The matters concerning this old village had more or less been settled, so Uchiha Hikaru had no further worries. Now, he needed to make his position clear, choose the right side, and begin his confrontation with them.
"Second Prince, let us form an alliance without hesitation. My mind is made up. This is for the villagers as well. You know what I want, and likewise, I know what you want."
"I can help you ascend the Imperial Throne. I am no longer worried about anyone restraining me. Even if someone is listening in here, they must be your people. But you must promise me one thing: not a single villager will be placed in danger."
"By saying this, I do not mean I lack the ability to protect my villagers. It is simply that I have only just arrived here and do not know the First Prince very well. Since I am willing to stand with you now, I will inevitably become his enemy."
"Besides, even without me saying it, you know what kind of person the First Prince is. If I openly become his enemy, he certainly will not spare those villagers."
"My own small amount of strength is simply not enough to protect them all. So I hope you can lend me a hand with your power. In return, I will secretly help you as well."
There was no problem with Uchiha Hikaru agreeing to cooperate with the Second Prince. After all, it brought him no disadvantage. Still, Uchiha Hikaru felt that he ought to use this opportunity to make some demands of the Second Prince.
After all, he could not make this matter too easy. Otherwise, the Second Prince might not cherish it. Though the Second Prince was usually well-read, sensible, and compassionate,
that did not mean