The Strongest Dull Prince’s Secret Battle for the Throne - Chapter 716

The uproar over the Saintess's ‘death was brewing.

Of course, Erik already knew that it was a fake corpse.

He also anticipated the planned invasions by various other nations.

So, to expedite matters, he created an opportunity to begin the conversation.

"Arnold. You rarely act, even when there’s a reason to do so. So when you sent Leonard out while knowing that it would cause a commotion, I thought there must be a reason for your actions."

"Indeed... That may be true."

"Then tell me. What reason did you have for sending Leonard out?"

"Will you listen seriously then?"

"Of course. You must have had a reason for doing so, right? Let’s hear it."

He’s a quick-witted individual, which is very helpful for Erik.

He too had noticed the subtle discrepancies at the scene.

It’s fortunate that he was the one who picked up on them.

Since it saves Erik the trouble of pointing them out.

With a little support from Erik, the discussions should now progress smoothly.

The other nations will think that this issue will cause the Empire to stumble.

But this issue won’t hold the Empire back at all.

It’s all part of the script to resolve it swiftly and efficiently.

______________

During the imperial capital’s rebellion, there wasn’t much Erik could do.

Since making a significant move could alter the situation.

So Erik’s role at the time was doing some fine-tuning on the current plans.

"Could I borrow the communication room? I’d like to speak with the guild headquarters."

"That won’t be necessary. I’m already negotiating with them."

"…Prince Erik…"

"It seems we both had the same idea, Fine."

"It appears so…"

"But you arrived at a good time. I’ll handle the stiff-necked folks at the guild headquarters, so you should try to convince the adventurers on the ground here."

Fine’s arrival was exactly what Erik had been waiting for.

Few people could mobilize the adventurers at this time.

And it was preferable for that person to be someone beneficial to Leonard and Arnold.

Fine was the perfect candidate in this case.

"What do you mean?"

"I’m skilled in negotiations. I also have some connections with the higher-ups at the guild headquarters and know some secrets that they’d prefer to keep hidden. Although they’re still in discussions right now, I should be able to get them to leave the decision to the adventurers on the ground. However, that alone won’t move the adventurers."

"If the rebellion succeeds, Prince Gordon will become emperor, right?"

"That’s right. If the adventurers defy the next emperor, they’ll be accused of treason and won’t be able to stay in the Empire. While they might fend off the soldiers that are surrounding their branch, they have no reason to go further at the moment."

It was a pitiful situation.

The adventurers had always protected the Empire.

Now, it was necessary to ensure that they were committed to defending the people.

Without the help of the adventurers, the outcome of this rebellion might not change.

But if they fought now, many lives could be saved.

"I’m good at negotiations, but persuasion is another matter and you’re more suited to that."

"I’ll do what I can."

"I’m counting on you. My father’s life is at stake. Please."

He bowed deeply and sincerely.

He was deeply grateful to her.

Fine had supported Leonard and Arnold so well so far.

It was reassuring for him to have her by their side.

______________

"Did you relay the message to Duke Holzwartz?"

"Yes. I told him not to allow Prince Leonard to gain any more military achievements."

"Good."

Now, our enemy’s animosity would be directed at the traitorous Duke Holzwartz.

He would likely be the first to face an unexpected attack.

Additionally, by using Conrad to eliminate the Fourth Consort has helped to further tarnish Erik’s reputation with Emperor Johannes. Achievements aside, the methods he had used here were very questionable.

If Zandra and Gordon were defeated, it would then come down to a showdown between Erik and Leonard.

With Erik still leading the largest faction in the battle, Leonard would have to challenge him soon.

The gap between them remained significant.

Greater achievements were necessary on Leonard’s side.

That’s why the emperor must favor Leonard.

He must grow stronger, and become a more formidable candidate.

He must be able to surpass us.

Because that would lead the Empire to a better future.

______________

A year had passed in silence.

And Arnold was finally returning from the Principality of Alberto.

"We're returning to the capital, so once Arnold returns, Leonard will finally start moving. We’ll have to make the first move."

Now, Erik could finally begin to act.

"Delay Arnold’s party. Make the necessary preparations during that time and do not resort to any extreme measures. Just try to delay them."

"As you command."

"The momentum for war with the Perlan Kingdom is building and we cannot let Leonard be drawn into a decisive battle with the kingdom. Convey that to Mother as well."

"As you wish."

After giving orders to Xiaomei, Erik sighed.

Perhaps because he had just spoken with Leah, his heart was somewhat shaken.

But his resolve was firm.

"Give it up, Leonard, Arnold… I will not back down now."

He spoke those words as if directly addressing the two of them.

There would be no reconciliation with them.

He knew that his kind-hearted brothers hoped somewhere deep down for their family to come back together.

They thought there was no meaning in this current conflict.

But there was.

That’s why they had to give up.

On the idea of being a family again.

_____________

"What’s this?"

"It’s said to be a rare medicine that cures incurable diseases. I brought it while thinking that it might help Leah-aneue."

"We don’t need it. Leah and I don’t need anything."

"Why not at least try it? It might work!"

"That time has passed. Don’t interfere now."

"Interfere…? She may be your wife, but she’s still my sister-in-law! Is it called interfering if I want her to be cured?"

"Hmph… You’re still soft when it comes to family… Do you still see me as your brother? Give it up, Arnold, I will never back down here. The throne that was meant for Wilhelm will be mine and I will not yield it to anyone else. In this Empire… there is no place for the family that you idealize."

"…"

He rejected the medicine Arnold offered.

Partly because it was true.

Leah’s condition continued to deteriorate.

And now no medicine could save her at this point.

She was already beyond saving.

As the disease continued to ravage her body.

The only solution was to kill Wepar immediately.

And it wasn’t the time for that yet.

"I fully recognize you and Leonard as my competitors. That’s why you need to abandon your softness and come at me with everything you’ve both got. Only triumphing as the final candidate is when one can state that they truly surpass Wilhelm."

Arnold still hadn’t abandoned his kindness yet.

So Erik pushed him.

If Arnold harbored feelings of family loyalty toward Erik, it would become a weakness for him.

"....That’s disappointing. And I have one correction for you."

"What is it?"

"I’m not seeking an extraordinary family or anything. I just want a normal family where everyone cares for each other. That’s what I want."

"That’s not something you can expect from the Adlers. We’ve been washing blood with blood for generations and that won’t change."

"…Maybe I can’t change it and neither can you. But Leo is different. Leo will be able to change the Adlers' future. Since he’s different from us."

"Are you pinning your hopes on him? Don’t. If you try to place your dreams on someone else, they’ll be shattered along with that person."

"Is that from personal experience?"

"It is."

"Then rest assured. Leo…. I will protect him."

"Hmph, anyone can say that. They all said the same before. But no one could truly protect their dreams in the end."

"Say what you will. I… am not like you."

As he turned away, Arnold’s back seemed larger than expected.

He was likely already anticipating the numerous assassination attempts on Leonard. Perhaps there was no need for Erik to worry about them anymore.

The two had grown strong, just as the diary had predicted.

They had managed to overcome various challenges and came back stronger.

Erik didn’t even feel like he had nurtured them at all. They had grown truly strong by overcoming all these crises on their own.

Just as Erik had his plans, so did they.

Just as Erik worked in secret, so did they.

The result was clear.

The two had solid convictions, and they would be able to shoulder the empire with confidence.

Those with a conscience were flocking to Leonard’s side and those still clinging to power were gravitating towards Erik.

That was fine.

That was the way it should be.

"I’ll take on all the obstacles."

Move forward without hesitation.

Erik hoped that their burden would be lighter.

Since he knew all to well the pain of working in the shadows.

Because wearing two masks was undoubtedly heavy.