§ 107. How to live as a prince of an enemy country (2)
When I thought I had grabbed my childhood, it was like a grain of sand that would soon slip through my fingers, leaving no trace.
Logan grew up to become an intelligent and talented boy. His calm atmosphere and genius swordsmanship were enough to earn him the reputation of being the son who inherited the blood of the Holy Emperor the most.
However, even though he was becoming more and more like his parents, it was difficult for Logan to regard the current Emperor and Empress as his true parents. He tried to be as polite as possible and show affection to the beggar, but a person’s heart is not something that can be easily changed.
On the other hand, in the case of brothers and sisters, it was ironic that they felt like they were a complete family. Perhaps it was because Gael, her only son, was in a relationship with her that she had never had before.
He liked the simple Masain, worried about the troublemaker Mores, looked after Amelia, who was timid after entering the imperial palace belatedly, and loved Sisley, whom he had seen since he was a baby.
Perhaps it was the attachment to these people that kept Logan, who seemed to be floating somewhere due to memories of his past life, in the imperial palace.
So, as his hair grew thicker and his siblings became busier with their own lives, Logan continued to go out of the palace.
Although he was leading the detachment under the grandiose pretext of conquering the sea for the people, Logan knew his own condition better than anyone else.
He just wanted to keep his body busy and overworked without any time to worry. While he lived comfortably in the imperial palace, he was constantly bound by memories of his past life and had to worry about the purpose of his new life.
In addition, his relationship with Mores, which has recently been worsening, also made it difficult for Logan. Since he was the first brother I met after I was reincarnated, I seemed to have relied on him emotionally without even knowing it.
Mores. What on earth happened to you?
Although his presence was evident since he was young, there were times when Logan felt that Mores was very unfamiliar to him recently.
“Logan, the people of Delcross praise your inaction and character. “This is indeed an achievement worthy of a prince of a thousand-year-old kingdom.”
The Empress, whom I met after returning to the palace after a long time, said with an elegant smile.
Logan, who joined the Knights of St. Bastian at a young age in accordance with the [Duty of a Noble Man], was a prince who stood out in many ways.
Not only was he excellent at swordsmanship, but he was also considerate and upright for someone of his age, so much so that even within the knights’ order, there were members who followed the prince regardless of age.
The knights called themselves [Lilium], named after the knights’ fleur-de-lis, and from then on, the group became a separate unit led by Logan.
This time, he was on his way back from leading Grellium around the eastern part of the continent to subdue the sea beasts.
“You are still young, but you are already enhancing the name of the empire and the reputation of the royal family. “This mother is always proud of her son.”
Logan smiled bitterly.
There was no intention to enhance the empire’s reputation. I just wanted to protect the refugees of Ortona, who had lost their country and were wandering lonely, from the sea.
Reincarnated as the prince of an enemy country, that was all he could do for his country.
“But isn’t enough enough now? “This mother is always worried about whether she eats properly or whether she gets hurt somewhere.”
His mother, Empress Tatiana, wanted Logan to stay in the imperial palace, learn royal science, and participate in state affairs. As it is, she will become the crown prince and hope that she will eventually succeed to her throne.
But Logan could never consider himself a Delcrossian.
The reason why he continues to visit the eastern region repeatedly while recklessly subjugating the sea creatures is probably because deep down in his heart, he considers himself an Ortona.
-Did you think we would be grateful to you for this? When was the last time you encouraged Ortona’s destruction? Now!
-The East will never forget the grudge you gave us for killing our General Gael!
Logan still vividly remembers the group of refugees he saved glaring at Lilium with eyes full of resentment.
In his previous life, he sacrificed his life for Ortona, but now he is once again bearing the brunt of the blame for that death.
Could it be that the new life given to him is for that?
As if sacrificing for the republican cause wasn’t enough, should he instead take on his hatred for Delcross and become a martyr for his enemy rather than his country?
Logan didn’t know.
* * *
“therefore… “You don’t know the reason for the new life you’ve been given?”
How much time had passed since the two started talking? The night was already deep and dark without moon.
Fortunately, Seongjin, who was accustomed to the dark, was able to clearly see the expression of Logan sitting across from him using only the faint starlight.
After realizing that there was a high possibility that Seonghwang knew his identity, a look of agitation appeared on Logan’s face. Thanks to this, I can easily confide in Seongjin about concerns I would not normally have.
Moreover, the fact that they were the only ones in the imperial palace with whom they shared their [secrets] must have played a role in narrowing the distance between them to some extent.
“In your past life, your country was destroyed by Delcross, so you feel guilty for living comfortably as the prince of this country? But does that mean that there are limits to being the prince of an enemy country when you go out of your way to rebuild your country?”
“I guess I can summarize it briefly like that.”
Seongjin’s face became pale.
what? Just like Amelie, I feel like she’s giving me a lot of advice these days for these kinds of concerns.
Maybe I was a more philosophical person than I thought?
Is it that the unconcealable energy of contemplation that radiates from a long experience is influencing people?
The devil bastard was scared.
[A guy who claims to be so experienced doesn’t know himself that much?]
‘What, you bastard?’
He inadvertently rolled his eyes and Logan looked at him with a puzzled look. Seongjin cleared his throat and opened his mouth towards him.
“hmm… hey. “This is just my opinion, so please bear with me.”
“I will listen carefully. “I ask for your unbiased opinion.”
Logan nods with a serious expression.
“The reason you lost your country and even your life is entirely because of Delcross. But you couldn’t get revenge properly because you became the prince of Delcross, right?”
“okay.”
“Besides, you always go out to subdue the sea to help the people of your country, but somehow that alone seems to be lacking something?”
“It’s like that.”
“Then what are you worrying about? “There are plenty of ways to solve both problems appropriately.”
“… uh?”
As Logan looked at him with wide eyes, Seongjin shook his head and clicked his tongue.
“Wow, why are all the kids in this house so naive?”
Amelia was like that too, but why is this guy so mellow about the subject of his second life?
Their father raised them so well, tsk tsk.
“Let me give you an example of one of the ways.”
At Seongjin’s words, Logan leans forward and looks very nervous.
“What is the most difficult to obtain and at the same time the most urgent thing in rebuilding the country?”
“… … ?”
“It is capital.”
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“capital… … .”
As he nodded, lost in thought, Seongjin continued.
“Well, then the problem becomes simple. All you have to do is embezzle some of the capital of the Delcross Imperial Family and divert it for your country.”
“… … !”
“Then Delcross will receive appropriate, non-lethal revenge. At the same time, it will be of utmost help to your country.”
Logan opened his mouth without realizing it.
“But that…” … .”
“that?”
“that… unrighteous… … .”
As he trailed off, Seongjin grinned and gave a mischievous laugh.
Really, does a little more explanation need to be given to a stubborn guy who sneaks into other people’s rooms and confidently knocks?
“If not, how were you planning on helping your country?”
“If the people of Ortona want it, I am ready to give up everything I have. “I am sorry to Her Majesty the Empress who has high expectations on me, but I cannot become the crown prince here and succeed to the throne.”
“Hmm.”
“The problem is that the people of Ortona will not trust me as the prince of an enemy country… … .”
As Logan trailed off with a gloomy face, Seongjin tilted his head and asked.
“Okay, so let’s assume you leave here and successfully settle in Ortona. What are you going to do? “How are you going to help people?”
“That’s it… … .”
Logan thought for a moment before answering.
“First, we need to rally the people who want to rebuild Ortona. We will find the surviving remnants of the Republican Party. We will then contact the Merchant Association and negotiate sponsorship with benefits such as exclusive rights to be paid after rebuilding the country. We will also have to persuade the nobles of territories subordinated to other countries. We also need to rescue refugees wandering here and there.”
“good.”
Seongjin crossed his arms and nodded.
“It’s all a good idea. But is that something that no one else but you can do?”
“uh?”
“And where are you going to get the money to do it?”
“… … .”
Logan was speechless.
Certainly, even now in Ortona, there were many people working underground to revive the country. Among them, there may be a greater leader than Prince Benicio. It doesn’t necessarily have to be yourself.
Sword Master. What does it all mean?
In any case, even when the Republicans had a proper army, they were unable to avoid destruction in the end, so how much help would the addition of an outstanding swordsman really be to them?
As Logan’s eyes deepen, Seongjin places a wedge in there.
“Well, then think about it. Would it be more helpful to your country if you became a poor spiritual leader and lead people? Or would it be more helpful to become an internal enemy of the wealthy, siphon off capital appropriately, and provide support behind the scenes?”
uh?
“Anyone in your country can do the former, but only you, the prince of Delcross and a former officer of Ortona, can do the latter.”
“… … !”
“That’s an important thing that only you can do in this world, Logan.”
Logan’s eyes opened wide.
In his blue eyes, the realization that came like a lightning bolt was rippling like a wave.
The Demon King sighed deeply.
[No, you devil!]
Logan said, slowly getting up from his seat.
“I see. That’s why I was given a new life… … !”
The boy, who always smiled sadly in a calm and subdued mood, now regained the enthusiasm he had hidden without realizing it and was staring somewhere with sparkling eyes.
The invisible land of the far east, his now lost homeland.
“Is the meaning of my reincarnation as a prince to be able to freely embezzle Delcross’s capital and take it to Ortona?”
Well, it sounds a little strange when you say it that way.
… Maybe not?
However, one fact that Seongjin overlooked was that this pure prince was knowledgeable beyond his expectations.
The next afternoon, Logan, who had an audience with the Holy Emperor for the first time in a long time, opened his mouth with a serious expression.
“Abama, I have something to ask you.”
Seonghwang looked up from quietly looking into the teacup and blinked when he saw the firm determination in the boy’s blue eyes.
“ask.”
“yes. “Please increase my allowance.”
“… … .”
“A little too much… No, please raise it very much!”
Chief Chamberlain Louis, who was serving tea next to him, tilted his head.
“I understand that the amount allocated to you is not that small, but how much do you need?”
“Um, twice as much now? No, three times?”
“yes?”
“How much budget is usually needed to run a country?”
“country… … .”
Logan is proudly asking for the embezzled money, which would not be enough even if he secretly stole it, as pocket money.
Lewis secretly looks at Seonghwang’s eyes.
Seonghwang remained silent for a moment, then slowly raised one hand to cover his face and opened his mouth.
“I’m going to do whatever I want with my pocket money. But, Logan… … .”
“Yes, Abama.”
“Are you hanging out with Mores these days?”
“… … .”
fantasy,
