“You’re really something weird, aren’t you? You’ve come all the way to Roswaal L. Meiastars’ mansion in the Lugnica Kingdom and you claim to know nothing about the situation. I must say, it’s impressive that you got through the kingdom’s immigration without a hitch!”

“Well, in a way, it’s kind of like sneaking in…”

I had the feeling that I sort of just slipped into the country without realizing it.

Emilia was taken aback by Subaru’s lackadaisical response and glared at him with a look of righteous indignation, like a parent scolding a child.

“I can’t believe you. How could you casually talk about such a thing? What do you think would happen if we reported this to the administration? You’d end up thrown into a dungeon, all beaten up!”

“Beaten up? That’s something you don’t hear these days.”

“Stop joking around. Hey, Subaru. Are you really okay? Is everyone around you like this? Or are you just the only particularly clueless one?”

Feeling a pang of guilt for Emilia’s genuine concern, Subaru scratched his head and reflected on his previous attitude.

“Ah, I might be a bit slow to pick things up. So if it wouldn’t be too much trouble, I would appreciate it if you could enlighten me, please?”

“Hearing you speak like that makes you sound like you come from a decent family…”

If he were to show up at a social gathering with this kind of casual speech, Subaru’s social life would end right there. Emilia’s tendency to be easily deceived was starting to seem a bit questionable as well.

“Isn’t it strange? Emilia seems kinda clueless about this sort of stuff too, doesn’t she? That last sentence was a messy mix of honorifics and humble expressions!”

“Ugh… I can’t deny that,”

Emilia shrank back at Subaru’s comment. It surprised him to see this side of her, as she seemed like she knew everything. However, it was Roswaal, who had remained silent at the upper seat, who stepped in to support her.

“Lady Emilia is currently studying those aspects. Of course, I understand your point as well.”

“Studying, huh? Does that relate to our earlier conversation?”

“Ah, excellent deduction! You’re quite perceptive. Precisely because you think, those unconsidered comments slip out!”

“Well, thinking about things is pretty much a given, right? Even if my limbs feel weak and I’m sniffling like a child with a runny nose, it’s my duty as a human to think!”

“That’s a scary analogy, yet it feels strangely real…”

That was, of course, a phrase born from personal experience.

Perhaps inspired by Subaru’s words, Roswaal extended a hand, and the twins handed over a notepad and a pen. He quickly summarized the current topics, then turned back toward Subaru.

“That was good. When I’m with you, I get all sorts of ideas!”

“How many times a day do you write in that notebook? Is this like the umpteenth one in your life?”

“That question touches upon the secrets of the Meiastars family. Sorry, but I can’t tell you!”

Seeing an adult sulking like that made Subaru disheartened.

Subaru was growing more perplexed on how to deal with someone so over-the-top compared to himself. Just then, Emilia cleared her throat to redirect the conversation.

“Anyway, back to the topic. Do you know what the current situation in this country—the Lugnica Kingdom—is?”

“I have absolutely no idea whatsoever.”

“To hear you say that so plainly is quite refreshing. I’m constantly surprised by your way of living. I’m really starting to get worried!”

Emilia was starting to look at Subaru the way one looks at a small child, as if her protective instincts were being triggered. Although it was unintentional, their mental gap resembles that of a mother and child.

Trying to bridge the gap caused by their age difference, Subaru eagerly wiggled in his chair, pushing for more information.

“Like a kid! So, right now, the situation in Lugnica is under martial law. Especially regarding entry and exit to other countries, it’s quite strict!”

“Martial law… That doesn’t sound peaceful at all.”

“Ah, it’s definitely not calm. After all, the Lugnica Kingdom is currently ‘without a king’…”

Roswaal picked up the thread of the conversation. As Subaru processed those words in silence, he felt a chill run down his spine.

He stole a glance at Emilia and the twins, as well as Beatrice and Pack. There were no signs of distress; they must have known this already. Meanwhile, Subaru’s unease grew as he realized this fact was being revealed to someone who was essentially an outsider.

“Worry not! It’s a well-known fact that has already reached the common folk!”

“Well, since I’ve almost discovered a secret, does that mean there’s a chance I won’t be allowed to leave alive?”

“If I were to disclose that here, it wouldn’t be fair! In any case, given the circumstances, the whole country is on edge!”

“Martial law is part of that too. In this situation of a kingdom without a king, bringing in any sparks from abroad is not desirable, and neither is the reverse.”

Sure enough, Subaru couldn’t help but agree.

A kingdom without a king is likely fatal for the governance of that nation. Whether from natural causes or otherwise, the sudden ‘death’ of a king causes the country to tremble.

“Wait a second. Doesn’t this typically mean that the king’s child steps up to solve everything? They’d probably appoint a regent if they were too young…”

“Hmm, you’re following along! Generally speaking, that is the case. However, we must go back six months. The king passed away at the same time a plague spread through the castle…”

A contagious disease that only affected specific bloodlines, Roswaal explained.

As a result, the royal family that resided in the castle, including the king and his descendants, was wiped out.

“So, the king is genuinely absent. What happens to the kingdom then? If there’s no royal blood, do the people elect a prime minister instead?”

“I don’t quite understand what you mean with that second part, but the current state of governance is being conducted by a council of wise men. They’re the representatives of noble families well-remembered in the kingdom’s history. Their influence on politics isn’t too significant, though.”

After pausing for a moment, Roswaal took a breath and said seriously,

“A kingdom without a king should not exist!”

“That’s only common sense.”

Even if the king was merely a figurehead, an organization without a leader cannot function. This is especially true for a country.

Japan, despite being touted as a democracy, still has a prime minister as its top authority. Even if changes happen frequently, that position must exist.

“So, a kingdom without a king must select a new one. But with the royal bloodline nearly obliterated, they need to find a suitable candidate that everyone can agree on!”

“You’re quite the peculiar child, Subaru. Even though you know nothing, you still manage to think through all this. You’re truly the definition of a wise fool!”

“Don’t praise me! I’m not used to compliments and will end up liking you too much!”

Embarrassed, Subaru mumbled as he turned away from Emilia.

He pouted and blushed, trying to hide his expression, but inside he was beet red with excitement.

It’s undeniably true that I was captivated by those mesmerizing eyes, or something like that.

“I’m so embarrassed. If you say that, I’ll be like, ‘Incredible! Embrace me!'”

“Wow, you really are fearless, aren’t you?”

With a hand on his cheek, Subaru swayed back and forth, while Roswaal, who had been watching their exchange, barely managed to suppress his laughter.

Emilia shot him a glare, her face still flushed, but Roswaal, tears of laughter in his eyes, acted as if he hadn’t noticed.

“Your partner is a future queen candidate, you know? Perhaps she’ll remember this uncomfortable moment for a long time and have you executed once she ascends the throne…”

“Are you telling me to regret my happiness today for the sake of an uncertain tomorrow? Don’t underestimate the victims of this leisure education, who focus on momentary pleasures!”

Subaru raised his middle finger and spoke rudely, while using his free hand to gesture toward Emilia.

“Even if she is a future queen, right now, Emilia is just a girl. And I’m just a man. Whether a fleeting romance or a twisted relationship, it’s not something I’m going to be judged for! So—!”

Climbing onto his chair with clenched fists, Subaru boldly declared.

“Even if I’m executed tomorrow, I’m going to hug Emilia, mess up her beautiful hair, and live off that memory!”

A deep silence filled the dining room after Subaru’s intense proclamation.

Everyone was left speechless by the passionate and prideful statement he had just made, swallowing hard and glancing at one another. Then,

“Sorry for disturbing breakfast. Alright everyone, let’s return to our meal and forget about this spat…”

“That really was quite an overblown speech for mere lewd remarks, wasn’t it?”

Subaru’s attempt to reclaim the atmosphere ended abruptly.

It was Beatrice, who had been observing from a distance with an amused expression, that broke the spell. With Pack perched haphazardly on the table, she stroked his gray fur while saying,

“In the end, it was just a story of you being deceived by that little girl’s charm. Truly, your words can spin quite the tale…”

“You’re truly my arch-nemesis…”

With a resigned sigh, Subaru could only respond to Beatrice’s exasperated words.

“Starting with Beatrice’s retort, the others gradually began regaining their sanity.

This was, in essence, the beginning of Subaru’s chastisement for his previous lewd behavior.