V2 Ch 50. A necessary thorn?

I was about to point out that the crown prince was very rude and disrespectful of the others’ privacy but the king almost forgot about our existence.

“My son, I see that you appeared a bit late. What is the reason of you being that slow?” The king was not looking to be too pleased with the arrival of his son.

“Your Majesty, I was about to arrive when a huge ship caused a lot of ruckus.” (M)

“Oh my, if only I knew that my arrival would cause you problems.” I never expected that we would arrive so conveniently in time.

“What ship are you talking about? I never expected such a preposterous excuse.” (W)

“He is talking about the ship of mine that is anchored at the roadstead.”

‘I knew something is off…’ (M)

“Indeed it is, Your Highness. Barging in a room where people are talking and then shouting like that. I wonder if you were personally taught manners by His Majesty.”

“Can you please stop making those remarks at each and every of our words?” The king’s smile was turning into a grimace.

“But who would teach the two of you the manners?” They just kept silence.

‘Are you not the one who keeps…’ I glared at our glorious knight.

“Since we all are here then why not we start discussing the incident?”

“Yes, yes. Son, tell us what happened.” (W)

“Your version, he means.” I corrected His Majesty.

“For some time I was observing my fiancée and suddenly I saw how she became ‘very close’ to the woman over there. Miss Delight and Lilith became so close that they dared flirting everywhere, including in front of the others’ eyes. When another student of the academy, Miss de Terehan, approached them she was met with open hostility from both of them so I decided to keep an eye out in case they bullied her. It ended up that my assumption was correct. Miss de Terehan was constantly abused both verbally and physically. Miss Delight even tried coercing her and blackmailing. During the recent gathering I tried confronting my fiancée and ask her to stop the harassment but I was coerced as well. Is my version wrong?” Now he looked at me.

“Be so kind to share your version of the events.” (W)

“A question, how did you ended up with Charlotte at the gathering?”

“It is not a kind of question I am willing to answer here.” (M)

“So, if we are alone you will be answering?”

“Yes. If you want we can go talk in a different room. Will Your Majesty allow us to step out for a private talk?” The king nodded so we stepped out. Éclair found another room where we locked ourselves for a talk. I looked at the door to make sure we are not being heard but when I turned back to face His Highness…

“Please, listen to what I say!” He bowed down and almost prostrated himself.

“???”

“I want you to at least not deny my version. Please, believe me, it is for the best of both you and Lilith. I know you are annoyed with me but please, I beg you, don’t negate my version.” (M)

“Mr. Éclair, why would I want to do it?”

‘It’s Michael’, “I can’t tell you why but it is important. I am ready to promise you anything as long as you do what I asked you. I shall never bother you again, so please! Please, help me!” Now he actually prostrated himself.

“About Charlotte...”

“She… confessed to me… I said that if she plays along with my little spectacle I will consider her… Don’t look at me like that…” [The worst kind of scum.]

“Hm. I still doubt that it will benefit me.”

“I can only promise you this much.” (M)

“So you don’t promise to tell me the truth?”

“I will tell you everything you want to know but now you only have two options. If you help me then you WILL NEVER REGRET IT. If you refute my claims then it will only hurt those close to you. While you are too strong for anyone to threaten you, they are not. They can’t always rely on you. So I beg you once again, help me!” With this he stepped out of the room.

Just in case, I should prepare the guns, after all if I to back my claims with 356. then everything should be ready.

‘Ding’

‘You received 16 upgrade points, 7 copper coins, 40mm/56.3 Bofors Single mount (Replaces Medium AA), .50 M2 Browning (Replaces MGs), 1 modernization point, 1 skill point, 40mm/56.3 Bofors Twin mount (Replaces Medium AA)”

HMS Delight – BC. Mod – 1949. Upgrade progress – 1/10.

Accuracy – 17/100

Reload – 5/100

Recoil – 1/100

Machinery – 99/25

Guns – 50/25

Equipment – 99/25

40mm/56.3 Bofors Twin mount. Loaded - 16/16.

20mm Mk V Oerlikon. Loaded - 20/20.

.50 M2 Browning. Loaded - 8/8.

I entered the room after the crown prince and sat down.

“So, did you two finish your talk?” The king asked out of courtesy but without any interest in hearing our answer so we just nodded.

“Alright, Miss Delight can now present us her opinion on this matter. Then I will make the final verdict.” (W)

“Your decision can only be approved by me and I hope you understand that my words are much stronger than yours.”

“Why would you think so?” He smirked.

“Because my words are backed with my power~.” Everyone but the king started trembling.

“Do you think you can coerce me?” (W)

“Indeed I can, right~?” Everyone fervently nodded.

“So, as I was going to say…”