SIDE5
I was born as the eldest son of the royal family.
It meant I was destined to become the king from birth.
However, our kingdom was not very large, and being a prince didn’t allow for a luxurious life.
“So, I’ll make this country great!”
I decided I wouldn’t just be any king; I would become a hero like those in myths and legends.
I wanted to etch my name into history and be remembered for generations. That was my dream.
“Myths and legends are just made-up stories. You can’t become something like that.”
Luciana, my attendant, was always practical and would tease me like that.
I thought she lacked vision. If I was to be king, I needed to aim higher; otherwise, what was the point of my life?
Most people, like Luciana, didn’t take my words seriously.
“But I’m sure Lord Rath can do it!”
Killian, my other attendant, always praised me.
He worshipped me blindly, and his words echoed emptily in my chest.
Of course, words alone were meaningless. I devoted myself to swordsmanship and learning. I had to excel in everything if I was to become a legend.
As I grew, becoming the kingdom’s best in both swordsmanship and academics, I formed the “Eighth Knights Order.”
Given my status as a prince, I had no real authority, so we began our activities independently.
With Luciana and Killian as members, we tackled injustices and the common people’s troubles throughout the kingdom, even dealing with monsters at times.
I wasn’t oblivious to my surroundings. I started small, building a track record to earn recognition from those around me.
However, reality hit hard. Despite the increasing admiration, fundamental issues remained unresolved. It wasn’t just our kingdom’s problem; it was a global issue. Solving one problem at a time wouldn’t change the world. I felt powerless.
The world wasn’t a place of pure ideals. As the heir to the throne, I had to acknowledge that.
That’s when I met Luna. She was a girl my age, whom I encountered due to an incident. She led a strange life and aimed to become a sorceress.
One day, while having tea at a town cafe, Luna said,
“I wish the world could be united.”
That seemed impossible. How could one unify the world? Militarily or politically, it was an unrealistic notion. Even if one forcefully unified the world, it would be at a great cost to the people. War was the worst option.
“Sacrifices? Sacrifices happen every day. If even one country allows human trafficking, children are kidnapped daily because it’s profitable there. The sold children face terrible fates. I could have been one of them. Isn’t that a sacrifice?
It’s not just about human trafficking. With many countries doing their own thing, the world only gets worse. Only the countries playing dirty benefit. People will stop aiming for ideals if that’s the case.
If you want to do the right thing, everyone must do it together. Otherwise, it’s meaningless. That’s why I want the world to be united. There might be many sacrifices, but the daily sacrifices we see now would decrease. The ongoing sacrifices would lessen.
And, if the world were united, tea and sweets would be cheaper, right? Everyone would be happier.”
Luna said this with a smile.
Hearing this, I felt like I finally understood what needed to be done.
I had aimed to be a hero, but my vision had become narrow.
It wasn’t about fixing small things; it was about correcting the big picture.
Not just fixing Rama Kingdom but the whole world. That’s what a true hero should do.
“You’re right, Luna! I was wrong! I need to have bigger ambitions!”
I grasped Luna’s hand and spoke passionately.
However, Luna’s eyes remained cold.
“What are you talking about, Rath? Before saying such things, get your act together.”
“Get my act together? But I’m already great…”
It seemed Luna thought I wasn’t handling things properly.
“Great? In what way? Do you work? Do you earn your own money? Who decided you’re great?”
Of course, I had never earned money. I never considered it because my greatness was determined at birth.
But Luna was different. From a young age, she was a commodity for traffickers.
Yet, she lived without looking down. She never spoke negatively.
She managed her large house, did housework, gathered herbs, made medicines, shopped, studied magic, and did it all perfectly without a moment to rest. She was the hardest worker I knew.
Comparing us, Luna was the greater one.
“I see. I’m certainly not great.”
I laughed. It was the first time I considered myself not great.
“But watch. I’ll become the greatest in the world.”
Unifying the world and bringing peace was something only a hero could do. Only I could do it.
Luna looked at me with doubt.
“Rath, you really do have the biggest mouth in the world.”
“Of course. Nothing starts without saying it. Declaring it makes it necessary to do. If you stay silent, no one understands. Silence is because of fear of failure, and If you try to do it quietly, it is because you are afraid of shame. I fear neither. That’s why I start with words.”
“You really are all talk.”
Despite her words, Luna laughed.
“You don’t believe?”
“No, I do. Saying you don’t believe creates nothing. Rath is trying to do something. I don’t know if it’s possible or not. But if my belief can help, I’ll believe. Magic works that way, right? Belief makes magic happen, brings miracles.
I’m just an apprentice now, but I’ll become a great sorceress. If I believe, Rath’s dreams will surely come true.”
I always spoke grandly, believing my words had power.
But I had never felt the power in others’ words. Those around me only spoke of “what can be done,” not “what they want to do,” and were dismissive of what seemed impossible. Such words had no power.
But Luna’s words had power. I felt it.
It wasn’t about social status. She truly was great.
I wanted her to stay with me. I wanted her by my side.
Whether she was a vampire or the immortal king didn’t matter.
I’d give her all the blood she wanted. But I wouldn’t let her drink anyone else’s blood.
I wanted Luna to have only my blood flowing within her.
“Sorry, Rath. This is the last time.”
I faintly heard Luna’s voice.
TLNOTE : While waiting, I implore you dear readers to read other masterpiece novels that also written by the same author :
- When the Monster Meat I Ate Led Me to the Throne (LN)
- Who killed the Hero?
- The Wicked Princess and 12 Eyes – The Strongest Squires and the Legendary Evil Woman, the Second Time in Her Life
- The Exiled Merchant Saves the World with the Power of Gold (translated by my friend meerkat)
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