Chapter 36

Lance poured the tea, and Sylt served it, setting a teacup filled with tea and pastries in front of each person.

As Ignatz shifted from wailing to sobbing, I handed him a handkerchief to wipe his face and a damp cloth to cool his eyes.

"Ignatz."

When I called out to Ignatz, he trembled, pressing the handkerchief to his face.

I'm not angry, so stop being scared. Are you scared of me? You shouldn't be, right?

"Is there anything you want to say to Nebel?"

This is something you need to get right. What? You think the royal family shouldn't bow easily? What nonsense are you spouting? It's not a matter of being lenient just because you've reflected on your actions. Even the royal family should bow and apologize if they hurt someone who didn't deserve it. It's a matter of moral integrity. Someone who can't do that can't be king.

But Ignatz remained silent.

I think he understands that what he did was wrong and that he needs to apologize to Nebel. However, emotionally, he can't come to terms with it, and his feelings are in turmoil.

But, don't you think that an apology has no meaning if it's forced? I do.

So, I didn't push Ignatz to apologize to Nebel. Instead, I took the most effective approach.

"Nebel, my brother did something terrible. I'm sorry."

As soon as I said that, Ignatz stood up with a loud thud.

See? The look of disbelief, the regret for making me apologize when he was the one at fault, Ignatz must have never thought that his actions would make me bow my head.

The shock was evident on his face.

Nebel, on the other hand, had a look of "What a terrible thing to do." I don't like it when people show off their stubbornness, causing trouble for those around them.

"It's just a scrape, so it's fine."

"Is it? But you must have been surprised. What you did was wrong."

I didn't ask him to forgive me. It's fine even if he doesn't forgive me.

"No, really... Ah, okay. I understand. I accept your apology. Prince Albert, this matter is now closed."

"Thank you."

Sorry, but I had to wrap it up.

"Ignatz, sit down."

I called out to Ignatz, who was still standing, and got him to sit down.

Now, what should we do next? I'm not good at giving lectures, you know? I have enough trouble with my own issues, so I can't possibly lecture others.

But, it wasn't right to leave Ignatz alone without understanding what he was thinking.

Well, we weren't that close, I don't think? We weren't bad, but...

To be honest, until four years ago, I had almost no contact with Ignatz. This was partly due to the king's consideration and partly because people who believed the rumors spread by the king's former friends were guarding Ignatz to prevent him from being influenced by me.

After I caused a stir and said I wouldn't hang out with them, the prime minister made it known that the rumors about me were false, and the palace was cleaned up. So, it became known that I wasn't as capricious and temperamental as they said. But, how many people really know who I am?

The queen and the prime minister know, but what about the others?

Even the servants around Ignatz probably don't know much.

The information about me was false. So, what is the real first prince like? I think people might wonder.

But, the people around Ignatz didn't stop him from frequently visiting me, perhaps because of this.

I didn't expect Ignatz to be such a big brother complex.

If the king hadn't come up with a foolish plan and I had been raised in the prince's palace from birth, could I have been a proper older brother? It might have been difficult to be an older brother at the same age, but maybe we could have been twins or close in age. But, I was a bit spacey back then, so he might have been disappointed. "This guy is my brother?"

If that had happened, Ignatz might have thought, "Why can't I be the crown prince just because I was born later? Why can't I be king?"

Well, that's just another possible scenario.

I've given up my right to succession and will inherit Fulftball. Ignatz will be the future king of Laave. This is already decided.

I don't want or allow any other path.

I might not be a good older brother, but I think I can support the future king.

"Ignatz, your thoughts won't be understood unless you express them."

Okay, Ignatz? We need to talk more. Can you tell me what you're thinking and feeling?

I'll talk too. About what you want to know and what you want to ask.

I'm sorry, but I won't respond to comments. Please refrain from leaving questions.

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