Prologue

**The Beginning of the Two** (二人の始まり lit. *Fuutari no Hajimari*) is the prologue of the web novel.

## Synopsis

In the Imperial Capital branch of the Adventurer Guild, a wizard clad in black from head to toe with a mask of silver covering his face, walks up to the reception carrying a large horn as onlookers are in awe, some discussing that horn is from an AAA rank monster, the King Minotaur. The receptionist greets the person as Silver and hands out a large number of gold coins as the reward. Silver muses that this amount is a given since the King Minotaur hunt was special assignment, after an A rank party had failed to subjugate it, causing it to wander into the empire. He thanks the receptionist for her work, which the receptionist returns back as it is honor to have one of the 5 SS rank Adventurers in the Continent at their branch. Silver then turns and heads towards the entrance, not before leaving some gold coins the table. When the receptionist questions the action, Silver replies to use those to get alcohol for all the adventurers present in the guild, and in exchange he should be given priority for any high level quests. The receptionists accepts the coins happily while the other adventurers cheer.

Leaving the guild, Silver returns to an inn and starts changing into a regal outfit after removing his robes and masks, while uttering "Incompetent as I am, If it got out that a prince was working as an adventurer, it would cause a big ruckus". A voice calls out saying that if he is aware of that, addressing him as Prince Arnold. As he turns around to see his butler Sebastian standing behind him. He chides his butler, calling him Sebas, saying that he told him not to appear silently to which Sebastian apologizes, saying its an old habit of his. Arnold continues, saying not to lecture him as he's the dull prince, a member of the imperial family who has the worst reputation and no hopes placed on him whatsoever. Sebas tells him to take no heed as all those who ridicule him do not know of his true power, Arnold replies back that he doesn't really mind.

Sebas says he understands the point but says that such a excuse will not work anymore and asks him to return to the castle immediately. Arnold questions what happened and Sebas replies General Dominique has passed away. Arnold remembers the old man and thinks that it was unnatural that he passed away so quickly, and deduces it was mostly an assassination. He mutters that 'those three' are involved, to which Sebas adds that the details are still unknown and mostly no investigation will be done into this matter. Arnold thinks about the reason for why someone wanted the General dead. He remembers him as a very frank person and spoke what was on his mind, which in turn easily created enemies who could have done this. The only concrete reason he can think of is that the General got involved with the Succession war: the general who used to say all the current contenders were no good started to get close to the one of the Princes, the Eight Prince Leonard Lakes Adler, Arnold's twin brother.

Arnold comments that Leo's nature is such that he will attract people towards him, and he wasn't aiming for the throne anyways. Sebas states that since the General got close to him, the other participants have perceived Prince Leonard as an enemy, to which Arnold lets out a sigh. He recounts that among all the successors, the second prince, the second princess and the third prince are the three currently engaged in a three-way struggle for the throne. The only paths left for the others are two: either join one of them or be neutral else aim for the throne. He quickly concludes that being neutral or joining one side is useless at this point since the situation has escalated this much and that making Leonard the emperor is the only way left. Sebas asks if he will not become the emperor himself to which he replies that he wants to keep leaving freely as an adventurer and leaves to meet Leo.

Once he reaches the Imperial sword castle, Arnold makes his way towards Leonard's room. On the way he encounters some aristocrats and ministers who greet him and praise Leonard for joining the Succession war, whilst subtlety ridiculing him. Arnold leaves saying it doesn't matter as the nobles give a slight bow, knowing that all of them are making fun of him. He reaches Leonard's room and opens the door, only to be greeted by his twin brother's depressed face. He then bring up the passing of the General and says that it was probably an assassination, to which Leo agrees. He then questions what he wants to do, to which Leo replies that he doesn't want to fight his siblings. Arnold comments he thought that he would say that, since Leo has a kind personality. However, he then says since the others have already recognized him as an enemy, if he does not compete the only option left for both of them and their mother is death. Leo utters an apology which Arnold quickly shoots down, saying he doesn't want an apology and wants to know what Leo wants to do.

Leo, with a difficult expressions, says that he'll join the battle for the throne. On receiving his answer, Arnold thinks that if Leo was alone, he would have got out of this situation even it costs him his life, but since he has people to protect he will fight. He muses that Leo is too kind to be an emperor, but decides not to mention it. Arnold then tells Leo that while it will not be much, he will be helping him out and instructs Leo to build up his own power while searching for allies. Leo asks what he will do and Arnold says that he too will search for allies, but also adds not to expect much since most of the influential ministers have already joined one of the three factions. Leo thanks him and says Arnold is better suited to becoming an emperor. Arnold selfishly replies that if he becomes emperor he will not have the time to play around and live a free life, so he will have Leo become the emperor. After saying so he places his hand on Leo's shoulder and notices that Leo has been trembling slightly, and thinks it can't be helped as even for the perfect Leo those three are monsters. Arnold concludes that no matter how good they maybe, they are not invincible and since they are currently fighting among themselves, it also serves as a chance for Leo. The two then start planning on how they will get the approval of their father, his Majesty the Emperor.