The Strongest Dull Prince’s Secret Battle for the Throne

Chapter 104: Knights of the Imperial Army

Special thanks today go to Ezequiel Dominguez for the support on my patreon and Rector the usual coffee donor!!

Im finally done with most of the chapters so I guess I will be playing Resident Evil today hehehehe

-Mr.Graverobber

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Knights of the Imperial Army

The next day.

I decided to ask an expert about this operation.

That strategy is so like you, Al.

You think so? I think it is quite a nice plan right?

Yeah, it seems deception is really your forte.

I grimaced at Elnas honest comment.

Certainly, I am a man that has no shred of chivalry.

In a sense, sending a surprise special ops as a messenger would be an extremely cowardly plan.

However, if that plan can reduce the number of sacrifices then it must be done.

But it is effective right?

Right. But I dont think it will succeed with things as it is.

Elna declares.

Elna has traveled to various places as an imperial knight. In her work, she may have been to Wumme, the largest city in the South, and the home of Duke Kruger, before.

The fact that Elna said that the plan will not succeed meant that Wummes defense was solid.

Wumme is that tough huh?

You can breach the outer wall just fine as a messenger but the problem is the inside. The castle he lives in is big and the paths inside are very complicated. Since the structure is so complex it will be hard for you to reach its upper part you know.

So we need a map for the inside huh

Seems so. If you dont have that then theres not even a chance of success. So, about that map.

Elna stops talking and looks at me.

Her green eyes glow as if she wants to imply something, then she points at herself and smiles.

If I go I can lead the way you know?

Theres no castle in the continent that would let a messenger in knowing you are there..

Think of something then. A disguise for example.

Do you think that they would be deceived by some disguise? It might be worth a try if we use a magic medicine though..for now, lets come up with a plan that doesnt require your power first.

And I could just annihilate the castle with a single blow from the holy sword too.

It would be the worst outcome if people find out that a person from the Brave house disguised as a messenger and deceive a negotiation partner though.

The power of the Brave house should be used outside the Empire. If we use such power inside the Empire, it will spread fear and that might lead to a huge source of antagonism.

The Brave house shouldnt be used unless theres no other choice.

Plus, going to the South means that you cant be sent to the border in case of an emergency.

So I have to remain behind in case we have to suppress the other countries invasion?

Some countries will try to take advantage of the civil war and invade us after all.

Well, if Al says that much then I will come up with other plans.

Elna said so and put her hand on her chin and started pondering.

She then nodded several times and raised two fingers.

There are only two units that can make this plan a success.

I can imagine the first one already.

I guess. As you know, the imperial knight order has the power to do that but that proposal will be rejected right?

Duke Kruger is the elder brother of the Fifth Consort. He has visited the capital many times before so he surely must be familiar with the imperial knights himself. I wouldnt want to risk including a face that he would recognize in this operation.

I think so too. Thats why the only one left is.

Elnas expression turned complicated.

What is it. Her face suggests that she doesnt want to talk about it if possible. Thats a rare expression coming from her.

Whats wrong?

I dont really want to recommend them.

Tell me anyway.

Haait was originally Als fault that the letter was robbed away by His Highness Gordon, why do I have to worry about you now..

Elna looked at me with a grudge.

I blink my eyes several times at the sudden complaint.

Whats wrong with her all of a sudden.

Are you angry?

Im not. Im just amazed. In the first place, if you called on me, everything would be fine... 

I cant possibly do that right:

At least I want you to let me know. When I heard that Al and Leo went to a place full of assassins, I almost fainted you know. Moreover, you only brought along that bear and Sebas as your guards, whats wrong with you.

If I told you, you would rush to our side right?

Of course.

Thats why I didnt tell you.

When I told her that, Elna snorted and turned away.

I didnt think she would be in a bad mood here.

Certainly, I think that I did something wrong but if I called her then, there will surely be another problem for us.

My bad..I will be more careful next time. I failed because I havent properly estimated the situation. So please lend me your wisdom.

.I am cooperating with you from now on. Understand that.

Cooperate, you mean.

Of course, as long as there is no problem for me. As expected, sitting still and waiting for the news at home is impossible for me.

Elna said that to me and looked straight into my eyes.

Elna is strong. However, like Silver, she also has many restrictions.

Well, I think the person herself already knows that so I can only give her a nod.

Only as long as it is not causing a problem for you alright?

Of course. Its decided then.

Saying so, Elna happily smiles.

The fact that she made such a proposal means that there is something that Elna thinks she can help with. Or perhaps, she knows of someone who can help us.

However, we have no clues about other units besides the Imperial Guards who can be used in our operation. We need a unit that doesnt stand out too much. Thats really not a problem in itself but we need a competent unit that is not noticeable.

The unit is inferior to the Imperial Knight Order in power but I think that they are suited for infiltration than the Imperial Knights. Maybe you have heard of their name before, Al? The only Knight Order in the imperial army, the [Narbe Ritter].

(TLN: Narbe Ritter = Scarred Knights in German)

!? the Scarred Knights..!

Of course, I know of their name.

Narbe Ritter. The independent unit of the imperial army known as its single knight order.

The unit is made up of former knights.

The reason why former knights were gathered in the imperial knights is their past.

They are the knights who accused or raised their sword against their lords for their wrongdoings. For whatever reason it is, they chose to uphold justice rather than their loyalty, making them lose their position. They are the knights who carry the scarred crest of their lords thus they are called the Scarred Knights.

They are the knights of justice who expose the wrongdoings of their lords but there are only a few nobles who would approach a knight who already betrayed their lord once. I heard that the unit was created to gather those knights though.

Although they were praised as the knight of justice, no one actually tries to put them by their side. In fact, there are very few nobles who are confident enough to do that. There are not that many innocent lords and sometimes even a virtuous one also has to do questionable things as well.

However, if you accept them in, the moment you go against their principle you might be cut down. It is just a possibility. Its not like they are that inflexible. However, if such a possibility exists, no one would dare to recruit them.

Yes, your impression of them is not wrong. I used to have a spar with them once but their training was really amazing. The bar they set is really high and they have a lot of veterans in their unit. They are probably the most elite unit in the imperial army. Moreover, they do not belong to any faction either.

The points Elna raised were almost perfect.

However, its probably because of their past that Elna doesnt want to recommend them to me.

A mission to infiltrate the enemys base. Coupled with escorting a prince, you are saying that it is too dangerous a mission to leave to them?

Well, that played a part too..but it will be very tough if you cant fully trust your ally inside the enemys territory right. They each have a strong sense of independence. If we can not earn their trust  then they will just accomplish the mission their way you know.

So it comes down to cooperation huh.

Of course, if we give them an order then they will act as the escort but I think that if they are not willing to do the mission this plan will not work.

So it is ideal to make them participate in the mission willingly rather than giving them an order huh.

This is quite difficult. The mission is dangerous in the first place after all.

The vital thing here is to create a trusting relationship.

Guess I will leave persuading them to Leo huh..

Hmm, I think that its more complicated than that. I think Leo will look very fascinating for a pure knight but I dont think his charisma is going to work on them.

Then what should we do?

If Leo cant do it then it is your turn right, Al?

Elna said that as if it was the only natural thing in the world.

Oi Oi, you are kidding me right. Me persuading them? Those clearly hard to handle former knights?

No, isnt that too high a hurdle for me

It will be fine. I will go with you and this is just my hunch but I think that they should be more susceptible to Al. If Al just confidently says that you want their help to protect your brother, I think they will give you their cooperation you know.

Elna easily said that with a smile.

What is your basis for that?

I ask her back with my cheeks cramped.

Ara? Dont you know? I am also a former knight you know? And as a former knight, I think that Al will be better suited for such a task. Thats my basis.

While thinking about what great basis she has there, I let out a huge sigh as theres no other way.