The Devil Does Not Need to Be Defeated

Chapter 426: “I Want to Usurp the Throne.”

Soon, the crowd gathered around the stage began to disperse.

The audience still looked a little shaken, as if they hadn’t recovered from that earth-shattering sword strike. Only after leaving the island did they start discussing the duel with gusto.

It was conceivable that after witnessing this duel, Shien’s reputation among the Kingdom’s citizens would greatly increase.

At least, those voices claiming that Shien wasn’t worthy of Lucy would definitely decrease significantly, forcing many to take this adventurer-turned-viscount seriously.

The noble sons, on the other hand, were in a terrible mood, completely opposite to the Kingdom’s citizens.

Because, for them, this definitely wasn’t good news.

Especially those who originally thought that Shien’s personal strength wasn’t outstanding, or that this was his only weakness, now felt extremely uneasy.

“Who was the one who said this viscount’s personal strength wasn’t outstanding?”

“Wasn’t it said that defeating the [Assassination Branch] wasn’t a big deal?”

“Wasn’t it said that taming a dragon didn’t prove anything?”

“Wasn’t it said that the Garibaldi family’s knights were defeated by the black dragon of Atlus?”

“Wasn’t it said that he only rose to prominence because of the princess and the Demon Lord backing him?”

“Rumors are deadly!”

Many noble sons cursed on the spot.

After this battle, those who had been clamoring to challenge Shien all disappeared.

No one was blocking the Buztout mansion’s gate anymore, and the hostile reactions detected by Shien’s [Enemy Detection] skill also decreased significantly.

It could be said that until this moment, Shien’s position as the “top candidate” was finally less disputed.

Of course, only relatively less.

In fact, there were still many who were unwilling to give up, starting to make plans.

As long as this husband selection competition wasn’t over, they wouldn’t give up and wouldn’t let Shien hold the position of “top candidate” for too long, right?

Unfortunately, they didn’t know that Shien didn’t need to hold the position for long, just secure it.

Moreover, if these guys knew that the so-called husband selection competition already had a predetermined winner, and they were just there for show, they would probably be unable to bear the blow and faint, right?

Their tragic fate was already sealed. They could only struggle a bit more while they still had the chance.

With this thought, Shien didn’t hate these people, but pitied them instead.

In short, after this incident, Shien became famous.

Before, Shien’s fame was limited to noble circles, and he hadn’t caused much of a stir among the commoners.

But this time, Shien was truly famous, becoming a frequent topic of conversation among the Kingdom’s citizens.

Even the royal family members sought out Shien after this incident.

“Well done. You’re much more capable than I thought. This way, you don’t have to feel so pressured about being with Lucy, and I can rest assured.”

Ancil said these words that made Shien feel a bit strange.

“I finally know how strong you are. No wonder Lucy has her eye on you.”

Lia’s tone was also a bit strange, making Shien not know what to say.

Even Aldia and Charl looked at Shien, one with an unreadable gaze, the other with awe, their reactions different.

But in short, they were both satisfied and relieved by Shien’s performance.

This made Shien wonder.

“I just took it a bit seriously, and you’re all like this?”

If he went all out, would these people start worshipping him?

Hmm, he was starting to feel like a ridiculously overpowered protagonist.

Lucy, on the other hand, had a serious expression for some reason.

“That prince isn’t simple. Be careful when dealing with him.”

Lucy said these strange words.

But Shien agreed.

“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.”

Shien nodded at Lucy, making her relax.

Lucy didn’t know that before leaving, Harvis had said something to Shien.

“Tonight at midnight, please come to the forest outside the west gate of the capital. I have an important matter to discuss.”

These were Harvis’s words to Shien during their handshake.

“An important matter… huh?”

Shien muttered again.

This day passed amidst the excitement.

…

Night quietly fell.

The royal capital was still brightly lit after dark, far more prosperous than the other cities Shien had visited.

This spectacular sight of every household lit by magic lamps was something Shien had only seen in the royal capital.

The capital was also the most beautiful city Shien had seen at night. Even the streets were illuminated by magic lamps, making the night no less lively than the day, even more so.

After all, at this time, many people had finished their day’s work, and for them, the night was the beginning of leisure and entertainment.

If nothing unexpected happened, Shien would also be in the palace, taking advantage of everyone’s absence to play various enjoyable games with Lucy.

Therefore…

“If you called me here without anything interesting to discuss, I’ll be very angry.”

In a forest outside the west gate of the capital, Shien had appeared at some point, saying these words to the shadows ahead.

As soon as he finished speaking, a chuckle echoed in response.

“I don’t know if it’s interesting, but I think you might be interested, Viscount Buztout.”

Saying so, Harvis walked out of the darkness, accompanied by someone.

It was Rockto.

“Bringing the Empire’s strongest knight out for a night stroll, Prince Harvis’s entourage is quite impressive.”

Shien pretended to be scared.

“It can’t be helped. My identity is special. In the Kingdom, if I dared to wander around alone, I might be silently assassinated.”

Harvis didn’t expose Shien’s pretense, but played along, his attitude still amiable.

“I don’t think anyone would be that foolish.” Shien shrugged. “Assassinating the Empire’s first in line to the throne in the capital of the Kingdom of Mitra? That’s like saying the current peace is too cheap.”

“You can’t be too sure.” Harvis’s smile vanished, and he looked seriously at Shien. “Not everyone wants peace. There are definitely quite a few people who hope for the Kingdom and the Empire to fight to the death.”

These suggestive words made Shien ponder.

Shien glanced at Harvis, then at Rockto, and suddenly said, “By the way, Your Highness, you didn’t bring that blockhead with you, did you?”

“Blockhead? Are you referring to Wolram?” Harvis was slightly taken aback, then realized who Shien was referring to. “He’s not here, and I can’t let him come.”

Alright.

At this point, keeping up the act would be too much.

“Your Highness, just tell me directly why you asked me here.”

Shien crossed his arms and looked at Harvis.

“…”

Harvis didn’t respond immediately, but fell silent, as if gathering his thoughts.

Shien wasn’t in a hurry and waited patiently.

Rockto, on the other hand, seemed to completely remove himself from this conversation, reducing his presence and remaining silent.

After a while…

“Actually, my purpose for coming to the Kingdom this time isn’t to compete for Princess Lucy’s hand in marriage.” Harvis looked at Shien. “I came here mainly to seek the Kingdom’s support.”

“The Kingdom’s support?” Shien frowned. “What do you mean?”

Harvis still didn’t respond immediately, but seemed to be struggling and hesitating.

“Your Highness.” Rockto finally spoke, his face impassive. “This is something only you can do.”

“…I know.” Harvis was silent for a moment, then took a deep breath and nodded heavily.

Looking at Harvis like this, Shien knew that he must have something important to say.

However, even with this thought, Shien’s expression still changed after hearing Harvis’s next words.

Because…

“Simply put, Viscount Buztout,”

Harvis said calmly.

“I want to usurp the throne.”

The prince’s words were shocking.

“Usurp the throne?”

Shien was stunned.

“Yes.” Harvis smiled wryly. “I want to usurp the throne, overthrow the current emperor, my father, from his position as the Empire’s ruler.”

These words echoed clearly in the forest.

The atmosphere instantly became heavy.

Shien and Harvis looked at each other.

After a long while, Shien confirmed,

“It seems you’re not joking.” Shien sighed, as if feeling that he had been dragged into an extremely troublesome matter. “Let me ask first, does this have anything to do with me?”

“Yes.” Harvis didn’t beat around the bush and said directly, “I sought you out first because you have close ties with the Mitra royal family and can act as an intermediary. Secondly, I believe you have the ability to change my situation. Thirdly, because this matter also concerns someone close to you, I believe you won’t stand idly by.”

It made sense.

Otherwise, this prince wouldn’t seek out a viscount from an enemy country to help him usurp the throne.

And Shien could also guess who the person close to him that Harvis mentioned was.

“Is it Diere?”

Although it sounded like a question, Shien’s tone was certain.

“Yes.” Harvis nodded, confirming. “If I’m not mistaken, she will be killed by Wolram, by the Raifurut family.”