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 34

“Huh? E-Esmeralda…?”

Yurisia, who had appeared from the royal castle, widened her eyes at the sight of me.

Naturally, her gaze also fell on Queen Clophe.

“What’s the meaning of this? Is that person…”

“Oh dear, didn’t you say it yourself, sister? If I felt uneasy, I could bring along any companion of my choosing.”

“…”

Kukkukku, she’s troubled.

If this had been a commoner, she could have easily dismissed them, but the counterpart is the queen of the Elf Kingdom.

Her position is above Yurisia’s so she can’t just disregard her.

“Is this our first encounter… Yurisia Li Vefeld. It’s a pleasure to introduce myself, I am Clophe Luna Austria.”

Queen Clophe, on the other hand, greeted Yurisia without flinching. True to her position as the top of the Elf Kingdom, her courage surpasses that of Yurisia.

“The Elf Kingdom isn’t qualified to participate in the conference, but I’ve wanted to get close to Lady Yurisia for some time now, for various reasons…”

“Ugh…!”

This is incredible.

I hadn’t planned this far, but Queen Clophe is quite the schemer herself.

Even though she doesn’t excel in combat like Mirua or Rofemia, she too is a competent subordinate.

Kukkukku… Yurisia is pale-faced.

My guess alone but, she probably assumed I would bring Mirua along.

Esmeralda is weak in the struggle for royal power.

Therefore, it would be sensible to have someone with extraordinary combat power as a bodyguard.

But now, there’s no need for that.

Thanks to the special training in the Elf Kingdom, my level has increased as well.

And I have a good idea of what to expect from the upcoming conference.

To stir the Three Great Nations Summit, certainly, there’s no one more suitable than Queen Clophe.

“Understood. Please come inside.”

“Hehe, I appreciate it, sister.”

With a smile, I answered and stepped through the gate of the royal castle for the first time in about a month.

The Three Great Nations Summit is said to start in about an hour.

I thought I’d have to greet King Shudrich beforehand, but Yurisia said he’s already engaged in unofficial talks.

So, without having a prior chat with my father, I’m unexpectedly heading straight into the conference.

…Well, I despise that old man more than Yurisia.

The less involved I am with him, the better.

And so, we ended up waiting inside the waiting room for the time being.

Kukkukku…

If the conference goes well, my kingdom could expand further.

Sorry to Clophe, but for my kingdom’s construction, I’ll have her tag along for a while longer.

Thinking this, I couldn’t help but let a wicked smile cross my face.

★　★　★

I—Clophe Luna Austria—came to strongly realize just how wonderful Esmeralda-sama is.

The Summit of the Three Great Nations, where the heads of three countries meet.

I was aware of its existence, but why Esmeralda-sama wanted to participate…

Initially, I couldn’t comprehend.

Yurisia is an unforgivable foe for Esmeralda-sama and the elves.

Although she speaks of “securing Esmeralda-sama’s position in the international community” with pleasing words, it surely can’t be just that.

There must be some vile scheme in place to entrap us.

Using the Three Great Nations Summit as an excuse, she’s undoubtedly aiming to bring us down.

At least, that’s what I thought, and I’m sure Esmeralda-sama suspects as much.

That Yurisia will definitely lay some trap during this international conference.

Yet, even so, Esmeralda-sama remained composed.

Regardless of the curious glances from those around him.

No matter what unfounded rumors were spread about him.

Esmeralda-sama marched through the town unafraid.

And then, stood before that hateful woman at the front of the royal castle.

The First Princess who had abducted many of our elf people and killed them—Yurisia Li Vefeld.

Surely, to Esmeralda-sama too, she must be a terrifying opponent… but yet again, Esmeralda-sama wasn’t intimidated.

There, I realized.

Esmeralda-sama must absolutely absolutely absolutely absolutely absolutely absolutely be terrified of Princess Yurisia, but still chose to confront her… for us elves.

To rescue us from hardship, he deliberately ventured into the dangerous area.

Thinking back, it’s always been like this.

Even though there was no benefit to him, he went to defeat the evil ogre himself.

Even if it meant throwing his own life away, he protected a child from the flame of the Blood Death Dragon.

Without demanding his own exclusive room, he devoted himself to strengthening the Elf Kingdom.

Esmeralda-sama has always helped me unconditionally.

Even when there was no benefit to him, he dedicated his time and effort for us.

So surely—this too was an unconditional action.

Knowing there’s a danger scheme and still boldly accepting Yurisia’s proposition.

And now, again, trying to assist the Elf Kingdom unconditionally.

Truly… I’m fortunate to have encountered such a remarkable person.

Different entirely from the other royalties of the Vefeld Kingdom.

Therefore, we elves must also act.

Even if it means the Elf Kingdom suffers a loss, we must dedicate ourselves to Esmeralda-sama forever.

Of course, without demanding any compensation from him.

Even now, he is trying to help us unconditionally.

Before I knew it, almost an hour had passed, lost in these thoughts.

“It’s time. Let’s go.”

“Yes!”

Being called by my dearly, dearly, dearly, dearly, dearly, dearly beloved Esmeralda-sama, we left the waiting room.