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WeD - V1C22 - Ulysses, Retiring from the Front Line
🕑 Added 2022-07-28 04:29:56 +0000 UTC[1] The conversation was so intense just now that I ended up forgetting to eat. Therefore, during a break in the talk, I peck a bit at the lemon cake and sip my tea.
Yes, having something sweet after a difficult topic really helps the body recover.
“Ah, that’s right… may I ask you a question?
“What is it, Your Highness?”
“Honourable Uncle, why do you treat me so well? Surely, under normal circumstances, we would be a hindrance?”
“Hahaha, well, that’s true. Under normal circumstances, that is… However, this is my second battle for the throne,”
“... …?”
“Back then, I was too young to understand everything. Even so, I realise what a ridiculous thing it was for brothers to play a survival game in order to determine who gets to rule the country… back then, only I and the current king remained.”
Ohh, I see. I have overlooked something important.
When Royal Father fought for the throne, this uncle of mine was there too.
Uncle ate the whole lemon cake, which he had not touched until now, in two bites.
“I have great respect for His Majesty. After becoming king, he did not treat me like a nuisance nor did he get rid of me. The reason why I am able to participate in this battle for the throne is due to His Majesty’s benevolence. Under normal circumstances, wouldn’t you get want to rid yourself of all your rivals and only allow your sons to fight each other to succeed as heir? This was the customary practice in this ‘War of Throne’ games.”
“... Eh, is that so?”
“Yes. In fact, the best result would be getting banished from the Royal Palace. The War of Throne is like a regular event that happens every couple of decades in this country. I never did like it. After I become king, I want my royal nephews to settle down in safe and proper positions… However, there are only two of you left.”
“... ...”
I had always wondered why Royal Father never talked about his struggle for the throne before.
Even as the princes were dying one by one, Royal Father never said anything or took any actions to prevent the hidden struggles, letting each faction do as they like.
Did he believe that death among the brothers is something inevitable?
However, the fact that he kept my uncle in the Royal Palace and allowed him another opportunity at the throne… was this his way of rebelling against the system?
Surely, Royal Uncle is the only person who can respond to Royal Father’s silent appeal.
“Your Highness Ulysses, I do not believe that you will remain a neutral person in this country. You say that you are not going to challenge for the throne, however, your presence alone belies this. Unlike me or Alfredo, you have nearly no support and yet, you have survived every single attempt against your life. I believe this proves your wish to fight for your life… Ah, how about another cake?”
“Oh my, Honourable Uncle, you give me too much credit. But, I’ll take that cake.”
My dear Honourable Uncle is too amusing, I think as I laugh to myself.
Naturally, with my White Mage power, isn’t taking the throne too easy? [2] If I were to exert myself, wouldn’t it be easy for me to change the whole country?
As I nibble at my second lemon cake, I say, “... Honourable Uncle, if this world has a will, it would be impossible for me to be king. It’s something I know innately.”
“Hoho, what makes you say that?”
It is getting close to dusk, and I can hear the breeze fluttering past the flowers on the terrace. [2] I often wondered why my powers are always restless around this time.
Still smiling, I desperately try to suppress the powers inside of me. [2] I am aware that some words should not be said.
Deciding that it is time to leave, I stand up.
“Oh my, I should be getting back soon!! Bastion told me to return by dusk!!”
“... my, my, that old butler of yours is a real worry wart, isn’t he?”
“Ah, [1] speaking of which, the lemon cake is pretty delicious. I did hear that Delia Fields produces a lot of lemons, but I did not know they produce such delicious desserts. I should like to go there someday.”
I say a few more irrelevant things to put off my uncle’s last questions.
Honourable Uncle is also smiling, letting out glimpses of his ambition and inner passion but never truly revealing his intentions.
I am the same.
“Honourable Uncle, you must invite me to tea again. I should have gained a little more knowledge by then.”
“No, no, Your Highness is already very wise and knowledgeable. I do hope Your Highness would become an existence who will change the country with me.”
“Ahaha, me? I wonder…”
Without making any concrete promises, I said my goodbyes and left. [2] Uncle saw me off, waving at me as I left his palace.
Right, first, let’s think about my uncle's question.
What will you become?
This was something that had already been decided the moment I was reborn into this world.
Demon King.
If the world has a will of its own, it would not allow me to become the king of this country.
This power is not meant for that.
As before, I shall tread the path it leads me.
[Gumihou: I kind of dislike this kind of good guy who is detached from the world]
[1] Filling in the ‘Unspoken’. Often, when it comes to Japanese novels, the translation might feel a bit lacking since the author deliberately chooses to use fewer words and let the reader fill in the blanks through a preset cultural understanding.
If the missing info looks too sparse, Gumi will fill in some of the blanks. This is not to imply that the writer’s craft is lacking, but we do have a cultural gap. Gumi will try to fill in these gaps unobtrusively.
[2] Adjust paragraphs, for aesthetic purposes. Also, considering the style of writing, the author would inevitably repeat information. Gumi will at least adjust the delivery of the information so that it’s not verbatim to what had appeared before.
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