Black-Haired Dad Isn’t Something You Reap - Chapter 51

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 51. The Prince’s Captive Life Manual (2)
“I’m scared! I’m scared of killing people!”
“Yet your curse has killed quite a few people, hasn’t it?”
“But I couldn’t see it happen! And my parents forced me to do it against my will!”
As I cried out in desperation, the Emperor’s eyebrows twitched. I wasn’t entirely sure, but it seemed I’d displeased him again. He would surely resort to sophistry.
“So you can do what your parents command, but not what I command?”
“Why must you twist my words like this!”
This man truly was a genius at argumentative manipulation!
There was a reason why the high nobility and ministers of the Imperial Kingdom stammered and faltered whenever they stood before the Emperor. He possessed an extraordinary gift for rhetoric—speaking with such eloquence that it seemed he’d never lost a single verbal exchange.
When I finally shed a few tears, the Emperor clicked his tongue, snatched the gun from my hands, and shot a fleeing person dead.
I’d noticed before that the Emperor had a tendency to feign defeat when children cried, letting them win. Perhaps it was because we resembled Pisha in age. All of this was Pisha’s grace. Pisha, thank you. Simply by existing as the Emperor’s emotional anchor, you bestow blessings upon the entire Imperial Kingdom.
“Your Majesty, urgent news!”
What could possibly happen at this late hour? Pisha had departed for the Empire, and the Imperial Guard would never rush in with urgent dispatches unless it concerned her. An ominous feeling washed over me.
The Emperor examined the telegram carefully, then seemed to think he’d misunderstood something. He summoned an Attendant to bring his reading glasses. After rubbing his eyes and putting on the spectacles, he reviewed the telegram once more, then rose hastily.
“We leave for Astiages immediately.”
“Why?!”
“Please calm yourself, Father! Compose yourself and tell us what the telegram says!”
Suspecting the matter concerned Pisha’s safety, the Achilles Young Lady stepped forward with determination. She boldly asserted that as Pisha’s friends, they had the right to know. Though the Achilles Young Lady was often insufferable, having her as an ally was remarkably reassuring.
“The Princess has gone missing.”
“…!”
“P-Pisha?!”
So there was a reason for the urgency. I was worried, but could I go with them? Given my position as Pisha’s attendant, I should be able to accompany them. As I was about to ask the Achilles Young Lady if I could join, Richelieu’s expression hardened, and she threw herself flat on the ground, declaring she would rather die than let him go.
“That’s impossible! Your Majesty’s departure won’t accomplish anything more! Instead, please consider why Pisha stated she would go to the Empire of her own accord!”
The Achilles Young Lady remained remarkably composed even in this crisis. If Pisha had gone missing despite having Choco, who could be called the strongest in the Imperial Kingdom, by her side, the Emperor’s departure would likely not resolve the situation. Moreover, Pisha had chosen to keep the Emperor in the Palace for the stability of the Imperial Family. If he abandoned the Imperial Kingdom now, there was no telling what treachery might occur in his absence.
“….”
Sensing the weight of Richelieu’s words, the Emperor paused and looked down at the Achilles Young Lady from where he stood. To the girl sprawled on the ground as if to say he could trample over her if he wished, the Emperor asked calmly.
“Why are you lying on the floor?”
“It means you should step on me if you must go!”
“Will stepping on you suffice?”
“You’d actually step on me?!”
“You do look quite convenient to step on.”
“Wait! Just a moment!”
Realizing she would be in considerable pain if trampled in that position, the Achilles Young Lady quickly rolled over and lay face-down instead.
“If you must step on me, please use this position! It will hurt less!”
Remarkable. The Achilles Young Lady’s character was truly admirable. I felt such respect for her that I began clapping softly.
“Amusing little ones, the lot of you.”
The Emperor chuckled and dropped heavily into a chair, placing an unlit cigarette between his lips. Without lighting it, he held it there and issued a command for all the Attendants and Imperial Guards to hear.
“Prepare the military for one week. If Astiages fails to find the Princess, we will destroy Media first.”
Since the Empire was vast, he’d targeted Media, the Empire’s ally, as a starting point. While Pisha’s safe return was the priority, if something went wrong, I might need to serve as a guide. I should prepare information about the secret passages in the Media Royal Palace to show him in advance.
“Children, it’s time for bed. Dismissed.”
It was His Majesty who woke me from sleep to show me the purge, but now that Pisha had gone missing, each of us had our own duties to attend to. We dispersed quickly and barricaded ourselves in our rooms.
His Majesty was apparently devising plans to invade Media as a precaution, and the Achilles Young Lady, having her own thoughts on the matter, borrowed several books from the Library and retreated to her room. As for me, I devoted myself to recalling my parents’ teachings.
The Media Royal Palace possessed secret passages designed to allow the King and the heir to the throne to escape first in times of crisis. Of course, I didn’t know the exact locations, but since I’d been instructed to stay in certain areas to serve as a meat shield and buy time, I could deduce the general range.
In other words… I’d been ordered to barricade myself near the Central Fountain and at the Media Temple.
I compiled a rough map of the Media Royal Palace and the locations suspected to be secret passages, then reported them to His Majesty.
“Hmm, you’re quite useful for your station.”
This remark meant I had been of considerable help. I was delighted to be of service to the Kisomalos Imperial Family.
“At this rate, I suppose I can reduce the Princess Palace’s debt a little.”
Moreover, His Majesty said he would settle some of Pisha’s debt to the Chiron Duke’s House.
Pisha would be overjoyed when she returned. I spent the time filled with anticipation at the thought of receiving praise. I wasn’t particularly worried about Pisha’s safety. After all, she was under the protection of the great Kisomalos.

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After several days, a telegram arrived saying they had found Pisha. Apparently, due to some accident, Pisha had been warped to a distant place along with the Emperor’s Son, but through her resourcefulness, she had circulated Kisomalos accessories in the market, providing the Empire with a crucial lead in their search.
That’s Pisha for you. Even facing an unexpected disaster, she did her utmost in her circumstances. She even provided the decisive clue that led to her rescue. It wasn’t something just anyone could accomplish. Among the six-year-olds I knew, Pisha was the most remarkable.
“Let’s go, Little Ones. The Princess is returning today.”
“Yes! We’re ready!”
“Let’s go, Father!”
“I’m your father, remember.”
“Don’t worry about such trivial details!”
The Achilles Young Lady’s nerve was growing bolder by the day. She’s an odd person, but that’s an aspect worth emulating. I resolved that someday I would call His Majesty “Father” as well, and headed toward the Capital’s Airfield.
Having arrived right on time, I didn’t have to wait long before the airship carrying Pisha descended. The door opened, the stairs were set in place, and the first to emerge was none other than Pisha herself.
“Oh!”
“Pisha! Thank goodness you’re safe!”
Pisha appeared genuinely unharmed. There wasn’t a scratch on her, and before returning, she must have shopped enthusiastically in the Empire—she was adorned from head to toe in Empire-brand luxury goods. With shopping bags overflowing in both hands, anyone would have thought she’d simply gone on a shopping trip to the Empire.
“Princess Vishnabel!”
When His Majesty called out loudly, Pisha turned her head toward him. The Princess, who had been displaying such confidence, suddenly contorted her expression, her lips trembling and her throat quivering.
“Waaaaaah! Father!”
Though she had appeared composed before others, it seemed her composure melted away in His Majesty’s presence. Dropping all her shopping bags, Pisha stumbled down the stairs and came running, leaping into His Majesty’s embrace.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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