Back to the Past (5)
“Come in.”
The king’s office was really more comfortable and familiar than my room.
Is that why? The feeling that I was really alive was stronger than ever.
My father was standing in front of his desk contemplating something.
“I heard you called. father.”
“Have a seat.”
I sat down in the seat of honor naturally, and got up again in amazement.
Then, with an embarrassed face, he sat down in the seat across from the seat of honor.
I knew at least that such a trivial act would be misunderstood, but I couldn’t help but let it come out inadvertently.
Fortunately, my father didn’t seem to care.
“Have you decided on an aide?”
“Not yet. However, I put a person who is more outstanding than anyone else as an aide.”
“okay. you would have figured it out Good job.”
When my father sat down, the chair creaked and screamed.
The force coming out of his rugged body was no joke.
As I was envying that figure, I heard my father’s voice.
“I want to hear your thoughts. That is why I called you to this place.”
“Is this the information ministry story I told you about last time?”
“Yes.”
It was representing his father’s feeling that he did not like those subtly raised eyebrows.
“Information that belongs to an individual should not exist in the past or future.”
“How can the prince’s things be limited to that individual? All for the glory of the Kingdom.”
“That is the perfect theory. But the ministers don’t seem to think so.”
The justification for the kingdom was sufficient.
Besides, isn’t Esteban going through a huge threat of poisoning the king?
So, even if their resistance is strong, there is no way it will collapse.
But if there are nobles who oppose it… … .
“In the end, the reason they object is probably that he himself is afraid that he will follow the same path as Count Asus.”
“… … .”
“He who is innocent will agree to this.”
I got up and poured hot water into the kettle on the desk.
The sweet scent of tea spread through the office.
“Can I get you a drink?”
“Kuhm! done.”
Originally, I was not a big fan of cars.
I slowly returned to my seat and leisurely savored the scent.
There was a moment of silence, and a low growl-like voice came out of my father’s mouth.
“It is as you say. If there really wasn’t anything to hold back, they wouldn’t have objected to the establishment of an intelligence agency.”
“Then, wouldn’t it be okay to proceed with the normal procedure?”
“Unfortunately, you can’t. Excessive dogmatism only amplifies the chaos in the country.”
“I don’t mean that.”
I lightly tapped the handle of the sofa.
“It means to make a compromise.”
“compromise?”
“Whatever the reason, isn’t what they want after all a minimum safeguard?”
The noun that the two of them used to refer to nobles had suddenly changed to ‘the bastards’, but my father didn’t seem to realize this.
I said with a small smile.
“Let’s say thank you.”
“… … what?”
Hearing this, Father’s body stiffened.
Could it be that we should give thanks to the Ministry of Intelligence and the Knights?
It was not a word that would come out of the subject’s mouth, so it seemed to take quite a while to understand the meaning.
“Does that gratitude mean being dispatched by nobles’ decision?”
“It is.”
“indeed. If that happens, they won’t oppose the establishment of an intelligence agency either… … .”
But my father’s eyes seemed a little concerned.
“Allen Esteban. What are you thinking?”
At my father’s words, I shrugged my shoulders and spoke confidently.
“Do whatever you want. Would you use it because the lion is afraid of a mouse cub hiding in the herd?”
“Are you really okay with that?”
“yes. You won’t be able to stop the predatory beast to the extent of releasing a rat.”
What they’re worried about.
That’s what I do with my eyes and my sword, poking around and finding out the sins.
So, as soon as their crimes are discovered, they must think that they want to punish them just as Count Asus did.
I’d say half right.
In fact, the intelligence department was established to ask them for their crimes.
But if there’s one thing they don’t know, it’s the fact that I’m a regressor from the future.
The purpose of the Ministry of Information is not to discover their crimes.
It is to discover ‘evidence’ of the crimes they have committed more secretly by deliberately revealing the shell of the Ministry of Information.
The words were similar, but they were distinctly different.
‘If you can stop it, stop it.’
While they’re trusting in their duties as auditors and acting complacently, I’m going to collect evidence by moving in extreme secrecy.
The moment I thought so. In the silence, I heard my father’s small voice.
“… … It really has changed a lot. what made you like that?”
betrayal and intrigue. Conflict and petty loyalty.
As a father, he must have felt many things through this incident.
So, I had no choice but to answer with a calm smile.
“Only my own will can change me.”
“… … Right.”
Unfortunately, the old lion’s appreciation ended here.
“good night. Based on that opinion, let’s proceed with the establishment of an information department.”
“Then I understand that this story is over.”
“okay. However, there are various procedures and budget problems, so it will be impossible to establish it right away.”
“Do not worry. I also have no intention of starting a job right now.”
The creation of the Ministry of Information was only after he had adapted to the return and when George’s education was over.
It didn’t matter what it was now.
‘but.’
Saying it doesn’t matter anyway, at least it wasn’t about the remnants of Asus who opposed the establishment of the intelligence department.
On the contrary, it couldn’t be more annoying than that if, taking a step back from this negotiation, they expressed their dissenting opinions on every single thing I did.
“Isn’t it really troublesome?”
“hmm?”
“That there are people who dare to hide behind public opinion and try to manipulate the country.”
“One, in the current situation… … .”
“I know it’s hard to catch them all. I just think it would be nice to have one person hanged as an example.”
I nodded and shook my head.
“I have a good idea.”
maybe… … The expression on my face when I said that seemed to be a smile.
A low voice comes out without even knowing it, without even realizing it.
* * *
There was a heavy atmosphere in the mansion of the Viscount Honoreo.
It wasn’t because of the fog that was so thick that even the moonlight couldn’t see through.
“sh*t!”
Clink!
The look on Viscount Honoreo’s expression as he threw the bottle away was distorted with anger.
The gaze from the world, the position in aristocratic society, and so on. Because everything is not comparable to the past.
It was the same with this meeting.
“It’s like hiding like an idiot and conspiring… … .”
Where did the splendid glory of the past go?
If I made a mistake, I could lose everything I had worked so hard for and fall.
… … okay. Just like Count Asus, who represented them, did.
Viscount Honoreo muttered while biting his nails.
“evidence… … Evidence was promptly disposed of. The merchants involved in the corruption are also being tracked down… … .”
Remnants of corruption with Count Asus.
If such a thing were to be discovered in the current situation, it would not be taken lightly.
Knowing that fact, I tried my best to conceal the information.
But what is this absurdity?
What are you missing?
His clenched fists turned white and blood began to ooze out.
At the same time, the viscount’s eyes flashed.
“… … It can’t collapse like this. Until ‘then’, I have no choice but to lie flat and endure.”
The day on which the establishment of the Ministry of Information proceeds.
Only then will you be able to get rid of the charges and return to your previous life.
The announcement of the consultation on the establishment of the Ministry of Information was. Five days ago, it was announced directly from the King’s mouth.
From noble mtl dot com.
-The necessity of establishing an information department is acknowledged, so we will refrain from discussing it any further.
-but. As a minimum safety measure, I will dispatch the auditors of the nobles and create a system so that power cannot be used carelessly.
to sum up. I’ll take a step back, you guys stop too… … it will be about
Naturally, there was an uproar among the nobility.
– Cancer, then! Isn’t this something that should have been done right away?
-I mean, the first prince could wield power in the wrong way… … .
– As long as side effects are minimized, there will be nothing to worry about.
-It was an opposition in order to follow Your Highness’ will.
This was the reaction of nobles who were skeptical about the establishment.
On the contrary, there were not a few voices that showed negative reactions to this agreement.
-1 Your Highness the Prince is making a mistake. It was something I shouldn’t have done, but… … .
-I should have used this opportunity to root out the thugs who were eating Esteban.
– Whoa. I’ve heard it through rumors, but you’re too weak.
Public opinion split almost in half.
In addition, there was an opinion that stronger restrictions should be placed, and there was also an opinion that the subject of the information ministry should be set as the king.
It was a time of change when so many opinions collided and collapsed.
The fact that they were the ones who led all this public opinion, probably no one knows.
“Kuhhh… … I never thought the operation to obstruct the establishment of the intelligence department would work so well.”
Are you saying that even if you fly and crawl, your stupid bloodline won’t change?
It is said that Asusra was cut off in the bud, but the Witchbeast of the Commonwealth Empire had already invaded, and the current situation is that there are no countable tribals who have disappeared in the meantime.
In such a situation, compromise on the establishment of an information department could be said to be a foolish act.
“If that time comes, the first prince and the king who made them suffer this kind of humiliation must be… … .”
I will kill you.
It was at that time that I was drawing hope for the future.
“You are telling an interesting story.”
“… … uh?”
A familiar voice from behind.
Aside from why the voice was heard, it was strangely natural to have such a vivid feeling of fear engulfing one’s heart.
“no way… … .”
did i hear it wrong?
If I hadn’t heard it wrong, that was definitely the voice of a god of death.
It was right after that that a wedge was driven into his heart.
“I want you to join me too.”
Moonlight shone through the fog and illuminated the balcony.
Sitting on the ledge of such a balcony was the first prince wearing a black robe.
It was an instant.
“One Prince! Where the hell is this… … !”
“Hoo.”
Viscount Honoreo’s horrified screams echoed through the mansion.
Prince 1 smiled and said to the protagonist of the noise.
“How dare you say such a thing to royalty?”
“Damn it! Is there anyone! Guards!”
“A guard?”
Oh, I seem to have forgotten the explanation.
“All members of the mansion have already been subdued. A merchant has come forward to accuse you of involvement in the rebellion.”
“… … what is that?”
“Exactly, we succeeded in finding it first. It seems he wanted to blow all the information and get extenuating circumstances, rather than being killed by you in the end.”
The first prince’s red eyes reflected the moonlight, creating a strange atmosphere.
Why did this happen? That thought had long since been abandoned.
Now, there was nothing left in my mind except that I had to somehow get this wicked beast back.
“I-I don’t know the story! Who wants to treat me like a criminal? I will report to His Highness the fact of trespassing on an aristocratic mansion!”
You have to come out strong.
If you act like there’s nothing to bow down to, even he won’t be able to ignore you.
And it was Viscount Honoreo who thought that he could use that opportunity to negotiate with the king.
but… … .
“try.”
“yes?”
“Try it.”
The viscount’s speech was blocked by such confident words.
Soon after, my body started shaking uncontrollably.
“I think you are still misunderstanding, but I have already been entrusted with full authority over the Asus situation to my father.”
“No way… … .”
“Do you really think it can’t be? That you haven’t taken any action until now?”
“… … no way.”
1 The edict that came out of the prince’s bosom swayed leisurely.
The viscount’s eyes were tightly closed.
‘How long did it take for things to go like this… … .’
The only thing he moved was five days ago. It was a private meeting due to the king’s call.
Prior to that, because it was Prince 1’s self-reflection period, there was no conversation whatsoever.
Of course, there was no sign of any suspicious movement after that… … .
‘Could it be then!?’
The Viscount trembled as he tried to erase the thoughts that came to his mind.
nonsense.
It was a situation that I hadn’t even assumed because it was impossible in the first place.
The rumor that he had been entrusted with full power in a private meeting five days ago was the sound that he had tracked down the merchant in just five days.
That too, by specifying that he would have committed a sin.
‘sh*t… … What should I do?’
Since he kept an eye on the movements of the king and the first prince and interfered with the establishment of the intelligence department, he judged that everything was going according to his will.
And that was the loser.
Slowly, without anyone noticing, he was holding me by the neck and was only looking for an opportunity.
It was really the end if we went on like this.
The first prince who mercilessly cut down Asus.
The fact that it would be his turn next was obvious.
It couldn’t collapse like this.
‘Now that it’s like this… … .’
The viscount’s eyes shook miserably as he decided to do something.
“Your Highness, I feel unfair! A small person has never participated in a rebellion!”
“hmm?”
“I have all the information. Please, if you just turn a blind eye to me, I will prove my injustice and uncover the truth of this situation!”
“Hoo.”
As if a little interest arose, the first prince came down from the railing and met the viscount’s eyes.
“So, you have nothing to do with this situation?”
“I was just fooled by Count Asus!”
“Hoo. You said you would also share the evidence of the civil war?”
“Yes, yes.”
“Hmm.”
Seeing the first prince nodding in interest, the viscount’s expression brightened.
‘It’s okay!’
The only information he holds is the trader’s revelations.
Since we have been working hard to erase the traces of corruption, the evidence is probably insufficient.
So, he must have tried to gather information by inducing this situation.
He was just lowering his body to plan for later work.
Even at the expense of his colleagues.
But even that mere hope was quickly crushed.
“why me?”
“… … yes?”
“Are you going to die here anyway?”
die?
Why?
As if not understanding the situation, the first prince spoke to the blinking viscount.
“Viscount Honoreo. The corruption and civil war conspiracy committed with Asus were discovered, and he took his own life.”
“What the hell… … .”
“after. Thanks to Prince 1’s base, the information gathering operation was successfully carried out, and all the instigators were caught and Asus’ civil war plot ended like that.”
… … As if explaining something from long ago, like that.
The viscount’s face turned pale as he brooded over the situation.
“no way… … .”
“It is very sad. It will be recorded as such in the history books.”
Underneath the decree in the prince’s hand, letters in a familiar form were visible.
5 days. Long before that, they were evidence of corruption that he would have burned with his own hands.
Laughter came out of nowhere.
“ha ha ha… … .”
It took only five days for their information to be leaked.
at an earlier time. Without realizing it, they already knew everything.
The first prince standing right over there.
It was himself who was crawling on the floor in an ugly manner before he knew it.
“Uh huh… … My, please give me one chance! I cannot die like this!”
“Is it because life is more important than any worthless face?”
“Sah, if you let me live, I will drop everything and go far away!”
“Tsk.”
The viscount’s hand, which was holding onto the hem of his dress, was hit by the first prince with a cold gaze.
“I still remember the cold touch of the glass you handed me.”
“What is that… … .”
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t know. It wasn’t a good memory for me either.”
“I, Your Highness… … ! aaagh!”
The moonlight that had been casting was covered, and the smiling face of the first prince turned into darkness.
The Viscount could clearly see the last words he uttered.
“You are second. Viscount Honoreo.”
Pook-
“Oh… … nod… … !”
The inside of the secret room, which had become quiet before I knew it.
After all the situations were over, there was only one prince left in the hall to wipe the bloody sword.
“It’s over.”
With this, no one will bother him for the time being.
The first prince, who was smiling with satisfaction, opened his mouth.
“This is what information gathering is all about.”
Then, a man who appeared to be an attendant appeared from the darkness.
“… … Even if you didn’t bother to fake it as a suicide, you weren’t destined to be executed.”
“By the way, it would be troublesome if he even divulged information about an accomplice.”
“Are you concerned about the confusion caused by the process of dealing with nobles in public office?”
The first prince shook his head lightly in response to the attendant’s question.
“no. It means that justice must have an enemy to be gracious to.”
“… … .”
“The superficial significance of the establishment of the Ministry of Information is due to the sejaks who were deeply involved in state affairs. But what if we knocked them out at once?”
Soon, Prince 1’s muttering as he left the door echoed through the room.
“The leash is already full. They will use it like this.”
George, who stood behind him, only nodded his head as if wondering.