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 44

Well.

With Yurisia’s case settled for now, next up is the king of Vefeld—rather, Shudrich Sia Vefeld.

In terms of maliciousness alone, this guy is far worse.

Yurisia continued to kidnap elves for the throne struggle, and even tried to kill the representatives of various countries at this conference. King Shudrich knew about it and deliberately ignored it.

—Such a person has no right to be king—

It’s only natural for public opinion to sway this way.

“Kukkukku…”

With Yurisia crying on the side, I turn my gaze to King Shudrich.

“Father, what do you think about your own resignation? Having embarrassed the dignitaries of various countries, the usual… cover-ups won’t work.”

“Gunuuu…!”

Oh, I like it.

He looks incredibly frustrated, that sly fox.

Before regaining my memories of my previous life, Esmeralda was constantly persecuted by the king.

—Knowing Yurisia was spreading bad rumors and still ignoring it.

—Knowing the harsh struggle for the throne was ongoing and treating it as “a trial for a king” and sticking to ignorance.

Clearly, it goes without saying King Shudrich is far more evil for not being directly involved.

What comes next isn’t part of the main scenario, so it’ll be interesting to see how he reacts.

A fox with too much power, showing what kind of attitude when cornered.

—Clap, clap, clap.

Surprisingly, King Shudrich starts clapping towards me.

“Hohoho, well done, Esmeralda. I believed in you. I knew you would overcome the trials… from me.”

“…Huh?”

“A parent wouldn’t try to harm their child, right? That’s why I imposed a harsh trial. To raise you into a strong king.”

“…”

“However, you’ve splendidly cleared that trial! You’ve passed! You’re no longer an incompetent prince! Immediately become my right-hand man as a promising future bearer!”

Wow, seriously, he went there.

Such a petty excuse is utterly laughable.

“U, umm…”

“Hahahahaha…”

Even the representatives from other countries seem utterly astounded by the statement.

Queen Clophe even seems to be radiating murderous intent, but initiating another incident here would complicate matters.

“Well, well, calm down.”

So, I opt to pacify for the moment.

—If anyone is to deal a blow, it should be me, his son.

“Hey, don’t mess around, old man.”

I pocket my hands and approach King Shudrich, who is smirking sheepishly.

If I were the me from my past life, I would never have confronted a superior with a powerful standing.

But now, I’m the villainous prince.

Determined to live as I please, I have to directly confront any bastard that pisses me off.

“What, now that my reputation has risen, you want to bring me to your side? That’s a cold tactic I can see right through, you damned baldie.”

“What, what did you say…!”

“I know it. You boast extraordinary combat power because you’ve consumed the most elf blood. Leaving the dirty work to Yurisia while you sit safely and watch from above.”

“What, that’s…”

“Such a thing…”

The representatives from various countries raise their voices in surprise.

King Shudrich is known to possess high combat power due to rigorous training from a young age…

While that’s how it’s commonly known, having thoroughly played the game in my previous life, I know it’s propaganda.

In reality, it’s only because he consumed the most elf blood, correlating with his increased combat power.

Even Gruboa, an unusually strong mid-boss, probably had his strength due to elf blood.

“I see… So that was the reason …”

Queen Clophe reveals even clearer murderous intent.

“We should immediately search Lord Shudrich’s private chambers, including where the kidnapped elves have gone.”

“No, but that…lies…”

Shudrich continued his ignorance and excuses.

Really, what a scum.

I can understand why the game’s Esmeralda turned to darkness.

If I were the me from my previous life, I’d have meekly submitted even to such crappy superiors.

Despite knowing it was a black company, I worked hard for my brother’s education.

Without fun memories other than games, saving every bit of my meager salary…

—Living for others, dying for others.

To hell with such a life.

I live not for someone else.

My life is my own.

So even if I must become a villain—I will pursue what I want to do.

That’s the current me, Esmeralda Dia Vefeld.

“I can’t trust you with governing the nation. This Vefeld Kingdom—I’ll be taking over from today.”

“What, what did you say…! But that’s…!”

King Shudrich’s eyes widened in panic.

But, I am the villainous prince Esmeralda.

To get what I want, sometimes extreme measures are necessary.

“Stop making excuses, you damn old fossil!”

“Guooo…”

Thud!

I punched King Shudrich’s cheek with all my might, sending him flying.

“Goge… gogege…”

King Shudrich, with a ridiculous expression, rolled his eyes and slumped over.

“Wow…! So cool…!”

“Indeed, Esmeralda-sama is the first person who should touch my breasts…!”

Despite initiating a bold move by punching a king, somehow, Queen Clophe and Muller were staring at me with sparkling eyes.

Translator’s note: Do you remember the promise that Esmeralda made to Rofemia?