Chapter 150


    Beneath a brilliant chandelier, an even more radiant smile graced the scene. Avish banquet unfolded within the opulent halls of the Second Princes Pce. The hearts of the many fortunate invitees throbbed with anticipation as they gathered in the grand hall. Princesses hailing from kingdoms, duchies, and small states across the continent had converged here, apanied bydies from noble lineages.


    Each attendee had endured a rigorous selection process, embarking on journeys spanning hundreds to over a thousand kilometers. Their eyes gleamed with pride, having sessfully secured a coveted spot among the fiercelypetitive 50-person, firste-first-served selection.


    Yet, curiosity swirled within them.


    What manner of man is the Crown Prince of Magentano?


    These rumors had circted for some time.


    The Crown Prince, gued by illness since birth and seemingly beyond hope, had garnered little attention until recently. This indifference extended to the youngdies assembled in the pce. He had been treated as though he were already deceased or nonexistent. That was the case until a startling rumor began to circte.


    Is it true that he appeared on the battlefield and bested a swordmaster? Could those tales of his frailty be a faade? Might the Crown Prince be a humble soul who concealed his capabilities?


    I heard he recently established a clinic in the Star Pce and tends to the infirm free of charge. He must possess greatpassion.


    Before arriving here, I found it peculiar that the banquet was hosted in the Second Princes Pce instead of the Star Pce. Now it bes clear; the Crown Prince likely wished for the patients in the Star Pce to rest infort. How considerate he must be!


    and so forth. A myriad of fantasies yed out vividly in their minds, akin to 8K videos.


    As they eagerly awaited the Crown Princes arrival, their imaginations had swiftly painted Raciel Adria Magentano as the embodiment of an ideal man, blending courage,passion, and thoughtfulness.


    Then, in that very moment, the melodious strains of the orchestra ceased.


    We extend our gratitude to all who have gathered today. It is our pleasure to announce the entrance of the Imperial Crown Prince, Raciel Adria Magentano.


    The formal promation by the master of ceremonies at the Second Princes Pce resounded in everyones ears. The orchestra resumed, flooding the main hall with a majestic, resonant, and splendid melody that stirred the hearts of the assembleddies.


    Atst, the doors swung open.


    The womens eyes shone like ultra-bright spotlights, fixated on the open doorway. Finally, the days protagonist made his grand entrance.


    Leaning upon a cane, with a pallid countenance and unsteady legs


    Uh-huh~


    .


    The moment a groan reminiscent of an elderly man escaped Raciels lips. The instant he took his initial shaky step upon the crimson carpet.


    A hushed stillness descended upon the room.


    Yet, Raciel remained undeterred.


    Ah, my legs, uh-uh.


    <strong>Tap, tap.</strong>


    He advanced painstakingly, his frail frame quivering. His gait covered no more than about 10 centimeters. It consumed a significant amount of time to traverse even that short distance. His steps were unsteady, akin to a 90-year-old man on the brink of copse, were it not for the cane.


    On the contrary, the music that had been filling the main hall remained majestic. The melody, capturing the grandeur of a ruler and the daring charisma of a young influential figure, was on the verge of resonating in their hearts but then, it abruptly dissipated.


    It was all due to Raciels entrance.


    What is that?


    Princesses from various countries, along with youngdies from noble families, collectively wondered. Something seemed amiss. There had to be some trickery orchestrated by the event organizers.


    This was because Crown Prince Raciels appearance was shockingly different!


    A cane?


    Does he require it for walking?


    Why is he moving like that? What happened to him?


    Is he truly the Crown Prince?


    Really?


    Question marks filled the minds of everyone present. The excitement that had initially filled thedies hearts transformed into a full-blown shock.


    They had no choice but to react this way.


    Ah, my legs pant, pant.


    After covering a mere 3 meters on the red carpet, Raciel halted. He took deep breaths as he straightened his back, his actions resembling those of an elderly man taking a leisurely stroll to a mountain spring.


    His appearance grew even more pitiable.


    His silver haircked its usual luster. Both of his cheeks appeared sunken. His eyes were in an even worse state; they werepletely overshadowed by dark circles, as if he were a skeletal figure. Hisplexion was so pallid that he could easily blend in at a funeral home. In fact, there was not a trace of vitality to be seen.


    Furthermore, what about the wrist that barely peeked out from beneath his borately adorned attire? It consisted of nothing but bones and skin. Even his posture was hunched, and his knees trembled like a Chihuahuas front legs ced on an eternal snow-covered mountain!


    What is this? Is this real?


    Could this not be a dream?


    Did I endure all this trouble toe here just to encounter such an individual?


    Are you kidding me?


    The rosy illusions that had adorned the 50dies perceptions were instantly shattered. Everyone involuntarily shivered as if doused with icy water. How could they not? The Crown Princes appearance was utterly shocking, to the point of seeming deceptive.


    As for Raciel?


    He concealed a hidden smile of triumph.


    <em>Excellent. Operation aplished!</em>


    A subtle grin formed at the corners of Raciels lips as he intentionally feigned unsteady legs. The real-time looks of disdain directed at him confirmed his belief that todays disguise had been incredibly effective(?).


    <em>Indeed. This is the handiwork of Court Magician Zis!</em>


    Was it before the eventmenced?


    He had summoned Zis. He had been granted a one-day disguise spell as per his prior request. Thanks to this, he could assume a far frailer physique than his original one. The maids from the Second Princes Pce had applied dreadful makeup to him. And whenbined with his earnest acting?


    It resulted in a wless portrayal of a ailing persona.


    <em>Heh heh heh. Feel let down. Grow even more disillusioned as you gaze upon me!</em>


    Raciel advanced with steps that seemed to cheer on(?) thedies, then deliberately stumbled with his cane.


    Kk-eung Eehee?


    He tumbled!


    He tripped due to mishandling his cane!


    Simultaneously, he discreetly cast quick nces to the side. Demian, who caught this signal, extended his hand at the right moment and caught him, providing support.


    Heh heh, th-thank you.


    From that point on, Demian practically carried and steadied him as they walked, all the while apanied by the grand and majestic music. This made him appear even more feeble and wretched.


    Consequently, the gazes from thedies grew colder. As he observed their eyes filled with confusion, he experienced a mix of bitterness and satisfaction.


    <em>Well, Ive received disappointed looks on blind dates before.</em>


    Its familiar.


    It doesnt hurt.


    So


    K-hup.


    Raciel firmly suppressed his welling tear ducts. He then cleared his throat, surveying the main hall that had fallen into a profound silence of astonishment.


    Hmm, k-hmm!


    Having sessfully stunned everyone into disappointment, was it time? Time to offer them a glimmer of hope.


    He began to speak, pondering the n.


    Nice to meet you. I am the host of todays party Cough, cough! Ahem, I am Raciel Adria Magentano.


    Cough! First and foremost, Id like to express my gratitude to all of you for gracing todays gathering with your presence Cough! Id like to introduce someone who generously provided this venue.


    This is the real deal.


    This is the crucial moment now.


    Raciel moistened his lips.


    Id like to introduce my esteemed brother, the Second Prince of the Magentano royal family, Theodor Palermo Magentano.


    He gestured toward the entrance of the banquet hall.


    The orchestra began to y.


    All eyes, which had previously grown somber, turned toward the entrance. In due course, the Second Prince made his entrance onto the red carpet. At that very moment, the sound of collective gasps resonated throughout the banquet hall.


    Steadily, surely


    He stood at an imposing height of over 180 cm.


    A robust physique sculpted through rigorous exercise.


    Dazzling eyes and a handsome countenance.


    Theodor, exuding charm with his appearance and aura, confidently strode down the red carpet. He naturally met the gaze of everyone in the hall. During this brief encounter, his eyes briefly conveyed an apology and gratitude before vanishing.


    <em>Hang in there, buddy.</em>


    Raciel offered a discreet smile and surveyed the banquet hall. It didnt take long to realize that everydys gaze, fixed on the Second Prince on the red carpet, had transformed into infatuation.


    <em>Heh heh. Heh heh heh.</em>


    Operation aplished.


    Now, no one paid attention to him. All the passionate eyes were fixed on the Second Prince. It was only natural. Standing beside him made the Prince even more outstanding. They must be calcting it all in their minds.


    <em>Given the impression I presented today, they probably concluded that theres no future with me.</em>


    Who would believe Im healthy, considering how frailly I behaved? They likely assumed that the rumors about my exploits in Anbouaz were exaggerated or false.


    <em>Furthermore, they probably surmised that I wont live long.</em>


    And naturally?


    Interest shifted toward the Second Prince. Thats logical. They would calcte that if he ascended, the Second Prince would be next in line for the throne.


    <em>Excellent. Perfect.</em>


    He intentionally set the stage for this reaction. He orchestrated the situation to make the Second Prince shine even brighter inparison to himself. A sessful strategy. He felt quite content.


    <em>Should I gracefully step aside now?</em>


    Awkwardness had no ce here. Just as a matchmaker must depart at the perfect moment, he needed to make way so that thedies flocking to the Second Prince could do so without hesitation. History(?) could take its course.


    Ill be back in a moment.


    Raciel nced over at Demian, and Demian furrowed his brow slightly.


    Where are you headed?


    Just taking a short break. Care to join?


    Yes.


    Take a seat. Ill order a drink for myself.


    Understood. Go ahead.


    Leaving Demian behind, Raciel quietly vacated his seat. He didnt go far, just out onto a terrace adjacent to the banquet hall.


    Phew.


    After spending time in the noisy interior, the cool air on the terrace felt revitalizing. The brisk night breeze was oddly refreshing. When had hest enjoyed a peaceful moment like this alone?


    <em>Ive been incredibly busy for the past three months.</em>


    Since returning from Anbouaz, he had to reestablish the neglected Star Pce Clinic, oversee the Second Princes diet, and prepare for this banquet. It had been a hectic three months. He couldnt even recall thest time he had gazed up at the night sky like this.


    And speaking of which, when was thest time someone had held a dagger to his throat?


    Hush. Stay quiet.


    A sudden chill grazed his neck, apanied by an even colder voice.


    Raciel immediately froze. He shifted his eyes to the side to assess the situation. A pointy-eared woman he had never seen before held a dagger to his neck.


    What is this?


    Could she be an elf?


    But why would an elf point a dagger at him? It was absurd.


    Stepping out for a breather on the terrace during a banquet, and then an incident like this happening, in the heart of the Second Princes pce with its formidable security, seemed excessively clichd.


    Despite his reservations, the elf woman, poised to unsheathe her dagger, questioned him with emotionless eyes.


    Young human, answer me truthfully. Have you recently ignited a fire?


    Recently?


    No rhetorical questions. Just answer.


    He swallowed nervously. It didnt appear to be a joke, so he hesitated. Recently? Had he set a fire? After a brief reflection, his response emerged.


    Not recently?


    A falsehood.


    Her gaze grew even colder.


    Recently, as in about six months ago, did you not ignite a fire in a forest where the Apfros nest was?


    Huh?


    That was considered recent?


    Wasnt that an incident from ages ago?


    Perplexed, Raciel had to inquire further.


    (To be Continued)


    To read ahead


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