A Former Police Officer Who Died And Get A Second Life!-Chapter 120: Conditions

After all, he was the one who had thrown everyone away.

"...Isn’t there... some way?"

Whether he wanted to talk or apologize, he would first need to see him again.

Forcing his tired body to keep thinking, he tried to remember.

What had that man said?

All that came back to him were his own dirty insults and it made him want to cry.

"...If I had not met him that day... wait!"

Hadn’t he said something?

When he had shouted for help, the man had refused, saying he had work to do.

He remembered the grass the man had been carrying.

He had seen it before.

If he had called it work, then it must have been something he was asked to gather.

If that was the case, then the choices were limited.

At last, Bratislav saw a small possibility.

Feeling relieved for the first time, he let the strength leave his body and relaxed where he lay.

...

Qiong Xing and the others quickly began to regret sitting down face to face with the prince.

It was true that Qiong Xing had said he would listen.

He had said it.

But he had never imagined that it would mean listening to hours of the prince talking at length about his childhood and life story.

If he had known it would be like this, he would not have sat properly on his knees.

He regretted it now as he rubbed his numb legs.

Cari noticed and gently stroked them for him.

"...So. I understand your background, your daily struggles, and even your reckless behavior. But was that all you wanted to tell me? If that is the case, you should go talk to a doll sold somewhere in the market."

"N-no, that’s not it! Ah, no, that’s not what I mean. I just..."

"First of all, stop talking like that. You can speak the way you did before. You do not need to force yourself to sound polite."

"I’m sorry."

If he was going to apologize for something, Qiong Xing would rather he apologize for what happened the other day.

Feeling exasperated, Qiong Xing motioned for him to continue.

"Well, um... I mean... I would be happy if someone like you could stay by my side..."

"There are plenty of ordinary people like me everywhere. Rather than me, it would be far more realistic for you to seek guidance from the talented teachers in the castle."

"...... "

Seeing the prince’s shoulders visibly slump, Qiong Xing could not help but wonder if this was truly the same prince who had once shouted insults at Leander and the others.

Cari who had begun to nod off during the long discussion was gently lifted into Qiong Xing’s lap.

He then looked over at Albe.

Albe tilted his head, as if asking what was wrong. Then Qiong Xing noticed something shining faintly on his back.

Kill him?

For a moment, Qiong Xing felt as if he heard those words in his mind and he quickly gestured for Albe to lower his hand.

"What exactly do you want from me? A replacement for your mother who hates you? A teacher you can fire and call useless? Or a servant who will obey your every word?"

"No! That’s not it! I just want you to stay by my side..."

Whether he truly meant it or not, the prince’s eyes were straight and sincere.

But honestly speaking, there was nothing for Qiong Xing to gain by accepting that request. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Since it was a formal request, he would earn money.

But that was all.

Qiong Xing was not struggling financially.

There was no real benefit for him.

"I understand what you want. However, I see no benefit in accepting it. And I do not have the knowledge or ability to teach you anything. In other words, it would be unreasonable for me to act as your tutor."

When it came to emotional maturity, Qiong Xing was far ahead of this prince.

But when it came to actual academic teaching, Qiong Xing was too old to start now and he was still not fully used to this world himself.

He did not have enough experience to educate someone else.

When he clearly stated that it was simply impossible for him to accept the request, the prince looked as if he were about to cry.

"But, but!"

Qiong Xing felt sympathy for the prince’s situation. But even so, there was nothing he could truly do for him.

"...Once a week," Qiong Xing said.

"Huh?"

"I cannot be your tutor. That is impossible. But if you want someone to listen to you, or to act as an advisor, then I will accept."

"Really!?"

The prince looked so happy that Qiong Xing could not help but give a small bitter smile.

Had he really been that starved for human connection?

"However, I have conditions."

Qiong Xing could have refused completely.

But when he said he would agree only if the conditions were kept, the prince nodded at great speed.

He had not even heard the conditions yet.

Was that really wise?

Qiong Xing began to worry.

"You will be the client. But that does not mean I serve you. I will not obey orders. And I will say what I think, even if you do not like it."

"Yes. Please."

"...... "

Qiong Xing and Albe both fell silent at how obedient the prince was.

Who exactly was this child?

"Of course, when we meet, I will not come alone. ...Yes, Albe will accompany me. You have no problem with that, correct?"

"Yes."

Was this really all right?

To Qiong Xing, the prince was starting to look less like royalty and more like some strange unknown creature.

"It is fine that you keep saying yes, but do you not have any conditions of your own?"

It was good for the one accepting the request if everything was agreed to so easily.

But did the client truly have no demands?

When Qiong Xing asked, the prince’s face suddenly turned red and he lowered his head.

Qiong Xing could not understand what part of the conversation made him blush.