Side: Milan

“Do not shed blood unless necessary, especially if the other party doesn’t show resistance.”

I knew Paides was preparing for the war from the start.

If the previous king passed away and the successor was that naïve princess, then it was only a matter of time until she became the puppet of foolish nobles.

However, I refrained from intervening because I lacked solid evidence. On top of that, I was also curious to see what Iris would do.

In order for Elda to occupy the royal capital, we’d inevitably have to pass through the territory of Lowenberg. Whenever I thought that, her face would flash across my mind.

I didn’t want to make such a compassionate woman, who despised war, take arms and bathe herself in blood again.

“I never thought Iris would sell her country.”

I did consider the possibility of that happening. Nevertheless, as Iris wasn’t a greedy person, it was more likely that she’d fight to protect her country instead. As such, I had prepared myself for her death.

“Your Highness, we have found Duke Yanei.”

“What a good hiding place. Suitable for a mouse.”

Duke Yanei had hid himself in a hidden room along an evacuation route for the royal family. Of course, only the royal family should have been privy to that knowledge. Under normal circumstances, anyway.

That poor woman.

She must’ve revealed confidential matters without even knowing that she was being taken advantage of.

“Your Excellency the Duchess of Lowenberg, what is the meaning of this!? As a proud noble of Paides, you should’ve stopped Elda! Not only did you forsake your own country, you also colluded with Elda! How unforgivable!”

“The one to talking to you is me, the crown prince of Elda. To ignore me completely in favor of Iris, have you no manners?”

I pointed the sword I was holding at Yanei’s mouth.

“Aghaa—!”

Finding himself in a situation where he’d be cut down if he said another word, Yanei paled and became silent.

“All right. Iris, if you have something to say, you may speak.”

“Duke Yanei, this is the war you desperately desired. Didn’t you want to go to war with Elda? I’m simply granting your wish.”

Iris said and smiled. The sight of her trying her damnedest to hold back her tears and pretending to be arrogant was truly heartbreaking.

As a member of a royal family myself, I could see that she cared for her country more than anyone else. Yet, the royal family of her country forced her hand, pushing her to make such a sad decision.

I was furious.

“It’d be unfair for Lowenberg to be the only one to bear the damage. You served our queen well, didn’t you? I’m sure you’re no stranger to her aversion towards unfairness. For her sake, I wish to treat you fairly. How was it? Your first battlefield? I’m sure it was far more exciting and wonderful to be a part of it rather than remaining a bystander and watching from a safe haven.”

Villain was a general term for those who didn’t reflect on their actions until the end. Duke Yanei was no exception. Blind to his own mistakes, he glared at Iris.

Right now, I was sure that the queen was scurrying away like a caterpillar, reveling in misery for being betrayed by her friend.

The queen who used to ridicule Elda so much.

Merely imagining that made me laugh.

“If a war breaks out with Elda, Lowenberg would inevitably be engulfed by its flames. As Lord of Lowenberg, I refuse to accept that. I’m not trying to justify my actions. I shall accept my retributions. Duke Yanei, you can go to Hell first.”

“Lead him away.”

After making sure that Iris had said everything she wanted to say, I had my men take the duke away.

The duke was trying to wage a war against Elda because of his own greed. He’d be publicly executed after standing trial in our country. In the end, the trials for prisoners of war from defeated countries were just a formality.

“Should we continue, Your Excellency?”

“We should.”

I glanced at Iris who stood next to me.

As a person who had practiced swordsmanship from a young age, I could tell that Iris too had learned swordsmanship, although her style of swordsmanship was a unique one. No surprise, she’d been running around various battlefields struggling to survive.

She read ahead and created a private army filled with skilled men who became a boon to the battle.

What a shame. If she were a man, and if it weren’t for this country, she’d have become a full-fledged general.

But I could tell by her behavior—she disliked conflict. Considering that, being a woman may have been a saving grace for her.

“Let’s go.”

“Understood.”

We marched on to capture the queen and bring an end to this battle.

---

The finally is coming up. Read ahead on Patreon~

***T/N: Lololol gosh, the words “capture the queen” should’ve had so much impact, but since Sheila is the queen in question, I felt like even a toddler could achieve the same feat…

Guys, guys, this story is ending, but don’t worry, for y’all who enjoy pain and infuriating story with good pay off, I picked yet another one! This time, the villainess plotted treason from prison!!!!

The Death of Princess Charlotte

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