The Story of How I Pretended To Be A Boy and Ended Up Being Loved By A Mafia Boss - Chapter 12

“Your Grace, Lord Ray! An urgent letter has arrived from the castle! ”

A servant rushed into the study, clearly flustered.

“Show me.”

I took the red-sealed letter and sliced it open with the letter opener from my desk.

“The First Prince…?”

The letter reported that during a recent horseback riding tournament held at the castle, the First Prince had fallen from his horse and suffered serious injuries.

I’d always heard that the First Prince was highly skilled in horseback riding—he even won the tournament every year. I never imagined something like this could happen…

My older brother must be beside himself.

I, however, didn’t feel particularly shocked or sympathetic.

Still, with a prince who shares my bl00d lying seriously injured, it wouldn’t look good if I didn’t pay him at least one visit.

Sigh… What a bother, I thought, tossing the letter into the fireplace.

****

Four days later, I returned to the castle and went straight to the First Prince Set’s private room.

A maid led me inside, where Prince Set sat propped up against the headboard, reading a book.

His bangs seemed to get in the way, so he had tied his red hair—just like Cecilia’s—into a single knot behind him.

“Uncle, it’s been a while.”

“Yes. Ten years, I believe.”

“You’re looking well.”

“And you?”

“Both legs were broken… They say it’ll be hard to make a full recovery.”

“I see…”

“I let myself get carried away. I was trying to show off for the cheering young ladies—this is what I get.”

Prince Set laughed as he said that.

He still talked to me with the same casualness he had as a child, like he trusted me completely.

It was endearing in a way—but knowing he was Cecilia’s son, I didn’t feel like growing any closer to him.

“Have you seen my father yet?”

“Not yet. I will after this.”

“He’s been looking forward to seeing you again.”

“I see…”

“Can’t you two reconcile soon? I really want you to return to the castle.”

That’s not how things work. A royal with no claim to the throne has no place here.

“That would be difficult… I’ve grown fond of Nailden. You should visit someday.”

“Nailden… Sounds nice. I’ll think about it.”

****

After leaving Prince Set’s room, I headed to my brother’s office.

Nothing had changed in the past ten years.

How many times did I pace these halls?

Back in our younger days, my brother and I used to talk through the night about politics and the state of the kingdom.

We were once the kind of brothers others envied…

I knocked and stepped into the office. My brother looked a little worn, his hair now streaked with white.

Time spares no one.

“Ray, sorry to make you travel all this way… Did you already see Set?”

“Yes, I just paid him a visit.”

“I bet he was acting all carefree.”

“Brooding won’t change his condition.”

“True… We have to think about what comes next.”

If Prince Set, who was first in line for the throne, couldn’t recover, then the Second Queen’s son, Roi, would need to be raised as the next heir.

But would Queen Cecilia allow that?

Everyone expected Set to be officially named Crown Prince next year when he turned eighteen.

“Cecilia has locked herself away in her chambers. I doubt she’ll come to greet you.”

“I see…”

Good—less trouble for me.

“How’s life in Nailden? If there’s anything troubling you, just say the word.”

“I have everything I need. Life is comfortable.”

It’s been ten years since I left the capital. Nailden now feels more like home than this place ever did.

“Ray… Isn’t it time you settled down?”

Here we go again.

“As I’ve said many times, I have no intention of marrying.”

“You never know. Someone new might come along.”

“No… I’m simply not meant for that kind of life.”

I no longer have it in me to love anyone.

“Then, I’ll be on my way.”

“You’re not staying the night?”

“No. I’m leaving the capital today.”

“I see… I’m glad we got to see each other again.”

“Same here. Take care.”

As I exited the office, a familiar maid awaited me.

She served the queen.

“Lord Ray, Her Majesty is expecting you.”

Of course.

She’s not the type to quietly shut herself away.

“Understood.”

When I arrived at the Queen’s private chambers, Cecilia sat on a sofa dressed in lavish attire.

“Lord Ray, it’s been too long. You’re as handsome as ever.”

“Haha. No need for flattery.”

“Oh, but I never lie! Please, have a seat.”

Once I sat down, Cecilia dismissed her maids from the room.

“I’m sure you’ve heard—Prince Set suffered quite the misfortune…”

“Yes. I just saw him. He seemed more cheerful than I expected.”

“Indeed… He’s never been one to dwell on things. It’s troubling, really.”

“That kind of resilience is necessary around here.”

“Hehe. True… But if things stay as they are, his claim to the throne could be in danger.”

So, we’ve arrived at the real reason for this meeting.

“So, Lord Ray… I have a request. I’d like you to reclaim your position as first in line to the throne.”

In other words, she wants me to hold the top spot until Prince Set makes a full recovery.

To prevent Prince Roi from taking it.

“That’s a high order. It’s impossible to reclaim the succession after all this time.”

“I’ll convince the ministers and nobles. I’m sure His Majesty will support you as well.”

My brother and the royalist faction will surely back her.

The problem lies with the nobility.

“The power of the noble faction has weakened in the past ten years. All you need to do is say yes. We’ll take care of the rest.”

So they’ve already laid the groundwork…

“I’ll think about it. Give me a little time to decide.”

“Of course. I’ll be hoping for a favorable answer.”

I’d never been interested in reclaiming the throne.

But… if it meant helping Anis reclaim his rightful place, maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea.

As I sipped my tea, I realized I was smiling.

****

Twenty days later, at a meeting of the House of Lords, the proposal to reinstate me as first in line to the throne was passed by a large majority.