I Was Reincarnated As The Older Brother Of A Villainess Destined to Die, So I Want To Change The Future By Raising My Younger Sister With My Own Hands. I Am The Strongest In The World, But My Little Sister Must Be The Cutest In The World - Volume 3 Chapter 6.9
In a section of the royal palace, deep within a restricted area accessible only to the Holy Royal Family and authorized individuals, a minor official named Louise was present. To provide a more detailed description, she was seated at a table in the center of an indoor garden covered by translucent walls.
Accompanying her were two individuals. One was the person Louise served, Her Royal Highness Princess Arianote Yusteria Yu Ali Catasit, known as the “Ice-Wise Saintess.” Her loosely tied golden hair exuded a divine radiance, and her deep blue eyes reflected profound wisdom. She was a person who embodied both beauty and intelligence befitting her nickname.
The other person was Cardinal Pham Gnolf Madella, a seasoned veteran well over seventy years old and the second-in-command of the Church. He was on the verge of surpassing the record for longevity in the Holy Kingdom. The wrinkles etched on his face were not for show, and despite being a non-combatant, his sharp gaze contained the presence of a blade.
This peculiar group of individuals gathered together, enjoying tea amidst the flowers. It would be impossible for outsiders to guess the topics being discussed between Louise, Princess Arianote, and Cardinal Madella.
Princess Arianote had invited Cardinal Madella for a specific purpose—to hear the details of the recent ceremony of peerage inheritance and the duel that had taken place.
The conclusion was already known to Louise and her companions. Colorless had inherited the title of Count and challenged His Highness the Second Prince to a duel. Furthermore, it was reported that Colorless, acting as a proxy, had soundly defeated the Sword Saint, leaving no room for doubt.
To be honest, Louise still found it hard to believe. The current Sword Saint, rumored to possess the greatest swordsmanship skills of all time, defeated by someone of Colorless’ background? And not just defeated but overwhelmingly so.
Princess Arianote also seemed unable to discern the truth of the matter. With her exceptional strategic mind, she could usually unravel the truth from even the smallest scraps of gossip. However, this time seemed particularly challenging.
That’s why she invited Cardinal Madella, who happened to be present at the scene. Although there was a strict non-disclosure order regarding the incident, it did not apply to the royal family, as confirmed by His Majesty.
Cardinal Madella, bursting with the desire to speak, enthusiastically relayed what he had witnessed.
According to him, Colorless displayed swordsmanship far surpassing that of the Sword Saint. He claimed that Colorless wielded angelic and awe-inspiring magic. It all sounded like a fantastic tale, tempting one to doubt its veracity.
“I can understand why it’s hard to believe,” Cardinal Madella remarked, sensing their inner thoughts from Princess Arianote and Louise’s expressions. He let out a wry smile.
“However,” he continued, “the world is full of events that defy common sense. You may not have encountered such experiences in your ten or eleven years of life, but you will inevitably come to realize it in the future.”
His words carried weight, coming from someone who had lived for over seventy years.
With a meaningful smile, Cardinal Madella continued, “Even for this old bones of mine, his magic was shocking. It was truly angelic, as if a divine messenger had descended. Your Highness and Miss Louise are of the same age as him. You will undoubtedly have the opportunity to witness his abilities firsthand during your school life.”
After exchanging a few lighthearted remarks, Cardinal Madella took his leave.
Only Princess Arianote and Louise remained in the garden.
A brief silence enveloped them before Princess Arianote spoke up.
“It seems to be true.”
“Do you believe it, Your Highness?”
A slight sense of astonishment welled up within Louise.
She still couldn’t fully believe it. The idea that they were being deceived with hallucinogenic drugs or that it was a plot to discredit the intelligent Princess Arianote seemed more plausible. It was absurd to think that a ten-year-old child could surpass the Sword Saint’s swordsmanship, and even Colorless using magic was beyond the realms of believability.
Princess Arianote shook her head.
“No matter how difficult it is to believe, we have no choice but to believe. It is a fact that the Sword Saint has passed away, and there is no reason for Cardinal Madella to plot against me. He is the second in command of the Church. As a woman, someone who is far from the throne like me is not a threat worth scheming against.”
“Princess Arianote…”
Louise had no words to respond.
Princess Arianote was incredibly intelligent, surpassing the noble elite. She possessed the talent of a Light Mage and was capable of acting for the sake of the Holy Kingdom more than anyone else. She had the ideal qualities, yet she could not ascend to the throne of the Holy King. It was because of her gender, a single factor that kept her farthest from the throne.
If the other princes were incompetent, there might have been some hope. While she couldn’t inherit the throne, there could have been a future where she herself became the Holy King.
However, reality is cruel. Despite excluding the first prince due to his frail health, the other two princes were competent in their own right. As a result, the chances of the throne falling to Princess Arianote became almost nonexistent.
It was truly frustrating. Above all, Princess Arianote was the most deserving of becoming the Holy King.
“Louise, please don’t make such a face. I, myself, am not particularly interested in the throne of the Holy King. In fact, I am not suited for it.”
“But…”
“I have my reasons.”
Princess Arianote interrupted Louise’s words and spoke with a tone of denial.
“A king should not dedicate themselves solely to the country. That’s what I believe.”
“Even though you are a king?”
“Because I am a king. The king is the embodiment of the country itself. It would be unnatural to sacrifice oneself for one’s own sake. Dedication is the duty of subordinates, not the duty of the king.”
“Then what is the duty of the king?”
“I believe that the job of a king is to uphold their own will. It is the unwavering heart in the face of any difficulty that inspires the people, don’t you think?”
“I see…”
It was both understandable and incomprehensible.
This was the first time Louise had heard such a conversation from Princess Arianote, who had shown a tendency to avoid discussions about the throne.
The change in her mindset was undoubtedly related to Count Forlanada’s movements.
The princess spoke.
“Most likely, the next Holy King will be my brother, Prince Wimley.”
“Yes? Why do you think so?”
For a moment, Louise was taken aback. After all, the first prince had been bedridden for a long time, and there were rumors that his end was near. He seemed even more distant from the throne than Princess Arianote.
However, she quickly reconsidered. Princess Arianote was intelligent, and she wouldn’t make baseless statements. She must have had some basis for her belief.
Her thinking was correct, and Princess Arianote continued to speak.
“There is information that Count Forlanada had a meeting with Prince Wimley before his ennoblement.”
“Yes, I have also heard about it.”
Apparently, it was because the first prince strongly requested the meeting. The details of the meeting were unclear, as it concerned the one who was seemingly abandoned.
“Considering my brother’s nature, he probably apologized for Gray’s incompetence. That person is kind-hearted, after all.”
Princess Arianote’s eyes were incredibly cold as she spoke.
Having served for many years, Louise could understand the reason without being told.
Princess Arianote was someone who could execute anything for the sake of the country. She was a personification of rationality. The ideals of the first prince, who prioritized human emotions, must have seemed foolish to her.
However, she didn’t stop at belittling him.
“Considering Count Forlanada’s character, Prince Wimley’s actions were the optimal solution. The count must have promised to support my brother.”
In this way, she would use emotions as well when necessary. She could become relentlessly rational for the sake of her goals. That was Princess Arianote’s strength, demonstrated by her ability to understand emotions and the like.
Louise voiced a question.
“I understand why Count Forlanada would cooperate with the first prince, but what about his health?”
If he were to die, it would be a lost cause.
“We have the ‘Holy Maiden of Sunshine,’ don’t we?”
In response, Princess Arianote gave a concise answer.
“If I, as the counterpart Light Mage, provide assistance, Prince Wimley’s condition may improve, don’t you think?”
“But even with your help, wouldn’t it be impossible for Princess Arianote to restore the first prince’s health?”
“I intentionally held back in that case.”
“What?”
Louise froze in surprise at the unexpected response.
Ignoring her reaction, Princess Arianote continued.
“I don’t know the details, as I haven’t investigated it myself, but Prince Wimley’s deteriorating health is due to a plot. If I were to restore his condition, assassins would come after me as well. It may sound heartless, but when weighing the value of myself, a Light Mage, against a mere prince, the scales tip in my favor.”
“You’re not mistaken.”
Louise herself couldn’t be so ruthlessly rational, but if the one she served was in jeopardy, she would gladly sacrifice others. It could be confidently asserted that Princess Arianote’s choice was flawless.
After hearing the explanations and understanding them, Louise felt convinced.
If Count Forlanada favored the first prince and there was a possibility of his recovery, it was highly likely that he would offer his support.
“Shall I make the necessary arrangements?”
I questioned Princess Arianote about executing measures to hinder the first prince’s rise, as it would undoubtedly disrupt the delicate balance within the current palace faction.
However, Princess Arianote shook her head in response.
“No, there’s no need to do anything.”
“Why not?”
Now would be the perfect opportunity to crush him before he officially receives support.
“If we intervene recklessly, it will be us who end up being crushed, you know. Haven’t you forgotten? Forlanada is strong enough to defeat the Sword Saint.”
“Can’t we overpower them in numbers?”
“It’s impossible. There should have been Elven operatives infiltrated into their house. And yet, no information has leaked whatsoever. We should consider the entire family a threat.”
“That’s…”
The Elven operatives, kept secret from the public. They are an exceptionally skilled group, possessing magic abilities surpassing that of humans. The fact that they have been deceived is indeed a situation that should be treated with the utmost seriousness.
Louise bowed her head.
“I overstepped my boundaries. I apologize.”
“It’s fine. With an ordinary opponent, that wouldn’t be a problem.”
After saying that, Princess Arianote smiled.
“No interference with Forlanada. That’s my policy. At least until the start of the academy, hm?”
Her smile, her signature ice, was as cold and sharp as ever.