I Seem to Have Been Reincarnated, So I Tried to Get Everyone to Sensibly Handle the Broken Engagement—In the End, I Didn’t Even Know What "Serves You Right" Meant — Part 5

Lady Lilia, however, showed no reaction. Instead, she fixed them with a gaze colder than anything I’d ever seen—absolute zero.

How are they even standing under that glare? The crown prince and the heroine must have nerves of steel. And that heroine—her “fragile” act is definitely fake. If she were truly delicate, she’d either be fleeing in terror or fainting under Lady Lilia’s gaze.

“…I’ll leave the most important matters for later. For now, please explain in detail this harassment you claim I committed. When, and how, did I do such things? If you are accusing me, surely you can provide specifics?”

“Hah! Playing innocent, are you? Very well. You’ll regret tightening the noose around your own neck. Go ahead, Meisia. Say everything you need to—I’ll protect you.”

“Um… Lady Lilia didn’t seem to like my lowly status and would say awful things to me… She even tore up my textbooks and dresses. My family isn’t wealthy, so that dress was the only one I could afford…”

“Oh, poor Meisia. Don’t worry, I’ll provide you with as many dresses as you need.”

“Oh, thank you, Your Highness. That makes me so happy.”

What an idiot.

Hey, moron. Even your allowance comes from taxes—money from the sweat and tears of the people. Don’t waste it on this farce.

And what’s this nonsense about Lady Lilia hating commoners? She probably just pointed out basic manners that you refused to learn. She’s a noblewoman and the future crown princess, someone who’s dedicated herself tirelessly to this kingdom and its people. She knows that the country thrives thanks to the contributions of commoners. She’s not the kind of person who wouldn’t understand that.

“And when did these incidents occur?”

“You—you always said mean things! And you used your followers to gang up on me… It was awful!”

“I see. So you consider it harassment when I advised you that, while the academy promotes equality, it’s inappropriate to approach engaged men without regard for basic manners?”

“That—that’s just wrong! The academy is a place where everyone should be equal and get along!”

“Indeed. Meisia is kindhearted, unlike you, a wicked woman!”

“With respect, Your Highness. The academy is not a lawless free-for-all where common decency is optional.”

A new voice cut through the bumbling crown prince’s ridiculous defense.

Wait, wasn’t that… the prime minister’s son?

He stepped smoothly into the center of the commotion.

“Kindness and other emotional matters can only be properly examined after demonstrating basic common sense. Many noble sons and daughters have voiced complaints about the emotional burden and distress caused by her behavior. It wasn’t just Lady Lilia; many students and even teachers, myself included, have addressed her behavior. Let me be clear: Lady Lilia and the others merely advised her. There was no slander or malicious intent.”

“T-that’s so mean, Sarge! How could you side with Lady Lilia like this?”

“I am merely stating the facts. Also, I’ve told you many times not to address me by my first name.”

“But that’s just unfair! This academy is supposed to treat everyone equally!”

“It seems your version of equality is conveniently self-serving. I’ve looked into it. You only preach equality to those you think will benefit you, or to those who are attractive—and always of the opposite gender.”

“T-That’s awful! How could you say something so mean…!”

“Exactly! Apologize to Meisia! Who gave you permission to speak, anyway?”

…Can I just punch this idiot and be done with it?

Even his beloved heroine throws her so-called principles of equality aside the moment it becomes inconvenient. My efforts… all for nothing…

“Permission? It was granted by His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen. Is there a problem with that?”

“What?”

“Their Majesties, suspicious of your behavior, authorized me to speak freely in this matter.”

Hearing this said so plainly, the bumbling crown prince visibly paled.

Well, that’s no surprise. If I have permission from Their Majesties, it means they’re aware of how incompetent their son is. And let’s be honest—it’s obvious this engagement annulment declaration wasn’t sanctioned by them. If he realizes they know that, even someone as clueless as him should understand how precarious his position is… should.

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