I, reincarnate as the leader of the villainous knight order

Chapter 86: Conversation with Ernest

The next morning, I usually head to the royal palace on my beloved horse, Eleanor, but I’ve been pushing her too hard these past few days, so I decided to take a walk instead.

There are still some horses that haven’t been claimed by anyone, but it wouldn’t feel right to ride another horse in front of Eleanor.

Jest is staying behind this time, as it would be a series of boring conversations for him. My main purpose is to report to His Majesty, but before that, I want to have a little chat with Ernest.

I’ve heard that Ernest has been attending the morning council less frequently lately, but due to the commotion until yesterday, he’s likely to attend today. If that’s the case, it will be difficult for us to talk privately, so I dressed in formal attire a bit earlier than usual and walked to the royal palace.

The carriages of ministers who are already heading to the palace occasionally pass me, but for some reason, they seem to double-take at me through the carriage windows. It must be because it’s rare for me to walk instead of riding my beloved horse. Even commoners who come and go rarely walk to the palace.

“Good morning, Commander of the Vandière Knights!”

“Ah, good morning.”

As I cross the drawbridge, the second knights acting as gatekeepers greet me in unison.

With oddly sparkling eyes, or rather, as if they’re looking at some admired figure, they greet me. Internally, I tilt my head in confusion and continue towards the castle. At this hour, Ernest should be awake, but since the morning council hasn’t started yet, I should be able to talk to him for a bit first.

The first knights are stationed in the royal residential area. As I walk to Ernest’s room, they seem to tense up as they notice me.

It seems that many still think that Ernest and I don’t get along well, just as before. I thought we had built some trust over these past few days, but perhaps it was only my perception, or it hasn’t been conveyed to the knights.

“I’d like to have an audience with the Crown Prince before the morning council.”

“Please wait a moment.”

I address the guard outside Ernest’s room, who then enters the room. The guard returns shortly and opens the door for me to enter. Inside, Ernest is buried in paperwork at his desk.

“Good morning. I appreciate you taking the time despite it being early.”

Actually, I think Ernest should be the one thanking me for bringing forth the proposal. Ernest seems a bit bewildered by my polite demeanor, but if I’m not being confrontational, he’ll respond appropriately as a member of the royal family.

“Oh, no… Is it about today’s morning council? I understand that I’m responsible for the recent monster incident, but I don’t even know why I acted that way. What I do know is… if it weren’t for the Third Knights and the Commander Vandière coming, the capital might have been destroyed.”

“When I arrived in the capital, you mentioned something similar. Could you please tell me more details?”

“Oh… It started when I was in the break room during the Saintess and Jest’s debut party…”

In summary, here’s what Ernest recounted: Normally, he only accept gifts from nobles through the royal family, but for some reason, at that time, he received one from a nobleman he didn’t recognize.

The gift was cursed. Believing it was the right thing to do, he then sank it into the fountain of the Great Temple.

Upon hearing the characteristics of the gift, it seems to match the ornament I destroyed. The part resembling a magic stone crumbled when I destroyed it, but what about the base…

“Perhaps I was influenced by some kind of suggestion. Maybe the former High Priest was the same. It might amplify small desires… The former High Priest said he wanted to strengthen the position of the temple by demonstrating the Saintess’ power. It’s highly likely he was guided to not choose his means for the sake of his goals.”

“Certainly… I knew the former High Priest from before, and he was a calm person who acted with consideration for the people and the temple. That’s why I thought his actions were for the sake of the capital… for the country.”

“Hmm, was that to ensnare me in the trial?” I ask with a piercing gaze, causing Ernest to bite his lower lip. Indeed, from the perspective of the evil gods, my existence as a force was an obstacle.

“…Sorry. At that time, I was also under pressure and lost my ability to make sound judgments. And… even though I was told that things were different from before, I couldn’t accept it due to preconceptions… No, it’s more like I was jealous of the Commander Vandière, who was being praised more than me by Father and everyone else. With such thoughts, it’s natural that I would be stripped of the qualifications of the Crown Prince.”

…This is what makes him the protagonist. Even when he’s wrong, or when he realizes he’s wrong, he’s straightforward or rather, too straightforward. Regardless of aptitude, if he were to become king, he might mentally collapse.

As Ernest speaks with his head bowed, his head is conveniently in a place where I can easily pat it, like when I comfort my younger brothers. Before I realize it, I end up patting his head. It’s too late to act like it didn’t happen. After a few seconds, Ernest, who raises his head, has a surprised look in his eyes.

“Oh… ahem. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. The Crown Prince is both good and bad because he’s too straightforward, so if he were to ascend the throne, he might stress himself out too much and go bald. Rather, it might be better for the clever younger brother who can handle things to take over and assist, contributing to the country,” I say, somewhat unsure of what I’m saying, but I keep talking.

“Bald…? Haha, hahaha! I never expected such an opinion to come up! Haha! If that were to happen, my merit, my appearance, would be ruined. Haha!” Ernest bursts into laughter suddenly, momentarily taken aback. Then he laughs heartily, takes a deep breath, and lifts his head.

“It’s better to choose a path that suits oneself rather than cling to something one isn’t suited for. I feel like I’ve had an awakening of sorts. Thank you, Commander Vandière. Also… being patted on the head unexpectedly feels quite pleasant. I didn’t have much physical contact with my siblings, but I wonder if it would have been different if I had an older brother.”

“Who knows? I also have two older brothers, but I don’t have any memories of physical contact with them. I’d say I have much more interaction with my subordinates.”

Whether interactions with subordinates can be considered as physical contact is questionable, but broadly speaking, it could be considered as such.

“Haha, I see…”

I’m not sure, but can I assume that the resentful attitude towards me will disappear from now on? After discussing some matters related to the morning council, I leave the Crown Prince’s office.