The Tyrant Wants to Live - Chapter 3

The Prince Devours Fate

11th Prince Arhan. Contrary to his decadently beautiful appearance, with pale blonde hair, purple eyes, and the moody atmosphere he projected…due to his cruel and eccentric personality, he was rejected by princes and princesses and eventually lost his right to succession.

The worst prince.

Among the servants of Strong Steel Castle, there was a widespread rumor that if you entered the 11th Prince’s Palace, you would lose your life. In fact, it wasn’t a lie, as corpses were often brought out. But recently, unbelievable days had started in the 11th Prince’s Palace.

“Is this a new record?”

“It’s already been over 20 days, so it’s a new record.”

“Will we really be okay?”

“No one’s been injured or killed, so if this is not fortunate, what could it be?”

“But they say that after a long silence, there may be a change in the water….”

“Shh, are you going to jinx it?”

No one was even hurt for at least twenty days. It could be called a miracle, but the servants’ anxiety didn’t fade. In fact, with each day, their anxiety grew. They were worried about when the mad prince’s temper might explode.

“What’s the schedule?”

“There’s nothing.”

“I’m going to be in the drill hall. Don’t let anyone in. Bring all my meals there.”

“Yes, sir.”

“If someone comes looking for me, tell them I’m running wild with a knife because I’m addicted to women and wine.”

“…All right.”

Even while the Lord High Steward, who managed all the attendants, maids, and servants, groaned and pondered his bizarre orders, my progress in the drill hall was unstoppable.

It had been twenty days since I became a real prince. For ten days, I grasped the situation, and the next ten days were filled with training. The same routine awaited me today as well.

I’d learned so far that no one would come looking for me. No, they avoided me and pretended I didn’t exist.

‘Even the lesser nobles and merchants don’t visit.’

That was curious. Usually, a prince held great power in the state. The marginal aristocrats or merchants who wished to enter the political world should be stopping by at all hours of the day, yet not even an ant’s shadow was reflected in this palace.

“Anyone who comes in contact with the 11th Prince Arhan and gives him strength will not escape severe punishment.”

It was thanks to the emperor’s threat.

I was accustomed to the life of a tyrant from my old days as a dummy, but I didn’t think it would be this bad.

“I need to add some weight today.”

Thanks to that, I was able to secure time for training. The employees here were now mine, and since no one was coming, I didn’t have to hide my efforts. Those shackles became freedom, so for the past few days…

[Devoured low-rank destiny laziness, weakness, and low-quality stamina]

[Additional 8 modifications were acquired]

[Total number of modifications: 146]

[Low-rank destiny, little patience has been strengthened]

I continued to change the small fates that choked me.

[Poor stamina – a temporary increase in reflexes through short-term exercise]

[Weak constitution – muscles gained a little strength, recovery slightly increased]

[Little patience – endure minor inconveniences]

These physical abilities and qualities, close to the worst of the worst, had changed a little. I was still far from done, though. More today than yesterday, more tomorrow than today. I continued to work out. It was a fact that I was changing even though the changes were insignificant in the eyes of others.

That was the most important thing and, surprisingly-

“I have to increase the weight again.”

It wasn’t that slow. The amount I could lift had already doubled. It was a small change for one destiny, but the result was satisfactory when several overlapped.

“Whoop, whoop.”

With 5 kg on each wrist and ankle, for a total of 20 kg, I lay on the floor and did push-ups. Then I got up, bent my knees, and jumped high. This high-intensity training made me sweat with just a few sets.

After a brief rest, I picked up the dumbbells and exercised my upper body. Next were chin-ups. In the beginning, even one set was difficult.

“Whoop! Whoop! Whoop!”

Now, I was on my way to five sets of twenty each. But just before finishing those five sets.

“Damn!”

Thud.

With a sudden surge of anger, I threw away the dumbbells.

I ran out of patience, and this destiny sometimes interfered with even these trivial acts. It was better than yesterday, though.

[Total number of modifications: 155]

That was enough.

“Get me some cold water!”

“We already prepared some.”

“Oh, you guys are faster these days. That’s good.”

I complimented them, satisfied they had prepared a drink before I asked for it…

For a moment, the eyes of the maid tending to me grew wider. She lay down on the floor with tears in her eyes.

“I-I’m sorry! I’ve committed a grave sin!”

She confessed, her head held down. Why?

“I was out of place to assume your intent before you finished speaking. Please, spare my life!”

Ha! I scoffed at her absurd reasoning.

“Kyaah! Gasp! I-It’s a purge, everyone. Close your eyes and cover your ears and hide!”

All the employees waiting around shouted as if a disaster were about to occur. It felt like I had to kill someone to end the situation. I wondered if they put something in the water, but it wasn’t that.

Were they just afraid of being praised? That was crazy, but it showed what the prince’s temper was like.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

Totally frightened by my silence, the maid kept her head down on the ground and repeatedly apologized. The way the others glanced to the windows made it clear they thought I would finally explode.

I swallowed a small sigh and patted her on the back to say it was okay.

“No!”

A thin voice came from somewhere, followed by small footsteps. A young girl with blonde hair and purple eyes that matched mine ran in. She was maybe seven?

The girl shook her head and stood in front of the maid.

“You can’t kill her! Brother!”

She spread her arms out to block me despite her body trembling with fear. I was sure I told them not to let anyone inside.

“Mother is also coming. You can’t!”

The girl glanced around eagerly. Was she waiting for our mother to appear? She looked so cute this young.

Suddenly, I remembered her venomous gaze at the tyrant. This was Yuriel, the tyrant’s little sister…and now my little sister. In their story, as far as I knew, the tyrant didn’t slaughter in front of her. So, he locked her up in a high tower so she couldn’t see his evil doings.

“Yuriel, have I ever hurt anyone in front of you?”

“N-No. But everyone says that you easily take the lives of others….”

At my question, the child glanced down. I regarded her a moment longer.

Glug, glug, glug.

Then I chugged the cold water, placed the cup on the maid’s back, and turned away. I didn’t even bother replying. Even if I said something, I thought it would only lead to another misunderstanding.

As I calmly turned around.

“…”

I noticed my mother, who was silently watching us with a sad smile. She didn’t blame her son or stop her daughter but watched with sorrow. As I faced her, a heat rose from inside me.

Why? What feeling did this guy, no, I, have for our mother? One thing was certain: I wanted to see blood. However.

“You should’ve told me if you were visiting, mother. Why are you just watching us like that?”

Straining my little patience, I stood before mother. She shook her head at the question.

“Don’t worry, Yuriel said she wanted to see you, so I guided her.”

“…I see.”

“I’ll go now, and when you’re done eating, send me a message. I’ll come to pick her up.”

She started to leave as if she was used to it. Although I had learned about the emperor’s life, I didn’t know these details. Did he hate his mother enough to refuse to have meals with her?

Her back looked lonely as she left.

“Uhm-.”

I couldn’t say the word mother, so I just mumbled at her. She stopped, and I had to force out the words destiny didn’t want me to say.

“How about having a meal together?”

My throat trembled, and I had to chew my lips. The corners of her lips quivered as if I had done something I shouldn’t have. But soon, mother turned to regard me.

“Yes?”

“I said let’s have a meal together.”

The first time was hard, but the second…

With a look of disbelief, she asked:

“Can I?”

“Come on in.”

The joy of the morning sun filled her face at my blunt permission.

“Are you eating with us, mother? Great! Let’s eat together!”

My sister’s joyful voice rang beside me.

[You devoured a part of an important destiny! A new destiny was born]

[Acquired 30 additional modification points!]

[As a result of devouring an important destiny, the fate of the people around you also moved!]

[Major changes make Destiny Predation a bit faster]

A pleasant series of messages popped up. I was suspecting that, but as I expected…knowing the life of this tyrant, knowing what kind of relationship he had with his family, I tried.

For the first time, an awkward and light-hearted meal between the family was held at the 11th Prince’s Palace.

* * *

“Can I come again next time with mother?”

“…”

Our mother didn’t stop her from asking the awkward question after our meal. I nodded, and the two left the palace satisfied. It was awkward, but it wasn’t too bad.

I’d never had a family living a fake life.

“Are you going to the drill hall?”

The steward asked with a soft smile.

“No, I’m tired. I’ll be in my room, so don’t look for me.”

“All right. I will let everyone know.”

After answering bluntly, I started toward my room, and suddenly…

“Hey.”

“Yes, sir?”

“What’s your name?”

“…It’s Alfred, sir.”

“I figured I should at least know the name of the steward in charge of the palace.”

“Thank you.”

“But you know, why can’t I find any knights in my palace?”

“You’d said you would kill them if you saw them….”

“Belay that order.”

“Yes.”

“Bring in the knights. Not a lot, but enough.”

“Do you have a specific knightage I mind?”

The knightage I wanted? No, there weren’t any I wanted…except those who could become obstacles or threats later.

“Those belonging to the 13th Knightage of the Imperial Palace. If possible, and about the same age as me. It’d be nice to get along with them.”

“All right. I will give the order.”

“Great. One more thing.”

“Please, command me.”

“…I plan to use the Vigo of the imperial family, so please get permission.”

“I will.”

With that, I entered my room and faced the mirror.

[Total number of modifications: 200]

[The modification value has reached a certain level. It must be used to change destiny]

I checked the modification points accumulated so far and realized that I had to use it slowly as it accumulated. The reason was:

[The destiny Assassination Attempt is near]

Another destiny is soon to come. This was the fate that the tyrant suffered throughout his life. As expected, there was no way to escape it.

The reason I’d been working out for the past few days was to prevent this danger, but it was also to collect modification points. All to face the imminent destiny. Even though I knew the major assassination cases, there were many smaller ones I wasn’t aware of. To overcome this, there was a destiny that must be changed and devoured.

Right now.

[You invested all 200 modifications!]

[A new destiny was born!]