After returning to the capital, I immediately headed to Leo's place.
Even if Leo knows that I am active, he doesn't know that I am connected to Silver. Therefore, I need to resolve these doubts.
"Who would have thought that you and Silver were connected... I knew you had a wide network, but you were even in touch with such a big shot."
"It wasn't me who initiated the connection. He approached me. As proof of trust, he offered to help bring Duke Kleinert over to our side. So, we created the impression that you asked Silver for help. I apologize for the lack of prior approval."
In Leo's room, after reporting on the events in the duchy, I explained about Silver.
To avoid making it difficult for me to move, I had to maintain the appearance that Silver was leading the initiative. I am merely being used by Silver. If this information leaks, many will likely judge it that way.
Eventually, my connection to Silver will be revealed. I need to be prepared for that.
"Alright. You must have had your reasons, right?"
"Yeah, I didn't tell you because I didn't fully trust Silver. But he acted as he promised. For now, I think we can trust him. However, he's still a mysterious man. He hasn't revealed his reasons for helping us, and it's probably best not to place full trust in him yet."
"I see... I'd like to meet him too."
"I'll let him know, but from the way he approached me, it seems he doesn't intend to meet you directly for now. I know how to contact him, but whether he responds is up to him. He's like a free-moving joker. Don't rely on him too much."
"Understood. But thanks to him, Duke Kleinert's territory was saved, and the Duke is now willing to cooperate. He must be a good person, right?"
"Again, you're only seeing the good side..."
I sighed, exasperated.
Lately, I've been sighing a lot. The reason is obvious. Another person similar to Leo has joined my side.
"By the way, I heard someone from the Kleinert family was sent. Who came? Surely not the Duke himself..."
"Yeah, that's right. Sebastian, could you call him in?"
"Hai."
When I called Sebastian, who was standing in the corner of the room, Fine, who had been waiting in the nearby room, came in.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Prince Leonardo. I am Fine von Kleinert, the eldest daughter of Duke Kleinert. Please remember me."
Fine elegantly curtsied.
In response, Leo, without showing any surprise, returned the greeting with perfect etiquette.
"I am the Eighth Prince, Leonardo Reiks Ardler. I didn't expect to have the opportunity to speak directly with the Lady Fine. You are even more beautiful than I imagined. It's an honor to meet you."
"Oh, you're so smooth. I'm honored to meet the younger brother of Prince Arno. As Prince Arno said, you seem very kind, which puts me at ease."
"My brother talked about me? That's interesting. Could you tell me more about it?"
"Of course, I'd be happy to. Oh, I'll make some tea."
"Thank you."
In less than a minute, they were already getting along. I'm impressed, even though he's my brother. Fine's ability to slip into people's hearts so easily is almost a talent.
They had few common topics, so naturally, they talked about me. I just looked uncomfortable. Sensing this, Leo turned the conversation to me.
"By the way, what do you plan to have Fine do for us?"
"Basically, she will act as a negotiator. For a while, she will frequently visit us from the capital mansion. Just that will show that Duke Kleinert is on our side. For now, that's all. Oh, I've already told her about my connection to Silver. You don't need to worry about that. She knows I tricked her, but she's willing to cooperate."
"Again, you're talking in a way that makes you seem bad... It's true that our family wronged Silver, and Prince Arno mediated. That's fine, isn't it?"
"You two get along well. I think so too. One of your flaws is that you belittle yourself too much."
"Haa..."
I feel like I have two Leos.
Having more good people on our side is good for gathering allies, but my troubles will increase.
"This is my way. Don't worry about it. More importantly, Leo, have you gathered any allies in the capital?"
"Hmm, it's a bit tricky. The influential people in the capital are already aligned with one of the three."
I asked about Leo's progress to change the topic, but as expected, it's not going well.
Even if it becomes known that Duke Kleinert is supporting Leo, only the neutral factions will move. Those already aligned with the three rivals won't budge. Given the current situation, that's the best we can hope for.
"Um... I'm not very familiar with the capital's affairs... Could you tell me about the three rivals?"
"Didn't you ask?"
"On the way, I was asked a lot of unrelated questions and got tired... I didn't have the energy to talk."
"I'm sorry..."
"No, it's typical of you to make things difficult for me. You basically go with the flow on everything."
"Really!?"
"It means you're too much trouble to handle."
"Ow..."
Seeing Fine's dejected look, I sighed and placed three gems on the table to explain.
"These represent the three rivals. The first is a blue gem. The Second Prince, Eric Reiks Ardler, 28 years old. He is known for his intelligence and control over many ministers. The second is a red gem. The Third Prince, Gordon Reiks Ardler, 26 years old. He is the most powerful faction in the military and also participates in battles. The third is a green gem. The Second Princess, Sandra Reiks Ardler, 22 years old. She is skilled in magic and has the support of magicians across the empire. These three are expanding their influence and vying for the throne. There are other royals who have their eyes on the throne, but compared to these three, they are negligible."
"Civil servants, military officers, and magicians. They have solid support bases. The current throne contention is a result of nobles seeking their interests and aligning with these factions. It started three years ago, after the Crown Prince, my eldest brother, died in battle."
"I've heard that... My father said that if the wise First Prince were still alive, there would be no throne contention."
"Exactly. If he were alive, we wouldn't be in this mess."
However, on the other hand, his death gave all the royals a chance.
This feels off. My eldest brother, who was wise, brave, and had a good character, similar to an upgraded version of Leo, dying in battle?
An investigation was conducted, ordered by the Emperor himself. It was proven that it wasn't a conspiracy, but I can't shake the feeling that there's a deeper plot.
Still, dwelling on the past is pointless.
"He's gone, and the three siblings are ruthless. Leo, the only way for us is for you to become Emperor in his place."
"I understand. But can I do it...?"
"Don't worry. I'll vouch for you."
Saying this, I patted Leo's back.
Seeing him choke, Fine and I laughed.
ā ā ā
It had been three days since Fine arrived in the capital.
After greeting the Emperor, Fine visited us without fail, and her presence was noticed by many, spreading rumors throughout the capital.
Duke Kleinert sent his daughter, Lady Fine, to support Prince Leonardo, they said.
Rumors spread with embellishments. The capital's residents, who love gossip, might even turn it into a love story between Leo and Fine, but that's not bad. The important thing is that the news of Duke Kleinert supporting Leo spreads.
Just as this was happening,
"Could you show me around the capital?"
Fine asked me.
I understand why she asked me. I know the capital much better than Leo.
However, there's a problem.
"You'll stand out too much if you walk around the capital..."
"I'll disguise myself!"
Fine confidently took out a pair of glasses and put them on.
She seems to think this is a disguise, but it's not at all. While fewer people might recognize her as Fine, she still looks beautiful.
The glasses made her look more intellectual, which some might prefer. Her confidence in this disguise is questionable.
"Rejected."
"Why not!?"
I sighed, exasperated by Fine's persistence. It seems she doesn't realize how much attention she draws as a beautiful woman.
When she received the blue heron hair ornament, it was like being told she's the most beautiful woman in the country.
"I don't want to stand out. If you can make yourself less noticeable, I might consider it."
I dismissed her request, thinking it was impossible. It's not a good time for me to be seen out with her. We've just started to get Fine and Leo talking, and I don't want to interfere.
As I spent the morning, Fine entered the room confidently at noon.
"Show me around the capital!"
"I don't want to because you'll stand out."
"I'll disguise myself!"
Fine confidently took out a gray hooded cloak.
It's clearly a traveler's outfit. She put it on, completely covering her face. No one would recognize her at first glance.
"Whose idea was this?"
"Sebastian told me!"
"Sebastian... We need to consider security, so let's do this another time."
"Sebastian said we don't need a guard if Prince Arno is there!"
"..."
Is that butler only thinking about hindering me?
I wanted to gather neutral nobles who might be swayed today... But seeing her sparkling eyes, I sighed and gave in.
"Fine. Let's go out and grab some food."
"Okay!"
"It won't be for long, though. You have many requests for meetings, right?"
"No, I haven't received any such requests yet."
"...Because you're the Emperor's favorite. No one will try to approach you so easily."
The Emperor isn't considering Fine as a potential empress. He just likes her as if she were his daughter. But that makes things more complicated. If someone approaches her, the Emperor might get angry, thinking someone is trying to get close to his daughter.
Also, her connection to Leo is another reason other nobles are hesitant. Approaching Fine means inevitably getting close to Leo. Not many nobles are ready to make that judgment yet.
"Alright. Let's go. But if I say it's time to go back, you have to listen, okay?"
"Yes! Thank you!"
Fine answered with a beaming smile.
ā ā ā
The capital is always bustling.
Fine was enjoying the sights.
"Prince Arno, what is that over there?"
"That's an appraisal shop. Having a certificate from there can increase the value of items. Just call me Al."