Noble Reincarnation: Born Blessed, So I'll Obtain Ultimate Power

“During this personal military campaign, I expect I won’t be able to return for at least half a year. Therefore, I want Oscar to take on an important task.”

“What is it?”

“You will be the examiner for this year’s knight selection.”

“Knight selection…?”

Oscar frowned.

Just moments ago, he had been smiling cheerfully, but now his expression changed completely.

“I understand how you feel. Normally, the examiner for knight selection would be a prince with more free time.”

“No, that’s not at all—”

“It’s fine. In peacetime, that would be correct.”

“…Yes.”

Oscar nodded solemnly.

It seemed he understood the meaning behind the word ‘peacetime.’

Everything is like that—the approach in peacetime and in emergencies is completely different.

Of course, Oscar understood the reasoning, and from my way of speaking, he sensed I was about to discuss an emergency.

“I will humbly accept your orders.”

“Good.”

“So, how should the selection be conducted this year?”

“I leave the method to you—but eliminate all those who are competent.”

“Eliminate? All of them…?”

“Yes. If you need a cover, you may accept large bribes from the incompetent ones. I will write a note now stating that this is my order.”

“…Why would you ask for such a thing?”

“Of course, I’m not simply telling you to reject them.”

“Yes.”

Oscar nodded slightly.

His expression said that much was obvious.

“After eliminating the useful ones, consult with Henry and place them in positions suited to their talents.”

“…For the expedition?”

“Yes.”

I nodded firmly.

Looking Oscar straight in the eyes, I continued seriously.

“I don’t know how this campaign will turn out. It’s better to have more pieces on the board.”

“In that case, wouldn’t it be better to conduct the usual selection process first?”

“Without letting the other side suspect. That’s also why Henry shouldn’t do it. If the Minister of Military Affairs Henry openly handles it, suspicions will arise. That’s why it must be you. If you do it, it becomes a cover for internal affairs.”

“I see…”

Oscar nodded slightly and assumed a thoughtful expression—deep in contemplation.

I waited silently to not interrupt his thought process, letting him speak of his own accord.

After about ten seconds, Oscar looked up and met my gaze steadily.

“Then, wouldn’t Dustin be more suitable than me?”

“The tenth prince?”

I was a little surprised and looked at Oscar.

The tenth prince, Dustin, is my older brother. Outwardly, he’s just known as a huge womanizer, but I believe he is a capable man of a different type than Henry or Oscar.

“Yes. I’m somewhat in the spotlight. Wouldn’t Dustin, who holds no office, be better than me, who does?”

“Hmm.”

“And Dustin is known for his womanizing. If used as camouflage, he’s more suitable. With Dustin, Your Majesty could give verbal instructions discreetly without leaving anything in writing, and he would understand.”

“Haha, your evaluation is high.”

I said this, and Oscar sighed.

“Sometimes I find it frustrating. For a prince to have such ability but use it only for womanizing is questionable.”

“Hmm.”

I nodded.

I see—Oscar interpreted it that way.

Well, naturally.

Oscar wouldn’t say to my face, “You’re pretending not to care about the imperial throne.”

I sensed from the atmosphere that deep down, Oscar had the same assessment as I did.

I thought further about Oscar’s proposal.

There was also Sheryl to consider.

I decided to entrust it to Dustin as Oscar suggested.

For the true purpose (…).

“Understood. I will accept your advice. I will call Dustin later and explain. You will be the fallback for those who are rejected.”

“As you wish.”

Oscar bowed his head.

Watching him bow, I recalled that the primary purpose of calling Oscar here was to “keep the story consistent.”

Oscar has ears and eyes within the court.

Although the contents of my conversation with Henry in the gazebo could not be conveyed, the fact that we talked was known.