Father…
as if trying to keep his promise to visit often, came to see me once a week and had a meal with me.
But listening to him speak, it seemed he wasn’t quite in his right mind.
“When I was young, I had three older brothers.
For the Imperial Succession, I had them…
sent far away, and still, a few nobles behind my back say I lack legitimacy.
Nevertheless, you are blessed, because there are no pigs to squeal when you inherit the throne.
If you just grow up as you are without any flaws, it will be smooth sailing.” A bloody succession battle…
“An emperor is not one who holds absolute power.
It is a position of responsibility.
You will understand someday when you grow up.” Imperial Studies early education…
“You must always use fear and admiration appropriately.
No matter what, you must protect your legitimacy.” Unable to listen any longer, Mother elegantly put down her tableware and said to Father.
“Your Majesty, the Imperial Prince has not even started his lessons yet, and I am concerned that such profound advice may trouble his mind.” Translated, it meant, ‘The kid’s going to get indigestion, so cut it out.’ “Empress, it’s not that.
It’s just that I don’t want him to end up like the former 1st Imperial Prince, so I’m giving him some harsh words in advance…” “Darling, please eat.” The moment the family hierarchy was revealed.
“…I shall do that.” ‘He’s certainly a unique character…’ Well, from what I’ve heard, it seems there was friction in the imperial succession, and his older brother was a scoundrel.
It seems he’s hoping I don’t turn out that way, but doesn’t an emperor usually pick a promising one from among the imperial princes or make them compete?
I already have one Imperial Prince and one Imperial Princess younger than me, and Mother is pregnant.
To change the subject, Mother asked a question.
“That’s right, what did our Imperial Prince do today?
Will you tell this mother?” I nodded my head and answered maturely.
“Yes, Mother.
Today, with Grandfather, I learned the method of expressing will with mana and also tried imbuing mana with physical force.
He said I should be able to start creating a Circle soon.” “Uh…
um?
That’s amazing, our Imperial Prince!” Mother, whose mind is mostly occupied with the Imperial Prince, the Imperial Family, and administration, probably just thought ‘that’s nice’ and moved on.
“Yes, an individual’s combat power is indeed very important.
It’s a very good weapon for showing charisma.” At those words, Mother’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she quickly changed the subject.
“Come to think of it, is the Imperial Prince not interested in the sword?
It should be a time when you’re running around, full of vigor.” “Ah, I’ve actually been grabbing a wooden sword and swinging it around in my spare time.
But I’m holding back for now, as I’m worried it might strain my joints while I’m still growing, Mother.
I absolutely have to grow tall.
“…The Imperial Prince has already matured so much.” Mother looked at me with a bitter expression, but it couldn’t be helped, as I needed to find out the Imperial House’s secrets from the Emperor to find the secret to longevity.
I predict I’ll have to be appointed as the Crown Prince.
As I was making future plans like that, Father spoke.
“Come to think of it, it’s almost time for the Founding Festival event.
It should be fine to have the Imperial Prince stand before the crowd.” “Yes, it’s already next month.
The preparations are going well, so there’s no need to worry.
The Imperial Prince’s outfit is also nearly complete.” “I’ll tell the Planning Department to increase the budget, so use it as you wish.” “Yes, Your Majesty.” A few weeks after that intimate(?) family meal, what am I doing, you ask.
I’m lying down getting a massage with my face slathered in skincare cosmetics…
with Father.
“…Your Majesty, with this humble one’s firefly-like mind, I cannot fathom Your Majesty’s moon-like thoughts.” My imperial education began a little while ago.
I don’t have a reincarnation cheat ability that lets me remember everything I’ve read once; I’m just studying my ass off, writing and memorizing.
“Have you already started learning noble etiquette?
I’ve dismissed the servants, so speak comfortably.” “Father, do we really have to go this far?” I would usually just bear with it, but being scrubbed and polished for days since dawn is annoying me to death.
To that, the Emperor chuckled and replied.
“Then why don’t you try following the course the Empress is taking.” “…I apologize.” For reference, Mother is soaking her body in the finest wine, getting every single strand of her hair cared for, and receiving a facial massage.
I thought a rebel faction had invaded the Empress’s Palace and all hell had broken loose.
“The Imperial Prince is smart, so I trust you’ll understand.
This father has always said that appearances are crucial in ruling.
It’s important not to show any flaws; you must show an overwhelming image from the very beginning.” “Father, personally, I don’t think our Imperial House is lacking in looks.” It’s embarrassing to say this, but I think I’m handsome.
With hair like white yarn, eyes that resemble my mother’s with golden irises, and a well-shaped nose and mouth, I sometimes think I look like a doll when I look in the mirror.
Father and Mother were a handsome man and a beautiful woman, so stunning you’d be surprised at first sight, and ten out of ten people would say they’re good-looking.
“It seems it’s still difficult for the Imperial Prince to understand.
Just rest.
Touching up one’s appearance with this amount of money is a good deal.” It seems Father is more concerned with appearances than the beauty YouTubers from my past life.
“And the Imperial Prince will start practicing how to smile from today.” “Yes…” ‘It’s not like they pick the emperor based on looks, isn’t it hereditary?
What is this, Produce 101 or something?’ [1] But asking more questions seemed like it would just become more annoying, so I decided to just rest comfortably.
Well, no lessons, isn’t that nice?
*** “Heh heh.” Having been scrubbed and polished, I’m looking in the mirror and smiling.
For the record, I haven’t gone crazy, I’m just practicing my smile.
“Haha, hehe, hmm!” I’m not an actor or an idol…
I figured he was probably making me practice managing my expression for the banquet.
As I was looking in the mirror, filling up my self-loathing gauge, Lily knocked on the room door.