Initially, everything seed fine. Theodor believed it would be fine, even after losing in that famous duel against his elder brother, the crown prince, at the Lloy-Javi Bridge. He genuinely felt okay.
Or so he thought.
At first.
The second prince, Theodor, shot a complex glance. However, Raciel couldnt perceive that expression.
The reason was straightforward. Theodors eyes were concealed behind his swollen eyelids.
Nevertheless, Theodor released a deep sigh through his thickened lips.
I believed it was fine.
It wasnt.
The initial three days were like any other. He rose in the morning to practice swordsmanship and dedicated the entire morning to attending various classes, including imperial studies.
During lunchti, he strolled and imrsed himself in books in the afternoon. As evening approached, he engaged in etings with dignitaries and nobles.
It was a day that adhered to the typical routine expected of a prince. He was diligent and punctual at every mont, rigorously training, earnestly studying, and approaching every eting with utmost seriousness.
Then, on the fourth day, a sudden realization struck him as he was washing his face, gazing at his reflection in the mirror. He discovered that he hadnt smiled even once in the three days since losing to his brother.
It was a startling revelation.
He finally grasped it. He was not alright. He had rely been putting on a facade of being okay.
Thats when it all began. An overwhelming sense of loss consud him. Because he had always been diligent, because laziness had never been part of his upbringing, because he had invested so much effort throughout his life the feeling of loss was as vast as the dreams he had nurtured and the passion he had earnestly cultivated.
Everything felt hollow.
The dream he once believed attainable. The aspiration to beco Emperor. All the daily toil and desperation now seed in vain, futile. He grappled with a profound sense of defeat.
Perhaps thats why.
Unconsciously, impulsively, he leaped out of bed in the middle of the night and made his way to the kitchen of the second princes palace. Clad in pajamas, he devoured fruits and bread.
The most delicious food Ive ever tasted.
He ate until he was almost sick. No, he overindulged. And astonishingly he felt content!
That day, for the first ti since losing to his brother, he slept soundly. And upon waking in the morning, he realized he had undergone a profound transformation.
Swordsmanship training? He had no interest.
Eating brought him comfort.
Various classes, including imperial studies? Tedious. Eating was comforting.
Walking? Reading? What was the point? Mingling with dignitaries and nobles? Socializing? It beca botherso, aningless. Eating was far more comforting and joyful.
From that mont on.
In the morning, he sought out bread slathered with honey. Fruits, snacks with various creams, fried delicacies, more snacks, and even hearty late-night feasts.
From the mont he awoke to the mont he drifted off, he incessantly savored food. He filled his belly. No, he never emptied it.
He paid no heed to others opinions. He was content. So he continued this pattern for just under a year. Of course, even now, he was
Im doing well, as you can see, Brother.
After all, isnt there a saying that n should have a robust physique? In its own way, this isnt too bad. Hahaha.
The second prince, Theodor, chuckled rrily. His round cheeks jiggled like water balloons. Observing this, Raciels heart sounded a series of alarms.
What should I make of this situation?
It was awkward.
It was perplexing.
He couldnt have foreseen that in just a few months of not seeing him, or less than a year, the second prince would transform into this plump(?) figure.
On one hand, he could empathize with the mans circumstances. It was thanks to the rough explanation he had just received from the Second Prince.
Not too shabby, huh? Just eating all day long?
Yes, brother. Its hard to explain, but my mind feels truly at ease.
Ah, you certainly appear that way.
Dont I?
Thats simply absurd.
He could discern it with a single glance.
This guy is dealing with stress-induced binge eating disorder.
The imnse disappointnt he experienced from failing, despite his unwavering diligence, must have been overwhelming.
It was likely his first taste of failure in life, given that he was born as the son of the emperor and had never encountered failure before. He grew up under the weight of high expectations from those around him.
As diligent as he was, his ntal fortitude resembled that of a delicate hothouse plant.
In the end, he had crumbled under the weight of a single defeat. Or rather, he had beco excessively lax.
In any case, Raciel recognized the gravity of the situation.
Ah, this wont do.
His brows furrowed.
He had been dealing with nurous matchmaking proposals that had co his way. With the cooperation of the Second Prince, he had devised a plan to host a banquet at the Second Princes palace.
His intention was to invite potential suitors to the banquet, aiming to foster romantic connections between the Second Prince and the eligible ladies.
He had been confident that it would be a success.
After all, the Second Prince possessed outstanding qualifications, and his appearance was exceptionally handso.
But now?
Handso my foot! Right now, he could probably barbecue 50 servings of at, seriously!
The plan he had advanced with the hope that the Second Princes good looks would be a significant asset was now on shaky ground. No, it was akin to a direct blow to the very core of the plan.
Ah, life can be quite sothing.
Raciel let out a long sigh. Should he abandon the plan? He was reluctant to give up so easily.
Hey, you.
Yes, brother.
Have you ever considered going on a diet?
Diet?
The Second Prince, whose eyes had narrowed due to puffiness, blinked. From his expression, it seed like the term diet was foreign to him.
Raciel adjusted his suggestion.
I an losing weight. Have you ever thought about shedding a few pounds?
Shedding pounds?
Yes.
Raciel nodded. He had to do it. He absolutely had to help this guy shed those extra pounds to fit him into the matchmaking plan!
With unwavering determination, he continued his persuasive argunt.
Im a bit hesitant to bring this up because you seem content with your current state, but Im genuinely concerned.
But brother, I am content with my current state.
I understand. I get it. However, your current condition isnt conducive to your well-being, and thats why Im ntioning this.
Well-being?
Yes.
He nodded resolutely, using his confident gaze to convince him.
If you persist with obesity, youre at risk for various health issues. Like high cholesterol or diabetes. And due to the excess weight, your ankle and knee joints could deteriorate.
And thats not all. From hypertension to various endocrine disorders. You could develop a fatty liver or experience narrowing of the blood vessels. There are many more potential health risks associated with obesity.
So, youre willing to continue living like this?
Yes.
Why!
He nearly shouted in frustration. The Second Prince stiffened as he spoke.
I really am okay. Truly.
I know, too. Living like this has its drawbacks in many ways. But Im genuinely fine with it. My mind is at ease. Plus, living this way wont harm anyone, so its okay.
So, I understand your sentints, brother. But I genuinely dont see the reason why I should go through the trouble of losing weight I simply dont want to.
No words ca to mind in response. What can you do when the other person is unwilling? You cant force soone to lose weight.
What a predicant.
Raciel bit his lower lip. He had attempted to persuade him, but it had proven futile.
It was awkward. Above all, the fact that the second prince displayed absolutely no inclination to embark on a diet was the most exasperating aspect.
The most critical elent in dieting is ones own determination, motivation, and self-encouragent.
And none of that seed to exist.
This couldnt continue.
Of course. A diet imposed by others has its limits. Its destined to fail.
Thats an undeniable truth. Even if one succeeds in shedding so weight, the likelihood of regaining it (yo-yo effect) is 99.9%.
Therefore, the motivation to lose weight must co from within. Thats how fragile the process of dieting is.
Ugh. What should we do?
Raciel cast a troubled glance at the second prince. He didnt have a solution.
How could he compel this individual, who was not only overweight but morbidly obese and utterly lacking in willpower, to embark on a rigorous weight loss journey? How could he instill that motivation?
It was a conundrum.
But he refused to give up.
Think, Lee Han, think.
He pondered deeply, engaging his brainpower. He ntally folded origami. He delved into the recesses of his mory.
Then, slowly, an idea began to take shape.
Right at his core, this guy is exceedingly diligent. He possesses a strong sense of responsibility.
Thats how he was portrayed in the novel Devil Sword Emperor. Despite his downfall due to indecision, Second Prince Theodor fundantally possessed a diligent character. Raciel seized upon that insight.
This might work.
He had found a piece of the puzzle. He collected his thoughts. He arranged, assembled, and rged them.
He formulated the magical words that could ignite the second princes determination to lose weight. He encapsulated them in a sentence. He moistened his tongue in readiness for the forthcoming revelation.
Whew. I understand. I spoke without fully comprehending your perspective.
Its alright, brother.
Its not alright.
Im not alright, you rascal. But soon, you wont be alright either.
Raciel concealed his sly smile and began to speak.
But, whew. I feel obligated to share this with you.
What are you talking about?
Actually, you see.
He nonchalantly paused for a beat, piquing his curiosity. Then he continued with a gentle delivery.
Actually, I have reason to believe that I might not live another year.
What?
The second prince reacted with surprise.
But Raciel didnt flinch.
In fact, because it was only partially true, he began weaving a brazen, flagrant lie that was galaxies away from reality, as if placing it on a revolving sushi conveyor belt.
(To be Continued)
To read ahead
Patreon Subscription Tiers
$5/month8 chap ahead 5 chap/week$30/month30 chap ahead 6 chap/week
Reviews
All reviews (0)