"Would you like it if I revealed that I am the S-Class adventurer Silver?"
"Rejected."
Back in my room, I was discussing the future with Sebastian.
Only Sebastian knows that I am Silver. Indeed, revealing my true identity has its advantages. However, there are also disadvantages.
"My great-grandfather was obsessed with ancient magic and eventually went mad. Since then, ancient magic has been taboo among the royal family. And the magic I use is that ancient magic. It wouldn't be good for Leo, who aims to become the emperor, if it were known that his twin brother is me."
"But Silver has a track record and fame. He is even called the greatest adventurer in the history of the empire. Wouldn't it be a boost for Prince Leonardo?"
"It's too early. I'll use it as a last resort when there's no other way. As long as Leo aims to become the emperor, it's more convenient for me to remain the incompetent prince for a while."
"But..."
"It's easier for me this way."
"......If that's the case, I won't say anything more. But what do you intend to do? If you don't reveal your true identity, there's almost nothing we can do, is there?"
In response to Sebastian's question, I put my hand to my chin.
That's the biggest problem. Leo's faction is weak. If we want to quickly strengthen it, we need to bring in influential people.
"Sebastian, is there any ducal family not involved in the imperial succession dispute?"
"There is only one that is completely uninvolved."
"Which family is it?"
"The Kleinert ducal family."
Quite a prestigious family name has come up.
A ducal family is a relative or blood relative of the royal family. It is given to the emperor's brothers who are judged to be excellent, even if they didn't become emperor. Those who have made significant achievements can also become dukes, but in such cases, a royal family member is given as a companion, so it's fine to consider them as relatives of the royal family.
For such ducal families, the imperial succession dispute is an important event.
If they can sell a favor to the next emperor, the return is significant. Therefore, any ducal family will try to get close to the candidates for the successor. The fact that they don't do this at all means there is a bigger problem.
"Doing nothing at this time means they have some kind of trouble, right?"
"You are perceptive. It seems that there are dangerous monsters in their territory, and they rely on adventurers, but they can't find a solution."
The adventurer guild has branches all over the continent.
The empire also has branches in various places, but the strength of each branch varies.
The branches outside the capital are not very strong. The capital's branch is only slightly better because I raise the average. The reason is that the empire is not a place where many monsters appear. No monsters mean no demand. Powerful adventurers move to places with more monsters.
Therefore, the empire tends to take a long time to resolve monster issues. Bringing in adventurers from other places is expensive.
"Should I go and solve it?"
"That's a good idea, but how will you connect Silver and Prince Leonardo?"
"Just say I was asked by Leo. I'll explain it to Leo later. It's not a problem."
"Moving an S-Class adventurer who doesn't move from the capital will increase the vigilance towards Prince Leonardo. If that happens, the relationship between Prince Arnold and Silver might be exposed."
"Let them be vigilant. If they think I'm related to Silver, they won't act rashly. Silver's true identity is not a problem. I just need to be careful."
"If you are confident, I won't stop you. But remember, there's a world of difference between revealing it publicly and being exposed."
"I understand. Then, let's go to the Kleinert ducal family."
With that, I changed my clothes to Silver's outfit and prepared to teleport, entrusting the rest to Sebastian.
The ancient magic from the ancient civilization, which is now almost extinct, is called ancient magic. Compared to modern magic, it is difficult to handle and depends more on innate talent. However, its effects are tremendous.
My teleportation magic can cover almost the entire empire. In other words, the empire is like a garden to me. I can go and return whenever I want. The downside is that it consumes an enormous amount of magic power, but there's no choice.
As I prepared for such a great magic, Sebastian gave me a serious warning.
"By the way, the Kleinert ducal family's daughter is the famous Azure Swan. She is a beauty of unparalleled beauty. Be careful not to be charmed by her beauty and forget your purpose."
"Sebastian, have you always felt the need to nag?"
"That's my job."
"Hmm... I'll leave the rest to you."
"As you wish."
I quickly completed the teleportation magic and flew to the Kleinert ducal territory, which would normally take at least five days from the capital.
■■■
The Kleinert ducal family owns vast territories in the west of the empire. I flew to the capital of the territory, "Ducal Capital," and immediately visited the ducal mansion.
However,
"I am the S-Class adventurer Silver. I want to meet the duke."
"Are you that Silver? Stop joking. If such a big catch were to visit, the adventurer guild would notify us days in advance. Go away, you troublemaker."
I was dismissed by a young, blonde gatekeeper.
For a moment, I thought about roasting him, but doing so would defeat the purpose of coming all this way.
Suppressing my irritation, I took out my adventurer card, which serves as an adventurer's identification.
It contains the adventurer's name, rank, and other details. It is impossible to forge due to the guild's secret techniques.
Seeing this,
"You don't need to show me the card. Go away quickly! I'm busy!"
"What!?"
The gatekeeper dismissed me without even looking at it.
His attitude made my cheek twitch, but I also saw an opportunity.
Originally, I intended to help and sell a favor, but this situation allows for a more impactful way to do so.
"I came here at the request of Prince Leonardo... That prince is too kind. Tell the duke that I and the prince have lost face."
"There's no way I'm telling him! Get lost!"
The gatekeeper remained arrogant throughout. The Kleinert ducal family is indeed prestigious. Its history far surpasses that of most nobles.
For such a prestigious family, it's surprising that such a person is guarding the gate. It might be due to a shortage of personnel because of the monsters.
Well, it's mostly his fault, but a vassal's failure is the duke's failure. It's unfortunate for the duke, but I'll make him panic.
Smiling schematically behind my mask, I saw a glimpse of a girl from a window on the second floor of the mansion.
The girl with golden hair and blue eyes was incredibly beautiful even from a distance. I recognized her.
Two years ago, the emperor ordered the country's craftsmen to make bird-shaped hair ornaments. Among them, a beautifully crafted azure gull hair ornament caught the emperor's eye.
He was so pleased with it that he gathered the most beautiful women in the country to the capital, saying it was suitable for the most beautiful woman in the country. At the age of fourteen, Fione von Kleinert, the daughter of the Kleinert ducal family, was chosen as the most beautiful woman.
Gifted the azure gull hair ornament, she became known as the Azure Swan and is the object of admiration for men across the country.
Two years have passed, and she has become even more beautiful.
But,
"Indeed, she is beautiful, but as Sebastian said, I can't afford to be captivated by her."
Recalling Sebastian's nagging, I left the place with a lingering sense of regret and used the teleportation magic again to return to the capital.
"Back so soon?"
"I did what I had to do! I'm going to the Kleinert ducal territory. Get ready."
"Didn't you just come back?"
"Silver is done. The one going now is Prince Arnold. Heh, this will make the duke beg Leo. It's as good as bringing him into our fold."
"You're wearing a wicked smile."
Ignoring Sebastian's words, I started preparing for the journey.
Seeing me humming while preparing, Sebastian sighed in exasperation but started preparing as well.
We then rode our horses and, after a five-day journey, entered the Kleinert ducal territory again.
■■■
Entering the capital of the Kleinert ducal territory and heading to the mansion, I was personally greeted by Duke Kleinert. It was natural, as I had informed him that I would come for this purpose. However, the duke personally greeted me to show respect to the royal family. It wouldn't be the same for other dukes.
The duke is not involved in the imperial succession dispute, and my reputation is rather poor. A playboy prince. A prince who has been overshadowed by his younger brother. The fact that he is still greeted politely as a prince shows how much Duke Kleinert values etiquette.
"Your Highness, it has been a long time."
"It has been a while. Duke Kleinert, how long has it been?"
"Since your Highness's tenth birthday."
A middle-aged man with neatly groomed golden hair and a mustache of the same color.
Elmar von Kleinert, Duke of Kleinert.
He has ruled the territory for decades after inheriting the ducal title at a young age. Known for his gentle nature, he is well-liked by both the common people and the nobles. He is one of the dukes trusted by the current emperor.
"It's been that long. I rarely leave the capital, so I tend to become distant from the dukes in the territories. Please forgive me."
"Not at all. It's my fault for being so busy with the territory that I can't show my face in the capital."
While exchanging formalities, the duke and I entered the mansion.
Attendants followed us, but once we entered the guest room, only the duke, me, and Sebastian remained.
"Well, Duke, we don't have much time. Let's get to the point."
"Yes, Your Highness. What brings you to my territory this time?"
"What brings me here? Of course, it's about a favor."
"A favor?"
"Leo didn't ask for this, but during the imperial succession dispute, we can't afford to be so polite. That's why I'm here to urge you. Duke Kleinert, if you feel indebted, I want you to help Leo."
"Wait, indebted? What do you mean?"
"......Duke, are you trying to dodge the issue by pretending you don't know?"
Duke Kleinert looked confused, not understanding the situation.
It's impossible for him to understand, as he doesn't know that we sent Silver, while we know he came.
"You are a duke trusted by the emperor and many others. Leo acted out of goodwill, knowing this, and this is the thanks he gets?"
"Prince Arnold, I truly don't understand. I apologize, but my family and I have never done anything for Prince Leonardo."
"What!?"
I stepped forward, unable to contain my frustration.
Sebastian, who had been waiting for this moment, promptly stopped me.
"Your Highness, it seems the duke genuinely doesn't know anything."
"How can he not know! Leo even moved an S-Class adventurer! And during the imperial succession dispute, when he was in the most trouble, Silver moved because of him!"
"Silver, the Silver?"
"Yes, that's right! Leo heard that you were troubled by monsters in your territory and wrote a personal letter asking Silver to go to you. Silver immediately responded that he would take care of it. Silver is a user of ancient magic and can use the lost teleportation magic. He should have come!"
"Is that true!?"
"Are you saying I'm lying!?"
Continuing the act of anger, I signaled to Sebastian.
Sebastian, understanding, came to my aid.
"Your Highness, don't be too angry. It's clear the duke isn't lying. Something must have happened. Perhaps giving the duke time to investigate would be better?"
"Investigate? What if he finds nothing?"
"In that case, you can ask Silver directly. If it's a summons from Prince Leonardo, Silver will appear."
"Hmph! I'll give you time because Sebastian says so. But if you try to hide anything, I'll know. I'll go to Silver directly. If there's a problem, no adventurer will ever set foot in your territory again."
"......Understood. I will gather my people and investigate immediately. Please wait a moment."
Duke Kleinert hurried out of the room, looking flustered.
My words alone wouldn't have shaken him, as I'm not directly involved in the imperial succession dispute. The problem is that Silver is involved.
There are only five S-Class adventurers in the continent, and they are the top talent in monster hunting. They can't be hired just by paying money, and it's not an exaggeration to call them the top of the adventurer world. If Silver's reputation is tarnished, no adventurer will want to go there. If a place treats Silver this way, other adventurers won't go there either.
"Seems to have worked."
"You are quite the schemer. It's almost a self-produced farce, isn't it?"
"Self-produced farce is harsh. The people of this house turned Silver away. I just widened the wound. I didn't create the wound."
"If he was turned away, you could have sneaked in. You deliberately backed off, seeing an opportunity. And you acted arrogantly to highlight Prince Leonardo's kindness. I must commend your strategy."
"That's my role. Leo is too kind. Too pure water can't support many fish. We need someone to muddy the waters."
"If you've decided that's your role, I won't stop you, but you'll be the one to suffer."
"That's fine. What we need now is Leo's reputation. I don't care if mine takes a hit."
"I care. Your mother and Prince Leonardo do too."
"Three people caring is enough."
As we were talking, we heard the duke's loud angry voice.
"You foolish son!! Do you want to destroy our family!?"