After entering the capital of Kleinert territory and reaching the manor, I was immediately welcomed by Duke Kleinert himself—just as expected, as I had sent a horse ahead to let him know of my arrival. That said, Duke Kleinert mainly came out to welcome me out of respect for the imperial family. Other dukes wouldn't have bothered. Not only was I not taking part in the conflict for the throne, but my reputation was also exceedingly poor. I was the prodigal son, the "Insipid Prince," always in my brother's shadow. The fact that he was willing to come greet me merely by virtue of me being an imperial prince was likely due to a high regard for proper etiquette and courtesy.
"Your Highness. It's an honor."
"Good to see you again, Duke Kleinert. How long has it been now?"
"The last time I saw you, you had just celebrated your 10th birthday."
Duke Elmer Von Kleinert was a middle-aged man with combed blond hair and a neat mustache of the same color. After assuming the title of duke at a young age, he had spent many decades as lord of the Kleinert territory. His warm personality endeared him to not only the common people but the nobility as well. He was also one of the current emperor's most trusted dukes.
"Wow, that long, huh? Since I hardly ever leave the capital, I tend to lose contact with all the regional dukes. Forgive me for being a stranger."
"Not at all. It's my own fault for never visiting the capital, as I spend all my time occupied with things in the territory here."
We exchanged pleasantries as we entered the manor. We were accompanied by attendants until we reached the parlor room, where it was only the duke, Sebas, and myself.
"Now then, Duke Kleinert. I don't have much time, so let me explain why I'm here."
"Of course, Your Highness. What brings you to my humble territory?"
"Cut the crap. We both know I'm here for compensation."
"Compensation?"
"My brother Leonard didn't necessarily want me to do this, but since we're in the middle of a battle for the throne, I can't afford to let things slide. So, I'm here on his behalf. Duke Kleinert, if you have any sense of obligation, I want you to support Leo for emperor."
"W-wait just a moment. What obligation?"
"...So you're going to play it that way, huh?"
Duke Kleinert wore a look of confusion and appeared oblivious as to what was going on. Of course he would be—he had no idea that Leo and I had ostensibly sent Silver or that Silver had been here. I knew that. But clearing up his confusion right away would lessen the seriousness of the problem.
"You are a duke with the trust of His Royal Highness the emperor, as well as many others. Just what are you playing at, repaying Leo's goodwill with insult?"
"Your Highness, I sincerely do not understand. I apologize, but I am quite unaware of what Prince Leonard has done for me and my household."
"Seriously?"
I took a step forward, feigning an air of impatience. Sebas, who had been waiting for that moment, promptly intervened.
"Your Highness. It appears that Duke Kleinert is genuine in his confusion."
"And that's supposed to make everything okay?! Leo was thoughtful enough to employ an SS-class adventurer for him! And right when he's stressed out with the fight for the throne, no less! That's the whole reason Silver agreed to help him out!"
"S-Silver? You mean, the famed adventurer?"
"Yes! Leo heard that your territory was having a hard time with monsters, so he personally wrote to Silver requesting that he go to work for you, and Silver agreed. Silver is a practitioner of ancient magic. They say he can even use the lost art of transfer magic. He's obviously been here by now!"
"I-is this true?!"
"Are you calling me a liar?!"
While continuing my performance of outrage, I winked at Sebas, who caught my signal and once more stepped in.
"Your Highness, you mustn't be too angry. It's clear that the duke is not lying. There must have been some miscommunication. Shouldn't you consider giving him some time to investigate the matter?"
"Time to investigate? And what if he comes back none the wiser?"
"If that happens, we can inquire of Silver directly. I'm sure he would oblige a summons from Prince Leonard."
"Hmph! Since Sebas is so insistent, I guess I'll hold off for now. But if I find out you're trying to hide something, you know what's going to happen, don't you? I'll speak to Silver directly, and if there was any problem on your side, you'll never see adventurers in your territory again."
"I-I understand. I will immediately summon my staff and gather more information. Excuse me for a moment."
Duke Kleinert hurried from the room, looking flustered. With me not even in the running for the throne, my words alone wouldn't have had much effect; Silver being in the picture changed the game.
There were only five SS-class adventurers on the entire continent. They were the pinnacle of resources when it came to eradicating monsters. It wasn't a simple matter of offering enough money to get them to work for you, either. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them the adventurer elite. A person who disgraced one of them would be ostracized by all adventurers. No one would set foot in a place that dared treat Silver in such a manner.
"That went well."
"This is quite the malicious strategy. You're basically stirring up and starring in your own cheap drama."
"Now that's rude. This household turned Silver away of their own accord. All I did was rub salt in the wound, not cut it myself."
"After being refused, you could have simply snuck in. Instead, you deliberately turned it into an opportunity for greater gain, did you not? You even managed to use your own arrogance to emphasize Prince Leonard's kindhearted nature in contrast. I must applaud your strategic thinking."
"That's my job. Leo is too nice. Not many fish can live in an environment that's too clean. Someone has to dirty the water."
"If you've decided that's your role, I won't dissuade you. But you do realize the one who will suffer is yourself?"
"Never mind that. What's important right now is Leo's reputation. I don't care what anyone thinks of me."
"But I do care, as do your mother and Prince Leonard."
"The three of you caring is enough for me."
As Sebas and I were speaking, I heard Duke Kleinert's booming voice.
"How did I raise such a stupid son?! Are you trying to destroy this entire household?!"
It sounded like the duke had gathered all the information. Now, what would come next?
2
"I am truly, truly sorry!"