughing.

“…”

While I’m lost in my own amusement, I suddenly notice that Mirua is still standing by my side.

“What’s wrong? Training’s over, isn’t it? Why don’t you go back?”

“No… Even in such a situation, Your Highness doesn’t seem the least bit disturbed… In fact, you seem completely calm and composed.”

“Huh…?”

“I believe that a true Sword Emperor should always remain undisturbed and calm in any situation… After witnessing your swordplay just now, it’s possible that you’ve already surpassed me.”

“What are you talking about? I’m just…”

“That’s why I need to see it for myself. I want to see what Prince Esmeralda, who has been secretly training, will do next.”

What’s this all about? I haven’t done any special training, yet she says all this. And for some reason, Mirua’s eyes light up with excitement.

She’s usually so arrogant, so oblivious to others, and yet…

“…I don’t quite understand, but are you trying to become my subordinate?”

“I suppose so. To put it bluntly, that’s what it seems like.”

I see. A villainous prince with the Sword Emperor as his subordinate. I can’t understand why she had such a change of heart, but it’s a pretty cool turn of events.

“Hmph,” I grin and declare with a wave of my cloak, “Very well, follow me, Sword Emperor Mirua. You will be the first to join my ranks.”

—

Author note: The reasons for Mirua’s loyalty to our protagonist will be revealed in the next chapter!