Reader’S Regeneration Life [EN]: Chapter 175

175―――――

The Last Gift

After a few days of well-deserved rest, Prince Erader boarded a ship once more.

There was a strategic reason for suppressing the pirates, but the ideal outcome was to locate their bases and eliminate all their ships. Therefore, the kingdom’s ships needed to maintain their patrol routes.

However, due to the recent attack, many crew positions on his usual flagship were vacant. Prince Erader temporarily transferred his flag to another vessel.

“The size is comparable, and it was built only slightly earlier. Your Highness has no need to worry about any inconvenience,” Count Bremen said with a touch of obsequiousness.

He seemed to be preemptively addressing any potential discomfort the prince might feel from not using his preferred ship.

Prince Erader smiled, indicating he wasn’t bothered at all.

“Don’t fret, Count Bremen. I’m not a child to be upset simply because the ship has changed temporarily.”

“Hahaha! My apologies, Your Highness. I spoke without thinking. Please, pay it no mind.”

Prince Erader nodded, accepting Count Bremen’s apology as a matter of course.

At that moment, neither Prince Erader nor anyone else could foresee that people often become fixated on even the smallest details when faced with adversity, searching for someone to blame.

“Prince Erader.”

Sion and Hemon, who were once again assigned to guard the port of Sardena, came to see him off.

Given the recent setbacks, there was growing sentiment that it might be better to leave Sion Clausen behind from now on. Naturally, Prince Erader was pleased to hear this.

“Prince Hemon, Prince Sion.”

Prince Erader subtly positioned Hemon Isik slightly ahead of Sion.

Hemon assumed he was being given precedence because they were in the South, but Sion immediately recognized Prince Erader’s intention.

‘People are often petty about insignificant things. Well, I won’t say anything. It would be a waste of breath. Instead, I’ll settle the score later, Your Highness,’ Sion thought, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Since Your Highness arrived in the South, the relentless suppression of pirates has led to widespread praise for Prince Erader,” Sion said.

“Is that so? That’s encouraging news.”

“Indeed. It’s believed that you will be able to eliminate the pirates much faster than before, restoring peace to the sea and prosperity to the South.”

“Hmm….”

“Like the others, I sincerely hope that Your Highness will continue to bring news of victory.”

‘Did you feel good at first, you idiot? Why don’t you experience the burden that a successful person carries?’ Sion chuckled inwardly, subtly placing that weight on Prince Erader’s shoulders.

Sion was well aware that the pressure of expectations could crush even the most celebrated star, leading them to self-doubt and anxiety.

In fact, examples of such collapses were all around, and only those who could withstand the pressure could truly become a ‘star,’ or in this world, a ‘hero.’

No matter how exceptional one’s physical abilities, they were useless without a strong mind. Who would admire strength that couldn’t be wielded effectively? One’s mental fortitude must be unwavering to remain unshaken, and only then could one deploy their hidden strengths.

Prince Erader, whether he understood Sion’s intention – ‘Since you wanted the world’s attention, try to endure the pressure’ – or not, boarded the ship with a peculiar expression.

“Hoo.”

Hemon sighed as he watched the ships gradually depart from the port and head out to sea. When Sion asked him why, he shrugged and said, “I think it’s a bit much.”

“What do you mean, Prince Hemon?”

“I haven’t really accomplished anything significant despite holding the position of heir for so long. All I’ve done is sail a ship a bit. But Prince Sion is different, isn’t he? You’ve achieved many great things, yet Prince Erader doesn’t seem to be giving you any special consideration.”

“Isn’t it natural to assume that I’m Princess Vanessa’s man, if you think about it differently?”

“But I heard that there’s no such thing as ‘my side’ or ‘your side’ in national affairs. The suppression of pirates in the South is such a crucial task, surely not even here for that reason….”

“Rather, internal enemies must be eliminated when the opportunity arises. In that regard, Prince Erader is simply recognizing and acting on what he believes he must do.”

Sion’s answer suggested he didn’t care at all. Hemon looked at Sion worriedly, asking, “Are you serious?”

“Actually, I’m more worried about Prince Erader than before.”

“…Yes? Prince Sion, what do you mean by that?”

“The expectations that pour in create a burden, and the increasing desires generate pressure. Even those who aren’t nervous about any enemy become anxious about the eyes of the people watching them from behind, expecting victory. Do you know why that is?”

Hemon pondered for a moment and shook his head, unable to provide the answer Sion sought.

“Because those who were standing behind, shouting their expectations, might suddenly turn around and bite them at any moment.”

―

The wind was gentle, and the waves were calm.

The crew members, remarking on the ideal sailing conditions, continued to praise Prince Erader.

Everyone attributed the favorable weather to him, citing his relentless attacks on the pirates, his successful defense of the port, and the smooth voyage.

“Your Highness, I have a feeling that this pirate suppression will also proceed very well.”

“…Is that so.”

The captain had changed with the ship, but he was also connected to the Isik family and displayed a friendly demeanor towards Prince Erader.

Furthermore, he reported that the other ships sailing nearby were also cruising without incident.

‘Everything is perfect. Like a beautifully painted picture. Neat and clean, without a single flaw.’

Until recently, Prince Erader had felt a sense of perfection and smiled. But today, for some reason, he felt uneasy.

If asked what was wrong, he wouldn’t be able to answer. Because there was nothing objectively wrong. It was just a nagging anxiety.

‘…It should just be that, but why is it so frustrating?’

If things don’t go well, people are disappointed, but conversely, if things go too well, people become uneasy.

As Prince Erader desired, his reputation was growing, while Sion Clausen’s star was fading.

In the South, people weren’t just expressing support for Prince Erader; they were demonstrating it wholeheartedly.

They believed that he would surely eliminate the pirates much faster than before.

Since Sion Clausen, a remarkable figure, had achieved great things at the age of twenty, Prince Erader, the prince of Hispania and the future king, would undoubtedly surpass him.

In fact, Sion had been relatively inactive since arriving in the South, and Prince Erader had been responsible for all the accomplishments, making such expectations natural.

“Your Highness! A pirate ship has been spotted on the horizon. If we continue on our current course, it will be directly on the trade route. It would be best to intercept them from behind before they attack any merchant ships.”

“Hmm? Ah… it would be better to do that, wouldn’t it?”

“That’s right! I will immediately order the sails to be unfurled and maximize our speed.”

Anxious, for reasons he couldn’t explain, Prince Erader felt increasingly uneasy.

But unlike Prince Erader’s inner turmoil, the Kingdom’s Navy once again captured a pirate ship, winning another naval battle.

This time, many pirates refused to surrender and fought fiercely, so the captain, acting on Prince Erader’s implied will, had them all drowned.

“….”

Prince Erader, watching the pirates scream and disappear into the deep blue sea, suddenly felt the seasickness he had been suppressing.

‘Why is this happening? What’s the problem?’

In reality, there was no problem to speak of.

There were no accidents during the voyage, and they hadn’t lost any battles.

The captain, the ship, and the crew were all perfectly normal.

Except for Prince Erader, who was losing his composure due to the anxiety that had taken root and was now consuming him.

“Your Highness!” Prince Erader looked up nervously at the captain’s urgent voice.

Could something be wrong? Could it be a trap?

Since things had been going so well, was it time to face a challenge? Was that time now?

“A signal has appeared from another ship.”

“Signal?”

“Unlike the typical ships used by pirates, this signal indicates a vessel that is as large, fast, and well-manned as a Hispania Navy ship. It’s the pirate ship that has been looting the most merchant vessels and causing the most harm to the people of Hispania recently!”

“Does the fact that the ship is better and there are more people mean that the battle will be different from before?”

“That’s true, but not only our ship but also nearby naval ships will soon converge. If we deal with them, the pirates will be eliminated even faster.”

In front of him, who had been bait to attract pirates, a bigger bait had appeared in reverse.

The appearance of the pirate ship responsible for the most recent looting. If they were caught and dealt with, the trade route would surely be stabilized much faster.

“They seem to be changing their course and heading towards us. Prince Erader, please give your orders quickly. This is the best opportunity to suppress the pirates!”

“I see, yes. Then….”

The worry that had taken root showed no sign of diminishing.

Prince Erader tried to conceal his anxious expression, but he couldn’t.

Thinking that the captain shouldn’t see him like this, he said, “Captain, you decide.”

“Me?”

“Yes. It would be great if we went to catch the pirates, but you know the situation on the sea better, so I want to respect your opinion this time.”

“I think we should support the other ships and chase them….”

“Then let’s do that.”

It was an ambiguous answer.

Was he giving an order, or was he suggesting a course of action?

The captain also seemed to have noticed the change in Prince Erader, but he bowed his head, recognizing the importance of resolving the immediate problem and reaching a decision. He shouted to the crew that they were going to catch the pirates.

The crew members were excited at the prospect of defeating those pirates again, earning merit, and gaining honor, and they shouted with confidence.

Just like Prince Erader, who had clenched his fists and vowed to succeed when he arrived in the South.

But soon, they would realize that something was wrong.

“Keuk!”

“Take over the ship! Clear the deck first!”

The Hispania Navy, which had always had the upper hand against the pirates, was instantly pushed back.

Instead of boarding the enemy’s ship, they were struggling against the pirates who were swarming onto their own deck.

There were several reasons why the pirates weren’t backing down, even against skilled combatants, but the main reason was a man in the center, cutting down soldiers and crew members with fierce swordsmanship.

“Captain! There!”

At the pirate’s words, the man called Captain turned his head.

There were several royal knights who were still adjusting to being on a ship and were slightly unsteady, but they weren’t concealing their sharp resolve.

The armor they wore might look shabby compared to their original gear, but their swords were flashing sharply.

“These guys wouldn’t be crazy enough to fill each ship with guys like that. Could it be?”

Recently, the Prince of Hispania had been sailing around the sea catching pirates, and it seemed that the pirates were aiming for his head this time.

The man let out a short laugh and immediately turned around.

“What are you doing, you idiots!”

“Yes?”

“Throw fire quickly. Burn the sails and the deck first!”

“Captain? Are you just giving up on this ship?”

“It’s the ship where the Prince of Hispania is. Soon the kingdom’s ships will flock to this area! If you want to die, fight harder to secure this great ship!”

“Captain! If we catch the prince, we’ll get something worth more than billions!”

“You crazy bastards. Do you think you can get past those guys and reach the prince?”

Even if they weren’t familiar with the sea, each of the royal knights was a mid-level knight.

Moreover, they would protect the prince until they died, so it was certain that they wouldn’t be able to touch the prince until the other ships of the kingdom arrived.

“Those who are going to die will die. I don’t need crew members who don’t listen to me. Get out of here right now! Spread the sails!”

Saying that, ‘Captain’ crossed over to his ship through the planks without any regrets, even though he had occupied more than half of the deck, and shouted to get out of here quickly.

The pirates clicked their tongues, saying it was a pity, but they knew what kind of future awaited them if they were caught by the navy, so they immediately began to retreat from the kingdom’s ship.

Whirr! Whirr!

Of course, as if they couldn’t just retreat, they set fire to the sails and various parts of the ship, forcing the ships that had rushed here to spend time saving this ship instead of chasing them.

In the late afternoon, watching the kingdom’s ship burning red like the setting sun, the captain hanging on the rope of the bow cackled and shouted.

“Your Highness! I’m stepping back this time, but there’s no way next time. If you don’t want to become fish food like my friends did, it would be better to stay holed up in that great kingdom’s land and never come out again!”

Even with the ridicule directed at the prince of a country, there was nothing the kingdom could do since the ship had already capsized by half.

The pirate ship quickly moved away with the wind, and the other ships of the kingdom appeared from the sides and behind.

“This damn it…. Your Highness! Where is Your Highness!”

“Captain! I don’t know if we can put out the fire on the sails!”

“Damn it. Just in case, we should move Your Highness to another ship first.”

Saying that, the captain passed by the royal knights and moved busily.

Although the whole ship wasn’t burning, he judged that it was right to evacuate the important person first, as he had to consider the worst-case scenario if the fire wasn’t extinguished.

“Your Highness! It would be better to go to another ship until the fire is extinguished. Let’s go quickly.”

The captain, who was injured in the battle but saved his life, entered the captain’s cabin.

Then Prince Erader, who was sitting inside and quietly looking at the horizon beyond the window, slowly opened his mouth.

“As expected, as expected….”

“Your Highness?”

“I told you, I told you what I said! It was ominous. Everything from the beginning! The fact that the ship changed, and the fact that things went so well that it was too strange!

We should have done it moderately and retreated. It would have been better to leave it to another ship and provide support. To make me suffer such humiliation from mere pirates. I shouldn’t have listened to you!”

“…Y-Your Highness?”

‘You decide, I will respect that opinion.’ Those words would have sounded to the captain as ‘I will trust you and try it this time.’

But it was different for Prince Erader.

He would have said those words for this purpose.

Do what you want.

So if it goes well, you are great, but I am also great for believing in you!

However, if things go wrong in reverse, it’s all your fault and not mine.

―――――――Author’s Note―――――――

If it goes well, it’s thanks to me; if it goes wrong, it’s your fault.

Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad.

In order to maintain the dignity of the monarch, you have no choice but to live like that….