Chapter 238
Expectations lead to disappointments, or so they say. That’s why I’ve forgotten how to hope. The more hope I hold onto, the heavier the despair that returns in response.
“One can’t spend more than a year just in the Empire, right?”
So when Rutis casually mentioned this, confusion hit me before any joy could surface. It felt like scratching a lottery ticket expecting a loss only to win second place.
Of course, first place is them dropping out, but I’ve already given up on that.
“Is that so?”
“Haha, are you disappointed that we might leave?”
Where’s this nonsense coming from? I’m thrilled!
Not saying it out loud, I just responded with my expression, which made Rutis break into laughter again.
“At least we should celebrate the new year in our homeland. It’s not as grand as the Empire’s New Year’s Ball, but Ainter also holds a ceremony for the new year.”
That was a very reasonable excuse, and I found myself nodding in agreement.
Surely, having royal representatives absent for a New Year’s celebration would be troublesome. It could easily lead to rumors of royal discontent, and the king would end up with a headache.
Looking over at Lather and Tannian, they both nodded in agreement too.
‘The Union Assembly and the Ascension Ceremony.’
The importance of the New Year isn’t less in Yuben compared to the Holy Kingdom; if anything, it’s even greater.
The Union Assembly, where the monarchs of the five kingdoms come together, and the Ascension Ceremony, commemorating the day when Enen’s first Apostle ascended to the heavens. To miss out on such massive events just because they were abroad would be unfathomable.
“Then it can’t be helped. We’ll just have to go with whoever can.”
Once those words slipped out, I felt my mind ease instantly. They’ve calmed down enough recently that bringing them along wouldn’t be a problem, but it would still be best for them to skedaddle back home.
Tears almost welled at such an unexpected year-end gift. Was this a small act of mercy from Enen for all the hardships I’ve faced?
‘Thank you…’
It’s a bit sad that I’m thankful for something like this, but gratitude is gratitude.
Please, may there be many more gifts like this ahead.
*
Sitting down while watching Rutis declare that he would bring back Ainter’s local specialties as gifts, I found myself begrudgingly admitting that I didn’t want to return home.
When I first entered the Empire’s Academy, didn’t I promise myself I would stick it out until graduation?
‘That’s for the royal family.’
The more I stay and show my presence in my country, the more I threaten my brother’s status as Crown Prince. But who among the nobles would support a prince who has spent three years learning in a foreign educational institution?
So I thought of enduring for three years, but—
‘I can’t just cling to the situation blindly.’
I shifted my gaze to Louise. She was beaming cheerfully at the thought of traveling with Rutis.
Yeah, how could I possibly bring that up with such a lovely sight? Last summer, I harbored feelings for Louise to join in, but that’s changed now. We’ve given up on Louise, supporting her love as friends instead.
So it’s only right. A trip to the capital should be for lovers’ dates. We’ve had enough group club trips in the summer.
‘Ultimately, returning home is inevitable.’
I leaned back on the chair with a slightly bitter feeling.
I didn’t need to return home just for forgoing the capital trip. I could stay in the Academy dorms during the break. Yet still, a reason to head home had sprung up.
“I heard the Crown Prince will be attending this Union Assembly.”
A few days ago, through the contact link with the home country, I received news that my brother would be participating in the Union Assembly.
Though he’s acting in a supporting role for our father, just the fact he’s attending is significant. Attending alongside our father confirms his position as an heir, proving his status both internally and externally.
Could a prince of similar age not show his face at such a monumental event? It would only spread rumors of doubt regarding the Crown Prince’s position and stir up conflict.
‘So he’s scheming.’
I secretly rubbed my neck. No matter how I think about it, it’s clearly father’s scheme. A plan to bring back a son who has vanished abroad, making it seem like he wouldn’t return.
Even if I only show my face briefly, it’s a situation crafted so my brother’s position won’t be hindered. If I don’t show up, it would just lead to wild rumors about royal discontent.
Well, what can I do? I have to go.
‘Tannian really doesn’t have a reason to stick to the Empire anyway.’
Just like me, Tannian has his own reasons to return home. The Ascension Ceremony is one of the Dawn Sect’s key events. For the next Holy Prince to miss it would surely make the Pope and Cardinals faint.
“There’s also a classroom for future priests at the Academy, right? I want to see our compatriots who will lead the sect in the future, and I’d like to share knowledge with the Empire’s priests too.”
Moreover, recalling Tannian’s reason for enrolling which I had accidentally overheard a while back: he was there to engage with the largest assembly of believers in the Empire.
That’s a pretty important reason, but not significant enough to stay in the Empire if it means missing the Ascension Ceremony. Communication and friendship can flourish during the semester, after all.
‘On the other hand…’
I turned my gaze back to Rutis, who was still laughing and chatting.
“What was your reason for enrolling?”
That conversation flashed back, and instinctively, my brow furrowed.
“I don’t really have one. I just got tired of staying in Ainter, so I thought I’d give the unique Empire Academy a try!”
His 100% crazy response left me momentarily speechless. I thought there’d be some depth to his reasoning, but I never expected it was simply for fun.
Sir Villar, who heard that too, closed his eyes quietly. There were no tears, but his blank expression definitely looked like he was crying.
‘What a madman.’
No matter how I think about it, this guy should be the one looking for a reason to be in the Empire, not to go home.
He could easily return home and not look odd at all, even if he didn’t come back when the second year starts.
‘I’m on par with that guy.’
Thinking about it like that made me feel completely devastated. No one knows the reasons for my enrollment or Rutis’s. To everyone else, we just seem like oddballs who left our own educational institutions for the Empire.
Unfair. How can I be seen as a peer to that lunatic? I’ve made the painstaking effort for my family and homeland.
‘…What does it even matter?’
Yeah, what does it matter? A year has already passed, and there’s still two years to go.
There’s no point in feeling unfair about it now; it’s too late to turn back.
Damn.
*
There were more than just the three of us declaring absence.
Ainter, who originally lived in the Imperial Palace, and Erich, who now intends to stay in his territory. Just those two.
“I’ll stay in my territory. I want to see Sara’s face after a long time.”
“Sure, but make sure to send my regards.”
“Got it.”
Just after the semester ends, he’s heading straight home. Surely, that’ll be something for our mother to be glad about.
By the way, Sara—I hadn’t heard that name in quite a while.
‘It’s been ages since we’ve seen each other.’
She’s the daughter of the head maid and the only child remaining after her brother passed away due to illness.
Plus, with her not being the healthiest of children, she’s been a source of worry for the head maid. But I’ve heard from her mom that with ample care, that little girl has grown fairly strong now.
‘So she’s doing well.’
Thinking that about my little sister carrying on a good friendship made me feel oddly warm. Since our mothers are close, the kids probably cross paths often, and Erich and Sara, being the same age, quickly became friends.
Of course, I’m not involved. I was just a brother who exchanged greetings, and even less so after the possession.
‘A childhood friend.’
That’s a bit surprising. I never thought my mother’s relationship would carry on to our kids. That’s not even something I could imagine happening in my previous life.
If there’s such a thing as family, it spreads connections like this, huh?
“Who’s Sara?”
Just then, Tannian, who had been shuffling cards, chimed in, looking bored.
Hasn’t it only been a little while since he played foot volleyball? And now he’s all about games? The next Holy Prince is rather disingenuous in his desires.
“Erich’s childhood friend. The daughter of the head maid, so we’ve known each other since way back.”
“Oh, what a nice connection! They say friends and wine are better the older they get.”
Nodding at Tannian’s light smile, I spoke.
“I wouldn’t know about friends, but I agree, wine certainly does taste better with age.”
Those words momentarily silenced the atmosphere in the clubroom. From those who’d been chatting, like Rutis and Lather, to Ainter being perplexed, even Luise paused her tea sip to look at me.
‘Oh.’
That’s when I realized I had spoken too thoughtlessly.
I hadn’t thought much about not having friends; I just casually let it slip. To anyone else, that probably sounded like a tragic self-deprecation.
“Uh, but you were busy, right? With training when we were younger…”
“Having one childhood friend is not everything in life. There are many connections to make as you live,” Erich, who has loads of friends, and Tannian, who accidentally initiated this, hurriedly tried to console me.
No, don’t do that! Isn’t it weirder now? It makes me seem like the sad one.
“…Thanks for that.”
Still, I didn’t want to respond too seriously, since that would just feel more awkward.
‘Damn…’
It’s not a crime to have very few friends, is it?
In the midst of the small commotion, we confirmed our participation in the capital trip. Me, Louise, Irina. And Marghetta, who immediately agreed when questioned through the communication line.
Even if it’s a trip meant to answer confessions, it feels a bit embarrassing with this lineup. Anyone would think it’s a harem trip.
‘…And they’re not entirely wrong.’
Looking back, maybe it’s not an inaccurate perception, nor could I deny it without sounding ludicrous.
Sighing, I activated the communication link. I should have considered it before asking, denying at this point feels too late.
– Huh? Executive Manager?
“Uh, it’s me.”
Before long, the face of the 2nd Manager appeared. It’s somewhat pitiful that not even a week after going through a mental attack, here I am reaching out myself, but he’s the only one I can ask for meaningful answers.
“Is 1st Manager nearby?”
– No, it’s just me.
Nodding at the answer I wanted to hear, I spoke the words no one should hear, especially not 1st Manager.
– Why’s that? Looking for venue spaces for five brides?
“Uh—”
– Or you could forget it.
I instinctively swallowed back the curse words that almost leaped out. Calm down; if I explode here, I’ll just get more ridicule.
Biting my lips, I hesitated and carefully opened my mouth.
“Is there a good place for making rings?”
– Wedding rings? I don’t know of any places that can make five at once.
That’s just infuriating.
I hate the past me, and I hate the me right now even more!
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