The Strongest Dull Prince’s Secret Battle for the Throne

Chapter 593: The Struggles of a Vassal State

Time rewinds slightly.

Around the time when the kingdom's army had split into two.

Traugott, a vassal king, had finally been released from his recent intense duties.

"I'm exhausted..."

"You've worked hard, dear."

In a room that was rather modest to be called a king's private chamber, Marianne, Traugott's queen, greeted him.

One of the reasons for the intense workload was Marianne.

As an imperial envoy, Mia had visited Marianne, who then set off for the Allied Kingdom.

Anyway, it was a first-time endeavor, so there was a mountain of things to be done.

However, that was only up until today.

"I am relieved to have been able to send him off safely."

"I suppose so. Well, the cause of all the busyness was the strategy proposed by him, so I feel closer to the sense of relief of getting rid of a troublemaker."

"While you say that, given the speed of your preparations, weren't you thinking something similar? Your handiwork was too flawless. I can only assume you had been preparing while I was over there."

"Well... I was just prepared for anything that could happen."

"Thank you for trusting me."

"Of course, I did trust you, Marianne? But, this action wasn't just about that."

"Only those who have fought can understand. You trusted him as well."

"Whether or not I trust him is a difficult matter. Considering what he's done, I don't feel like we can get along... It's normal in war for enemies to become allies. If that man becomes an ally, I felt relieved. I admit he's a man worth the trouble."

With that, Traugott sank into a chair.

Marianne moved behind him and began massaging his shoulders.

Looking comfortable, Traugott continued the conversation.

"Have you heard about the war situation within the kingdom?"

"A little. It seems Prince Leonard is having a hard time."

"It can't be helped since his opponent is Ansem. Back when my elder brother Wilhelm was still alive, Ansem was seen as a future rival. He has the power to overturn even the slightest difference in military strength. It's no exaggeration to say he is one of the top three strategists on the continent right now."

"It's rare for you to evaluate someone so highly. Can Prince Leonard win?"

"From what I've heard of the situation, he's fighting to not lose. However, Ansem should understand that as well. Normally, it's incredibly difficult to defeat an opponent who is fighting not to lose. Like trying to defeat an opponent who has raised a shield and doesn't move, if they keep moving, it becomes hard to break through. Anyway, there's no opening. But a strategist like Ansem can find even the slightest gap, or create one if it doesn't exist. If you're only focused on not losing, you might have your legs swept out from under you."

Traugott closed his eyes as he analyzed the situation.

Analyzing the situation from afar like this is easy.

But the reality is a series of difficulties.

Even Leo, who can be said to be one of the leading commanders on the continent, is having a hard time against Ansem.

Even if Traugott were to go to the front line and analyze the situation, the outcome would be the same.

He could fight well, but winning would be difficult.

To put it another way, he wouldn't let them win easily, but he couldn't change the ultimate outcome.

Traugott knew that was his limit.

But still...

"Leonard should also understand that his opponent is strong. Since he aims for the seat of the Crown Prince, he must have some plan."

He didn't know what that plan was.

Because he couldn't even imagine it. That was his limit, and the difference between him and his younger brothers.

Traugott was fine with that.

Because he thought that way, Traugott did not grow. He rarely thought of being beaten by others, which is why, although he was excellent, he couldn't master anything.

However, because he didn't master anything, Traugott held the position of a vassal king.

And because he held the position of a vassal king, there were things he could do.

"I hope it ends safely..."

"Arnold should have been dispatched from the south. From the north, we sent that man. Well, we did what we could. Now all we can do is wait for the results."

Saying so, Traugott gently laid his hand on Marianne's.

War is miserable.

When they collide, people die. If there's no food, the soldiers starve. If their living area is devastated, the citizens are left homeless.

Marianne felt pain in her heart about such war.

As a princess of a country that was invaded, she somewhat understood the pain of a kingdom being invaded.

Still, Marianne acted for the emperor.

The conflict between the kingdom and the empire was decisive, and the war was bound to happen.

So, she decided to do her best for the empire.

Traugott understood that in her decision, there was the thought of doing it for him.

"Marianne."

"Yes?"

"I am grateful. Because of your hard work, I was able to send reinforcements to my brother. I was spared the torment of feeling powerless."

"Gratitude... Your brothers are my brothers. Isn't it natural to work hard?"

At Marianne's words, a smile spread across Traugott's face as he stood up.

Perhaps because of their conversation, his heart felt lighter. Thanks to the shoulder massage, his shoulders also felt lighter.

"Right now, that man should be in the sky."

"He's always been feeling constrained, so he's probably enjoying himself, isn't he? Dragons love the sky."

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