Chapter 67: The Answer Is Already Decided (1)

Chapter 67: The Answer Is Already Decided (1)

By now, in the original novel, the Crown Prince would have been gradually overshadowed by the 2nd Prince, whom the protagonist served, and was considering an alliance with the 5th Prince.

Given the protagonist’s decisive role in persuading Laura, who had become his subordinate, to join the side of the 2nd Prince and later even turn Count Benner against the Crown Prince’s faction...

My involvement had strangely altered the plot of this novel, or rather, the history of the Reich Empire.

Now that I’ve decided to side with the Crown Prince, wouldn’t it be best to shape the Empire’s history favorably for him?

To give a little more boost, when rejecting the offer, it might be beneficial to slightly dent the 5th Prince’s pride.

This would serve as a small payback, intentional or not, to the 5th Prince, who had tried to snub me.

“Lieutenant Colonel Yaeger, do you find pleasure in squashing bugs? You have such a bright smile on your face.”

I snapped back to my senses at his words and apologized to the Crown Prince.

“My apologies.”

The Crown Prince, whether he had perceived my intentions or was simply pleased that I was unequivocally loyal, responded with a smile similar to mine.

“My dear Lieutenant Colonel Yaeger, are you drunk? Your face is flushed. Perhaps you’re just too young and got carried away with excitement and drank too much at your first banquet.”

From my time in Raintlant to the Chekovia frontlines, I’d drunk copious amounts to build good relations with other officers—sometimes two liters of beer in a sitting.

So there was no way I could be drunk from just a few glasses of wine at the banquet.

He probably meant for me to go home, rest, and avoid further incidents.

“I must’ve been too eager due to my youthful enthusiasm. If you permit, I’d like to excuse myself, Your Highness.”

Saying this, I pretended to be drunk and asked Laura to call a servant.

This act would surely make me look like a noble who drank too much at his first banquet.

At least in the banquet, leaving early due to intoxication only left one as a funny story rather than an insult or indiscretion.

“Lieutenant Colonel, are you okay? If His Highness says you are drunk, you might’ve had too much...”

Appreciating her concern, I whispered softly enough for only Laura to hear.

“Didn’t the 5th Prince just try to recruit me at the banquet? The Crown Prince wants me to pretend to be drunk and leave so as to avoid causing more trouble. I’m perfectly fine, so don’t worry.”

Laura nodded in relief, and we successfully exited the banquet.

“The Prince’s generosity is overwhelming. I’ll indulge.”

As I was about to cut into the steak, the butler at my side rang a silver bell.

In response, a woman dressed in a maid outfit—though much more revealing than a typical maid’s dress, revealing her thighs and cleavage—entered the room. With pale skin and black eyes, her beauty could turn heads on any street.

Damn, this didn’t feel right.

The butler next to me spoke with a grin upon seeing her.

“This is Mari. She just turned 20. I thought you might be bored waiting for His Highness, so I brought her for company. I’ll leave you two now.”

This was a clear attempt to seduce me, and if I wasn’t careful, they’d probably say something like,

‘We’re glad you liked our gift. A special present for a national hero.’

Then, through her, they’d attempt to dig up information on my personal life.

Mari tried to serve me, but I declined her help, saying,

“I prefer eating on my own. Moreover, I pulled an all-nighter preparing for a lecture at the Staff College yesterday, so I’m feeling quite tired. After eating, I’ll probably need some rest.”

Mari looked anxious, not fulfilling her supposed duty.

To avoid getting in trouble with the 5th Prince for refusing Mari’s company, I added,

“It’s a great honor to indulge in this luxury thanks to the Prince, but I can’t ruin my health.”

I then handed Mari a coin worth 5 silvers and said,

“This is my personal token of appreciation for you. The Prince will understand if you explain the situation.”

“Thank you, My Lord.”

She could now report to the Prince that I declined her due to exhaustion from the previous night and gave her a generous tip as a token of gratitude.

That should ensure the 5th Prince wouldn’t hold any grudges, at least outwardly.

I then enjoyed the luxurious meal and genuinely took a nap on the sofa, waiting for the Prince.

After what felt like a short while, the sound of a bell roused me.

“You must’ve been very tired. His Highness, the Prince, has arrived. Please follow me. I’ll lead you directly to the Prince’s office.”