The Bastard First Prince Doesn't Want to Die

Chapter 192

[Translator - Jjescus ]

[Proofreader - Starfall ]

Chapter: 192

Jawoon stared at me in silence for a long time. The weight of that silence was almost unbearable, as if time itself had stopped. His gaze was fixed on me, piercing and unwavering, but within his eyes, I could see turmoil—doubt, confusion, and the struggle of someone forced to face an unwelcome truth.

"…So, that's how it is."

His voice was no longer cold. Instead, it was laced with exhaustion and bewilderment.

"Yes. So… that would make you an elder of the family."

Jawoon let out a long sigh and pressed a hand to his forehead, as if trying to make sense of everything.

"Then, what has become of So Eunyun?"

The way he asked didn’t sound like genuine concern. It felt more like idle curiosity—a reaction to an absurd turn of events rather than a sign of deep personal attachment. It seemed he wasn’t particularly close to the former queen.

"If she's been stripped of her title and status, I suppose life must be easier for her now."

Jawoon let out a chuckle—an unexpected, almost amused laugh. I had never seen him laugh like that before.

What exactly did he think had happened? Judging by his reaction, he must have assumed that the deposed queen had willingly withdrawn from palace life, and that the king had been the one left behind.

But he was wrong.

I told him the truth.

As I spoke, Jawoon’s expression shifted constantly. And by the time I finished, he exhaled deeply, shaking his head.

"And Grand General just… let that happen?"

Grand General?

I paused for a moment,

At Aro’s question, I turned my gaze toward the direction where the villagers were gathered. I couldn’t see them from here, but their voices carried faintly on the wind. I focused my senses, listening in on their conversation from afar.

Sannyeong was feeding them lies—reassuring them with falsehoods.

I didn’t want to interfere outright, but change was necessary.

After a brief moment of contemplation, I organized my thoughts.

"There’s no other way. As Aro wants, leading everyone out of here is probably the best option."

"I agree, but how do you plan to rally them? They're more stubborn than oxen."

"Convincing people who have lived their entire lives in this village to leave won’t be without chaos. That chaos is inevitable, but we can at least minimize their resistance. And to do that…"

I glanced at Duke Unguk.

"You already know, don’t you? External pressure is the simplest way."

Jawoon nodded once, stroking his chin.

"If we’re talking about an external threat, here, that would mean the demonic beasts."

"Exactly. We’ll lure the demonic beasts here and force the villagers to flee. Otherwise, they won’t move their heavy asses."

I stood up from the tree stump where I had been sitting. Aro quickly followed suit.

"Will you help us?"

I extended my hand toward Jawoon as if offering a handshake.

Asking for his help was the same as asking him to leave with us—to return to the place where he was born.

I had expected him to hesitate, to wrestle with the decision. But surprisingly, he reached out without a moment’s doubt, clasping my hand in a firm handshake.

His palm was rough and calloused from years of hard labor for the village.

I could only hope that his sacrifices would finally be repaid.

"We don’t have much time."

[Translator - Jjescus ]

[Proofreader - Starfall ]