Chapter 64: Rulers of the Kingdom of Ortyr

"...Your Majesty Alaric IV Arnsberg, we have new reports concerning the recent ruins in the Theocracy..." A servant speaks with visible discomfort as he glances at the King and the Princess, both engaged in a scene that is, to say the least, disconcerting.

Alaric IV Arnsberg is the King of the Kingdom of Ortyr, a man with graying hair and a long gray beard, green eyes, and a slightly lean physique aged by time. At 53 years old, he no longer projects the majestic image of the past, despite his red and gold robes and the crown upon his head.

The princess seated on his lap, Victoria Arnsberg, a girl with long blonde hair and green eyes, has a long braid falling over her shoulder, large breasts, and a mature figure. She projects a far more regal image than her father, dressed in an elegant red and black gown with a refined tiara.

At 22 years old, she already holds practically all the reins. Everyone knows, but no one speaks of it. The king is useless, a puppet, and his daughter is the one who controls everything — not to mention the incestuous relationship between the two, which grants even more power to the princess, who isn’t even a queen.

But it is as if she were the king’s consort, his wife, even if not officially. A kind of queen consort who controls and shapes how the kingdom’s politics function, using the king as a puppet.

So, for the mere servant who came to deliver the report, seeing the princess sitting on the lap of a man so old — and, worse, her own father — while she gives herself to him intimately is disgusting, even if the servant doesn’t have the courage to say a word.

"What do we have on this? Victoria said it was something important, so there must be a lot to discuss, isn’t there?" the king asks, as if he held some power, while the princess bites into a piece of fruit, offering it to the king, who declines with a smile.

’I’ve heard it’s been like this since the princess was 13 years old... is it true...’ The servant bites his lip, feeling sick. He is new to this job and also has a daughter who believes he is someone very important, like a hero, for working directly for the king. So seeing a father and daughter like this disgusts him deeply, even if it is his king. ℴ

Not to mention that the fact this strange relationship has existed for so long hints at just how long the princess has truly held power over the kingdom.

"C-Currently, many rumors have been spreading among adventurers about enormous riches in the new ruins, which have already been confirmed to be in very good condition. Because of this, many adventurers are forming large groups to head there soon," the servant still does his job, even though his loyalty is somewhat shaken. He is still a servant and would not betray the crown just for disagreeing with something.

"Daddy, doesn’t that seem strange?" The princess, a born genius, immediately notices something that doesn’t add up.

"If these so-called ruins are drawing so much attention from adventurers, why isn’t the Theocracy showing as much interest in a place that’s within their own territory? Could it be because there’s perhaps a dangerous threat there?" The princess has no way of knowing if the talk of riches is a lie, but she knows it isn’t as simple as going there and getting rich easily.

"...Hmmm... you’re right, Victoria. Do you know anything else beyond these rumors of riches?"

"O-Of course, Your Majesty. There’s also information that the Empire is currently apparently planning to go to war with another small kingdom to conquer it. However, we also have bad news — I’ve been informed that beastmen are planning to attack our kingdom." When he says this, the king slams the bottom of his fist against the throne.

"Those stupid beasts dare to think they can do this?" A vein bulged on the king’s forehead, while the Princess looks at the servant with suspicion, wondering about this strange series of rumors.

"Where did you hear these things?" the princess questions, more attentive to what she is hearing now. Initially, her interest was nonexistent, but something doesn’t fit in this puzzle, and that piques her curiosity.

"Mostly among adventurers, Princess."

"Adventurers... since when has the service provided by servants deteriorated so much? Rumors are just rumors, especially coming from adventurers. Not everything is reliable without confirmation. Do you have proof of what you’re saying?"

"W-Well... not exactly, but it’s circulating among influential adventurers, so I thought it was valuable information. High-ranking adventurers wouldn’t just go around spreading lies like that." What the man says makes sense, and he shows decent competence, since it wasn’t just because rumors surfaced.

"Hmmm... Daddy, what do you think about this?" Even though she holds power in the shadows, she still depends on keeping the king on a leash, so she acts as if the king is the one in control, not her.

"I think it makes sense. If anyone above Prism Rank starts talking about this, it’s something that deserves attention," the king agrees, but the princess simply rolls her eyes at his "foolishness," since lies can easily be planted even among powerful adventurers.

’Stupid old man. It’s obvious anyone can make high-level adventurers spread false rumors if they know where to apply the right pressure... even I could do it in less than a week.’ She feels frustrated by her father’s and the servant’s mistake in believing this so easily.

"Okay, Daddy!! Then I think we should strengthen our defenses against those filthy beasts, and maybe send some strong people — but in disguise — to investigate these so-called ruins, right? After all, we don’t want any trouble with the Theocracy right now!!!"

"Besides, if the Empire will be busy conquering another kingdom, that’s a relevant opening for us to increase our military power during this necessary little pause," she says with a wide smile as she hugs him.

"You’re right, Victoria. You may go now, servant. Keep up the good work. I expect more news soon," the king says to the servant, who rises from his kneeling position.

"Your Majesty, before I take my leave, I would like to know — what happened to the captain? I don’t understand why I was given the position. He was so competent. I haven’t seen him in a few weeks," the servant asks, confused. Although he doesn’t doubt his own capabilities, the person who held the position before him was far superior in strength, intelligence, and leadership.

"Ah, yes. He was executed. He dared to covet Victoria."

"...?" The servant is confused, because he knew the captain. They were friends, and he was a married man — honorable and respectful. He never would have had eyes for the princess, much less for a woman who was already taken.

"..." The servant looks at the princess and catches her gaze fixed on him, a dangerous look that sends chills down his spine.

"O-Oh... yes... of course... thank you for offering answers to a humble servant. I am satisfied," he says, lowering his head, realizing there is more to this — and realizing that questioning it will put him in danger.

’She... she killed him...’ He bites his lip, withdrawing a little nervous and restrained, preferring to stay quiet for his own safety.

"What did you think of him, Victoria?" the king asks as the servant closes the doors and leaves.

"He’s relatively decent at what he does, but it’s good to keep an eye on him. We’ll have to see if he’s truly competent, Daddy," she says in a sweet tone to him as he strokes her head.