Chapter 112: The Decisive Blow (2)

Ainfort?

The moment Louis heard this name, the story from the original work flashed through his mind.

It was when the plot had reached its latter half.

The protagonist’s party, having undergone much growth, had begun their plan to subdue the demonic dragon Genelocer in earnest.

At that time, what they needed were troops capable of dealing with the countless demonic beasts summoned by the dragon.

In other words, these soldiers would pave the way for the protagonists to reach the dragon.

During this process, several countries actively came forward to assist them.

Among them was the Howard Empire, which maintained its status both now and far into the future, as well as another nation called the Ainfort Republic.

Is this Ainfort the same one I know?

The future Ainfort Republic was also a country established based on the Summer Continent.

Louis crossed his arms and closed his eyes.

So this Levans guy is trying to swallow up the Frenche royal family and change the system to a republic… And the future Ainfort is also a state rooted in the Summer Continent… Is this a coincidence?

A republic-based country rooted in the Summer Continent. This couldn’t be a coincidence. The circumstances fit together too perfectly.

Then Levans’ system change succeeded, making him the one who laid the foundation for the Ainfort Republic…

In the distant future, the Ainfort Republic became one of the crucial nations that supported the main characters, allowing them to freely play their roles.

The reason was simple:

That guy… The Estephan family resides in Ainfort.

In the original story, Elvis Estephan was one of twelve families that formed the executive committee of the Ainfort Republic. Moreover, his family held second only to the powerful Ainforts themselves.

If I prevent the establishment of this republic here…

Then…

What will happen to Elvis Estephan?

Although Louis didn’t know what the founder of the Estephan family was doing now,

I suspect my actions won’t lead to favorable outcomes for him.

A faint smile played on Louis’s lips as he pondered these possibilities.

This could be…

His eyes sparkled with sudden interest.

A chance?

It was true that Louis had seized several hidden pieces, significantly weakening Elvis’s forces, but Page still felt uneasy. Especially when it came to matters involving Elvis, one needed to be extra cautious.

Page composed his expression and asked while looking at Louis, “If I were to help you… what exactly do you plan to do? You’re not asking for assistance without a specific strategy, are you?”

Initially, Louis seemed determined to refuse, but his suddenly positive response brought a smile back to Page’s face.

Just then, a voice spoke from beside Page.

“Our plan is simple: kill Levans.”

The voice belonged to Greg, who had come around in the meantime.

Page elaborated on his plan: “Normally, we wouldn’t rush things like this, but… they’ve already made their move.” Urgency etched itself onto her face. “At this rate, Your Highness’s life will be in grave danger.”

Louis wore an unimpressed expression at these words. Given that their ‘plan’ was simply to kill the premier, it was understandable. Or could one even call it a plan? It was more akin to their ultimate goal.

With a hint of mockery, Louis asked, “Do you truly believe you can take out the premier?”

”…The chances are fifty-fifty.”

No, that’s incorrect.

Their plan will fail.

Levans will survive, and the Ainfort Republic will be established.

I can’t rashly interfere in this future destined for failure, even though my position requires me to prevent the creation of the Ainfort Republic.

Moreover, there’s a reason Louis is hesitating:

I need to stop Ainfort from being formed too… But I’m the only one aware of this, right?

In other words, from their perspective, I am someone they must capture for the success of their plan.

Louis couldn’t possibly let such an opportunity slip through his fingers.

“You say the success rate is fifty-fifty? Isn’t that too optimistic?”

”…Pardon?”

“If we could’ve assassinated Levans from the start, we would have done so long ago. Does attempting an assassination now suddenly increase our chances of success? Aren’t you being too optimistic about the future?”

“B-but…” Page began to offer some explanation, but Louis wasn’t finished yet.

“And do you think Levans is unaware of this situation?”

”…?!” Page’s eyes widened in shock.

“W-what are you saying?”

“You weak old man, when did you enter the Frenche Palace?”

“Weak?! Ah, well… I entered about a month ago.”

“And the Premier, who is effectively ruling the kingdom, was not informed about your presence?”

“This underground base has remained secret, and my movements were also covert…”

“Don’t be so sure. After observing his greatest enemy, the Leon Revolutionary Army, for twenty years, do you think Levans would have failed to take any precautions?”

”…?!”

Louis’s argument was too compelling, leaving Greg at a loss for words.

“And let me tell you,” Louis continued, “what a coincidence this situation is, wouldn’t you say?”

“What do you mean by that?”

“This airship incident must surely be part of Levans’ meticulously planned scheme. But now it’s all fallen apart, hasn’t it?”

Page nodded in agreement.

“Exactly! And on top of that, aboard this very airship is the crown princess who disappeared twenty years ago… or rather, the one who left the kingdom?”

“B-but that’s just a coincidence…”

“Yes, a coincidence indeed. You know it, I know it. But does Levans see it the same way?”

Louis pointed an accusatory finger at Greg.

“The leader of the Leon Revolutionary Army returned to the Frenche Kingdom one month ago.”

This time it was Page who raised her hand.

“A character born out of the failed airship plan. If I were Levans, I’d probably think, Ah, these guys found out about my plans and are trying to stop me!”

Page and Greg remained silent. Seeing how deep in thought they appeared to be, Louis continued speaking.

“In that situation, wouldn’t the premier’s guard be on high alert? You want to try assassinating him despite all those precautions? And you only have a fifty-fifty chance of success?” He smirked slyly. “Good luck with that. I’m not getting involved in this reckless scheme if it means risking my life.” With that, he sprang up from his seat.

The sudden movement caused the twins’ eyes to rub sleepily.

“Louis…going home?”

“You’re done here?”

“Yes. Let’s go.”

Louis held his twin’s hand as he glanced at the two still sitting there in a daze before speaking up again.

“Oh yeah, I’m not too happy with how you’re trying to brush off this incredibly dangerous task by simply asking me for help. It’s not like I’m some kind of philanthropist or anything.” He paused slightly, waiting for them to bite on his bait now that they were getting impatient.

Sure enough, Page quickly responded:

“I-reward! If our plan succeeds, we’ll reward you handsomely!” she cried out desperately.

Hearing this, Louis’s eyes lit up as he quietly asked her back,

“A reward? What kind of reward? What could you possibly offer me?”

“Well, w-we can think about it later…”

“You just made that up, didn’t you?”

“…”

“And even if you offer me an enticing reward… I don’t want to get involved in something that hasn’t been planned out.”

Louis inwardly cheered as he realized it was now their loss. This would skyrocket his value exponentially. He watched closely how Page and Greg reacted.

I wonder what they’ll come up with this time.

For them, having one skilled individual already on board made him and his twin brother incredibly appealing prospects. How would they determine compensation?

With bated breath, Louis awaited their response.

And then came the answer:

“We have a way! No—I mean, we have a plan!” However, where the solution originated from seemed quite peculiar.

“What?” Louis turned toward the voice speaking these words.

There stood Pablo, his face brimming with a sense of mission…

But what’s gotten into him now? Louis thought, startled by Pablo’s abrupt reaction. But he wasn’t alone; both Page and Greg were equally surprised.

“You have a plan?”

“What kind of plan?”

“If the prime minister is wary of the Leon Revolutionary Army, we just need to divert his attention.”

“How do you propose to do that?” Greg asked seriously.

“The premier wants to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic, doesn’t he? And he plans to use the Frenche Kingdom for this purpose.”

“That’s right…”

“This scheme was possible because His Majesty lacks a suitable heir. Then suddenly, Princess Page appeared—a legitimate successor to the throne!”

”…O-of course.”

“If I were the prime minister, I would push for a strategic marriage with the crown princess that we couldn’t arrange before. Wouldn’t that be a quicker and safer way to mend the old system and lead us into a new era?”

“There’s certainly truth in your words,” Greg agreed.

As Pablo and Greg exchanged ideas back and forth, Louis observed them quietly from afar, his jaw slowly dropping open.

That sneaky Pablo…

Distrust flickered in Louis’s eyes as he glared at Pablo.

Why is he so good at this?!

This wasn’t the character he originally remembered. Unaware of Louis’s gaze, Pablo continued speaking steadily:

“But what if Crown Princess Page refuses the marriage?”

“They might take His Highness hostage and force him to marry her. They’ll control him even more tightly than they did twenty years ago.” The page’s face darkened at this possibility.

But Pablo had thought it through. “Even if he were prime minister, surely he couldn’t marry you when you’re already engaged.”

“Wait, I’m engaged?”

“Yes. And once your fiancé appears, the prime minister will be in a tight spot. After all, their marriage would create a new heir to the throne.”

“If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better for me to have a husband?”

“That won’t do. If a husband suddenly appeared out of nowhere, the prime minister might resort to extreme measures. It could put Your Majesty’s life in greater danger.”

“Certainly, I see… hmm…” Greg nodded in agreement before posing a question. “In any case, you’re suggesting that Crown Princess Page should enter into a fake engagement?”

“That is correct.”

“But tell me…” Greg’s expression turned slightly perplexed. “Who would dare pretend to be the fiancé of Crown Princess Page during these times? In the Frenche Kingdom, the Prime Minister wields immense power. Surely no one here would willingly court his displeasure by associating with her as such. In fact, wouldn’t pretending to be engaged to her put your life constantly at risk?”

Page nodded, clearly agreeing with Greg’s concerns.

Louis thought it was entirely possible.

But then there was one person who stood alone against everyone else’s doubts:

“I do!” Pablo declared with unwavering conviction.

No one expected all eyes in the room to suddenly fall upon him.

“You do?”

“Yes.” Pablo nodded firmly.

A strong determination flickered in his eyes as he gazed at Page.

“He would be a man worthy of being Crown Princess Page’s fiancé, unafraid of the Premier.”

“Oh-ho? Where might such a person be found?” Greg asked curiously.

In response, Pablo stepped closer to Page and gently dropped to one knee before her.

The crowd stared blankly at his audacious display.

Meanwhile, Pablo reached into his pocket and pulled out something wrapped in a handkerchief, which he presented to Page.

Louis’s jaw dropped even further at the sight of it.

The small object glinting in Pablo’s hand was…

A ring?

He held up the beautiful silver band and declared boldly, “I fell in love with you at first sight, Princess Page! Will you marry—no, I mean, will you engage yourself to me?”

“…?!” Louis’s chin nearly hit the floor as soon as Pablo finished speaking.

For a moment, Louis wondered if he had misheard what just came out of Pablo’s mouth. He blinked rapidly.

That bastard…

His gaze locked onto Pablo’s face, incredulous.

Is this guy insane?