Book 12: Chapter 4


    Prince Troy, I do not think we need a self-introduction. You would loathe me if I introduced myself, right?


    I looked at the young man in front of me. His fingers were curved simrly to an eagles w. Despite being dressed in formal clothing, he looked simr to a vulture standing on a dry tree branch, surveying my ce.


    We sat on either side of a long table. In front of us was a cup of tea. I didnt know what he thoughting here, but he told me hed give me a response I was after.


    Its all right. Your fathers mistake is not your mistake. I understand that, I stated.


    He smiled before replying, I do not think everybody can understand that. I am so d that you can understand that, Your Majesty. But nheless, I am ashamed by my fathers deeds. You will not me me, but my fathers deeds have been etched in my heart and forever shame me.


    Dont mind it too much. Your father did, indeed, err, but he is your father, nevertheless. You can only say that he failed as a vassal.


    You are truly lenient, he replied with smile. He then sighed, They say that you are a benevolent lord, but I think that you are a very fair lord. You are able to treat my father and me as two separate individuals and be considerate of me. You truly are a lord that sees things as they are. I think that you must be a fair King.


    I couldnt help but smile. In reality, I didnt always think level-headedly, like this. After Luna died, I killed an excessive number of innocent people, so I promised to not take up a sword again. I had Ling Yue to thank for making me understand that. I needed to do my best to avoid reverting back to that state.


    Mommy Vyvyan was right. I shouldnt take up a de with a desire for vengeance and murder. I shouldnt pick up a sword with joy and madness. It wasnt benevolence or weakness, but a type of respect for life, facing people equally and fairly. I should kill based on crimesmitted and not based on my mood or desire. I didnt want to be the type of monarch Mommy Elizabeth was. What I want wasnt for everybody to fear me, but to wholeheartedly submit to me.


    We both had a sip of tea. With a smile, he said, I know that you require money at the moment, but unfortunately, the merchants do not trust you.


    I leaned onto my backrest and responded with a forced smile, Thats right. I cant help it, either. I cant rob them. I cant help it if they dont trust me. However, their concerns are not baseless. After all, not everyone can trust a nation thats just been established. With that said, I will show them how foolish they were to not trust me.


    He nodded, That is right. I believe that you can make them regret it, so I do not want to be someone who regrets. Your Majesty, although my family has not contributed to the North, my father did umte overwhelming wealth for our tribe. As opposed to calling it our tribes treasury, it would be more appropriate to say that we are the treasury of the North.


    I straightened up. I sincerely and eagerly asked, You mean?


    He responded with a smile, That is exactly what I mean. It belonged to the North to begin with, not our tribe. I think that we should return it to its owner now. As you said, you should be able to make everybody who suspected you regret their decision. You can revive the North, so if this money can allow you to develop the North, then it would be considered a minor contribution toward redeeming my conscience. I do not want my child to forever carry the me of being the sinner who brought about the destruction of the North.


    So you want to erase all of your fathers mistakes with the money you have on hand now?


    Yes. I had the idea when I heard you werecking money. Additionally, you have given me a very good impression today. Subsequently, I trust you. I believe that the North can be revived by me returning the money my father embezzled back to the North.


    He looked at me. He made an open hand gesture with both hands and continued, I do not need any of this money. I am not here to loan you money, but to give you money, I mean, return you the money you rightfully own. I hope that you will not feel averse to this. This rightfully belongs to you, so please ept it.


    He ced a set of keys on the table, and then pushed them over to me, I shall send you the chests of money the day after. Your Majesty, I hope you can spend this money on the North.


    I smiled, and then looked at the keys on the table, As I initially said, your fathers deeds have nothing to do with you. You do not need to be responsible for his blunders. Your father is dead, so your tribes faults have all been erased. Hence, you have no need to give me money Still, I need the money. If I take it all without giving you a penny, then I would be betraying my conscience


    But


    Those were your fathers errors. They have nothing to do with you. The person sitting before me is, erm, sorry, but what was your name?


    Alex, Your Majesty.


    Uhm, the person sitting before me is Alex, not that elders child. There may be arge gap in our status, but we should speak and discuss business on equal terms now. Therefore, we should conduct this deal on fair grounds.


    I ced the keys in the middle and went on in an easy-going voice, The fact that you were able to try andpensate for your fathers mistakes is proof that you are different to him. You are a hero who treats the North with sincerity. I cant take that which belongs to a hero. I cant cause a heros family to starve andck warmth. Alex, did you know that there was a time limit on the interest I gave them?


    I did not go to the meeting that day


    Uhm. So, Freya!


    Freya stepped out from a room after I called for her. She bowed, and then looked at the two of us, Onii-sama, do you have orders?


    Alex froze and looked at Freya in a daze. In a surprised voice, he asked, You have a sister?


    Yes, shes my younger sister.


    I gave Freya a smile. She shyly blushed then asked again, Onii-sama, do you have orders?


    Uhm. Freya, please tell Alex the remuneration specifications and details we sharedst time. Alex, here, will be providing us with money. Once youve finished discussing everything, ept the deal. Mr. Alex, Im very grateful for your help.


    Alex didnt seem to hear a word I said. Instead, he spaced out as he looked at Freya. He stood up not knowing what to do. It was as though he didnt dare to leave with Freya. Freya looked at him and smiled, Do you have any other questions? Mr. Alex, if you do not have any other questions, please follow me.


    Ah, Oh, oh, Uhm, All right


    I watched Alex awkwardly leave with Freya and gently cleared my throat.


    <em>Uhm, Ill let Gerald deal with this guy. Youre right. I dont want to hand my sister over. Ill get jealous if you date my sister.</em>