Guiding the Male Lead out of His Trauma - Chapter 31.1
‘If you really look closely at him… he doesn’t exactly have a pleasant personality.’
Isadore, having gotten one over on Count Eshire, looked thoroughly delighted.
He’d never openly revealed what he was scheming, but there were plenty of reasons for him to find this situation amusing.
Even if it wasn’t widely publicized, if you looked closely, there were quite a few things about Isadore’s actions that would make him a thorn in the crown prince’s side.
Isadore Aud Dias Valégr.
The black sheep and eccentric of the royal family of Valégr, who ruled Valmoth.
He had little interest in politics and was known for meddling only in what amused him, repeating this cycle endlessly. He often took a stance opposite to the crown prince, who insisted on the value and acquisition of mana stones.
‘Even if it never came out openly, I was sure of it from our previous meetings.’
Feigning innocence, Isadore batted his eyelashes as Count Eshire’s brow furrowed in frustration.
It was quite the act. Almost enough to make you want to look away.
Currently, the political landscape in Valmoth, and across the continent, was as follows.
Several countries had already been invaded and disappeared, and although those who now enjoyed better lives thanks to mana stones worried about rising taxes, they still supported the war.
It was widely believed that the country that secured the most mana stones would enjoy greater prosperity and, ultimately, seize dominance over the continent.
And so, as the Mana Stone War dragged on, internal disorder and animosity toward foreign countries only intensified.
In this climate, Isadore paid attention to foreign diplomacy and the lives of the lower classes who received no protection from the state.
Officially, he claimed it was simply because he had no intention of clashing with his brother, whose succession was all but certain, and that he was focusing on what a royal ought to do.
‘But in reality, it’s impossible for him not to clash with the policies the crown prince pours his efforts into.’
So, no matter how much Isadore claimed to have no interest in the throne and had supposedly renounced his claim, the crown prince’s faction couldn’t help but keep a close eye on him.
Count Eshire was no exception.
Having quickly collected himself, he composed his expression like someone well-versed in the world of politics who served those most deeply entangled in it.
“A word in advance would have been much appreciated. I’m most sorry to greet Your Highness in such an unprepared state.”
“What need is there for one of my brother’s closest confidants to be so formal with his younger sibling? Just relax.”
“However…”
The count’s gaze rolled over toward me.
“I worry I might offend Your Highness. May I dare to ask if you know this cadet personally…?”
I only briefly marveled at how quickly he tucked away his teeth and switched to a fawning attitude.
But soon enough, the count’s target shifted back to me.
How could I emphasize my connection to Prince Isadore while also making it clear I wasn’t personally involved with him?
I was ready to add something appropriate, depending on what Prince Isadore chose to say.
“Well, how should I put it? What do you think, Cadet Liliope?”
“I believe that’s for Your Highness to define.”
“Is that so? Then I suppose I’ll say I saved you.”
I worried he might make a joke, but surprisingly, he gave a normal answer.
“And, of course, that I became your lover and we went on a date.”
…So much for that.
“That could cause misunderstandings. I have never been Your Highness’s lover.”
“But we were together that day, weren’t we? On the day you received a large sum of money.”
This is absurd.
“…That was compensation for the damages done against my younger brother. Are you going to keep making jokes?”
“And then we had a nice meal at a restaurant. Even if you weren’t able to focus very well.”
He didn’t just embellish the truth, he flat-out invented it. I was about to protest, when Acteon stepped in front of me.
“You’re going too far, Your Highness. You weren’t alone with Senior that day, after all.”
His intervention was polite, as if aware of the impropriety.
Though he only showed his back, I could tell.
‘He seems upset…’
The whole situation had gotten needlessly complicated.
Prince Isadore, apparently amused by Acteon, didn’t stop teasing.
“That’s right, now I remember. Cadet Hyacine was with you as well. I heard there was a commotion from the very first day. Are you feeling alright now?”
“I apologize for causing concern. Fortunately…”
Acteon’s voice echoed Isadore’s words, with a hint of a smile.
“Senior saved me.”
“Ah, haha! Really? Hahaha, so you’re both getting along well, hah, that’s good, yes, very good. Ha, ahem…”
Why on earth are they having this pointless power struggle?
‘And why is that strange prince laughing so much?’
After thoroughly teasing everyone else, he was now the only one laughing, which left me utterly dumbfounded.
I poked Acteon in the back to call his attention, but he just shook his head.
Fine, this time the prince was an ally, but next time, let’s avoid dealing with him if at all possible.
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