Chapter 37
-Defeat
The game ended predictably in defeat.
<WorldTreeIsJustABigTree>, who kept provoking Leo until the end, eventually left without giving an address.
“Aaaaaah! That bastard!!”
Leo screamed and logged out of COL.
Hearing his yell in the middle of the night, the knights guarding his room rushed in.
“What happened, Your Highness?”
“Oh, uh…”
Leo regained his composure upon seeing the startled expressions on the knights’ faces.
“Ah, it’s nothing. I just had a bad dream for a moment.”
Leo made up an excuse and sent the knights away.
“Hah…”
It was truly time for him to get some sleep.
Leo turned off all the lights and lay down on his bed once more.
In hindsight, it might have been a good thing.
Even if he had gotten the address, he wouldn’t have been able to go meet the person anyway.
It wouldn’t be a good look if rumours spread that the Crown Prince went out to fight someone over a dispute that started while gaming.
Leo took a deep breath and tried to sleep.
But he couldn’t fall asleep at all.
“No, that guy…! What kind of person is he?!”
Even though he understood logically, his anger didn’t subside easily.
The more he thought about <WorldTreeIsJustABigTree>’s words and behaviour, the angrier he got.
Because of him, they ended up losing a game they could have won.
“If he had just played properly, we would’ve won. But he got mad alone and ruined the game…”
Leo, still seething, tossed and turned in bed, and eventually picked up COL again.
Thinking, “Just one more game, and then I’ll sleep.”
But Leo ended up playing six more games before he finally managed to catch a bit of sleep.
***
“…What is this?”
About three months after the release of COL.
As more players became accustomed to the game and the rankings stabilized.
Among the daily flood of COL-related articles, Rikal came across one.
“Rogue Empire’s Prince. Acting like a rogue in COL? Which bastard wrote this…!”
It seemed like the article was directly targeting Rikal.
It would be insane to insult the royalty so directly.
But upon closer inspection, the article wasn’t actually about Rikal.
“Recently, the player <Rogue Empire’s Prince> in COL has been drawing attention. Known for his aggressive chat…? Famous for aggressive chat? It’s not like he’s the only one who talks like that.”
The article was about a certain player in COL.
Apparently, that player had chosen the nickname <Rogue Empire’s Prince>.
And they seemed to have gained a reputation for using inappropriate chat in the game.
In reality, there were countless players in COL who behaved inappropriately in chat.
However, <Rogue Empire’s Prince> drew special attention due to suspicions that he might be the 3rd Prince because of the nickname.
“…It’s not me, though? Who the heck is this guy!”
Rikal threw down the newspaper in frustration.
He felt a strong urge to find out the identity of this imposter and teach him a lesson.
Of course, it wasn’t really an impersonation, just a nickname.
And considering that the term “Rogue Empire’s Prince” was not exactly untrue when it came to Rikal, it was hard to argue.
In any case, Rikal was furious.
A few days later, media outlets even started requesting interviews, asking if Rikal was indeed <Rogue Empire’s Prince>.
Naturally, Rikal declined all interview requests.
Finally fed up, Rikal lashed out at the reporters loitering near the palace and headed to the Illusion Magic Tower.
***
“…So, you want us to reveal the identity of <Rogue Empire’s Prince>?”
“Yes.”
One day, Rikal suddenly appeared, seemingly out of nowhere.
His business was related to COL.
Now that some time had passed since the release of COL and the rankings had stabilized,
rumours were circulating that the player <Rogue Empire’s Prince> might actually be Rikal.
“As I’ve mentioned before, we can’t reveal that information.”
Naturally, I refused.
It’s only right not to disclose personal information recklessly.
We had already made it clear that even we, the server operators, could not identify a player’s true identity.
But Rikal wasn’t easy to deal with.
“Don’t lie. Then how did you know my identity?”
Rikal was surprisingly sharp.
I knew Rikal’s identity.
Rikal thought I had read the server data to find out player information.
Of course, I had never explicitly said that I discovered it that way.
I’d always skirted around the truth, using the knowledge to occasionally pressure him.
“That’s because you made it obvious, Your Highness. If someone comes in person and reveals themselves, anyone would notice.”
“Stop with the nonsense and tell me.”
“No, I can’t. Either way, I haven’t revealed Your Highness’s identity to anyone, have I? And honestly, we can’t find out that kind of information. In any case, I can’t do it. Personal information can’t be used carelessly.”
It’s only natural that the game operator has user information.
We just don’t use it carelessly.
…Though I might have pressured Rikal a little.
But in the end, I hadn’t told anyone, nor did I intend to.
I kept my mouth shut.
“By the way, I recently received an invitation to a royal banquet.”
“It’s Leo’s birthday soon. Looks like they’ve decided to get cozy with the mages over at Trinity.”
The conversation shifted to the topic of Leo’s birthday banquet.
Usually, nobles don’t invite mages to social gatherings.
Mages tend to keep their distance from aristocrats.
And the mages from Trinity maintain a somewhat independent stance.
But ever since the Zatum Expedition, I’ve occasionally received invitations to banquets.
I am a bit more open-minded than most mages.
Perhaps it’s also because of my role as a developer of COL and Maple Leaf Story.
Though I usually don’t attend, I was thinking of going this time.
After all, I knew that the identity of <Rogue Empire’s Prince> was Leo.
Of course, I had no intention of revealing it.
I was just curious if something had changed with Leo recently, since it seemed unusual for him to act that way in COL.
“So, are you coming?”
“I’m thinking about it. By the way, JeBbit, have you played games with the Crown Prince?”
“Do you want to die?”
“No, but come to think of it, couldn’t you just deny it? If Your Highness isn’t <Rogue Empire’s Prince>, why not just clear it up?”
“Then they’ll ask what my nickname is. If my nickname gets exposed, I won’t be able to play games in peace.”
“Hmm…”
Rikal probably didn’t want to reveal that his nickname was <Light of the Empire>.
If that got out, he’d be bombarded with questions about being <Light of the Empire> from ‘Maple Leaf Story’.
Why did he have to use the same nickname, anyway?
“In any case, I can’t do it. Just go. I’ll see you at the banquet. If it bothers you that much, clear it up yourself.”
And so, I sent Rikal away.
Soon enough, Leo’s birthday banquet approached.
***
Leo was born with high expectations from an early age.
The former Emperor, who led the Empire to its golden age, and the current Emperor.
Naturally, everyone hoped that Leo would also become a powerful ruler.
Those gazes and voices shaped Leo’s sense of self during his childhood.
As the next Crown Prince, Leo had to be perfect at all times. He began managing state affairs at a young age.
He was called the Light of the Empire, serving as a role model and inspiration to the people.
From birth, he had no choice but to live such a life.
It was a dazzling life, and everyone only showered him with praise.
“Congratulations, Your Highness.”
“Thank you, Duke. I always rely on your support.”
Leo’s birthday banquet.
As always, many people came that day to offer their blessings.
“I see the 3rd Prince has also attended.”
“Do you think the 3rd Prince is really <Rogue Empire’s Prince>?”
“No way, would he really reveal his identity so openly?”
The banquet hall buzzed with talks about COL.
Among those conversations, discussions about the recent hot topic, <Rogue Empire’s Prince>, were inevitable.
Leo forced himself to ignore those talks and put on a fake smile.
“By the way, Your Highness, do you also play COL? I heard that even the 2nd Princess enjoys playing COL these days.”
“Oh, I…”
Leo couldn’t escape questions about COL either.
A drop of cold sweat trickled down his face as he pondered his response.
“…Yes, I’ve tried it. I don’t get to play often due to lack of time, though.”
“Oh…! Is that so! What rank are you, if I may ask…”
The Duke of Velvet immediately started probing for details.
“I’m still unranked, so it’s a bit embarrassing to mention. I’ll tell you once I start ranked matches.”
“Ah, I see. It must be because you’re so busy managing state affairs.”
In reality, Leo was already ranked Silver 4, but he decided to keep that part hidden.
Leo continued to greet the nobles attending the banquet.
The same conversations, the same smiles, the same pretense.
Though he usually endured it well, today, it felt especially exhausting.
Or maybe it wasn’t just today.
Ever since he started playing COL,
He found himself inexplicably frustrated with his role as the Crown Prince, deemed the future of the Empire.
And he found satisfaction in venting his frustrations while playing COL.
At first, he was careful with his words even in COL.
But after a few months, he was chatting just like any other toxic player.
He felt a strong urge to play COL.
Caught off guard by this thought, Leo quickly shook his head.
For a moment, his carefully controlled expression slipped.
– No, that’s not true!-
Just then, Rikal’s voice echoed from somewhere nearby.
Rikal was angrily raising his voice in front of a group of nobles.
As usual, Leo approached to prevent Rikal from causing any trouble.
“Rikal. Stop…”
“- Me, <Rogue Empire’s Prince>? Do you think my skills are the same as that Silver player’s?”
“…!”
But Rikal’s words made Leo freeze for a moment.
Rikal was angrily refuting a group that was speculating whether he was <Rogue Empire’s Prince>.
“Rikal. Enough.”
Leo approached, forcing a calm expression.
“…Brother. Did you hear what this person said to me? They accused me of being <Rogue Empire’s Prince>…!”
“Oh, no! I didn’t mean to insult you, Your Highness! It’s just that such rumours were circulating, so I…”
A young nobleman stammered, trembling as he tried to explain himself.
It seemed like he had never faced Rikal’s wrath before.
“You’re slandering a member of the royal family right in front of me?”
“N-no, that’s not what I meant…”
The young nobleman was in a tough spot, caught by Rikal.
He wasn’t the only one discussing such matters,
It was just unfortunate that he happened to be nearby when Rikal overheard.
But if Rikal decided to give him a hard time, it wouldn’t end well.
At that moment, Leo spoke.
“…That’s enough, Rikal.”
“What?”
“They were just talking about the player named <Rogue Empire’s Prince>. Don’t cause unnecessary trouble on a good day.”
“But brother! This is…”
For some reason, Leo took the young nobleman’s side.
When Leo spoke, the nobleman’s frightened expression brightened.
Perhaps there was a selfish part of Leo that wished Rikal would continue taking the blame.
That way, Leo could keep expressing himself freely in the game.
“All you need to do is tell them your username. If you’re not <Rogue Empire’s Prince>, that should settle it.”
“Th-that…”
Or maybe he felt guilty towards Rikal.
Rikal had taken on the false accusations because of Leo.
If Rikal revealed his username here, the rumours would end.
Logically, Leo hoped for that outcome.
“Th-that…”
But strangely, Rikal couldn’t bring himself to reveal his username.
Instead, he stammered, sweating, which was unlike him.
– What, what is this… Could it be…?
– Could it be…
The nobles murmured at Rikal’s reaction.
Leo was just as baffled.
< Rogue Empire’s Prince> was clearly him, so why couldn’t Rikal speak?
“Haha! Hahahaha!”
Then, Rai appeared, laughing awkwardly.
“It seems like there’s been a misunderstanding. Prince Rikal is not <Rogue Empire’s Prince>. I recently played a duo match with him, after all.”
“You…!”
Rai quickly led Rikal out of the banquet hall.
Thanks to Rai, the suspicions were temporarily cleared, but since the username wasn’t disclosed, some doubts remained.
In any case, the situation was defused for now.
Feeling guilty towards Rikal, Leo tried to find a moment to follow the two outside.
“Wh-where are you going, Your Highness…?”
Count Pophos blocked his way.
“Ah, Count Pophos. I was just going to check on Rikal.”
“Ah, if that’s the case, I-I will… go instead…”
“You, Count Pophos?”
“Hmph… I just have some personal matters to discuss…”
“Ah…”
Count Pophos waddled away.
Leo wasn’t sure when Pophos and Rikal had become close.
Because of that, Leo had to remain in the banquet hall.
A little while later, Count Pophos eavesdropped on the conversation between Rikal and Rai.
—
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