CH 16

This is the first time I’ve felt this way, and I’m confused.

Keeping Motivational Messages Alive

I want to know more about His Highness.

What he’s thinking, what he’s feeling.

I want to know so badly that I blurted it out without thinking.

“On a regular day, well, basically, it’s just work. Being a prince may look like a leisurely life, but it’s actually quite tough.”

“I don’t think it looks leisurely at all.”

“Is that so? I thought people might think, ‘What does he do all day?’ and see me as being arrogant.”

“I wouldn’t think that!”

Well, I may have had similar thoughts before…

I’m interested in knowing not just about His Highness Julius, but also about how people in similar positions spend their days.

“I’m taking on some of my father’s work. Managing the territory, dealing with problems that arise in various places, and handling diplomacy with other countries. Those are the kinds of things I do for work.”

“Even just listening to that sounds tough…”

“It is, to a certain extent. But being a prince is still easier than being a king. If I become king, I’ll have many times more work and pressure. I’ve been watching my father since I was little, and I’m amazed he hasn’t broken down physically. He’s still flying around the world for diplomatic missions. Who knows when he’ll be back.” 

“That’s quite…”

His Majesty probably has even less time off than I do.

“Well, the chances of me becoming king are low, so there’s no need to worry about it too much.”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t you know? In this country, the first prince usually becomes king. I, the second prince, am just a backup in case something happens to my older brother.”

After the first prince becomes king, His Highness Julius will become the first prince.

There has only been one instance in history where the second prince became king.

Apparently, it was because the first prince suddenly died of an illness.

Unless there are unavoidable circumstances, His Highness will not become king.

“In that sense, it’s easygoing.”

“…Do you not want to become king, Your Highness?”

“Hm?”

“I, um… I would be happy if someone like you became king.”

A king who can see things from others’ perspectives.

A kind king who cares for his people.

I thought it would be a perfect fit for His Highness.

He laughs.

“Thank you. It’s not like I don’t want to become king, but it’s just not something I’m suited for.”

“You, Your Highness…?” 

“Oh, if I become the king, I will have less time to interact with each person individually. I will have to focus on the country, not just the people. And then I won’t be able to listen to small problems or voices. I don’t like that.”

“You don’t like it?”

“Isn’t it childish?”

“That’s not true!”

I shake my head vigorously.

Seeing me exaggerate my denial, His Highness laughs happily.

“It’s okay. I think I’m childish too. I’m not good at managing or leading a large group of people, so I’m not suited to be the king.”

“…”

“Besides, I won’t have time like this if I become the king.”

His Highness says so and smiles at me.

Is he talking about the time he spends with me?

If so, I’m happy.

If he’s conscious of the time he spends with me, even a little.

“On that point, my older brother can undoubtedly become a wonderful king.”

“His Highness Klaus, right?”

“Yeah, my older brother is an amazing person. He can handle anything perfectly, and he always looks ahead of things. I believe that if it’s my older brother, he can become the best king in history. I’m sorry for my father though.” 

“Fufu, Your Highness respects Prince Klaus, doesn’t he?”

“Yes.”

He nods and looks up at the ceiling with shining eyes.

“My older brother has always been my goal since I was young. It hasn’t changed to this day. That’s why I decided that I would be the support for my older brother when he becomes the king. I’ll solve the problems that are out of his reach. I’ll make sure he can focus on what he wants to do.”

“That’s wonderful.”

When talking about Prince Klaus, His Highness looks like a child, so happy.

He really does have respect for him.

They must have a good relationship as brothers.

Different from us.

“I’m still inexperienced, but I’ve been doing various things recently. I can’t say it too loudly, but I’ve been investigating the black market.”

“The black market? What is that?”

“Simply put, it’s a place where stolen goods and people are bought and sold.”

“Such a thing exists?”

“Yes,” His Highness answers clearly.

The slave trade is strictly prohibited in this country.

It’s because it’s a violation of human rights.

If it’s discovered, heavy punishment will be imposed. 

“They exist, those guys who secretly sell women and children behind the scenes… I can’t forgive that. So I’m investigating and crushing them. I’ve already captured some of the bandits who have connections. Maybe they’re involved in this case too.”

“Then I’ll help too——”

“No.”

Before I could answer that I wanted to cooperate, His Highness clearly refused.

My body trembled at his voice, which was stronger than usual.

“This is too dangerous. I don’t want to put you in danger.”

“Your Highness…”

“Just helping with the investigation is enough. It’s just a guess that they might be connected. Don’t ever try to investigate alone, okay?”

“…Yes.”

It’s a shame, but if His Highness says so…

My job is to find a clue to lift His Highness’s curse.

If only this book has any valuable information…

“Oh, this…”

“Did you find something?”

“Yes.”

The book I was looking at had some interesting information.

The body of the cursed person is mixed with the magic of the person who cast the curse.

“Magic…”

If I can identify the magic…

I might be able to find the culprit who cast the curse!