The Survival of an Inferior

The castle is in utter chaos. Many rushes to places in an attempt to deal with the aftermath of five consecutive aristocrats. 

Surprisingly, Armins is humming a relaxing tune as he stares out of the window from his office with a cup of tea in hand. Fortunately for him, things are going according to his secret plan. 

*knock knock* 

"Prince Armin, members of the aristocracy have requested a meeting with you." a servant says outside the office.

Armin places the tea down and replies "Noted, prepare a room. I will be there soon."

...

"Uh..." Anxiety can be heard in the servant's tone. 

"Hm? What's wrong?"

"M-My apologies. They insisted on meeting you at once..."

Armin sighs and walks to the door, surprising the servant after he pushes the door. "Are they the heir to the throne?"

The servant immediately drops to his knees and lowers his head. "No sir. I apologise! I will convey your message to guests at once."

...

"Leave." 

The servant thanks Armin and quickly walks off. 

Armin purposely finishes his paperwork first and strolls towards the guest room to find seven anxious people in luxurious lavish clothing, adorned with jewellery around a table. Despite their expression, they took the time to style their hair and carry flaunting accessories. 

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. What's the special occasion?" Armin asks with a smile and joins the table. 

"Bastard! You already know why we are here and yet-"

"Insulting me? Do you have a death wish?" Armin says.

Armin's mere smile sends a chilling intent, immediately shutting the noble. 

"Please conduct yourself. You are in the royal castle." 

...

"Now then, I assume everyone is here to request for aid?" 

"T-That's right, your highness." a woman says. 

"Hmm...shouldn't you look at someone when asking for help?" Armin says. All of the nobles are avoiding eye contact. 

Before this, Armin's personality and lack of respect attacked the nobles' pride, resulting in a sour relationship between Armin and the nobles. 

After Haren attacked the king, the king has been bedridden ever since thus most of the administration and authority now lie with Armin. 

Each noble territory had a strong military foundation and was confident in its confrontation with the rebellion. The recent events certainly opened their eyes. Now they have no choice but to suck up to Armin. 

Armin places a coin on the table. The surface is carved with the empire's crest. 

"It's time we set aside our differences to end their vigilante. We shall have an alliance and I will be the overseer. Any comments?" 

The nobles reluctantly agree and place their respective coin crest on the table, initialising the pact. 

Armin smiles in delight as he now has complete authority, utilising every noble's resources.

======================================= 

"Their military has dispersed and some divisions retreated to the capital, leaving many cities vulnerable. End of report," says Sov. 

"As we speak, Commander Alure is marching to the nearest city with one hundred thousand troops." Says Rosy. 

"Good, present your proposed strategy," Rena replies. 

In the grand room of the chancery, Rosy explains what she thinks is the optimal course of action and how to split manpower. Although she doubted my words a few weeks ago, she prepared for the event and requested support from allies.

They should be able to take at least three cities. 

Rosy glances at me. Her gaze still sends sharp thorns but without glares. "I suggest Arsto lead the battle against Marivel."

"Ah...my apologies, I have a mission assigned by Rena." 

"What?" Rosy turns to Rena, who nods in response. 

"...Sure...then Commander Usao will take over the invasion." 

=======================================

2 hours ago...

=======================================

"Arsto? Is there anything you need from me?" Rena asked as I requested to meet her at her office. 

"I have a favour to ask."

"Sure, let's hear it."

I showed Rena the royal golden pendant.

!

"What...how do you have that?!" Rena exclaimed, she instantly recognised it. 

"Truth be told, this is what I aimed for when I joined the BOV," I told the partial truth. "To infiltrate the royal rankings and investigate for information. In exchange for my strength, Armin gifted me this."

"That's...impressive but why are you telling me this?" 

"Because I need your help to keep my activity a secret. I assume you know why." 

Rena gazed down and sighed. She is aware of a possible traitor.

"Alright, I will help you."

======================================= 

Hours after the meeting, I reach Hira after travelling through the onslaught of battles and chaos. 

Hira isn't in a good state. The aftermath of chaos sent prices spiking along with anxiety and fear. A tense atmosphere lingers on everyone about the terrifying future, many are afraid of how the war will impact them. 

"That's Arsto." a guard afar says to his colleague.

"He left the BOV and went missing. Why is he suddenly back?"

The guards at the castle did not stop me but instead avoided me. 

When I reach Armin's office, I see Armin leaning against the door, pondering about something. He lights up when I appear. 

"Arsto! Welcome, I've been waiting." Despite his status, he opens the door for me in front of everyone. 

"Y-Your Highness-"

"Enter, my hands are getting sore."

...

I nod and enter, and Armin follows. 

What was that? It was as if Armin deliberately tried to start a rumour about my status. 

His desk is messy. Papers and books are scattered all over the place. What used to be a bookshelf is now a large tapestry of the Rodgof map with several arrows and circles labelled on certain parts. 

In addition, I notice several crest coins on his table.

"I am...recently really busy. So I will cut to the chase. I have two tasks for you. First, I need you to infiltrate Marivel, a city recently conquered by the rebellion and devise a way to lure most of the army out five days later. Second, investigate for any suspicious person in Clamore. That's all."

...

Crest coins...Marivel...investigate...

...

There are hidden clues behind Armin's words. Because of my actions, Armin forced an alliance between the nobles and obtained power. 

From the tapestry and his requests, they will most likely retaliate at Marivel with a large army five days later and someone of interest is in Clamore. 

...Is Armin trying to warn me? 

Why?