[TKOSINM] 294 – A Dead Rat in Father’s Eyes

Recently, the Emperor's behaviour was strange. Before, he was only merciless toward the commoners, severely punishing whether they were right or accused. They would even get penalised if they said something unpleasant to his ears. But when it came to nobles, he was overflowing with mercy.

Nowadays, even the nobles weren't spared and had their necks sliced for the slightest mistake. Therefore, the Emperor, who had a good reputation among the nobles following policy in favour of them, had his credibility fall sharply. Lately, the word 'tyrant' had circulated among the nobility, and the Crown Prince was engulfed in anxiety, worrying that the Emperor's actions might result in a significant incident.

'...Who is that?'

While looking at his moving silhouette, the prince noticed that a person was approaching the Emperor.

As tears welled up blurring his vision, the Crown Prince narrowed his eyes. Soon after, he discerned the identity of the person.

'Count Rixis...?'

But looking at the light blue hair and a clean appearance, it was not Count Rixis but Lord Ascardo Rixis.

'Why is Lord Rixis meeting with His Majesty like this?'

And approach him in such an open place without even requesting an audience.

Shortly after that, the Crown Prince lowered his hand around his neck and bit his lips. Because Ascardo casually crossed paths with the Emperor and approached him, something he was forbidden to do. Furthermore, he even dared to whisper something in the Emperor's ear.

If anyone saw them from afar, they would think they were father and son.

After a while, Lord Rixis finished whispering to the Emperor and left with him. The Crown Prince was left alone looking at where they had just stood.

'What am I supposed to do?' 

'Just continue existing like a dead rat.' 

'Never show up in front of me, and don't even dare approach me.' 

'Know your place. You always are below me, but never above me.'

The Crown Prince remembered the words that the Emperor had instilled in him since early childhood.

He spoke words every night and morning instead of warm greetings as if he was deliberately trying to cripple his self-esteem.

'I think I know why, now.'

His mother had died birthing him, leaving him at the hands of his father, who belittled him every chance he got. Thus, the Crown Prince became depressed and lonely from a very young age, feelings which only worsened as he grew up.

His world felt as it was all coloured in grey. He wasn't motivated by anything. Just like the Emperor wanted, he was living like a doll, feeling so empty inside that he could collapse any moment. He was constantly looking for a stimulus to fill the void. Yet nothing piqued his interest.

He constantly flirted with people. It became to the extent where people pointed fingers at him, and he was labelled a hedonist, but all that was just a way to protect himself.

Going around like that would guarantee that he would not come across his father, his source of negativity.

But now, it was time to accept the truth.

'My father doesn't think of me as his child. On the contrary, he sees me as an enemy blocking his path.'

He knew very well how his father had become Emperor. He had revolted, beheading his foster sister.

The Emperor was more than capable of disposing of him without a trace.

-Thinking of that, it was clear that he was trying to cut the sprout in advance before it grew.

'Actually, I was never interested in the throne, but I changed my mind.' 

The prince straightened his back and went in the opposite direction as the Emperor. He knew that the Emperor and Lord Rixis were planning something.

Ever since he had seen them together, everything had become clear to him. Because he was well aware of who their common target was.

"Your Highness The Crown Prince? Where are you going?"

When the prince spoke, the stable keeper looked at him in amazement. The Crown Prince was usually kind to the people working in the Imperial Palace, so they tried to repay the kindness the best they could, always answering his demands without hesitation.

"I need to go somewhere for a while. So, I have a request."

"What is it, Your Highness?" 

"Please don't tell anyone that I left the palace."

He was going out through an unguarded secret passage, so if the stable keeper kept his mouth shut, no one would notice his disappearance.

"Well understood, Your Highness."

When the stable keeper gladly answered, The Crown Prince lifted his lips into a smile.

"Thank you." 

"No need. This request is nothing compared to what Your Highness does for us. No matter who asks, I will stay quiet, so please feel free to visit any place you desire."

"All right."

Unlike the Emperor, who did not treat the employees of the Imperial palace as human beings, the Crown Prince built trust from the base. The difference in character was as clear as the sun at such times.

The Crown Prince went straight out of the palace on horseback.