189: The Melancholy of the Kingdom of Claughton
“Your Majesty. I have something to discuss with you.”
No sooner had the attendant entered the office than he lowered his voice and began speaking while glancing around nervously. At that, Listeard inwardly clicked his tongue.
Whenever he uses this tone, it’s because he has a troublesome request.
His suspicion proved correct.
What Alois Hertzfeld, who very much looked like he was going to bring up a classified matter, and was radiating nothing but suspicion, had come to report was the one topic Listeard most wanted to stay far away from.
“So, I take this is about the Villainess Avril?”
“You actually like that woman, don’t you? As expected from a villainess!”
He snorted, trying to brush off the question, but Alois wasn’t the kind to back down over something like that. He continued, “Such a way of responding is most inappropriate,” with his cheeks flushed with anger.
“According to rumors, that woman intends to take our country’s national exam.”
“Hmm, that’s interesting. But tell me, for what reason would you bother to report such a meaningless rumor that’s based on nothing more than speculation.”
“Surely, you jest. I’ve no doubt His Majesty is aware of this. Not only is she unnecessarily involving herself with a foreign nation, but allowing such a woman inside in the royal castle would disturb our country’s morals. Dynasties may change, but the history of our national exam has continued for hundreds of years. This would tarnish that legacy.”
“The way you speak makes it sound as though Avril Allingham is likely to pass. Is she not a villainess from your point of view, but instead a talented woman? I never realized. Regardless, she is not the sort of person whom I, as the head of this nation, need concern myself with.”
Alois lips twisted in disbelief at having the pressure returned.
The king would neither be informed about nor interfere with the actions of the villainess Avri, he had made his stance clear. This was probably the worst outcome for Alois who wanted no further international entanglements.
Proof of this came in his refusal to yield.
“No, she is indeed a villainess… Originally, it was reported that she was the mistress of His Highness Crown Prince Lawrence, but according to my investigations, she also appears to have a lover within the delegation. Furthermore, I have confirmation to their visiting each other’s rooms at night. Diplomacy is merely a pretense, there is no doubt that she is here for anything other than pleasure.”
“…Enough of that. That’s precisely the kind of thing I don’t need to know about.”
“No, His Majesty is protecting that woman, this is the true issue. You must not allow yourself to be ensnared by such an immoral woman!”
“…”
Their conversation had finally turned into something irrelevant.
As he rested his chin in his hand in exasperation, Listeard saw that Alois, who seemed genuinely worried about the wicked woman’s foreign influence, had a bitter expression. Regardless, this was a topic Listeard didn’t want to touch upon any further.
He more or less understood what his old acquaintance Lawrence was aiming for. And since he himself intended to use that outcome for his own advantage, he couldn’t let Alois, who would interfere, realize it.
Meanwhile, while he was thinking that continuing this discussion was pointless, Alois shifted the topic to his daughter. This, too, was a topic Listeard wanted to avoid.
“My daughter intends to take the national exam this year. I used to believe women had no need for education, but she is such an exceptionally capable girl….”
“That’s good to hear. If she passes, I’ll give her a reward. Now then, this conversation is finished.”
“Because of that, she’s been coming and going from palace almost every day.”
“…”
Though Listeard wanted to avoid any involvement as much as possible, Alois forced in his words anyway, smiling like a sly old raccoon.
“Next time, I shall bring my daughter to accompany you for dinner. I’ll also invite those who support Your Majesty after myself. They’ve known my daughter, Jeanne, since she was a child. They’ll surely be delighted to get closer to His Majesty, making You Majesty’s backing all the more unshakable.”
“…”
Truthfully, Listeard desired nothing to do with either dining with his daughter nor the presence of powerful nobles who were capable of becoming obstacles. Yet, as he as was, he couldn’t take action just yet.
Having no choice, Listeard raised the corners of his mouth to flash a faint smile.
Alois took it as a sign of agreement and cheerfully left the office. He might have been thinking that after being on the defensive the whole time, he had finally landed a counterstrike at the end. Either way, he was someone Listeard didn’t want prying any further, and nothing could change that fact.
Listeard wearily saw Alois off.
When should I cut ties with that troublesome man?
A tongue clicking echoed within the now empty room. He began trying to imagine the appropriate timing and reasons in his head. It wouldn’t be easy.
He already knew, this wasn’t something he could deal with on his own.
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