Chapter 422: Secret Talk Between Prince Green and the Duke of Vélez

While the Heroes were enjoying the night in the Royal Capital, Prince Green summoned the Duke of Vélez to his private residence for a discussion.

"Prince Green, is there something you require of me? Has there been any matter in which I might be of service?"

The Duke of Vélez was certain he had been called regarding the Hero Summoning, yet he asked anyway. He was also satisfied that no one else was present. He took it as proof that he stood as the foremost of Prince Green’s close aides.

"Duke of Vélez, I apologize for calling you at such a late hour."

The arrogant Prince Green, who had never once bowed his head to another person, offered the Duke an apology. That alone surprised the Duke. He showed none of it, however, and replied,

"Not at all. If it is a summons from Prince Green, I, the Duke of Vélez, will rush to your side at any time. What, then, is the matter at hand?"

"Mm. It concerns those who were summoned."

"Oh? I had heard that the boys were sent to the brothel and are gradually being brought under control?"

"That is correct. As for the males, both their studies and training are proceeding as expected, with nothing of concern. It seems they have even found regular women at the brothel, and overnight stays are no longer uncommon."

"Ahahaha! How rude of me. Those Heroes are like dogs in heat, are they not? If they grow that familiar with the prostitutes, using those women to control them should be simple enough."

"Precisely. The Heroes are utterly simple-minded, which is a relief."

Hearing that, the Duke of Vélez formed a smile and said,

"That is most fortunate. In that case, is there truly nothing to trouble you?"

Prince Green, however, kept his face twisted in displeasure.

"That is not the case. It is that woman—Takamoto, was it? The one who appeared in that shameless attire. She is giving me a headache."

He spoke as though spitting out something bitter. Naturally, the Duke of Vélez had expected to be called about precisely this matter.

"So it was about that after all. I have heard that Her Majesty the Queen raised an objection to Prince Green’s policy?"

Prince Green nodded.

"It was not merely an objection. For some reason, Her Majesty deliberately went to that woman’s location. And she brought Ambassador Marie along with her."

He spat the words out.

"I have heard of it. It is said that Her Majesty met with that woman without obtaining Prince Green’s permission?"

"Exactly. She is one of those I summoned after expending all my energy. To hear that I was having a little difficulty handling her and then step in from the side to meet her—such high-handedness is beyond the pale! Even if she is the Queen, she was not present for the summoning ceremony. Was she not simply wandering about some remote territory? And yet she shows no shame and meets the woman on her own whim. That cannot be permitted, can it!?"

Prince Green struck the table with a bang in his anger.

"You are entirely correct. Anyone who knows of Prince Green’s efforts would surely seek your understanding before meeting the Heroes. Moreover, is Ambassador Marie not a complete outsider? To bring that person along and meet the woman—such willfulness is outrageous!"

When the Duke of Vélez said this, as if striking the point home,

"That is so, but is the House of Vélez not on close terms with Ambassador Marie? I have heard in particular that the Duke’s wife associates closely with Her Majesty the Queen, and that she is also on friendly terms with Ambassador Marie as they share the same homeland. Is it truly all right to speak so far?"

"What! You thought that? That Ambassador Marie had the impudence to offer me admonition! He said something to the effect that I should consider my association with Prince Green. For such a young upstart to speak so bluntly to me is the height of disrespect! That person will never again be allowed into the ducal house!"

"Is that so. That child insolently offered an opinion to the Duke of Vélez? That is beyond rude. But what of your wife? Even if you tell her not to associate, there is the bond of shared homeland. If she comes to visit, you cannot simply turn her away, can you?"

"No. I have already told my wife not to meet her again. Even if Ambassador Marie comes to the ducal house, I have ordered that he not be admitted inside. I will never again associate with such a cunning person!"

Prince Green nodded heavily.

"I see. I am sorry for that. However, I believe it was a wise decision. Ambassador Marie is nothing more than a fly buzzing around Her Majesty the Queen. Taking advantage of the fact that His Majesty the King is currently lenient, Her Majesty’s tyrannical interference in politics is intolerable. Now is the time for me to carry on His Majesty the King’s will, restore the Mainz Kingdom to its proper form, suppress the Queen’s interference, and render small fry like Ambassador Marie unable to move. For the moment I am still watching in silence, but when the time comes I intend to rise up and sweep away the treacherous ministers swarming around His Majesty the King!"

As Prince Green spoke, his spirits rose, and at the end he struck the desk with his fist. In agreement, the Duke of Vélez declared,

"Yes! It is exactly as you say! I will assist you to the best of my humble ability!!"

He appealed with fervor.

"What are you saying! It is precisely because a talented person like the Duke of Vélez aids me that the great cause can be achieved! Lend me that strength! I am counting on you!"

Prince Green and the Duke of Vélez, the two of them gazing toward the same goal, shared a heated resolve.

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