Episode 120 — Login Request from a Privileged User

"...And that is the situation. Léonard—the First Prince—is demanding to know the identity of the master of this manor."

As Gustav finished his heavy explanation, a thick silence descended upon the living room. It turned out the "troublesome issue" was actually a login request from a privileged user named the Kingdom.

"Sure, fine. Bring him over next time. Basically, your little brother just wants to meet me, right?"

"I... I beg your pardon? Mr. Zect, what did you just say?"

Gustav froze, staring at me as if I’d just grown a second head. He probably expected me to panic, shouting things like "I'm not seeing any royalty!" or "The security has been breached!"

"I mean, there’s no point in refusing, is there? The best way to protect my nap time is to let him log in once, show him some decent-looking demo screens, and get him to back off."

(I thought he was just a local lord, but it turns out he had a massive hidden parameter like 'Former First Prince' set as a flag. Seriously, what genre of game is this even supposed to be?)

"Mr. Zect... are you serious? He is the First Prince of the Kingdom. Before he is my brother, he is a man who exists to protect the order of the realm."

"I get that. But if we don't satisfy him, he might literally burn this house down, right? Good-intentioned external auditors are the absolute worst to deal with. In that case, let’s just send him a formal invitation and let him play around inside a sandbox we’ve prepared."

I lightly patted the back of Tama, who was curled up on my lap.

"Meow. (You’re as carefree as ever. Well, if he brings some high-quality treats, I suppose I could welcome him.)"

Tama gave a short cry and looked up at me with a cold, judgmental gaze.

"Your brother, Léonard... that was his name, right? Isn't he just acting out of a desire to see you? In short, he's like a rebellious younger brother coming to check out his big brother’s new friend."

"A... rebellious younger brother. You’re likely the only person in this entire kingdom who would describe Léonard that way, Mr. Zect."

Gustav let out a sigh that was more admiration than exasperation. I could see the tension finally leaving his shoulders.

"Very well. If that is what you wish, I shall prepare to invite Léonard—the First Prince—as an official guest. However, if anything should happen—"

"It’ll be fine. Just bring him whenever you like. We’ll figure out what Léonard’s real objective is soon enough."

(I’ve had enough of these heavy plot flags like 'succession to the throne' and 'erased from existence'—that stuff belongs in light novels. But if I don't convince this guy, my house is at risk. Alright, time to construct the ultimate bluff.)

"By the way, Gustav. Why did you keep it a secret that you were the... you know, the Former First Prince? As far as character backstories go, that’s way beyond 'overpowered.' That’s vital information you should’ve mentioned when we first met."

At my question, Gustav wore a troubled yet slightly nostalgic smile.

"Oh, well, I wasn't exactly hiding it. I just didn't think it was worth mentioning... It’s common knowledge here in Felsen, and the people welcomed me warmly as the 'unfortunate prince driven out from the capital.' Bartos, Edmond, and Garam all know, of course."

"Wait... it’s common knowledge? So I’m the only one who didn't know?"

(Common knowledge?! You mean I’m the only one who missed a major part of the initial setting? Talk about information asymmetry. I guess it’s my fault for being a shut-in and never checking the external logs or the wiki... but still, isn't it a bit unkind that nobody told me?)

"I simply thought you were someone who didn't care much for pasts or social standing, Mr. Zect. Personally, I take pride in being a single lord here, implementing your logic."

Gustav said it matter-of-factly. To him, the title of royalty seemed to be nothing more than "legacy data" no longer covered by the current system's warranty.

"Sigh... fine. I guess my research was lacking. But it’s no wonder the people in the capital are panicking, seeing as that 'exiled prince' is now building the world’s most powerful factory to rewrite reality. Alright, this is a good opportunity."

I leaned my recliner back even further and stared at the ceiling.

"When Léonard—the First Prince—gets here, let’s show off a bit. Let’s show him that we have a 'blueprint for the future' here that’s far newer and more powerful than the records he spent years erasing from the palace. We’ll make his head spin so hard he won’t even want to go back to the capital."

I drained the rest of my lukewarm cola in one gulp.

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