Chapter 67: The Answer Is Already Decided (1)
By now, in the original novel, the Crown Prince would have been gradually overshadowed by the 2nd Prince, whom the protagonist served, and was considering an alliance with the 5th Prince.
Given the protagonist’s decisive role in persuading Laura, who had become his subordinate, to join the side of the 2nd Prince and later even turn Count Benner against the Crown Prince’s faction…
My involvement had strangely altered the plot of this novel, or rather, the history of the Reich Empire.
Now that I’ve decided to side with the Crown Prince, wouldn’t it be best to shape the Empire’s history favorably for him?
To give a little more boost, when rejecting the offer, it might be beneficial to slightly dent the 5th Prince’s pride.
This would serve as a small payback, intentional or not, to the 5th Prince, who had tried to snub me.
“Lieutenant Colonel Yaeger, do you find pleasure in squashing bugs? You have such a bright smile on your face.”
I snapped back to my senses at his words and apologized to the Crown Prince.
“My apologies.”
The Crown Prince, whether he had perceived my intentions or was simply pleased that I was unequivocally loyal, responded with a smile similar to mine.
“My dear Lieutenant Colonel Yaeger, are you drunk? Your face is flushed. Perhaps you’re just too young and got carried away with excitement and drank too much at your first banquet.”
From my time in Raintlant to the Chekovia frontlines, I’d drunk copious amounts to build good relations with other officers—sometimes two liters of beer in a sitting.
So there was no way I could be drunk from just a few glasses of wine at the banquet.
He probably meant for me to go home, rest, and avoid further incidents.
“I must’ve been too eager due to my youthful enthusiasm. If you permit, I’d like to excuse myself, Your Highness.”
Saying this, I pretended to be drunk and asked Laura to call a servant.
This act would surely make me look like a noble who drank too much at his first banquet.
At least in the banquet, leaving early due to intoxication only left one as a funny story rather than an insult or indiscretion.
“Lieutenant Colonel, are you okay? If His Highness says you are drunk, you might’ve had too much…”
Appreciating her concern, I whispered softly enough for only Laura to hear.
“Didn’t the 5th Prince just try to recruit me at the banquet? The Crown Prince wants me to pretend to be drunk and leave so as to avoid causing more trouble. I’m perfectly fine, so don’t worry.”
Laura nodded in relief, and we successfully exited the banquet.
To be precise, I fended off offers from other nobles, and with Laura’s help, we managed to avoid any missteps. This was a victory.
However, there remained the troubling matter of the 5th Prince’s invitation.
Since I managed to diplomatically deal with his proposition in favor of the Crown Prince, I should be able to gracefully decline it.
Let’s see… how should I refuse the 5th Prince’s proposal?
Six days after the banquet, on Saturday at noon.
Last week around this time, I was reviewing lecture materials and enjoying some downtime.
However, today, due to the 5th Prince’s summons, I was dressed up and heading to his mansion.
Damn, I just wanted to relax a bit after coming to the office, but this summon…
Trying to suppress my inner irritation, I arrived at a mansion on the western outskirts of Reichburg, where an elderly butler greeted me.
“Are you Lord Peter Yaeger? I’m Gilliam Wagon, the butler serving His Highness, the 5th Prince. His Highness had to step out briefly and ask you to wait.”
“Very well. Where should I wait?”
“Please wait in the parlor inside the mansion. It might take around two hours. Shall we prepare lunch for you in the meantime?”
Considering the 5th Prince wouldn’t poison someone he wanted to recruit, and I wasn’t an assassination target but someone to win over, there was little risk of foul play.
Refusing the hospitality of the royalty could be seen as arrogant, and I couldn’t afford to have that reputation.
“I should express my gratitude later directly to His Highness for such generosity.”
“As His Highness specially mentioned taking extra care of you, we’ve prepared the best meal possible for you.”
Following the butler’s lead into the mansion’s parlor, the room was exquisitely decorated.
While it didn’t match what I saw at the banquet hall, a large chandelier hung from the ceiling. The walls were adorned with portraits of the 5th Prince, his parents, and his family, along with beautiful landscape paintings. The desk, seemingly carved from marble, radiated opulence and grandeur.
The butler seemed to have timed everything perfectly. The food was now ready for me.
There were various dishes like soup, steak, bread, roast beef, and wine—way too much for one person.
Preparing such a lavish meal was a symbol of their grand goodwill toward the guest. Clearly, the 5th Prince was desperate to recruit me.
“This meal is a representation of the 5th Prince’s regard for you, Lieutenant Colonel Yaeger.”
“The Prince’s generosity is overwhelming. I’ll indulge.”
As I was about to cut into the steak, the butler at my side rang a silver bell.
In response, a woman dressed in a maid outfit—though much more revealing than a typical maid’s dress, revealing her thighs and cleavage—entered the room. With pale skin and black eyes, her beauty could turn heads on any street.
Damn, this didn’t feel right.
The butler next to me spoke with a grin upon seeing her.
“This is Mari. She just turned 20. I thought you might be bored waiting for His Highness, so I brought her for company. I’ll leave you two now.”
This was a clear attempt to seduce me, and if I wasn’t careful, they’d probably say something like,
‘We’re glad you liked our gift. A special present for a national hero.’
Then, through her, they’d attempt to dig up information on my personal life.
Mari tried to serve me, but I declined her help, saying,
“I prefer eating on my own. Moreover, I pulled an all-nighter preparing for a lecture at the Staff College yesterday, so I’m feeling quite tired. After eating, I’ll probably need some rest.”
Mari looked anxious, not fulfilling her supposed duty.
To avoid getting in trouble with the 5th Prince for refusing Mari’s company, I added,
“It’s a great honor to indulge in this luxury thanks to the Prince, but I can’t ruin my health.”
I then handed Mari a coin worth 5 silvers and said,
“This is my personal token of appreciation for you. The Prince will understand if you explain the situation.”
“Thank you, My Lord.”
She could now report to the Prince that I declined her due to exhaustion from the previous night and gave her a generous tip as a token of gratitude.
That should ensure the 5th Prince wouldn’t hold any grudges, at least outwardly.
I then enjoyed the luxurious meal and genuinely took a nap on the sofa, waiting for the Prince.
After what felt like a short while, the sound of a bell roused me.
“You must’ve been very tired. His Highness, the Prince, has arrived. Please follow me. I’ll lead you directly to the Prince’s office.”
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