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

"My beloved people. This time, our cherished nation has been attacked by foolish barbarians."

Even the Balfont family couldn't cover up the academy attack incident through information control.

So this time, I deliberately had the King make a public announcement to the citizens.

With things like this, it's better for public perception to reveal the truth rather than hide it.

Not that I actually care about public perception of the royal family, but if distrust grows too much, it could lead to collapse.

Since that would be troublesome for the Balfont family as well, we decided to show some sincerity first.

From the castle terrace overlooking the city gates, the King began his speech to the masses.

"As you all know, the target of this attack was Seilland Academy. That such a location, nearly at the heart of the royal capital, could be assaulted speaks to our own failings."

According to Letitia, this King had been trembling in fear throughout, only thinking of himself.

Though his current state is entirely the result of the Balfont family's upbringing.

For generations, the Balfonts have maintained an inseparable relationship with the royal family, teaching every royal child from infancy to put the Balfont family first.

"The nation will prosper so long as the Balfont family exists."

"We must never disrespect the Balfont family."

"Know that the Balfonts are gods."

This King was molded by such religious-like indoctrination.

I can't blame Letitia for being angry—it's ultimately the Balfont family's fault.

"My beloved people. I deeply apologize."

The crowd erupted in murmurs.

A member of the royal family appearing in public—and bowing his head?

No one could have imagined such a thing under normal circumstances.

It would be like the pre-war Japanese Emperor personally coming out to apologize.

When the Emperor, who was worshipped as a god, announced Japan's surrender, many citizens reportedly wept.

That's how far above the common people a king normally stands.

"Th-the King... bowed his head...?"

"Unbelievable... sob!"

"The barbarians are to blame! Damn these peace-breaking invaders!"

Just as expected, sounds of sobbing and angry shouts spread through the crowd.

The King slowly raised his head.

I watched the scene coldly from among the masses.

"...However, as you all believe, our nation stands strong. There were zero casualties in the academy attack."

Normally, people would call bullshit on that.

But in this case, it's true.

The Balfont family had detected their attack in advance.

On the inside, there was me, Miley-nee, Vaido-nii, and Level 20.

On the outside, Gilium led his monster subordinates to wipe them out.

And the Seventh Squad waiting in reserve had already been destroyed by the World King.

You'd think some citizens would be thinking "No fucking way, you idiot, just die already."

But—

"Ooooh! What a miracle!"

"I told you! This country is protected by the gods!"

"Indeed! This must be Lord Soaris's divine protection!"

The citizens instantly believed the King's words.

The Soaris Church followers—where Kukuris serves as a sister—were particularly vocal in supporting this.

Religion is powerful in moments like this.

"Everyone! The Soaris Church has no restrictions on romantic relationships! There's a student at the academy involved with multiple women, yet he emerged without a single scratch!"

"I see! So those who believe in Soaris are truly blessed!"

"I've been secretly meeting my ex behind my wife's back, but from today I'll do it openly!"

That Kukuris is using this chaos to spread some absolutely insane teachings.

I can already see marriages crumbling—this is genuinely harmful.

If people were sober, they'd call her out immediately, but mob mentality is scary.

By the way, that student involved with multiple women better not be me.

If it is, I won't let this slide.

"During the academy attack, it was none other than the Royal Guard and the Mage Corps who protected the institution. They fought valiantly, never allowing the enemy to gain ground."

Enough about the idiots—back to the King's speech.

This is all scripted.

The King is just reading from the playbook Leorg prepared, apologies included.

"I never feared, for I trusted them completely. Even as the enemy advanced, I refused to retreat a single step."

Liar.

I heard he was cowering behind Letitia the whole time.

She complained about it to me so much I got sick of it.

"My people! Those standing before you now are nothing less than the saviors of our kingdom!"

The Royal Guard and Mage Corps (including Branmud) stood lined up proudly.

In reality, it wasn't just us—teachers like Linlin fought hard too.

Linlin especially managed to evacuate students from other classes while repelling enemies.

The irony that a former dropout outperformed active royal mages isn't lost on me.

"People of the kingdom! Praise them! They are the ones who carved our path to survival! They—they are our nation's guardian deities!"

"OOOOOH—!!"

"Long live the King!"

"Glory to our Mage Corps!"

The cheers were loud enough to make the ground tremble.

With the entire capital's population shouting, I had to plug my ears while glancing at Leorg nearby.

"Kukuku... Perfect."

The citizens blindly worshipped the King, unaware of the true ruler smiling in satisfaction.

This outcome suits the Balfonts just fine.

After this incident, the royal family will have no choice but to depend on them even more.

I doubt the King's heart is at peace despite the adoration.

I didn't miss how he paled when he accidentally made eye contact with Leorg.

The unspoken "You understand, don't you?" from Leorg and the King's silent "Of course" conveyed through his eyes.

You won't often witness such a farcical scene.

I, too, chuckled quietly in my heart. "Kukuku."