The Strongest Dull Prince’s Secret Battle for the Throne

Chapter 610: The Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces

Upon disembarking from the flagship Alphonse, two individuals were waiting for me.

"Yo, kept you waiting, Leo."

"I'd like to say you didn't keep me waiting, but this time you did. Weren't you a bit slow?"

"Various things got in the way."

Saying so, I turn my gaze towards Ansem, who is standing behind Leo. With a slightly frowned face, Ansem speaks.

"Thank you for the reinforcements. We were able to safely evacuate the people thanks to the Imperial Army."

Ansem lowers his head as he speaks, a man who appears to be made of pure pride.

"What's going on, Prince Ansem?"

"I was able to rescue my sister who was taken hostage. I have no reason to follow the crown prince anymore. Especially if he's the kind to turn people into monsters."

"People into monsters? I see. The situation is worse than I thought."

I laugh as I speak. It's a foolish move, akin to picking a fight with adventurers. It's not a move made without thinking. That's why the crown prince must be fully aware of his actions.

"He's looking to pick a fight with the whole continent. He must be very confident in his trump card."

"By now, the kingdom is an enemy to the continent. However, not everyone in the kingdom agrees with the crown prince's thinking. I will lead the opposition and fight the crown prince. Please permit me."

"Even if you lead the opposition and fight, what will happen afterward? What do you plan to do after everything is over?"

"Please take my head as a sign of resolution for this war. I understand that it may not be worth much anymore, but..."

The crown prince has become an enemy of the continent. The fight against the crown prince is likely about to begin. And if we win that fight...

The empire will likely withdraw its troops. After all, this is no longer a situation of the Empire versus the Kingdom.

Still, there will be resentment. After all, it was the kingdom that instigated this. The empire has suffered many casualties as a result. Unless we gain something, we won't be satisfied.

That's why Ansem is offering his head. However...

"I refuse. I have no interest in your head."

"Then do you plan to fight?"

"Why do we need to fight? If the crown prince is defeated, that's the end. We can just blame everything on the crown prince. The empire isn't seeking a war. We're tired from consecutive battles. The truth is, if we could rest, we would like to."

"There should be those who will not be satisfied."

"There might be, but dissatisfaction is just dissatisfaction. It can be dealt with. Rather, it would be a problem if the kingdom were to collapse. If the kingdom collapses, surely there will be those advocating for an invasion. If the kingdom collapses, the public order will worsen and refugees will start flowing in. To prevent this, a strong leader is needed. As long as there is a leader, there won't be a split. If there's no split, recovery can be started right away. The stability of the neighboring country is in the best interest of the empire. I don't know what the imperial homeland thinks, but there probably isn't much difference with me. So... live."

I can feel a determination from Ansem that he's prepared to die. That everything is his responsibility. However...

"If your life is short, stubbornly make it longer. From now on, the kingdom will be entering its weakest period in its history since its founding. It will lose the power it once had as one of the continent's three powers. Therefore, it needs the power to reject intervention from other countries. No one other than you can do that. If you can't stand on your own, then let others support you. Your existence in the kingdom is for the benefit of the kingdom, and it's what the empire wants."

The stability of the continent was maintained because there were major countries like the Kingdom, the Empire, and the Imperial State. If one of them significantly collapses, the Empire would be dragged into a much bigger war.

The Empire, already sandwiched between the Kingdom and the Imperial State, has to allocate a large amount of military power in both directions. If the Kingdom falls into a quagmire of civil war due to fragmentation, an even greater vigilance would be necessary.

As far as I can see, it's the worst outcome. To prevent that, it would be unreasonable for the Empire to annex the territories it has cut off. The Adventurers' Guild wouldn't allow it.

It would mean they had participated in the Empire's war of aggression. This would cast doubt on the neutrality of the Adventurers' Guild.

The same goes for other countries. They would never agree to the Empire being the only one to benefit.

That's why I need Ansem to firmly support the kingdom.

"If the empire wishes for it... I'll do whatever I can."

"Don't worry. The Empire will also cooperate with your physical condition. However..."

"We need to win this war first, right?"

"That's right. I command all forces to gather. We will protect all the cities of the Kingdom using this place as a base. If we leave it alone, all the people will become victims."

■■■

A week later.

The Imperial and Royal forces scattered throughout the kingdom had gathered at the fortress.

Since the fortress was in a state of semi-destruction, most of them had to set up camp outside, but together, the forces amounted to about two hundred thousand.

It was a massive army that was difficult to completely accommodate.

A stage was prepared in front of this army of two hundred thousand, and I stood there.

"The Crown Prince of the Kingdom, Lucien, used the people to create monsters. This is a clear mistake. Henceforth, Lucien will be recognized as an 'enemy of the continent.' Therefore, we will incorporate all those who oppose Lucien from this point forward and establish an 'Allied Force' here. The Imperial State, among others, has already declared its participation in the war. The goals are twofold: to overthrow Lucien and to protect the people of the Kingdom. There is likely a demon involved in Lucien's aggressive actions. However, the demon has yet to show itself. Therefore, the Adventurers' Guild's highest power, the SS-class adventurers, cannot come yet. They are always playing catch-up. We created a system to make it that way. That's why... we are the ones who will lead the charge! We will do everything we can to protect the people! From this point on, we are representatives of humanity! We are headed to the frontlines! A hell where we don't know when the demon will appear! But still, we step forward! To save more people before humanity's strongest adventurers arrive! This is the essence of this 'Allied Force' that many countries' soldiers have taken hands to establish! Therefore!! Let me teach you all the words we should engrave in our hearts!"

The two hundred thousand soldiers waited silently for my words.

I took a breath, slowly looked at their faces.

And then...

"The words we engrave in our hearts are-- 'For the sake of the people.' We share the same absolute philosophy that the Adventurers' Guild has inherited. It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from. It doesn't matter if you're nobility or commoners. This is our banner. Those who agree with these words are our comrades. There might be hatred. There might be grudges. However! Now is the time to cast those aside and stand together! I, the supreme commander of the Allied Forces, Arnold, with the permission of all participating kings, will take command!! For the sake of the people!!"

After a beat.

Two hundred thousand soldiers raised their fists along with cheers.

After taking a good look at them, I turned on my heel.

"Not bad, huh?"

"Well, thank you."

The reserved Elna said that.

When I came down from the stage, three commanders were looking at me.

The commander of the Kingdom’s Royal Army, Ansem.

The commander of the United Kingdom Army, William.

The commander of the Imperial Army, Leonard.

Even though it's an allied force, they can't suddenly mix together.

Each army will likely be commanded by its respective commander.

"As I said, I will be in charge of the overall command. Any objections?"

"I have none from the beginning. I will follow the Marshal's instructions."

"I have no objection either. I am not in a position to raise any."

After hearing William and Ansem's words, I turned my eyes towards Leo.

Then, Leo laughed.

And...

"―I will follow the Marshal's orders. Although I am inept, I will do my best."

"That's a good spirit. Don't complain, okay?"

"That depends on the orders."

"Hey? So soon?"

While having such a conversation, I led the three of them towards the fortress.

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