I was Reincarnated as the Youngest Child of a Villainous Noble Family Who Controls the Kingdom from Behind the Scenes

"Princess Leticia, why has the Duke from the neighboring country come here?!"

"There's no need to worry about war or anything, right?!"

"Lady Leticia!"

After the crisis had passed, the citizens of the royal capital bombarded Leticia with rapid-fire questions. It seemed they had finally realized just how abnormal the situation had been. I can understand the citizens' concerns about war.

However, the neighboring country we fought in the so-called "Neighboring Country War" wasn't the Allgan Kingdom. The country we fought was the Gearth Kingdom to the west. The Allgan Kingdom has always maintained a neutral stance and didn't get involved in the Neighboring Country War.

At least, that was the understanding until yesterday. But after seeing that Heslar guy, something feels off. Sure, he looks like a troublemaker, but is he really foolish enough to act that arrogantly? Well, he might be a fool. A big one at that.

Fools usually act bold when they have someone backing them. A fool alone, without any power, can't even raise a fist properly. In any case, something unexpected is definitely happening.

This is quite interesting. I suppose this means we've entered the "Alphys Route." However, unlike in a game, there's no guarantee of a happy ending. At worst, if I get killed, it's game over.

"Lord Alphys, you were amazing! Those guys earlier were nothing special!"

"The Grim Reapers aren't that weak. Those were probably just their second-stringers."

"Second-stringers?"

"Yeah, they're not the main force. That fat guy might have been a Duke, but nobles, whether fat or not, are usually only given leftover troops."

Lushel turned pale, looking utterly terrified. This guy really only acts tough around people weaker than himself.

lushel's reaction is understandable, but when you think about it, it's only natural. Who in the world would give their most important and powerful forces to someone else? Of course, the royal family would keep the main forces for themselves in case of emergencies.

"Not the main force, huh?"

Lilysha also made a bitter face after hearing my words. She must have realized that she couldn't have defeated the Deakinis alone. Knowing that she was only up against the second-stringers might have shattered her pride again. Still, she did manage to take one down instantly. That's something to be proud of. An average student from the academy wouldn't stand a chance against even those second-stringers.

"Lady Leticia!"

"The knights have arrived..."

The knights of our kingdom finally showed up, looking out of breath as if they had rushed here, but they were still too late. Their exhaustion is probably due to neglecting their usual physical training. Given their state, Heslar was right to mock them. They deserve it. As Leticia explained the situation, one of the knights quickly bowed his head.

"We deeply apologize for being late despite such an emergency!"

"It's fine. More importantly, could you report this to the castle?"

"Yes, right away!"

They must be relieved that it's already over. That's why they can bow so energetically. These guys are hopeless, but the situation was created by the Balfonte family.

Since Leorg took over, the Balfonte family has been more active, leaving the knights with little to do. It's what you'd call "peace-induced complacency." The royal capital is still somewhat manageable, but the regions outside are probably in a much worse state.

Leticia watched the knight run off with a look of concern.

"If things stay like this, we won't be able to handle a real emergency..."

As someone who has questioned the state of the country and the knights since childhood, Leticia must find this situation frustrating. Given that her father is the root of the problem, it's hard for her to say much. But right now, that doesn't matter.

"Leticia, where to next?"

"Huh?"

"We're in the middle of a day out, after all."

"...Right."

Yes, right now, we're just students enjoying our day off. There's no need to worry about the country's internal troubles. But where should we go?

Leticia is already surrounded by a crowd, and things won't calm down unless we do something. That fat guy really ruined our day off.

"Alphys."

At that moment, the noisy crowd suddenly fell silent. It was as if a herd of animals had sensed danger, and everyone turned to look in the same direction.

"Brother Vaide..."

As Vaide, the eldest son of the Balfonte family, walked forward, the crowd parted like the Red Sea before Moses. His beast-like gaze, messy hair that reached his back, and his rough, shoulder-revealing outfit made him stand out. His muscular, well-toned physique drew everyone's attention.

"Is that... the Sword Saint Vaide?"

"No, it's the Demon God Vaide..."@@novelbin@@

"The Kingdom Breaker is walking through the royal capital..."

How many nicknames does this guy have? But that just shows how well-known his strength and reputation are. The title "Kingdom Breaker" came from when he destroyed a small country that had been founded in the chaos after the Neighboring Country War. Though it was a small country, it was established by the Gearth Kingdom's prime minister and some remnants of their army, so it was still of considerable size. If they hadn't tried to control trade by positioning themselves between the Sailrand and Gearth Kingdoms, they might have lasted longer.

"Earlier, I passed a carriage with the Allgan Kingdom's emblem. What happened?"

"We can't figure it out here."

It's just a casual conversation, but his response implies that something has happened. In other words, it's time for the Balfonte family to step in. Vaide silently stared into my eyes, as if trying to pierce through them.

Normally quiet and reserved, Vaide is extremely competitive. That's what makes him a bit troublesome at times.

"I came to the royal capital to take a break. That girl over there is your friend, right? Hmm..."

Vaide turned his gaze to Leticia and the others. They stiffened, as if they had been spotted by a predator.

"I know lushel well. And there's Princess Leticia. And the young lady from the Percifam family... Hmm. I see, I see..."

"Um...?"

"There's a good shop in the royal capital. Their parfaits are amazing. How about we grab a bite to eat?"

"Huh?"

Vaide has completely locked onto us. But today's a day off, so I won't let him have his way.