Chapter 2

Reborn as a prince named Aisha, I turned four years old.

I still haven't met my younger brother.

Actually, after calmly observing the situation for a year, I realized something.

It seems I'm being neglected.

"Aisha, have you been well? Oh, you've gained weight again. You've grown taller, haven't you?"

A man with black hair in his thirties picked me up and spun me around in the spacious room, laughing.

Even though I remember my past life, I'm only four years old.

I don't mind being doted on like this; it's actually fun.

"It's a great pleasure to see you, Father. Thank you for taking the time to visit despite your busy schedule."

"Stiff. But Aisha is old enough to say such things. My son has a promising future."

Father, who has golden eyes, smiled warmly. He is the emperor, the ruler of an empire that controls an entire continent.

My hair is gray with a hint of black, showing some influence from my father.

My blue eyes, I learned from Harty, are from my mother.

"Hem, Your Majesty. If you play too much, you might lose your dignity."

Father's aide advised, stopping our playful behavior.

He then glared at me for a moment.

I recognize this kind of look from my past life.

Even though I was just being polite because I was scolded by my parents, I was seen as putting on a good act and being obsequious.

I didn't expect to receive such a look in a gathering of adults in the palace.

"You rarely come to see me, which makes me feel lonely. At least let me have some fun here. It won't inconvenience anyone."

While saying this, Father put me down and sat in the chair that was prepared.

This is part of the imperial palace.

However, it's a separate building from the main hall where the imperial family lives.

It's known as the left wing of the palace, where the princes reside.

This building alone is more luxurious and spacious than the mansions of many nobles, and it has dedicated servants and cooks.

However, the area assigned to me, though spacious, is the farthest from the main hall.

And when I meet Father, it's not in my room but in a reception room on the floor above.

It's clear they want to keep us apart.

"Harty, you must be having a hard time. Do you need anything?"

"Hardly, but as Aisha-sama is my nephew, it's my duty. However, Aisha-sama's shoes are starting to be a bit small."

"Ah, I see. Growth is indeed fast. I should come more often."

While saying this, Father instructed his aide to give money to Harty from his own pocket.

The aide, without glaring at me, responded coldly and formally.

This place is far from where Father works, and it takes time to get here.

From what I've heard from my aides, they initially planned to send me to a distant palace.

Since it would have required a carriage ride, Father got angry and stopped it.

So, they pushed me into the farthest room without Father realizing it.

The room is spacious, but it feels wasted, and it's in a location that's not directly connected to the main hall.

It's impossible not to feel the malice.

"Aisha-sama, you've been working hard on your studies. Recently, I've been teaching you geography and history."

"Wow, that's impressive. When I was Aisha, I hardly remember studying much."

As the third son of a viscount, that would be expected.

Since I wouldn't inherit the family name and would either marry into another family or serve as a noble for a limited time, I should focus on social skills or martial arts to make a name for myself.

I just want to understand this world, so I asked Harty to teach me.

This continent is home to six races, including humans: beastmen, elves, merfolk, dwarves, and dragonmen, each with their own countries.

The empire, which unites these countries, is located in the center of the continent, surrounded by mountains on all sides.

It was once considered a hidden realm before the empire's founder opened it up.

Moreover, there is magic and alchemy, making it a fascinating and endlessly interesting world.

Although I'm still young and not allowed to practice yet, learning as a form of preparation is both exciting and enjoyable.

"Father, I want to read more books."

"Oh, that's right. Is there a library in this left wing?"

"There is, but it has no books."

Harty answered briefly to avoid showing his dissatisfaction.

In noble society, the higher one's rank, the more prestigious it is to have a personal library.

The room I use was once a prince's, so there is a room with bookshelves that used to be a library.

However, after the owner died and the room was vacated, it has remained empty.

"I see. It will take time to stock it. Alright, you can use the books from my library."

"That might be a bit problematic."

When I was about to accept casually, Father's aide stopped me.

It's not that he has a grudge against Father.

He just doesn't like it when things go well for me.

The reason is that Father's surroundings are filled with people influenced by the Lukaieos Duke, the father of Father's wife.

Father, who grew up in a viscount's family, has no influence in the palace.

His backing is his wife's family, and the Lukaieos Duke arranged the marriage to ensure his grandson would become the next emperor.

The only rival to the next emperor, who is my younger brother, is me.

Since my rebirth, I've noticed the tendency to suppress me.

"Then where do you suggest? Where can my son use a library?"

"That... perhaps the imperial library would be appropriate."

The aide, who doesn't want me to use a library but can't say the emperor's son can't use one, answers reluctantly.

Father, by applying pressure, forces an answer and ensures that I can use a library.

From the aide's perspective, it's better to prevent me from getting closer to Father.

Otherwise, the Lukaieos Duke's plan to isolate me would fail.

I smile at Father, not showing any of my thoughts.

"I can read many books, thank you, Father."

"Is that so? Aisha likes books. Perhaps a clever mother makes a clever child?"

Father is doting on his son.

But I want to be understood correctly.

"I also want to start swordsmanship soon. I'm looking forward to learning from Helcof."

"That's right. Helcof was strong even in his prime. I was in the military for a while and had my share of rough times. You'll get hurt, but if you learn properly, you won't suffer serious injuries. Follow Helcof's instructions carefully."

"Yes!"

This is a pleasant surprise.

I thought it would be stopped, but I got encouragement instead.

If it were my mother from my past life, she would have screamed.

In fact, I had an experience where I was forced to quit soccer.

I liked sports and had friends, but when I got injured, the soccer team yelled at me.

I couldn't resist, and it required money and transportation, so I couldn't do anything if my parents opposed it.

In this life, Father is very understanding and loving.

I think he's a good father.

"Your Majesty, if you don't return soon, you'll be late for the next meeting."

"Already? It feels like it's been a short time."

The aide, who was ruining the good atmosphere, pointed to the clock.

I know, though.

The clock is set fast.

We can't stay in this room to fix it, and it's locked afterward, so we can't adjust it.

I don't welcome the disruption of our family time.

So, I'll try to get back at them.

"As the emperor, you can't do anything that doesn't set a good example. I understand, though it's sad. When can I see you next?"

"Hmm, my son is so excellent that it's a bit troublesome. I'm very pleased. Harty, I'll leave Aisha in your care."

"Yes, Aisha-sama is very charming and intelligent."

Father hugs me, and Harty smiles, looking a bit troubled.

Only the aide reluctantly checks the next schedule, and I take the opportunity to ask.

"Father, can I go see my younger brother?"

"...... The empress still says you can't be left alone."

It seems Father wants me to meet him, but the empress from the Lukaieos Duke's family is refusing.

"Aisha, you're a good boy. I'm sure you'll be a good role model for your brother."

"Yes, of course."

Father smiles apologetically, but I've decided to be a good role model from the bottom of my heart.

Next two chapters will be posted today and tomorrow.

Next: The Emperor's Eldest Son 3