Bella approached me politely and whispered, “After escorting the young lady, I have something important to discuss with Secretary Han Seo-Jin regarding our Master. Please wait in your accommodation.”
Her voice was so soft that Olivia couldn’t hear it.
Something important to discuss.
I don’t know specifically what it is, but I have a hunch. It must be about additional information regarding Olivia’s home country summon.
“Okay, let’s do that.”
“Thank you for your consideration, Master. Then, young lady, shall we head home together?”
Bella’s gaze turned toward Olivia.
Olivia flinched slightly, then nodded.
“Ah, got it. Bella.”
For a moment, Olivia’s eyes met mine.
“You fool. Hmph.”
Olivia puffed up her cheeks and turned her head away, leaving in classic tsundere style.
After Olivia and Bella disappeared, only Han Seo-Jin remained at the festival site.
“Then I will escort you as well, Mr. Kim Deok-Sung. The vehicle is already prepared. Would you like to board?”
Han Seo-Jin’s calm eyes were on me. I nodded in response.
The summer festival was over.
Now it was time to seriously plan the rescue operation for Olivia.
Was this the real cheat key?
Shuo Hero Academy.
Accommodation.
I sat at the balcony table.
Slurp.
Han Seo-Jin poured soda into a glass filled with ice.
The cold soda slid down my throat.
[······.]
Normally, the Black Prince would be chatting excitedly, but he’d been silent since the fireworks earlier.
With his sister involved, it’s no surprise he’s deep in thought.
I, too, found my mind racing.
This development of Olivia returning to France wasn’t in the original story.
Knock, knock.
A voice broke the silence.
“Master, it’s Bella. May I come in?”
Did she really need to ask that?
“Open the door and come in.”
“Understood, Mr. Kim Deok-Sung.”
Receiving my command, Han Seo-Jin walked gracefully over to open the door.
On the other side stood the maid, Bella, dressed in her maid outfit.
Clack.
Han Seo-Jin closed the door behind her and stepped in with Bella.
The two women stood in front of the table.
Bella’s previous words echoed in my mind.
You said you had something to discuss, didn’t you? What could it be?
With her collar straightened, Bella began, “The situation in our home country, France, is urgent.”
Urgent situation and home country.
Combining those two keywords in my mind led to a single conclusion.
“Don’t tell me they’re pushing for the engagement ceremony?”
Pushing for the engagement ceremony.
Though it wasn’t in the original work, it’s a common trope in other light novels.
A heroine with a separate fiancé, forcibly called back to her homeland to hold the engagement ceremony.
In that process, the protagonist dramatically crashes the ceremony, declaring, “This engagement is null and void!” while rescuing the heroine in a princess carry.
With the possibility of an engagement battle disappearing now, the most likely future left is the engagement ceremony.
Otherwise, there would be no reason to summon Olivia all the way to France.
“Your Master’s prediction is correct. On the surface, there’s a request for you and your exclusive maid relationship to be clarified upon your return, but in reality, it’s a strong demand from the British royal family to hold the engagement ceremony, and the home country has almost reached an acceptance stage.”
“It’s almost reached the acceptance stage.”
Only after hearing Bella’s words did I realize why Olivia’s engagement didn’t align with reality.
‘It’s because of me.’
Specifically, it’s because she has taken on the role of my personal maid, which is different from the original story.
In the original, Yuji and Olivia’s relationship is strictly that of student to student.
As typical of light novels, Olivia expressed her interest in Yuji, but that was well within the bounds of ordinary school life.
That’s why the French royal family probably didn’t feel the need to react.
However, unlike the original Yuji, Olivia and I now share a somewhat master-servant relationship.
Of course, Olivia’s behavior is somewhat distant from that of a true personal maid, but such details are not what’s important.
What matters is the fact that the French princess has established a master-servant relationship with an ordinary person like me.
The role reversal of me being the master and Olivia being the servant is what’s significant.
[Ah, I understand now. That’s why the British royal family raised objections.]
The Black Prince’s words echoed in my mind.
In the end, it was the personal maid that stirred up this fuss.
Should I have stopped them when they mentioned the personal maid nonsense?
‘But I can’t just sit back and let this happen.’
[Do you have any methods, partner?]
Is storming the engagement ceremony the only option?
Such a cliché light novel development isn’t to my taste, but it can’t be helped if it means getting Olivia back.
I can’t just leave it as is.
The problem lies in legitimacy.
I can’t barge into the engagement ceremony mindlessly and demand a fight.
In the original, it was only after the fiancé battle that William’s drug-dealing antics and his plot to eliminate the prince’s half-brother Douglas were exposed, leading to the loss of his fiancé status.
‘Simply pushing through with force isn’t the answer.’
[Then?]
‘I need to ensure that everyone knows he is unqualified to be Olivia’s fiancé to secure legitimacy.’
For that, I still need the recording.
The recording that Gares and the New World League obtained to blackmail William, detailing the coup plans and drug use.
At the end of Volume 6, to avoid capture after his identity as a member of the 13 Apostles was exposed in a fight with Bella, Gares intended to draw public attention toward William by releasing the shocking recording.
As the grim contents of the recording stunned those who heard it, all eyes turned to William while Gares smoothly made his escape, wrapping up the main episode of Volume 6.
If this were a web novel, there would be countless comments and messages asking why the enemy was let go.
If I secure that recording and play it at the engagement ceremony, where the world’s attention is focused, it’s game over.
[That’s a straightforward method, I see. But partner, do you know what his unqualification entails?]
The Black Prince asks.
Yeah, that’s the issue.
As a reincarnated person, I know all the trivial details, but conveying that information to others is a different matter.
I have no excuse to explain to Han Seo-Jin and Bella how I know that “Gares’ personal computer contains a recording that could compromise William.”
In such cases, I can’t use the National Intelligence Service cheat code, especially with Han Seo-Jin here.
‘Is there a sharp method I can use?’
[What am I supposed to do if you’re asking me that? Hmm. The most suspicious part is definitely how the underachieving William suddenly became the master of transcendent armor. That part reeks. How about probing that, partner?]
Not a bad idea, but it’s missing 2%.
‘For now, that’s the best approach.’
I’ll elaborate on the Black Prince’s point, mentioning how William became suspiciously strong compared to his childhood self, hint at the drugs created by Doctor Moromoro, and lead them to connect the dots between drugs, William, and Gares.
It feels like a roundabout way, but it can’t be helped.
After that, all that’s left is to rely on Bella and the intelligence capabilities of the Korean National Intelligence Service.
To be honest, the National Intelligence Service’s abilities were never mentioned in the original, and this kind of serious intelligence battle isn’t a typical episode in light novels, which makes me a bit anxious.
But it’s the only way.
[If you need my help with anything else, feel free to ask anytime. As a partner, I can’t let my sister be handed over to that guy. Absolutely not.]
“Of course not. Well, that being said.”
The Black Prince speaks in an unusually serious tone.
As I listen to him, I organize the script in my head.
Good.
Perfect, I just need to say it now.
I slowly open my mouth.
“Han Seo-Jin.”
“Yes, Mr. Kim Deok-Sung.”
“Look into William, especially…”
“If you’re talking about the British Second Prince, that’s already been completed a while ago.”
Han Seo-Jin cuts me off.
Wait, you completed that a while ago?
It seems I’m not the only one surprised by that, as Bella’s eyes widen.
“Han Seo-Jin, when did you start… investigating William?”
Bella’s voice trembles.
“It was from the moment Olivia approached Mr. Kim Deok-Sung.”
Han Seo-Jin replies in a calm tone.
What?
From then on?
Bella, who always kept a stoic expression, slightly parts her lips in shock.
Even the expressionless ice-cold maid can’t maintain her composure in the face of the genuine madness emanating from Han Seo-Jin.
[Partner, what in the world is this Han Seo-Jin lady?]
Even the Black Prince looks shocked.
At this point, it’s starting to become seriously a bit terrifying.
“Why on earth did you start from that time…?”
“Mr. Kim Deok-Sung is the only hero with South Korean citizenship. It is a fundamental part of my job to understand and manage the personal details of the cadets approaching Mr. Kim Deok-Sung.”
Han Seo-Jin responds calmly to my question.
Right, that was the setting.
Somehow, it makes sense.
At the same time, I find myself questioning what kind of person Kim Deok-Sung was, who could receive this much support in the original work and still end up falling to the villains.
There’s an unusually malicious character setting that feels suspiciously like the author’s intent.
Her gray eyes turn towards me.
“…So did you discover anything?”
“This involves security issues not just for Britain and France, but for the entire First World Alliance, including Europe and the United States.”
Han Seo-Jin speaks in a grave tone.
The First World.
Yeah, in this damn incendiary world, both the Pre-Revolutionary France and the leader of the Second World Communist Bloc, the Soviet Union, are still intact.
In other words, the Cold War has continued into the 21st century.
Just like a typical light novel that lazily stretches out the plot, the story rushes to create some nonsense where the protagonist, merely a student, along with his supporters and heroines, blocks the crisis of World War III instigated by the New World League in volumes 14-15.
But realizing that this is becoming a reality is beyond ridiculous.
The fact that a real Soviet Union in the 21st century is collaborating with the New World League is a setting that could get roasted in alternative history communities.
“Therefore, Bella, no matter how much you are an agent from an ally nation, if you do not form a complete cooperative relationship with us, I cannot provide any further information.”
Han Seo-Jin speaks in a chilling voice that would surprise anyone.
“Will you cooperate with us?”
Han Seo-Jin’s gray gaze settles on Bella.
Bella hesitates for a moment before responding.
“I will cooperate.”
“Good. Then I will share the information.”
Thud.
Han Seo-Jin places a tablet on the floor.
As she touches the screen, a hologram appears.
“Prince William, as a member of the British royal family and the expected leader of the next generation of British heroes, is naturally extremely difficult to extract information from. It was insufficient with just the National Intelligence Service’s efforts.”
Han Seo-Jin speaks in a calm tone.
“However, thanks to the directive from VIPs and the full cooperation of the political sphere, we were able to mobilize all domestic intelligence resources, including the Korean Cyber Command, the Korean Intelligence Command, the Korean 777th Command, the National Police Agency’s Intelligence Bureau, and the Security Support Bureau of the Korean Hunter Association. After a large-scale cooperative operation, we have acquired significant intelligence regarding William.”
No way.
Why is it going this far?
Could it be that the president’s meeting with the British Prime Minister was about this? No way. Seriously?
[Partner, I’m starting to get genuinely scared. Who on earth is she?]
“What’s going on? Who is that person anyway?”
The Black Prince is taken aback.
“Right?”
“Seriously, what exactly do they do?”
“The result is this recording file.”
Han Seo-Jin touches the screen, and sound waves appear in hologram form.
[Gares.]
[Yes, Prince William.]
[Is the revolution plan going well? How about the recruitment of the military?]
[Of course, it’s going well. Thanks to Prince William’s outstanding efforts, more and more military generals and influential figures are aligning with you.]
[Hehehe, right. A spineless and non-heroic Douglas is unworthy of the throne. This ‘Prince of Dragon-Slaying’, William, is truly the man who will own Buckingham Palace!]
[That’s correct, Your Highness.]
[When will the drug arrive? Its effects are wearing off. At this rate, my true abilities will be exposed. With that drug, only then will Excalibur listen to me. Damn sword.]
[It will arrive tomorrow. Do not worry too much, Your Highness.]
The recording flows out exactly as described in the animations and novels.
Bella’s face turns pale upon hearing the content.
“That’s all.”
A faint smile creeps onto Han Seo-Jin’s lips.
“I’ve heard rumors about the impressive intelligence capabilities of Korea, but this is quite incredible. I didn’t expect William to be this much of a trash can…”
Bella, managing to regain her composure, speaks in a trembling voice.
Quiet rage ignites in Bella’s eyes.
[Drugs, I knew it! You bastard!]
The excited voice of the Black Prince echoes.
Wow.
How did they obtain this?
Is the National Intelligence Service the real cheat key, not an excuse?
Just as I’m about to be shocked.
I cool my head.
Regardless of the means, the justification I was worried about is now in my hands.
It doesn’t matter how we get there, as long as we reach Seoul; having a powerful card means all that’s left is to plan and execute.
[What are you going to do, partner? Are you going to expose this right away?]
‘No. Exposing it immediately would be unwise. This drug is likely related to the League. If we expose it now, we can solve William’s issue, but we won’t be able to catch the League, the true mastermind behind it.’
[Indeed.]
‘I need to lure the enemy into the open, making escape impossible before exposing it.’
[The situation that could draw out the League behind William is the engagement ceremony, right?]
‘Exactly.’
If it’s the engagement ceremony, Gares has to participate as well.
That will be the opportunity.
If I publicly reveal the recording at the globally watched union of England and France, Gares won’t be able to run this time, like in the original story.
Capturing William, and ultimately Gares, would deliver a blow to the New World League.
That is my true goal.
To execute the plan, I first need the cooperation of Bella and Han Seo-Jin.
“Bella, Han Seo-Jin. I have something to say.”
I call the two and explain the plan I’ve just laid out to the Black Prince.
“… So, by exposing the recording at the engagement ceremony, we will take down not just William but the real mastermind behind this coup in one fell swoop.”
The two nod their heads after hearing my explanation.
“That is indeed a rational plan. I will follow your lead, Master. I didn’t realize you were such a meticulous person.”
Bella states.
“For this plan to succeed, Korea’s full cooperation and Bella’s assistance will be vital.”
I’ve secured Bella’s approval, and now all that’s left is to get Korea on board.
As my gaze turns to Han Seo-Jin.
“The local ally is already prepared.”
Tap.
Before I finish speaking, Han Seo-Jin touches her tablet.
The content of the hologram changes.
[Starting tomorrow, President Kang’s overseas tour will begin. This is the President’s second overseas trip during their term, starting in Japan, moving on to France, Germany, and the UK…]
The news flows out.
Why suddenly news about the President’s overseas tour?
[Could that ally be…?]
No way, right?
Han Seo-Jin’s tightly closed lips open.
“VIP will directly assist Kim Deok-Sung.”
What?
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