Chapter: 286
Family. It’s a simple word, but not one that has any positive connection to my life. No, more accurately, it has been more of a shackle and a stigma than anything else.
To me, family is like a cold, mechanical imperial father, a mother who valued the Epsilon family over the royal family and empire, and a step-brother who enjoyed privileges he didn’t deserve solely because he was the firstborn. Even when I tried to feel love from family, it was impossible; I was so far removed from the succession line that I was hardly acknowledged by those who called themselves family.
However, everything changed when the succession structure centered around my step-brother, the 2nd Prince, took a turn for the worse. With the 1st Prince back by the championing of Jeongseung-gong, who had also subdued the northern chaos and risen to war hero status, naturally, the 2nd Prince, who had nothing to boast about aside from his birth order, fell into disgrace. The 1st Prince, once victimized by the 2nd Prince faction, now wielded the blade of vengeance.
“Who the hell are you?! Are you that Selleden’s spawn too?!”
As the purge loomed closer, the sight of my mother and step-brother reaching out to me was beyond bewildering; it was absurd. What could a mere 3rd Prince do after the match had already been lost? Had I grown up in a loving family, I would have fought alongside them to the death, but to me, they were only a family in name.
In their anger and hatred, they hurled accusations at me, questioning if I was born to a concubine. If that had been the case, I wouldn’t have worried about dying.
“Your Highness, it was a wise choice to remain silent until the end with the 2nd Prince.”
Fortunately, by ignoring my family for the mere namesake and keeping to myself, I was rewarded. The Executive Manager, who led the purge as the right-hand of my half-brother, approached me after dealing with my mother and brother. They promised to spare my life as long as I remained quiet.
While the survival of my life made me joyful, it was also a source of sadness to be in such a situation. I was at risk of losing my head because of a family that resembled family in name only. I lived in constant fear of when my half-brother would turn against me.
So to me, family felt heavier than any burden, an indelible mark that couldn’t be erased.
“There are only the two of us left as brothers. Given our relationship, it’s been quite cold between us.”
That was definitely the case until the moment the Crown Prince suddenly uttered those words.
It was strange. I attended this year’s New Year’s Ball, making my return as a recognized royal, yet I thought it would remain nothing more than that. I believed my existence no longer posed a threat to the Crown Prince’s position; any acknowledgment from him was merely for the sake of the Empire’s prosperity.
Yet having him summon me for a private conversation felt entirely different. He could treat me as a brother or a prince. However, the Crown Prince referred to me in terms of brothers and younger siblings, as if he earnestly wanted to mend our awkward relationship once and for all.
“Your Highness, you are bound to become the sun in the future. I know you are always devoted to the Empire, so why would I dare to speak of brotherly affection and weigh you down?”
The humble words tumbled out, a result of my instinct to tread carefully after living in constant vigilance. Was this a trap? If I referred to him as a brother and not as the Crown Prince, would that give them grounds to execute me?
“Do not say such things. Our great Amanca also established the Empire with the help of his younger siblings. How could I stand alone without their aid?”
The Crown Prince gently shook his head and continued, speaking softly. It felt foreign to me. Was this the same person capable of such warmth?
“Your Highness, please relax and eat while you talk.”
“Thank you, Bi.”
“Th-thank you, Your Highness.”
As I stammered while absorbing the shock, the Crown Princess herself fetched tea, calling me not the 3rd Prince, but as a brother. It was a declaration that the Crown Princess would treat me as family, just as the Crown Prince had mentioned.
An avalanche of unforeseen events left my head spinning. Am I really not dreaming?
“Bi has been deeply versed in tea ceremonies since her Academy days. You’ll find it to your liking.”
“Y-yes. I will enjoy it gratefully.”
Then, after taking a sip of tea, the Crown Prince finally spoke up.
“How has your time at the Academy been?”
“Thanks to Your Majesty’s benevolence, I’ve been able to enjoy my time there without any discomfort.”
“That’s a relief.”
My instinctive response came out to his blunt question. Suddenly, mentioning the Academy made me uneasy. Of all things, why did it have to be that?
‘Is this an interrogation?’
I broke into a cold sweat. If his questioning were to focus on the Academy, there were too many points of concern. Friendships with key foreign figures, my meeting with offspring from the Empire’s northern nobility, and those club activities with Marcilio’s only disciple, though I was clueless at that time. Each issue was enough to raise suspicion—
“I hear Marcilio will be sent to the Academy as a dispatch lecturer this year. It should be an invaluable experience.”
“…Excuse me?”
My brain froze. I had the audacity to question the Crown Prince directly.
However, sensing my blatant rudeness, the Crown Prince merely nodded along.
“It seems Marcilio cherishes his students. If Lady Louise graduates, it would indeed be a miraculous occasion.”
Watching him nonchalantly drink tea made me realize how astonishing he seemed. Was it a standard for someone of his stature to remain unfazed by matters of such gravity?
“But it is the first time a Duke has resided at the Academy. There are esteemed guests from foreign nations present, so I wonder if there will be any inconvenience from Marcilio staying.”
Upon hearing that, instead of feeling trapped, my mind cleared. The sudden mention of the Academy, a Duke present at the Academy, and the delicate balance of forces residing there all sounded like a concern for unexpected changes.
With only the mention of our brotherly ties aside, if I combine my thoughts on the previous topics, the deduction came swiftly. With the Crown Prince restoring his noble rights at the New Year’s Ball, it sidelined the duty for him to fulfill the crown’s responsibilities to prevent strange occurences from happening at the Academy.
‘This works.’
The tension in me dissipated rapidly. I would much rather have a definite call to action and discussion amongst family than to deal with vague inquiries. At the very least, he had instructed a royal family member to ensure everything proceeded smoothly.
It was a discussion I could easily understand. The initial mention of brotherhood felt like ritualistic words to console the Crown Prince as he prepared for his responsibilities.
“Don’t worry, Your Highness. Although I am lacking in many ways, as a member of Livnoman, I will do my utmost to ensure Marcilio and our esteemed guests don’t face any discomfort.”
“Good. Knowing you are at the Academy does put my mind at ease.”
The Crown Prince nodded to me as if to reaffirm my words.
At least there, we had settled into a business-like rhythm.
*
After Ainter left, I remained seated and finished the remaining tea.
“Your Highness.”
Then I turned gently toward Bi’s voice. The expression on her face showed she wasn’t feeling too hot.
“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. I’m more worried about Ainter.”
A sigh escaped me. After all that planning, the meeting ended without any real progress. We probably could have just spoken through letters instead of face-to-face conversations.
“The one who was gunning for my life suddenly acting chummy had to have rattled him.”
Another sigh slipped out. Right after winning the succession struggle and taking out Dorgos, I was indeed ready to deal with Ainter too.
What if the 2nd Prince’s faction regroups around Ainter? What if the only legitimate heir holds me down? It’s a concern I couldn’t ignore. However, any misstep I make would affect Bi and my father-in-law as well. That kept any inkling of possibility alive within me.
But despite all attempts, I found no grounds to purge Ainter, and ultimately, I had to close that chapter by stripping him of his noble rights. Now that it has passed, I count myself lucky it ended that way.
“To be doing this late is hypocritical too.”
“Your Highness.”
Even against Bi’s concerned tone, my mind remained unchanged.
Yes, it’s hypocritical. I resented a cold imperial father and lamented the absence of familial love, but here I was, wanting to kill my brother while pretending to take on a brother’s role. That’s all a farce.
In fact, this hypocrisy surfaced only after my position solidified and the throne was within reach. I had long known Ainter was innocent, but only after securing my safety, did I find the ease to act with benevolence.
‘No wonder we were only able to discuss business.’
Throughout my conversation with Ainter, he stayed stiff and reserved, but only after approaching business topics did he finally relax and open up.
It left a bitter taste. I couldn’t even imagine having a personal dialogue with him as brothers; the only comfort found was in formalities. But then again, who can I blame for this? I’ve made it this way.
“Bi.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Do you think it’s too late?”
It was a word meant for both her and myself.
A brother who once thought to kill him and a sibling living in constant fear of his brother; could we truly return to being ordinary siblings?
“It might not be quick, but it’s certainly not too late.”
Her words were gentle, yet I found myself smiling slightly. Well, perhaps it’s not too late after all.
“Your brother surely knew your feelings. Up until now, although you may not have been able to engage in any duties, you can finally serve the Empire as a legitimate royal.”
I instinctively nodded. Participating in the New Year’s Ball, followed by a duty assignment, was clear recognition of my royal status.
I was no longer just a name but a royal who could fulfill responsibilities, receiving a fitting treatment. He wasn’t a foolish person, so he must have realized it long ago.
“It may not be immediately apparent, but one day, you will understand that His Highness extending his hand was indeed a gesture of reconciliation.”
Yes, I do hope so.
*
What the heck.
“Excuse me, Your Grace. Could you please repeat that?”
– The number of international students has increased. It’s reached the highest count in history.
The words from the Minister of Foreign Affairs made me bury my head in my hands.
Students, getting upgraded into copies…?
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