TAPGB - Chapter 59
The Abandoned Prince's Ghost Bride
"James."
"It's been a month, Lucian. You've become taller now."
He was annoyed because he was interrupted at such an important time, but Lucian couldn't spit on the smiling face.
Lucian glared at James for a moment and then sighed. James, who didn't know why, tilted his head.
"What's going on?"
".... No, something like that. Anyway, it's already that time."
It seems like it was just yesterday that James came and went, but he's here again to deliver supplies. Lucian realized that 10 years had passed since he interacted with James.
James, who was my age when Lucian first met him, is now in his late 20s and has become the father of a family.
"Lucian, stand now."
As James took out a pencil, Lucian grumbled but stood in front of the pillar.
"Can't we stop this now? I guess I'm all grown up now."
"It's what you do every time. It would be a shame if I missed it."
As Lucian leaned his head against the pillar at attention, James slightly raised his tiptoes, indicating Lucian's height on the pillar.
When he removed his back, Lucian saw Iines that rose steadily upward at monthly intervals.
"Oh my God, you've grown so much!"
"Hey, it means I haven't grown up at this level."
"Anything that has grown even a little bit is growth. When did that little boy grow up like this?"
"James, you sound like an old man."
"You too can become my age. And is it any wonder we're so emotional after seeing each other for 10 years?"
James said it was a completely natural thing and spoke clearly as always.
"There are a lot of supplies today?"
When Lucian checked the supplies that James had brought with him, Lucian found that they were almost twice the original amount.
In particular, many of them were special items, and the amount received this time was 60 gold, three times the previous amount.
James kissed Lucian, who was confused as to what was going on.
"As of today, I have been ordered not to supply anymore."
Lucian stopped and looked back at James. James is affectionate and weak-hearted. He looked more distressed than Lucian.
"It's your birthday in three weeks. The order says that after your birthday, you become an adult, so there is no reason to take care of you anymore..."
James was unable to continue speaking. Because just putting it out of his mouth is too much.
No matter how much he becomes an adult, Lucian is still just a child. James felt sorry for Lucian, who was thrown into a cold society when even the help he received wasn't enough to help him become independent. In his heart, James wanted to grab the chief chamberlain who gave him the order by the collar and shoot him.
It's not enough to have neglected a child since he was young, so why kill him like this? But what could the Chamberlain have done wrong? His only crime would have been to receive and carry out orders from his superiors.
As James was so choked up that he couldn't even open his mouth and only caressed the corner of his tearful eyes, Lucian placed his hand on his shoulder.
"Thank you, James. Thank you for your hard work."
"... No. What did I do? I'm sorry for not being able to help you more."
"No. It's not a job that's particularly helpful to you, and you're likely to quit midway, but you took on this job responsibly until the end. For that alone, I owe you a lot."
An abandoned Prince unknown to the empire. His words have no power. This is because there is no manpower, power, or financial resources to listen to and follow his words.
If James thinks about it objectively, working for Lucian is not helpful in the slightest for success. Still, James never regretted helping Lucian.
James tried to hold back the tears that threatened to burst out and smiled with reddened eyes.
"What do you plan to do next? Do you have anything planned?"
"Um, well... I don't have anything in particular yet. I have some money saved up. I need to think about how I will live for the time being. I think I'll go on a trip or something."
"Are you saying you're leaving here?"
"The world is big. I want to see the ocean, I want to see the desert, I want to see places with snow all year round. I'm not leaving forever. Just checking out what the world is like."
".... If you leave, you must meet me before you leave. I will continue to come visit you next month and the next month."
"What? You don't have to come now."
"It's because I wanted to come. But we've been seeing each other for 10 years, so it's sad to end our relationship all at once."
James handed Lucian a note saying he would give Lucian his home address and asked Lucian to stop by if he happened to come to the capital. Lucian accepted it carefully.
"And since this was the last supply, I helped out a little. There won't be a shortage of supplies for about two months."
James is always like this. He always gives even though he doesn't have much.
Lucian has only received help from him so far, but this time he wants to repay him even just a little bit.
"James, what did you say you do at the imperial court?"
"I recently took on the position of servant to the imperial palace. I haven't learned all the etiquette, so he can't deal with nobles."
"What is your affiliation?"
"Belonging to the Crown Prince's Palace."
He's lucky. Of all the palaces, it belongs to Leopold.
"Your future will be full of only good things."
"... Lucian?"
"James is sincere, kind, and kind-hearted, so someday someone will recognize that. If I make a prediction, there will be good news soon, right?"
"Haha, all I did was deliver supplies."
"No, you've always been the one I talk to. He regularly celebrates my birthdays, and when natural disasters occur, he always comes here to take care of me. You didn't do that because you were ordered to, right?"
"You look at me so favorably that I don't know what to do with you."
"Don't be shy. Because James is someone who deserves more than enough recognition. And the prophecy that good things will happen isn't a lie?"
"So, who said that? I will listen carefully to what you say."
James was just thrilled that Lucian evaluated him favorably, but did not take his words seriously.
Lucian knew that too, but didn't bother to point it out. He will later realize that what he said is correct.
Since this was the last time, the two people talked some more out of regret. Of course, it wouldn't be an eternal separation, but he couldn't help but feel empty in a corner of his heart.
Was it like that for about 2 hours?
Meanwhile, Leah baked cookies, and Lucian handed them to James, claiming that he had made them.
"I'm sorry, but I don't think I can come for your birthday. I guess I'm preparing for a coming-of-age ceremony this time..."
"It's okay. There's nothing you can do if you're busy. I can spend my birthday with my friends."
"But I will definitely come visit you the next day. Congratulations on becoming an adult in advance."
James greeted Lucian several times and left the mansion with a feeling of regret.
Seeing James's back moving away, Lucian smiled briefly and then lowered his waving hand.
"I'm an adult."
Although Lucian was conscious of becoming an adult after a while, it was the first time that it felt as clear as it does today.
"I never thought a day like this would come."
When he first arrived here, he was worried about what he would eat tomorrow, let alone 10 years from now.
He was so anxious to get his mouth full that he couldn't even think about the future, but now he's an adult.
'Thanks to Leah.'
It is thanks to Leah that he is able to live so safely.
If it weren't for her, he would have starved to death long ago, and he wouldn't have had this much knowledge and power.
Yes, he knows she has the most credit, but...
'I think she looks at me as more of a pity because of that.'
There are many obstacles, such as ghosts, dead people, etc., but once their heart is connected, he can take the next step.
"But that doesn't mean I'm going to give up."
This is entirely Leah's fault.
Because she's so pretty, because she's by his side whenever he's having a hard time, and because she's by his side no matter what anyone says. Isn't falling for her inevitable?
Hwiik-Hwiik-
Lucian lost his sentimentality for a moment and played the hand flute loudly. He called several times before a shadow appeared from the sky.
Pyoooo-
It was Leopold's pet bird, Aether.
Aether spun around in the sky as a sign of joy and landed safely in Lucian's arms.
"Aether, how are you?"
Blood! Pyooooo-!
Aether rubbed her beak against her hand and acted cute. Lucian smiled for a moment and swept the shiny feathers before placing them on his shoulder.
"I'll give you a note. Do you need to give it to Leopold?"
Since there was no way to communicate unless Leopold came here in person, the two used Aether as a means of communication.
It is perfect for exchanging secret letters away from public view.
Lucian wrote a short story about James on a small notepad and asked to give him a small reward. He said it was a small award, but if it were Leopold, he would give a big award, not a small one. For example, a promotion, a promotion, or a promotion.
In times like these, Leopold's power is useful.
Lucian put a note in a small container attached to Aether's ankle and flew it into the sky. Aether circled above his head and flew towards the imperial palace.
[Did you tell Leopold about James?]
While I was staring blankly at the sky, Leah approached him...
"Because I owe James a lot."
[Good job. If a person has received something, he or she must also know how to give. James won't know that you did it, but he will think that the good deed you have done has been returned.]
"James doesn't even know that what he did was a good deed, right? From his perspective, I was just a poor orphan being stepped on. James doesn't know that I'm a prince."
[So James is a good person.]
"Yes."
No matter how much he sympathizes, who would take care of a child for over 10 years who has no idea where it came from?
This is only possible because James is a good person.
[... But are you going to leave here?]
Lucian was puzzled by the sudden remark, but Lewh hesitated and looked uncomfortable.
[I didn't know you wanted to travel the world so much.]
“Ah.”
Did she hear what he had with James earlier?
[Yes, the trip is good. Because I've always lived in this small mansion. But, you can't forget me even when you go on a trip? No matter how many years pass, you must come back.]
Why did she say that so suddenly?
It seemed like she was worried that Lucian might not come back. No, it's closer to fear than worry.
'Am I interpreting it the way I want?'
There is something that Leah of the world is afraid of. It was quite funny that she did that because she was afraid that he would leave, and not for any other reason.
".....Whenever you push me away like that."
[what? What did you say? You're not coming back?]
This time, she desperately held on to the hem of her clothes. She was restless and it was quite nice to see her clinging to herself.
He felt lowly for taking pleasure in her anxiety and fear, but at the same time, he was glad that he wasn't completely hopeless.
Lucian looked down at Leah expressionlessly for a moment, then twitched the corner of his mouth and briefly kissed her cheek.
Leah was startled and took a step back.
[You, you...!]
"Why are you overreacting? You say I feel like a child. I think it was the child expressing affection."
[What kind of nonsense is that?]
"Why? You can do it and I can't?"
Leah pursed her lips and couldn't speak.
"I've said it again and again, I like you. So, even if it's petty, I have no choice but to use this method."
[Ugh... ... !]
Leah trembled. She was quite amused by the fact that he had given her a shot.
But for a moment, Leah glared at Lucian with cold eyes.
[Don't you know that the more you do that, the more it feels like a child's whining?]
"..."
[Do whatever you want. I'm tired now too. How long do I have to accept your complaints?]
This isn't it. The thought of upsetting her...
He was about to reach out to Leah for a moment, but the look in her eyes that was staring at him was very cold. And she showed no emotion.
Lucian feels like he was abandoned by her for the first time. It was more unpleasant than he could imagine, and it broke his heart.
Lucian held out his hand and pursed his lips as a wall appeared in front of him.
Soon he passed Leah.
***
Thump thump thump-!
Thinking that Lucian had entered the mansion, I relaxed her frozen expression and sat down near the fence.
[Good job, good job.]
If I continue to be swayed by Lucilan like this, it seems like things will go according to his will someday. So, I tried to discourage him even by saying harsh words.
I was concerned about Lucian's hurt expression for a moment as he buried his face in his hands.
[Did I say too much...]
If you look at how worried he is, it's serious.
[No. It's a feeling I shouldn't have received in the first place.]
I am a ghost who died 300 years ago. Lucian is a human Prince who has just come of age.
Even if he was abandoned, when Leopold becomes Emperor, he will return to where he belongs. Then he will meet true and beautiful ladies, marry one of them, and have a child who looks just like him.
Those are the ordinary days that all humans dream of.
There is nothing I can do for him. So, I should not accept his feelings for which I cannot take responsibility.
Leah stared at where Lucian was for a moment.
[...Lucian will also need time.]
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