The Strongest Dull Prince’s Secret Battle for the Throne

I made it just in time.

After sensing the summoning of the Holy Sword, I left Jack behind and hurried to the provisional royal capital of Perlan.

There I found Elna and the others struggling against the attacks of Raphael and the former No-Name.

My body moved instinctively.

While chanting as I advanced, I positioned myself before Elna and activated my shield.

"—Are you alright, Elna?"

I naturally asked as I turned towards her. There was no need for any pretense as Silver; I didn't have the luxury for it.

Visually, she seemed unharmed but appeared exhausted. After seeing Raphael summon the Holy Sword, it was clear that she was far from her best.

And I knew the reason.

I had anticipated this reaction.

I knew it would happen, but witnessing it firsthand felt like a knife in my chest.

I had prepared myself while knowing that Elna would be deeply affected. Yet, I arrogantly thought that she could overcome it on her own.

What a selfish and conceited notion.

Could I endure it if the roles were reversed? That thought raced through my mind.

I couldn't find an answer as I didn't want to imagine such a scenario. Therefore, I was relieved that I wasn't too late, as I would have never forgiven myself if I was.

"Master!"

"Silver...!"

The current No-Name and Chloe called out to me. They both seemed surprised by my arrival, and so did the enemy.

"You arrived sooner than expected."

"Withdraw, Silver. We have no intention of opposing you."

"Yes. Take your disciple and leave. Our target is the hero. This doesn't concern you, does it?"

The former No-Name and Raphael spoke on their own accord.

However, I didn't even glance at them. I kept my eyes on Elna alone.

No visible major injuries, but there were small wounds. Wounds that wouldn't typically bother her but were now painful to look at when in her current weakened state.

Why was she like this? It was because of me.

I had pushed Elna to this point. She must have blamed herself for my supposed death, and I knew she would. Despite this, I had resolved that it was necessary and, though I had prepared myself… Seeing Elna hurt like this made my heart ache.

Even if this situation was repeated, I still would have done the same as I wasn't capable of conveying my intentions to her.

I couldn't let her know.

Whether it was right or wrong, I had believed it was the correct action... But seeing Elna now, I questioned my confidence.

Elna was severely distressed.

I gently reached out and placed my hand on her head.

"I'm sorry..."

I whispered while placing my hand on her head.

My apology carried many meanings.

For hurting her.

For keeping her in the dark.

For everything that had happened and for what was to come.

It was an apology for everything. However, apologies don't change anything, they only resolve emotions. In this case, my anger and inability to forgive myself will forever remain unresolved.

What should I do with this swirling anger in my chest? I could rationalize it as a necessary action, but it wouldn't change the fact that I hurt a dear friend.

I had hurt my beloved childhood friend and this complex mixture of emotions was further stirred by Raphael's words.

"We have no reason to fight, Silver. Isn't the hero a thorn in your side?"

Despite the relief that I could now unleash my anger on someone deserving, the root cause was still my own fault.

I had caused this situation and they had further instigated it. I then erected a barrier around us to prevent their escape and to keep the information here contained.

Trapped, Raphael and the former No-Name readied their swords.

"Are you serious? Even someone like you Silver can't handle the both of us."

"With the Flame Sword, the Holy Sword, and their wielders… you're outmatched. The three behind you are no longer a threat to us."

"Why don't we call a truce for mutual benefit?"

Their attempts to avoid conflict were because they knew fighting me wouldn't end well for them.

Yet they still held a condescending attitude, confident they would win.

And they might be right.

Facing Raphael with the Holy Sword and the former No-Name with the Flame Sword was akin to facing two SS-class adventurers.

Fighting both at the same time was indeed foolish.

We had a greater battle against the demons ahead so fighting amongst ourselves would only benefit the demons.

I should try to talk them into retreating… but I slowly reached for my mask. Each word they spoke irritated me more.

We shouldn't fight…

ButIhad a reason to fight.

Captain Oliver died in the imperial rebellion after being fatally struck by Raphael. I couldn't forget the look on my father's face when he heard the news.

My dear father had been betrayed, and the one who was loved by him returned that love with betrayal. Content first released on M_VLEM_PYR.

I didn't understand why, and it wasn't just that.

They had hurt Elna.

They had aimed to kill her.

My precious childhood friend's life was targeted.

"Indeed, as Silver there's no reason for us to fight."

I muttered as I removed my mask with my right hand.

Removing my mask in front of people meant revealing my true identity.

My hand trembled.

Not because I feared revealing my identity, but because I feared hurting Elna again. Nevertheless, I couldn't hide forever. I had leaned on her for far too long.

It was time to face my childhood friend.

Now was the moment to reveal Silver's true identity.

"—But as the seventh prince of the Empire, Arnold Lakes Adler, it's different. You betrayed my father and hurt my dear childhood friend. For that, I could kill you both a million times."

I took off the mask and faced Raphael and the former No-Name.

They definitely didn't expect Silver to be Arnold and Raphael's eyes widened.

But,

"This is... surprising. To think that the one they call the "Dull Prince" is Silver. They say a wise hawk hides its claws, but hiding them this much is truly abnormal."

"Do you have anything else to say? Former Captain of the Tenth Imperial Knights, Raphael Berent."

"No, Your Highness. If you are Silver, then you indeed have a reason to fight me. But I have reasons too. I've envied you countless times as one that is truly loved by the Emperor."

Slowly, I began to walk forward.

"I commend you for having the guts to say that to me… but let me teach you something. I never forgive anyone who hurts my family. My father was in pain... and Elna was hurt today. Since long ago, I've had one rule. Elna won't forgive those who hurt me, and I won't forgive those who hurt Elna. You have no remorse, do you? Raphael. Since I can't show you any mercy today."

As I unleashed my magic power, the surrounding area began to tremble. The barrier I had set up cracked and I reinforced it again to prevent their escape.

Seeing the evident outpouring of magical power, Raphael's voice trembled.

"What is this... magic?"

"I've never fought anyone seriously as Arnold, so rejoice. You're the first one."

Since mastering ancient magic, I had always fought all my enemies while wearing my mask and that had been the norm.

But now, I realized.

I had indeed always been holding back my power.

≪I am the one who knows the law of silver; I am chosen by true silver.≫

≪Silver light burns the heavens, silver stars pierce the darkness.≫

≪The fallen is the dark abyss, the illuminator is the heavenly silver.≫

≪Golden light fades in the face of silver, the rainbow light is swallowed by silver.≫

≪Shine brightly, single beam of silver light, let the darkness bow and submit.≫

≪Reign upon me, silver light, to annihilate my enemies—Silvery Force≫

While enveloped in a radiant silver light, I slowly approached Raphael.

In response, Raphael swung the Holy Sword. It was a torrent of light that I easily caught with my right hand and crushed it as I spoke.

"That's my childhood friend's sword, so don't touch it with your filthy hands."

Simultaneously, I swung my right hand and the silver slash severed Raphael's right hand, which held the Holy Sword.

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