Chapter 146

Chapter 146

Initially, everything seemed fine. Theodor believed it would be fine, even after losing in that famous duel against his elder brother, the crown prince, at the Lloy-Javi Bridge. He genuinely felt okay.

Or so he thought.

At first.

The second prince, Theodor, shot a complex glance. However, Raciel couldnt perceive that expression.

The reason was straightforward. Theodors eyes were concealed behind his swollen eyelids.

Nevertheless, Theodor released a deep sigh through his thickened lips.

I believed it was fine.

It wasnt.

The initial three days were like any other. He rose in the morning to practice swordsmanship and dedicated the entire morning to attending various classes, including imperial studies.

During lunchtime, he strolled and immersed himself in books in the afternoon. As evening approached, he engaged in meetings with dignitaries and nobles.

It was a day that adhered to the typical routine expected of a prince. He was diligent and punctual at every moment, rigorously training, earnestly studying, and approaching every meeting with utmost seriousness.

Then, on the fourth day, a sudden realization struck him as he was washing his face, gazing at his reflection in the mirror. He discovered that he hadnt smiled even once in the three days since losing to his brother.

It was a startling revelation.

He finally grasped it. He was not alright. He had merely been putting on a facade of being okay.

Thats when it all began. An overwhelming sense of loss consumed him. Because he had always been diligent, because laziness had never been part of his upbringing, because he had invested so much effort throughout his life the feeling of loss was as vast as the dreams he had nurtured and the passion he had earnestly cultivated.

Everything felt hollow.

The dream he once believed attainable. The aspiration to become Emperor. All the daily toil and desperation now seemed in vain, futile. He grappled with a profound sense of defeat.

Perhaps thats why.

Unconsciously, impulsively, he leaped out of bed in the middle of the night and made his way to the kitchen of the second princes palace. Clad in pajamas, he devoured fruits and bread.

The most delicious food Ive ever tasted.

He ate until he was almost sick. No, he overindulged. And astonishingly he felt content!

That day, for the first time since losing to his brother, he slept soundly. And upon waking in the morning, he realized he had undergone a profound transformation.

Swordsmanship training? He had no interest.

Eating brought him comfort.

Various classes, including imperial studies? Tedious. Eating was comforting.

Walking? Reading? What was the point? Mingling with dignitaries and nobles? Socializing? It became bothersome, meaningless. Eating was far more comforting and joyful.

From that moment on.

In the morning, he sought out bread slathered with honey. Fruits, snacks with various creams, fried delicacies, more snacks, and even hearty late-night feasts.

From the moment he awoke to the moment he drifted off, he incessantly savored food. He filled his belly. No, he never emptied it.

He paid no heed to others opinions. He was content. So he continued this pattern for just under a year. Of course, even now, he was

Im doing well, as you can see, Brother.

After all, isnt there a saying that men should have a robust physique? In its own way, this isnt too bad. Hahaha.

The second prince, Theodor, chuckled merrily. His round cheeks jiggled like water balloons. Observing this, Raciels heart sounded a series of alarms.

What should I make of this situation?

It was awkward.

It was perplexing.

He couldnt have foreseen that in just a few months of not seeing him, or less than a year, the second prince would transform into this plump(?) figure.

On one hand, he could empathize with the mans circumstances. It was thanks to the rough explanation he had just received from the Second Prince.

Not too shabby, huh? Just eating all day long?

Yes, brother. Its hard to explain, but my mind feels truly at ease.

Ah, you certainly appear that way.

I really am okay. Truly.

I know, too. Living like this has its drawbacks in many ways. But Im genuinely fine with it. My mind is at ease. Plus, living this way wont harm anyone, so its okay.

So, I understand your sentiments, brother. But I genuinely dont see the reason why I should go through the trouble of losing weight I simply dont want to.

No words came to mind in response. What can you do when the other person is unwilling? You cant force someone to lose weight.

What a predicament.

Raciel bit his lower lip. He had attempted to persuade him, but it had proven futile.

It was awkward. Above all, the fact that the second prince displayed absolutely no inclination to embark on a diet was the most exasperating aspect.

The most critical element in dieting is ones own determination, motivation, and self-encouragement.

And none of that seemed to exist.

This couldnt continue.

Of course. A diet imposed by others has its limits. Its destined to fail.

Thats an undeniable truth. Even if one succeeds in shedding some weight, the likelihood of regaining it (yo-yo effect) is 99.9%.

Therefore, the motivation to lose weight must come from within. Thats how fragile the process of dieting is.

Ugh. What should we do?

Raciel cast a troubled glance at the second prince. He didnt have a solution.

How could he compel this individual, who was not only overweight but morbidly obese and utterly lacking in willpower, to embark on a rigorous weight loss journey? How could he instill that motivation?

It was a conundrum.

But he refused to give up.

Think, Lee Han, think.

He pondered deeply, engaging his brainpower. He mentally folded origami. He delved into the recesses of his memory.

Then, slowly, an idea began to take shape.

Right at his core, this guy is exceedingly diligent. He possesses a strong sense of responsibility.

Thats how he was portrayed in the novel Devil Sword Emperor. Despite his downfall due to indecision, Second Prince Theodor fundamentally possessed a diligent character. Raciel seized upon that insight.

This might work.

He had found a piece of the puzzle. He collected his thoughts. He arranged, assembled, and merged them.

He formulated the magical words that could ignite the second princes determination to lose weight. He encapsulated them in a sentence. He moistened his tongue in readiness for the forthcoming revelation.

Whew. I understand. I spoke without fully comprehending your perspective.

Its alright, brother.

Its not alright.

Im not alright, you rascal. But soon, you wont be alright either.

Raciel concealed his sly smile and began to speak.

But, whew. I feel obligated to share this with you.

What are you talking about?

Actually, you see.

He nonchalantly paused for a beat, piquing his curiosity. Then he continued with a gentle delivery.

Actually, I have reason to believe that I might not live another year.

What?

The second prince reacted with surprise.

But Raciel didnt flinch.

In fact, because it was only partially true, he began weaving a brazen, flagrant lie that was galaxies away from reality, as if placing it on a revolving sushi conveyor belt.

(To be Continued)

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