The Strongest Dull Prince’s Secret Battle for the Throne

Chapter 506

Chapter 506: The Sincere One

Trust is hard to test. Regardless of how much you think you can trust someone, betrayal can occur for various reasons, because that's human nature. But because you might be able to trust them. That's what we'll test that. Unfortunately, there's nothing definite.

"How can we test whether we can trust them?"

Having made some preparations, we went to an inn in the city. That would be our place to wait.

"I have sent messengers to both of them, telling them to come at a specific time, at your request. The timing is very tight."

"So, we're assessing whether they can make it?"

"Exactly. Having to return once and then be called out again is troublesome. Moreover, the location is different from before. If they underestimate us, they might think it's okay to be slightly late. Besides that, I have also arranged for some obstacles. Whether they can overcome them and arrive is one indicator."

Saying this, I took a deep breath. The obstruction I prepared for the two of them is special. If they can successfully overcome it, they should appear before us.

"But, can we determine whether we can trust them based on this?"

"It's just an indicator. However, daily actions shape a person. Don't you think it's better to entrust something to a sincere person?"

"I guess you're right."

Although Julio said this, he seemed somewhat unconvinced. That's understandable. If he was the type of person who could be satisfied with this, I would be worried about what comes next.

As I was thinking this, a horse arrived at the inn. Then, Oscar hurriedly entered our room.

"I have arrived in response to your call, Oscar..."

He was panting heavily. Looking at the time, he just barely made it. It was a demanding request, but he rode his horse hard to make it on time.

"Oscar, good of you to come. Now, sit down."

"Thank you, Prince."

Oscar drank the water we offered him, then asked for more. He was sweating profusely, wiping his sweat again and again. That shows just how much he had rushed here.

"The reason for the sudden call was to test your resolve. Ambassador Marcel intends to support Duke Pastore and let the pro-royalist faction seize power. There is no time to lose. Julio needs a guardian to counter this. There is no one more suitable than your father. Please persuade your father. The rewards afterwards will be guaranteed by the Empire."

"My father is pro-royalist... I don't know if I can convince him..."

"Currently, siding with Duke Pastore also has little benefit. Explain this and persuade him to join us. Only then can we fight back. You are the only one who can do this, and our only hope. Please accept this role."

Julio and I stood up and bowed to Oscar. Oscar hurriedly knelt down.

"P-please, don't do that...! It's not right for a prince and a duke to bow their heads. We are servants. Our duty is to serve the royal family. I will definitely convince my father and bring victory to you both."

"Thank you. However, this is a fight to protect the citizens of the Duchy. Can you also fight for the people?"

"Of course!"

A lively response. Hearing his answer, I nodded several times. After having some harmless conversation, Oscar left the inn to persuade his father back in his territory.

"It seems... Oscar didn't meet your expectations, Prince."

"He's an enthusiastic young man, I'll give him that. I would trust him outside the realm of politics. But to trust him in the political arena, he lacks wisdom and sincerity."

"I can understand lacking wisdom, but lacking sincerity?"

Julio probably didn't understand. The only obstacle I had set up, Oscar had overcome it.

"I'll explain after Raul arrives."

It would be troublesome if Julio's attitude changed. After a while, Raul arrived. The scheduled time had long passed.

"I-I'm sorry for being late..."

"You were supposed to be here urgently, weren't you?"

"M-my apologies... the road was congested..."

Raul answered me while trembling. Julio showed a sad expression as he saw this. He was probably seeing his past self in Raul.

I apologize for the oversight. Let's continue:

"...I apologize for my shortcoming..."

"Hmm... Raul Di Pinto, can you assure me that next time, you can clear the civilians?"

"That... is..."

Raul pondered for a moment before lowering his head in resignation.

"Truthfully, I... I don't think I could... I'm sorry I'm so useless... please entrust the important task to Oscar instead..."

Upon hearing Raul's answer, I nodded and reached into my pocket to produce a sealed letter.

"Unfortunately, Oscar has been dismissed. The important task will now be entrusted to you. My uncle, the imperial prince, commands the Southern Border Defense Force. I want you to deliver this letter to him. He will give you further instructions."

"What? But..."

Confused, Raul accepted the letter I handed to him. Then I turned to address Captain Lars.

"Captain Lars, there should be no problems, correct?"

"I believe there are none, Your Highness. Raul is sincere."

"Your Highness, may I ask why Oscar was deemed unfit, but Raul is considered suitable?"

"The obstruction I arranged was a simple one: a woman faints on the road, causing a disturbance. Naturally, this blocks the path. Oscar rode his horse straight through the commotion."

"On the other hand, Raul assisted the woman and ensured she was safe before coming here."

Upon hearing Lars' explanation, Julio turned to look at Raul.

"Why didn't you tell us the truth?"

"I... I was afraid that mentioning the woman would cause her to be punished... I... I'm sorry for lying!"

"No, it's we who should apologize. The test was also to see if you'd lie to protect her."

Julio calmed Raul down and had him sit back down, then I explained further.

"The test was for honesty and wisdom. Raul has shown his sincerity. Wisdom is understanding when you're being tested. I specifically asked Oscar if he could fight for the people. Despite leaving the fallen woman, he immediately said he could fight for the people. A wise man would have given a different answer because he would have known he was being tested."

Oscar, neither particularly wise nor honest, was not someone I could trust. But Raul remained sincerely true to himself throughout.

"If this letter doesn't reach my uncle, we lose our countermeasure. We're entrusting you with our fate, Raul. Hence the roundabout method. I apologize for any rudeness."

"I... I understand..."

"So, Your Highness, you do not have faith in Oscar?"

"If he succeeds, well and good. But I don't feel like gambling on it. He should have noticed the fallen woman, but he ignored her because he was summoned by us. That's acceptable. But then to declare, without hesitation, that he can fight for the people... it forced me to judge him as a man without conviction."

In any case, Julio dislikes such people. Even if Oscar was aware he was being tested and purposely answered that way, he would still not be considered clever. Such half-hearted people are the most prone to exploitation.

"Can you depart immediately? Our opponent is more formidable than expected. My guards are useless. If anything happens, you must ensure Prince Julio escapes the city."

"...I understand."

With that, I handed Raul a ring engraved with the Adler crest. It's a symbol of the Emperor and was loaned to me for this envoy mission.

"Show them this ring, and they will believe you. But remember, if you carry this, you cannot make excuses. If you're caught, it's over."

"I... I will engrave your words in my heart."

With that, Raul left, his face taut with tension. Our move has been made.

"Captain Lars, please double-check the escape route."

"Understood. However, are we resorting to arms so quickly?"

"If it were up to me, I would strike while we have the advantage. That's the power of acting first."

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