Chapter 40 - The Queen's Nephews Appears

And so, my interrogation of the prisoner ended up being nothing more than me enjoying sex, yet for some reason, I was still able to obtain useful information.

"The mastermind who ordered my assassination was indeed someone belonging to the Aristocratic Purists. Just as I predicted."

"Though we didn't manage to find out exactly who it was."

The female assassin I interrogated was, after all, a mere grunt; she wasn't in a position important enough to be told the full scope of the job. Even the orders were issued through the Guild, and she claimed she had never even met the client in person.

It’s a standard tactic for organized criminal activity. They always let the disposable underlings take the risks, while the truly evil ones never emerge from their safe spots in the shadows.

"Confirming the existence of this 'Neo-Assassin Guild' is a harvest in itself. So, the Assassin's Guild has truly been resurrected? Garbage and scoundrels always seem to pile up in the corners of a room when you aren't looking."

"We pulled info about their brokers and meeting spots from her. Shouldn't we secure them immediately? Even small leads should be followed to the next link."

"Indeed. Since those facilities are known even to a low-level grunt, they likely aren't vital to the organization, but there's no reason to leave them be. Our enemies aren't fools; once they realize an operative has fallen into our hands, they'll bury everything related to her in darkness."

That’s why we move first. The one who moves first holds the initiative, and the one with the initiative wins the race.

"I'll leave that part to the soldiers. Sao, I want you to handle a different problem."

"I still have to do something else!?"

I really want to go home already! I just came here for a party—how did I end up in the middle of a national conspiracy?!

"Everything seems to go well when I leave it to you. I’ll prepare plenty of rewards, so work for me, won't you?"

"Don't try to lure me with things! I'm not a kid doing chores!!"

"How about the right to have sex with me whenever you wish?"

"I’ll do it!"

Well, I’d probably have sex with the Queen even without a reward.

Eventually, Big Sis Calibur and Lady Staff, who had barged into the inner palace, reluctantly headed home after grasping the situation. As nobles of this country, they couldn't defy the Queen's will; in fact, serving her was an honor. Since Lady Staff is set to become a feudal lord, doing the Queen a favor was nothing but a plus, so they finally gave in.

As we parted, Lady Staff insisted, "Sao-san, you are my guard! You belong back with me! Don't you dare forget it!" It seems she's terrified that because I'm so competent, the Queen might try to scout me permanently.

Big Sis gave me a push of encouragement: "I'll handle guarding the Lady, so go give it your best!" As expected of family, she was unshakable.

So, it seems I have no choice but to be useful to the Queen. Fine then. I’ll complete this mission ASAP and take my reward by filling the Queen's womb to the brim with my seed.

"So, what do I need to do?"

"As I explained, I will order the Gendarmerie to crush the Neo-Assassin Guild. I want you, Sao, to deal with the other issue."

"The other issue?"

"The mastermind."

The mastermind. You mean the Aristocratic Purists who hired the guild to kill the Queen?

"Their motives are transparent. They despise me because I don't bend to their will. If they eliminate me and push someone who agrees with them onto the throne, they can push through whatever policies they desire."

"Would they really go that far? Isn't assassinating a monarch a crime of an impossible magnitude?"

"Indeed. If caught, it's a crime punishable by the execution of nine generations of the family. The risk is terrifyingly high."

Do they really want to protect their noble interests and exclude commoners from their territory so much that they'd take that risk? If their ideology is that nobles are superior and commoners must never rise to their level... that’s reached the territory of a dangerous cult.

"I want you to investigate exactly which member of the Aristocratic Purists placed the order and targeted my life."

You want me to do some secret government spy work? Isn't that a bit out of my league? I'm just a student from a backwater village.

"To be honest, I already have suspects in mind. You only need to verify the truth for me."

"And those are...?"

Just as I was about to ask for more, there was a knock-knock at the door.

"Your Majesty, I have a report."

"Enter."

The one who entered was Captain Sleigh of the Royal Guard. The moment our eyes met, she quickly looked away.

"Captain Sleigh, your pussy was top-tier."

"D-Don't say such things so openly!"

She’s blushing. Cute. I made a mental note to woo her and take her down again later.

"What is it? I am busy bonding with Sao."

"There is a request for an urgent audience with Your Majesty."

"Urgent?"

"Extremely."

"Then it must be them... talk about good timing. Fine, let us meet. Escort them to the Audience Chamber."

"Understood... Also, Your Majesty."

"Yes?"

"Perhaps it is time you detached your body from his?"

When Captain Sleigh entered, she must have seen the Queen and me lying on the canopy bed, completely naked and joined at the genitals. Yes, this entire conversation with the Queen had been conducted while we were having sex!

The Queen's pussy is the best!

"Ngh... ❤️ It’s frustrating to interrupt this wonderful time with Sao, but I must go. Sao, put on your clothes and follow me."

"What’s going on?"

"They’ve arrived. The suspects."

When I accompanied the Queen to the Audience Chamber, two figures were kneeling, waiting for her. I recognized one of them. I didn't know the other.

"A sudden visit. Why such a rush?"

The Queen sank her hips into the throne. I stood straight beside her like a page. From the height of the throne, I could look down at the visitors from nearly the same perspective as her.

"Your Majesty! How could we not rush!?"

One of the two spoke while remaining prostrate. This was the one I knew—though we had only met yesterday. It was Suppapan, an Instructor from the Royal Academy.

"Upon hearing the report that a brigand approached Your Majesty, I, Suppapan, could not sit still and hurried to the castle! More than anything, I was worried about Your Majesty's safety!"

"Safety... or did you mean the 'result'?"

"Pardon?"

"Nothing."

The other visitor was a face I had never seen. He was younger and more energetic than Suppapan, with a handsome, "shonen protagonist" look.

"Lespar, are you here for the same reason? I bet you're quite disappointed to see me so healthy."

"Perish the thought. Your Majesty is like a mother to me; I am heartened from the bottom of my soul to see you safe."

The handsome man, kneeling, spoke with a humble expression.

"This is a good opportunity, Sao. Let me introduce them to you."

"Eh? Me?"

Should I even be part of this conversation? I thought I was supposed to be background noise.

"That insufferable handsome man is Lespar. He’s currently in charge of a unit in my direct Royal Knight Order."

"I serve as the Commander of the 8th Royal Knight Order. Your Majesty, I would be honored if you introduced the young man beside you as well."

"This is Sao. He is the savior of my life."

The moment the Queen spoke, the atmosphere between the two visitors shifted. Their gazes intensified.

"He happened to be by my side and stopped the assassin. If not for him, a state funeral would be underway right now."

"That is... an achievement worthy of a medal...!"

Suppapan fell silent, looking down. In contrast, the handsome Lespar became more talkative.

"Such a capable youth! I would love to have him in the Royal Knights. Tell me, would you be interested in joining my 8th Order?"

"I-I'm still a student...!"

"A student with that kind of strength! Even more incredible! Then even after graduation is fine—please, come to my Order!"

He praised me so relentlessly that I was overwhelmed. What's with this guy's pushiness?

"You’re greedy for talent, Lespar. But are you sure? Sao is a commoner."

"Eh?"

"He entered the Academy through the 'Guard Enrollment System' I established. People say it’s problematic to let a commoner into the glorious Royal Knights... what do you think?"

"I am not swayed by such foolish opinions," the handsome man replied firmly. "Whether noble or commoner, a capable and noble-hearted person should walk the path they deserve. Do you think I would flinch just because he's a commoner? If anything, I'm even more impressed. Your Majesty, please, let me take him under my wing."

"You should discuss that with the academy that oversees Sao. Conveniently, someone involved is right here."

The Queen's gaze shifted sideways to Suppapan. Well, he’s not my direct Instructor, but he's a staff.

"More importantly, Your Majesty...!"

Suppapan spoke in a strained, breathless tone.

"I wish to return to the main point. Has the culprit who attacked Your Majesty been captured yet?"

"Why should I tell you that?"

The Queen's response was merciless.

"The investigation must proceed in absolute secrecy. The fewer people who know the details, the better. I understand you are anxious about an incident within the palace, but now is not the time for speculation. Wait until the full scope of the incident is clear."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" "Understood...!"

The knight and the Instructor both bowed low. ...Now that I think about it, what a strange pair. Why are these two specifically here together for an audience?

"Now, my nephews. You should be satisfied seeing that I am safe. Your purpose is fulfilled. Return and fulfill your duties."

Wait, nephews? Commander Lespar gave a respectful bow. "Indeed. Seeing my Aunt so healthy has lightened my heart."

"Disappointed that your chance to become King has drifted further away?"

"Perish the thought. Both Suppapan-dono and I are still far too inexperienced to inherit your heavy burden. We shall sharpen ourselves and prepare for the judgment that will eventually come. Right, Suppapan-dono?"

Called by name, the Instructor finally reacted. "Ah!? ...Yes, of course."

"Then, Aunt, we shall return to our duties. The assassins may not have given up yet; please, take the utmost care."

Once the guests left, it was just the Queen and me again. She let out a deep sigh of exhaustion.

"You may have already guessed, but those two are my relatives. Both are my nephews."

"I see..."

"Suppapan is my older brother's child, and Lespar is the son of my younger brother. Both are royalty and hold the right of succession. Currently, it is said that one of those two will succeed me."

Nephews as successors. Usually, it’s a King’s own children—princes or princesses. It felt weird. Then I remembered: the Queen is single. It’s usually the duty of a monarch to produce an heir, so why didn't she?

"I tried! But... it seems my body simply cannot conceive...!"

The Queen's expression darkened. Was this a taboo subject?

"At one point, I laid with hundreds of men almost every day, but I never conceived. It is the only flaw in me as a 'Wise Ruler'."

"Calling yourself a 'Wise Ruler' is a bit...!?"

"So, I have no choice but to rely on my relatives for an heir, and my family has put forward Lespar and Suppapan as the final candidates. It all comes down to my nomination...!"

If chosen, they become King. If not, they are just ordinary people. This fork in the road is a matter of ultimate light and shadow. If someone felt they were disliked by the Queen, wouldn't they commit an atrocity, knowing their chances of being chosen were near zero? If the Queen's mouth is silenced before the selection, the next King would be decided by a pure power struggle.

"I'm sure they both wish for my early retirement. Then the throne would roll right into their hands. Being just a nominee isn't enough to make one a perfect King."

In other words, both of those two who just came for an audience... have a motive to send assassins after the Queen?

"I suspect the mastermind behind this assassination attempt is one of those two. And I want you, Sao, to find out which one it really is."

Prev             TOC             Next