His Majesty's bedroom is in the main hall.
　We were told that he was resting there, but we could not go there.
　We were intercepted on our way there.
　When we tried to enter the main hall, the soldiers surrounded us.
　When Sir Klaus saw this, he was furious.

"This me. No, this is who I think he is. I'm afraid it's the king's son.

　The soldiers flinched at the spiritedness of the rift, but it was the long-haired nobleman who stepped out in front of them.

"Sir Klaus, is it true that they are your brother's sons?

"...... His Royal Highness Vermilion ......?

　Sir Klaus did not hide his displeasure.
　I ask Anastasia in a whisper.

"...... is he?

...... Vermilion von Midnia. As you can see from the fact that he has the national surname of this country, he is a royal. Your brother, I take it.

...... It's called a king's brother.

...... Yes, Uncle.

　But there was no element of respect in her words.

　Apparently, he wants to be the king of the country. The current king has two girls, and he dreams of marrying one of them to his son and becoming the next king.

　But this long-haired, lank-tailed, bearded fellow (to quote Anastasia) was famous for running the government, lining his pockets, and neglecting his people. The severity of his politics is illustrated by the fact that only in the relatively stable state of Midonia does the number of revolts in his domain stand out.

　I would have liked to have been born at least five more miles away from the village next door. Hell is the domain of the king's brother. There's even a popular song that says "Hell is my brother's domain.

　Now that I have a better idea of who my brother is, I'll sum it up.

...... So that means he's a no-show for the throne.

"...... is on your left.

　As they were exchanging these words, Sir Klaus and Vermilion began to quarrel.

"This is the son you have been looking for for so long.

"Do you have any proof?

None.

Ha, ha, ha. I know what you are trying to do, you take some horse bones and give them to the puppet. You are a kingdom-sucking parasite.

　Klaus was disgusted, but he didn't say, "That would be you.
　Instead, he says to look at me.

"You'll know this thing's face is of your blood when you see it. It has a look. And it looks like you.

"............

　Maybe Vermillion's silence was due to the fact that he could see the slightest hint of his brother in my face.

"There aren't many children that look like me.

　Stuck for answers, Vermilion gets to the heart of the matter.

"Talking will not get us anywhere. If you say that's your child, show me the proof.

"............

　Lord Krauss in silence. I've already confirmed that there is no mole on his shoulder.
　Realizing that there is no proof, Vermilion is bullish.

"At that rate there's going to be no evidence. Then you'll walk away quietly.

　Yuck!　But it was Anastasia who took a step forward, replaced by a twisted face, Klaus.

"I have proof.

　It was an interesting expression, an attitude full of courage.
　Vermilion looks at Anastasia and says scandalously, "Who are you?

Who are you?

"It's Anastasia, Commander of the Third Order of the Kingsguard, under Your Majesty.

"Third?　Oh, that recently founded small

It doesn't matter the size. We are charged with protecting His Majesty and finding the prince.

So that's what you brought with you here?

It's not a fake. But the fact is that there is no proof.

You finally admit it.

Yes, so I'm going to bring the proof.

"How's that for proof?

"The evidence is deafening.

　Perhaps because Anastasia laughed bewitchingly, Vermilion flinched. He said hoarsely, to hide it.

All right. Then bring me the proof. When I am satisfied, I will grant you a meeting with His Majesty.

Is there a deadline?

No.... --But, well, at the present state of His Majesty's health.

　Then he grins and raises the corners of his mouth. A serpentine smile comes to your face.



...... I understand. I'll get the proof right away.

　We backed away, once Anastasia said that.

　Back in the parlor, Klaus kicks a trash can off the edge of the room.
　He may be that annoyed, but he quickly regains his composure and bows to me.

"Your Highness, I have shown you how unseemly this is. And I am sorry that this has come to pass.

"Never mind. Sir Klaus. I mean, Anastasia seems to have a secret plan, so maybe we shouldn't be so pessimistic.

Oh, that's right. Anastasia, you had the grand idea that there was some kind of secret.

　When all eyes were on Anastasia, she smiled and said, "Yes.

I have a secret.

Let's hear it.

　They sat down and listened to Anastasia.

Do you know the old castle at the border of this country, near the swamp of impurity?

　They do not know that. They don't know that much about detailed geography.

"Well, of course," says Anastasia. "Well, of course," says Anastasia, carefully explaining.

"Further south from the capital, near the border, there's a swamp called the unclean swamp.

I remember this place being contaminated by a battlefield during the Holy Grail War.

"You're the man, Mr. Will. Great job.

　Anastasia says with a grin.

"And since then, it has become a poisonous swamp, but there is an old castle there, and a mirror there called the Mirror of Truth,

"Mirror of Truth ......, an artifact?

That is correct. It is said that the artifact is a mirror that reveals the truth of this world. If I used the mirror, I could prove that Master Will was a prince.

Yes, I'm sure you're right. --But I have a feeling that there's a lot of danger ahead.

"That is also a good answer. The old castle is inhabited by a troll with two names.

"...... troll with two names

　A simple troll is troublesome, but with two names.
　Everyone falls silent, but Anastasia says.

But I'm sure Master Will will have no problem taking them down. The problem is that there's nothing in it for Master Will if it gets this messy.

"Come to think of it, maybe.

There is no profit in this. Master Will, will you still go and get the Mirror of Truth?

　I thought for a while and agreed.
　The most surprising look on my face was Anastasia's. She looked at me and asked why Master Will would take care of such a problem.

　She looked into my face and asked why Master Will was willing to take on such a daunting task.

　I put the thoughts in my head into words.

"Because what's in it for me, it's in it for the king.

What do you mean?

I'm not a child of the king, but if I were, I'd want to make sure you know that. Besides, the mirror of truth will help you find your real children.

　Anastasia's eyes widened in exaltation as she heard those words.

　Finally, she said, "There is no one in this world who can always act for others like Will. Even if he wasn't the king's own son, I'd like to see him rule the country.

　Hearing these words, Sir Klaus scolded her, "It's not a very common thing to say," but the next moment he nodded his head.

...... No, I have no right to be angry with Anna. I've had a similar thought.

　I feel like they're all too proud of me, but I decided to head south to the old castle.
　Sir Klaus will give me all the money for the journey along the way.
　I put a leather bag full of gold coins on the floor.

　That was enough to pay for me to stay at the finest inns every day.