The Strongest Dull Prince’s Secret Battle for the Throne

Chapter 619: Standing Out Too Much

"Do you have anything to say?"

"I apologize."

"That's honest of you."

In a room of the mansion I was led to.

There, Elna stared at me intensely, prompting me to apologize sincerely.

Elna, though visibly exasperated, forgave me.

Well, it was probably within her expectations.

It's no surprise that there was some sort of incident since I willingly ventured into enemy territory.

"If you're being like this, it seems Leo would forgive me if I apologized too."

"I wonder? Even if Leo forgives you, Vin wouldn't."

"If Leo forgives me, Vin will too."

The representatives of both armies already have a meeting place.

While I'm held hostage, Dorolm and the others head to different battlefields.

To observe the synthetic soldiers.

The arrangements will likely be made by Vin.

There will be a loss of time, but if things go well, no human blood will be shed and the three cities will automatically fall.

Not a bad deal.

The problem is that I, as the supreme commander, made this decision without consulting anyone.

It was entirely too self-serving.

The only drawback is the likely scolding I'll get.

However, Elna, whom I should be most wary of, readily forgave me.

Maybe I was overthinking things.

■■■

"Are you not aware of your responsibilities as the supreme commander?"

"S-sorry about that. But I thought this was the best course..."

"You should've consulted others! If you act on your own, it'll cause trouble for everyone around you! Do you know how much the army was unsettled and how hard Leo had to work to calm them down when you headed to the city!?"

In a small room, I was being confronted by Leticia.

An unexpected adversary.

Despite my apologies, she was not forgiving at all.

Why is that...?

"I did say I was sorry..."

"No! You're not really sorry! Show some real remorse!!"

"But even if you tell me to show remorse..."

Looking exasperated, I turned towards Elna, but she didn't seem likely to come to my aid.

Leticia was definitely angry.

Typically, people who rarely get angry tend to stay angry for a long time when they finally do.

Just as I was wondering how to win her forgiveness...

"Pardon the interruption. Lady Leticia, it's almost time."

"My lecture isn't over yet!!"

"However, if we stay too long, we might raise suspicion."

The one who arrived was Theodore from the Second Guard Knight Squad.

Leticia and Theodore came to bring some necessary supplies to Elna and me.

It could've been anyone bringing the supplies, but Leticia, angry at my actions, came personally.

However, I'm the only one recognized as a hostage, and Elna is the only one recognized as a guard.

Theodore and Leticia represent excessive power. Even with Elna alone, there is already enough anxiety, and having additional forces stay within the city is not allowed.

For a moment, relief washed over me as I was finally about to be released.

Leticia did not miss this.

"Marshal Arnold!! You thought you were finally done, didn't you!? If you were truly remorseful, you wouldn't be thinking that!!"

"No, I wasn't thinking that..."

"Lies! People who don't reflect repeat the same mistakes! Show genuine remorse here!"

"Well then, Your Highness. We'll take our leave."

"Oh, I'm sorry for the trouble."

"The Guard exists to serve and endure hardship."

Unable to see an end to the situation, Theodore forcibly dragged Leticia out of the room.

Then, with a bitter smile, they left.

For now, the storm seemed to have passed.

"I did say I was reflecting..."

"But you'd do the same thing if the situation arose again, wouldn't you?"

"Of course. Being a hostage is better than bloodshed."

"I understand your logic but... there are people who worry about you, Al."

"I know. That's why I'm apologizing, isn't it? It's rare for me to apologize without making excuses, right?"

"I know. That's why I forgave you. But there are people who are afraid you'll be reckless."

"I understand that I've caused worry. But... I don't want to regret not taking a risk later. Lives are at stake here."

The crown prince remains in the royal capital.

Synthetic soldiers are deployed all around.

I don't even know the current state of the royal capital.

Attempts have been made to infiltrate it, but the units sent were completely wiped out.

There's no information on the royal capital at all.

What the citizens inside are going through... we don't even know that.

So we can only do what we can to prevent further damage.

"Elna... Dorolm is competent. Once he fully grasps the situation, he should surrender. When that happens, I want you to be by Leo's side."

"What about your guard, Al?"

"I'll quickly return to the command post. Finn is there too. If we can break through here, we can see the royal capital. The battle in the royal capital will be harsh. I can't afford to have you by my side."

"...You're not going to take direct command?"

"Leo has to be the one to take the royal capital. I... stand out too much. If I gain more achievements, forces will start to emerge that want me to be the emperor. This is a decision made considering the future."

"If you have a plan... I'll follow it. But... be careful, okay? From my perspective, you're in a dangerous position right now. It's as if you're underestimating yourself... and it makes me anxious."

At Elna's words, I can only smile wryly.

Her worry is not entirely unfounded.

The best thing for Arnold, the power behind Leo, would be to disappear here.

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