The Strongest Dull Prince's Secret Battle for the Throne-Chapter 704: The Reason for the Deception

"Thank you for coming."

In the forest to the west of the provisional royal capital, No-Name was waiting. Two individuals appeared with one of them sharing the same appearance as her: it was her predecessor. Besides her predecessor stood Raphael.

"How is Elna von Amsberg doing?"

"She is heartbroken after learning about Prince Arnold’s death."

"That's convenient. Let’s quickly finish her off together."

Raphael said that with a grin. Defeating Elna in her best condition would be ideal for him, but that wasn’t a necessity. Their primary objective was to eliminate Elna.

"Are you sure about this, Grandmother?"

The current No-Name questioned her predecessor that was standing next to Raphael. Their family's long-held ambition was to surpass the hero and the holy sword, with them having continuously strengthening the cursed sword Dis-Pater over the span of generations for this very purpose.

In their desperation, No-Name’s parents had sacrificed themselves as fodder for the sword. Everything was for this one goal. There was no turning back now, and the current No-Name understood that.

However...

"Elna von Amsberg defeated a demon that was comparable to the previous Demon King. She is undoubtedly as powerful as the first hero, so If we can defeat her here, our ambition will be realized."

"Can we truly achieve our goal by attacking someone who can’t even use the holy sword and has lost the will to fight?"

"We can't afford to miss this chance. Even without her will to fight, a hero is still a hero. When pushed to the brink, she will use the holy sword. That’s when we will surpass her."

"..."

The current No-Name fell silent at the predecessor's words. Missing this opportunity would mean losing their only chance. That was something the current No-Name could not comprehend. Since her predecessor had handed over the name No-Name to her, she had then lived in the shadows, making contact with many individuals and engaging in illegal activities. Despite knowing this, the current No-Name could not stop her. Their family's ambition - to surpass the hero and the holy sword with Dis Pater, was everything to No-Name.

Until now.

However, after experiencing the numerous life-or-death battles, the current No-Name began to change. Once a puppet without self-awareness, she now possessed a sense of self.

"I am opposed to this."

"Do you even understand what you are saying?"

"Eventually, I will settle things with Elna. But that would be in a proper and honorable duel while staking my life. Therefore, please stop these underhanded tactics here. Our family's ambition is not so cheap."

"Are you suggesting that we should delay our plans over a disagreement?"

"Do you still think that you can win against me?"

"This child simply doesn’t understand. Do you know that the demons' invasion has already reached its final stages? Humanity will eventually be defeated by the demons. This is inevitable."

"I won't allow that to happen."

"This isn't something that can be solved with strength alone. Humanity is infected with a demonic curse. This curse has since grown and it’s now capable of killing even the hero’s lineage. As long as this curse exists, all the strong humans will die from it. You and Elna von Amsberg will eventually succumb to the curse too."

"Then we must kill the demon responsible."

"If we could, we would have done so already. That demon awaits for the hero’s death while hiding deep within the demon realm. To reach it, we need a gate, and that requires the power of a Demon King to create. Even if we managed to create a gate, could we kill that demon in its own territory while surrounded by other demons? It’s unlikely that we would succeed."

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The reason why the first hero was stopped from entering the gate was due to the lack of information about the demon realm. They knew nothing about the environment or its size, and the army couldn’t risk sending their only hero into the unknown. This gave the demons the time needed, resulting in humanity entering into a losing game.

Her predecessor understood this well.

"Unless we try, we won’t know if it will fail. If we’re going to die anyway, we should take the risk."

"Currently, humanity can still survive. The demon strategist Dantalian currently aims to subjugate humanity, so if we temporarily accept their rule, we will be freed from the curse. Then, we can plan our resistance."

"Do you believe that the demons will allow a rebellion once they take control? They will ensure that we can never rise against them again."

"Even so, the situation is too dire for a rebellion. If we retaliate now, we will only be annihilated. Our only hope is to survive into the future."

"And yet, you still plan to attack Elna?"

"This is our only chance to realize our ambition. If she’s going to die from the curse, it might as well be by our hands."

Her predecessor raised the cursed sword, Flame God, which had been recovered after Nigel’s death. Realizing that her predecessor was serious, the current No-Name closed her eyes.

"And you, Raphael? Former commander of the Tenth Imperial Guard Knights?"

"I’m satisfied as long as I can erase the hero’s bloodline. After Elna, it will be the hero duke, then all those related to him by blood. I will annihilate them all."

"..."

Neither of them would back down.

If possible, she wanted to resolve this through dialogue. She wanted them to trust her, no matter how bad the situation was. Her ancestors who fought the first hero didn’t consider the circumstances - they even challenged the hero to a one-on-one, even when humanity was about to unite against the Demon King.

But it was a fair and honorable fight and there was no shame in that.

But now?

Challenging Elna, who had lost much and was weary from battling a demon that was as powerful as the Demon King—where was the honor in that?

Would winning make it right? If winning was all that mattered, her ancestors who spent 500 years earnestly trying to surpass the hero and the holy sword were fools then. Her parents became fodder for Dis Pater for what? They could have deceived and ambushed the Hero at any time… But they didn’t because it wouldn’t be recognized as a true victory.

It was never about receiving recognition from others, but It was about self-satisfaction and acceptance.

"I have one final warning. Please stop this. I oppose this."

The current No-Name readied Dis Pater to protect the provisional royal capital.

Her predecessor squinted at her.

"Are you standing in the way of our family’s ambition?"

"Grandmother, your ambition differs from mine. I want to surpass the hero and the holy sword, but not through deceit and by attacking a weakened hero. Please step aside."

"I believe I have already explained the situation."

"I understand… But even so, I will break through this hardship and face Elna myself afterwards. As a descendant of Irvine Knox, I will honorably defeat the hero."

"It seems that negotiations have failed then."

Raphael drew his sword.

It was two against one.

Even No-Name would find it challenging.

"Stop this foolishness. You must know that you can’t win against me."

"That was a story from long ago. Besides... I have a friend now."

A breeze blew, followed by a light landing sound behind Raphael and her predecessor. Turning around, they saw a black-haired swordswoman.

"An S-rank adventurer from the Adventurer’s Guild, Chloe... or should I say, Silver’s disciple?"

"Is this your friend?"

"Yes. Now it’s two against two."

"You’re mocking us. Do you think that a mere S-rank adventurer can stop us?"

Raphael sneered at Chloe, who smiled back.

"It’s very convincing when you hear someone planning an ambush say that they can’t win in a fair fight."

Chloe's smile remained as she drew her twin swords in response to Raphael's raised blade.

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