I Became a Fortune Teller in the Game My Little Sister Made – Chapter 34

All of it.

Upon hearing that, the Crown Prince stiffened his expression, as he understood what it meant.

He had known there were assassins among his guards, but to learn that there were six of them was utterly unexpected.

Thud.

As he continued to pretend to be engaged, the Crown Prince placed down the pen he had been holding and sank comfortably into the plush chair.

“All of them…”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Haha. That’s really…”

How fortunate.

The Crown Prince quietly murmured, not hiding his following words.

His relief at the fact that all the assassins were his subordinates.

Could it be because the one behind the order to assassinate the Crown Princess was none other than the Crown Prince himself?

‘No, that’s not it.’

No. The Crown Prince and the Crown Princess are siblings; even if they bicker, they would not try to kill each other.

The Crown Princess had willingly given up her claim to the throne, knowing full well that the cost was accepting the darker side of the royal family.

They were both siblings who understood better than anyone what kind of backlash would come if either were to die.

Then why is the Crown Prince muttering that it’s a relief?

“Are you that happy that your compatibility with that woman is perfect?”

“Of course I am! It was a rather troubling problem for me.”

Indeed, this assassination issue was a significant worry for the Crown Prince.

He did not intend to assassinate the Crown Princess. Likewise, there was no reason for her to stage a scheme, and the other forces within the royal family had already been dealt with.

Were there anyone else who might want to harm her?

There was someone. An individual far more formidable than both the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess.

‘The Emperor.’

Current Emperor of the Unified Daehan Empire, Kim Seo-joon.

Under those circumstances, it was entirely plausible. The Crown Prince must have genuinely been concerned about a tragic loss of father and child.

Even if they were competing for power, even if they were at odds, they were still family.

They were people whom Crown Prince Kim Sung-il loved more than anyone else.

“I’m glad to hear your worries have been resolved, Crown Prince.”

But then why was he relieved by the fact that there were six assassins?

…In fact, there were many strange points to this assassination plot from the beginning.

‘First, the assassination notice sent out.’

Assassination isn’t child’s play; it would be common sense not to send a heads-up when trying to eliminate someone as influential as the Crown Princess.

But, well, let’s say it could happen. The assassin might be an honorable one (chuckles).

‘Second, that the assassins are part of the Crown Prince’s guard.’

Why send assassins to mingle in the royal residence when they could simply infiltrate?

The Crown Prince’s guards had a job that required them to stay by his side at all times. It was impossible for them to covertly approach the Crown Princess or visit the royal quarters personally.

‘Third, that there are six of them in total.’

Having more assassins doesn’t automatically make a job easier, and if even one were caught, it could all go to waste. There’s no reason to deploy so many operatives.

Especially when the target was the Crown Princess, a figure with significant political influence, the more people involved, the higher the risk of being caught.

If there had been only one assassin, the Crown Prince would have genuinely taken the situation seriously. Yet, hearing that there were six, he felt relieved instead.

Why?

‘Because they aren’t actually trying to kill her.’

The fact that an assassination notice was sent, that the assassins were part of his guard, and that there were six of them; it all pointed to the fact that this entire assassination incident was a ruse.

It’s the reason I can be so composed, even in a situation where the Crown Princess could truly be assassinated.

If it were genuinely dangerous, he would have of course informed her of who the assassins were. There wouldn’t have been any bizarre excuses about them being on high alert.

Knowing all along that the assassination was a falsehood, he assured the Crown Princess confidently.

“So, what will you do moving forward?”

This was a case of the Crown Prince’s subordinates going rogue.

Even if the Crown Prince trusted the Crown Princess, the mere existence of a royal capable and ready to vie for the throne posed a threat to his supporters.

However, it would be impossible to make a real elimination, so they resorted to creating an assassination threat to intimidate the Crown Princess.

Why send an assassination notice?

‘To threaten the Crown Princess that an assassination might take place.’

Why from his own guard?

‘Because they were originally from the Crown Prince’s faction.’

And why six of them?

‘Because it was impossible to manage without all six of them being involved.’

Whether someone from the guard leaves their post or if messages from the Crown Prince to the Crown Princess are intercepted, without all the guards participating, the plan wouldn’t even get off the ground.

Understanding all this, the Crown Prince quickly grasped the whole situation.

But there was one thing his subordinates had overlooked.

“Now that the compatibility has been checked… I must act directly.”

The Crown Prince had an appreciation for family ties far beyond anyone’s expectations.

He wouldn’t let his subordinates’ rampant behavior go unchecked. Even if he never intended to murder anyone, does that make attempted murder any less of a crime?

In other words, this situation showcases the Crown Prince’s character and demeanor but also reveals a surprisingly warm-hearted side…

‘A dating sim’s… beginning.’

Yeah. Just don’t forget.

This is a female-oriented dating sim game. And within this game, Crown Prince Kim Sung-il is the main target of affection.

Originally, the story would proceed with the female protagonist cleaning up the mess after the assassination attempt, then getting closer to him by uncovering the truth.

What about the story of the Crown Princess, the one involved in the assassination plot?

It would just amount to a few lines of dialogue. This is a female-oriented game, after all? Why would we prioritize the side character (the Crown Princess) when we’re already so busy focusing on the target (the Crown Prince)?

The characters that fit in well are those like Liu or Rain, making me forget that they even exist.

“Are you going to take matters into your own hands?”

“Of course. With such an important matter… I can’t have someone else handle it.”

“That’s a wise choice.”

As a result of this incident, all of the Crown Prince’s guards would be replaced, and those who ordered the assassination threat against the Crown Princess would be immediate expelled.

Well, I suppose there are concerns about the Crown Prince’s leadership considering all his closest guards were involved from the get-go…

‘But who cares?’

Nothing more will happen from here on out; a proper lesson will have been taught this time.

“Thank you, Namgoong Min. I had a slight unease about the fortune, but it feels like everything’s been washed away now.”

“It’s an honor.”

The Crown Princess is relieved from the assassination threat, the Crown Prince tidies up the rogue internal forces, and I get to properly face off with both the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.

If everyone is happy, then that’s what counts.

As I took the Crown Prince’s extended hand with both of mine, we were both smiling.

*

Things quickly resolved after that.

The Crown Prince and I talked, and a day later he began to reorganize his internal forces, replacing all guards.

Naturally, since it was an affair within the royal family, the Romance Academy remained peaceful.

“…So, the matter has been resolved well.”

“………It appears so.”

Thanks to that, I can now meet the Crown Princess and talk with her cheerfully.

Busy tidying up her own internal forces, the Crown Prince entrusted me with explaining the whole assassination mess to the Crown Princess.

It seemed she was reassured upon hearing that there was no real assassination risk from the beginning.

After taking a sip of the sophisticated-looking tea, I nearly choked on its bitter taste and pushed the cup aside immediately.

Just then, the Crown Princess, a person who could stomach such bitterness, opened her lips.

“To be honest, I was worried.”

“That’s only natural.”

“I said I trusted you, but I was trembling in fear. I might have confidence in my own strength, but that doesn’t mean I’m invincible. The fact that I could be attacked was painful.”

That was exactly what the Crown Prince’s internal forces desired.

To intimidate the Crown Princess through the threat of assassination, thereby diminishing her authority and influence.

That was the purpose of the assassination notice, and they likely intended to keep imposing threats of that nature afterward.

“But… it truly is resolved. Trusting you to handle it…”

“The fortuneteller says just to trust me, doesn’t it?”

The Crown Princess looked at me with a freshly surprised gaze.

In her eyes, I could see trust.

Trust directed towards the fortuneteller Namgoong Min.

“Fortune-telling… is truly impressive.”

Crown Princess Kim Eun-ha felt her preconceived notions about fortune-telling shattering completely.

She believed it was merely superstition, something for those lacking in self-confidence to cling on to so they could squeeze money out of others.

But were fortunetellers truly such remarkable beings?

“…Your Highness, there’s something you must remember.”

“Yes?”

“Don’t trust fortune-telling.”

“……Pardon?”

Don’t trust fortune-telling?

Wasn’t everything I’ve achieved—all the way from escaping the maze, passing classes in a day, to resolving this incident—all thanks to fortune-telling?

So why—

“Rather, trust me.”

“……….”

“All other fortunetellers are frauds. Only I am genuine, and I can tell you the true facts, Your Highness.”

The intensity in Namgoong Min’s gaze was exceedingly serious.

He spoke without the usual smile, his expression heavy as he spoke.

Crown Princess Kim Eun-ha.

“…Yes.”

Nodded.

If someone had seen it, they might have thought the Crown Princess was being duped by a fraudulent fortuneteller.

“Hmm, the atmosphere has grown a bit heavy. Your Highness, how is life at the Academy these days?”

“Are you seriously asking that of a classmate? Well, the next class is next Monday, so until then, it looks like I’ll get some rest.”

“I’m also involved, but it seems the other students are all busy with classes, while the Special Class is rather unique.”

“I heard the Special Class isn’t really much different originally. But apparently the Academy is holding an emergency meeting this time.”

“A meeting… you say?”

A meeting? After the attempt on the Crown Princess’ life, there hasn’t been anything in particular.

Just casual interactions with the targeted individuals, leveling up jobs through training, and attending the Academy.

‘The first major event will come soon.’

A huge event that distinctly differs from the entrance ceremony or the assassination attempt—it’s going to be something significantly impactful within both the academy and the game.

The events of ‘Midterm Exam’ and ‘Skill Thief’ will be happening.

‘To get involved in the Skill Thief event, I’ll need to place fifth or better in the Midterm Exam…’

Now that I think about it, I’m the second top student. Isn’t there a dedicated event for that?

There was an event to enhance the qualifications for the top student, and I recall there being something similar for the second top student as well.

But it feels odd to walk up and ask, “Hey, I’m the second top student. Don’t you have anything for me?”

“By any chance, are you curious about what kind of meeting it is?”

“…Could it be that royals can learn about the inner workings of the Academy?”

“Where do you think the biggest donor for the Romance Academy comes from?”

Is this a case of collusion between politics and business? Or is it school corruption?

But sharing such information means… the Crown Princess likely has a good amount of trust in me.

I don’t intend to spill this information, and I’m delighted to see that the trust between the Crown Princess and I is growing.

“I would very much like to know.”

“Hehe, I thought you’d be curious. It’s nothing much, just that the Academy is planning to impose a penalty on a certain student.”

“A penalty, you say?”

Even at the Romance Academy level?

Hold on, how long has it been since enrollment that someone caused an incident?

“I don’t know who this delinquent student is, but that’s impressive. It hasn’t even been a week since the entrance ceremony.”

“Indeed, I’m just sharing this because it’s not really important.”

“I can only express my gratitude for Your Highness’s grace.”

“These words…”

The Crown Princess, saying this, was smiling brightly. Just days ago, her smile had been forced, tainted by the assassination scare.

That smile, seemingly trivial, became my motivation to continue interfering and acting.

For everyone’s perfect happy ending.

…Moreover, it’s about time.

“Your Highness, I think I had better take my leave. I have some matters to attend to afterward.”

This is fundamental etiquette when parting ways with royalty, which I had mentioned before.

Upon hearing this, the Crown Princess replied,

“…If you wish, you may stay as long as you like.”

She responded softly with a gentle smile.

That reaction, so different from before, made my heart flutter, but this time, there was genuinely work I needed to do.

“This time, I mean it. I’ll see you at the next class.”

“Alright. See you then, Namgoong Min.”

…She’s already stopped adding the ‘sir.’

Could that be her way of differentiating?

As I received her farewell and stepped out the door.

“I’ll guide you.”

“Yes.”

The servant waiting at the front was the same one I met last time.

Still casting doubtful glances at me.

I approached him first.

“How is your work?”

“Conversations about work are prohibited.”

“Ah, I misspoke.”

‘For the task at hand.’

I turned back to the servant.

“I’m asking about something else.”

“What do you mean by that—”

“For example, cooperation?”

“………….”

The servant continued to regard me with a suspicious gaze.

What do you plan to do by staring at me like that? The one who once attempted to get rid of the Crown Princess by warping orders?

“You are aware that all of the Crown Prince’s inner circle has been replaced.”

“……….”

“Thus, you should have aligned yourself properly.”

Although the Crown Prince’s internal factions had no genuine intentions to assassinate the Crown Princess, the attempt did indeed occur.

That’s what caused a stir at the Academy and allowed the players to intervene.

So, who could it have been that desired to assassinate the Crown Princess?

Which of the Crown Prince’s guards would send an assassination notice to the Crown Princess residing in the royal quarter and attempt to invade there?

‘Naturally, it would be the henchmen of the assassin who were present in the royal residence.’

The reason I made an effort to word things carefully when speaking with the Crown Princess during our first conversation.

Because this servant was an associate of the assassin lurking outside.

What he must have said to the Crown Princess about an assassination attempt occurring in three days was based on his intent to enact the assassination on that very day.

“The Crown Prince’s wrath will soon reach you. The guards will report you.”

“……….”

“What does it feel like, to be on the brink of destruction?”

“…Shut up!”

In a flash, he drew the hidden dagger from his waist and swung it at me.

But I’m not weak enough to lose to an ordinary person, even one who holds a job. First and foremost, I’m a superhuman.

I deftly dodged the blade and kicked it from his hand, grabbing him by the collar instead.

“Gah, cough!”

“Did you really think you could come here to assassinate the Crown Princess? She is a <Royal>. Far stronger than someone like you. Would they send a mere commoner as an assassin?”

How ironic.

Initially, the plan must have been crafted by individuals who considered themselves elite, yet the person they dispatched to the scene turned out to be an utter fool.

“With all of this commotion, people will arrive soon.”

“Cough….”

“Consider yourself fortunate to be caught this way.”

While I managed to seize him preemptively, originally in the game he would have been caught afterward, being grievously injured by a punch thrown by the Crown Princess during the assassination attempt.

He was a former servant of the royal family who had skillfully hidden his fondness for murder. But after coming here and receiving orders for the assassination threat, he merely committed the act out of frustration; it was a rather anticlimactic tale.

However, in reality, this is a man who is a murderer, someone who could kill at any moment.

We can’t just let him roam loose; who knows what kind of butterfly effect might occur?

Naturally, I need to act.

I can’t very well tell the Crown Princess that this guy is actually planning to commit murder right now. Presenting this as if he tried to murder me while being my guest seems justification enough.

“Ugh… cough….”

“You’re going to be rotting in a cell for a lifetime, huh? That expression says you’re feeling wronged. What’s up? Just because you haven’t tried to assassinate her yet means you’re guilt-free?”

This guy, who has already killed a number of people, is truly ridiculous. Just because he hasn’t been caught yet means he thinks he hasn’t committed a crime?

Thus, I continued to mock the servant until the end.

So that this murderer would suffer as much as possible in his dreadful final moments.

“I, the fortuneteller, say this.”

“Ugh, cough!”

<Over there! We heard sounds!>

“You are a sinner. The fortune revealed it.”

Though I greatly detest fortune-telling and fortunetellers themselves.

Right now, it felt pretty good.

*

“…Oh, please.”

“I am the Vice Principal of the Romance Academy, and I declare.”

“Now, Vice Principal, this isn’t fair, is it?”

“I will restrict Namgoong Min’s fortunes.”

Damn it.

I’m the one being penalized?