The Allen family responded smoothly despite the sudden arrival of the three princes.
The source of this c𝓸ntent is frёeweɓηovel.coɱ.
The knights, who had just been making strange sounds while enduring tough training, immediately got into formation, and inside the house, preparations were made to receive the princes according to the butler's orders. Benedict and the lord of the forest came down to welcome them.
Rene, who had recently tasted the madness of the Allen family, and Arthur, who had even trained in the Allen family, found it all quite fascinating, while Cecil, who had only heard stories about the family, nodded knowingly, recognizing it as typical of the Allen family.
However, this calm atmosphere couldn't last long.
"The King has passed away," Rene's statement was far from peaceful.
"Is that true?" Arthur asked on behalf of the confused Cecil, and Rene nodded.
"I confirmed it with my own eyes."
"Is there a possibility of a mistake?"
"The Fairy Queen showed me the evidence. I don't think there is any mistake."
The faint doubts that those gathered in the reception room had quickly faded with the mention of the Fairy Queen.
After all, no one in the current continent could deceive the Fairy Queen, who had even accepted the deities of darkness.
"From the state of the body, it seems the King has passed away for at least a few days. It must have been at least several months."
"That's... strange, isn't it? The King has passed away, but why is there no news from the palace?"
"Her Majesty the 1st Queen concealed it herself. Nothing has leaked out. Even I, who was close to her, didn't know."
The power of the 1st Queen was not limited to just acting in place of the king.
Since she had ascended to the position of 1st Queen several decades ago, everything that happened in the royal palace had passed through her hands.
Though there had been talk of her excessive interference, those who were in favor of her because of her successful achievements quickly silenced those complaints.
By now, those working in the royal palace were doing so under her authority, taking advantage of her tolerance to further their own gains.
Thus, if the 1st Queen decided to hide something, no one could notice.
Even if it were the death of the King, a huge event like this.
"If you doubt my words, go to the Fairy Forest and see for yourself. If you're someone like Count Allen or Arthur, I'm sure you'll receive a warm welcome."
"No need for that. What he's saying is true. I can vouch for it."
Rina, who had been glaring at Rene, spoke up, and the mood in the reception room grew even more serious.
To add to that, Cecil spoke up.
"When I first heard it from my brother, I thought it was some horrible prank, but my mother thought otherwise. She had sensed something was wrong for some time, and when the King's death turned out to be true, everything fell into place."
Although the 2nd Queen didn't have as much influence as the 1st Queen, she too was a queen backed by a noble family.
Even though it was almost impossible for her to have such a faction, she was capable enough to gather powerful support to help Cecil.
Because of this, Cecil had noticed a sense of discomfort at some point, but still, it didn't make sense that the death of the King was hidden—such a thing was simply beyond reason.
"But still, you couldn't understand, could you?"
What possible benefit could the 1st Queen have from hiding the King's death? If the King died without a clear heir, the 1st Prince would naturally ascend to the throne.
"The current situation is something beyond the comprehension of ordinary people, a madman's doing. What will happen next is hard to predict."
This event had already surpassed the realm of common sense, making it impossible to predict what would happen next.
How it would happen, the scale of it, and its purpose were all unknown. Nothing could be certain.
"That's why I'm acting quickly. Whatever the 1st Queen is preparing, it's clear she's already made considerable progress. I don't have time to worry about the details."
The 1st Queen must have already noticed Rene's movements. Given her vast network of information spread throughout the kingdom, it would be impossible for her not to know.
However, there was no time to focus on that. So, Rene would instead use this to his advantage, deliberately showing signs of rebellion to prevent the enemy from making a rash move.
"I approached the 2nd Queen first for this reason. If she sides with me, at worst, I can stop whatever the 1st Queen is planning."
"And what did you offer in return?"
"The throne."
Arthur and Benedict were shocked by the seemingly casual statement, but Rene remained unfazed.
From the moment he decided to oppose the 1st Queen, the position he held had lost its meaning. What was the point of being a potential heir?
The seat he had was merely a residue of the 1st Queen's power. If everything she had done were to be undone, he would lose all significance.
In fact, this was a somewhat optimistic view. If the 2nd Queen decided to completely erase him, she could easily take his life by using his connection to the 1st Queen's bloodline as a pretext.
Being confined somewhere would be seen as a merciful outcome for Rene.
The 2nd Queen had likely sensed this as well. There was no way she didn't notice. Rene had even prepared a few more things for her benefit.
Yet, the 2nd Queen didn't ask for anything more than the throne.
Even though she knew the inheritance Rene offered was hollow, she still played along, understanding that she couldn't do anything about it.
‘The 1st Prince is offering it himself, so I have no reason to refuse.’
Not long ago, she would have been trying to extract even more, but things had changed.
Yes. Since Lucy Allen became involved. Rene couldn't help but sneer when thinking about her name.
"The worst case scenario would be exposing the 1st Queen's corruption. That would give foreign nations a reason to intervene. The best case is to bury the corruption with the 1st Queen."
This was by no means an easy task.
It wasn't just the 1st Queen that had to be silenced.
The 1st Queen was the leader of a faction. If it became clear that she was about to fall, there would inevitably be a great deal of resistance from those under her.
Those who were sure they would hold power would struggle to maintain their positions once it was taken from them.
To resolve this smoothly, the mouths of these people needed to be sealed.
"The O'Count family, the backbone of the kingdom, is fine. Three out of five are on our side."
Along with the family of the 2nd Queen, the families of Patran and Burrow would also side with them.
Those who were indifferent or uninvolved, such as Allen, Kent, and Artea, would naturally join the prevailing side as the situation unfolded.
So, most people wouldn't be a problem.
The real problem lay with the small fry.
Those who, regardless of family or faction, cared only for their own safety. These people needed to be silenced if the kingdom's issues were to be resolved quietly.
"I was thinking of getting Karia's help for this, but where is she now?"
Karia was the most suitable person for this task. She could easily silence the small fry.
"She went out with Lucy Allen."
"...What?"
"I don't know when she'll be back."
When Rene turned to look at Arthur to ask if this was true, Benedict slowly nodded.
"This is insane."
Why was that girl so useless? Rene suppressed his agitation, pressing his face into his palm, and calmly surveyed the room again.
"Who else can replace her?"
"Oh. By the way, the heir to the Burrow family is under Karia's command. Perhaps you could visit them."
"Fine. Arthur, you're moving with me. The rest of you..."
"It's quiet."
<Isn't it nice? Isn't it comfortable?>
"I feel a bit lonely."
Was it because Garad's voice, which had been filling my head with thoughts recently, had disappeared? Even though nothing had changed, I felt lonely.
<You miss the company.>
"Yeah... I guess so."
It's strange. I used to be the kind of loner who preferred to be alone in my past life, so why have I become someone who can't stand being without others now?
This must be the influence of the Mesugaki skill... but no, that doesn't make sense. A mentally unstable Mesugaki? That can't be a thing.
<Well, it's fine. I'm here with you.>
<Heh. You're making me laugh with your pointless words.>
"I always say stuff like this, don't I?"
<Do you even have a conscience?>
"As a servant of the god and a hero, how could I not have a conscience?"
No matter how much my grandfather denies it, the title I was given doesn't change, you know? Just try calling me an evil person—let's see how that goes.
<You're hopeless.>
I chuckled at my grandfather's lamenting words when Karia tilted her head in confusion.
"Boss, what's so funny?"
"The face of the old lady. No matter how many times I look at it, I can't get enough of how ugly it is. It's the best."
"...Hey."
"Karia! Calm down! You know what kind of tone that is!"
"Let go! It's not a distortion, I'm actually mocking her!"
"Ah, I see? But what are you going to do about it? Even if you act out, you're still just an old lady."
Go ahead and try hitting me. I'm not weak enough to be taken down by a worn-out old lady.
I moved provocatively, and Karia trembled her lips before sighing deeply.
"I guess I can't help it. Since you've done so much, you might as well be praised for it."
"Don't break too easily, or it'll be no fun! Should we tone it down?"
Sorry! I really didn't realize, I'm so sorry! Please don't do that!
I hastily apologized, and only then did Karia laugh.
"Enough with the jokes. So, what did you want to ask me?"
"Do you remember that bitch who used to work under you?"
"The one who thought she was all that?"
"Exactly!"
"Of course I remember her. I know where she is too. Want me to show you?"
That's Karia for you!
Let's move quickly!
I want to see that bitch crawl on the floor and beg for mercy as soon as possible!