TMHLBQ_RASUBOSSU_ARCHIVE_C74_CHAPTER 74: The Prime Minister Chuckles

 

Chapter 74: The Prime Minister Chuckles

"Ah, Arthur."

After finishing my conversation with Captain Roderick of the knights, I smoothly turned to address Arthur. During this time, the higher-ups, who had been informed that I would speak with Arthur next, moved toward the knights and others, eager to join the conversation.

Now, I could finally have a relaxed conversation with him.

Arthur, for some reason, seemed to have downed his drink in one go, and with an empty glass in hand, he returned my greeting.

"…Thank you, Prime Minister Gilbert. I appreciate the invitation."

He was polite, but I could sense his discomfort as he quickly averted his gaze. I could easily guess what was making him feel uneasy.

"Not at all. I’m simply delighted that we can talk like this again."

Saying this, I signaled to the servant to prepare a fresh glass of wine for him. As Arthur accepted it with a simple “Thank you,” he reminded me of my father in his politeness.

Earlier, when I had spoken with Captain Roderick, Arthur’s father and also the leader of the knights, his gestures and demeanor were remarkably similar to Arthur’s.

Due to the presence of other knights, I couldn’t bring up the topic of Arthur directly, but I did take the opportunity to thank the knights for their contributions and express my appreciation. I would never forget how Arthur, along with his father, had saved us. I had a deep sense of gratitude toward both of them.

"…I-I must apologize for earlier."

Arthur paused after being gently guided away from the knights and lowered his voice, trying to bow his head in apology. I purposely interrupted him.

He was likely referring to the time he had struck me in the abdomen.

"No, as I said back then, it was entirely justified. If anything, I felt saved by it."

As I said this with a smile, Arthur’s eyes widened, and he tilted his head slightly.

When Princess Pryde, Stayle, Tiara, and Arthur had visited me during my illness, I had been deeply grateful. But despite the severity of my crimes, their kindness made me feel undeserving of such care.

‘It must be difficult. To be tormented by guilt and yet have no one to judge your sins.’

Princess Pryde’s words rang true.

Even then, that thought lingered strongly in my heart. Ideally, I should have still been met with hostility, like Stayle had treated me. Yet, despite everything, Princess Pryde, Tiara, and Arthur treated me no differently. And then, that was when I received that blow.

To be honest, I could have avoided it, but I accepted it willingly.

If I were to be punished by the one who saved Maria from her illness, I couldn’t refuse.

In fact, it was his unwavering resolve that had helped me. I had been even more surprised when he had been willing to accept punishment from me afterward.

Arthur was truly an upright person.

He had declared that he could not forgive me for spreading rumors about Princess Pryde, and he had acted on it.

His straightness, his resolve to remain true to himself, was admirable. I only hoped that he would grow without becoming as twisted as I had.

"If that’s what you wish, I’ll be your target for practice with the sword."

When I said this with a smile, Arthur seemed to shrink back, stammering, “No… I couldn’t possibly…”

I continued, sensing his discomfort.

"I mean it. You’ve done so much for us. I could never repay you enough."

If it weren’t for Arthur, Maria would have been dead. Even with Princess Pryde’s foresight and mercy, it had been Arthur’s special abilities—truly a divine gift—that had saved her. He deserved to be recognized and worshipped by the people, but if he didn’t desire that, I respected it. What mattered to him most was how he lived now.

I whispered, making sure no one else could hear, "Thank you, truly. Maria and I will never forget this debt." Arthur, a little embarrassed, looked down and nodded.

I smiled warmly at his bashful demeanor and continued.

"With that in mind, I’d like to show my gratitude soon. Is there anything you would wish for?"

His achievements couldn’t be made public. I had even tried to give him a reward, one I had initially intended for whoever had found the special ability user, but he had refused it.

“No, really, I can’t accept something like that!”

He quickly turned it down, flustered. I didn’t give up.

“No, if we don’t do something, Maria and I won’t feel at ease. At the very least, please accept this small token…”

“Someone like me doesn’t deserve a large sum like that!”

I laughed softly at his response, muttering in a hushed voice as he stumbled over his words.

"Is there really nothing? Anything I can do, I’d like to help."

Arthur waved his hand in refusal but then suddenly stopped, as if an idea had crossed his mind.

“…Really anything?”

“Yes, anything I can do."

I agreed immediately, and he paused in thought for a moment before speaking again.

“From now on, sometimes, if you have time... could you... practice with me?”

He added, “I heard from Stayle that you’re strong,” and I was taken aback.

I hadn’t expected such a request.

But it was a request fitting for a knight, and I couldn’t help but laugh at the idea.

"Understood. Let me know when you’re available, and I’ll be there."

With that, Arthur bowed deeply and eagerly said, “Starting tomorrow would be perfect.”

I couldn’t help but smile. His determination to improve was inspiring.

Looking at Arthur, I realized, just like with Princess Pryde, that I was looking forward to his future growth.

---

A quiet voice interrupted, and I turned around, laughing involuntarily at the familiar face.

Ah, there’s another young man whose growth I’m looking forward to.

"Good evening, Stayle. I was just about to speak with you."

****

Eun: So for those of you don't read shiro*hiyo, the reason why I wasnt able to post during this past few days is because of an avocado heist. if you are not interested feel free to skip to the next chapter :) I'LL POST IT SOON!!!

So there was this stranger (who we later find out to be a neighbor who lives three streets away...) and she got a concussion cause she was trying to get/steal? avocados from our tree and while she was in the middle of the avocado heist, a huge one, like an avocado bigger and thicker than a bowling pin apparently hit her in the head? or was it in the face anyway my dogs found her sprawled on the ground like a frog ready to be dissected. My parents weren't around so I had to like fix the situation. Not gonna lie, I panicked. Like what do I do in situations like that? 

Its considered breaking in right? Do I call the police or the ambulance should I go near the body and check her pulse or something but at the same time I didn't want to touch her body cause I was thinking "nope I'm not gonna leave my fingerprint" or some DNA to a person who might be a murderer or something. Yes, yes, I overreacted but I couldn't help it I've been binging docu-series. She didn't have any IDs or phone with her and there was only a half filled bag of avocados. My brother was still asleep and my parents weren't answering.  Siiiigh it was a mess.

We don't sell our avocados, its just for our personal consumption. sometimes we freeze it so we can eat them all year around but we do share some avocados to our neighbors so imagine my shock for this avocado heist. Like ummm, lady you could have asked and I'd be more than happy to share some avocados.

Thanks for reading, commenting and for the donos~ I really appreciate all the support.

If you plan on donating, please leave a comment of the title of the story that you are reading so i can queue the extra chapters. thaaanks!!

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