(MTL)For some reason, the villainess who went backwards lost her magical

chapter 57

2‐9

“What is that…?”
"Yeah, I'm telling you right now. I'm asking you to come on this side, to put it bluntly."

　The dinner that night was wrapped in a peaceful atmosphere. Until His Highness Ricardo uttered those words while having tea after dinner.

　--This side. There will be no one here who does not know the meaning of uttering that word.

　His Highness Ricardo casually told me with a smile as if he had been told that the weather would be nice today as well. Unlike me, who was puzzled by the contrast with Prince Isaac's solemn atmosphere next to him, Louis-sama exhaled lightly from his mouth and leaned back on his back while folding his hands.
　And then, he looked straight at His Highness Ricardo with a sharp gaze.

"Is what you're aiming for the seat of the Crown Prince?"
“Yes.

　"Crown Prince's Throne"...

　In the country of Orta, the one who has a loud voice as the next crown prince is still the first prince, His Highness Faust. This is because the Queen, who came from one of the leading duke families in this country, is pushing for the first prince. The first prince doesn't have any outstanding achievements, but the Duke's family, which has a long history and strong ties to the royal family, has the greatest backing.

　On the other hand, the second prince, Prince Ricardo, is the twin brother of Prince Faust. In the olden days, twins were considered unlucky and detested because they would destroy the clan. Now that the times have changed, there are no people who openly criticize it, but even so, the idea is still deeply rooted, especially among high-ranking nobles. Even now, I hear that many people who were born later are given up for adoption.
　I'm sure that His Highness Ricardo also faced strong winds despite the wall of the royal family. It is said that it was his overwhelming ability that overwhelmed him. Thanks to that, it seems that the voices of the emerging nobles who are pushing for His Highness Ricardo are getting louder.

　――Even so, the fact that Dutoit is supporting His Highness Ricardo…….

“I can’t immediately nod. Even if His Highness Ricardo is attached to Dutoit, if the Crown Prince decides to be His Highness the First Prince, His Highness Faust. It will affect the future alliance.”
“As expected, His Highness the Crown Prince is cautious.
"Are you confident enough to overturn that?"

　Louis-sama's answer was probably within expectations. I could see His Highness Isaac holding the tea in his hand without interfering with anything. There is no gesture of being upset or even a gesture of trying to persuade. However, at Louis-sama's question just now, he slightly stopped his hand holding the tea, raised the corner of his mouth happily, and put the cup to his mouth.

　When asked, His Highness Ricardo kept smiling without changing his expression. However, from his narrowed purple eyes, I thought I could see a radiance filled with brilliance and determination, and I stared into it.

"of course"

　Hearing His Highness Ricardo's powerful words, Louis let out a sigh. Unlike the sigh I exhaled earlier, this time it was heavy and melancholy.

"I understand what you're talking about. Why did you invite Rachel to Orta, even if you confided the country's secrets? The backing you want is me... No, it's not Dutoit. What you want is the Saint of Darkness. In other words, it is a proof that Rachel has recognized me.”

　His Highness Ricardo, who smiled at Louis-sama's cold gaze, deepened his smile, saying, "It's really helpful to have less explanation."

"I... am I?"
"Yeah, it's you. The god that Orta believes in is the Spirit King... and that's also the darkness. If you're recognized by the saint who is also said to be the messenger, the situation will be reversed at once."
"Yeah, but"
"I understand. You can't just nod your head. That's why I can't say right now. However, I'm thinking that it might be better for you if I become the next king." That's all I can say."

　I was confused by His Highness Ricardo's words, and His Highness Isaac, who was sitting in front of me, gave me a concerned gaze.
　At that time, Louis-sama put his hand on top of my hand, which was firmly grasped under the table, as if to gently support it. I looked up to follow the warmth of his hand, and Louis-sama wrapped my hand around me with a sharp gaze. And then, without averting his gaze from His Highness Ricardo, he opened his mouth.

"I never thought you were so ambitious."
“Ambition, you know.
"That's right... well. I only know the road up to this point and the inside of the royal palace. However, I felt that it was very modern."

　His shoulders shook involuntarily at His Highness Ricardo's unexpected question. However, as she immediately answers, he thinks about the journey from entering the country of Orta to reaching the royal palace.
　I saw the city from the window while riding in a carriage with Louis-sama and Theodore-sama. Unlike the country of Dutwa, where traces of war still remain, the people and towns of Orta, which has strengthened its defenses without going to war since its foundation, seem more prosperous than the country of Dutwa.
　However, on the other hand, perhaps because the country of Alter has little to do with other countries, it values ​​its own culture above all else. ……It lacks flexibility, in other words, it can be taken as exclusive.

『Miss Rachel, that is the famous magic tower of Alter. The magicians of this country have considerable skill. For hundreds of years, they've been creating magic tools that are unimaginable, as if they had seen the future. In terms of technical prowess, he still surpasses Dutoit. But I don't know if it will last another 10 years. e? Because Dutoit has me. Besides, the brilliance of Alter is fading day by day, and the progress of neighboring countries is approaching Alter at a tremendous speed.』

　While thinking that, I suddenly remembered what Theodor-sama was saying while pointing to the splendid tower standing on the edge of the royal capital.

"Yes. As a result of sticking to the belief of closing the country and keeping secrets, it has stabilized the country so far without relying on other countries. One of the factors is that this country has valued development and defense, but at the same time, it has lost the most important thing.”

　Certainly... Leonie-sama told me. It was about fifty years ago that time stopped in that forest where the Black Spirit resides. In other words, did the Black Spirit, who originally lived in the forest of Orta, become unable to live here for some reason? And did you move to that forest?
　

"If you only look at the present, that's fine. But what about our children, grandchildren, and beyond? I want to protect the future of this country."

　As I was deep in thought, I suddenly raised my head when I heard His Highness Ricardo's dignified and quiet voice. However, when I saw that expression, I lost my voice in surprise.

　After all, that expression of wishing for the future of the country was just like Louie-sama's...a determined eye.

　Unlike the stunned me who couldn't say a word, Louis-sama only whispered, "I see."

“Is that impossible for His Highness the First Prince?”
"You know my brother, don't you? That's not a king's vessel."
"I understand what His Highness Ricardo wants to say, but I can't immediately agree."
"I guess so. Shall I move on to a different approach to earning your trust?"

　--Different approach?

“Miss Marcel, would you like to study with me tomorrow?”
“Are you with His Highness Ricardo?”
"Yes, with me."

　His Highness Ricardo gently smiled at me with a blank expression. And then, Louis-sama rearranged her legs uninterestingly.

　At the same time that the dinner, which was far from peaceful, ended, a strong wind blew from outside and shook the window of the room.