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 43

—The person who called in the Holy Empire Party was none other than Yurisia’s butler—

This fact, of course, gave a huge shock to the conference participants.

“Why would they summon terrorists to the Three Great Nations Summit hosted in their own country…?”

“Did they want to eliminate us here…?”

Thus, various words started to be exchanged among the participants.

…Well, that’s quite natural.

Yurisia just now clearly disliked being probed about the “mastermind of the incident.” She was desperate to divert the topic.

And it wasn’t just Yurisia, but King Shudrich too.

Both Yurisia and King Shudrich pushed to change the subject of Yurisia’s overly unnatural attempt to sidetrack the conversation—

Given the circumstances that have unfolded, it’s hard to believe butler Hams’s villainy was “carried out alone.” It seems it could only be construed as a conspiracy involving the state.

Kukkukku, truly foolish individuals.

To dig their own graves, they are worse than villains.

I managed to suppress the emerging smirk as I addressed Yurisia.

“For now, dear sister, it seems necessary to thoroughly investigate this matter. After all, it’s an incident caused by your very own butler.”

“Uuuuuu…”

Given all that’s transpired, there’s no room left for excuses.

“The esteemed Yurisia, once hailed as the future queen… why…?”

“Perhaps for the throne struggle, wasn’t it…?”

As whispers began to circulate, Yurisia collapsed to her knees.

“…Why?”

Then, she muttered softly.

“Esmeralda. Until recently, you had completely lost your motivation. You had abandoned all studies and training, withdrawn from the struggle for the throne, even came to be called the incompetent prince… Why, all of a sudden…?”

“Fufu, such a foolish question. I simply wanted to touch all the world’s bre—”

“—It’s simple, Princess Yurisia.”

Just as I was about to proudly proclaim “I just wanted to touch all the world’s breasts”, the tactless Queen Clophe interrupted.

“Esmeralda-sama is simply magnanimous. Even if it doesn’t greatly benefit himself, he has significantly developed the Elf Kingdom. Now, all elves respect him, while he himself lives a modest life. …Isn’t that amazing?”

“…”

“That must be because of the ‘struggle for the throne’ as you mentioned, Princess Yurisia. Only because Esmeralda-sama has experienced the toughest times can he understand others better than anyone. ―Otherwise, he would not have become such a wise ruler.”

“Ah…”

Oi, what’s this?

I was just trying to establish a dictatorship, and now the mood’s turned all sentimental.

But regardless of my internal state, Queen Clophe just turned around to give me a bright smile.

“—Therefore, I have decided. I want to place my Elf Kingdom under Esmeralda-sama’s rule. I will follow Esmeralda-sama for life and witness the world he creates.”

“I, I am…”

Yurisia, looking at me with somewhat vacant eyes.

“Have I forgotten it somehow…? The important thing a person standing above others should possess?”

No, I have no clue about that.

I left behind anything like a ‘heart’ in my previous life as a corporate slave.

…Or so I wanted to say, but I couldn’t quite voice it out in this serious atmosphere.

Being the villainous prince I am, I have to read the room.

“Ha ha, indeed. Recently, you’ve been too arrogant, sister. And that arrogance has undoubtedly led to your downfall.”

“…”

“But I understand. Sister, you are a kind person by nature. You spent your childhood amidst the struggle for the throne, where you had no choice but to kill your own heart. ―Isn’t that right?”

“Uuuu…”

“So please, if there’s any sin you are aware of, confess it honestly. And after atoning for all your sins, fulfill the mission you were originally supposed to accomplish.”

“Uuuuuuu…!”

With that, Yurisia’s tears flowed freely.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she began to sob loudly.

“I’m sorry. It was all my fault. The right one was Esmeralda…‼”

Clap, clap, clap, clap, someone started applauding.

And with that as a trigger, everyone observing the situation began to shower me with applause and cheers.

“No, no, bravo…!”

“That is truly a wise ruler indeed…‼”

“Esmeralda-sama is so cool…! I must have him touch my breasts tonight…‼”

Because of such high praise, I felt unbearably awkward.