Although it was widely known that Valend Pale was the culprit and that the stories he told were true, it was not known that he had a seizure and died.
So, there was no way a 'normal' Crown Prince would have known about that fact.
“...”
When I pointed that out, the Crown Prince's face hardened noticeably.
His eyes rolled around quickly as if he didn't know what to do.
I'm telling you, he's really an easy person to deal with.
I suppressed the laughter that was about to burst out and waited for his answer.
The Crown Prince, who had been rolling his eyes and thinking for a while, soon opened his mouth with an awkward smile.
“Oh, dear. I was so busy thinking about how I should take care of the busy Duke that I forgot that I had to meet him.”
“You forgot.”
“Yes. I forgot.”
“Is that really all?”
“Of course. You don’t doubt me, Duke Leopold.”
The Crown Prince frowned and showed his displeasure openly.
So I didn't ask any more questions, but it didn't matter.
Because I already got enough information I wanted.
“That’s not true. I just wanted to say this because I’m so grateful that His Highness the Crown Prince has been considerate of me, and I’m sorry that you’ve forgotten such an important matter.”
Instead of asking questions, he threw out a word of thanks mixed with criticism, causing the Crown Prince to blush slightly and cough in vain.
“Ahem. So, I would like to meet Valend Pale. Is that possible?”
“No, that’s not possible.”
I firmly refused, then strode over to the living room and opened the door.
“So, please go back now, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
It was very strange to taunt him by asking if he was leaving without even meeting Valend Pale, and then flatly refuse to meet him.
If I were the Crown Prince, I would have been very angry, but instead of getting angry, he just left.
I asked him outright and he seemed to know that he couldn't meet Valend Pale, but he didn't even mention that part.
As expected, the Crown Prince knows that Valend Pale is dead.
This makes it certain that one of the Emperor and Empress was involved in this matter.
The hypothesis that they joined hands with a third party also gained more credibility.
However, since it was all circumstantial evidence, it was impossible to question the Emperor or the Empress with this.
I had no choice but to stop here, even though it was regrettable, because if I came forward, not only would I not get the answer I wanted, but I might also be found out to be the one who started the rumor.
There was also the need to restore the ruined estate.
It was also because the foundation for the final plan was fully prepared.
“As Your Excellency has said, from now on we will accept monas instead of gold for all transactions.”
Gold refers to gold coins issued by the Empire, while Mona refers to gold coins issued by the Allied Powers.
The gold had the face of the first Emperor engraved on it, and the Mona had the symbols of the Allied nations engraved on it.
Although the pictures and words engraved on the gold coins were different, the value of the money was the same.
Thanks to this, people could freely buy goods from the Empire or the Allied Powers without having to exchange money.
“If you don’t mind, may I ask why you suddenly changed the amount for all your transactions to Mona?”
However, the Empire often used gold coins, and the Allied Powers often used monas, so it was natural for the officials to be puzzled by this sudden decision.
“As you may have heard, Baron, the Allied Powers recently declared that they will only accept Mona for all trades. That’s why I have no choice but to accept Mona. We need a lot of Mona to trade with the Allied Powers.”
The official nodded without much doubt, as he had been laying the groundwork for dealing with the Allied Powers even before becoming a Duke.
“I see. Well, there are limits to exchanging money at the bank, and it’s a hassle, so it’s better to accept Mona from the beginning.”
“Yes.”
“Haha, the Allied Forces too. Since the value is the same anyway, I don’t understand why they declared that they would only accept Mona.”
“It’s probably to build up pride. Just like the Empire does.”
The Empire has long accepted only gold in all its transactions.
It was a move to show off that the empire was the best on the continent and that it did not care about what other countries thought.
However, the Allied Powers' declaration that they would only accept Mona was tantamount to a declaration of war.
The Emperor I know was not the kind of person to watch this with his eyes wide open.
Even if he wasn't the Emperor, the proud nobles of the Empire would bark like dogs, demanding that the Allied Powers be taught an example.
So, there was no way a 'normal' Crown Prince would have known about that fact.
“...”
When I pointed that out, the Crown Prince's face hardened noticeably.
His eyes rolled around quickly as if he didn't know what to do.
I'm telling you, he's really an easy person to deal with.
I suppressed the laughter that was about to burst out and waited for his answer.
The Crown Prince, who had been rolling his eyes and thinking for a while, soon opened his mouth with an awkward smile.
“Oh, dear. I was so busy thinking about how I should take care of the busy Duke that I forgot that I had to meet him.”
“You forgot.”
“Yes. I forgot.”
“Is that really all?”
“Of course. You don’t doubt me, Duke Leopold.”
The Crown Prince frowned and showed his displeasure openly.
So I didn't ask any more questions, but it didn't matter.
Because I already got enough information I wanted.
“That’s not true. I just wanted to say this because I’m so grateful that His Highness the Crown Prince has been considerate of me, and I’m sorry that you’ve forgotten such an important matter.”
Instead of asking questions, he threw out a word of thanks mixed with criticism, causing the Crown Prince to blush slightly and cough in vain.
“Ahem. So, I would like to meet Valend Pale. Is that possible?”
“No, that’s not possible.”
I firmly refused, then strode over to the living room and opened the door.
“So, please go back now, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
***
It was very strange to taunt him by asking if he was leaving without even meeting Valend Pale, and then flatly refuse to meet him.
If I were the Crown Prince, I would have been very angry, but instead of getting angry, he just left.
I asked him outright and he seemed to know that he couldn't meet Valend Pale, but he didn't even mention that part.
As expected, the Crown Prince knows that Valend Pale is dead.
This makes it certain that one of the Emperor and Empress was involved in this matter.
The hypothesis that they joined hands with a third party also gained more credibility.
However, since it was all circumstantial evidence, it was impossible to question the Emperor or the Empress with this.
I had no choice but to stop here, even though it was regrettable, because if I came forward, not only would I not get the answer I wanted, but I might also be found out to be the one who started the rumor.
There was also the need to restore the ruined estate.
It was also because the foundation for the final plan was fully prepared.
“As Your Excellency has said, from now on we will accept monas instead of gold for all transactions.”
Gold refers to gold coins issued by the Empire, while Mona refers to gold coins issued by the Allied Powers.
The gold had the face of the first Emperor engraved on it, and the Mona had the symbols of the Allied nations engraved on it.
Although the pictures and words engraved on the gold coins were different, the value of the money was the same.
Thanks to this, people could freely buy goods from the Empire or the Allied Powers without having to exchange money.
“If you don’t mind, may I ask why you suddenly changed the amount for all your transactions to Mona?”
However, the Empire often used gold coins, and the Allied Powers often used monas, so it was natural for the officials to be puzzled by this sudden decision.
“As you may have heard, Baron, the Allied Powers recently declared that they will only accept Mona for all trades. That’s why I have no choice but to accept Mona. We need a lot of Mona to trade with the Allied Powers.”
The official nodded without much doubt, as he had been laying the groundwork for dealing with the Allied Powers even before becoming a Duke.
“I see. Well, there are limits to exchanging money at the bank, and it’s a hassle, so it’s better to accept Mona from the beginning.”
“Yes.”
“Haha, the Allied Forces too. Since the value is the same anyway, I don’t understand why they declared that they would only accept Mona.”
“It’s probably to build up pride. Just like the Empire does.”
The Empire has long accepted only gold in all its transactions.
It was a move to show off that the empire was the best on the continent and that it did not care about what other countries thought.
However, the Allied Powers' declaration that they would only accept Mona was tantamount to a declaration of war.
The Emperor I know was not the kind of person to watch this with his eyes wide open.
Even if he wasn't the Emperor, the proud nobles of the Empire would bark like dogs, demanding that the Allied Powers be taught an example.
...I don’t even know who is really showing me an example.
“You worked hard. You can leave work now.”
“Then that’s it.”
After the manager left, I carefully looked over the documents he had brought with him.
It was clearly stated that all transaction fees would be paid in Mona, as the manager had stated.
I must tell Prophetes IV this good news.
I'm ready.
He said you can start whenever I'm ready.
As I was writing the letter, there was a knock on the door.
“Come in.”
I answered and pushed aside the letter I was writing.
“Excuse me, Your Excellency.”
The person who opened the door and came in was Gnosis.
How could he come to me at this late hour...?
“Did you find out something?”
When I stood up from my seat and asked, Gnosis smiled bitterly and shook his head.
“That’s not it.”
Oh, that wasn't it.
It was just a moment, but the disappointment was as great as I had hoped.
I sighed deeply and sat back down.
“Then what’s happening at this hour?”
“It’s about the magic circle.”
You said you didn't find out anything, so it's about the magic circle?
Gnosis looked at me as if to tell me to continue talking. I cleared my throat and continued.
“I have been researching by going through books, but as Your Majesty knows, there has been little progress.”
“...”
“So, I want to go to the Anigma Kingdom and investigate.”
Kingdom of Anigma.
One of the seven kingdoms belonging to the Allied Nations, it was called the 'Kingdom of Magic' due to its many magicians and wizards.
Maybe that's why, but it's said that the Kingdom of Anigma has an unusually large number of people of different races compared to other countries.
So, it would definitely be helpful to go there and learn about the magic circle, but there were a few things that bothered me.
What bothered me the most was the fact that information about the magic circle was leaked to the outside.
Next was the Kingdom of Anigma, which rejected Prophetes IV's proposal to go to war with the Empire.
To be exact, he withheld his answer, saying he would decide what to do depending on the situation, but that made me dislike it even more.
So I didn't want to give permission, but it was right to send him to find out about the magic circle.
Hmm, what should I do?
“I heard that the man who received the title of Great Sage in the Kingdom of Anigma is a half-elf, half-human.”
As I was pondering, Gnosis added as if trying to convince me.
“That person might know a lot about magic circles.”
“I heard that magic circle is a type of black magic used by demons. Do the elves, who only use divine magic, really know about it?”
“Because using magic and knowing it are two different things.”
That's right.
“And elves are known to be the closest race to dragons.”
So does that mean he might know a lot about dragons?
Although it was a little uncomfortable to bring up the dragon story to convince me, my heart was definitely moved.
Because I was thinking that maybe the third party was a dragon.
Besides, I nodded, thinking that this would solve my problem at the same time.
“Yes. I will allow you to go to the Anigma Kingdom and investigate.”
Gnosis smiled and bowed.
"Thank you."
“But there is a condition.”
“Of course, I will keep it a secret.”
“No. That’s not the condition I mentioned.”
“If so... ?”
“Let’s leave together with Lord Perdes.”
"... Yes?"
Gnosis asked me back as if he doubted my ears.
“Just now... you told me to go to the Kingdom of Anigma with Lord Perdes?”
"That's right."
“No, why all of a sudden...”
Well, I need to get rid of Perdes before I can execute our final plan.
“I don’t know if you know, but Lord Perdes has always wanted to travel the continent and study magic.”
I forced myself to swallow the reason I absolutely could not say and gave another reason.
“But I’ve been worried that he's been stranded here because of me, so I thought it would be a good idea for you to come together now.”
It sounded quite plausible when compared to an actual story.
But Gnosis looked at me with a mysterious expression as if he didn't think so.
“Why do you have that look on your face?”
“Is that all?”
"What?"
“I am asking because I am curious to know if that is really the only reason Your Excellency wants to send Perdes to the Kingdom of Anigma.”
I was momentarily speechless at the sharp, direct words that hit the nail on the head.
I tilted my head slightly, forcing the corners of my hardened lips upward.
“Then? Is there another reason?”
“It is not me. Your Excellency, you know better.”
...You noticed something.
In times like these, it's better to say nothing than to make excuses, so I kept my mouth shut.
Gnosis also remained silent, and while we were just staring at each other as if we were having a staring contest, Gnosis was the first to speak.
“Understood. As Your Excellency the Duke has said, I will go to the Kingdom of Anigma with Perdes.”
I got the answer I wanted, but why do I feel so uneasy?
“But I wonder if Lord Perdes would like to go with me.”
“If you tell him to go study magic circles, he’ll go.”
“Well, I think a little differently. He values Your Excelle the Duke more than the magic circle.”
“...”
If I didn't know Perdes' mind, I would have denied it, but I knew too well to do so.
Gnosis smiled at me again, who had closed his mouth, and added:
“So, please tell this part to Lord Perdes directly, Your Excellency the Duke.”
“You worked hard. You can leave work now.”
“Then that’s it.”
After the manager left, I carefully looked over the documents he had brought with him.
It was clearly stated that all transaction fees would be paid in Mona, as the manager had stated.
I must tell Prophetes IV this good news.
I'm ready.
He said you can start whenever I'm ready.
As I was writing the letter, there was a knock on the door.
“Come in.”
I answered and pushed aside the letter I was writing.
“Excuse me, Your Excellency.”
The person who opened the door and came in was Gnosis.
How could he come to me at this late hour...?
“Did you find out something?”
When I stood up from my seat and asked, Gnosis smiled bitterly and shook his head.
“That’s not it.”
Oh, that wasn't it.
It was just a moment, but the disappointment was as great as I had hoped.
I sighed deeply and sat back down.
“Then what’s happening at this hour?”
“It’s about the magic circle.”
You said you didn't find out anything, so it's about the magic circle?
Gnosis looked at me as if to tell me to continue talking. I cleared my throat and continued.
“I have been researching by going through books, but as Your Majesty knows, there has been little progress.”
“...”
“So, I want to go to the Anigma Kingdom and investigate.”
Kingdom of Anigma.
One of the seven kingdoms belonging to the Allied Nations, it was called the 'Kingdom of Magic' due to its many magicians and wizards.
Maybe that's why, but it's said that the Kingdom of Anigma has an unusually large number of people of different races compared to other countries.
So, it would definitely be helpful to go there and learn about the magic circle, but there were a few things that bothered me.
What bothered me the most was the fact that information about the magic circle was leaked to the outside.
Next was the Kingdom of Anigma, which rejected Prophetes IV's proposal to go to war with the Empire.
To be exact, he withheld his answer, saying he would decide what to do depending on the situation, but that made me dislike it even more.
So I didn't want to give permission, but it was right to send him to find out about the magic circle.
Hmm, what should I do?
“I heard that the man who received the title of Great Sage in the Kingdom of Anigma is a half-elf, half-human.”
As I was pondering, Gnosis added as if trying to convince me.
“That person might know a lot about magic circles.”
“I heard that magic circle is a type of black magic used by demons. Do the elves, who only use divine magic, really know about it?”
“Because using magic and knowing it are two different things.”
That's right.
“And elves are known to be the closest race to dragons.”
So does that mean he might know a lot about dragons?
Although it was a little uncomfortable to bring up the dragon story to convince me, my heart was definitely moved.
Because I was thinking that maybe the third party was a dragon.
Besides, I nodded, thinking that this would solve my problem at the same time.
“Yes. I will allow you to go to the Anigma Kingdom and investigate.”
Gnosis smiled and bowed.
"Thank you."
“But there is a condition.”
“Of course, I will keep it a secret.”
“No. That’s not the condition I mentioned.”
“If so... ?”
“Let’s leave together with Lord Perdes.”
"... Yes?"
Gnosis asked me back as if he doubted my ears.
“Just now... you told me to go to the Kingdom of Anigma with Lord Perdes?”
"That's right."
“No, why all of a sudden...”
Well, I need to get rid of Perdes before I can execute our final plan.
“I don’t know if you know, but Lord Perdes has always wanted to travel the continent and study magic.”
I forced myself to swallow the reason I absolutely could not say and gave another reason.
“But I’ve been worried that he's been stranded here because of me, so I thought it would be a good idea for you to come together now.”
It sounded quite plausible when compared to an actual story.
But Gnosis looked at me with a mysterious expression as if he didn't think so.
“Why do you have that look on your face?”
“Is that all?”
"What?"
“I am asking because I am curious to know if that is really the only reason Your Excellency wants to send Perdes to the Kingdom of Anigma.”
I was momentarily speechless at the sharp, direct words that hit the nail on the head.
I tilted my head slightly, forcing the corners of my hardened lips upward.
“Then? Is there another reason?”
“It is not me. Your Excellency, you know better.”
...You noticed something.
In times like these, it's better to say nothing than to make excuses, so I kept my mouth shut.
Gnosis also remained silent, and while we were just staring at each other as if we were having a staring contest, Gnosis was the first to speak.
“Understood. As Your Excellency the Duke has said, I will go to the Kingdom of Anigma with Perdes.”
I got the answer I wanted, but why do I feel so uneasy?
“But I wonder if Lord Perdes would like to go with me.”
“If you tell him to go study magic circles, he’ll go.”
“Well, I think a little differently. He values Your Excelle the Duke more than the magic circle.”
“...”
If I didn't know Perdes' mind, I would have denied it, but I knew too well to do so.
Gnosis smiled at me again, who had closed his mouth, and added:
“So, please tell this part to Lord Perdes directly, Your Excellency the Duke.”
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