Chapter 48

I will translate the provided text into English:

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I will tackle the Prince's route.

Cain received a notice that his sword training at the castle would be on hold.

At the same time, he received a message that Arundilano would be visiting the duke's house.

It had been two weeks since Arundilano first said he would come to play.

The delay was not due to Arundilano's schedule but because the Queen's schedule didn't allow it.

Cain thought that if Arundilano came to play, the Queen didn't need to come, but it seemed that the Queen had only wanted to play with Elise, using Arundilano and Cain's friendship as an excuse.

She didn't want to set a precedent where the Prince could go out to play alone, which would mean the busy Queen wouldn't need to accompany him. Cain found this selfish.

Initially, it was suggested that everyone would have tea and play a card game, but Cain said, "We have some men's business to discuss," and took Arundilano to his room.

So, the Queen, Elise, and Dianah stayed in the salon. Dianah wanted to go with Cain, but the Queen wanted to play with Dianah, so she wasn't allowed.

"Welcome, Prince Arundilano, and Deputy Commander Velfadia."

"Thank you for inviting me, Cain."

"I am on guard duty today, so you can treat me as a scarecrow. Please act as if I'm not here."

When they entered the room, Cain offered seats to Arundilano and the Deputy Commander, but the Deputy Commander declined. Cain and Arundilano sat side by side on a two-person sofa. Cain turned around and looked up at the Deputy Commander standing behind them.

"Scarecrow, we're going to have a private conversation today, so please don't repeat what you hear."

"I've noticed you haven't been focused on training lately. As long as it's not about overthrowing the state, I promise not to reveal anything. I hope you can clear your mind and prepare for tomorrow's training."

The Deputy Commander smiled and said this, then returned to a serious expression and looked straight ahead, signaling that he had no interest in the children's conversation.

Cain turned back to Arundilano and decided to get straight to the point.

"So, where did you meet Dedini? In detail."

"Um... well..."

Arundilano's story was subjective and disjointed, jumping back and forth in time, making it hard to follow.

In summary, he had heard that the King's official duties ended early and he had returned to the castle. Running down the corridor to meet his father, Arundilano tripped and fell. To avoid being scolded for running, he tried to stand up without crying, but Dedini saw him.

Thinking he would be scolded for running and falling, Arundilano was scared and stood still, but Dedini praised him for standing up on his own and not crying, calling him brave.

Thinking that if Dedini saw him working hard at sword training, he might get more praise, Arundilano tried harder whenever he saw Dedini, and his voice got louder because he wanted to be noticed.

Hearing this, Cain held his head.

Cain had been trying to help Arundilano's first love and prevent his engagement to Dianah, but after hearing the story, he was certain this wasn't love.

(Arundilano is just looking for a mother figure.)

Clearly, Arundilano was lacking parental love, or the direction of the love he wanted didn't match the direction of the love he was receiving.

"Prince Arundilano, perhaps you should return to the salon and play cards with the Queen?"

If Arundilano wanted to be with his mother, Cain realized he should have let them be together instead of separating them. Officially, it was said that Cain and the Prince would play, but since the Queen had come, it was a chance for Arundilano to be with his parents.

"No... Mother... Mother is looking forward to chatting with the duchess. I don't want to disturb her... I want to play with Cain."

Arundilano was being considerate. Cain felt a growing anger at parents who made their children so considerate. He was also angry at Arundilano, who, at only four years old, was already holding back his natural desire to be with his parents.

"I've said it before, but you shouldn't hold back. Don't think that everything will go well if you do. You need to find a way to avoid holding back."

"But, Cain..."

Cain pinched Arundilano's cheeks and leaned in close. Arundilano flinched, perhaps remembering the time Cain had used fire magic on his head.

Cain kneaded Arundilano's soft cheeks with both hands.

"No protests. Find a way to avoid holding back. If your parents are busy with work, think about how you can join them. You're a prince, so there might be some work you can join, Arundilano!"

"What is it, Master Cain?"

"Get the royal schedule from the butler."

While kneading Arundilano's cheeks, Cain called out to Ilvareno, who was standing behind the Deputy Commander. Ilvareno quietly left the room and quickly returned with a sheet of paper.

The royal family's schedule is partially public. Diplomatic meetings, inspections of territories, and visits to welfare facilities are disclosed, and nobles who wish to meet the royal family can use this schedule to request an audience.

Of course, the schedule is also publicly displayed for the common people, and when a region is listed, residents often gather to see the King or Queen.

Cain looked over the royal schedule from top to bottom, which he received from Ilvareno. While secret tasks and private audiences weren't listed, the schedule was quite full.

With such a busy schedule, it was indeed difficult for the royal family to spend time with their children.

"Here it is. Prince Arundilano, ask the Queen to let you join her on this schedule when you return in the carriage."

Cain pointed to a visit to an orphanage and an inspection of a public learning facility.

If Arundilano didn't join the salon, the only chance to talk to his mother would be in the carriage on the way back. They would likely separate as soon as they returned to the castle.

"Will Mother... be troubled if I ask?"

"Since she wants to work, it's not a problem. Instead of Dedini, get proper praise from the Queen."

"Mother... will praise me?"

Arundilano looked at Cain with hopeful eyes.

Of course, if his parents praised him just for joining them, he wouldn't have become a lonely child seeking praise from a passing lady.

Cain had a plan to make the Queen see Arundilano in a new light during the visit. He had just thought of it.

"It's fine. Depending on Prince Arundilano, I will help you get praised."

Cain glanced at Ilvareno and then at the Deputy Commander.

The Deputy Commander was still looking straight ahead, seemingly ignoring Cain and Arundilano, as he had said he would act like a scarecrow.

However, his ears were not blocked. Cain's plan involved content that couldn't be discussed here, as it might be perceived as "aiming to overthrow the state" according to the Deputy Commander.

When Arundilano nodded and said, "I'll ask Mother," there was a knock on the door, and Dianah entered the room.

"That's boring! Big brother, please play with me!"

Even the Deputy Commander, who was usually composed, shifted his stance and moved his gaze. Ilvareno also turned to the door.

Only Arundilano, whose cheeks were still pinched and couldn't move his face, was looking at Cain, who had a melting smile on his face.

Thank you for the bookmark. It means a lot to me.

Knowing that you are looking forward to the next part is a great encouragement.