I Want To Die One Day Before You - Chapter 229
“Do you remember what I told you before, Your Highness?”
“Which part?”
“I warned that if ties with the empire were severed, the people of this kingdom would suffer greatly. Do you recall that?”
Of course, he remembered. At the time, he had thought it was an utterly absurd statement. But now, things were different.
Imperial Prince Erius, who had long maintained a close relationship with the Kingdom of Hevania, had rebelled. In retaliation, the empire had declared it would cut off trade with the kingdom. As a result, securing Cytiro, the medicinal herb commonly used by the commoners, had become nearly impossible.
Now, all the pieces were falling into place.
“You knew this would happen from the very beginning.”
Viren looked directly at the man seated before him, eyes wide with realization.
“And I also knew that Your Highness would not heed my advice.”
Rufus faced the Crown Prince with an expression as cold as stone. Inwardly, he was mocking him.
—Look at this, Your Highness.
Your foolishness, your arrogance, and your stubbornness—see what they have wrought.
Rufus knew it well. For a royal, a situation like this would be an unbearable disgrace. A noble of mere baronial status had warned him, yet he had dismissed it, only to be punished severely by reality.
Even if he did not want to admit it, the fact remained that this was his own failure. How much humiliation must he be feeling now? Rufus was waiting, expecting the Crown Prince to crumble under the weight of his wounded pride—to berate himself, to drown in regret.
“I apologize.”
“…Pardon?”
“I should have listened to you earlier. My vision was too narrow.”
Viren let out a deep sigh and looked at Rufus with clear, steady eyes.
“Rufus Inferna. I failed to take heed of your loyal advice. As a result, my people are now suffering. The blame lies entirely with me.”
“…….”
Now it was Rufus’s turn to be at a loss for words.
He could hardly believe his own ears.
Never had he expected Viren to so readily admit his fault. Was it not a royal’s specialty to cling to their pride, refusing to bow or acknowledge their mistakes? The king, as well as the late Prince Tarek and Prince Camus, had all been that way.
And yet, the Crown Prince.
Your Highness, you are…
“…It was not my intention to blame you, Your Highness.”
Rufus finally forced out the words that had been stuck in his throat.
“No. The fault is mine for failing to act despite your warning.”
Once again, Viren openly acknowledged his mistake. He folded his arms and leaned back slightly.
“I have already issued orders to prepare for the severance of trade with the empire. Fortunately, I have received reports that most imported goods can be replaced with alternatives. However…”
“Cytiro, the medicinal herb, cannot be substituted.”
Rufus finished Viren’s sentence.
For a moment, Viren’s eyes gleamed with sharp interest.
“As expected, you are perceptive. That’s right. The Cytiro herb used by commoners has no viable replacement.”
“What do you intend to do?”
“I had the remaining stock in the capital assessed as an emergency measure. However, I was informed that someone purchased a large quantity of Cytiro a few days ago.”
As Viren spoke, his gaze remained locked onto Rufus—his stare sharp, as though he were aiming at a target.
“Was it you?”
“I did not purchase it personally, but in the end, it was done on my orders.”
Rufus admitted it without hesitation.
Hearing his answer, Viren slowly reached for his teacup.
There were many things he wanted to ask. Why had Rufus bought up the Cytiro? He must have known that the supply would be cut off once trade with the empire ceased—why, then, had he taken it all? And what did he plan to do with the stockpile?
But he could not ask all those questions at once.
Rufus was a meticulous man. He might already have insight into things Viren had not yet considered. Carelessly bombarding him with questions would be unwise.
Instead—
“I would like to hear your thoughts.”
As he sipped the now-cold tea to cool the heat rising in his chest, Viren handed the initiative to Rufus.
“…….”
Receiving the question, Rufus unconsciously narrowed his eyes.
He did not like this.
A royal should act like a royal—should be berating him, pressing him, demanding answers with arrogance. Why, then, was Viren being so courteous?
This made vengeance feel hollow.
For some inexplicable reason, it unsettled him.
“Crown Prince, I have a question for you.”
