I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 76: The Prince’s Torment 2 [Ernest’s Side]

After the trial, days passed in confinement without any contact with the High Priest. Then, one day, something unbelievable caught my eye: a dragon, large enough to reach the second-floor ceiling of the castle courtyard, appeared.

Screams and shouts echoed from all directions. But soon, the dragon vanished from the courtyard. Later, reports came in, one after another, each more unbelievable than the last.

“What? Vandière made a demon pact with the dragon from that day?! And the High Priest is the culprit who controlled the dragon to attack the capital!?”

“Yes, Ernest-sama, haven’t you heard anything from the High Priest?”

“No…”

“But Sir Ernest,However, you were in contact when Captain Vandiere brought in the Evil God Fragment and during the trial, right?”

I never imagined that I, who had met the First Knight’s knights many times before, would be regarded with such suspicion.

“That’s why I’m saying I don’t know! The High Priest only gave me information during Diane’s abduction incident! And consulting the temple about the evil god’s shard… isn’t that obvious?”

“Ernest-sama, please don’t get so agitated. We’re here only to listen to what you have to say at His Majesty’s command.”

It felt as if they were speaking to someone who didn’t understand the situation at all. Despite simply stating the obvious, it was clear they didn’t believe me.

I felt a mix of fear that I would be treated as an accomplice to the High Priest and jealousy towards Vandière, who was being praised as if his past misdeeds had never happened. It was unsettling how our positions had seemingly reversed.

About a month into my confinement, Vandière was ennobled for forming a pact with a dragon. Apparently, there would also be a presentation of the Saintess. Previously, the Saintess had been welcomed into the royal family through marriage.

As I already had Diane as my fiancée, there was no chance I would marry her. I didn’t know the Saintess’ age, but my brother also had a fiancée, so Diane might end up as a concubine.

I couldn’t disregard Diane’s efforts, who had shared both joy and sorrow with me and had worked hard on her education as a queen. If such a proposal arose, I would argue that the Saintess should become a concubine instead.

With that decision in mind, I attended the ennoblement announcement for Vandière and the night gathering, which also served as the Saintess’ presentation.

Vandière showed an attitude as if he had no interest in me, which irritated me, but when I saw the small, charming dragon, I didn’t care anymore. Fluttering its wings, it flew and then snuggled in Vandière’s arms. At that moment, I couldn’t help but envy Vandière.

Then, when I saw the Saintess, I was overwhelmed by an electrifying sensation. A feeling I had never experienced before, captivated by her cute appearance, though it might be vulgar to say, I was captivated by her ample chest.

I still felt bewildered by emotions I had never harbored towards Diane. I still considered Diane an important woman and held her in high regard. But my heart was unconditionally drawn to the Saintess.

During the gathering, nobles from my faction approached me, perhaps to inquire about my situation, but my eyes were fixed on the Saintess. Whether she didn’t know Vandière’s true nature or not, the Saintess seemed to be enjoying the gathering under escort.

However, in a brief moment when I looked away, I saw Vandière roughly grabbing the Saintess by the head and restraining her, amidst the dancers. I hurried over and reproached Vandière… but,

“Please stop! Captain Justin and I are friends!”

Those words came from the Saintess. In fact, the two of them headed towards a table where sweet treats were laid out, looking quite friendly. At that moment, Vandière turned back.

“Oh, right. Wasn’t the Crown Prince instructed by His Majesty to have a fair judgment? Please be cautious in your words and actions, as you are the Crown Prince.”

Indeed, even before this evening’s gathering, I had been advised by my father to stay calm and maintain a fair judgment. At that moment, I almost regretted my actions, realizing that it was because of my hasty judgment of Vandière that I ended up in further embarrassment. Vandière moved his lips silently, saying, “For now.”

What? Does he mean to say that I’m only the Crown Prince for now!? Vandière hadn’t changed after all; he was just concealing his true nature for now!

As I thought this, I also realized that my own temper was rising. To avoid any further disgrace, I needed to cool my head for a moment.

“Ugh… I’m feeling unwell! I need to rest for a bit!”

Though I felt bad for Diane, I left the scene and headed to the royal family’s private rest area.

“I’d like to be alone with my thoughts,” I told the attendant maid and the knight, before sitting alone on the sofa, holding my head in my hands. If Vandière hadn’t concealed his true nature, then during that trial, it should have been me who became the master of the dragon, replacing the disgraced Vandière. If the Third Knight hadn’t intervened at that time, I would have taken command.

If that had happened, I would have been the one to collaborate, and perhaps I would have been the one escorting the Saintess for her debut. I couldn’t suppress the feeling of anxiety building up inside me. Although breaking something here might provide some relief, as the Crown Prince, I couldn’t allow myself to do such a thing.

“What is this feeling of discomfort, like I’ve buttoned my shirt wrong…!”

“I sympathize with your inner turmoil.”

“Who’s there!? I told you to leave me alone!”

Although there had been no sign of anyone, suddenly a voice addressed me, and when I looked up, I saw a man I didn’t recognize standing there. Judging by his attire, he was a noble, but was he one of the local nobles who attended the evening gathering?

“I apologize. I wanted to assist His Highness the Crown Prince and managed to persuade my way in. Please accept this, an amulet charm believed to bestow divine power. We pray for Your Highness’ future ascension to the throne.”

As he unfolded the cloth, a splendid ornament with a red gem embedded in it was revealed.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I can’t accept this…”

Although I was captivated by the item laid out on the table, accepting it hastily would only make it seem like a bribe. However, when I looked up again, the man who had been here moments ago was nowhere to be seen.