CH 9

Chapter 9/77│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

“Here is the list, Your Highness Dietrich.”

Two days after she started working for me, Hanna brought me the list of servants.

I am astounded by how quickly she can complete the task, despite her daily responsibilities. She is very talented indeed.

“I’m very proud of you. If there’s anything else you need or want, please let me know.”

“I was simply carrying out the orders of my master, His Highness Dietrich. It would be a great honor for me to accept such a gift, but I’m afraid to do so.”

After going over the list, I ask Hanna what she wants as a reward for her efforts, but she shakes her head in disapproval.

“Don’t be concerned. I am the first prince, I can afford it.

My money has been left to rot with no use, but it would be more valuable if it were used to benefit Marguerite and my valued subordinates in this way.

“…You’re quite the oddball, aren’t you?”

“?…Did you say anything?”

“No, I didn’t.”

Hanna denied it without changing her expression when I asked.

So, if she says so, I suppose so.

“Hm… anyway, let’s start with the second prince’s faction on the list, a chamberlain named “Linda.”

Linda is an old chamberlain who, of course, knows who I am.

She despises my guts and makes no attempt to conceal it.

But, after reviewing Hanna’s findings, I had no idea she had embezzled some of the funds given to Oscar…

“So… how are we going to blackmail this Linda woman? If we confront her with the fact of the embezzlement, I suspect she’ll just shrug it off…”

“Yes, that’s right. But I’m known for my lack of human emotions and for being as cold as ice. These little people will quickly realize that I am serious…”

“Certainly.”

Hanna and I exited the room in search of Linda.

“At this hour, she’s most likely sleeping in the maid’s room.”

“Okay, so Let’s go there now.”

I can’t believe he was aware of the servants’ behavior pattern. She’s even better than I thought.

Then…

“Ara, Elder Brother.”

“…Oscar”

Fortunately or unfortunately, the Linda I was looking for was with Oscar.

Linda, too, appeared a little ridiculous, as if she was getting excited about seeing me with Oscar.

I didn’t notice it when I was unconcerned about my surroundings, but I didn’t realize how uneasy it made me feel when I broadened my horizons a little…

“By the way, you’re bringing an unfamiliar woman with you again, aren’t you… like you did with Marguerite? You’ve recently gotten engaged.”

Oscar shrugged his shoulders, an amused expression on his face.

“…She’s Baroness Hanna Schacht, who became my chamberlain two days ago.

“Greetings to His Highness Oscar, the star of the kingdom. My name is Hanna. Please make my acquaintance.

Hanna bows respectfully to Oscar.

“Ara, Your Highness Dietrich, you’re quite a lover at the tender age of thirteen, aren’t you? I’m sure His Highness will have no trouble finding an heir~”

Linda was immediately chastised by Hanna, who did not take it well.

“Your words to His Highness Dietrich are extremely disrespectful, Linda-sama.

Linda said these words in an impolite tone, believing Oscar would help her in an emergency.

“Ahaha, Linda didn’t mean to offend you, Elder Brother. Please forgive her.”

“Why should I?”

I asked Oscar, who was trying to defend Linda with a smile on his face.

“…Why?”

“Do you not understand what I’m saying? I’m wondering why I have to forgive this woman for her disrespect of me, the first prince!”

“?!”

Oscar and Linda both shuddered at my words.

“Guard! This woman has treated me with disdain. Put her in jail right now!”

“Yes…Yes!”

A nearby guard is a little confused, but when he realizes I’m serious, he obeys my commands and restrains Linda, as I tell him to.

“Please forgive Linda, Elder Brother!”

“I’m sorry! Please forgive me, your Highness!”

Linda’s face turns pale. She rubs her brow on the floor and apologizes, while Oscar rushes over to grab my hand.

In the past, I would have ignored it, and more importantly, I would never have acted in this manner toward Oscar.

“…This time, I forgive her. But don’t ever talk to me like that again. You had better be ready for it.”

“T-Thank you very much, Your Highness Dietrich!”

Linda falls to her knees.

I snort and leave with Hanna after taking one look at her and Oscar’s obvious relief.

“Your Highness Dietrich, about bringing Linda into the fold…?”

“…On the contrary, it will make our plans easier. They’ll continue to underestimate me behind the scenes with such a flimsy excuse, but if they know I’m serious, they can’t ignore me from now on.”

“…”

“…If you tell her the truth about the embezzlement and push her this time, Linda will undoubtedly come, because she will have realized that I am ready to punish her whether Oscar is present or not.”

Having said that, the servants are chosen by the palace’s two queens, who wield real power over them. In reality, I lack the authority to impose a punishment.

Then…”

“Let’s bid some time and call her in a few hours. She’ll comply right away after what just happened.”

“Yes, sir.”

Hanna and I returned to our room.