Fiene held a tray with sweets. She must have come to offer them, and when she didn't get a response, she entered.
I thought no one would come to my room since I had already told them I didn't need any meals. I didn't expect such a miscalculation.
"Oh, Prince Arno...? You just teleported, and that outfit... it's... Sir Silver's, isn't it...?"
"..."
Can I bluff my way out by saying I like to dress like this? No, that's impossible.
Should I kill her? That's also impossible. Fiene is the Emperor's favorite. If anything happens, the Emperor will definitely investigate personally. If I'm suspected, Leo's claim to the throne will be over.
I can't bluff, and I can't silence her.
I'm in a bind.
"...Why did you enter the room?"
"Well, I... I baked some sweets and thought you might want to try them... and when I didn't get a response, I assumed something was wrong..."
"Hmm..."
Seeing Fiene shrink apologetically, I felt my anger dissipate.
I no longer had the heart to take drastic measures.
But I couldn't just let this go.
"You've learned my secret. Now that you know, I can't just let you go."
"I won't tell anyone! I won't say that Sir Silver is a prince!"
"You're saying that quite loudly, though."
"Oh..."
"Relax. I've put up a soundproof barrier. Nothing will leak out."
"Oh, right... Thank you..."
Fiene blushed, looking embarrassed.
She doesn't seem to realize the danger she's in. If nothing can be heard outside, Fiene can't call for help no matter what happens...
"Do you not think I might do something to you?"
"What do you mean?"
"I might attack you to keep you quiet."
"You? That's impossible. If it were necessary, you would do it, but I would accept it."
"...I don't think you trust me that much."
"If you're Sir Silver, you must have already defeated many monsters. You're a hero who has saved our duchy. And as a prince, you've gone through all this trouble for your brother. That's why I can trust you. You must be a kind person, someone who acts for others."
Fiene smiled warmly.
She must be a good person to trust so much.
Now that she knows I'm Sir Silver, she should realize that everything I've done was to undermine the duchy and make them feel indebted to me. Yet, she still trusts me.
I can't betray that trust.
"Only Sebastian knows my secret. And Sebastian will never speak. If the secret leaks, I will never forgive you. So don't tell anyone."
"Yes! I understand!"
Hearing Fiene's enthusiastic response, I sighed.
I considered using an illusion to make her think she was dreaming, but that would eventually unravel.
And that unraveling would become a fatal flaw later. It's better to trust Fiene.
From our conversation, I have a good idea of Fiene's character. If the secret does leak, it will likely be through Fiene and those close to her, and I can deal with it then.
"To think my carefully guarded secret would be exposed like this..."
"Cheer up. Please have some sweets. Oh, I'll make some tea."
Watching Fiene cheerfully arrange the sweets on the table and prepare to make tea, I inwardly thought, "It's your fault, you know..."
■■■
"That concludes the report on this mission."
Abel, who had returned to the capital, knelt before the Duke and gave his report.
After listening to everything, the Duke nodded several times and praised Abel.
"I truly appreciate your hard work. I feel very sorry that this was such a difficult mission. This is a token of my appreciation, separate from the mission's reward. Please take it."
Saying this, the Duke placed several small bags in front of Abel.
Each contained a fair amount of money.
However, Abel shook his head and refused.
"The mission's reward is enough. As I mentioned earlier, it was Sir Silver who resolved the mission, not us. We have our pride as adventurers. Please understand."
"Very well... I understand. If there's another mission, I will certainly ask you. I look forward to it."
"Yes. When that time comes, we will definitely complete the mission with our own hands."
With that, Abel left.
Only the Duke and I remained.
"Is this a turning point?"
"Yes. I can't thank the Prince enough. Thank you."
"Direct your gratitude to Leo. I came here, and Sir Silver acted, all for Leo."
"Yes... Prince. The Kleinert Duchy will fully support Prince Leonard and stand behind him. We will repay your kindness."
Finally hearing those words, I let out a deep sigh of relief and extended my right hand to the Duke.
The Duke took my hand.
"Thank you."
"We will certainly make Prince Leonard the Emperor."
"Yes."
With this, Leo has established himself as the fourth force in the imperial succession, following his three older siblings.
With the prestigious Kleinert Duchy on our side, those who have been sitting on the fence will likely start to support Leo.
Our father will also recognize Leo as a legitimate contender for the throne, and we will finally be at the starting line.
While we still can't relax, I felt a sense of accomplishment.
However, the Duke, looking somewhat anxious, spoke up.
"Prince... Do you have enough people?"
"People? I wish I did, but I don't. There are still nobles who are sitting on the fence, and I need more trustworthy people to negotiate with them."
"I see. That's reassuring."
"Can you lend me some?"
"Yes, I want to send my daughter."
"What...?"
I couldn't help but ask for clarification.
The Duke responded with a wry smile.
"I understand your surprise. I was also surprised when Fiene told me yesterday. She wants to thank the princes for saving our territory... For her to say such a thing, which is so unlike her, is quite moving."
"No, wait... That's a problem..."
"I understand, Prince. She is well-known in the capital and has the Emperor's favor. She will certainly be useful."
"I agree, but... is it okay? Duke?"
The benefits are numerous. Fiene is that useful.
However, her sudden desire to go to the capital is likely because she learned my true identity yesterday. Honestly, I would feel more at ease if she stayed in the territory.
In the capital, she will interact with many people, and it's hard to predict where information might leak.
So I tried to appeal to the Duke's parental concern.
"It's her wish. Please use her."
"..."
I thought he would try to keep her, but he was encouraging her. What kind of parent is he?
I had no more reason to refuse.
In the end, I had to allow Fiene to accompany me.
And then.
"Then I will go. Father, Brother."
"Yes, make sure you are useful."
"Take care of yourself."
Fiene got into the carriage, waving from the window for a while. When she could no longer see her father and brother, she turned to me with a determined look.
"Prince Arno. I may be unskilled, but please treat me well from now on."
"Hmm..."
"Are you angry...?"
"I'm just exasperated. What we will be doing is a struggle for the throne, a battle that has spilled blood many times. If you want to back out, now is the time."
"I understand. But I want to be useful. And if I'm by your side, it will be easier to monitor you and put your mind at ease, won't it?"
"No, I would feel more at ease if you stayed in the territory."
"Whaaat!?"
Seeing Fiene's surprised reaction, I sighed again.
Is it really okay to have this girl know my secret...?