The Strongest Dull Prince’s Secret Battle for the Throne

"Are you sure you don't want to go, Duke Bergwein?"

In the Albatross Principality , the current ruler of the land, Donato di Albatross, asked Duke Diethelm von Bergwein, the younger brother of the reigning Emperor of Adrasia, who was staring intently in the direction of the Empire.

He had lost count of how many times he had asked this question.

"It's fine, Your Highness."

"But..."

"There needs to be someone to manage the Principality 's garrison, and if I move, it will provoke the wrath of both sides. Besides, I doubt that the southern border defense force would let me pass easily."

Diethelm's role was to maintain order in the Principality , which had dispatched its main navy against the demons in the Perlan Kingdom. For a Principality that was still recovering from internal strife, sending their navy away was a heavy burden. Therefore, a unit from the Empire was sent to maintain the security of the Principality , and Diethelm was in charge of this unit.

If the Principality ever fell into chaos again, the Empire would face a great threat from the south. In order to avoid this, a highly trusted individual of the Empire was needed for this role and given Diethelm's connections with the Principality , he was the perfect choice.

However,

Diethelm looked down at the words of the sovereign.

A series of unforeseen events had led to the fall of the capital to Wilhelm. According to the information, Rupert had formed a resistance in the north, and Christa had done the same in the south.

His young nephews and nieces. If they had to bear such a heavy burden, he wanted to be there to carry it for them.

However, the situation was not that simple.

"The current southern border defense force is under Wilhelm's control and they must be watching my movements. If I move now, it could cause trouble for the Principality ."

When Wilhelm established a base in the south, an old general named Planert had sent a letter to Diethelm. It stated that many in the southern border defense force welcomed Wilhelm's return and were becoming increasingly uncontrollable. He also mentioned that he would eventually be detained and advised against breaking through the southern border defense force.

Under Planert's sensible command, the southern border defense force wouldn't hinder the return of the Emperor's younger brother, Diethelm. However, if Planert were detained and command changed, anything could happen.

Of course, there were other routes to the Empire but they all carried risks. Whether to take such risks had been the thing that was troubling Diethelm recently.

During this time,

"Duke Bergwein, please take a look at this."

A subordinate came in to bring the papers, and Diethelm trembled at its contents.

"On top of my sister-in-law...Therese too...?"

The paper stated that the Consort Palace had burned down, killing the Empress and Therese inside. Moreover, it claimed the chancellor was the mastermind.

It was unbelievable, but also dire news that just came in.

"I must go back and stop my brother..."

"Duke, if you wish, I can arrange a ship for you."

"I might have to ask for that."

This information was clearly a provocation at his brother, and Emperor Johannes would undoubtedly take the bait. Knowing this, Diethelm was considering how to return to the Empire.

By land or sea?

By land, he would need to break through the southern border defense force's fortifications.

By sea, he would have to head to the Imperial Navy's base at the port of Waltas. In either case, a conflict seemed inevitable.

As Diethelm pondered deeply, his subordinate hesitantly spoke up.

"Also...a dwarf who wants to see you has just arrived..."

"A dwarf?"

"Yes… He is an old dwarf who says he's lost and wants guidance to the Empire. Should I send him away?"

"Where is he?"

Diethelm had always insisted on being informed of any visitors. Thus, his subordinate reported this news, though now the subordinate regretted it, as the old dwarf seemed as someone who is scruffy and unworthy of the duke's attention.

But Diethelm's unexpected reaction widened his eyes.

"H-he's at the castle gate..."

"I'll go at once!"

Diethelm hurriedly ran out. Despite thinking he was in good shape, age had taken its toll in recent years, causing him to quickly run out of breath and with his sides aching. Ignoring his body's protests, he continued running, seizing what he believed to be a golden opportunity.

At the gate,

"Hmm...perhaps it was a bit too presumptuous of me to ask for a guide."

The old dwarf had already turned to leave, but Diethelm called out to him loudly.

"Please wait! Egor-dono!"

The old dwarf, Egor, turned around and laughed at the sight of the breathless, kneeling Diethelm.

"Long time no see, Prince Diethelm."

"I am now...Duke Bergwein...it's an honor for you to be able to remember me..."

They had only met once before. But trusting that connection, Egor had come to him and Diethelm felt deeply grateful for this sudden fortune.

"I was heading for the Empire but ended up here in the Principality. Hence, I need a guide."

"I will accompany you."

"Are you sure?"

"I have business in the Empire as well...but why..."

"First, catch your breath. I won't run away."

After being advised by Egor, Diethelm soon caught his breath. Each breath pained his side, but gradually the pain subsided and he began to breathe more steadily.

Then Diethelm asked again.

"Weren't you with the allied forces?"

"I was blown away by the Demon King’s attack along with Linares and was saved by the passing dragon folk.. So I decided to head to the Empire. Linares had things to do so he didn’t follow me."

"I see...thank you for coming to me. I'm truly grateful."

With Egor, all his current problems would be resolved. Even the southern border defense force wouldn’t be able to stop Egor.

"I'll make the arrangements here. But may I ask one favor?"

"What is it?"

"If we're obstructed, could you assist us?"

"That's fine. I want to enter the Empire quickly myself."

Egor said while quietly looking towards the Empire.

"Do you sense something?"

"Yes, I do. My intuition tells me that now is the time to enter the Empire."

Though the reason was unclear, Egor's intuition was usually right.

Something was about to begin, so they needed to quickly enter the Empire.

"Then let's hurry. Prepare a carriage! We head for the Empire!"

"Also, Prince Diethelm, could you arrange some food for me? I'm quite hungry..."

"Leave it to me."

Arranging food and a guide were small matters since having the SS-rank adventurer "The Lost Sword Saint" by his side is an invaluable asset.