I Became the Narrow-Eyed Villain in a Dropped Novel

“…The Fourth Duke stated that while such a letter exists, it has nothing to do with His Majesty, and they will pursue those who impersonated His Majesty to the end.

Furthermore, he urged people not to worry, as His Majesty will discuss the Fourth Duke’s plans in greater detail at the banquet in a few days.”

As I read the article aloud and set down the evening paper, Joseph was glaring at me.

“As expected, he couldn’t outright deny it.”

“He judged that a Duke shouldn’t contradict the Imperial Army’s announcement.”

“Ever so upright. Well, that makes him predictable, which is good for us.”

“…….”

Joseph didn’t respond and kept glaring at my face.

If he had something to say, he should just say it. Did he think speaking first would be rude?

“Have something to say?”

In the end, I asked first.

As if he’d been waiting, Joseph nodded.

“Do you really think there’s a chance the Vestol Assembly would send troops?”

“Well, that depends on how you assess Lord Chartra’s resolve.”

I said, tapping the evening paper.

Next to the page with Werner’s interview was an article titled “The Fourth Duke’s 12-Point Reform Plan,” detailing Werner’s goals point by point.

“I didn’t expect him to reveal his reform plans to the public so openly, but it’s a good method.”

Just because Werner Chartra was a warrior to the core didn’t mean he lacked political acumen.

“It’s content the Empire’s subjects will like, so it’ll put pressure on the other Dukes, even His Majesty.”

Though my involvement had slightly altered the situation.

Werner’s political position was far from favorable.

With the other Dukes aside and even the Emperor distrusting him, the only allies he could rally were the masses.

“However… it’s definitely not something Vestol will like.”

The Vestol merchants, who colluded with corrupt nobles, were universally disliked, though no one said it openly.

Not only Werner’s convictions but also the need for public support meant his reform plan had to include policies hostile to Vestol.

‘In the original story, they didn’t interfere, citing it as an internal matter, but there’s no guarantee that’ll hold now that the story’s changed.’

I didn’t know if the Emperor’s request for aid from Vestol was in the original story, but there was a good chance Vestol might move to eliminate Werner using this as an excuse.

“If this uproar leads to Vestol’s intervention, our cooperation with you is over, Count.”

It was almost a threat.

Well, I’d made him do something outrageous from the Chartra perspective—intercepting the Emperor’s letter—so it made sense he’d be upset if it backfired.

“I’ll take care of it. Anything else you want to ask?”

“How do you plan to announce His Highness Blaiher?

Isn’t that the most important part?”

“I trust His Highness will handle it well. He’s capable of that much.”

“…I’ll take that as you not intending to answer.”

I genuinely believed that.

I’d even given him a hint to use Hendrick, so he should manage the rest.

Besides, even in the worst situation of the original story, Blaiher survived until I stepped in directly.

“While I handle Vestol, I’d like you to keep an eye on the Imperial Palace’s movements, Joseph-san. His Majesty may have backed off in fear for now, but who knows what he’ll do. Oh, and…”

Joseph, who was standing up, furrowed his brow slightly.

He seemed tense about what I’d say next.

“Pass my regards to Lord Werner.”

At the anticlimactic request, Joseph left the room without even nodding.

That should keep him away from the palace for a while. It’d be troublesome if he stuck around and asked questions.

“It’s quite a coincidence in timing.”

I muttered, pulling a letter from my pocket.

It was an urgent message from Headquarters regarding the Vestol Assembly.

* * *

The Vestol Assembly’s embassy was located slightly outside the Imperial Capital, in the suburbs.

You’d think a merchant nation would be in the commercial hub of the capital, but due to fierce opposition from the Empire’s people, they couldn’t establish it there.

Even in the suburbs, they were shunned, ending up with a bizarre setup in an empty lot.

The building itself was a functional matchbox with no aesthetic appeal.

I knew from the setting it was in the suburbs, but I didn’t expect it to look this unimpressive.

“You’ve waited long. I’ll guide you.”

Still, as a commercial nation, they were polite.

Apart from a few businessman-looking people, there were no guests, so the quietness was nice enough.

“Pleased to meet you! Who’d have thought I’d meet such a hard-to-see celebrity here, haha!”

So much for quiet. The plump Vestol ambassador grabbed my hand and shook it enthusiastically.

“Who’d have guessed we’d meet someone so rare to see in the capital in this remote place! Come in. It’s a bit shabby, but you won’t be disappointed with the hospitality.”

“Yes.”

For the embassy of a major power that had even fought a war with the Empire, it was indeed modest.

Maybe it felt more so after seeing Hendrick’s lavish mansion.

“You must be busy, so I won’t bore you with long pleasantries. You’re probably here about that article in this morning’s paper, right?”

“Exactly.”

Ousting the Emperor had precedent in the original story, and I’d prepared for it long enough to be confident. But Vestol was different.

I’d stirred up the incident because it was immediately usable, but Vestol’s reaction was unpredictable.

‘Vestol is a nation at its peak. Even if they don’t intervene directly, they can exert plenty of pressure.’

A simple training exercise at the border would put the Imperial Army on high alert.

It’d be a burden for Werner, but also for Blaiher.

Mishandle it, and public sentiment could turn worse than it is for the current Emperor—that’s the diplomatic dynamic between Vestol and the Eslick Empire.

“As we told Lord Chartra, we have nothing to do with this incident. If anything, we’re victims! Of course, saying that might get us stoned.”

The ambassador chuckled, thinking it was a good joke.

When my lips didn’t budge, he quickly stopped laughing and cleared his throat.

“I understand that part. Whoever it was, since it was sent unilaterally from the palace, there’s no chance Vestol was involved.”

“Thank you for underst…”

“What I’m curious about is how you would’ve responded if you had received that letter.”

The ambassador’s smiling face stiffened.

His salesman’s smile remained, but it couldn’t hide his inner turmoil.

“Well, I’ve never thought about it since it’s a meaningless hypothetical.”

“Then let me rephrase. With the Empire’s political situation in turmoil, what is Vestol’s stance?”

“Hmm, I don’t think that’s something for me to discuss with you, Count. I’m not in a position to say, and neither are you, right?”

It was a reasonable response.

This wasn’t a topic for a casual meeting like this. Not that I planned to stop.

“No need to take it too seriously. As you said, it’s just a meaningless hypothetical now, isn’t it?”

“Vestol sees this matter as an internal issue of the Empire. As a public official, it’s awkward to say, but honestly, we don’t care much! If problems arise, it’d be troublesome for both sides, wouldn’t it?”

The ambassador bowed his head apologetically.

It was very much a salesman’s gesture, but that wasn’t what caught my interest.

“Sounds like problems would be troublesome for you.”

“Well… isn’t that how it is for anyone in public office?

Misunderstandings cause headaches for both sides.”

He didn’t outright deny it.

Come to think of it, Valheit doesn’t have an official title. I’m an Imperial advisor, but not a public official.

If the question was inconvenient, he could just tell me to leave.

In the Empire, Valheit has influence, but to Vestol, I’m just a somewhat famous noble.

Yet, he went out of his way to emphasize they had no intention of intervening, which meant their situation wasn’t great either.

“Every country has its own problems.”

“Haha, well said. Everyone has their troubles.”

The ambassador, back to his genial expression, laughed warmly.

In a roundabout way, he was saying they were too busy to intervene.

‘That makes things easier… but why so submissive?’

Things resolved more easily than expected, but something nagged at me.

The urgent letter from Headquarters. The letter, scribbled by the Strategy Head, was filled with urgency.

It wasn’t long.

It said tensions between the Vestol branch and the Charnirasho branch were on the verge of exploding.

Fights between branches were common in the Eight Council, but this seemed on a different level.

“If it’s not rude, may I ask one question? It’s not related to the Empire.”

“Even if it is, it’s fine! Ask away.”

“Is something happening in the Charnirasho region?”

The ambassador’s chubby cheeks quivered.

He tried to laugh it off, but it was visibly awkward.

After glancing around, he lowered his voice.

“This meeting is unofficial, right?”

“…There’s a problem, isn’t there?”

“I don’t know how you knew, but yes, well, you’re right! It’s a headache. You know how ferocious the Charnirasho Demons are, don’t you?”

Half of the White Continent isn’t human territory.

It’s a land roamed by Demons, especially the most ferocious tribes.

The Charnirasho region, in particular, is where the Vestol Assembly, the Grand Duchy of Leitche, and the Demons constantly clash.

“Can’t you just suppress them like always?”

“Oh, when have we ever suppressed them like that…Leitche does that. Anyway, it’s trickier this time.”

“Did Vestol cause it?”

The ambassador’s eyes widened.

“How did you know that too??”

“I have a friend who’s close with Professor Zain.”

“That damned old fool caused a mess! Always causing trouble for the government with all his whims…”

The moment Professor Zain’s name came up, the ambassador dropped his salesman’s face and started venting.

It seemed like he’d go on all day, so I had to cut him off.

“I heard he conducted an experiment near Charnirasho.”

“If it was just an experiment, it wouldn’t be this chaotic! I don’t know what he did, but he set fire to a forest the Demons cherish.”

That was mentioned in the letter from Headquarters too.

Professor Zain, the most stubborn among the Eight Council’s headstrong members, probably argued he did nothing wrong.

It was good that Vestol wouldn’t interfere in the Empire’s affairs, but leaving it alone could turn the Eight Council into the dysfunctional mess it was in the original story.

‘Is there a way to handle this all at once?’

While half-listening to the ambassador’s whining, I snapped my fingers without thinking.

At the sound, the ambassador stopped talking and stared at me blankly.

“…I think we can mediate.”