CH 216.2

Chapter 216.2. Further Current Situation

“Because of the protagonist’s plot armor, readers knew he would ultimately win. But in reality, the intentional behind-the-scenes arrangements become his hidden plot armor power. Perhaps, even the witch who helped Shin is in Duke Kanna’s side.”

After being exiled, Shin gets rescued by a witch who excels at manipulating space.

She recognizes his potential, supports him, and trains him until he enters the academy.

“U-um, a hermit living in hiding from others… She has a patron, right?”

Freya glances at Grandpa Odin and timidly asks.

The patron might be Duke Kanna, Nidhogg, or a yet-to-be-revealed noble.

I think it’s something like that.

A witch conveniently appeared to save Shin, who was about to die in the back alleys.

It’s a simple drama.

“Well, it’s not like a witch would just happen to pass by. In the original story, wasn’t Shin’s perspective the main focus? Wasn’t he a good person?”

Frigg-oneesan smiles wryly but voices her doubts about Shin’s feelings in the original story.

Indeed, that’s true.

It’s impossible to convincingly portray a purely righteous and virtuous person using narrative tricks, except for one way.

“It doesn’t matter who are the winner. Duke Kanna will always win the war. Either Shin’s younger twin becomes the Emperor, or Shin will win against him and becomes the Emperor. Either way, even if one of Duke Kanna’s power vanishes, the throne still belongs to the Kanna Dukedom.”

“Ah… I-I get it now. It’s an old-fashioned twin trick, isn’t it?”

Freya claps her hands together.

It seems like Freya is better at this kind of deduction.

“There was no younger brother from the start. It’s because Shin was the only Duke Kanna’s child? I see…”

“Even in the game, his brother rarely appears. He’s a magician who can master any attributes other than holy attributes, so isn’t that strange? Duke Kanna always appeared as an enemy. Other than at the coming-of-age party. I never saw Shin’s brother.”

It’s hard to believe he wouldn’t invite such a talented mage to their party.

The younger brother isn’t a magicless child.

So treating him so poorly would only damage the Duke’s reputation.

Could it be Kanna Dukedom’s darkness running deep, or am I having silly thoughts?

I mean, his brother is a more than capable person.

“Playing two roles… But he has his school life too. If… no, that’s why Shin is the kind-hearted person.”

“He might be using some clone-like magic tool. Like the Anemoi’s clones. Perhaps the surface consciousness of the clone is deceiving his feelings.”

A magic tool similar to Mii-chan’s clones.

In that case, I can understand how he manages to play two roles simultaneously.

“With a clone, there’s no risk to his life. He can take life-threatening actions as many times as needed to help his comrades.”

“That’s right. It’s a harsh story, but that’s how it works in reality. Shin always took life-threatening actions, and it makes sense now.”

Even if the clone gets hurt, he doesn’t care.

What a ruthless protagonist.

I didn’t want to know about Shin’s hidden setting. Seriously, even a small part of this is known to the future Sena… I can understand why she didn’t appear in the ending scene.

It was all a farce to become the Emperor. The purpose was for someone from Kanna Dukedom to sit on a throne made from numerous corpses. Even if Sena somehow tries to redo things, it wouldn’t be strange at all. I’m curious about methods other than time leaps, though.

The power struggle is terrifyingly cruel, and at the same time, I’m impressed by how well the original work concealed this cruelty.

But if I know the true hidden setting, I can handle it.

“To become the Emperor, either Kanna Dukedom needs overwhelming power, or they need someone with achievements in defeating Kanna Dukedom with overwhelming power.”

That’s the fundamental premise of the original story.

To prevent that from happening, maybe I should quickly obstruct their plans.

“Even now, Kanna Dukedom’s power has weakened, but we’ll keep obstructing them vigorously. We’ll weaken Menou Marquisate and their other noteworthy allies. If we do that, they won’t banish Shin. Because they won’t be able to aim for the Emperor anymore.”

Crushing the weakened Kanna Dukedom won’t be much of an achievement.

It’s roundabout, but this method is the most reliable.

Dealing with Nidhogg and gods-related matters can wait.

In any case, I don’t have enough artifacts to resurrect the Demon God Ashtaroth.

“So from now on, we’ll engage in subtle harassment, right?”

“For now, I plan to persuade Nobunaga to become the Emperor. If we do that, Takano County will also be treated as important retainers of the Emperor, ensuring our future safety.”

“I’m impressed by your determination to seek profits.”

Frigg-oneesan looks at Mii-chan with disheveled eyes while brushing her hair back.

But you see, the most important thing remains unshaken.

“Maintaining a harmonious family, cherishing friends, the prosperity of my family, and helping as many ordinary people as possible. That’s the priority!”

Standing up from the sofa, she sniffs a few times and announces to everyone.

“I’m sorry. Mii-chan’s peace comes from maintaining a harmonious family.”

I feel bad for Shin, but I’m going to corner him little by little.

And, Takano County became more active, and 2 years passed.