The Strongest Dull Prince's Secret Battle for the Throne-Chapter 621: A Wish

Chapter 621: A Wish

Imperial Capital, Imperial Sword Castle.

"Marshal Arnold, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces, has informed us that he will be seizing the royal capital," announced Chancellor Franz.

Emperor Johannes quietly nodded at his words. Everything was going as planned up to this point. What was uncertain lay ahead.

"Well, let's see what comes next..."

"The crown prince's actions do not seem sane. The organization called Grimoire must be involved without a doubt," suggested Chancellor Franz.

"That seems likely. During the Duke of Kruger's rebellion, people turned into monsters, and the kingdom has been advancing that development. In retrospect, the Duke of Kruger was probably being used as well. However, the truly terrifying entity isn't just Grimoire."

"You mean the demon behind it all."

"Correct. The Adventurers' Guild is prepared to dispatch their elite at any moment, but if a demon appears, we must also act."

The worst-case scenario they anticipated involved a significant number of demons appearing. Even if the Adventurers' Guild gathered their strongest forces, the SS-class adventurers, they still might be short-handed. In other words, it could be a recurrence of the situation from five hundred years ago. This is why there's a rule that each nation sends its strongest force.

The Imperial equivalent of this would of course be the Brave Lords, but the Emperor and his Imperial Guard also meet the criteria.

"Are you really going to lead the charge yourself, Your Majesty?"

"There's the option of having the Brave lead the Imperial Guard... but the Imperial Sword can only be wielded by a select few among the royal family."

The Imperial Sword, a treasured artifact sleeping within the Imperial Sword Castle, is the strongest weapon of the royal family. It's a sword made in imitation of the holy sword, so powerful that successive emperors have sealed it away. Not just any royal family member can use it, including even every emperor. Just like the holy sword, it's a tool that can only be wielded by chosen members of the royal family.

Anyone who takes on the emperor's role has to test whether they can unseal the Imperial Sword. Even if they can't, it doesn't mean they're unfit to be the emperor. Being able to use the Imperial Sword and being the emperor are two different things. Of course, when Johannes ascended to the throne, he challenged the seal and successfully broke it. However, he never imagined then that there might come a time when he'd have to use it.

"Can I trust you to hold the fort? The Empire will be spread thin... but this isn't a foe we can hold back against."

"I understand. The best outcome would be the royal capital falling without any issues..."

"I don't wish for that. If the demons are truly targeting the continent, I want to settle the matter here. I don't want to burden future generations with this negative legacy any longer. Besides...we can now gather considerable forces."

"Indeed, with the five SS-class adventurers and the two from the Brave family who can summon the Holy Sword, it's an opportune time for mankind to fight... but would the demons, who have hidden until now, choose to engage in decisive battle under these circumstances?"

Demons, who live for an extended period, can choose the time of their battles. Even now, as they're being cornered, if they hide, humans will eventually let their guard down. They could aim for that moment. However...

"The demons have started showing themselves little by little because they're getting impatient. They've started moving because they couldn't wait any longer. Of course, they believe they can win. So, they should accept a decisive battle. But it's different from five hundred years ago. We have been preparing for five hundred years. We will shatter their ambitions here."

Johannes declared with conviction. If the threat of the demons disappeared, humanity would be freed from various things. The same was true for the empire. Until now, all they could do was prepare. But now was the time to demonstrate the culmination of that preparation. No emperor in the past five hundred years had been blessed with such an opportunity.

For better or worse, Johannes had been given the chance.

"Franz... I'll only tell you this. This is in case, by some chance, I fall in battle."

"Don't say such ill-omened things."

"I'm serious. Currently, the struggle for the imperial throne is a duel between Leonard and Eric. Both have a significant number of supporters, and to decide on the crown prince, we need their consent. We don't have enough of that right now. However, if a battle against the demons occurs... we can declare that the one who participates in the battle against the demons is worthy of being the emperor. You understand what I'm saying?"

"Of course, Your Majesty. But I doubt that would be enough to convince them."

"As long as it gives us something to negotiate with. In terms of achievements, once the war with the kingdom is over, Leonard will have surpassed Eric. It wouldn't be unnatural for me to choose Leonard as the crown prince, even if I'm gone."

Saying that, Johannes cracked a faint smile.

Though an emperor wields absolute power, choosing the next emperor is not an absolute process.

Because the struggle for the throne is a tradition.

The current emperor designates the winner of the succession struggle as the Crown Prince. This has been the flow of things, the common sense, until now.

Because this common sense exists, the emperor cannot arbitrarily decide the Crown Prince with an abuse of power.

Not that it can't be done, but it would invite backlash.

Because the struggle for the throne is a power struggle.

To nominate a Crown Prince, you need the consensus of those around you.

"Erik will likely not approve... but Leonardo should manage somehow. He's come through until now. He'll surely continue to do so."

Saying so, Johannes handed over to Franz a will that had already been written.

It would be opened if anything happened to the emperor.

To Franz, Johannes was not only a lord he had served for many years, but also a close friend with whom he had managed the empire.

He didn't want to consider any mishaps.

But they each have their own positions.

"...Understood."

"I apologize for always leaving you with the troublesome matters."

"Those troublesome matters... are my raison d'être."

"Then, if anything happens to me, please take care of Leonardo's troubles as well. It might take some time to find a new chancellor."

"...I never thought the day would come for such a conversation."

"Neither did I. But... we are blessed. We have a next generation to whom we can entrust everything. That's also the power of humanity. Our thoughts will be passed on. However... I no longer want the threat of the devil to be passed on. I swear on the name of Emperor Johannes... I will certainly strike it down."

If only.

If only no more children would lose their lives.

Johannes stated this with a prayer in his heart.

Visit freewebnoveℓ.com for the best novel reading exp𝒆rience.