Chapter Seventy-Two: Between Brothers, Part One

“Brother? Brother?” In front of a room’s door, a man dressed in casual clothes called out, but received no answer.

This was His Highness Prince Kewell, the second prince of the Mistrella Dynasty, Duke of Scotland. The brother he sought was none other than the legendary Prince of Wales, or more formally, His Highness Crown Prince Tracy. Not long ago, Prince Tracy had personally appeared to invite his two younger brothers, promising them a grand coronation gift they hadn’t seen in years. Yet, upon arriving, Kewell found no trace of his brother. Perhaps he was in his room? Or perhaps occupied elsewhere?

“Kewell!” Suddenly, Prince Charlie, Duke of England and third prince of the Mistrella Dynasty, hurried over. “What’s wrong? Hasn’t Brother arrived yet?” Like Kewell, Charlie had not seen their brother in over a decade; finally reunited, he was surprised and delighted to be invited to spend an entire day with him.

“Not yet—” Kewell was about to reply when suddenly a left hand appeared in midair, holding the hat from just moments ago, while the right hand rested on the room’s door handle. It was clear that Prince Tracy had been standing outside the whole time.

“How troublesome! My room is practically just for show; even I can’t get in without a little trick,” Tracy complained bluntly, as befitted the Crown Prince of a nation.

When the door finally opened, both Kewell and Charlie were taken aback. Truly, a Crown Prince’s chambers were not only twice the size of their own, but lavishly appointed with every imaginable comfort. “Well then, it’s already noon. Let’s eat first,” Tracy said, leading his brothers to the dining room attached to his quarters. To their surprise, the table was already laid with an impressive spread.

“Sometimes I worry you might not like the food, so I cooked it myself. There’s no need to worry—completely safe!” Tracy sat down without ceremony, prompting Kewell and Charlie to set aside any concern for royal decorum. They took their seats and launched into an easy family conversation.

“Brother, where have you been all these years? Father has missed you terribly!”

“What? Didn’t Father tell you I was sent away by a time machine?”

“A time machine? Titan’s time machine? Why didn’t our teacher say so?”

“Probably so you’d focus on your studies. Tell me, is there anyone in the world more learned than Master Titan? Look at Cole—he was Master Titan’s student. And look at me—who do you think built all my gear? It was all done by my own hand. Self-reliance, you know?”

“Then, Brother, how did you come back?”

“Fortunately, Master Titan rebuilt the time machine—the version we have now—and brought me back himself. But I’d lived a whole year in that other world. I witnessed the world’s poverty and suffering, and it changed me. So upon returning, under Master Titan’s protection, I began a journey of study. I’ve seen things in other countries that are utterly different from life in the palace…”

“I see, so you’ve tasted all the world’s joys and sorrows, haven’t you? I really don’t know how to say this… Charlie?” At this, Kewell’s expression grew uneasy. He glanced at Charlie, who nodded, and then spoke: “Brother, Mother… has passed away.” Though hesitant, Kewell finally delivered the news.

“Mother…” Tracy fell silent at the words. After a long pause, he finally came to himself. “Forgive me. Today was meant to be a day of celebration for both of you. But let’s finish our meal, and then go out together—not as princes, but simply as brothers.”

—Author’s Note—

I’ve been out all day and can’t access the website on my phone. Even after finishing writing, I can’t post it! There are still a few more days like this ahead. It’s a bit frustrating!