The Villain's Reincarnation – Tired of Working Hard, I'm Slacking Off! The Peacefully Oblivious Slacker Avoids Ruin! - Chapter 9

“Beyond this point lies the Mitsurugi family’s territory. Our duty as your escort ends here.”

“Understood. Thank you for escorting us this far, Royal Guard Knights.”

At the very boundary of their jurisdiction, First Princess Liona Justina bowed her head in gratitude to the Royal Guard Knights who had accompanied her until now.

“Seiko, I’m entrusting Lady Liona’s safety to you.”

“Yes, I swear upon my life to protect her.”

Seiko Yamamoto, a member of the Royal Guard and a native of the Mitsurugi domain, had been chosen for this inspection team due to her familiarity with the land. She vowed her loyalty to the captain.

“I’m counting on you. Lady Liona, may fortune be with you.”

“Yes. I shall return with good news.”

With that, following the conditions of the inspection, Liona’s group parted ways with the Royal Guard Knights. Led by Seiko, they made their way toward the domain governed by one of the next heir candidates, Kaito Mitsurugi.

Inside the carriage, a woman voiced her displeasure.

“To not even provide a replacement escort… What do they plan to do if we’re attacked along the way?”

The one speaking was Mary Forster, Liona’s lady-in-waiting.

Having separated from the Royal Guard, Liona’s entourage now consisted of only four people.

It was an unthinkably thin defense for a first princess. If they were ambushed, they would stand little chance of survival.

“Calm yourself, Mary. Worrying won’t change our situation.”

Despite the perilous circumstances, Liona remained composed, offering her lady-in-waiting a reassuring smile.

“…Even so.”

To Mary, seeing her beloved mistress in such danger was unacceptable. No matter how gently Liona spoke, she could not suppress her frustration.

“Hehe, I truly am fortunate.”

“Eh? W-Wait, Lady Liona! Ah, uuu…”

Liona, now seated beside Mary, gently stroked her head with affection.

“Rest assured, I have said this many times already—there will be no attack on our way there.”

Liona was confident that, at the very least, they wouldn’t be ambushed on their way to the Mitsurugi territory.

She had several reasons for this belief.

Firstly, if the Mitsurugi family merely wanted her eliminated, they would have no need for such elaborate preparations.

If they truly wished to dispose of her, they could have done so long ago through an “unfortunate accident”, using their full power without drawing suspicion.

Secondly, while the conditions of the inspection meant they couldn’t formally charge the Mitsurugi family for an attack, it would still tarnish their reputation.

Even with their immense influence, rumors of “royal bl00d on their hands” would spread.

Additionally, Liona had made sure that the other three great noble houses were aware of the unreasonably unfavorable conditions of this inspection.

If she were to die without fault, it would provide political ammunition for those houses to move against the Mitsurugi family.

Even a family as powerful as theirs would struggle if they lost the support of the people.

She had no intention of dying in vain.

And, of course, her enemies understood this as well.

If they intended to eliminate her, they would do so only when they could mitigate these risks.

Moreover, attacking her now would be inefficient.

Since discussions had taken considerable time and deliberation before her arrival, Liona knew the Mitsurugi family had to make substantial preparations for this visit.

With all these factors in mind, ambushing her at this stage would be a reckless move.

This was why Liona was certain that she would not be attacked on the way there.

However, that didn’t mean she wasn’t uneasy.

Liona did not believe they had any real advantage over the Mitsurugi family.

Since they had allowed this inspection to proceed, they were likely already several steps ahead.

And that meant this inspection had a hidden purpose beyond mere intimidation.

(If my intuition is correct, the warning to the royal family is just a secondary objective. The real purpose lies elsewhere.)

Whoever uncovered this true objective first would dictate the flow of this inspection.

(I will find out. And for the sake of this kingdom, I will outmaneuver the Mitsurugi family and bring them to my side.)

This was Liona Justina’s battle.

“Besides, even if we were attacked, ordinary enemies wouldn’t stand a chance against Seiko and Dorothy.”

“That’s true.”

Apart from Seiko, they were also accompanied by Dorothy Page, a knight personally assigned to the first princess.

As a member of the royal guard, Dorothy was among the kingdom’s elite warriors.

Against ordinary foes, she alone would be more than enough.

“I’m honored by your trust, but as long as we stay on the main road, I doubt I’ll need to lift a finger.”

“Oh? Why is that?”

Liona turned to Seiko, who was currently handling the reins of the carriage.

“Because the Mitsurugi family may be obsessed with power, but they are not negligent in governing their people.”

Seiko spoke as someone born and raised in the Mitsurugi domain.

“One of their greatest strengths is how efficiently they wield their might. If they had used their power solely for self-interest, they would never have risen to their current status. But they didn’t.”

Liona nodded, recognizing the truth in her words.

From a national perspective, the Mitsurugi family demonstrated their value by acting as an impenetrable bulwark against external threats.

This granted them a level of autonomy unmatched by any other noble house.

“That is true.”

Even their current situation was a direct result of how well the Mitsurugi family leveraged their power.

“Similarly, from a governance perspective, their sheer military strength guarantees the highest level of security within their domain.

“For example, the safety of major roads and key infrastructures under the Mitsurugi family’s control ranks among the highest in the world.

Moreover, their policy of absolute retaliation also plays a major role.”**

Liona listened carefully.

For all the Mitsurugi family’s brutality, they did not indiscriminately suppress their people.

They ruled with an iron fist, but that fist protected their subjects as much as it crushed their enemies.

“If criminals act against the Mitsurugi family’s interests, they are hunted down to the ends of the earth and completely eradicated.

This relentless policy has ensured that almost no criminals dare operate within their territory, making it one of the safest places in the world.”

“Security is indeed one of the most valuable assets a land can have.”

“Exactly.

Despite their fixation on power and the ongoing succession conflicts, the people remain loyal, and their economy is on par with the other three great noble houses. That is because the safety provided by the Mitsurugi family is worth that much.”

“I see… This inspection might yield more than just political negotiations.”

Listening to Seiko’s explanation, Liona reevaluated her perception of the Mitsurugi family.

Ensuring safety through strength—it was a simple yet crucial concept.

As someone who sought to protect her people’s security and prosperity, Liona believed in adopting good practices wherever possible.

“As long as we travel on roads under the Mitsurugi family’s control, we are unlikely to be attacked. However—”

“If we were to be ambushed, it would mean one of two things: the attackers either do not fear the Mitsurugi family or are connected to them.”

“Exactly.”

Either way, any would-be assailants would have to be exceptionally formidable.

Even with Dorothy and Seiko present, their survival would be far from guaranteed.

(If we are attacked, I can only hope it’s the former…)

If it were, there might be a chance to turn this into an opportunity to gain the Mitsurugi family’s favor.

As Liona contemplated such grim possibilities, a familiar, ever-perceptive knight joined the conversation.

“No need to worry, Princess! Seiko may be speaking cautiously, but you have Dorothy Page at your service! Even if we’re attacked, I’ll ensure your escape! Just leave it to me!”

“Excuse me?! That’s not what I meant at all! I was simply pointing out the risks! I wasn’t being pessimistic!”

“Oh? Is that so?”

“Yes, it is!”

“Um, please focus on steering the carriage! Lady Liona is aboard, you know!”

As a Royal Guard knight, Seiko couldn’t hold back her frustration at Dorothy’s flippant attitude, leading to a brief argument.

Mary, ever the diligent attendant, scolded them both on Liona’s behalf.

“Hehe.”

Watching their lively exchange, Liona couldn’t help but smile.

“One more thing—may I ask something?”

“Of course.”

Once their bickering had subsided, Seiko spoke in a serious tone.

“As I mentioned earlier, the Mitsurugi family’s mastery of power—both in its use and application—far surpasses that of any other noble house.

Even the royal family is not exempt from this reality.

Therefore, I must caution you—never attempt to negotiate with them using strength alone. It will surely lead to disaster.”

The “strength” Seiko referred to wasn’t merely military might but also political power.

The Mitsurugi family had not secured their position as one of the Four Great Houses through brute force alone.

They wielded power with strategy and calculated precision, and underestimating that would be fatal.

“I appreciate your warning. I will keep it in mind.”

“Thank you.”

“Oh, but come on, surely you have a secret strategy up your sleeve?”

At Dorothy’s teasing remark, Mary’s expression turned noticeably strained as she glanced at Liona.

“W-Wait, are we really doing this?! The plan where Lady Liona and I switch places?!”

“Of course. This is the Mitsurugi family we’re dealing with. If we don’t do something unexpected, we won’t get the results we need.”

Liona replied with a beaming smile.

“U-Ugh… S-Seiko, what do you think? Doesn’t this seem too risky?!”

“…Well, if we only do what’s expected, we’ll achieve nothing beyond predictable outcomes. Sometimes, bold actions lead to unexpected results.”

“That can’t be right! This is madness!!! Waaahhhh!”

Having lost her last hope, Mary burst into tears.

“Mary, aren’t you going to ask for my opinion?”

“As if you’d say no, Dorothy! You’re completely devoted to Lady Liona!”

“True.”

“‘True’ is not the response I was looking for!”

Tears still streaming, Mary clung to Liona, making one last plea.

“Are we really, really doing this? Won’t it be terribly improper?!”

“I understand what you’re saying, Mary. If safety were our only concern, switching places wouldn’t be wise. But if we play it safe, we’ll gain nothing.

For the sake of the future, we need an outcome beyond expectation. Given how much of an advantage the Mitsurugi family holds, we need something that can fundamentally shift the situation in our favor.

That’s why I need your help as my double.

Of course, I know I’m asking a lot.

But when this is over, I will do anything within my power to make it up to you.

So… please.”

“Ugh… Fine. As Lady Liona’s double, I will fulfill my role.”

“I’m sorry… and thank you.”

Liona gently embraced Mary, stroking her head in gratitude.

“Please, don’t tell Lady Elea about this. She already glares at me enough as it is.”

“Of course. I apologize for any trouble Elea has caused you.”

“Lady Elea absolutely adores you, Princess! I heard she put up quite a fight over this trip.”

“Yes, persuading her was no easy feat.”

Liona had a younger half-sister, Elea, born of a different mother.

Despite their different lineage, Elea adored Liona deeply.

And Liona, in turn, indulged her younger sister more than she should have, which had led to Elea developing a rather troublesome tendency to act out.

Especially toward Mary, whom she saw as too close to Liona.

She had been particularly antagonistic, frequently pestering Mary whenever she could.

Liona recalled their parting words.

“Big sister!! Promise you’ll come see me as soon as you return! I’ll be a good girl and wait for you!”

(I truly am blessed…)

Not just with Elea, but with everyone involved in this mission.

Seiko, Dorothy, and Mary—each of them knew this inspection could be a trap.

They understood that the odds of survival were slim, that this mission was nearly suicidal.

Liona had given them the choice to refuse.

Yet, not one of them had backed down.

“To assist Lady Liona, who dedicates herself to the kingdom’s safety and prosperity, is the greatest honor a Royal Guard could ask for!”

“I am a knight of the Princess. If my lady is willing to risk her life for the kingdom and its people, then I shall do the same!”

“I am Lady Liona’s shadow. Wherever she goes, I follow. Even though I am merely a disposable double, she treats me as if I matter. For that, I will stand by her no matter what.”

Liona understood what lay ahead.

A battle far more dangerous than any she had faced.

One filled with treacherous schemes, unseen dangers, and uncertain odds.

Yet, she would fight to the very end.

No matter the cost, she would see this through for the sake of the kingdom.

With unwavering determination, the First Princess and her loyal companions continued toward the domain of Kaito Mitsurugi.