Chapter 111: Prince Elijah
Chapter 111: Prince Elijah
To think that his brother did not tell him anything, Elijah felt betrayed. The life Winston wanted to live was far from where he is right now. As the Crowned Prince who lost his mana because of attempted murder, he hid it all through his life. But it's different now.
His younger brother Prince Winston is being threatened by Tine and to think that Winston accepted it in order to for him to keep the title of the "Crowned Prince" was unreasonable. He too wants him to be happy with his own life. He didn't want Prince Winston to be burdened because of him.
At the moment, sitting across him was Prince Winston, acting like nothing was happening but in fact, there was. He was avoiding to meet his brother's eyes and distracted himself by drinking tea, even if he disliked the taste of tea. His actions surely speak louder than words.
"Winston, you're hiding something from me," Prince Elijah said as he continued looking in his direction. Prince Winston flinched and slowly turned his head, finally meeting his brother's eyes. While scratching the back of his head he asked, "What is it?" Even if he lied Prince Elijah will find out about it.
"Don't hide it from me," Prince Elijah tapped his foot onto the ground.
"Don't hide what?" Prolonged Prince Winston thought he already knew that he was busted.
"Winstonwhy didn't you say no?" His words felt far too painful for Prince Winston to answer. He wanted his brother to become the Emperor not him.
"You are the rightful heir to the throne. Not me," He muttered as he sat back on the couch. Prince Elijah let out a long sigh as he stood up to sit beside his younger brother. He then said, "I don't mind the secret being revealed. All I care is for the people's happiness and that includes you."
Prince Winston shook his head not wanting to hear those words coming from Prince Elijah. Then what was the point of working hard being the Crowned Prince? It's all messed up. He knew that if he were to become Emperor then what's left for Prince Elijah? What will make him different from all the other people in town, not having the "Crowned Prince" title and not having mana?
"I cannot accept that," Prince Winston said as he clenched his fist. He had already decided even if the secret were to be revealed, he won't be taking the throne. No matter what happens he will never accept it.
"Winston, I know you don't want to but if the people revolt it would damage our reputation," Prince Elijah said as he frowned.
"I don't care! You're the only one who can become the next Emperor. If not then I would replenish my title as Prince. You're way too kind, brother," Said Prince Winston with anger evident in his eyes.
The nature of the Crowned Prince was known amongst the servant because of kindness. He didn't care who touched him and that is why he always gets scolded by his personal aide. But it's because he treasures the people and making them happy is his priority. He didn't someone trying to kill him just because he didn't have mana.
"You're just too kind. This is why sometimes I don't like you," Prince Elijah said to him and stormed out of his office.
The doors to his office shut while Prince Elijah was left speechless. He removed the black gloves he wore and looked at the scar on his hand. To begin with, it was his fault for getting carried away for getting poisoned. Not to mention he grew up with a weak body but is now healthy.
His eyes turned cold as he gazed up the ceiling and massaged his temples after the amount of stress that he has been holding from his work.
"Your Highness, may I come in?" Asked his personal aide.
"Come in."
A man with long brown hair tied into a ponytail entered the office and was holding a thick pile of paper. The sight of the paper made Prince Elijah close his eyes as he calmed himself. The work won't stop just like the homework given by his teacher.
"If you are wondering what I am holding it is not for you. I am just here to send some news to you," Spoke his personal side while Prince Elijah made his way to his desk. He then continued, "Count Harrison is conducting a test on who is worthy to inherit his title."
"Already? Time flew so fast I am had forgotten about that. Please continue."
"Yes, Lady Laura opened a shop not to mention her shop is between the commoner's area and the noble's area. While Lady Tine opened a restaurant exclusively for nobles."
"Between huh? Isn't it interesting? How Erwin found an intelligent person just like himself, they must really be for each other," Prince Elijah laughed while the serious face made by his personal aide stayed.
"However, did you know that Lady Tine possesses black magic?"
"What? Now that is interesting," Prince Elijah thought intently.
"And that she was related to Marquess Rogen?" His eyes widened upon hearing his name since it had been two years since his execution.
"Where did you get this information?"
"From his son, Louis Yltra."
Louis Yltra a son not loved by his father and is a commoner now. His title was removed when his father got executed. He became a laughing stocking to the other nobles and some commoners hated him because he was Marquess Rogen's son. He is a pitiful child.
But what is his motive to tell us about this information? Does he need money or does he need power? Who knows it could be anything.
"Invite him to my office. I want to know his motives."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Prince Elijah continued to work for the rest of the day and at night he decided to release some stress by practicing fencing in an empty place, only to be surrounded by trees. The swinging sounds of the swords swooshing onto the air and his sweat drips onto the green grass.
He stopped swinging his sword and was panting. He wore his black coat on to prevent himself from getting sick and sat under the tree. He looked up the sky, gazing at the full moon. It was beautiful. The way it resonated with his heart and remembering the past.
This place was rather a secret place to him and Prince Winston. It was the place where they first fought and the place where they both had a fistfight with each other. The fight was rather childish because it was because of a book they wanted to read.
He chuckled remembering Prince Winston telling him that he hated him but after when he went missing. He cried out loud apologizing to him.
The bush behind him rustle and he held gripped onto his sword. When he heard a footstep coming close to him he swung his swords towards the person who held his breath and raised his hands up.
"Winston, what are you doing here?" Asked Prince Elijah as he stared blankly at him. He then lowered his sword and dropped it onto the ground.
"I was wondering where you were. I'm sorry about earlier," He apologized as he rubbed his neck, looking away. Prince Winston laughed at his actions and ruffled his hair.
"It's alright. We're brothers, we fight and we make up."
"Just saying but no matter what you say or what the others say. I'm making you Emperor, not me."
"Then it seems like we need to make a concert plan to kick your so-called future wife," Suggested Prince Elijah catching Prince Winston's attention.
"You know about it?"
"I am your brother. What do I not know?" Prince Elijah raised his head and bashfully gave him a smile. In a soft voice, Prince Winston spoke, "Thank you."
"But it is not my choice if I still become the Crowned Prince. It's father's."
"I know that is why I will convince him. If not I'll rebel," Prince Winston said as he sat on the ground then gazed up on the full moon.
"Don't rebel. I wouldn't like it," Prince Elijah chuckled as he joined in to watch the moon."
Two brothers, one blood. A bond between siblings that no other cannot break. Prince Elijah a gentle person, Prince Winston a Prince who adores his older brother. If one were to break this combo it may be the end of them.
Well, some say the bond of a sibling is stronger than any other.
Prince Elijah wished for time to be stopped because he knew the past few weeks will become chaotic. It's nice to get a breather once in a while. Laura Alvarado, an orphan and someone who would become the next crucial person in changing the world. Not to mention, one day, she may become Erwin's wife.
The future Duchess.