I Already Know My Magic Power Is Ridiculously High! Now I Just Need a Cute Wife... - Episode 60

The mastermind behind the Crown Princess’s poisoning was still unknown. However, based on objective facts, Albert’s involvement seemed undeniable.

“Considering who benefits the most from this situation, isn’t it obvious who orchestrated it?”

“…But! …No, we can’t say for sure that Lord Albert is responsible…”

Nephthys raised her voice for a moment but quickly masked her expression.

She probably didn’t want to believe that her lord would harm his own kin.

From Nephthys’s words, it was clear that Albert couldn’t be confirmed as the mastermind.

However, it was worth noting that someone with mastery over high-level sigil magic was likely working within Albert’s faction.

“Who does Carlina intend to inherit the throne—Albert or Luna?”

“…Of course, Lady Luna.”

As expected, the queen seemed determined to maintain the current system.

If it were me, I’d simply pass the throne to the first prince since both were my children.

“Why cling so desperately to the matrilineal tradition? Wouldn’t it be better to give the throne to the first prince rather than invite further chaos?”

“I do not understand Lady Carlina’s reasoning. However, many central nobles prioritize tradition and oppose Lord Albert’s succession. As long as they support her, Lady Carlina will act to maintain the status quo.”

So, the fundamental reason for the matrilineal system remained unclear.

The central nobles referred to the high-ranking families in Naias’s capital, Goldasht, who were closely tied to the royal family.

Whether they had deep knowledge of the matter or were simply stubborn was uncertain.

In any case, it was clear that the queen was resolute in upholding the matrilineal tradition.

“Carlina doesn’t seem to have the exceptional leadership of the previous queen. She can’t wield absolute authority as before, can she?”

“…At present, that would be difficult.”

“And that’s where you first prince supporters found your opening?”

“…Yes.”

The predecessor had destroyed the Ortenos royal family and unified the kingdom of Naia.

The previous queen had led Naia to its peak, only to become a defeated ruler in the end.

Now, the current queen was losing her influence, raising concerns about governance.

Well, that was just the rise and fall of power.

“I see, I understand the queen’s situation now.”

Hearing about Naias’s decline didn’t exactly put me in a good mood.

A poisoning incident within the royal family was the ultimate act of betrayal.

The thought of something like that happening in my own house sent chills down my spine.

Even in the Ortenos region alone, there were countless noble family ties.

As a noble, I could never guarantee I’d remain untouched by such matters in the future.

Ranecki was one thing, but even Nevrim and Uklein had hidden thoughts I couldn’t decipher.

…Alright, I should refocus. There was still much I wanted to ask.

About the girl who had recently piqued my interest—

“And what is the problem Luna faces?”

“…That would be one of the three greatest gender issues of the Stellar Rank— ‘Mistrust of Men.’”

“Huh? The three greatest gender issues of the Stellar Rank? Mistrust of men…?”

I was taken aback by the unexpected turn of the conversation.

What was that supposed to mean?

It sounded like one of those ‘Top Three Night Views’ rankings, but one of them was mistrust of men?

“…Are you not familiar with them? Mistrust of men, erectile dysfunction, and prolonged lack of intimacy. Among these, mistrust of men is an issue that affects only women.”

“With that lineup, I suppose that makes sense.”

“…Yes. Mistrust of men is a rare condition caused by psychological trauma inflicted by male nobles.”

So, it meant being unable to trust male nobles?

But since it was described as a ‘condition,’ perhaps its meaning was slightly different from how the term was used in my previous life.

Hearing about Luna’s mistrust of men, I suddenly recalled a scandal that Geraldo had mentioned before.

“Does this have something to do with Barbato? That incident where he supposedly attacked Luna when she was still very young?”

“…Yes. That happened about five years ago…”

Nephthys hesitated but then began recounting the events surrounding Barbato.

The incident occurred five years ago, when Luna was still under ten years old.

At the time, Barbato had just been abandoned by his fiancée.

Consumed by rage, he became increasingly reckless, causing numerous disturbances.

Coincidentally, that was also the year Carlina ascended the throne.

Barbato’s aunt, Martina, and her daughter, Luna, were assassinated, and his mother took the throne.

Suddenly, Barbato saw a potential path to succession opening before him.

However, in reality, only the factions of the first prince and first princess had emerged—he was left out entirely.

The reason was simple: his twisted desires had led him to prey exclusively on young noble girls, ruining his reputation beyond repair.

But Barbato, arrogant and self-absorbed, cared little about that.

Day by day, Barbato’s frustration grew.

It made sense for his brother to stake a claim to the throne.

But why was Luana—twelve years his junior—ranked above him in succession?

Luna, even in Barbato’s eyes, was a kind, graceful, and beautiful girl.

When their beloved grandmother died in the war, while everyone else voiced their hatred toward Ortenos, Luna simply clutched her chest and wept.

It was as if she was trying to contain her grief and anger within herself, an image that felt sacred and untouchable.

For some reason, Barbato couldn’t forget that sight.

Every time he recalled it, he was overcome with a deep, suffocating gloom.

Barbato was drowning in resentment and sought an outlet for his frustration.

Then came the assassination.

His cousin, Luana—who had been like a sister to Luna—was murdered.

Because of their similar names, they had been very close.

The loss of a cherished elder sister must have been devastating for Luna.

One day, Barbato saw it with his own eyes.

Luna, standing before the gravestones of her grandmother, aunt, and cousin, placing freshly picked golden freesia from the castle’s backyard, tears streaming down her face.

Barbato, for some reason, asked her if she felt no anger.

To him, it was an incomprehensible question.

After all, the war had caused their grandmother’s death.

It had disrupted the royal family’s balance of power, leading to rampant assassinations.

It was all Ortenos’s fault.

Rather than weep in sorrow, she should turn her grief into fury.

He yelled at her to do so.

But Luna shook her head.

She said it was wrong to blame Ortenos when Naia had started the war.

The true enemy was war itself, and if one side stopped fighting, there would be no more suffering.

That was why—she wanted to become queen and end all wars.

Barbato was left speechless, staring into Luna’s jade-green eyes, filled with unwavering determination.

That was when he finally realized who she was.

Luna was a noble with ideals, albeit twisted ones.

Barbato saw in her a reflection of his past self and felt deeply unsettled.

A noble soul—pure and untainted.

And yet, it was something he had already lost.

This girl stood on the path of nobility that he had abandoned.

He couldn’t allow it.

So what should he do?

He should defile her.

He would make her suffer the same humiliation he had endured.

He would strip her of her nobility, purity, and sanctity.

He would ensure she never spoke such naïve words before him again.

In that instant—Barbato lunged at Luna.

When the royal guards arrived, they found Barbato naked, straddling Luna in a fit of rage.

Luna’s clothes were torn to shreds, her body covered in bruises, sobbing uncontrollably.