"Ow!?"
Suddenly, Charl tackles me, wrapping her arms around my back. The force of her tackle makes me fall on my butt.
"Is it really you...?"
"I do feel pain, at least."
"Arn...!!"
Tears well up in Charl's eyes as she buries her face in my chest. I know I've caused her worry. With that realization, I gently pat Charl's head.
"I'm sorry... my apologies."
As I apologize, I glance at Traugott-nii san. Unlike Charl, he has kept his distance from me.
"Arnold! You were supposed to be dead...!"
"Yes, I made it look that way. I had to consider the possibility of assassination attempts against me.""Can you prove that you're the real deal? I'm confused right now. First Wilhelm, and now you, my younger brother, have come back to life."
"Proof is difficult. If a demon were impersonating me, past memories would be meaningless. They could easily read the memories of their host."
As I speak, I ponder for a moment. Secrets are unreliable. However...
"Would you trust me just for coming here? If it were just reading memories, they wouldn't be able to predict your actions, Traugott-nii san. I came here because I know you well. I thought you would surely try to head to the Imperial Capital and would be held up here."
"Are you really Arnold...?"
"I believe so."
"Is that so..."
Slowly, Traugott-nii san approaches me. He raises his right arm and swings it down onto my head. A punch. By the time I realize it, stars are flying across my vision.
"Ouch..."
"You deserve to be punched for causing worry to your family and friends, regardless of your intentions!"
"You're absolutely right..."
As I nod in agreement, Traugott-nii san hugs me tightly.
"I'm so glad... so glad you're back, you foolish brother... I thought you were dead!"
"...I'm sorry."
Traugott-nii san continues to hug me, sobbing. Charl also refuses to let go of me, and it takes quite some time for both of them to calm down.
-----
"So, that's why I faked my death. I thought it would be better to step back from the limelight for a while. My achievements had become too great, and if it came down to a power struggle between Leo and Erik, there would be forces supporting me. I wanted them to use their precious assassination attempt on me, not Leo. However, things didn't go as planned. I didn't expect my eldest brother to appear. Still, my existence is an irregularity for the enemy. I plan to use it to our advantage." Ɽã₦ổᛒĚṣ
As I explain everything in one breath, I find myself under the stern gazes of Traugott-nii san and Charl.
"Couldn't you have told us sooner?"
I know they want to complain, but now is not the time for that. Jack steps in to move the conversation forward.
"The allied forces are trapped in a special barrier. However, Prince Leonard is safe, as is the Emperor, although he is severely injured, he is likely alive. They will return eventually, but it will take time. If the Empire falls under the control of the demon-possessed Prince Wilhelm before that, they will have nowhere to return to."
"Of course, I have no intention of handing over the Empire to an imposter!"
"First, send an envoy. We can't have a neighboring king visiting the Imperial Capital without proper procedures. We need to delay Wilhelm's arrival as much as possible."
"We don't have time for that! More and more forces are supporting the imposter! The Chancellor can't ignore the voice of the nation!"
"True, the Chancellor has no choice but to invite him. However, he must be planning something. We should act independently for now."
"And how do we do that? Make it quick."
Jack, who dislikes complicated discussions, urges me to get to the point. I begin to explain as concisely as possible.
"The Chancellor will soon invite Wilhelm to the Imperial Capital. This is inevitable. So, we need to delay it as much as possible."
"By holding up the envoy?"
"No, just make Wilhelm and his forces think. If they know that an SS-rank adventurer is still around, they'll have to reconsider their plans."
"In other words, we'll exterminate the monsters throughout the Empire?"
"Exactly. You and Silver should be able to handle it."
"Silver is safe too!?"
"Silver is a hero of the Empire. If he appears, the public's attention will shift to him, overshadowing Wilhelm."
"Where is Silver? Do you have a way to contact him?"
At Traugott-nii san's words, I chuckle and pull a silver mask from my pocket.
"Silver is... 'right here.' "
I transformed into the black-clad mage and announced this. Both of them are stunned.
"You're... Silver!? That attire is not just a disguise?"
"Arnold is Silver, and Silver is Arnold? The SS-rank adventurer is a member of the Imperial family? My own brother?"
After a moment, Traugott-nii san slowly collapses to the floor… Apparently his knees gave out. Charl also wobbles and steadies herself by placing her hand on a desk.
"You two focus on stabilizing the North and the vassal state, and be prepared to mobilize at any time. If Silver appears, they might rush to the Imperial Capital. In that case, the talk of the town will be Silver, and Wilhelm will be overshadowed. They won't be able to take control of the Imperial Capital as they planned. Be prepared for that."
"Was it okay to reveal your identity?"
"It's fine, but keep it a secret. Don't tell anyone."
Both nod silently. I trust them not to leak this information. Now is the time to reveal my identity as Silver; otherwise, it could create an opening later on.
"Now, it's time for covert operations."
With that, I smile behind my mask.
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