Chapter 12

Chapter 12

I am sorry to say this, but I must decline.

The Crown Princes voice resounded magnificently throughout the vast palace. The Crown Prince, who had always been sickly and weak, had never been able to stand confidently in front of his father, the Emperor.

But today was different.

It wasnt just his voice that had changed.nove(l)bi(n.)com

What?

The Emperor involuntarily recoiled, taken aback by the refusal that lacked any semblance of humility or hesitation. It was a blunt and outright rejection.

Never in his wildest expectations did he anticipate such a refusal from his own son, especially considering the fragile nature of the Crown Prince. When summoning the Crown Prince today, the Emperor had never fathomed receiving such a resolute response.

No, this was a response unlike any he had ever encountered throughout his entire life.

What did you just say?

He sought confirmation once more, hoping for a different outcome.

Yet, the response remained unwaveringly consistent.

I said, I cannot accept your proposal, Your Majesty.

The Emperors initial surprise at the unexpected display of assertiveness from the Crown Prince quickly dissipated, giving way to a hardening of his expression. Anger flickered within his eyes.

Decline? My proposal?

Yes, thats right.

The Emperors understated wrath, akin to a simmering lion, was palpable.

The veiled intensity resonating in his voice was evident.

All of these feelings were sharply discerned by Raciel, but he didnt waver, responding with an unwavering nod. His decision to refuse remained unaltered. In fact, it couldnt be.

He had assessed that accepting would simply be not right.

Of course. The Emperors proposal wasnt in the original story. This situation wasnt in the novel either. But theres no reason to panic. I can clearly see why hes acting this way.

Indeed, that was the situation at hand.

The Emperor had put forth a proposition for the Second Prince to assume the role of the Crown Prince. Raciel, perceptive as ever, could discern the rationale and underlying motives behind this proposal.

Its simple. He wants to give the Second Prince a more legitimate pretext.

In truth, transferring the position of the Crown Prince was not a challenging task. To be frank, obtaining consent from the concerned parties on this side was unnecessary. The matter could be effortlessly resolved through the Emperors authoritative command.

But the reason he insists on recommending me to yield the position is to save face for the royal family while granting the Second Prince more power and legitimacy.

This side ought to submit and acquiesce, for that is how they should graciously relinquish the position of the Crown Prince.

Its like a PR effect for both domestic and foreign audiences. The eldest son, who acknowledged the existence of his more capable brother and willingly yielded his position out of benevolence and virtue, and the deserving brother who received the Crown Princes position from such an eldest son Thats the plausible picture they want to paint.

If events unfold in this manner

The royal family can uphold its dignity by removing the Crown Prince from his position. Additionally, the Second Prince will be regarded as a capable individual, able to assert his rightful claim to legitimacy and the true lineage.

It can be viewed as a rather favorable political advertisement, a form of propaganda that serves the interests of the royal family.

Besides, it would be better if I yield rather than forcibly take the Crown Princes position from me and give it to the Second Prince.

What if they were to seize the Crown Princes position without obtaining consent from this side? What if the Second Prince were to ascend to the role of Crown Prince through such means?

Such a turn of events would undoubtedly alter the entire situation.

Raciels perception of this potential outcome was crystal clear.

Both this sides and the Second Princes image would be completely different from the yielding scenario. The eldest son who had his Crown Princes position taken away due to health issues, and the Second Prince who seized it Thats the image.

In essence, the Second Prince would be associated with the image of a usurper. Undoubtedly, the Emperor would not desire such a tarnished reputation for his chosen successor. The legitimacy of the Second Princes claim would be compromised.

This burdensome label would follow the Second Prince relentlessly, casting a shadow over his entire life.

The Emperor wants to avoid that.

Raciel lifted his gaze, directing it straight towards the Emperor.

The Emperor, visibly consumed by genuine anger, met Raciels unwavering stare.

Yet, within the depths of the Emperors gaze, a subtle undercurrent of anxiety could be discerned.

Of course, hed be anxious. Im still weak and pitiful, I look unqualified, but Im not showing any signs of dying while barely hanging on.

Suddenly, the early chapters of the novel flashed through Raciels mind.

During that time, Crown Prince Raciel faced a much more critical state than his present condition. Following a severe nosebleed while writing in his diary, his health deteriorated rapidly. He became bedridden, unable to even rise from his sickbed, and it was evident to all that his days were numbered.

Consequently, in the original storyline, the Emperor never made such a proposition. There was no need for it. The Crown Princes position could naturally pass to the Second Prince, considering Raciels impending demise.

But now?

Raciel refused to let the empire crumble in such a manner.

If the empire and royal family collapse the rock I rely on will also disappear..

He had to continue his journey as a member of the royal family.

That was the best life plan.

For that to happen, the empire had to remain strong and undamaged.

However, the Second Prince lacked the capability to safeguard the empire during the impending war-ridden era. Raciel couldnt entrust the position of Crown Prince to such an individual. In order to protect the privileged life he had painstakingly attained, the illustrious golden spoon, or rather, his royal spoon, he could never relinquish the Crown Princes position to the Second Prince.

Raciel reached a resolute decision.

What should I do then?

Raciel cast a fleeting glance at the Emperor.

The Emperors intense gaze remained fixed upon him, unyielding and relentless. Honestly, it weighed heavily upon him, creating a considerable burden to bear.

Ha. A fake from the very beginning.

Despite being the Emperors son, Raciel was, in truth, an imposter. He harbored a slight concern that divulging too much might inadvertently expose his true identity.

But by remaining silent in this manner

The situation would unfold exactly as the Emperor desired. Ultimately, the position of Crown Prince would be bestowed upon the Second Prince.

Sigh. Theres no choice.

Raciel subtly manipulated his facial muscles, consciously relaxing his tense cheeks and allowing his lips to soften. With a deliberate motion, he ignited the engine of his tongue, preparing to deliver his response.

I feel wronged.

Wronged?

Yes, Your Majesty.

He nodded affirmatively.

With unwavering certainty shining in his eyes and reflecting in his expression, he spoke,

Of course, as you said, I am physically weak. But my spirit is not broken. I havent lost my wisdom and charisma either. Thats why I refused your proposal.

What?

The truth is, the position of the crown prince is not important to me. I have no greed or attachment to this position. Instead, I have greed and attachment to other things.

What other things?

Yes. The prosperity of the empire and the well-being of the royal family.

For the sake of his life as royalty.

You hold on to the position of crown prince because you value those things?

Thats right.

Ha. If you hold on to the position of Crown Prince with that weak body of yours, do you think the empire will prosper and the royal family will find peace?

Of course, thats what I believe.

Ha. Ha ha.

The Emperor chuckled, a sound that escaped his lips for the first time.

Yet, it was not a laugh filled with goodwill or warmth.

How pathetic. Truly pathetic and despicable. Is the position of Crown Prince so precious to you?

As Ive told you, its not the position of Crown Prince thats precious, but the prosperity and well-being of the imperial family.

You manage to sound convincing until the end.

Its not just my words that are convincing.

What do you mean by that?

Id like to make a suggestion.

A suggestion?

Yes.

Go ahead.

The Emperors gaze intensified, exuding a formidable aura befitting the ruler of the empire.

However, Raciel stood firm under the weight of that pressure. In his past struggles, the landlord of the commercial building where his clinic was located had been far more terrifying and burdensome than the Emperor.

Maintaining a composed poker face, Raciel proceeded to bring forth the suggestion he had been meticulously preparing ever since he first rejected the Emperors offer.

Please give me and the Second Prince the opportunity to prove who can better bear the weight of the Crown Princes position.