The Prince’s life story.
"… Since I was born… no, even before I was born, my life has always been side by side with death. When my mother entered the harem, the queen consort constantly targeted her life. However, thanks to her skill with medicinal herbs and sharp instincts, she somehow managed to give birth to me."
Yikes… It’s like something out of a historical drama. But knowing the person who actually endured all this is sitting in front of me makes it so much more painful.
Sei also fled to Doristan Kingdom because his life was targeted, didn’t he?
Why are family feuds always so gruesome…? It’s usually the king’s fault.
"After I was born, they kept attacking in every possible way. Fortunately, the king lost interest in my mother, started taking in new concubines one after another, and the queen consort became too preoccupied to continue. That was a stroke of luck."
… Yep, it’s all the king’s fault!
"Even so, I was still the second prince, and the queen consort and the first prince harassed me relentlessly. I can’t even count how many times they tried to disguise my murder as an accident. But perhaps because I inherited my mother’s sharp instincts, I managed to survive up to now. Looking back, I’m not even sure if surviving was a good thing."
Prince Kaldor gave a wry smile as he said this.
Living every day like you’re walking on a razor’s edge in a glittering royal palace… it’s exhausting just imagining it.
And yet, this person endured it all…
"Despite having no desire for the throne, just living in the palace made me a target. I couldn’t stand that life anymore, so three years ago, I renounced my right to the throne. I was granted a small territory, my mother’s hometown village and its surroundings, and I left the palace with my mother."
Huh? He gave up his claim to the throne? But isn’t he here as a prince this time?
"Life in the village was delightful. Although I was a lord in name, it was just a small farming village and its surrounding lands. To pay taxes, I had to work hard myself, but even that was a joy because it meant I was alive."
Ah, I get that. I really do. Aristocratic life can be so stifling.
I enjoyed working on the fields in my own territory, too.
Even now, I’m thinking of setting up planters with earth magic on my dorm balcony to start a home garden.
"Luckily, medicinal herbs and spices thrive in my territory, and they sell at high prices. Thanks to that, we didn’t live in poverty, and life was peaceful. Then, a royal summons came, ordering me to go to Doristan Kingdom as the second prince. They even took my mother’s life as a hostage to ensure my compliance."
What!? That’s horrible!
"Apparently, the envoy who previously visited was served terrible food. If a country handles our spices—one of our key exports—poorly, we must reconsider trade relations. Besides, if I could raise their prices while I was at it, it might benefit my territory, so it wasn’t entirely a bad proposition."
Hmm… Well, the bad food thing is true, so there’s no denying that.
"Honestly, I couldn’t stand the thought of the spices and herbs I worked so hard to grow being mistreated. While I resented them for taking my mother hostage, I decided to obey. To be fair, I was also curious about how other nations use our produce."
True, it’d be upsetting if something you worked hard to cultivate was treated carelessly.
It’d feel like all your efforts were trampled on.
"Besides, I had just succeeded in cultivating the elusive carca fruit, the raw material for aphrodisiacs, which had previously only been found by chance. I saw this as a good opportunity to find direct buyers."
Wait, what? Carca… you mean cacao? Cultivated? And mass-produced!?
I glanced at Father, and he nodded, clearly thinking the same thing.
"I requested permission to enter Doristan Kingdom incognito before the official visit. I wanted to mingle among the people and observe their lives. I joined a merchant caravan and entered the country."
"Your Highness… undertaking such a thing, what if something happened to you?"
Father frowned deeply, rubbing his temples like he had a headache.
"I didn’t intend to burden your country, but I couldn’t rule out the possibility of assassination or accidental death. Perhaps I thought we could even use that as leverage in negotiations with your kingdom. For that, I apologize."
"It’s fortunate that Your Highness is unharmed."
"Returning to the story, I worked at a street stall contracted by the caravan while observing life in Doristan Kingdom. That’s when Leo-dono appeared."
Prince Kaldor glanced at Leon-sama.
"Hmm?" Lord Leon, unconcerned with the serious atmosphere, was busy having his butler prepare drinks.
Seeing this, Father looked distressed and muttered, "That’s my prized…!" before holding back.
My condolences.
"Even though Leo-dono dressed plainly, his bearing was unmistakable. He was no ordinary person."
Ah, yes. Not ordinary at all. He’s a Sacred Beast, after all.
"His buying habits were generous, his manners refined despite his attempt to appear coarse. I felt like he saw right through me. Yet, he offered to introduce me to a major buyer. I couldn’t resist the offer. But then, he brought me to this little girl."
… That’s me, isn’t it? Sorry for being a kid!
"I thought it was a total letdown, but this young lady outspent even Leo-dono, with an eye for quality to boot. I figured her parents might be promising, so I handed over the raw aphrodisiac material as a test to gauge their reaction. But then…"
Yep, we just shopped normally! Your plan backfired completely!
"Well, given that someone capable of creating this ‘chocolate’ exists, it’s no wonder. Our petty schemes were utterly meaningless…"
Prince Kaldor let out a heavy sigh, resting his elbows on his knees.
… Uh, I feel kind of bad now…!
What do you think about this chapter?
