Today was special for two reasons.
The first one was because today was the end of the first semester of the academy.
Thanks to Rose extorting money from Rei, he managed to recover in time to not give supplementary exams.
The second good reason is why we are in the palace.
Thanks to what happened weeks ago with the prime minister.
The palace was able to take action to detect the Calvinists and the corrupt.
Many heads rolled.
Many noble families of several generations were destroyed.
But most of all, many events to strengthen the harem or conquer girls were again destroyed.
That bothers me a lot.
I want a body and to be able to enjoy my new life surrounded by many women and riches.
But I'm a stone, thanks to that shitty god I'm stuck here forever.
I don't know if after finishing the three chapters of the game I can disappear.
I hate being a stone, I want to be a human being!
"Master, you're looking good today."
"Of course, Rose."
Rose praised Rei, who was dressed in his best clothes, Rose was also presentable like a maid.
They came today since the palace finally finished clearing all the documents with names of criminals.
So it was time to reward Rei.
By the way, Rose told us about this since Sigurd warned her beforehand, if it was Rei, guest would normally be complaining.
But thanks to the prince who warned beforehand and Rose who told him several times. "Today we will be in front of His Majesty, don't even think of doing anything like disrespecting or belittling him!"
Of course, Rei is such an idiot that he replied. "Huh, why? If the king is an idiot, he's just an idiot. I shouldn't why be special to them, besides they're the ones who will reward me, they should be licking my feet."
And Rose replied after clutching his cheeks very tightly, "The territory you have won't do you any good if you end up dead or deposed!"
And just like that, Rei calmed down and understood everything.
Come to think of it, Rei originally didn't exist in the original game, he was added in the eroge since the developer had released an RPG game of which he was very popular because his tutorial villain was so obnoxious.
It was an action-adventure game with strange, almost otome game themes, dealing with love and such.
Its structure was a floating island world, a beautiful villainess, a saint and if I'm not mistaken... they wore robot-like magical armor.
I never got to play it despite buying it. I think that's where they got Rei from.
Anyway, while I was thinking about everything that happened so far, we arrived at our destination.
A royal guard told us to wait while Rose checked Rei's appearance.
After showing a thumbs up, the door opened.
Before taking a step, Rose said.
"Wipe off your smile and don't look up at anyone or much less try to interrupt them if you say anything."
"I know, you mustn't tell me."
Rei and Rose walked into the lion's den."
◇
The place was impressive, it was just like a government chamber I saw on television.
Pillars held up the ceiling, a huge red carpet from the door to the throne. And above all the old men on bleachers watching us.
I could hear their murmurs, some were hostile, some were of interest and some were that I should be punished.
I honestly couldn't think which ones were not enemies.
But, as we reached the center of the ministers' chamber, we could see the royal family in the background sitting on their thrones.
Starting with King Gilliam, a man who in the game always asked the protagonist for favors which he almost never returned.
His wife, Queen Olga, a woman with whom the protagonist had moments to get to know, after the war against the republic she falls into the arms of the protagonist becoming his mistress, but in the current situation I refuse as that would give problems.
Besides, the queen in the game had a better body, in reality her body is regular so we can ignore her.
Then come the prince and princess, as heir to the throne, Sigurd was next to his father, while Eli was next to his mother, she was greeting us.
As expected of the saint princess, always showing her innocence and love.
Noticing Rei looking at her, she stopped, and in a cute way became serious.
In the stands were not only the ministers, but also court mages, and even Oliver and Isaac.
The king fell to the entire audience with his scepter clattering to the ground.
"First, welcome to you, current Duke Redblade. It is a pleasure to meet you at last and face to face."
"..."
Rei wanted to reply, but Rose's sharp gaze prevented him.
The king didn't know Rei so it never crossed his mind that the normal sign in not responding was normal in audiences.
"Secondly, I would like you to report on everything that happened with the late prime minister yesterday."
Rei proceeded to tell him what he did yesterday, of course, I told him to say...
"I was compelled to take action on the matter personally. I did not know if the prime minister, who was related to Calvinists and who also exercised great corruption over the capital, would get off scot-free."
"My actions were drastic, I know, I had to end the lives of hundreds of soldiers. But, I could not afford to let him escape, much less allow his friends in the palace or abroad to prevent him from receiving his punishment."
"Which had to be executed by my own hands as his son, due to the fact that neither of them would let themselves be arrested let alone avoid attacking me, so I had to eliminate them."
After that splendid performance of a liar, it seems that not everyone believed it, as it is understandable. Just like a script hole in Hollywood movies, Rei did things that required the palace's permission if it was true.
But the remaining evil nobles of the palace would find out and a new investigation would begin.
The king said.
"On behalf of the palace and the royal family, you are thanked for your service, commander Hogan, please give his servant the official document of being recognized as the new duke and a bag with a thousand gold coins."
Approaching towards us came an elderly man, probably in his seventies.
He wore beautiful golden armor, his long hair was gray and tied in a ponytail, his sideburns and beard were one and he had no mustache.
His bright blue eyes in his sharp gaze hinted that this old man was not just anyone.
He was the commanding captain of the first squadron of magical knights, a royal knight and, above all, an ally of the game.
Sieghart Hogan.
Sieghart walked over and handed Rose what the king ordered.
But after doing so, I briefly noticed how his eyes looked at Rei with intensity, what was that?
The knight returned to the position where he was. There next to him was Isaac's father, Count Ashton, a man just like his son, but with long hair and round glasses.
The king just then wanted to end this.
"Now, you may retire knowing that the palace is grateful to you."
"What do you mean, retire me?"
"Do you really think that's all I deserve for getting rid of that bitch?"
But Rei had to be Rei and ruin everything.
His hostile tone returned and his sharp as defiant gaze came once more.
Rose wanted to say something, but couldn't as it was impolite for a servant to move without her master's permission.
The king sweating, implying that this attitude was inappropriate, stammered.
"W-What do you mean, Duke?"
The king seemed unwilling to answer further as it was bad this.
"What do you mean, what do I mean?"
"I'm not interested in the money, let alone the title! All I'm interested in is..."
Rei's finger twitched until he pointed at someone, the worst choice he could make.
"Have Eli delivered to me as my wife."
The place was impressive, it was just like a government chamber I saw on television.
Pillars held up the ceiling, a huge red carpet from the door to the throne. And above all the old men on bleachers watching us.
I could hear their murmurs, some were hostile, some were of interest and some were that I should be punished.
I honestly couldn't think which ones were not enemies.
But, as we reached the center of the ministers' chamber, we could see the royal family in the background sitting on their thrones.
Starting with King Gilliam, a man who in the game always asked the protagonist for favors which he almost never returned.
His wife, Queen Olga, a woman with whom the protagonist had moments to get to know, after the war against the republic she falls into the arms of the protagonist becoming his mistress, but in the current situation I refuse as that would give problems.
Besides, the queen in the game had a better body, in reality her body is regular so we can ignore her.
Then come the prince and princess, as heir to the throne, Sigurd was next to his father, while Eli was next to his mother, she was greeting us.
As expected of the saint princess, always showing her innocence and love.
Noticing Rei looking at her, she stopped, and in a cute way became serious.
In the stands were not only the ministers, but also court mages, and even Oliver and Isaac.
The king fell to the entire audience with his scepter clattering to the ground.
"First, welcome to you, current Duke Redblade. It is a pleasure to meet you at last and face to face."
"..."
Rei wanted to reply, but Rose's sharp gaze prevented him.
The king didn't know Rei so it never crossed his mind that the normal sign in not responding was normal in audiences.
"Secondly, I would like you to report on everything that happened with the late prime minister yesterday."
Rei proceeded to tell him what he did yesterday, of course, I told him to say...
"I was compelled to take action on the matter personally. I did not know if the prime minister, who was related to Calvinists and who also exercised great corruption over the capital, would get off scot-free."
"My actions were drastic, I know, I had to end the lives of hundreds of soldiers. But, I could not afford to let him escape, much less allow his friends in the palace or abroad to prevent him from receiving his punishment."
"Which had to be executed by my own hands as his son, due to the fact that neither of them would let themselves be arrested let alone avoid attacking me, so I had to eliminate them."
After that splendid performance of a liar, it seems that not everyone believed it, as it is understandable. Just like a script hole in Hollywood movies, Rei did things that required the palace's permission if it was true.
But the remaining evil nobles of the palace would find out and a new investigation would begin.
The king said.
"On behalf of the palace and the royal family, you are thanked for your service, commander Hogan, please give his servant the official document of being recognized as the new duke and a bag with a thousand gold coins."
Approaching towards us came an elderly man, probably in his seventies.
He wore beautiful golden armor, his long hair was gray and tied in a ponytail, his sideburns and beard were one and he had no mustache.
His bright blue eyes in his sharp gaze hinted that this old man was not just anyone.
He was the commanding captain of the first squadron of magical knights, a royal knight and, above all, an ally of the game.
Sieghart Hogan.
Sieghart walked over and handed Rose what the king ordered.
But after doing so, I briefly noticed how his eyes looked at Rei with intensity, what was that?
The knight returned to the position where he was. There next to him was Isaac's father, Count Ashton, a man just like his son, but with long hair and round glasses.
The king just then wanted to end this.
"Now, you may retire knowing that the palace is grateful to you."
"What do you mean, retire me?"
"Do you really think that's all I deserve for getting rid of that bitch?"
But Rei had to be Rei and ruin everything.
His hostile tone returned and his sharp as defiant gaze came once more.
Rose wanted to say something, but couldn't as it was impolite for a servant to move without her master's permission.
The king sweating, implying that this attitude was inappropriate, stammered.
"W-What do you mean, Duke?"
The king seemed unwilling to answer further as it was bad this.
"What do you mean, what do I mean?"
"I'm not interested in the money, let alone the title! All I'm interested in is..."
Rei's finger twitched until he pointed at someone, the worst choice he could make.
"Have Eli delivered to me as my wife."
King Liam watched his daughter circling around Rei, the man who became his fiancé.
He had a complicated look on his face, his wife wearing a charmless smile.
That's because a few moments ago before they reached the ministers' chamber, she stopped them to tell them something.
"Otou-sama. Okaa-sama, please allow me a few moments from your schedules."
"What's wrong Eli?"
Her mother asked uneasily, Eli had a gleam of concern in her eyes that her father noticed.
"Is there a problem?"
"It's not that... it's just that..."
She ducked her head and after a brief moment she lifted her head to say...
"Please allow me to become Reidel-sama's fiancé!"
"What are you talking about?"
Her own parents do not understand what their daughter was saying, but she explained.
"In the short time I've been seeing him, I know I can confirm that he is the kind of man we need on our side."
"I don't know anything about political affairs, let alone about Calvinists, but what I am sure of, is that, despite his sharp tongue, that he can snatch the lives of evil people so easily, Reidel-sama is a good one and the one to defend us from danger."
"Eli... I..."
"Besides, think about it! Wouldn't it be good for onii-sama to have him on his side?"
"Huh?"
Her parents were speechless at Eli's proposal.
"I'm sure, if you make him my husband, he will have the obligation to help the royal family, since from the vassal factor he won't. His rebelliousness will not allow it."
"But if he were a family factor, if his wife told him to help his brother-in-law, if a problem occurs with his parents-in-law. Wouldn't it be the best thing for us to have someone like that?"
"Even my children could inherit his skills! I think, there is no better deal for us in making him my future husband."
"And personally, I don't want to marry a fat or ugly man like the ones in books, I absolutely won't. As the princess of the kingdom, it is my obligation to marry a wonderful man."
"He also told me that he's responsible for ending the pandemic several years ago, providing the Bluegarden Company's items and..."
Eli's smile, for a moment ceased to be that of a saintly princess, and became all snake-like.
"The day a war happens, I am sure that if I ask my future husband to go and defeat the bad guys. He will, for I will be his wife, and I am sure that when the principality or Norden attacks us, my husband will defeat them in no time."
The king was untroubled, but there was something he wanted to ask no matter what.
"Eli... how are you so sure they will attack us? There's no proof of it and no reports."
"... 'Why' you say?"
Eli craned her neck a little to the left before answering.
"After what happened with the prime minister, I'm sure we would have been invaded sooner or later. That's what I would do if a country's government was in crisis like the one we had. right?"
"So... father, mother, what do you decide?"
The king and queen had no choice but to accept that proposal.
The king looked at his daughter and understood one thing.
(I always kept her close so that she would not be contaminated by the filth of the nobility or the world.)
(But there was one dirt that I could never stop her from making contact with my father, he was a man who went to several wars and did horrible things.)
(I'm sure he had to tell her war stories and strategies before he died. I never gave it a thought since he was senile, but to think that Eli would bring out the manipulative side of the royal family, which I nor Sigurd possess. It makes me accept her every whim as I don't know what goes on in that head).
In the game, Eli was a sweet princess whose innocence and ignorance about the world treated her like a saint... but no one said that a princess, nor a saint, couldn't have sharp fangs to bite.
Eli was without a doubt, the woman who, if she had malice, could conquer the world just as the empire did.
◇◇◇
Somewhere in the world, on a dark night, a meeting was taking place.
It was not a normal meeting, it was a special meeting.
Several groups of hooded people were gathered around a campfire.
They were all saying the same thing as someone dressed in a robe redder than everyone else's approached a bound girl.
"Cold night is sunshine to her, freezing winter is summer to her, a crawling insect is a pet to her..."
A companion handed it a cloth handkerchief, from which it drew a dagger.
"Even if the others fear death, she will welcome them with an embrace, her kisses and caresses are like the spring breeze in a rosebud."
The hooded man grabbed the girl by the neck and raised the dagger as high as he could.
"Do not fear death, do not fear its embrace, do not fear its call. The goddess of death opens her arms to you all to accompany her in her eternal lethargy."
"Pain is eternal, suffering addictive, loneliness is a mother coming for her child."
The dagger pierced the girl, and her heart was torn out by the hooded man's hands.
He carried the bleeding heart to the flames and before throwing it away said.
"Hail the ruler of the land of the dead, save the goddess of death Ereshkigal. Receive this offering as a sign of our loyalty and devotion!"
"Hail Ereshkigal's Entourage!"
Behind them, a huge statue with the appearance of a woman on its bones was carved in rock.
In mid-air, a black mist began to form... and a red eye watched everything.
"Soon... I will awaken... to embrace this world as my home."
__________________________________
I am the strongest Lord Cheat in the whole world! Volume 1, end.