It Seems That the Slave Girl Is Actually a Count's Daughter. - Episode 39: The Secret is Revealed

Episode 39: The Secret is Revealed 

“Hey, you. Do you know what this is?” 

I held up the item that could control monsters right then and there. He must have seen it before—Duke Hiddink’s expression clearly changed. 

“I-I don’t know anything about that.” 

Pamela and the Count Reinach couple stared at it blankly. To them, it looked like nothing more than a faded golden handbell. 

“This was something your subordinate had. He used it to control the Red Dragon and the Orcs, right? Then, he planned to show up and rescue Pamela and the Reinach household from their crisis. So he could make himself look like a savior.” 

Duke Hiddink’s face turned even more pale. Hey now, and he calls himself a duke? He must’ve had either very competent people around him… or complete idiots. One or the other. 

“W-what proof do you have to say such things? And I am a duke! Watch your disrespectful tone!” 

“This item, you see, is one that’s strictly controlled in my home country as a forbidden artifact.” 

The people around us stirred at my words. They looked confused, probably not understanding what I meant. 

But Duke Hiddink, who did understand, started trembling slightly and began to sweat. 

“How do you explain why it’s here? By the way, in my country, the person who stole it has already been identified and executed. Currently, we’re investigating their connections. The results should be out soon.” 

Now, Duke Hiddink was visibly trembling. Count Reinach and his wife widened their eyes as they watched him. 

Pamela, too, seemed to realize what was going on. She looked at Duke Hiddink like he was filth. 

Scary… If Pamela looked at me with *those* eyes, I might start panicking. 

“I’m looking forward to it. Aren’t you, Mr. Hiddink?” 

“Indeed so, Prince Ernest.” 

“Whoa! Kirk, that you!? You’re already here!?” 

From beyond the doors Duke Hiddink had entered through, a group in dark navy robes embroidered with gold thread approached. On their left chest was the crest of my country. 

Seeing that, Count Reinach and Duke Hiddink groaned, 

“No way… Are those envoys from the Kingdom of Idea!?” 

From among them, a man wearing an especially extravagant robe stepped forward. 

“Of course, Your Highness. At your call, I appear immediately.” 

“…I didn’t call you, though.” 

Raising one eyebrow, he adjusted his silver-rimmed glasses with the middle finger of his right hand. 

I never imagined Chancellor Kirk would be the one leading the group. No wonder things got resolved so fast. 

Which probably means the mastermind behind this… is the Second Prince? He’s the child of the Second Queen, not bl00d-related to me. And he was useless to the end. I had hoped he’d at least make up for my absence. 

“Ernest… *Your Highness*!?” 

Pamela’s sapphire-like eyes were opened as wide as they could go. Her eyeballs looked like they might pop out. If they actually popped out, I’d be in trouble. 

“Yes indeed, Lady Pamela Jérôme Reinach. This is His Highness Ernest Bercelius Idea, the Third Prince of the Magical Empire of Idea, which lies adjacent to this continent.” 

Chancellor Kirk puffed out his chest proudly, as if to say, “How’s that!?” 

Please stop—any more and Pamela’s eyes really *will* pop out. 

As I struggled to figure out how to explain it to Pamela, Chancellor Kirk slipped smoothly over to her and took her hand. 

“Thank you, Lady Pamela. I never imagined His Highness Prince Ernest would truly find a marriage partner and bring her back! And on top of that, to retrieve a dangerous item—one whose loss could have sparked an international incident! This chancellor is deeply moved!” 

The chancellor began sobbing. Well, Kirk always doted on me like a grandson. 

I guess he’s happy to see that grandson all grown up……..… No, wait, that’s not the point! 

“Hold on, Kirk! Don’t muddle everything up! We’re still talking about that item!” 

“Ah, yes, my apologies. I got carried away. The investigation is already complete. Originally, this mess was caused by our country’s negligence. We intend to ask this country’s king for appropriate consideration. However, the crime of attempting to steal Prince Ernest’s fiancée cannot be overlooked.” 

Ah—crap. His eyes are serious. He’s deadly serious. 

My country holds many times more power than this one. They could honestly crush it without a second thought. 

If things go badly, he might even intend to destroy the entire country. 

I want to sit him down and grill him for an hour or two—about diplomacy. And what a chancellor is supposed to be.

Duke Hiddink’s complexion had gone past pale and turned an ashen, earthy color. 

I do think he got what he deserved, but… his wife and children are innocent. I hope that part will be properly taken into consideration. 

To make sure that happens… I’ll probably have to return to my country and take command of this matter myself. 

No—maybe that was Chancellor Kirk’s plan from the start. 

You schemed this, didn’t you, Kirk!? 

When Kirk gave a signal to the group standing behind him, Duke Hiddink was immediately dragged away. 

Yeah, he’s finished, at least for now. All that’s left is to clean things up on this side, and everything will be resolved… but— 

“Prince Ernest, please forgive all our many past offenses.” 

Led by Pamela, the members of the Reinach household bowed their heads. 

Well, of course they would. 

“All of you, raise your heads. I’m the one who hid my identity. The fault lies with me. Therefore, I will overlook everything that has happened up to now.” 

Finally, Pamela raised her face. 

But her expression was stiff, like hardened honey. 

It can’t be helped. If I’m going to do it, now’s the time. 

I moved closer to Pamela and dropped to one knee. 

“Pamela, I’m sorry for keeping this from you. I always thought I’d have to tell you someday. But I was afraid… that if you knew my true status, you’d reject me.” 

“El-sama…” 

I gently took Pamela’s trembling hands in mine. 

I could see her expression slowly softening. 

“Pamela, I love you. Would you do me the honor of becoming my fiancée?” 

“!! Of course! I love you too, El-sama!” 

Pamela leapt into my arms, and I held her tightly. 

A loud cheer erupted from those around us.