SWNOVELXO Chapter 208.1
“Your Highness. I have something important to say.”
“Princess Leticia. It’s rare to see you with Cedric.”
When Leticia and Cedric came looking for Ileph with a bundle of documents, Ileph thought:
‘It has come.’
Lately, the king’s health had been deteriorating.
‘I can’t postpone the issue of the royal succession any longer. It’s time for me to step down from the crown prince position.’
Ileph handed over his weakness to Leticia.
The accident with Princess Iroha’s carriage. The fact that the accident was caused by Ileph’s friends and Ileph covered it up. He confessed it to Leticia.
‘She probably knows and will ask me to step down from my position.’
Cedric spoke first.
“I have an announcement regarding the succession.”
Ileph nodded.
“I’m prepared, brother.”
Perhaps he’ll spend the rest of his life in a place with clean water and fresh air.
Ileph had already considered a provincial location, expecting interference in the kingdom that the smart and perfect Cedric would create.
“Open it and do as I wish.”
Before opening the document, Ileph looked at Leticia.
“Thank you for keeping our promise, princess.”
Leticia gave a faint smile. After reading the entire document, Ileph’s face turned pale.
“You… what will you do by revealing this to me?”
He was astonished.
“Your mother was a white wizard? And you’ve gathered evidence to show me?”
“Yes. It was hard collecting information about my mother.”
“Such a weakness should be hidden. You’re destined to be a king! Even if it’s me, what happens if it gets out?”
But then Ileph realized something was off.
Could it be…
“You’re trying to avoid becoming king?”
“What?”
“We have our own plans. Since Leticia doesn’t want to be queen, we don’t have a choice.”
Ileph looked at Leticia as if asking for salvation.
“Princess, please persuade Cedric…”
“Cedric asked me. Even if you, prince Ileph, try to hide this, if we wish, we can reveal it to the world.”
“…”
“It seems I’m not the only one who has leverage over you, prince Ileph.”
“Haa… Really…”
Ileph opened his mouth.
Cedric, who’s extremely popular among the citizens. What would happen if it’s revealed that half of the blood running through Cedric’s veins comes from a white wizard?
“Are… are you threatening me?”
“Yes.”
“Correct!”
The two cheerfully responded. Ileph wanted to pull his hair out.
“Given the situation, you should ascend to the throne.”
“Please ascend first. I know you won’t last long. After we’ve had our fun, we’ll ascend to the throne much later.”
“Please do your best, prince.”
Leticia said with a faint smile.
“Prince, you’re more qualified to be king than Cedric. You wanted him to be king for the sake of the country, didn’t you?”
“Considering the country over personal ambitions isn’t easy. I… trust prince Ileph. Moreover.”
Ileph blushed.
Moreover… ‘Moreover’ what?
“You’ve been living off the country’s money, so you should work. Repay by being a great king.”
Ileph was speechless.
“Fine. But… where are you going?”
Only then did Ileph notice the two were dressed for travel.
“We’re going on a trip. A very long trip.”
Said Cedric.
“First, there’s an unsolved murder case in the east involving a famous murderer. We’re going to investigate.”
“…”
“We’ll travel and when we’re tired, we’ll come back,” Leticia softly said.
“If Leticia’s family is upset, we’ll also live as in-laws.”
“And when prince Ileph’s health is on the decline, whether we like it or not, we’ll return, prepared to become king and queen.”
“It might be years later.”
“Or even decades later.”
With their perfectly synchronized statements, Ileph was left speechless.
“Make sure you come. Don’t make me wait too long.”
I couldn’t hold him back any longer.
Cedric and Leticia looked at each other. They smiled, took each other’s hands, and quickly left the room.
The sunlight poured over their heads as they ran hand in hand, like children.
‘That’s the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen.’
Ileph was genuinely amused. He sighed deeply, leaning into his chair.