The Strongest Dull Prince’s Secret Battle for the Throne

Chapter 694: The Survival of Humanity

Shortly before the barrier trapping the allied forces was destroyed, Rupert was speaking to the heads of the Forty-Seven Houses of the North on the Hill of Grace in the northern part of the Empire.

He spoke with as much sincerity and resonance as possible, which naturally resembled his “late” elder brother. TL: It isn’t mentioned but its prob Arnold

"Once... the northern nobility was treated coldly because they couldn't save the crown prince. I know that. But with my brother Arnold, you fought and now regained your honor. Now, your honor is being tested again. Will you side with Wilhelm in the imperial capital, or with me? I won't allow any hesitation. Decide here and now. Whether he is real or a fake doesn't matter! Can you kneel before the man who used my brother-- Arnold's death— the death of your great benefactor—in a way that he least desired? Decide here and now!!"

The heads of the Forty-Seven Houses of the North felt a touch of nostalgia. His stance of urging them to rise up reminded them of the former Arnold.

Thus...

"We came here to show the young prince the reality, but..."

An old man stood up and slowly knelt.

"The Langhein family of the Forty-Seven Houses of the North will follow Prince Rupert."

"Thank you, Count Langhein."

Those words were special. During the decisive battle in the North, Duke Loewenstein had charged with those words with the other heads having shouted them many times, leading to many benefits and much honor being regained. Still, the northern nobility fought for Arnold and so Rupert’s act was enough to remind the others.

"To think that we would be attacking the imperial capital."

"Interesting. Let's show them the martial prowess of the northern nobility."

"The Bornfeld Viscount Family of the Forty-Seven Houses of the North will follow Your Highness. We may have few knights, but we pride ourselves on being one of the best in the North. Use us as you see fit."

"The Zenker Count Family of the Forty-Seven Houses of the North will follow Your Highness. During the northern decisive battle, we served as the vanguard. If permitted, we wish to serve as the vanguard under Your Highness."

"Thank you, Viscount Bornfeld, Count Zenker."

The heads of the Forty-Seven Houses of the North knelt one after another. None of them were devoted to Wilhelm. For the lords, Wilhelm was the reason for their cold treatment since because they couldn't save Wilhelm, the North was treated coldly. It was Arnold who gave them a chance to change that and so the hearts of the northern nobility were with Arnold.

"The Zwieg Marquis Family and the Forty-Seven Houses of the North will follow Prince Rupert."

"Very well. We will head to the imperial capital. Each lord should lead their elite forces and join us in the battle."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Following Rupert's command, the heads of the Forty-Seven Houses of the North began to lead their knights to join the battle and naturally, this movement was reported to the imperial capital. It was clear that the entire North had rebelled against the capital so the capital was forced to respond.

It was the moment a clear opposition force had emerged.

_________

"Rupert has the North under his command. The barrier has also been broken. The plan has changed, so what will you do now?"

In the Imperial Sword Castle, Erik questioned Wilhelm while he remained seated in his chair. He wasn't in the throne room because it was more comfortable elsewhere.

"There's no need to make a fuss. It will take time for them to form an army. Both the North and the South."

"If the allied forces arrive, we will be attacked from three directions."

"By then, they will have dealt with the Sokal Empire and the princess general will arrive, making it four directions."

With his eyes closed, Wilhelm moved his fingers. He wasn't moving them meaninglessly.

"When will that spell be completed?"

"Who knows? Since I'm weaving it using the magic formulas of this continent, it will take a bit longer."

Wilhelm was currently constructing a large-scale spell that was centered around the Imperial Castle.

It was akin to developing a new spell. He was creating a magic circle and using the magic power of the Imperial Castle.

"The Demon King had forcibly expanded the gate with his authority and since I'm using the magic power of the Imperial Castle, I can't do that. Therefore, a complex spell is necessary. Additionally, I must take precautions so that even if part of the gate is blown away by the Imperial Flag, it can be immediately repaired."

"Do you think I would interfere?"

"Possibly. I have no memory of how you acted."

Wilhelm smiled faintly. Seeing this, Erik recalled the past. When Amelia was pregnant with Krista, she claimed to see the future. It was dismissed as mere hallucinations due to pregnancy anxiety, but Wilhelm and Erik were given a book that detailed the future she saw. After reviewing the book, Wilhelm entrusted the measures to Erik. Because in that future, Wilhelm was never present. If he wasn't there, he could do nothing. Even hearing about it would be a waste. And if he ever turned against them, Erik would be at a disadvantage.

Being absent meant just that.

Wilhelm pretended he had seen nothing and entrusted the book to Erik, while never speaking of it again. This was the conclusion they reached.

"Humanity cannot win against demons. There were two major futures in Amelia's book. One was a scenario where the demons on the continent defeated humanity, and the other was a scenario where they couldn't drag Wepar out of the Demon Realm. In one future, my brothers started a great war, causing massive chaos on the continent. It was the perfect opportunity. Still—Wepar didn't emerge from the Demon Realm. Naturally. If he didn't come out, it was their victory."

"Demons are arrogant. However, Wepar, who was once defeated by the hero, is excessively cautious. No matter how weakened humanity becomes, he won't emerge."

"Therefore, there is no victory for humanity. Hence, my conclusion for the survival of humanity is this. Even if we have to ally with demons, it's better to have more survivors for a better future."

"It makes sense. Once we have control, Wepar is unnecessary. If left alone, he might wipe out humanity with a virus. As this Imperial Castle shows, humanity still has value and it's a waste to destroy it."

Their interests aligned. For Erik, who wished for humanity's survival, and Wilhelm, who desired control, he was an ideal partner.

Hence,

"I won't interfere. Open the gate without worry, but don't forget about our agreement."

"Of course. I will deal with Wepar properly."

That was the only hope for humanity's survival. No matter the method, it's better for more to survive.

It doesn't matter how history records it.

If humanity doesn't survive, the history books are meaningless.