Disappointing Teleportation Magic ~ Even Though The Movement Distance Is Only 1 Millimeter, I Will Rise Through Ingenuity ~ - Chapter 12.3

“Yes, the target was… you, Yuto.”

“As I suspected…”

As we stood talking, a maid who had been waiting in the corner of the room brewed some tea.

Given the unusual situation of being attacked by a person wielding a knife, I was grateful for the tea as my throat was parched.

“Yuto, I’m sorry…”

“E-Ekkels-sama, please raise your head.”

After having a cup of tea, Ekkels suddenly straightened up.

“We underestimated the situation. We’re not sure where the leak occurred, but it seems that news about your work in removing the dark marks of the Dark Curse has spread to the Second Prince’s faction.”

“So, the one who attacked me was…”

“It seems to have been carried out by men under the command of Count Zarettino, a member of the Second Prince’s faction.”

I hadn’t noticed at all, but it seemed that someone instructed by Ekkels had been monitoring my actions. They had apparently been observing from a distance when I was attacked, but because their purpose wasn’t protection, they were late to intervene. The person who had been monitoring me had chosen not to capture the masked man after assessing the situation and had seen where he fled to.

“What kind of person is Count Zarettino?”

“Simply put, he lacks discretion.”

Count Zarettino apparently has a son who surrounds the Second Prince.

The intention seems to be to make the Second Prince the next king and take advantage of his son’s connections to benefit.

“I’m sure you’ve already realized, but both Ludienne and I believe that Prince Alberic should succeed to the throne. That’s why we’ve been working diligently. However, to be honest, I’ve been hesitant about how much I can trust you, Yuto.”

Summoned by the Second Prince’s faction and still in a situation where my allies are under the authority of the Second Prince’s faction, it seemed that while my indispensable utility was acknowledged, the suspicion of being used as a spy couldn’t be erased.

“This is a mistake in our judgment. We should have placed you in a safe place sooner.”

“No, Ekkels-sama has already taken various considerations for me in the past, and it’s natural not to trust a child from another world whose background is unknown.”

“That’s not true. Your past performance has shown that Yuto is a serious and sincere person. It’s my mistake to have delayed my judgment even though I’ve been observing it closely.”

“Ekkels-sama…”

“But you don’t need to worry anymore. Yuto will live in this room until the treatment for Prince Alberic is completed.”

“Huh… Here, you mean?”

“There is a bedroom in the back, and there is also a bathroom and a toilet. Meals will be delivered, so it’ll be fine.”

No, it’s not that I’m worried about that, but I’m puzzled by suddenly moving from a cell-like room to a room like a semi-suite… Well, never mind.

“Um, what about the duties of the administrative staff?”

“Yuto will officially transfer to the medical staff in the west wing.”

“Does that mean that I will be under the supervision of Ludienne-sama?”

“That’s right. I didn’t check what Yuto was thinking, but from now on, you will work for Prince Alberic.”

Ekkels’s words, which were said decisively, conveyed a pressure that did not allow for refusal.

“On my day off the other day, I went sightseeing in Escrowd with Tariq, who protected me today.”

“Oh, how was it? Did you enjoy the city of the capital?”

“Yes, it was very lively, and just walking around and seeing things was enjoyable.”

I told them about the incident that happened when we tried to buy shoes with Tariq, buy clothes, have a meal, and were about to visit a confectionery.

I talked about the distressing voice that echoed in the side street, which couldn’t be seen because it was hidden by a crowd.

“I don’t know much about the authority and privileges of the royal family and the nobility of this country, but I don’t think such things should be allowed.”

“That’s right, Yuto. To stop Belnort’s tyranny, Prince Alberic must ascend to the throne next.”

“Please tell me, Ekkels-sama. I don’t know what kind of person Prince Alberic is. Will he make this country better… no, will he make it a country where the people can live happily?”

“Don’t worry. Prince Alberic has become someone who cares more about the pain and suffering of others than anyone else because he has been left with a mark on his noble face due to the Dark Curse. Even now, he is deeply concerned about Belnort’s atrocities. If it’s Prince Alberic, he will surely make the Kingdom of Yurefelt a country where all the citizens can live happily.”

Ekkels’s expression as he praised Prince Alberic was somewhat religious, and it made me feel uneasy, but at least he seemed more decent than Belnort.

“I understand. I will continue to cooperate as before… no, even more so than before.”

“I see, I’m counting on you, Yuto.”

And thus, I was completely drawn into the First Prince’s faction.