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 33

Indeed, as a nation regarded as a “major power” in the international community, the Vefeld Kingdom was bustling.

The streets were crowded with people, and shops and eateries lined as far as the eye could see.

While the tranquil and nature-filled Elf Kingdom had its charms, the lively Vefeld Kingdom had its appeals too. Given Yurisia’s attention on me, I couldn’t act carelessly, though.

“Surely, that person is the fifth prince…”

“Why is he with the Elf Kingdom’s queen…?”

As I made my way toward the palace, I garnered considerable attention from passersby.

Naturally.

In this world, I, Esmeralda, was infamously known as someone who was “incompetent” and “lazy”.

Probably, Yurisia and the other royal family members spread rumors to eliminate me from the struggle for the throne.

And here I was, parading through the town with the queen of the Elf Kingdom at my side.

It’s no wonder people were stunned.

“Kukkukku…”

Seeing the baffled citizens, I couldn’t help but be amused.

This would surely change the public’s perception of me. For Yurisia and those who wanted the people’s support, this was an unprecedented blow.

As a villainous prince, I needed to act as I pleased even during the Three Great Nations Summit.

“Esmeralda-sama, there is dust on your shoes.”

“Hm…?”

Walking through the town, Queen Clophe beside me commented.

“Please allow me a moment to clean them for you. Dust settling on Esmeralda-sama is absolutely absolutely absolutely absolutely absolutely intolerable.”

“Hm? Oh, all right…”

Indeed, we were about to meet representatives from various countries, so it made sense to maintain a presentable appearance. However, having the queen clean my shoes here was a bit too much…

Yet, before I could protest, Queen Clophe gracefully knelt and began wiping my shoes.

“Whoa…!”

Even the surrounding citizens’ exclamations of surprise seemed not to reach her.

“There, your shoes are polished. Now, no one can stand in the way of Esmeralda-sama’s path of conquest.”

“Ah, yes…”

Kukkukku…

I certainly hadn’t expected this, but well, it should serve as good publicity among the citizens.

Esmeralda, the fifth prince, leading the Elf Kingdom.

★　★　★

Now, one reason for the Vefeld Kingdom’s liveliness was undoubtedly today’s Three Great Nations Summit.

With representatives from each country gathering, the media from outside the three countries had also rushed over, and there were a few foreign visitors as well.

And, of course, the Vefeld Kingdom’s army was on high alert to ensure the representatives remained unharmed.

Especially around the palace, where the meeting would take place, the kingdom’s army kept a vigilant watch.

Normally, commoners could approach the palace gates, but even that was restricted today.

As Queen Clophe and I confidently approached the unusually empty palace gates,

“I am Esmeralda, the fifth prince. Yurisia, my sister, has called for me. Open the gates.”

Saying so, I showed the gatekeepers a piece of paper. It was the invitation to the conference, sent by Yurisia five days ago.

“As you command.”

The two soldiers at the gate straightened, then turned their attention to Queen Clophe.

“But, this lady here…”

“Can’t you see? She’s the queen of the Elf Kingdom, Clophe Luna Austria. My companion for this occasion.”

I said, and Queen Clophe behind me gave a slight bow.

But even then, the soldiers remained perplexed, unsure whether it was appropriate to let in the leader of an unrelated country to the high-security Three Great Nations Summit.

“What’s all this noise? What’s going on?”

At that moment, the First Princess of the Vefeld Kingdom—Yurisia Li Vefeld—appeared.