The Strongest Dull Prince’s Secret Battle for the Throne

Chapter 201: Worry

I left the clean up to Sebas and transferred back to the castle.

In the end, I tried looking around the castle but I still couldnt identify the traitor.

Night comes. A large party was being held at the castle.

The party where many nobles, as well as influential people from each country, were invited is currently heated up.

Finne! There are some rare foods over there!

Orihime-sama. It is dangerous to run around so much you know.

Orihime who is wearing a black dress runs around without looking might accidentally tackle other party goers so Finne gave her a warning.

Together with Finn who is currently donning a blue dress, they are gathering a lot of attention at the party.

Walking behind the two of them, I am also attending the party.

Originally, the role of being Orihimes entertainer was mine but Finne has been the one who took care of her today. That is why they are getting along so well. Well, I cant use that as an excuse to neglect my duty though.

Mumu! This also has a strange taste! But it sure is spicy. Arnold. Im thirsty.

Theres some drink over there right.

Im thirsty.

Orihime stares at me.

You have been neglecting me the entire day and you cant even do that much for me? That was the message her stare was giving.

With no other choice, I picked up the juice from a nearby table and gave it to her with a sigh.

Here.

Umu. Good work.

Quite self-important today arent you?

Mu? Is there a problem? If thats the case then I dont mind complaining that you have been neglecting me for an entire day you know?

Even if you say that, you were playing with Finne the whole day right?

Umu, Finne did a great job. I went out to see the festival with the Elf Princess too.

Then its all good right?

No way! I was lonely you know.

Orihime dejectedly lowers her shoulders.

Seeing that, Finne came over to comfort her with a bitter smile. It seems like I have done something bad here though.

Well, Orihime did say that she wanted to see the festival again so I told her that I would go with her again. Im sorry that I had to break my promise with her.

Sorry, it was my bad. Cheer up.

Muuuu..

I will make it up to you.

Really? You are not lying?

Yeah, really.

Umu! Then I will forgive you!

Saying so, Orihime gives me a cheerful smile.

Its a quick switch. Well, Im thankful since the awkward mood went away. Rather, I should be grateful that she was only in a bad mood after I neglect the duty of being her entertainer huh.

It would be a big trouble if she complains about it to Father. Well, I was out investigating Grimoire so it couldnt be helped. Still, it doesnt change that it will be troublesome.

Right now I simply dont have the time. No matter what I do, time simply is not enough.

I have Sebas look around the castle during the duration of this party but the question is whether he will be able to find any clue.

He probably cant find it huh

I look around while muttering so.

On the other side of the party venue are Wendy, Christa, and Rita who are happily having their meal together. A little away from them, the minister from Sokal is talking with Eva and Julio. It is probably some kind of diplomatic talk.

Eric and Conrad were nearby and they were talking about something together. Even though it is out of formality, Conrad is still a supporter of Gordon. What is he doing talking with Eric?

Well, Conrad is a pretty shrewd guy. He is easy going and has a good atmosphere around him. If he wanted to get along with Eric then he would be able to do it.

Gordon and Prince William were at the exact opposite side. They are talking with the dignitary from the Dominion with Trau-niisan beside him.

Trau-niisans eyes are looking away though. He is focusing his gaze in Christas direction.

I can say nothing but as expected of him.

Well, with that said, it seems that he is properly listening to the conversation and it seems that the Dominions dignitary is having a hard time.

After all, if anyone wants to talk about something with him, Trau-niisan would be the first to hear it. It will become super troublesome if Trau-niisan gets serious and it is hard to pull him away as well.

As expected, what I should be worried about is over there.

I thought so and moved my eyes to the center of the venue.

Leticia is standing there in a white dress.

The pure white dress that embodied purity suits her very well and she is currently gathering gazes at the center of the hall.

She is someone suitable for the leading role as she is attracting the eyes of those around her and fascinates them with her mannerism.

Next to her is the stiff Leo. He is also attracting the attention of women around him. 

I should say that his presence stands out no less than Leticias huh.

One could say that both of them suit each other so well that the women around them cant help but sigh in admiration.

However, Leo seems to have a sad expression. A noble lady nearby saw the current Leo and exclaims that todays Leo is more wonderful than ever! But from my point of view, I can only worry about him.

Then, my eyes suddenly met with Leo.

Cant be helped. If possible, I want him to do this by himself though.

I moved my neck and signaled him to follow me. Leo, who accurately sensed my intention, excused himself from Leticia and follow me.

The location is the balcony. Its perfect since there is no one there at the moment.

Nii-san.

You sure looked depressed huh?

Un..a little.

Leo then casts his eyes down.

Seriously, he is such a troublesome younger brother.

While thinking so, I asked Leo a question.

Leo. Have you gotten your answer? Not mine, but the answer that you come up yourself.

As a prince, abandoning Leticia was my answer.

That also matches the wish of Leticia herself.

But that was only my answer, not Leos.

Thats why I asked him. Because I am sure that it is what he is worried about.

However, Leos response was immediate.

I thought about it. I already have my answer.

Nn? Were you not troubled because you couldnt come up with one?

If I cant find my answer after mulling it over for a day then I wouldnt be suitable to become an emperor. As Nii-san said, I wanted to give her the best memories I can. Thats why I spent today thinking only about her. But before I noticed, Iwant her to keep living on like this.

Heethen what do you want to do?

.there is only one way to solve everything. I will pull her over to the Empire.

Defection huh. I dont think that she will go along with that though?

I know that. Thats why I will use my last resort.

Last resort?

I can predict what he is intending to do to some extent.

I thought that if its Leo he would give me such an answer.

I didnt suggest it because I want Leo to notice it himself. After all, there is no meaning unless he does so.

Leticia will never be moved if the answer to all this wasnt what Leo himself came up with.

We are talking about emotions after all.

Un. Iwant to have Leticia as my wife.

Is that so. Isnt that great? I think you two suit each other you know?

I repeatedly nod while being satisfied with Leos answer.

After all, Leo is Leo. while he was mulling over it, he came up with the best answer.

Even if you consider the succession war alone, taking Leticia in as his wife brings nothing but merit to him. Its a perfect move both from the personal point of view and the political point of view.

As expected of the younger brother I am proud of.

I thought that way but I noticed that Leo has a miserable expression on his face.

A, and you see.Nii-san.I have some trouble

Hmm? What is it?

..you see

What? Are you feeling ill or something?

Rather than feeling ill, the problem is more emotional.Actually..Im troubled since I dont know how to propose to her..how should I do itwhat should I say to her?

Seeing Leo who is staring at me as though he is pleading, I let out a huge sigh.

As I thought, he really is a troublesome younger brother.