The Kingmaker System
"The masterminds are cooler than heroes," I mutter as I stare at the chess pieces before me. It is easier to be the one who sits in the shadows and moves the pieces, likewise deciding the flow of the game. Heroes will foolishly sacrifice their lives for the good cause and villains will sacrifice the world for their own gain, but masterminds will use both the heroes and villains to their own benefit. Why, you ask? Well, that's because I've lost my life once while trying to be a hero so, I don't want that anymore. I'd rather be a mastermind who molds the world as per my convenience and live peacefully. Because, why not? *** [Defender of Divine Glory says you are the hope of this world.] What? [Goddess of Wisdom believes that you will be the one to save the world.] Wait, what?! [Propose the Grand Duke the idea of a fake marriage.] And, why would I do that?! [Stop the assassination of Prince Eric.] Why would I save him?! [The candidates for the throne are:... Who will you choose?] Ah! I give up... It seems like a curse that anyone who wishes for a slacker life in Isekai will have to go through the most troublesome things. In my past life, I died because of one rookie mistake but after being transmigrated in the world of fantasy I've gotten an opportunity to start afresh, but unlike the protagonists who look for their love and glory, I'd rather make money and live a life of a slacker. I have magic, I have power and I have money, what else do I need? Well, that was the plan but this damn system is getting on my nerves. I mean who in their sane mind would want to mess with the complicated royal family and political affairs? But that's not all though. I've also become the saviour of this world. Things just can't be anymore worse! Besides, the penalty of failing this quest is... [Failure: Destruction of the World.] It seems like if I screw up in selecting the right person then the destruction that is going to befall the world won't be stopped. If I speak of my reward then it's this vague thing. [Reward: Fulfillment of any wish.] "If that's the case then, I'd rather choose the person who would be the best fit for the throne." And that's how I decided that I would become the Kingmaker.
32. Funeral
The maid adjusted the black bow over my black dress and I looked at my reflection in the mirror, my head and face were covered by a black hat and veil.
I didn't quite like this look.
"There, done." The maids announced once they were done dressing me.
After an hour or so, we were at the Royal palace where all the other nobles had gathered for the funeral of Concubine Elise.
The large hall seemed gloomy but unlike the hall, the people were still dressed in expensive and lavish outfits with black as a theme.
Most of them were talking amongst themselves and I kept looking around, the coffin which was laid out in the front was closed. Usually, it would be open for the people to see the deceased one last time but in the case of Concubine Elise or rather the victim, there were no remains.
Rune stood next to me as the Duke was summoned by the other nobles.
"Reina?" I looked at Rune.
"Would you like to go outside?"