The sixth prince, who had been executed in the kingdom after being betrayed by the trusted saint, was reincarnated and, in order to seek revenge, became engaged once again to the neighboring kingdom’s “Guillotine Princess.” As a result, he was adored and lived happily.

“I’ve been waiting for you.”

King Edward, who was already seated, raised a glass filled with wine and welcomed me with a smile.

Inside the room… Well, it was just King Edward, myself, and a few selected servants chosen by Princess Abigail.

“Thank you for inviting me today.”

“No need for formalities. We and Prince Gustav are on friendly terms.”

“Uh, yes…”

Even though he said that, the only time we had a proper conversation was during the baptism.

“For today, we’ve prepared special ingredients… I’m sure you’ll appreciate them.”

“Oh, thank you.”

When King Edward clapped his hands, dishes were brought in one after another.

Hmm… Indeed, these seem to be special ingredients. It looks like they used plenty of Valrois Kingdom’s local produce.

To be honest, it’s not quite to my taste, especially Valrois cheese—it’s too pungent.

“Oh, hehe…” I grimaced and shrugged my shoulders, trying to play it off.

However, King Edward’s eyes didn’t show any signs of amusement.

“Now, let’s get to the point. First, I want to express my gratitude for instructing me to change the kitchen staff.”

“Yes.”

I nodded in response to King Edward’s words of thanks.

It seems his health has improved since then.

In other words, it has been proven that the cause of King Edward’s death in my previous life was poison.

“So… Do you know who it was?”

“The Count Montgomery… but you may not be familiar with that name.”

“Yes…”

I actually know who Count Montgomery is. In my previous life, he was one of the loyal subjects of the Strasclide Empire. After King Edward’s death, he tried to persuade Bridget, who was claiming the legitimacy of her succession to the throne, to stay and support her. He was one of the few who stayed with Princess Abigail until the end.

“Anyway, we must handle this matter discreetly. Of course, without informing Abigail and Bridget.”

King Edward gave me a piercing look as he emphasized not to disclose this to Princess Abigail.

I can understand why he’s doing this.

If the attempted poisoning of the ‘Golden Lion King’ were to become known, it would undoubtedly cause turmoil within the empire. This is because it would indicate a decline in King Edward’s authority. This united nation, apart from the succession struggle, could potentially split apart. Handling this situation cautiously is only natural.

“So, the only ones aware of this fact are the noble ‘Marquess Fletcher,’ who is the Prime Minister, and you, among the royal family.”

Those words weighed heavily on my shoulders. If the fact of the attempted poisoning were to be exposed, I would be the first to be suspected.

But…

“Your Majesty, do you truly believe that Count Montgomery is the culprit?”

“Don’t ask.”

King Edward looked away with a pained expression, as if he himself believes or knows that the real culprit is someone else. Still, by not mentioning it, he is implying that identifying the true culprit would be inconvenient for him.

“Nevertheless… Prince Gustav is the youngest and illegitimate among the princes, and I heard he is insignificant.”

“…”

“Oh, don’t take offense. It’s true that I considered it more favorable at the time and granted Abigail’s wish to marry him, but now, I genuinely delight in the opposite assessment.”

Thinking my gaze was a form of protest, King Edward hurriedly denied it.

Well, it’s only natural to receive such an assessment, but on the other hand, it’s true that he has inadvertently created a reason for him to be wary of me.

However, preventing his death one year from that day ultimately meant preventing the empire from splitting apart and Princess Abigail from becoming isolated. I was prepared for such consequences from the beginning.

“In any case, I have expectations of you. Both concerning Abigail and the kingdom.”

King Edward wiped his mouth with a napkin and slowly rose from his seat. It seemed that the conversation was now over.

“…May I ask one thing?”

“What is it?”

“I am Gustav du Valrois, the sixth prince of the Valrois Kingdom. Is it acceptable for you that I am referred to in such a way?”

“Of course. Didn’t you say it yourself back then? The kingdom is our enemy.”

“…”

“Then.”

With that, King Edward finally left the dining room.

“Phew…”

As the tension dissipated, I exhaled and loosened my collar.

I had thought that the conversation was only about the attempted poisoning, but I never expected to receive such approval.

Implicitly, King Edward had told me:

“Make Abigail the next queen to end the investigation into the attempted regicide without identifying the real culprit.”

It just showed that he truly feared the revelation of the true culprit. It really infuriated me.

Oh well, I will make Abigail the next queen as he wishes. It was my intention from the beginning, including seeking revenge on the kingdom.

But when it’s all over…

“I will make you pay for what you did to my daughter.”

The crime of disregarding my daughter, Abigail, will not go unpunished.