LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 63.2
Stage 2-32. The Other Resolution
House Vellet possesses a few hidden chambers unknown even to its servants.
Created to manage confidential information and prevent leaks,
they are passed down orally from head to head and used as workspaces. But today, one of them hosted a guest.
“You’re not going to kill me later, are you?”
“Ahaha! What a joke. Rest easy. I trust En-chan.”
“…Just this once, let’s treat this as a drink and forget it.”
“I’m honored by your graciousness, Duke Revetzenka.”
Saying this, I poured wine into his empty glass.
He furrowed his brow, then drained it to calm himself.
“Since you summoned me to this place, you’ll share the story, won’t you?”
“Of course. No one must overhear this.”
After all, it concerned our nation’s hero, Frone of Thunder.
She, who once aided us, had now committed grave crimes.
We needed to prepare thoroughly and handle any unrest before announcing it to the public.
“You dragged me into this abruptly… Did you suspect Frone all along?”
“Yes. I had a tip from a certain source.”
It began with information about doping extracts from a man named Aliban,
who confessed his crimes and revealed the dangers and sellers of these extracts.
He came to me because… my son reformed him, and he trusted the father of the one who changed him.
Upon explaining this, his expression turned sour.
“…That kid of yours again.”
“I’m proud of having such a brilliant child! Isn’t it great, En-chan? Your daughter’s fiancé is so splendid!”
“…Continue already.”
Haha, he’s never honest.
“While tracing the sellers, I realized the origin was in the Kingdom of Lambdave.
It struck me—how could she, dedicated to nurturing talent, remain unaware of such evil?”
“So you pulled me in for a covert infiltration.”
“Yes. Though I had no proof linking Frone… My conviction grew because of—”
“…………”
“Indeed! Thanks to my son, Ogre!”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“Your expression said it all.”
My son’s letter read: “Father, please watch Mashiro Riche tomorrow.”
He must have already sensed Frone’s plot.
Otherwise, why request surveillance of Mashiro-san? My son knew she was targeted.
Meanwhile, he convinced Reina Milfonty to save a girl.
He even mentioned possibly bringing Reina back home in his letter.
Ogre was far ahead of us.
Seeing my son’s growth is a joy.
I must discuss things in detail with him.
“…I assumed the outcome was sheer parental bias, but there was a reason.”
“Yes. Rewards must go to the one who earned them. This success belongs to Ogre.”
Of course, there’s more. I must continue playing the role of a corrupt lord.
Acknowledging my involvement publicly won’t do.
Our Lambdave mission remains secret from most.
“And we let Frone escape, a grave blunder, even given the circumstances.”
“…Let’s leave it at that.”
“Your daughter’s fiancé’s reputation will benefit too, eh?”
“…………”
“Haha. Your expression is priceless.”
Seeing his various reactions made me smile and raise my glass.
“…Take it as idle talk, but I believe Ogre is fit to lead this nation someday.”
“…That’s too blasphemous.”
“Heh. The man obsessed with royal blood, saying that, is rich.”
“Some meddlesome interloper ruined that.”
“It’s better than sinking with a doomed ship.”
“…………”
He said nothing, but agreed with my sentiments.
Many have long believed Crown Prince Arnia unfit.
His broken engagement sealed it.
Nobles now scheme to control him.
But then, a savior appeared.
“Ogre’s reputation will soar further from this. If he defeats Frone, then…”
“Your son will become a ‘savior’ of this nation.”
“Let’s work together, like old times, Enju Revetzenka?”
“…You’re always dragging me in, Gordon Vellet.”
With a resigned sigh, he clinked his glass against mine.