The Strongest Dull Prince’s Secret Battle for the Throne

Chapter 679: Plots

"Draw swords... And charge!"

Mitsuba and her group, who were being pursued in the city of the Imperial Capital, were able to stop thanks to the appearance of allies.

"Just drive them away! Escaping from the capital is our top priority!"

The one giving orders in armor was Anna von Amsberg.

"How many years has it been since I've last seen you in armor?"

"I thought I'd never wear it again."

As she exchanged light banter with Mitsuba, Anna cut down two knights. Raised as the daughter of a Sword Duke and now currently the wife of the Brave Duke, as well as being the mother of Elna, Anna's sword skills were on par with those of the Imperial Guards.

Anna was leading reinforcements from the Sword Duke's house as all the knights directly under the Brave Duke had already been deployed at the battlefield. Even so, as the caretaker of the Brave Duke's household, Anna had decided to join the fray. She thought that any additional manpower here would be helpful.

"Lady Mitsuba! Lady Anna! I'm heading to the West Gate!"

After driving away their pursuers, Anna began leading Mitsuba's group toward the East Gate. At that moment, Fine spoke up.

"Lady Fine..."

"I believe I can be of assistance in the West."

"... If you've decided, then I won't stop you."

"Thank you!"

With Mitsuba's permission, Fine bowed deeply.

However,

"I don't mind either, but what about your escort?"

"I'll accompany her."

"I expected you to say that, but is Sebas alone enough?"

Fine smiled and then replied.

"It will be fine. We have capable people with us."

At her words, Anna glanced at the rooftops around them. In the darkness, many figures were leaping across the rooftops. Seeing this, Anna muttered quietly.

"The Demi-Human Trading Company..."

Before she realized it, many demi-humans had surrounded them. Among them, a woman stepped forward. It was Yulia, the silver-haired vampire who represented the Demi-Human Trading Company.

"We'll handle Fine's escort."

"What brings the representative of the Demi-Human Trading Company to us, Lady Anna?"

The Demi-Human Trading Company had been cooperating with the Leo faction by providing them with constant funding. However, they had not openly moved until now due to their delicate position in the Imperial Capital. The company, which is comprised mainly of demi-humans, was a new presence in the city and although officially accepted by the Capital, their true acceptance had yet to come.

Thus, they couldn't make any bold moves until now.

"We were asked, so we had no choice but to comply, Lady Brave."

"You won't be able to stay in the Imperial Capital if you do this."

Helping Fine meant giving up all business in the Imperial Capital. They would lose their newly established branch and all future profits. Such defiance against the authorities was unacceptable and for a merchant, accepting such losses should be difficult. Involvement in the imperial throne dispute was only worthwhile if there was something to gain.

However,

"We have no more lingering attachment to the Imperial Capital. We moved here because we judged that there would be less discrimination against demi-humans under the rule of the Adler family. Even with some discrimination, it wasn't that severe but if that trust is gone... there's no reason to stay here."

Yulia said this with a smile and then continued.

"We're relocating the Imperial Capital branch starting today. From today, it will become the Western Branch."

"Thank you, Yulia."

"It's nothing. Until now, we couldn't provide military support due to our interests in the Imperial Capital, but we will from now on."

The Demi-Human Trading Company, being a group of demi-humans, had considerable military strength, making them more than adequate as guards. Anna nodded at Mitsuba while acknowledging this.

"... Be careful, Fine."

"Yes, Lady Mitsuba."

"... This way."

Mitsuba gently hugged Fine. Holding her tightly, she whispered softly in Fine's ear.

"Don't do anything reckless. Tell him that too."

"... I will."

Hearing Fine's reply, Mitsuba smiled. Fine was not surprised as she had not expected to deceive Mitsuba.

"I have something left to do in the East so I’m counting on you in the West."

"Leave it to me."

With that, Mitsuba headed towards the East Gate with Anna and her group. Mitsuba's reason for heading east was to secure the cooperation of Lise, who commands the Eastern Border Defense Army. Given the situation with the Sokal Empire and the relationship with Wilhelm, Lise was in a difficult position. However, her strength was essential and Mitsuba had to make a special request. This was Mitsuba's task as directed by the late Chancellor.

________

Imperial Castle.

Not only were the most important figures trying to escape. But seeing the Royal Consort Palace in flames, all the nobles and officials in the castle began to flee for their lives with any knights attempting to stop them from escaping being swiftly neutralized. This was the work of Gustav, who was moving freely throughout the castle. As a result, Wilhelm's knights achieved nothing.

However, Gustav wasn't the only reason.

Wilhelm had to divert a significant portion of his forces to extinguish the fire in the Consort Palace.

"The Empress's sacrifice has allowed the young ones to escape... How remarkable."

Muttering to himself, Gustav entered a room while leaning on his staff. Noticing Gustav, two knights tried to draw their swords but Gustav simply waved his arm and they were violently thrown back, unconscious.

"... Continue your report."

Inside the room were a man and a woman. The man sitting in the chair was Erik and the woman was his subordinate, the assassin Xiaomei. Xiaomei attempted to ready her weapon but at Erik's command, she continued her report.

"Y-yes... The escape of the key figures from the castle is complete. Their escape from the Imperial Capital should happen soon."

"Good, you are now dismissed. Continue monitoring them."

"B-but... Prince..."

"You are dismissed."

Reluctantly, Xiaomei left the room silently.

"... I'm surprised to see you're alive, Emperor Gustav."

"My return is of no concern to you, though I came to ask you something."

"What is it?"

"... What are you aiming for? Betraying your father, your mother, your country and cornering all your younger brothers—what lies beyond that?"

Erik's expression did not change at Gustav's words. He responded calmly and without emotion.

"Stability for the continent."

"You think stability comes from being managed by demons?"

"How you interpret my words is up to you, Your Majesty."

Hearing this, Gustav slowly moved his right hand. If he dealt with Erik here, Wilhelm's options would be severely limited. Currently, Erik's faction made up for a significant part of Wilhelm's camp as Erik had maintained his power by not making flashy moves during the imperial throne dispute. Eliminating the leader of that faction would thus restrict the enemy's actions.

However, Erik showed no signs of agitation. In fact, he seemed to accept everything Gustav said.

"... What are you planning, Erik Lakes Adler?"

"As I've already stated."

Hearing Erik's words, Gustav began to gather his magic power quietly. But before he could act, someone intervened between Gustav and Erik.

"It'd be a problem if you used ancient magic here."

With his sword drawn, Conrad stepped in between Erik and Gustav.

However,

"Don't be reckless. You can't stop me."

"Stand down, Conrad."

"Even if it's Brother Erik's command, I can't obey. If I abandon you here... I won't be able to face Sister Lea."

At the mention of Lea, Erik's expression shifted slightly. Seeing this change, Gustav relaxed his stance. If Erik were a man who moved without any emotion solely for the sake of demons, Gustav would have considered killing him here.

But,

"If you can care for your brother and be shaken by your wife's name... you are still human."

"I am..."

"If you have a plan, see it through then. If you're an Adler, then prove it."

With those words, Gustav left. If Erik had been merely Wilhelm's pawn, Gustav would have killed him along with Wilhelm.

But Erik had a scheme.

Therefore, it was best not to further disrupt the current situation.

"I suppose the remaining dregs of my life will be taken at a later time..."

TL's Notes:

Gotta love seeing more Erik Lore. What are his plans? I think we can guess it from earlier foreshadowing but now it is more clear...

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!