Volume 5 Chapter 4, Part 2 The Great Villain of the World Knows the State of Affairs in the Capital
Ryougen-kun and Yuuri-san nodded.
"It's the organization called 'Golden Feather Syndicate.' I think we should investigate it in detail and share the information with everyone. However... that's also a difficult situation. First, we need to calm down the high-ranking bureaucrats; otherwise, we won't even be able to take measures."
Ryougen-kun added, "Being the successor of the Chou Family is quite appealing, you see..."
The area around Crown Prince Rouen is also getting noisy.
As for him, he wants to mourn Chou Sekimei, but he can't do that.
That's because both Chou Sekimei and Chou Shoukatsu committed crimes and were punished.
To mourn for them could be seen as acknowledging that the punishment given by the royal family was wrong.
Therefore, Crown Prince Rouen continues his duties as usual.
It seems that many individuals are trying to get close to Crown Prince Rouen.
The position of 'General of the Devoted Cavalry' protecting the capital is also vacant.
For now, a temporary agent has taken that position.
They are also arguing about whether to make this person the official general or appoint someone else as the 'General of the Devoted Cavalry.'
──Ryougen-kun shared all of this.
"If possible, I don't want any strange people getting close to His Highness Rouen. This is my feeling as His Highness's uncle."
"I understand your feelings."
"However, we can't just leave the power vacuum as it is. We need to appoint someone as the 'General of the Devoted Cavalry'. Someone without ambition for power, who has no desire to curry favor with His Highness, the Crown Prince. It doesn't matter if that person is young. It would be a good idea to appoint them as the vice captain in charge of defense with the pretext of eventually naming them 'General of the Devoted Cavalry'."
"...Yes."
I understand what Ryougen-kun is saying.
However, I don't understand why he's telling me this.
Yuuri-san told me, 'I want you to help His Highness Rouen.'
So, for me to hold the position of 'General of the Devoted Cavalry'... that's impossible.
I have no track record.
There's no way his previous subordinates would follow me.
Yet, Ryougen-kun is talking about the 'General of the Devoted Cavalry'.
In other words, it means that the one to take that position is someone I know.
"Do you know who I want to make the 'General of the Devoted Cavalry'?"
"...I understand."
I slowly nodded.
"Your Highness the King's brother believes he is suitable for the position of 'General of the Devoted Cavalry'... and that was my brother, Kou Kairyou, correct?"
"Ah, that's correct."
"Kou Kairyou-sama is considered a friend by His Highness Rouen. However, he has never taken advantage of that position, not even once."
Yuuri-san took over Ryougen-kun's words.
"Also, Kou Kairyou-sama has been gaining experience under 'General Skybear' Kou Eishin. If it's that person, he would be suitable as a general to protect the capital. Also, His Highness Rouen will feel at ease with him by his side."
"But... is that really okay?"
I couldn't help but interject.
"If that's the case, the Kou family's power will become too strong. If that happens──"
People will probably face considerable jealousy.
That's only natural.
The head of the family, Kou Eishin, is 'General Skybear'.
His eldest son, Kou Kairyou, is the next candidate for 'General of the Devoted Cavalry'.
To have 2 generals emerge from one family is quite something.
Those who were aiming for the position of 'General of the Devoted Cavalry' will inevitably feel envy.
...I wonder if Father and Brother will be okay.
Both of them are serious and have straightforward personalities.
I'm worried they might get undermined.
"Those who are dissatisfied will have to be dealt with on my end."
Ryougen-kun declared firmly.
"The members of the Kou family are Military Officers. They might be weak against schemes and intrigues. So, I will compensate for that. For now, the priority is to fill the power vacuum and stabilize the country. Otherwise, we won't be able to prepare against the mysterious organization."
"Your Highness the King's brother, will you lend me your strength for the Kou family?"
"For Aika Country and His Highness Rouen"
"...Thank you"
I prostrated myself.
I feel safe knowing that Ryougen-kun will back me up.
I think it would be fine if my brother became the General of the Devoted Cavalry.
Rather, by the elder brother's success, the Kou family will gain the best ally.
"I trust the people of the Kou family."
Ryougen-kun said.
"So, you too have a role to play, Kou Tenhou."
"...Huh?"
"I want you to connect me, the Kou family, and His Highness Rouen."
"Please. We need someone trustworthy by Rouen-sama's side!"
Ryougen-kun and Yuuri-san were looking at me.
Ryougen-kun had a calm expression.
His eyes were quietly watching me.
With the gaze of someone who has met many guests and can see their talents.
From Ryougen-kun's eyes, I feel a mysterious depth, like the bottom of a deep sea.
It's as if he can see straight into my heart.
...I'm worried he might find out I'm a reincarnate.
Yuuri-san is looking at me with pleading eyes.
She really seems worried about Crown Prince Rouen.
By the way, Yuuri-san is also the cousin of Crown Prince Rouen, right?
I guess it's natural for her to be concerned about him.
Behind the two of them, Tanshi-san is clasping his hands towards me.
That person is Ryougen-kun's confidant.
But he keeps thanking me, a novice.
This must be a very important proposal.
"I will arrange for the necessary personnel. If you wish, you are free to appoint subordinates. Please connect me, His Highness Rouen, and the Kou family so that we can communicate with each other at any time. Of course, you can use those personnel to take measures against the 'Golden Feather Syndicate'. That is up to you."
"You want that much power for me...?"
"In order to stabilize the country, we need cooperation between us and the Kou family."
It's my job to connect the Kou family, Ryougen-kun, and... Crown Prince Rouen... right?
I understand that this is necessary.
It's also to protect the Kou family.
And to ensure that Crown Prince Rouen can govern calmly.
It will also be useful for dealing with the 'Golden Feather Syndicate.'
That way, I can relay information about the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' to Ryougen-kun and Crown Prince Rouen.
If we don't stabilize the country, we can't deal with the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' either.
But... working alongside Crown Prince Rouen comes with risks.
In the game, Kou Tenhou was a close aide to Crown Prince Rouen.
And that guy led the country to ruin... towards destruction.
I don't really know if the game's Kou Tenhou was truly a great villain.
There are also the 'Four Fiends' and the 'Golden Feather Syndicate' to consider.
Maybe he was just trying to stop the collapse of the country and failed.
Still, going to Crown Prince Rouen's side means... I will be in a position close to the game character Kou Tenhou.
'Danger'
'Doomed Ending'
'Execution'
'Dismemberment'
'Run-Over Corpse'
──Various words come to mind.
But... that's no reason to run away.
I'm involved in the Jinkyo Tribe and the death of Zeng Taiga.
Maybe even the deaths of the Chou family.
So──
"I understand. Your Highness the King's brother. Yuuri-sama"
──I gave them a clasped hand.
"I'm...Kou Tenhou, I will humbly accept your request for this role"
I gave such an answer to Ryougen-kun and Yuuri-san.
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