Chapter 99: About Prince William

One of the people behind him whispered into Richelieu-sama’s ear.

"Robin-sama, I’m afraid our time is up," Richelieu-sama said. "It was extremely meaningful to learn more about your character. Thank you. Now, if you have any questions, I will answer them."

Finally, it was over. What a relief.

"Then, please tell me just one thing. I believe you already know that Prince William came to my room this morning. I don’t think Prince William himself will face any particular punishment, but will Grace Slick and her brother receive any?"

I asked about what had happened that morning. Richelieu-sama hummed thoughtfully.

"Normally, something like that must never happen. George Slick would normally deserve the death penalty. However, since it has been made clear that Prince William took him along, executing George would require giving Prince William a corresponding punishment as well.

We cannot do that, so this incident will likely be treated as if it never happened. That said, we cannot let it pass with no punishment at all. George Slick will be dismissed from service and, at the family head’s discretion, disinherited. Grace Slick will be dismissed from her position as a maid of the Inner Palace. It appears she was also forced into the situation by Prince William.

As for the Slick family, they will either be demoted from knight peerage to squire peerage or reduced to commoner status — that will depend on His Majesty the King’s feelings.

Prince William will likely be removed from the royal family after things cool down for a while. This is only my speculation, but he may marry into the Slick family and wed Grace. If he inherits the Slick family that way, they could maintain their knight peerage. Well, that is purely speculation."

I see. It felt both harsh and lenient at the same time. But an unofficial statement from the Prime Minister was practically a done deal. Did that mean I wouldn’t have to deal with that prince’s grudges anymore? Still, the idea of Grace having that prince as her husband made me feel sorry for her. Though, it was all because of her brother.

"But wasn’t Prince William the Queen’s son? Will the Queen allow something like this?"

Remembering that detail, I asked in a hurry.

"That should not be an issue. Her Majesty has also given birth to the Fifth Prince, Alan-sama, who is younger than Prince William. Prince Alan is more talented than Prince William, and the Queen dotes on him greatly. If Prince William is gone, Prince Alan’s chances at the throne will improve, so I believe she will be pleased."

What a cold-hearted Queen! I was starting to feel a little sorry for Prince William. Oh well. I’ll just pray that Prince Alan doesn’t get involved with me.

Another whisper came from behind into Richelieu-sama’s ear. It really was time.

"Richelieu-sama, thank you very much. I learned many things and found this time extremely valuable. If you have free time again, would you please call for me? I look forward to it."

I stood up and bowed. Richelieu-sama hurriedly stood up as well.

"I should be the one apologizing for taking up your time. I would actually like to visit Browning’s shop once myself."

"Well, I don’t mind taking you, but the lunch cost is included with the lesson fee. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough money on me to pay for the Prime Minister’s lunch. I’m very sorry, but would you be willing to pay for your own meal?"

The moment I asked, he burst into loud laughter.

"Hahaha! Robin-sama, I’ll pay for that much, of course! Ahahaha. If you’d like, I’ll even treat you. A prince treating the Prime Minister to a lunch that costs only one large copper coin at most! Just imagining it is hilarious. Ahahaha. Today I was constantly surprised and made to laugh by you, Robin-sama. It was a very enjoyable time. Please come again. Next time, let’s have lunch together. Hahaha."

Richelieu-sama seemed to have hit his funny bone. He laughed heartily as he returned my farewell. I was glad.

When I left the room, Keith Relph was smiling.

"Robin-sama, allow me to escort you back to the Accounting Bureau."

I accepted his offer.

"Still, that was the first time I’ve ever seen Richelieu-sama laugh like that," Keith Relph said.

Not knowing how to respond, I simply said, "I’m honored."

That seemed to hit Keith Relph’s funny bone too. He kept suppressing his chuckles ("kukukuku") all the way back to the Accounting Bureau.

When I returned to the Accounting Bureau, I greeted them with, "I’m back."

The Director immediately came over, grabbed both of my hands tightly (almost painfully), and fired off questions like a machine gun.

"How was it?! What did you talk about? Did you mention us? Did he criticize you at all? You didn’t have a hard time, did you?"

"Yes, I’m fine. It was a calm conversation with no particular problems. Richelieu-sama laughed out loud many times."

"Ehhh?! That Richelieu-sama laughed out loud? Isn’t that a sign of some impending natural disaster? Are you really telling the truth?"

The Director leaned in so close our faces were almost touching.

"I’m telling you it’s fine! Nothing went wrong."

"Really? Is that so? I’ll hold a grudge if something happens later, okay?"

The Director kept pressing. I quickly added,

"Ah, but Richelieu-sama did ask if I wanted to work under him. I told him I wanted to stay here."

The Director frowned deeply.

"Eh?! Isn’t that bad?"

"It’s fine! No problems at all!"

"R-really...? I’m worried. Aah, I feel like I’m going to have bloody stools..."

The Director put a hand to her forehead and looked up at the ceiling. Was it okay for a woman to say something like "bloody stools"?

Still, she finally let me go, and I returned to Christine-san’s desk.

"Robie-sama, welcome back! I was worried. I’m glad nothing happened."

Christine-san took my hand warmly.

"Thanks to you, Christine-san, I was able to relax and get through the meeting."

"Thanks to me?"

"You helped me loosen up before I went, remember? That worked really well."

"Loosen up...? Not ’relieve’?"

"Yes, you loosened me up. Please do it again sometime." ℯℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

At my bright smile, Christine-san replied with a gentle smile of her own.

"Well, if that’s enough for you, I’ll do it anytime. I’m the one who should be asking for your continued favor."

As she bowed her head, I noticed the front of my pants bulging noticeably.