The Grand Prince Has Run Away Chapter-49

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Cyno
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The week-long talks between the delegation from the Kingdom of Robros and Kara ended in failure, unable to overcome their differences. In truth, it could hardly even be called a negotiation. The Kingdom of Robros had presented peace terms Kara could never accept, and Kara simply refused them, as expected. It was nothing more than a ceremonial prelude to war.

In the end, on the final day of the conference, the Robros delegation read out their declaration of war, and thus the conflict between Kara and the Kingdom of Robros officially began.

But for the past week, my mind had been elsewhere. None of this registered with me at all.

Padilla had caught on to my identity. The day she opened her mouth about it, my life would be over.

Of course, I did have my insurance policy in the form of Sister Armida. Thanks to her, the whole Divinum sanctuary incident had been smoothed over.

But the real problem lay with my uncle and father.

If they heard news that I was still alive, they would drag me back and plant me once more in the seat of Grand Duke. And then it would be the end of happiness and the beginning of misery. I’d be stuck managing the Carl territory, with no escape.

It’s enough to drive a man insane.

For one thing, the desk is buried daily under stacks of documents to be reviewed and signed. Then there are tours of the territory to check the people’s sentiments, royal functions to attend, ceremonies in neighboring domains where I must make an appearance. I’d also have to mediate the political struggles between the autonomy faction—who wanted to maintain independence from the Yosrahim Empire—and the cooperation faction—who wished to seek harmony with them. On top of that, whenever a major criminal case arose, I’d be dragged into court to play judge.

And that’s not all.

From time to time, I’d have to fight off provocations by the orc tribes, and if unlucky, lose my head to the axe of the great orc hero Grolmog. Then there are the periodic uprisings to suppress, and when war breaks out, I’d have to lead the domain’s forces, only to rack up defeats in the records.

But the most maddening part of all is the political marriages. For the sake of “political objectives,” I’d be forced to take on stout, hulking noblewomen as concubines and dutifully provide my “services.”

Life here in Kara, by contrast, is blissfully simple. A little bit of work, and the rest of the time I can devote to training and leisure.

If I ever go back to Carl territory, I’m as good as dead. Free time would vanish, sword training would have to be crammed in whenever possible, and the dream of reaching the serene state of a true Mind Master would be impossible. I’d spend the rest of my days buried in administration and politics. Staying here in the Great Desert is a hundred, a thousand times better.

I sat in a corner of the training ground, muttering my complaints.

“What am I going to do?”

Shura, sitting beside me, offered words of comfort.

“I’m sure it will be fine.”

“You think so?”

“Yes. They say Kara’s Lady Governor is renowned for her wisdom and gentle nature. I don’t think she would ever put you in a difficult position, Master.”

“Well, Padilla is known to be very kind. Quiet too, and she’d never do anything to harm someone else.”

That was certainly true—eight years from now. At present, though, who could say?

“Master, but how do you think Lady Padilla recognized you under the white mask? You said she only saw you once, as a child.”

“No idea. Maybe she just has a sharp eye.”

“Hmm. Do you really think so?”

At that moment, Sister Armida entered through the training hall doors.

“Brother, you have a visitor.”

“A visitor? Who?”

“From the Kara palace. They said the palace wants to see you.”

My heart sank to my stomach.

“The palace?”

“Yes. They even brought a carriage for you. You can just ride along.”

I exchanged glances with Shura, whispering.

“Could this be blackmail, using my identity?”

“Why do you think that?”

“With war looming, what wouldn’t they do?”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

If Padilla tried to blackmail me, there was only one solution—overwhelm her with power and status. Sister Armida couldn’t openly intervene, since she too was hiding her identity. But Shura could.

Shura was the Grand Priestess of Yin and Yang. With her sacred authority, she could easily overpower a city-state governor.

“Shura, come with me. We’ll hear them out first, but if it’s blackmail, you crush it right there. Got it?”

“Yes, understood.”

Soon after, I finished my preparations and headed toward the Governor’s Palace with Shura.

At the Governor’s Palace, we were led into a lavish reception room. At its center stood a golden table, around which sat two people I knew well.

One was Padilla. The other, the disciple-sage, Udin Ibrahim.

Udin rose and bowed politely to us.

“Welcome. I should have come to you in person, but I beg your pardon for summoning you here instead.”

I stared at him in silence.

“Was it you who called us?”

“Yes.”

“For what reason?”

“In truth, Master, I have a matter of urgent counsel.”

I glanced toward the head seat, where Padilla sat. She had not once taken her eyes off me.

“This isn’t blackmail, is it?”

“How could I? Absolutely not.”

“Then why is the Lady Governor here?”

“…”

Udin only looked troubled, unable to answer. He didn’t seem to know either.

Padilla, meanwhile, cast a curious gaze at Shura, who stood at my side. Though Shura’s hood concealed her, Padilla seemed to sense she was an elf, her expression alight with intrigue.

“Master, is she a Moon Elf?”

“Yes. That’s right.”

“And what is your relationship, if I may ask?”

“She’s my lover.”

At that, Padilla’s face clouded with sudden shadow, only to brighten again as she approached Shura with a smile and clasped her hands warmly.

“It’s a pleasure. Welcome.”

“Yes, likewise.”

Shura looked bewildered, caught off guard. Padilla gently guided her toward the door and spoke to Udin.

“Sage Udin, I’ll be sharing tea with this lady in my chambers. Please continue the conversation with Master.”

“As you wish.”

With Udin bowing her out, Padilla left the reception room with Shura in tow. At Udin’s urging, I took a seat.

“Well then. What’s this counsel?”

“Let us at least have some tea first.”

A servant soon set down a tray of refreshments. I sipped from my cup, but Udin’s gaze on me was unsettling, as if he were studying me closely.

“Well, out with it.”

“Lately, I’ve often found myself pondering a question: why do humans wage war, killing each other? After long thought, I reached this conclusion—it is for the benefit of the state. What does Master think?”

Not exactly a light opening for a consultation. It felt like being tested.

“Well, war breaks out because someone believes it will make them happy. Or at least help them avoid misery.”

Udin’s eyes went wide. He seemed unable to comprehend my answer.

“Excuse me?”

“Unbelievable as it sounds, it’s true. Almost one hundred percent.”

“How so?”

“Because humans only act when they believe it will make them happy—or help them escape unhappiness. War is just another result of human behavior. There’s no escaping that.”

“But war leads to countless deaths and suffering. How can they believe it will bring happiness?”

I smirked.

“Simple. The ones starting wars and the ones dying in them aren’t the same people. Do rulers care about others? No. They start wars on a whim, regardless of who dies.”

“Ah…”

Udin finally seemed to grasp it. Humans don’t feel their own misery through the suffering of others. Ordinary people might have pity or compassion, but rulers often lack even that, and so wage war without hesitation.

“Are we done?”

“Not quite. One more question. Master, how do you define war?”

I tilted my head, but replied without much thought.

“Well… in the end, it’s just grunt work with swords.”

“And battle?”

“Grunt work with swords.”

“And strategy?”

“Using mental grunt work to neutralize the enemy’s efficiency, while maximizing our own.”

Udin pulled a strange face.

“Why do you think so?”

“Do you find war enjoyable?”

“No.”

“Then it’s grunt work. All human action boils down to either play or grunt work.”

“Ah…”

He gave a small exclamation. I shot him a sharp look. This guy—he’d been asking nothing but suspicious questions from the start.

Udin then pulled a bundle of papers from his bag and handed it to me.

“Master, would you please take a look at this?”

“What is it?”

“A war strategy plan submitted by General Razal to Lady Governor. I am no expert in strategy, so I don’t know what flaws or merits it holds. Might you give me your counsel?”

A war strategy authored by the supreme commander—this was the most classified of documents. Yet they were showing it to an outsider like me? Clearly, there was more scheming afoot.

I picked it up, asking,

“Do you even know who the enemy’s commander will be on this campaign?”

“In fact, we have not yet determined that.”

Without looking at the plan, I ripped the bundle to shreds and flung it behind me. Papers fluttered through the air. Udin’s eyes flew open in shock.

“M-Master?”

“Relax. I only threw it away because it was trash.”

“But you didn’t even read it!”

“No need. It’s obvious. War is a struggle of opposites—us and them killing each other. Any plan made without knowing the enemy is bound to be garbage. Why should I waste my precious time reading garbage? I’m not that idle.”

I rose to my feet. Whatever Udin was playing at, I had no interest in wasting more time.

As I moved to leave, Udin hurried after me.

“Master, please, there’s still so much to discuss!”

“It’s pointless. No matter what you do, you’re doomed in this war. Stop thrashing about and start planning for after your defeat. That I can advise you on.”

“M-Master?”

“And today’s consultation fee is twenty gold leafs. Add two travelers’ fees and meal costs, that makes twenty-six. Send it promptly.”

I walked out the door, putting distance between us. Best not to get entangled in this war. Show them pity now, and I’d spend the rest of the year living miserably.

‘Why is she taking so long?’

Standing at the main gate, I craned my neck toward the palace. I’d already sent word to Shura that it was time to go, but she showed no sign of leaving. That’s the trouble with women. Once they get to chatting, they lose all track of time.

“Master~.”

It was Shura. She emerged from the palace gates with Padilla seeing her off.

“Hey, hurry up. What took you so long?”

“Sorry. I had things to carry back.”

Unlike when she arrived, Shura was now adorned with jewels—necklace, earrings, gold bracelets, even an essence ring. She was also lugging a large bag stuffed with clothes.

“What’s this?”

“Lady Padilla gave them to me as gifts.”

I shot a wary look toward Padilla, standing by the gate.

“Hey, you shouldn’t accept things like this. It’s poison.”

“Excuse me?”

“I just spent the whole time talking with that Udin fellow, and something felt off.”

“How so?”

“I don’t know the details, but it seemed like they want us involved in this war.”

“Really?”

I turned to Shura.

“Did Padilla ask you for anything strange?”

Shura waved her hands furiously.

“Not at all.”

“No threats?”

“None.”

“Good. But still, be careful. Back in the reception room, Padilla gave me a look, like she was expecting something. I’m certain they’re trying to drag us into this war.”

Shura suddenly gave me a half-lidded, weary gaze.

“Master. Did you really feel that way?”

“Didn’t you?”

“No.”

“Then what?”

As I frowned in puzzlement, Shura sighed deeply.

“Master… have you ever actually dated a woman?”

“Plenty. I’ve had so many women. More followed me around than I could count.”

“No, I mean real love. Have you ever loved someone?”

“Of course I have. I’ve spent many nights with women. Honestly, if I wrote it all down, it’d fill hundreds of encyclopedias.”

Shura’s eyes narrowed further.

“Not that. I mean—did you ever see a woman and feel your heart race, long to see her all the time, lose sleep just thinking about her?”

I tapped her shoulder lightly.

“Ah, so you mean true love and all that?”

“Yes.”

“Of course I’ve experienced it. My first love came a little late, but I had one.”

At last, Shura smiled brightly.

“So, what did you do when you met your first love? Think back to that day, really remember it.”

“Oh, I took her hostage. Put a sword to her throat. Gave her a little cut, but not too deep—just a nick.”

At that, Shura ran a hand down her face in exasperation. She clearly couldn’t understand me.

“Forget it. I’m wasting my breath.”

“What do you mean?”

“Never mind. There’s simply no way to explain this to you, Master.”

And with that, she strode off quickly ahead of me. I followed, peppering her with questions, but she only sighed and gave no answers.

Was she bribed by Padilla? Strange how she was acting today. I guess even elves are weak to jewels and fine clothes.

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