Epilogue: Towards the Light

Ever since then, my days were hectic but satisfying. I woke up early in the morning to train my body before practicing magic with my master. Once the sun started to set, I did some studying, then went to bed early. I’d already formed my own routine.

If my brothers came to visit, I practiced my swordsmanship on top of everything, or had them help me with my studies. I’d sent a few letters to Cryssie and Sissy, but we weren’t able to meet in person. They seemed to be busy in their own ways as well.

I dedicated myself to training and learning, sticking to this routine every day for five years. My body was no longer in pain from the curse, but my hair stayed white and never returned to its normal color. Still, I grew taller and even caught up to Shizuku’s height.

“Oho, you’ve grown quite a bit. You look rather handsome, and you remind me of myself in my youth,” my master said.

“Really? That makes me happy,” I replied.

He squinted cheerfully at my unusually formal attire. I hadn’t dressed this well in a while, after all. My master had a few more wrinkles than the time I first met him, but that was all. He was still as energetic as ever.

“You’ve grown indeed. That jacket looks great on you, Prince Callus,” Shizuku said.

I giggled. “Thank you.”

She was, of course, by my side. I was headed to the royal capital with her today. I’d decided on leaving five years ago, but even so, I couldn’t suppress my nervousness. Who will I meet?

“You haven’t changed at all since I was young. Why’s that?” I asked.

“Have I not told you? I’m a half-elf. I age much slower than regular humans,” she replied.

“Huh, really?”

I learned something unexpected just then. I’d lived with her for ten years, but never knew about her identity.

“Why didn’t you realize? Her ears are a bit pointy,” my master remarked.

“I just assumed it was a familial trait or something.”

“What kind of trait is that?”

I couldn’t give a sufficient answer to my master’s retorts. Well, to be fair, this was my bad. Hm...

“By the way, that means I’ll be able to continue taking care of you even if you grow old, Your Highness,” she said.

“Hmmm, I wouldn’t really want you to nurse me, though I probably don’t sound convincing since you already tended to me when I was sick,” I replied.

As we idly talked, we headed towards the entrance of the manor. I was greeted by my father, mother, and two brothers—they’d all gathered to send me off. Normally, they wouldn’t have to come here since they all lived in the royal capital. But due to my circumstances, I couldn’t meet them there, so I had them all assemble at this manor.

“Sniff... Callusss... Y-You’ve grown, and I-I-I’m sooo happy for you, but I’ll get so lonely...” Damien said, large beads of tears rolling down his cheeks.

“Come on, Damien. Don’t cry,” I said.

Since he was at the capital, we’d be much closer, distance-wise. I’d still have to hide the fact that I was part of the royal family, but I was sure that we could meet in private. After I calmed down my brother who was bawling in a manly fashion, I went to Sirius.

“You’re just like me, Callus. Tight-fitting clothes suit you very well. But your tie seems a bit plain. Perhaps a red tie would match your eyes,” he said.

“I’m just heading to the capital. It’s not like I’m gonna meet anyone, so I don’t think I need to dress up,” I replied.

“That won’t do! Today’s the day of your departure, Callus. If that’s not the most fitting day for dressing up, then what is?”

“He’s right! He’s right!” my other brother and father chanted.

They really get along with each other. Royal families in stories are often a lot more stiff and awkward. Well, whatever. While they’re all fired up discussing how to dress me, I’ll go to my mother.

“Mother, thank you for sending me off today,” I said.

“Oh, Callus, how you’ve grown,” she said, tears in her eyes as she hugged me. She slowly freed me from her embrace and looked at me, her eyes filled with numerous emotions. After a moment of hesitation, she began to talk. “I can say this now, but Callus, I once wondered if it was truly the right decision for me to give birth to you.”

This must’ve been her true feelings which she’d kept hidden for many years. I guess the strange looks she gave me sometimes were because of those thoughts.

“I love you. That’s the absolute truth. But seeing you in constant pain and suffering...made me regret giving birth to you. I felt guilty choosing to raise you while knowing that you had this curse,” she said.

There weren’t any records of Taboo Beings making it to adulthood. They were regarded as bad omens, and if my existence was made known to the public, the consequences would be dreadful. I knew that her decision to raise me despite that must’ve been a tough one.

“I had planned to raise you throughout your whole life, but I couldn’t bear to see you suffering so much. I left you behind at the manor while you were in pain, and fled towards my work. I’m a failure as a mother.” Tears trickled down her cheeks.

Mother must’ve been suffering just as much as I was. The same probably goes for my brothers and father. It’s like my entire family was under a curse.

“You’ve grown magnificently, and I’m so happy to see you set out on your own journey. But my feelings of sadness are a shadow on this wonderful day. I know I should say my farewells with a smile, but my overflowing feeling of guilt eats away at my chest. I’m so sorry, Callus. I’m sorry that I can’t send you off with a smile,” she said.

She must still be ensnared by the curse called guilt. Her curse might be far deeper and more serious than my own. She’s truly suffering.

“Please blame your horrible mother. Please angrily call me a failure of a mother...” she said sorrowfully, as though she was imploring me to do so.

I clasped her hands. I’d already chosen my words. Even though this curse couldn’t be cured with magic, I wanted to bring some light to her.

“It’s true that I’ve suffered plenty. I’ve...often cursed the day I was born. I was always wondering why I had to go through such agonizing pain every day. But seeing you cry while watching my suffering, it taught me that I wasn’t the only one in torment. I won’t forget the day that you gave me such courage,” I said.

“Callus...”

Watching her suffer with me had been my saving grace. I understood that I wasn’t fighting this battle alone.

“So even during my worst days, I was able to endure it,” I said. “That’s why I’m still alive. I’m full of happiness, mother. I’ve been able to learn plenty, move my body a lot, and spend time with the people who are most important to me.”

These words were my true thoughts. My life had been fraught with dark times, but looking back, the good outweighed the bad. I was able to say so with pride.

“I have a dream. I want to become an amazing magician like my master and save a lot of people like he did. I’ll find a way to undo the curse, and I’ll make sure that no one else will have to suffer from it. Isn’t that a good dream?” I said.

“Yes... That’s...a very lovely dream.”

When I looked up, I saw that my mother, my master, my father, my brothers, and Shizuku were all crying. Everyone’s such a crybaby... They really are a great family.

“Since I’m able to have such a wonderful dream, I won’t let you say that you regret giving birth to me. No exceptions. So...” The words I should say to her are... “So, mother. Thank you for giving birth to me. I’m happy to be alive.” I meant these words from the bottom of my heart.

My mother crumpled onto the floor and drenched my clothes with her tears. This cloth is made of good material, so I hope it absorbs everything.

“I’m...also truly glad to have given birth to you. You’re my pride and joy,” she said.

My brothers hugged me while crying as well. Jeez, it’s getting warm now. My brothers are so hopeless...

The servants of the manor also sent me off with tears.

“P-Prince Calluuus! You’ve truly grown so wonderfully...”

“Please come back whenever you like!”

I had so many fond memories of them. Their devoted support had given me so much strength throughout my life.

“Thank you, everyone. Thank you!” I said.

After we released everything that we’d been bottling up, I was finally ready to leave. This time, I could leave with a smile. As they all saw me go, for the first time in my life, I said, “All right, I’ll be off!”

***