Having heard the story, Father became lost in thought.

Without interrupting him, I also indulged in deliberation by myself.

The knife user who attacked me. That wasn't an amateur.

The pure bloodl.u.s.t was extremely familiar to me, the way he'd prepared his knives was telling. The very careful preparation is a proof of him being a professional criminal, not an amateur.

After sufficient time, Prime Minister continued the talk.

"Be that as it may, there's no mistaking it's the specialty of Sahaja's a.s.sa.s.sin guilds. Then there are two magicians His Highness defeated. Their identify couldn't be found, but I recall that vase magical tool had been made by the magical tool purveyor to the Sahaja's Royal Family generations ago. It's not something that could be brought out easily, it's reasonable to think a member of royalty supplied it for the request"

Father agreed with Prime Minister's findings.

"That is to say, because they can't win on the battlefield, they're aiming directly at Freed. It looks like they are frustrated by losing the last battle. I suppose Andre's matter was their work as well, I have to applaud their tenacity… However, I don't understand. I believed their king to not be so foolish… This case is too much of a folly"

When the topic of Andre still missing came up, for a moment the place became still as death.

Andre's situation is inconsequential, but it would be troubling if he just up and died. Runaway divine power explosion upon his death engulfing as far as the eye can see would be no joke.

Prime Minister spoke as if to intervene with the situation.

"I agree with Your Majesty. His Highness's power must have sunk deeply into his mind. I don't think he'd use such a cheap method"

Father muttered a while after Prime Minister finished the sentence.

"He's growing old… The change of generations might be near"

"Yes. There's a possibility it wasn't the king but another member of royalty acting on their own judgement, but as expected it's difficult to ascertain that far… Will we raise a protest about that matter?"

Although it was more or less in the form of asking Father for instructions, it seems both had already decided on what to do. Just as I thought, Father quickly shook his head.

"No, there's no point. Anyhow they will only reject it saying they know nothing"

"I agree with Your Majesty. Since there's no definite evidence, it's better not to do anything careless. I will also report it to the Foreign Minister Duke Pellegrini"

"Yeah"

"Unfortunately, this is the limit of the information I possess right now. To obtain more accurate information, I'm preparing to move my men who are infiltrating Sahaja"

"Information warfare is Sahaja's strong point. What we're talking is nothing but a speculation, we have to consider the possibility that we are being deceived. Lucas, be careful"

"Yes"

Hearing Prime Minister's response, this time he turned his line of sight to me.

"Freed, you listen too. In the worst case there's a possibility of war breaking out. At least prepare for that"

"I am aware. Can Alex and others hear about this talk too?"

"No problem. You may be able to grasp something"

"I understand. If we grasp something, I will report it"

As our talk more or less ended, Father said in a voice that allowed no refusal.

"Please return to the office first and start with the next arrangements. I'll talk with my son a little more then head there"

"… I understand"

Sensing the implication behind Father's word, Prime Minister straightened himself and nodded.

When he quickly left, only I and Father were left.

"Now then, Freed"

"Yes, Esteemed Father"

Sitting on the chair Father suggestively smiled. And said.

"Let's return to the topic. Don't think excuses will work. You've met the witch?"

"… Yes"

… After all it's about that.

From the start I hadn't thought I could hide it from Father, so I admitted it without being agitated.

Rather, I'm grateful he kept silent until we were alone.

"How could you tell"

"It's well-known the Witch Delris lives hidden somewhere in Wilhelm. And then there's the earlier talk and report. Thinking about it normally, it's impossible Princess would properly use neutralization magic whose very existence is doubted. In spite of that, Princess invoked the magic through her own will. It's reasonable to think she'd received someone's advice. And, when you think it's somebody from the citizens, it's unlikely to be anybody but the witch"

I have nothing to add once I'm told that much.

Moreover, from my earlier story he judged she'd shared information with both me and Lidi.

Whether we met… He's probably convinced by now.

From the start I hadn't intended to conceal it, so I obediently nodded.

"It's as you say. I had a fortune to meet the Medicine Witch. From that witch I heard Esteemed Father had met with another witch"

I stopped my words and examined Father.

"After all you met with Master Delris. However, you met with a witch famous for her misanthropy. Was it a coincidence?"

"No. As Lidi's friend… she seemed to want to a.s.ses her fiancé"

When I spoke honestly, Father's eyes widened.

"a.s.ses… I see. Indeed. So Princess interacted with the Medicine Witch. Princess is more and more unique. Freed. Don't let her go"

"Naturally, I am not going to let her go. She's my only one"

I declared so.

Kaka, Father laughed.

"Yes. It was needless to say. Once we meet our mate, our family can't recognize opposite s.e.x aside from our mates"

"I'd known that story, but I never would have thought it would happen to myself"

It was only after I fell in love at first sight when I understood that.

"Wilhelm's royalty is basically lucky. Even so, about half have to attempt the King's Flower ceremony without finding their mate. It's truly fortunate to have your princess consort be your mate"

"Yes"

I was truly lucky to be able to meet Lidi at that time. Once again I thought so.

"… I'm truly glad you could obtain a mate properly. As it was, I was wondering whether I'd lose you in the near future"

"Esteemed Father…"

My eyes widened a little from the soft voice.

"Even if you obtained the King's Flower, if your partner wasn't your mate, I don't know whether you could be happy. Unlike my Esteemed Father, you aren't particularly fond of woman, even if you obtained the King's Flower and became able to control divine power, I was concerned your heart would break… It's thanks to Master Meissa"

"Master Meissa…"

I reacted to the name said without hesitations.

Meissa. The Connecting Witch. Why did her name come up here.

"The power of witches is immeasurable. It can lead to consequences far beyond your power. If you borrow Master Delris's power, be careful. Do you understand"

"… Yes"

Feeling that Father doesn't intend to go deeply into it, I reluctantly withdrew.

Perhaps as a compensation for having me talk about the Witch Delris he showcased his relations.h.i.+p. Once I understood that, I couldn't ask for more.

"Is there no doubt that Master Delris taught Princess about neutralization magic?"

"Yes. Lidi said so"

"I see. It may be thanks to Master Delris that Princess hasn't caught eye of anybody strange. We should be grateful"

"Yes"

It's as Esteemed Father says. She may have remained safe until now because the witch told her to keep it secret. Thinking so, I could only feel thankful for that black-robed witch.

"Freed"

"Yes"

I answered Father.

Father's eyes were unexpectedly serious. I straightened myself in expectation, but when his words continued, strength left me.

"Show me my grandchild's face soon. I want to retire quickly"

In Wilhelm's Royal Family the custom is to transfer the throne once the Crown Prince's successor is born.

When he indirectly brought up the throne succession, I could only wryly smile.

"I don't know whether I can live up to your expectations, but I'll do my best"

I used to think of the throne succession as troublesome, but it's different now.

If I can have Lidi as the Queen on my side, that role isn't bad at all.

Father laughed at my unenthusiastic reply.

"Yeah. It takes at least three years for conception in our family. It took me five. Do your best not to be hated by Princess. I failed at that"

Although I felt uneasy about his last words, having noticed Father showed a miserable face for just an instant, I couldn't ask for more.

Wanting to change the mood, I said cheerfully.

"Lidi won't refuse. Well then, excuse me"

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. That's right, Freed"

"Yes. What is it, Esteemed Father"

When I turned about having been called to a halt, saying he forgot to mention Father beckoned me.

"Both of you left the recent evening party right away. Afterwards, the singer who accompanied Marquis Muller performed. He was invited to the Royal Palace once again. So both of you can partic.i.p.ate at that time"

"To the Royal Palace? Was he invited to a banquet or something?"

"No, we tried to reward him, but he refused. When asked if he has any wishes, he said he wants to sing to you who hadn't been there"

Although I was suspicious about Father's words, I recalled Lidi had been looking forward to it.

I felt a little bad that we immediately withdrew.

"To us, is it. Since Lidi will be delighted, I don't mind, but…"

Why did he expressly nominate us.

Perhaps the doubt appeared on my face, as Father nodded in agreement.

"Well, he's obviously suspicious. But there's no problem. He'll be watched. However, I think you understand, but don't lose focus around him"

"The other party must know he's suspicious. He wants to meet us despite the risk… Is how it is. I understand"

Honestly, things just keep happening.

There's no time to take a breath.

"I want my wedding with Lidi to be peaceful. I'll put forth my best effort to quickly solve the current problems"

Despite breathing a sigh, I answered so.

Father stood up from the chair, implicitly informing me that the talk is over.

"I see. After all the existence of a mate is tremendous"

"Yeah, Lidi is my whole driving force"

That's why I won't forgive those who get in our way.

Once I clearly declared that, with an expectant and intrigued face Father smiled.