The Bastard First Prince Doesn't Want to Die

[Translator - Jjescus ]

[Proofreader - Starfall ]

Chapter: 138

“That was close.”

I glanced at Jincheon beside me.

It was irritating to have to be so wary of this kid, even as a prince... but what could I do?

When it came to fighting and killing, no one could match Jincheon. And he was especially skilled in assassination.

And hadn't he done it a few times? He had even killed his own superior, and not to mention the times he had ambushed enemies.

Who knows? Maybe he had secretly eliminated some pests for me.

“You can go rest.”

His lips were pursed, which meant he was still upset. Well, I suppose he had a right to be. I should be grateful that it had all passed without incident.

“It’s alright, Your Highness.”

No, I’m not alright.

I awkwardly raised a corner of my mouth and rummaged through my pockets.

I had taken something my grandfather had given me when I left the tent after meeting Soldier Do.

It was nothing special, just a snack.

I wonder why my grandfather keeps giving me these things. It must be some kind of test.

I took out the snack my grandfather had given me and offered it to Jincheon.

“...Want some?”

Jincheon looked at me with a bored expression.

A failure... Just as I thought that, I noticed something.

Jincheon’s lips twitched slightly.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

And then he took the snack.

I realized.

So that’s it...! This guy must like sweets.

Anyway.

“I feel hurt that you seem more interested in my attendant than in me,” I said to the warriors. But scolding them wouldn’t look good either.

After all, they had gathered here ostensibly to help me.

“We haven’t had a chance to meet you so closely while we were at Wolhan Fortress.”

I called one of the soldiers passing by outside the tent and asked him to call my grandfather. It would be reassuring to have someone on my side.

And my grandfather had said he had something important to tell me while giving me the snacks. He said he would tell them in front of the other warriors.

It would be a good opportunity to have a conversation.

So, I took the main seat at the table where the warriors were sitting.

“Now.”

I put both my arms on the table and clasped my hands. Then I carefully examined the people seated.

Most of them had curious expressions. I could tell that they didn’t have high hopes for me.

“I have something to say before my grandfather arrives.”

“We are listening, Your Highness.”

The general who seemed to have the highest rank among them spoke. I nodded once and got to the point.

“First, I want to thank you.”

The atmosphere in the room changed. They looked at me in surprise, as if they had encountered an unexpected situation.

Anyway, this brat.

“...It is only natural that we do so, Your Highness.”

The general who had just spoken said. He had a distant look in his eyes.

“How could it be natural? I’ve been lost, not knowing how to correct my past mistakes or where to go. But since you’ve gathered here to help me, I feel like I can accomplish anything.”

And then I asked. “Who are you and where are you from?”

“I am Gyeong Daebang. I was born in the capital and lived there for thirty-two years, but ten years ago, I resigned from my official position and moved to Yanggwang.”

I nodded and looked at the person next to him.

“My name is Park Hwa. I came from Pyeongak near Yanggwang and held an official position in the capital. Like General Gyeong, I resigned from my official position and returned to my hometown ten years ago.”

I asked all the warriors in the tent their names. Although their hometowns and ages were different, they all had two things in common.

They were all military officers, and they had all resigned from their positions and retired ten years ago.

By now, I understood. They were all pointing to a specific time.

It seemed that the person they truly revered was not me but Ikwon’s mother, the deposed Queen So.

Well, what did it matter? My goal wasn’t to revive the Mokryeo Kingdom anyway.

I’ll be their puppet, and they’ll be my backing. That was all the deal needed to be.

“I will certainly live up to your expectations.”

I promised. Wasn’t that enough? But the warriors’ expressions were subtle.

How should I describe it?

Just then, my grandfather entered.

“You’re here.”

I greeted him, and my grandfather approached. Since there was no empty seat, the warrior sitting at the end got up.

“I cannot let the general sit at the end. I will get up.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

I tried to give up my seat, but my grandfather refused.

No, but it will be uncomfortable for me. And it will be uncomfortable for others too...

Power-hungry people.

I clicked my tongue inwardly.

“Now that we’re all seated, I would like to say what I mentioned earlier.”

“Yes, please.”

“I’m worried that I might upset Your Highness by saying something inappropriate.”

My grandfather looked around the crowd. The warriors tensed up when his gaze fell on them.

Even among the generals, my grandfather was a formidable figure.

I suddenly wondered.

Before I possessed this body, how did this reckless guy dare to defy such a person? They must have seen each other face-to-face at least occasionally.

Being reckless isn't something just anyone can do.

And then he said, “Since we’re all gathered here, I’ll say it out loud.”

A solemn declaration came out.

“We will win here and return to the capital.”

That was what everyone here wanted.

“But we won’t stay in the capital.”

“Where are you going?” General Park asked.

My grandfather took a deep breath and replied, “To Blood Cloud Fortress.”

...What?

I was shocked. Blood Cloud Fortress, that is, the place where General So would go to support Seopyung in a major battle about seven years later.

So he was planning to go to Blood Cloud Fortress already?

Was he originally going to go to Seopyung? Had his plans been canceled for some reason in my previous life, leading him to go to Seopyung seven years later?

I couldn’t tell anymore, but it was a surprising statement.

It was because I remembered the battle of Seopyung where General So died.

Was his death coming earlier than in the original history?

Why?

I didn’t feel good about it. It was true that I needed General So, but still, still...

It was unpleasant to imagine the person I had considered family dying soon.

Even if it was only a few months, and even if I was just a tool for his revenge and advancement.

I’m not that cold.

“...You said you’re going to Blood Cloud Fortress? What do you mean?” I asked. Unconsciously, a very low voice came out. It was so low that I couldn’t believe it was my voice.

My grandfather replied, “There seems to be a reason we must go.”

“What is it?”

“I have news I received before leaving the capital. I heard that Prince Yehui intends to participate in the battle of Blood Cloud Fortress and alleviate the suffering of the common people.”

Prince Yehui?

That guy?

For a moment, I imagined our Fortress Lord and Yehui in the same place.

Hmm...

It would be a more fitting picture if the current king and a beggar from the marketplace were eating together.

“The battle in Blood Cloud Fortress has been going on for a long time.”

“That’s right,” My grandfather replied and then closed his mouth. I thought he would explain further.

Is this another test? Does he want me to guess?

I thought for a moment.

“...It wouldn’t be right for both princes to be on the battlefield. That would mean... supporting whoever returns. But.”

I frowned.

“This side is fighting against monsters that don’t understand language, while the other side is fighting against people who can still communicate...”

“Yes.”

I chuckled bitterly.

“Could there be peace?”

I couldn’t say it in a soft tone.

This doesn’t make sense.

“It’s possible.”

My grandfather said. The other warriors looked gloomy. They seemed to know something. It seemed like I was the only one who didn’t know because I had been away from the capital for so long.

“Peace? That’s ridiculous.”

That couldn’t be peace. Everyone would know that.

How could an emperor and a king be friends? If anyone thought that was possible, it was only the current king’s arrogance, nothing more.

“Really? I don’t think you’re joking. It doesn’t make sense. Do you think it will work? That’s, that’s...”

And Huawei had been eyeing Seopyung for more than a few years. The war had been dragging on for over a hundred years.

I don’t know why. But the Huawei royal family never gave up on it. They never gave up. Didn’t I see it myself?

“It’s not peace.”

There was only a future where they would be devoured. Or they would give up Seopyung in exchange for peace...

Of course, I don’t care if the Mokryeo Kingdom's territory shrinks.

But if Seopyung falls into the hands of the royal family, the Lord of Blood Cloud Fortress, who was a noble of Mokryeo, and my older brothers...

A terrible memory flashed before my eyes. I could see my eldest brother’s head displayed on a pole.

It felt like it had happened just yesterday.

My hands trembled. I hid both hands under the table.

I want to forget it now.

No, I can’t forget.

If I forget what I’ve experienced, I’ll just go through the same thing again.

“That’s just taking our land under the guise of peace.”

My voice rose involuntarily.

I couldn’t say anything else. I’m not Baek Yeon, the warrior of Blood Cloud Fortress, but the prince of the Ye family.

“Losing Seopyung is not a foregone conclusion. Be patient.”

I seemed to have muttered under my breath. I took a deep breath.

“However, if... if Prince Yehui is involved in an unfortunate incident.”

For example, if he was captured.

I understood immediately.

“I think we might lose Seopyung as a result.”

“I understand.”

So that means that after finishing our business here, we have to go to Blood Cloud Fortress and help that guy so that Prince Yehui doesn’t lose or get captured.

I slowly nodded.

“I understand.”

I have a new reason to hurry.

[Translator - Jjescus ]

[Proofreader - Starfall ]