But in this life, he found Arnold.

“–…… His Royal Highness Arnold is a very good Crown Prince!”

Rishe said with a smile.

“Uh-huh, he’s a very gentle man. He cares about preventing people from being impoverished by war, and because he was distressed to see knights injured in training, he devised his own training routines.”

She chose her words with care, all along feigning cheerfulness on the surface.

“And on top of that, he’s willing to listen to my every wish. The other day, when I lost a bet, I told him I’ll do whatever he says, but instead of giving me an order, he gave me a ring. Hmm, isn’t he nice?”

As if she was proud of her fiancé.

Rishe maintained her smile throughout her speech, so as not to sound like she was trying to convince Michel.

“If he has mentioned something awful to Prince Kyle, perhaps that wasn’t his intention. Therefore, His Highness Arnold isn’t the kind of person you are looking for……”

“Hey, Rishe…”

He directed his bewitching smile to her.

“Can I meet your husband?”

“―― ……”

Rishe nodded, keeping her natural smile.

“Of course, I’ll ask if he could set aside some time for you in the near future.”

“Then go and see him now. If he’s as kind as you say he is, he’ll forgive me, won’t he?”

“Teacher Michel, that’s…”

“I understand. You don’t really want me to meet him, do you?”

“…!”

Michel chuckled, looking at her.

“Then you can do it, Rishe. Because I find you as interesting as Arnold Hein.”

“… Please don’t joke about it. There’s nothing that would be of interest to Teacher, including me.”

“That’s not true.”

He replied as he peered at Rishe.

“You never once asked me what ‘gunpowder’ was all about.”

“!”

She realized her blunder.

She thought she was careful not to overreact or be overly surprised, but it backfired on her.

“It might be interesting to check you out. If you agree with that, then maybe I might feel better about staying away from Arnold Hein.”

“…Teacher”

“Fufufu, I’m sorry Rishe. I know it’s a terrible thing to say, but this is my mission, too.”

“Your mission?”

“Yes. What is created as a poison has value only if it fulfills its job to kill. It’s similar to what makes my existence worthwhile.”

Michel said smilingly.

“Humans who have been born to ruin the world have to behave in accordance with their mission. That’s what my alchemy abilities were bestowed upon me to do.”

She sniffed something as sweet as a flower.

This was the smell of the scented cigarettes Michel often smoked.

“It’s the same one I’m after. — Turning the world upside down, making a mess. I’ve been looking for someone with the makings of a king for a long time.”

***

Rishe, accompanied by her knight guards, was walking down the corridor of the main castle.

Shortly after that, Kyle’s messenger called Michel, and their “class” time was over.

Michel bid her with a smile, “See you tomorrow, Rishe,” and left the room as if nothing had happened.

That conversation might be nothing for Teacher, but that can’t take be a joke….

She felt like sighing while walking down the hallway.

Teacher Michel will contact His Highness Arnold by any means necessary, and I’m sure His Highness will listen to his suggestions. I’ve found from spending time with him that he’s flexible with new technology and knowledge ……

She could only imagine the consequences if Arnold learned of the existence of gunpowder and failed to avoid the future of war.

I won’t let His Highness discover the existence of gunpowder. At the same time, aim for friendly relations with Koyor……. And as quickly as possible…….

She was immersed in her thoughts that she didn’t pay attention to her surroundings.

As a result, a hand suddenly reached out and caught Rishe’s wrist from the side of the hallway.

“!”

Her eyes widened.