Chapter 145

Chapter 145

Thump, clatter.

A carriage rumbled down the darkening streets. Inside, Raciel gazed blankly out of the window.

Suddenly, the carriage passed by a familiar location.

Lloy-Javi Bridge.

The Majena River, spanning the Royal Road, with its grandest bridge.

Constructed by the renowned city planner Lloyd Frontera nearly three centuries ago, it was also the site of his fateful duel with the second prince over the crown prince title.

What a coincidence to be passing this place on my way to meet the second prince.

A bitter smile played on his lips, as he contemplated the irony. Upon reflection, he realized it had been quite some time since he had last encountered the second prince.

Is this our first meeting since that duel?

It likely was.

He had occasionally heard news about the second prince through others, but today marked their first face-to-face reunion since that eventful day.

Even when the Emperor suffered a stroke and was incapacitated, it remained the same.

Whether through strange happenstance or deliberate avoidance, the second prince only visited the Emperor when Raciel was absent.

And he would promptly depart, seemingly anxious to avoid any confrontation.

Well, Ive been occupied as well.

Looking back, he had been remarkably productive.

He had rescued Demian from the arena, established the Star Palace Clinic, recruited nurses, journeyed to Cremo for fundraising, and had an even busier schedule in Anbouaz.

He hadnt found the time to seek out the second prince for a casual conversation.

And we werent exactly known for our social visits in the first place.

That had always been the case.

Thoughts of the novel Devil Sword Emperor crossed his mind.

Raciel and the second prince, Theodor, were half-brothers. Both had lost their mothers at birth.

Interestingly, both had endured challenging births, and after two consecutive tragedies, the Emperor left the Empresss throne unoccupied.

In any case, Raciel and Theodor grew up without mothers. However, this shared experience did not bring them closer together.

It was an inherent rivalry, whether we liked it or not. By birth.

Furthermore, he wasnt the real Raciel; he was simply pretending to be hima complete stranger to Theodor, when you got down to it.

He had no desire to visit the prince and act hypocritical.

It would be uncomfortable, and he would feel disgusted with himself. He preferred to maintain his distance.

Im not Raciel.

He had no familial connection to the second prince.

Thiking about it, what had happened to the original Raciel? A thought crossed Raciels mind, or rather, Lee Hans mind, as he clenched and then loosened his fist.

He was curious, and to some extent, he felt guilty. After all, he had taken over the guys body, whether intentionally or not.

Thats why.

Suddenly, he became curious. He wanted to investigate. A place to inquire also came to mind. He posed the question internally.

Hey.

There was no response, but he didnt stop trying to communicate.

Can you hear me? Respond, will you?

Then, a response came soon after.

Ding dong!

[Your attempt to communicate has interrupted the leisure activities of the internal organs.]

[The heart has turned off the TV.]

[The liver has stopped deep breathing.]

[The intestine has stopped skipping rope.]

[The kidney is wiping its sweat in the kidney field.]

[The stomach is washing off its military camouflage cream.]

What were you guys up to?

He couldnt help but chuckle. However, he sensed it. The organs that had been resting(?) were now paying attention to what he was saying.

Do you guys know that Im not the original owner of this body?

Then, lets wait until he finishes his meal. It would be impolite to interrupt him while hes eating, especially since I arrived unannounced.

Very sorry, Your Highness.

Its alright. Just inform him of my visit when hes done eating.

I shall comply.

The steward bowed respectfully and withdrew. From that moment on, Raciel quietly contemplated his plans in the reception room.

I need to deliver the marriage proposal to the second prince.

The so-called marriage proposal handoff operation.

It seemed quite feasible. A practical execution plan was within sight. With the second princes consent and the cooperation of the proposed partner, he believed he could succeed.

After all, I have no intention of ascending to the throne. As long as we establish a stable royal life, I will pass the throne to the second prince. Therefore, its only right to connect the women who have sent marriage proposals to become empress with the second prince. Thats the correct path.

He was convinced.

Of course, there would be no shortage of tangled obstacles.

The Emperors reaction will be quite intense well, thats a separate matter.

He was confident enough to overcome any obstacles. In fact, he has meticulously devised plans to win the Emperors favor.

Theres no particular need to be concerned about the Emperors response. Instead, he was likely to receive high praise from him for this endeavor.

So, they should organize a banquet at the Second Princes palace. They can invite all the ladies from the families who have submitted marriage proposals. Once they lay eyes on the Second Prince in person?

The game is essentially won.

It will undoubtedly be a resounding success.

The ladies will be utterly charmed.

The Second Prince is taller than me, possesses a commendable physique, well-proportioned features, is handsome, athletic, has a diligent personality, and refrains from smoking or drinking. Hes absolutely exceptional.

Furthermore, he was born into privilege.

Upon closer examination, he is the ultimate top-tier husband material. This is his winning card.

To put it figuratively, he has the looks of a world-class idol like a member of BTS, the wealth equivalent to Mansour, and the social status akin to the son of a U.S. President.

such were his thoughts at that moment.

Ah, I apologize for hearing the news late. What brings you here at this late hour?

Suddenly, a deep voice reverberated in Raciels ears. He raised his gaze.

A massive man, drenched in sweat, hurriedly entered the reception room. No, massive doesnt quite capture it.

At first glance, he appeared to weigh at least 150 kilograms. It was almost a marvel that he could walk.

Beneath his chin, five layers of fat wobbled, surpassing even a slab of pork belly. His stomach, flanks, and entire physique were inflated to the point of near bursting.

Do I recognize him? Or is he a servant employed at the Second Princes palace? But would they hire someone of such considerable girth?

He was entirely unfamiliar to him.

Who are you?

Raciel found himself perplexed. He had been awaiting the Second Prince, so why had this exceedingly obese man, drenched in sweat as though he were sorry, walked in?

In response to his question, the obese man offered an awkward smile, his cheeks puffing up.

Its me.

Hmm?

Its me.

Uh?

Hahaha

With an awkward smile, the obese man was initially challenging to identify. However, upon closer scrutiny, some vaguely familiar features began to emerge, as if hidden within the layers of sedimentary rock from the Cambrian period.

So those features belong to

I am Theodore, your brother.

Its been a while.

Ugh.

In less than a year, the Second Prince had astonishingly, almost grotesquely, grown robust. Witnessing this spectacle, Raciel could only let out a groan.

(To be Continued)

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