CHAPTER 12: THE STEP-BROTHER'S RESOLVE ②
Translated by Eunie
Edited/Proofread by Para After signing the contract, there were three things that I had to remember. For starters, there's reading and writing, then etiquette. Next is this country, and lastly is basic arithmetic. Everything was a first for me, and for a moment, I thought my head would burst. Well, it was also fun when I was able to understand. But I decided to push through with it and continued to receive the palace education. Most of my classes were similar to Pryde's, and when we were in separate lessons, I sometimes wondered what Pryde was doing or learning right now. From what I heard from our teachers, Pryde was an excellent student. It might have been because she had a good memory from the start. The pace of her comprehension was a lot faster compared to other kids from noble families. "But still, Stayle-sama's comprehension and memorization are also impeccable, even though you don't have the basics and have to start from zero." While I was praised like that, I didn't really feel anything. As an advisor and her step-brother, the surrounding adults think it's perfect if I'm a step slower than Pryde and that it's the most ideal thing for them. Well, I do agree, but somehow it felt a little frustrating to lose to Pryde. I even wondered many times how I should refuse her if she ever asked me, "Would you like me to teach you?" I even wished for nothing of the sort to happen. To prevent something like that from occurring, I studied and memorized like crazy. Read only on eunietl.weebly.com My head was filled with so many things, like, how can I properly call her out on a first-name basis? I repeatedly practiced inside my head. There are also so many things I have to learn and memorize or wonder what Pryde is doing or how to decline her if she ever wants to teach me. What course of action to take, whether to ignore her or as her advisor and step-brother, is it better to thankfully accept her offer? Today, I also felt uneasy because I didn't feel like memorizing anything. But suddenly, I was told that I'll start learning how to wield a sword and interact with the nobles of this country. I couldn't help but wonder what Mom was doing right now, and when I think of her, I feel this pain in my heart. My days passed like that, and when I woke up one morning, I realized there was this heavy feeling in my head. I also felt like my forehead was burning up. This was no good; I still have things to think about. It's not the time to sleep like this. I have many things to learn today, so I can meet Mom sooner and properly tell her that I'm doing okay. And that day, it took me everything to pretend that I was okay during my classes, but most of the lessons didn't stick in my head. Ah...later I have to review them all. Despite that, I still tried my best to steadily stand and walk since I promised Pryde something yesterday. I headed to the garden. The times I spend with Pryde are really soothing for me. She always faces me with a smile on her face. Even if it's something boring, she'll happily laugh along and was truly happy about my company. It reminded me of the times I spent with Mom. That's why I'm sure that once I see Pryde today, I'll surely get better. As I headed to the garden, I met with Pryde along the way, and just like always, Pryde greeted me with a smile. Seeing her smile, I could feel my expression relax. Read only on eunietl.weebly.com "That's right, Stayle! Let's have a match! It's a race to the garden!" Pryde had a head-start, and I, who was left behind, immediately went after her. I had to catch up, fast, faster. For this race, my studies and height...I have to hurry with everything... "Stayle?!" Before I knew it, everything turned black, and I wasn't able to open my eyes. Pryde was frantically crying out, but I couldn't understand her words. I wonder what's happening to me. My head was all fuzzy, so I don't know what's going on. Ah...What was it...that I...should think of... …. … … … … Mom … … I feel like I just saw a dream. Mom's there. I'm looking at her back as she prepares breakfast for me like always. Ah...We finally meet again, so instead of cooking, let's talk a lot. Mom, are you doing well? I learned quite a lot of things already. The Prince Consort is a kind person. Mom, Pryde is entirely different from the rumours. Is everyone from the town treating you well? Are you not living in discomfort? Mom, ... ...did you stop crying? Mom grabbed a potholder and slowly looked back, and said, "Wait for your food for a bit, okay? It's almost done." After saying that, she smiled at me. Ah, I'm glad. She's smiling, and the very moment after I thought of that, she's hugging her knees, crying. Read only on eunietl.weebly.com Again, I tried to reach out. Please don't cry, Mom. We'll meet again. I'll do my best so, please...Mom, are you listening? Hey, Mom, mom. "...er..., ....mo....t...er...haahaa" She's still crying. Mom is still there crying. As I looked at her face, I could see something falling piece by piece, and then I closed my eyes. I realized that I must be dreaming once again. But, I could still hear someone weeping. Could it be I unconsciously used my ability and teleported to Mom's side? Mom, don't cry anymore. I'm here. When I opened my eyes, I saw big teardrops falling endlessly, and then there was Pryde. "Pryde...?" Am I still dreaming? It wasn't Mom. Why am I here? Why is this person crying again? For a moment, there was nothing I could think of saying. Unable to comprehend the current situation, I could only look up at Pryde. Pryde looked like she was enduring something as she looked at me while single-mindedly crying. Just as I saw her lips move, I thought she would tell me what was going, but what she said was... ...Words of penitence. I don't get it. Why was this person crying again? That was the question that had been running amok inside my head. Though slow, I was finally able to blurt out the question I wanted to ask. "Wh...y...?" After hearing my question, again, Pryde looked like she was holding back. She looked like she was trying to squeeze out the words, but she couldn't because of her tears. Why do you look like you're suffering? What are you enduring that's making you cry like this? Read only on eunietl.weebly.com "...sniffs,...You,....and everybody else...I'm sorry...I couldn't even become your strength or notice your pain...I'm sorry..." After saying that much, Pryde looked like she couldn't say anymore. Her lips quivered as she continued to whimper. Then just like that, she embraced me as if to hide her face from me. At that moment, I could feel Pryde's heat, fragrance, softness, and everything overflowing from her. I don't know why but I suddenly felt embarrassed as I felt myself stiffen, unable to move a muscle. I could feel my temperature rising once again, even though I already had a fever. Pryde, who buried her face into my shoulder, started crying again. Why? This person has shed more than enough tears for me during that night. It's because Pryde was here that I was able to spend my days in the palace, that I hated so much, with a smile. It's because Pryde was here that I found the meals enjoyable. It's because it's Pryde that I didn't feel scared when we signed the subordination contract. It's because it's Pryde that I was able to see hope for the future. Pryde accepted me; she smiled for me; she needed me. These things became nothing but my strength. She realized and understood the pain that I was going through. That's right. On the night when Pryde brought me the key, I wasn't only sad because I wouldn't be able to see mom anymore. Mom was gone, and I was so lonely, and just thinking about Mom, who was also suffering from loneliness, was painful for me. It was so painful because I couldn't do anything for my mom. Thinking about life from thereon was so depressing that every day would be nothing but agony. But Pryde stayed with me...so that I wouldn't get hurt anymore. Read only on eunietl.weebly.com She said...that she'll make me, Mom, and every citizen of this country happy. She promised that to me as she hugged me. Way before I even realized it, Pryde had seen my sadness and all of my pain. That's why during that moment, the tears I was enduring inside me welled up and flowed down. She stayed by my side, cried for me, and hugged me. She wished for my happiness. She told me we were equals and called out for my name many times. She always greets me every morning and night, she showed me the library and the garden, she gave me a place where I could find comfort. Pryde filled my heart with so many things. Yet, why is she apologizing? Even though it was her who saved me. Why, why... Before I realized it, I was already hugging her back. It's vexing that I wasn't able to put the things I wanted to say through words. If only I could convey to her this warmth, how great would that be? While thinking of such things, Pryde continued to cry when suddenly her small whisper echoed in my ear. That gentle tone of hers and the words she uttered made me angry. "If...I...became...the most heinous queen. You...have to...make sure...that you'll kill me..." My thoughts halted. Did I hear it wrong? I even doubted my ability to hear, but quite a lot of time had already passed by then. I thought I would never hear any unexpected words from Pryde, but those words she said were like a blade sharply and deeply stabbing my heart. I couldn't say or think anything as if everything had gone white. Read only on eunietl.weebly.com Even though my body was burning hot just a while ago, in a matter of a few seconds, I felt this frightening chill and cold-sweat spread throughout my body. Kill...? No way. That's the first thing I thought after finally being able to understand her words. I don't want to kill this kind and lovely person. Without realizing it sooner, it seemed like Pryde had long stopped crying and had fallen asleep like this. "Pryde...?" I called out to her as I gently patted her back, but after confirming that there was no reaction from her, I looked up and stared at the ceiling. Just what is it that this person fears so much? Even though she's this kind, cares for the wellbeing of the people of this country, and excels in her studies... Why would she think that she'll become the worst queen? I don't know. But, if you tell me that Pryde, who is always smiling, bears a lot more responsibility than I could ever imagine. That even this softhearted person has things that she is scared of, then... "I will protect you." He knew that no one would respond, but it didn't matter as Stayle whispered those words to her. And then he held her tighter in his arms as he closed his eyes. This country's first princess was currently being gently held within the thin arms of a young boy, who was slowly falling into a deep slumber. While carrying a small resolve in his heart. 2 MORE STAYLE'S POV!! THEN TIARA AND THE QUEEN WILL MAKE THEIR APPEARANCE!!!
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