Chapter 4: Sharer of Secret


    TLN: Whats this? Another spooky extra chappapano!?


    There is a tray of sweets in Finnes Hand. She was probably going to bring me some refreshments and entered the room when I didnt answer her call.


    I told them that I dont need any food so I thought that no one woulde into my room. To think that there is such a miscalction.


    P, Prince Arnold..? The person that transferred in just now was, and that appearance..Isnt that Silver-samas..?


    Can I trick her if I say that it is my hobby to dress up like this? No, thats probably impossible.


    Then should I kill her? Thats impossible too. Finne is a favorite of the emperor. If something were to happen to her then the emperor will personally investigate it and the prime suspect would definitely be me. If I became such a suspect then Leos part in the session war will be over.


    I cant trick her and I cant seal her lips either.


    I dont see the way out of this situation.


    ..Why did you enter my room?


    Ah, umm..I baked some sweet so I thought that I should bring some to Your Highness..and since Your Highness didnt answer the door, I thought that something happened so.


    Haa..


    Seeing Finnes sorry expression while her body getting smaller and smaller made my hostility dissipated as well.


    My willingness to take hard measures against her also disappeared.


    However, I cant leave her like this.


    You know my secret. As long as that is the case, I cant afford to let you go without doing anything.


    I, I will not tell anyone! That the true identity of Silver is a prince.


    You are saying it in such a loud voice though.


    Ah.


    Calm down. I already erected a soundproof barrier. No matter what you say, it will never leak outside.


    Is, Is that so.Thank you very much


    Finnes cheeks blushed embarrassingly.


    It seems like she doesnt realize how bad the situation she is in. If the outside cant hear anything from this room, that means no matter what I do to Finne right now she cant call for help


    Dont you think that I will do something to you?


    Like what?


    I might kill you to keep your mouth shut for example.


    Your Highness is? That is not possible. But if that is the thing that Your Highness must do then I will ept it.


    I dont remember being trusted that much though?


    If you are Silver then you must have already defeated the monsters right? Then you are the hero who saved our Duchy. And the fact that you came here as a prince and performed various borate performances is also for your little brothers sake, right? That is why I trust you. A person who can move for someone elses sake like you must be a kind person.


    Saying so, Finne shows a smile filled with kindness.


    She is really a good person since she is willing to believe that much in others.


    As she knows that I am Silver, she must also know that every step I took was to cause the downfall of the Duke and to have him support us using the debt of gratitude. Even so, Finne still believes in me.


    That trust can not be betrayed.


    The only one who knows my secret is Sebas. And Sebas will never betray me. If the secret leaks out, I will never forgive you. So never tell anyone about this.


    Yes! I understand.


    Hearing her cheerful reply, I sigh.


    I thought about using illusion magic to make her think that everything is a dream but surely it will eventually get exposed.


    And after it was exposed, it will be a fatal opening against us. Then it is better to have Finne believe in me like this.


    From our exchanges, I can mostly understand Finnes personality. If the secret is leaked, it will only be to the people that are close to her. It will not be toote even if I leave the hard measures for that time.


    To think that the secret I have been guarding for such a long time would be exposed like this..


    Please cheer up. you can have some sweets. Ah, I will pour you some tea as well.


    While looking at Finne who is happily arranging her sweets on the table and started preparing the tea, I retort in my mind.


    Its your fault alright.


    That concluded the report for this incident.


    Abel who just returned to the Duchy capital kneeled in front of the Duke and gave his report.


    Hearing everything, the Duke nodded along a few times and conveys his thanks to Abel.


    Truly well done. I am sorry that it turned into such a harsh request. This is separate from the quest reward but I want you to have it.


    Saying so he puts pouches in front of Abel.


    There is some money inside.


    However, Abel shook his head and refused.


    The reward from the quest will be enough for us sir. It is as my statement in the earlier report, Silver was the one who led us to resolve the situation. Please forgive us.


    I see Umu, understood. If something happens I will ask for you again. I will leave it to you at that time.


    Yessir. We will definitely answer your expectations and fulfill your quest with our own hands


    Abel leaves after saying so.


    The only ones left inside are me and the Duke.


    With this, we are at the conclusion.


    Yes. I couldnt have enough gratitude for you Your Highness. Thank you very much.


    Direct that gratitude to Leo. Both me and Silver are here for Leos sake after all.


    Yes..Your Highness, the Ducal House of Kleinert will give our full cooperation and backing to Prince Leonard. We will definitely repay your kindness.


    I can finally exhale in relief after hearing his word. I offer my right hand to the Duke. Seeing that, the Duke take my hand.


    We will be in your care.


    We will put His Highness Leonard on the throne without fail.


    Yeah.


    With this, Leo will be able to establish himself as the fourth faction in the current three-ways session war.


    With the prestigious Duke of Kleinert on our side, those that are waiting to see which direction the wind will blow will alsoe to Leos side.


    Our father will also recognize Leo as one of his sessor candidates, we are finally standing on the start line.


    I still cant let my guard down but I still am in a good mood after a job well done.


    However, the Duke started talking to me looking slightly uneasy.


    Your Highnessdo you have enough manpower on your side?


    Manpower huh..I want to say that we have but itpletely isnt enough. There are still nobles that decided to stay neutral as well. To start a negotiation with those nobles we would need more individuals that we can trust in.


    I see. I am relieved.


    Are you going to lend someone to us?


    Yes, I am thinking about having my daughter apany you.


    What?


    I replied without thinking.


    The Duke return my reaction with a bitter smile.


    It is normal that Your Highness will be surprised. I was surprised as well when Finne told me yesterday. Apparently, she wants to repay the princes who saved our territory no matter whatSince my daughter never asked for anything before.I am deeply moved that she said such a thing.


    No, wait..I am troubled if you put it like that.


    Dont say that my prince. That girl is a really famous person in the imperial capital. His Majesty the Emperor also took a liking on her as well. She will definitely be useful to you.


    I admit that but..is that fine with you, Duke?


    There are too many merits to count if we have her on our side. Finne is that useful.


    However, the reason that she suddenly wants to go to the capital must be the fact that she discovered my true identity yesterday. Honestly speaking, if she remains silently inside her territory then that would better give me peace of mind.


    In the imperial capital, she will have the opportunity to contact a lot of people and I will not know for sure where the information leaks.


    So I tried to appeal to the Dukes doting parent heart but.


    It is what that girl wishes for. Please make use of her somehow.


    I wanted to appeal to him with his daughter cuteness but it gave him a boost instead. Just how much of a capable parent are you?


    I ran out of the excuse to refuse him.


    In the end, I allowed Finne to apany me


    And then.


    Then I will be going. Otou-sama, Onii-sama.


    Yeah, make sure that you be useful okay?


    Be careful with your body too.


    Seeing off by her father and brother, Finne gets into the carriage.


    She waved to them from the carriage window until their figures disappeared then she stares at me who is sitting on the opposite side with my eyes shut.


    Prince Arnold. Although I am not a talented person but please take care of me.


    Haa


    Are you, angry.?


    I am simply amazed. From now on, we will fight the battle for the throne. It is a dark battle filled with countless bloodshed. If you want to withdraw then you can only do it now you know?


    I understand that well. Even so, I want to be helpful. Besides, if I am at Your Highness side, wouldnt it be easier for you to keep an eye on me?


    No, if you stay inside your territory then it would give me a much better peace of mind.


    Ehhhhhhh!?


    Looking at Finne waving her hands around in a panic, I sigh again.


    Letting this kind of girl expose my secret, will I be okay I wonder.