With the clamoring created by the armies stationed at E-Rantel as they prepared for the upcoming battle echoing behind his back, the first prince Barbro Andrean Ield Ryle Vaiself’s current mood was extremely sour as he advanced with his troops towards the north.
“Shit. All because of that Marquis Raeven…”
Barbro could not help but let out a curse.
During the demonic disturbance, his younger brother borrowed men from Marquis Raeven and was able to raise his reputation by patrolling the streets within the capital, leaving behind an image of someone who was capable of taking action during emergencies and was not afraid of going to the frontlines. This was viewed favorably amongst the nobles, causing many of those who supported the first prince Barbro, to change their opinion. Although Marquis Raeven might have played a hand in this as well, a number of nobles had already begun to support the second prince as the next heir.
Not having taken action during the demonic disturbance proved to be a fatal mistake.
The reason why Barbro remained at the palace and did not appear on the frontline was because he had no available pawns to use at that time.
That was the correct decision to make. Going by himself to the frontline would not have made any difference, and he most likely would have ended up becoming a burden instead. Furthermore, there was the possibility that the palace might also get attacked.
If it were not for the subordinates that Marquis Raeven provided, his brother would not have been able to patrol the streets.
Barbro believed his judgement was correct. However, those fools could not even realise that and ended up becoming deceived by what their eyes saw. In the end, everything went according to what Marquis Raeven had initially planned.
“Can those guys not even comprehend the motives behind his actions? Furthermore, all they did was scamper around the city. They didn’t even participate in any of the battles against the demons.”
If his brother had stepped onto the battlefield, he most likely would have revealed his pathetic side to the public. When he thought of it that way, it showed just how terrifyingly capable Marquis Raeven was at using his head.
Also, there was another reason why Barbro’s mood had been foul all day long.
The reason being that he was forced to head over to this backwater village called Carne.
The fight for the throne would have to be put off for later.
In the upcoming battle with the Empire, Barbro had to let the world know of his existence as the first prince of the Kingdom. To make his name known as the next heir of the Kingdom, and to take back what was rightfully his from his brother.
However, instead of being given a crucial position for the upcoming battle, he was given an order that made it seem like he was running away: to head to a village situated near the border and investigate its relationship with Ainz Ooal Gown. Just how much fame could he even gain from doing this?
Suddenly, a chill ran down Barbro’s spine.
Could this be a scheme to ensure that he would not be able to achieve any accomplishments?
Could it be that his father already decided on handing the throne to his brother, and in order to ensure that there was nothing he could do to reverse the situation, Barbro was therefore tasked with investigating this backwater of a village…
Barbro’s breathing became more erratic the more he thought about this. Slowly, his hatred began to burn towards a father who would push aside his firstborn son so that a younger brother who had only displayed a bit of courage could gain the throne. It was enough to cause his vision to narrow.
It was but a coincidence that a rider by Barbro’s side noticed the change in his demeanor.
“Your Highness, are you perhaps feeling unwell? Shall I summon a priest for you?”
The buzzing cry made by the nearby insects caused Barbro to feel nauseous. However, he was able to force down his urge to vomit. Perhaps it was due to the fortunate timing of a sudden cold draft, or it might have been because of the harsh training he received as a member of the royal family, but Barbro was able to keep his facade up.
Exposing one’s feelings was a foolish thing to do.
“No, no, don’t worry about it. I was only thinking about the work that father had entrusted me with.
Rather than that, Baron Cheneko, how did your meeting with the adamantite-ranked adventurer Momon go?”
“About that, Your Highness, please listen to this! It was such an unpleasant event! Furthermore, I was unable to see Momon because he was absent.”
“Well, these things were bound to happen. He’s an adamantite-ranked adventurer after all. So what were you angry about? It’s not like you made an appointment or anything, so it can’t be helped if you couldn’t meet.”
“No, it’s not about that. The reason why I’m angry is because of the actions of that Momon’s companion, the one called Nabe!”
“Nabe? Ah, the one nicknamed the ‘Beautiful Princess’?”
Barbro recalled the figure of a woman he saw previously at the Kingdom’s Capital, who possessed a beauty beyond this world. Her appearance could even match up to his younger sister’s. Although Barbro desired her, she was one of the adventurers who had received a reward from his father. He could not use simple methods to get his hands on her.
“So what did that beautiful woman do to you?”
“She assaulted me! Please look at this!”
Baron Cheneko removed his gauntlet, revealing his bruised hand.
“What? Even if she’s an adamantite-ranked adventurer, violence against the nobility is not permitted.”
“Nevertheless, that woman named Nabe suddenly grabbed my hand and drove me out.”
The amount of details given by the Baron was very little, as such, Barbro paid little attention as he listened. No matter how he thought about it, it appeared as if Cheneko was hiding something.
“Your Highness! By all means, please use your royal authority to render justice upon that foolish woman who dared to use violence on me!”
If I were to made use of this incident, would I be able to blackmail that woman and get her to do whatever I want?
Barbro thought about it.
On how to lend a hand to the Baron and make Nabe his. However, he was unable to come up with a good plan. All because this fool of a Baron most likely had orchestrated it as a way to sell him a favor.
Such a useless fool. While I will pretend to treat him kindly for now, the moment I gain the throne I will dispose of him immediately.
The more Barbro thought about this, the more frustrated he became. Even someone like this fool of a Baron was able to have his own territory to govern and men to order around, yet Barbro himself possessed nothing — not a single pawn to use, and he had to rely on others in order to fight his battle.
Various thoughts like these surged through his head, yet they were forcefully quelled down in the end.
Turning towards the Baron who was waiting eagerly for his response, Barbro waved his hand as usual and said the following.
“I’ll think about it once I’ve inherited the throne.”
“Yes!”
Not wanting to exchange any further dialogue with that fool, Barbro turned his head away and asked towards one of Marquis Bowlrob’s subordinates who was riding close by. He was an officer of the elite troops under the direct command of the Marquis.
“Oi, there’s something that I want to ask.”
“What’s wrong, your Highness?”
Truthfully speaking, there was nothing that Barbro wanted to know. However, he could not just suddenly end his conversation with the Baron. He had to quickly come up with a question to ask.