CHAPTER 10: THE STEP-BROTHER MEETS THE FIRST PRINCESS
Translated by Eunie
Edited/Proofread by Para Stayle Royale Ivy. Preparing myself to readily respond when called, I kept on repeating that name in my head. I never cursed myself for being born an ability user as much as I have now. When Dad died, all I had left was Mom, but every day was always fun with my loving mother and friends. It seems that my ability is quite rare, and even Mom is proud of it. It's incredibly useful when moving objects or travelling. I'm pleased whenever it can be of help to Mom. We're not well-off, so I still don't know how to read or write other than my name, and it was Mom who taught me. Things aren't always great, but with this ability, I'm sure I won't have trouble getting a job in the future. Mom and our neighbour used to tell me that I'm a fast learner, so I'll make it big in the future; just hearing them say that filled me with joy. But I never thought I would get ahead in life in this manner. The next regent; that's what the people from the palace said. Though I didn't really understand, from what I heard, it's something incredible. But when I saw Mom go pale, I immediately understood that it wasn't a good thing. Then, when I heard that I had to be adopted, never allowed to meet my mother again, I immediately felt fear rushing through me. Read only on eunietl.weebly.com No. I don't want to be separated from my mom. She's the only remaining family that I have, and for Mom, I'm the only family she has left. I hated just the very thought of it. I considered using my ability so we could run away or have them leave us alone, but when I was about to do so, Mom stopped me. The orders from the palace are absolute. If we refuse them, then everyone in our family will be charged with a felony. There was nothing we could do, and when they told me I had to go to the palace tomorrow, all I could think of was running away with my mom. But then an official notice arrived from the Prince Consort, and he gave us some time to spend together. Two weeks. For two weeks, Mom took a break from her job, and the whole time she was with me. Every day was spent smiling as we did all sorts of things together, but once night fell and we went to bed, I knew how much she was trying to stifle her tears as she wept every night. Thinking that I had already fallen asleep, she clasped her hands over her mouth, and in a small whisper, she would say, "I don't need money, so please don't take Stayle away from me." Afterwards, I could hear her weeping the whole night. I'll probably never forget that for the rest of my life. On the day we had to part, both Mom and I did not shed a single tear. I made sure to etch in my heart every word she said to me. As she endured the pain inside her, Mom smiled and told me, "Be happy, stay healthy, and I will always love you." It took her everything just to say those words. The carriage took off, and by the time I could barely see the silhouette of our house, I suddenly saw my mother crumble down to her knees. It was just the worst when Mom had to see me leave with these shackles placed on me. I really wanted to apologize that she had to see me like this, but in the end, I wasn't able to. Even when we arrived at the palace, my head was filled with nothing but the crumbling figure of my mom. I wasn't even able to give a proper greeting to the Prince Consort. What will I do if I get killed for being disrespectful? And while thinking of things like that, I just wasn't able to do it. Read only on eunietl.weebly.com It felt like everything was crushing me, and my body wasn't moving the way I wanted, as if it belonged to somebody else. Furthermore, I wasn't good at being expressive. Laughing, being angry or sad, it's bothersome to have to express oneself to others. But despite being expressionless, Mom still understood how I felt, and my friends didn't mind me being like that. Of course, it's different when it comes to people who treat us well, give us a job or even people we find likable; it wasn't that hard interacting with them. As long as both Mom and I can live, I don't mind using my appearance to my advantage. But right now, it didn't seem to be working out well for me. Even though it used to be so easy. The First Princess, Pryde. Back in the castle town, she's infamous for being a spoiled bratty princess that doesn't look a single bit like Her Majesty or His Highness. Although the Pryde-sama that the King introduced to me is on the prettier side. She has long, wavy, scarlet-coloured hair, beautiful skin, and pink lips. She's amazingly dignified that you wouldn't think she's only a year older than me. Though, her eyes look a bit scary. I could only listen as the King explained about me and the handcuffs I was wearing. Even though I kept on looking down at my feet until the conversation ended, I could still feel Pryde-sama drawing back from seeing these shackles. What if she somehow says something like, 'Even though you'll serve me from now on, and yet you dare to glare at me?' It's already scary, just thinking that I might be hated. But then Pryde-sama, who grabbed my hand as she greeted me, looked so kind-hearted. Though I was surprised, I did question if she was just faking it, and the more I thought about it, the more I started to doubt some things as I wasn't able to see through her. After that, they showed me to my room, but I don't think I can sleep, so all I could do was huddle myself in this huge bed, and whenever I closed my eyes, all I could see was the crying face of my mom. "Stayle...? I'm coming in." Read only on eunietl.weebly.com I was honestly surprised when I saw her come inside my room. I couldn't even imagine what she needed from me, and though I really didn't want to talk to anyone, since I was scared that she would get in a bad mood, all I could do was respond to her. "Pryde-sama... Do you need anything from me?..." Do you need anything from someone like me? Besides, once tomorrow comes, I'll officially become her aide and serve her for the rest of my life. Just why is this person trying to steal the remaining free time that I have left for myself? The more I thought about it, the angrier I felt as I looked at the Pryde in front of me. I couldn't help but think of her as someone hateful, but to prevent her from knowing how I felt, I meekly responded... It won't be a good idea to worsen her mood. "I'm sorry for coming here at this hour. I really wanted to talk to you before we signed the contract tomorrow." After saying that, as if she was worried about me, she slowly approached me. I really thought she would just selfishly barge in here and make herself home as soon as she came in. Is she a good person...? I'm not sure. The First Princess herself wants to talk to me? I was unable to comprehend what was going on right now. As I tilted my head to one side, she continued and asked me, "Stayle, don't you want to meet your mother?" Eh?! I felt my heartbeat quicken, and I wanted to say in a loud voice and answer Pryde-sama's question, "I want to see her!" I want to see her so bad. I would do anything she wanted me to if Pryde-sama told me that it was okay for me to meet Mom, or to know how she's been doing, or to show her that I'm alright!! Read only on eunietl.weebly.com When I looked at her, Pryde-sama, with a mixed smile and expression on her face, took out something from a small pouch. It was dark inside the room, so I couldn't see it clearly, but it looked like a... key. "This is...?" Could it be? That's... I couldn't believe that Pryde had it right now. If that really was the key to my handcuffs, then why did she have to show it to me? Right now, there was only Pryde-sama and me in this room. If I go on a rampage right now and forcefully take the key from Pryde-sama and ran away from here... just what is she planning? But despite that, Pryde-sama was saying some words that were hard to follow. "This is the key to your handcuffs. I secretly borrowed it from Father's drawer, and with this, you can run away from here." Let me escape? Me? Why? I have no idea what Pryde-sama plans on doing. But before I could think of anything, my answer was already decided. "No, I can't." After answering that, this time, it was Pryde-sama who became surprised as she gaped at me. For a moment, I thought that maybe she was just pulling my leg to bully me, but after seeing her reaction, I realized that it wasn't the case. "Why...?" Are you an idiot? The Royal Family really didn't know our feelings or understand the situation we're in. Ah, I'm starting to get mad again. While I suppressed my feelings, I started talking about my mom; and the whole time I was doing so, Pryde-sama was listening intently to me. Read only on eunietl.weebly.com The more I talked about her, the more I vividly remembered her crying figure, and the more it piled up inside me. I can't cry; it would be a waste of my mom's effort, who did her best to smile for me. What's more, I can't let a noble know my weakness. So that I wouldn't cry, I tightly gripped my hands on my knees as I continued with my words. "And even if I run away from here, then it means a different child will be called... I have a friend who also has an ability, but his only family is his little sister... that's why I'd hate it if he's called to replace me..." It's enough that only my mom and I are suffering from this pain. While thinking that, I had a feeling that if things go well, and the more I pretend to be a weak, pitiful child, then maybe Pryde-sama will tell me, "I'll let you see your mom." I thought to myself as I waited and hoped for her to say it. ...Why don't I stop repressing it and just bawl my eyes out right now? If she's really just a stupid and kind-hearted person, she might let me meet my mom, and I heard she's quite spoiled by the Prince Consort. I could feel my insides boiling as I waited for Pryde, but the moment I tried to sneak a glance at her, all my thoughts vanished. Because Pryde-sama looked genuinely sad. It reminded me of Mom's expression when we parted. It's the same expression when you try to endure something for somebody else to the point that it overwhelms you. For whose sake? ......Is it mine...? However, I was spoiled by that cliche so many times already. Just how kind do you have to be? For that Pryde-sama to pity me instead of being emotionally touched, my disdain for her was only getting stronger. Read only on eunietl.weebly.com And in exchange, my thoughts of wanting to use her seemed to fade. Pryde-sama hadn't said anything in a while now. I told her, "Thank you for your concern over someone like me. I'm glad that it was you, Pryde-sama...if not, it would have been scary. I don't need the key so please return it. I'll be in your care tomorrow......" Just throw it away. What exactly can you do for me? It's not like you can actually do anything. I thought to myself as I hid these thoughts inside me. It's better to just end this conversation, but at the very moment when I was about to wrap up the conversation... Pryde-sama embraced me. At first, I was perplexed about what just happened. Why is Pryde-sama hugging me, holding onto me this strongly? Why is this country's princess at my side? Why is she crying so much?
It was unbelievable, but no matter how much I thought about it, it didn't seem like a joke, nor was she acting. Or rather, I know, it was because she was trying to secretly wipe her tears so I wouldn't see her crying face, not to mention the small sniffles I heard behind me.
"I promise you...I will never hurt you any more than this...!! You, and your mother who lives in this country, I promise to make everyone living here happy, to always leave a smile on their face... I assure you...as long as I am alive...!!" The Pryde-sama who claimed that said it in a hoarse voice. To not hurt me, as long as she's still alive, she'll make sure to make me, my mom, and everyone happy. Why, why would she go that far...? They said she was a spoiled bratty princess, that she's unsuitable to be the First Princess. I heard all sorts of rumours about her; I also thought she was just an idiot who had been spoiled, a foolish princess. And yet, she was considerately thinking about the citizens of this country and me. Read only on eunietl.weebly.com Even though I've always been in denial of Pryde-sama's actions, and I always twist her words, these aren't the thoughts of a spoiled, bratty princess. To even claim with her own life at stake, it's impossible. Because no matter what angle you looked at it, her heart broke for the citizens, definitely someone worthy to be this country's first princess. I've never felt like this before. It wasn't the same feeling as when I said goodbye to my mom or the time when I was alone. Something was welling up inside me, and my vision seemed to blur. Then I heard a knock on the door. Pryde-sama let go of me, and when I looked at her, her eyes seemed to be swollen. She wiped away something from the corner of my eyes, and I didn't even realize it was my tears. "I'm sorry it has gotten this late. Good night and have a good rest." Even after saying that, Pryde looked like she was about to cry once again. Why? Why would you care for me this much? I wanted to ask, but the words wouldn't come out of my mouth. All I could do was watch her back as she left the room.
EUNIE: OMG. HE'S SUCH A TWO-FACED KID!! ENJOU-SAMA (FROM REIKA-SAMA) WOULD HAVE BEEN SO PROUD O>U<O
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