The Strongest Dull Prince’s Secret Battle for the Throne

Chapter 117: The Small War

Around the time Al is posting as Grau in the defense of Gers.

Earlier than Gordons expectation, Leo and the others were arriving at Wumme, the home of Duke Kruger.

This is all thanks to the Southern cities they have passed through so far.

I never thought that they would let us through so easily.

Leo who was expecting some obstruction muttered as he passed through the gate of Wumme.

While observing the surrounding area, Sebas who was there with Leo replied.

That must have been because there are only a few people who actually side with Duke Kruger. The expressions of the people I have seen so far were also not lively. This rebellion surely is not the consensus of all the Southern people.

Then there is really a meaning for us to come here huh.

There isnt any meaning by just arriving alone, Your Highness.

Lars said so after he put his horse next to Leos.

The elite soldiers of the Narbe Ritter are escorting Finnes carriage but it doesnt mean that they have to stay with her at all times.

Something must be done about Duke Kruger

Of course, I know that. Colonel.

Then allow me to confirm the plan. Once we arrive at his castle, Duke Kruger will probably come out to welcome us. That is our opening. If we let it slip, he will surely have the chance to alert his guards.

But if we use that chance, Finne-san will be in danger.

Please rest assured. Lynfia-dono and I will be there to protect her. Moreover, if push comes to shove, we still have that secret plan in place as well.

Saying so, Sebas looks at Leo.

To Leo who looks like he wants to ask if it will really be okay, Sebas quietly nods to assure him.

Despite how strong the Narbe Ritters are as her escort, it will arouse his suspicion if Finne has too many guards with her when she conducts the negotiation as an envoy directly with the Duke.

Thats why the role of Finnes guard is entrusted to someone who can naturally stay at her side like Sebas who came along as her butler.

.Okay, Colonel. I will leave the timing to you.

Understood. Please make sure to stay slightly away from the Duke, Your Highness.

You dont have to worry about me. I can protect myself.

.if something were to happen to you, we wouldnt be able to face His Highness Arnold when we return, Your Highness.

Colonel. I didnt come here to be protected. I came here to capture Duke Kruger. If we fail, it would be me who wouldnt be able to face Nii-san.

Seeing Leo staring straight at him, Larss eyes slightly opened and he bows his head to apologize.

Forgive me, Your Highness. It seems my worry is unnecessary.

Colonel Lars. What His Highness said is true. Unlike Arnold-sama, Leonard-sama never slacked off in his exercise after all.

So he can carry himself in combat? Sebas?

Yes, even though there shouldnt be much difference between them. For twins to have this much gap in physical ability really is rare. That person really is lacking after all. It made me worry a little about him when he complained about muscle pain just by holding up a sword.

It would be fine if he gradually practices but he always swings his sword at full power every time. Seriously, Nii-san.

He was trying to put up a good impression after all.

Agreed. He was trying to look good. Still, that is definitely why he stabbed his left hand. He always tries to look cool in his own way after all.

Hearing such an impression from Leo, a smile appears on Larss face.

Leo never enjoyed participating in the succession war but there are a lot of things that made him glad that he did.

One of that is the fact that people are starting to appreciate Al.

Being lazy bones, Al who tried to move as little as possible started to move after they participated in the succession war. Seeing him moving around, the people begin to realize that the Dull Prince is nothing but a false facade.

It was a happy development for Leo.

You look very happy about it though?

I am. Im glad that Nii-san is finally appreciated. And..Im happy that I can do something together with him. He set this stage for me. The best stage I could ask for. When I told him that I want to have as little sacrifices as possible, he went along with my selfishness and forcibly prepared everything for me. Im happy that I am now standing on the stage he set. It made me feel that I can fight alongside him.

Saying so, Leo moves his horse ahead.

In front of him was the main gate to Duke Krugers castle.

I am the Eighth Imperial Prince, Leonard Lakes Adler! I have escorted His Majesty the Emperors envoy! Open the gate!!

At Leos words, the main gate slowly opened.

Leo advances inside on his horse. Entering the place is the last part of the preparation.

With the conviction that he can not leave until everything is over, Leo entered the castle.

After Leo and the others got off their horses, they were guided by the knights.

Right now, they are currently under the castles balcony.

This is?

If it isnt, Prince Leonard. Its been a while.

Hearing that voice, Leo slightly squints his eyes.

The reason is that Duke Kruger has appeared on the balcony.

It was too rude to welcome an imperial envoy like that.

Its been a while. Duke Kruger. What is the meaning of this?

No no, this is simply a small safety measure. Its not like I am doubting you or anything but my life is prone to get targeted lately. Please stay there and send up the imperial envoy alone.

That was synonymous with entering the beasts lair alone.

Leo frowns as he protests.

Dont you think that you are being too rude. Please come down here and receive the letter from us. The contents of the letter should have already been confirmed by the knight you dispatched earlier.

Unfortunately, I will only confirm the content of that letter up here. If you find this arrangement unagreeable then please feel free to leave.

Then I will be accompanying the envoy as well.

The imperial envoy must come up here alone.

Hearing Duke Kruger, Leo unconsciously reach for his sword. The reason is that the Duke is being too rude toward them.

However, the plan cant be enacted before the Duke checks the letters contents. This is to justify their actions with Duke Krugers refusal. If they spring their trap here, they will be perceived as nothing but a group of assassins posting as an imperial envoy.

However, Finne immediately accepted the Dukes proposal.

I understand. I will be heading up there then.

Finne-san..

I dont mind. Duke Kruger would never harm His Majestys envoy, no?

But of course. Blau Mowe.

Then Im relieved. My mission is to deliver His Majestys letter to Duke Kruger. If thats what Duke Kruger wants, I will comply.

Saying so, Finne urges the knight to guide her up with her eyes.

After getting an okay from us, the knight begins to guide Finne upstairs.

Uhmmthat is?

Hes the stuffed animal I took a liking to recently. Isnt he cute?

Saying so, Finne shows off the bear to the knight.

The knight cant keep up with Finnes uplifting attitude and guide her to the balcony without saying anything more.

Good day. Blau Mowe. Your beauty shines even more from up close.

Thank you very much. Duke Kruger. This is the letter from His Majesty.

Allow me.

Saying so, Kruger opens the letter surrounded by his knights.

He read through it without even moving an eyebrow.

I see. So this is His Majestys answer?

Yes.

What a cruel person he is. To think that he would send you out here personally and declare war against me.

Unfortunately, that was not a declaration of war, Duke Kruger. By the name of His Majesty the Emperor, I am ordering you. Bend the knee and immediately lay down your weapons. If you do not complyI will issue a punishment.

HaHaHa! Punish me? What can you do in this situation? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Lets have you become our hostage and then we can start anew.

Are you challenging His Majestys decree?

His Majesty, His Majesty, even if you mention him there wont be any effect on me you know? My Kruger house was originally the king of our own country until it was annexed by the Empire. It was the imperial family who forcibly took that from us and label our house as a ducal one. My house never forgot our grudges and hatred ever since. I have never thought of that man as anyone respectable!

I seea long-standing grudge is it. I dont know how much such a thing has accumulated but one thing that I can say is that this land once belonged under your rule. Even if it were to be annexed by the Empire, the people of this land should still be your subjects. Still, you have put your people through suffering. The moment you did that you have no right to call yourself their monarch. No.you cant even call yourself a noble!

I will not argue with you about the obligation of royalty or the noble here. Let me say this one thing. Only the strong shall rule.

Then you certainly dont have any caliber as a king. A king is much stronger than you think, a king is someone who shoulders their subjects.

At that moment, the stuffed bear in Finnes hand started to move.

It suddenly pulled out a spear and took down the knights around Finne.

As expected, Kruger doubted his eyes at the scene.

Wha!?

Argh, if you just keep talking then I would be able to enjoy the paradise even longer..its your fault alright, Duke. but thanks to you, I get to enjoy such a good feeling so, Thanks!

Saying so, Sieg, the stuffed bear, rushes through the knights.

Kruger escapes with his knights shielding him but Leo and his subordinates already invade the castle from below.

You wont escape! Kruger!

Kuh! Kill them all!

Hearing Krugers command, the knights stand in front of Leo.

However, the Narbe Ritters led by lars blow them away and open the path for Leo.

Finne-san!

Im alright! Please go on ahead!

Understood! Please be careful, Finne-san!

Yes! Good luck, Leo-sama! Sieg-san, please go and support Leo-sama.

Cant be helped then. I would be more motivated to escort a beauty though. Still, guess I cant deny the beautys request huh.

Saying so, Sieg chases after Leo.

Meanwhile, Finne leaves the scene together with several Narbe Ritters and Lynfia.

Thus, a small war has started inside the castle of Wumme.