The Strongest Dull Prince’s Secret Battle for the Throne

Chapter 110: Encouraging Guests

Seriously, you are so reckless.

My apologies.

After the meeting was over, I and Finne returned to my room.

Finne seems to be apologetic.

If possible, I dont want to put her in danger.

Well, since you already nominated yourself, theres no helping it anymore. It is as the Prime Minister said, you are certainly the most suited person for this. That being said, lets make this operation as foolproof as possible.

Im sorry for troubling you again

Its alright. I understand why you did it.

Its really like Finne to want to do something in this situation.

And this time Finnes feelings match with various kind benefits.

Its not something that I should blame her for.

Arnold-sama.

Saying so, Sebas appears without a sound.

I asked Sebas to collect information while I was away from the capital but the purpose of his appearance is kind of different this time.

What is it? Sebas.

Encouraging guests have arrived at a good time, sir.

Saying so, Sebas opens the door.

Emerging from the other side of the door were two familiar faces.

Its been a long time, Your Highness Arnold.

Duke Reinfeld! And.

Jurgen entered the room.

As always, his smile can easily make people around him relax.

Behind him, a boyish brown-haired girl quietly entered the room.

Lynfia.

Lizelotte-sama told me that I can leave my sister to her so, to repay your favor I have come to swing my sword for both Your Highnesses once again.

You havent changed huh. But thank you for coming back to us. I have just the right work for you.

I heard the details from Sebas-san. It seems that Finne-sama is also going this time correct?

Yes. I thought that I could do something about this situation so I nominated myself.

Lynfia gazing at Finne softly and lightly smiles.

She then says in a strong voice.

I think thats very like you, Finne-sama. Please rest assured. I will do everything I can to assist you.

Yes!

It seems our force is mostly ready.

Sebas, Sieg, and Lynfia with the addition of Lars and his Narbe Ritters.

With Leo leading them, if they can safely sneak into the enemys base, the chance of success is very high.

However, theres no way that disguising an ambush using an imperial envoy is His Highness Leonards idea. It is Your Highness Arnolds plan correct?

Yeah, Elna told me that I really have a bad personality earlier as well.

Hahaha, for a knight it would certainly look like that. But wont this cause a problem for His Highness Leonards image?

We have thought about that.

Finne will go as the leader of the envoy with Leo leading her escorts.

The South will almost certainly accept the envoy.

After all, its the Emperors envoy. If they refuse, there might be no more negotiation in the future. That would be unacceptable for the Southern Nobles.

Even if all the South join forces, the Empire still has an overwhelming advantage. If they want to get their concession, they have to take this chance.

The plan is like this, His Majesty is sending an envoy to the Southern Confederation but the content is actually the final warning for Duke Kruger. The final message to the Duke is that if he doesnt bend the knees, he will face the consequence. Finne will be the one who relays that message. It will show that we are offering him a chance to turn over a new leaf but if the other side still insists on attacking us, the fault will lie with them.

But I think they would confirm the content of the negotiation before we set out though?

We will prepare two letters and switch them immediately right before we start the negotiation. If they refuse the letter they will be subjected to punishment. The story will change from us using an imperial envoy as a ploy to capture them into the envoy handing down the righteous punishment. It would be illogical for other countries to criticize us and it will not affect their trust for both the Empire and Leo.

In the first place, the relationship between the Emperor and the Southern Nobles is that of a lord and his subject. They are not in a position where they can start negotiating on equal footing. This is simply a one-sided order.

The Southern Nobles would rejoice as they mistakenly think that the Emperor is willing to negotiate with them but in truth, the Emperor is unwilling to make that concession and sent Finne out to relay his final warning to Duke Kruger.

That is the scenario. This plan is available to us because it is clear which side is at a higher standing than the other since this is not a negotiation between two equal countries.

Well, some factions in the foreign countries may have their distrust toward us but it is hard to say that it would be a consensus between all of them.

I see. As expected from Your Highness Arnold.

If possible I want to do this more straightforwardly but theres no other way.

Theres no way around it since you have been acting on the defensive from the start. However, this time you have taken the initiative. No, it would be more correct to say that you took it back. This is very important for the plan to succeed. However, such an initiative can easily be taken by anyone. Is the information control going well?

Thats a Jurgen-like question.

To answer that, I gave him a firm nod.

The Imperial Capital Garrison is already checking anyone who comes in and out of the capital.

Is that all?

No, I asked the Brave house to block all the route to the South. With the knights from the Brave house manning every route, it would  be impossible even to someone who is familiar with covert operations to slip through unnoticed.

As far as the Southern Civil War itself is concerned, there are not many of its elements that would affect the succession war.

Since the Emperor has already adopted our strategy, there is no problem for the Brave house to assist us in safekeeping the intel about our mission.

With this, information leakage is unlikely.

There is still some concern but I have an idea of how to deal with it.

It seems your preparation is quite thorough. I have nothing left to say. Do you have anything I can assist with?

Right. Are you going to stay in the imperial capital for a while?

Yes, I intend to.

Then can you use your connection as a duke and move the merchants for us?

I dont mind but how do you want me to move them?

Even if it is only for a brief period, the South is going to be hostile toward the Empire. There is a concern about the deterioration of security so the people will face a shortage of food supply. I would like to prepare for that.

I see. That would be my specialty. I will do it.

Saying so, Jurgen gives me a refreshing smile.

If Jurgen and the Ajin company move, it should be possible to secure us more manpower.

If we hire adventurers and use them as escorts, we should be able to more or less circulate the money around as well.

In case of an emergency, using the money I earned as Silver is also a reasonable option.

The problem wont easily end with just the defeat of Duke Kruger. Rather, the hard part will be coming afterward.

Thats right, Finne-sama. Please take this.

As if she just remembered, Lynfia handed Finne a flute.

Its clear just by seeing it that it is a fairly high-ranking magic tool.

This is?

I was given this by an old dwarf who got lost in the city. It seems that if you blow it, its sound will be able to reach your allies.

Isnt this quite an amazing item?

I think Finne-sama will be needing it more than me.

Saying so, Lynfia gave Finne the flute.

Finne looks at me as if she was in trouble but I quietly nod at her.

The situation in which Finne would use it would surely be a dangerous one. In that case, it shouldnt be a problem if I go to her aid as Silver even if it will cause more problems later, thats not something that I would risk overlooking.

I probably will throw everything away and go to her side when such time arrives.

It would be more assuring for me if Finne holds on to it too.

..I understand. I will be borrowing it this time.

Saying so, Finne politely received the flute from Lynfia.

But a lost dwarf huh. Moreover, an old one too.

I thought of a person for a moment but immediately dismissed it.

I havent heard of him being in the Empire. Theres no way he would be here.

Well, even in the off chance that hes here, he would never cooperate with the Southern Nobles so he probably wouldnt show his face this time.

Then I will get to work immediately.

I will also go to Leo-samas place as well.

Jurgen immediately started moving while Finne and the other left to join Leo.

Only Sebas and I are left in the room.

You have something to report?

Yes. It seems that Sonia-dono is being forced to serve under His Highness Gordon because he has taken hostages to use them against her. This is simply what I heard but it seems that her adoptive father was originally considered to be a genius strategist.

I see. Then her movement is understandable.

No matter how far you fall, you can get a certain degree of success.

That was certainly a move an intelligent guy would make.

Still, it seems she misread Gordon huh.

That guy cant be measured using a normal standard. This time he will perhaps be using some unorthodox means as well.

We will leave Sonias matter alone. We can not afford to worry about her right now.

Understood. Then I will be standing by at His Highness Leonards side. How do you intend to move from now on, Arnold-sama?

The flow of information has been almost cut off but there is still a guy who would leak our information to the outside.

I seeHis Highness Gordon is it?

Yeah, I will keep watch on him. We dont know what he is going to do after all. Sorry, but I will leave Leo to you. If something bad happens I will come flying to you. Still, the trouble will probably be originating from my side though.

While thinking about such a thing, I started anticipating Gordons next move.