Chapter 559: The Truth in the Lie
Moving inside the mansion, I open the door to my office.
Inside, there's Henrik impersonating , Finne was at his side as well as my stern-faced uncle.
"I knew I couldn't fool you, Uncle."
"...It seems you're the real deal this ti. Do you understand the aning of using a body double against the Emperor's ssenger?"
"Of course. I prepared the body double with the intention of deceiving you, Uncle."
"What do you an?"
I can't tell him the truth.
If I do, it will reach my father's ears.
My uncle likes . I understand that. But in the end, he is my father's ally.
He always has my father in mind.
So if he learns the truth, he'll probably inform my father about my secret.
I'm not saying that's a bad thing.
However, I can't disclose my secrets to soone in such a position.
So, I have no choice but to say that I intentionally prepared the body double.
"Before we continue, I'd like to hear your thoughts. How is he? This body double?"
"...There was a slight strangeness in the voice. Also, the use of words."
"I see. There's room for improvent. You may leave."
I shrug my shoulders and signal for Henrik, who's impersonating as Arnold, to leave.
If he stays here and is found out to be Henrik, it would be another problem.
Henrik seems to understand and bows before leaving.
"I thought it was a very accurate impersonation, but if it can't fool you, Uncle, it's still not enough."
"Certainly, if it wasn't , one might not notice. But I am family. Unless sothing drastic happens, I would notice. You're not soone who wouldn't realize that."
"I have to deceive such people. If I don't, my life would be at stake."
"...A solution for when soone turned an assassination hand against you?"
My uncle is as sharp as always.
His mind works fast.
When telling a lie, it's a golden rule to mix in so truth.
"My eldest brother, the Crown Prince, was assassinated. By a thod that left no evidence. I can't compete if the sa thod is used on . So, I'll make them recognize that I'm the bigger threat. It's not a trick that can be used many tis. Once I evade it, the hand of assassination will stay away."
Even if my eldest brother chose death, he wouldn't die so easily.
In a small skirmish with the domain countries, it's impossible that a stray arrow would reach my eldest brother.
Even if he intended to get hit, there were many guards around my eldest brother.
There's no testimony of any suspicious movents from my eldest brother.
The guards protecting the Imperial Crown Prince didn't notice a single stray arrow flying towards my eldest brother.
Perhaps my eldest brother anticipated such a situation.
He jumped in because he had anticipated it.
Because his death was necessary.
But if so, it ans there was a way to assassinate the Crown Prince.
I need to be wary of that.
As soon as I heard about the thod of directing the threat of assassination towards , I was thinking about preparing my body double.
However, the problem is that unless the body double is so accurate that even family mbers won't notice, it won't fool the enemy.
If the enemy is easily fooled, they wouldn't be able to assassinate the Crown Prince.
"So, it was a test for that... But, it failed."
"Unfortunately. But there's still ti. I'll refine it carefully."
"That's fine, but you have sothing else you should do before that."
"Sothing I should do?"
My uncle handed a single letter.
When I opened it, I could see my father's handwriting.
"...Co by yourself, huh..."
The ssage is brief.
Co by yourself.
That's all.
In other words, he won't accept requests through my uncle.
"My brother is worried about you. After all, you suddenly demanded the position of Marshal. Of course, he's not worried about you breaking away from Leo. He's worried that you're going to sacrifice yourself."
"Isn't it a bit late for that? Leo is currently the most likely candidate for the Crown Prince. If Leo gets assassinated after my eldest brother, the empire could collapse. That's why I'm taking action. Worrying about my life is...secondary."
"He should understand. But he probably wants to hear your thoughts directly. You've prepared a body double, and you're surrounded by elite guards. If you explain that properly, there shouldn't be a problem."
"He wants to return to the Imperial City, even though we don't know when the war will start?"
"I'll take care of the Principality. Before the expedition, Leo will also go to greet my brother. You should return to the Imperial City too."
My uncle declared in a tone that wouldn't accept any refusal.
While I was pondering what to do, Finne spoke.
"You should et him."
"...I see. Then, Uncle, I leave this place to you."
"Leave it to . I appreciate your persuasion."
My uncle thanked Finne and then left the room.
He must have gone to see the Duke.
Probably to inform him that he will be my substitute for a while.
"Do I have to return to the Imperial City..."
"Do you dislike the idea?"
"Not at all. Actually, I have so business in the Imperial City...but"
"But?"
After so thought, I let out a sigh.
Then.
"I...don't want to see my father's worried face."
"Isn't it a son's duty to ease his father's worries? If I were a parent...I would want my child to co and see ."
"You're completely..."
Whenever Finne explains the reason to , I can't argue back.
Resigning myself, I turned on my heels.
"We're heading to the Imperial City. Let's go, Finne, Sebas."
And so, I set out on my return journey to the Imperial City.
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