The Villainess Whom I Had Served for 13 Years Has Fallen-Chapter 366: The Crown Prince Rides in Desmond’s Carriage

Before the council of nobles.

The {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} Crown Prince had tried to persuade the Emperor.

“This is our last chance to bring down Desmund.”

He insisted it was an opportunity to eliminate a family that could threaten the Imperial throne’s influence over the Empire.

“Considering everything Desmund has done to pressure the royal family, we cannot miss this chance. You know how much pressure the previous Emperor and the royal family have suffered from them...”

“...”

“They’re a family that should never hold power. They’re traitors, seeking to control the Emperor as they please.”

“It’s still risky to target Desmund now. Though their influence has waned, Desmund is still Desmund. Besides, they’re an indispensable presence within the Empire.”

“There are plenty of other families that could take Desmund’s place.”

“You mean Wolfgang?”

The Emperor was fully aware of the Crown Prince’s actions. Though he had given him the freedom to roam, he was always one to worry about the Empire’s stability.

The Crown Prince, frustrated by the Emperor’s watchful eye, clenched his fist as he looked at his father.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“So, Wolfgang is your sword?”

“...Yes.”

The Emperor let out a deep sigh and questioned the Crown Prince further.

“You do realize how crucial Desmund is to the Empire, don’t you?”

“...”

“The Archmage’s presence alone deters other nations from easily invading us. It reduces our defense expenses and helps maintain peace within the Empire.”

“The Empire’s power is not weak.”

“Don’t assume talents like those of the knight commanders are unique to our Empire.”

“...”

“And Desmund’s steward doesn’t seem like an ordinary man either. It’s unwise to provoke them now.”

“...A mere commoner poses no threat to the Empire.”

“...”

The Crown Prince’s discerning gaze met the Emperor’s, both aware of the truth.

They both knew that no lies would work here.

With a weary gaze, the Emperor spoke to the Crown Prince.

“Have you ever wondered why I didn’t bring down Desmund when the young lady was caught using dark magic?”

“...”

“Desmund is indispensable to the Empire. If their place becomes vacant, another noble family will surely seize that power.”

“...”

“There is no other family that maintains boundaries as Desmund does. Sure, bringing them down now might simplify the Empire’s administration. In truth, Desmund’s diminished influence does make governance easier.”

“That’s why I’m saying we should act now. If Desmund’s growing influence shifts in the wrong direction, it could pose a threat to the next imperial rule.”

“Crown Prince, do you trust Wolfgang?”

“...I do.”

“Then answer me this. Why are you so obsessed with Desmund?”

“...Because I want to establish my own rule.”

The Emperor, impressed that the Crown Prince was finally beginning to bear the weight of the crown, closed his eyes, giving in to his son’s determination.

This was the first time the Crown Prince had shown interest in governance, and it was his first request of his father.

“I will take care of Desmund.”

“It won’t be easy.”

“...I have my plans.”

“If you intend to eliminate Desmund’s patriarch, abandon that thought. If things go wrong, the entire royal family could be at risk.”

“...Understood.”

The Emperor indulged his son’s resolve.

Though this choice might bring calamity to the Empire, it was a burden the future king would have to shoulder.

Thus, the Crown Prince...

“Eek! Father, the chocolates are all gone.”

“Chocolates...! Bring chocolates!”

“Didn’t I tell you to eat sparingly, my lady?”

“Gasp?”

...was now on his way to the West, traveling with Desmund.

The atmosphere with Desmund was unexpectedly lively. Despite his fearsome reputation, Desmund was cheerful and loud, not at all like the tyrant he appeared to be in the royal court.

“It’s practically a direct attack on Desmund to raise taxes on mana stones, isn’t it?”

“...”

“They’ve shown leniency toward other noble businesses, yet they burden Desmund’s mana processing operations—surely that’s unfair.”

“The Emperor’s word is law...”

“Is the treasury running dry?”

“The Emperor’s word is also the law of the nobility...”

“I heard the second prince’s personal spending is quite high... Desmund formally requests a thorough investigation into the matter.”

The Crown Prince found it hard to believe that such a relaxed, almost jovial, Desmund would be heading to subjugate a beast.

He had expected a heavy atmosphere, perhaps signs of resentment toward the Emperor’s unfair demand for vengeance. Instead, the Desmund family seemed far more concerned about chocolates than about the dangerous beast.

Moreover...

“Eek?”

“...”

“Father, why is he riding in the same carriage?”

The Crown Prince could hardly believe Olivia Desmund was there.

He had heard she’d been cast out of the family for using dark magic, yet here she was, casually accompanying them to the West.

With a piece of chocolate in her mouth, Olivia looked straight at the Crown Prince and spoke.

“Does the Emperor not have any money?”

She insulted the royal family without a second thought.

“He’s not your friend... show some respect, Lady.”

“Eek?”

“...”

“Father, I feel sorry for him. Poor thing, he must be broke.”

The Crown Prince was so taken aback by her audacity that he nearly lost his composure. He’d never heard anything like this in his life.

“...I should have arranged for a separate carriage.”

Two families were sharing this carriage on the journey west. The royal family could have provided him with his own, but someone had to observe Desmund’s demeanor.

— “I’ll go as the informant.” — “No, that’s...!” — “I’m the only one who can ride in Desmund’s carriage. Besides, I was curious.”

In a way, accompanying Desmund on this journey was fortuitous. It allowed him to witness their downfall firsthand and to validate the facts with his own eyes in case any incidents occurred.

If he considered it, it was a good opportunity, though...

“Hey.”

“...”

“Hey!”

“...”

“Ricardo, I think he’s deaf.”

The Crown Prince was seething with barely contained rage at the constant insults.

“Hey...!”

The informal way Olivia addressed him made the Crown Prince scoff and run a hand through his hair.

“Hah... it seems Desmund never taught respect for royalty.”

“Huh?”

“Doesn’t she realize her words could stir a bloody storm?”

“It’s fine. I’ve lost everything; there’s nothing left to lose.”

“That’s because...!”

“Your father took everything from us.”

“...?”

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Is Desmund always this insolent?”

“Why you...!”

Olivia raised her fist, ready to strike, and the Crown Prince, shocked, looked over at a man who was covering his mouth in an attempt to stifle his laughter.

Ricardo.

Knowing full well the trouble they were in, Ricardo was trying to keep a straight face while subtly glancing around, clearly amused.

‘This is the difference in status between us. You’re someone you can never surpass.’

The Crown Prince felt a growing curiosity about Olivia.

Though he hadn’t initially been interested in her romantically, he was beginning to feel an attraction. To pursue her, however, he’d have to get past Ricardo.

Feeling irritated every time Olivia brought up Ricardo, the Crown Prince chuckled as he watched Ricardo’s tense shoulders.

‘Maybe I made the right choice in not bringing a knight.’

If he had, he wouldn’t have had the chance to join Desmund’s carriage, nor would he have seen Ricardo so flustered.

‘This is entertaining.’

“Miss... please, he is still the Crown Prince...”

“Listen, Ricardo. His father stole our money.”

“Cough... ah... please, stop.”

“Father! I don’t like this guy!”

“Hahahaha!”

The Crown Prince clenched his fist as Ricardo burst out laughing.

“What is going on here?”

“Yes?”

“You dare mock the Crown Prince of the Empire...?”

“Yes?”

“When we return to the capital, I’ll ensure this incident is dealt with.”

“Please do.”

“...”

With a serene expression, Ricardo looked at the Crown Prince.

“Please tell His Majesty that Desmund upset you and ask him to scold us accordingly.”

“Are you mocking me to the very end?”

“I’m not alone today.”

Ricardo shrugged, glancing at Olivia, who was glaring at the Crown Prince as if she might kill him.

“Grr! Let me go! I’ll just hit him once!”

Ricardo muttered softly, “There’s no one more dependable to have on your side than the young lady,” as he looked out the window.

“Wow... the sea is beautiful.”

“Where?”

“There.”

“Eek? I can’t see it.”

“It means your heart is as vast as the sea, my lady.”

“Eek?!”

As he watched Ricardo and Olivia playfully teasing each other, the Crown Prince clenched his fists, determined to erase those smiles from their faces.

Simultaneously, Ricardo held the same resolve.

‘How shall I play this game?’

It was the Crown Prince who had crossed the line.

He looked forward to it—the sight of the Crown Prince, once so lofty and powerful, brought low, struggling under the weight of a scandal.

“Oh, Crown Prince.”

“Silence.”

“What would happen if a royal were connected to a slave?”

After a long silence, the Crown Prince sighed and reluctantly responded.

“All their rights as a royal would be stripped immediately.”

“I see. And what if they were associated with dark magic?”

“The royal family is not as weak as Desmund.”

“Is that so? Interesting.” freёnovelkiss.com

“What did you say...!”

Olivia reached out and grabbed a handful of the Crown Prince’s hair.

“Father! This guy is bothering me!”

The young lady despised the Crown Prince.