Volume 2 Chapter 33 The Great Villain Of The World, Prepares To Return Home V
──Crown Prince Rouen's Perspective──
After leaving the audience chamber, Crown Prince Rouen was in a daze.
Before he knew it, he was in his own room.
He couldn't even remember how he got back.
"...This Rouen is the lucky Crown Prince. The Crown Prince of good omens...?"
The words spoken by the Bokou Tribe echoed in his mind.
He didn't know how to take those words.
If someone from Aika Country had said that, he would have shouted, "Don't mess with me!"
──Was it sarcasm?
──Was he mocking this Rouen?
──Was he trying to flatter him to gain favor?
He should have reacted that way.
But the person was Gaku Kiryuu, a general from a different tribe.
There was no way he would know that Crown Prince Rouen was called the "Cursed Crown Prince."
Thinking that Kou Tenhou might have told him, Crown Prince Rouen shook his head.
He wouldn't use such a boring method.
Besides, Kou Tenhou wouldn't try to curry favor with Crown Prince Rouen.
It was the same when they met at Ryougen-kun's mansion.
Kou Tenhou had boldly argued against Crown Prince Rouen.
He couldn't imagine that he would tell a foreign general about the "Cursed Crown Prince."
Ryougen-kun is the same. It's not like him to let compliments come from the mouths of outsiders.
If that's the case, then that must be Gaku Kiryuu's true feelings.
A rough yet dignified general from another tribe.
"...What is that? How is this Rouen the... lucky Crown Prince...?"
He has always been called the 'Cursed Crown Prince.'
Of course, it wasn't said openly.
Still, rumors have a way of reaching your ears.
So, Chou Sekimei tried to push Rouen to shake off those rumors.
They believed that if he achieved great things, he could erase the bad reputation of being the 'Cursed Crown Prince.'
Rouen learned martial arts and improved his ability to lead soldiers for that reason.
The quickest way to earn people's respect is to achieve victories.
Defeating enemies and protecting the country. That's a clear achievement that everyone can see.
Chou Sekimei taught him that this was the shortcut to success.
So, Rouen has always trained himself hard.
He created an independent unit──'Wolf Cavalry'──to protect the people.
Although he couldn't achieve the desired results.
Chou Sekimei's advice isn't wrong.
Rouen believes he has responded to it.
Yet, the rumors won't disappear.
No matter what, they always reach Rouen's ears.
The only person he can interact with comfortably is Kou Kairyou.
Of course, he knows about the 'Cursed Crown Prince' rumors.
He knows and still chooses to stay by Rouen's side.
He won't deny it. He won't say it doesn't matter.
He just want to be with him. To follow him wherever he go.
He probably don't even realize how much that has saved Rouen.
Still, Rouen had given up.
He thought his reputation as the 'Cursed Crown Prince' would never disappear.
To erase that bad name, he would need to achieve something huge, like saving Aika Country from a crisis.
That seemed impossible.
So Rouen would always remain the 'Cursed Crown Prince.'
After he succeeded his father and became king, he would continue to be called the 'Unlucky King.'
Even though he thought that way──
"...What is this? Why is this Rouen... shaking...?"
Suddenly, Crown Prince Rouen realized he was trembling slightly.
Not just his body, but his voice too.
His emotions were getting out of control.
The words 'Lucky Crown Prince' spoken by Gaku Kiryuu reminded Rouen of his pain.
He had been stabbed by the term 'Cursed Crown Prince' so many times that he had become numb to the pain without even realizing it.
(...Is it true that my words helped save the people? I haven't done anything. I just listened and let things happen... that's all...)
Had he been wrong all this time?
He thought he had to do everything himself.
To achieve something, he needed to stand at the front and fight.
He had always done it that way.
He never even considered any other approach.
(...Should I choose a different way this time, as Rouen?)
There's no need to stick to being the 'Cursed Crown Prince.'
He shouldn't get too excited about the words of the 'Lucky Crown Prince.'
Such thoughts swirl in Crown Prince Rouen's mind.
If the way he has done things until now has been wrong, what should he do?
To be right as the Crown Prince of Aika Country, without being tied to 'cursed' or 'lucky'──
(Shouldn't this Rouen learn from my uncle... Ryougen-kun?)
Crown Prince Rouen murmured without speaking aloud.
(...But asking my uncle for guidance would show weakness. He has a keen eye for people. He might notice that this Rouen feels inferior to him...)
Rouen struggled with Ryougen-kun.
The image of his uncle, trusted by many, was too dazzling for the 'Cursed Crown Prince.'
The only time Rouen relied on Ryougen-kun was when he needed help finding people to create the 'Wolf Cavalry.' Other than that, Rouen avoided meeting his uncle.
But──
(...I can't afford to cling to personal feelings anymore. Aika Country must protect not only itself but also its friendly nations. The Bokou Tribe──or even Souma Country. If it's necessary for that, I should do anything. What does it matter if I feel inferior to my uncle...!)
Crown Prince Rouen continued to think while sitting on the bed.
The night went on, until finally.
Before he knew it, he had fallen asleep.
And then, the next morning.
"Are you awake, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince?"
"Ah. I'm already awake. I'm sorry for always troubling you."
Crown Prince Rouen woke up in bed and replied to the young servant.
"I want to wash my face. Can you prepare some water for me?"
"...Huh? Y-Yes! Of course, Your Royal Highness!"
"You don't have to hurry. Please take your time."
"Y-Yes!"
The male servant clasped his hands and left the room.
When he returned with a bowl of water,
"...Um, Your Royal Highness? Is there something wrong with your health...?"
"No, I'm fine as usual."
"Y-Yes! I apologize!"
"Today, I plan to visit my uncle's mansion. Please prepare and send a notice."
"Y-Yes, understood!"
After bowing, the servant stepped back.
Crown Prince Rouen washed his face with the prepared water and adjusted his clothes──
──then he noticed that he felt surprisingly refreshed upon waking up.
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