Reincarnated Prince just wants a quiet life

Part 13: A Declaration

I awoke the sound of people softly talking to each other as well as the sound of birds calling out to each other in the distance. This all seemed rather familiar, like I had experienced this exact situation not too long ago.

"Are you certain Millim?" asked a familiar voice.

"Positive." said Millim.

"But it has already been three days,"

"As I have said before Catlin, his mana pool is enormous. It will take time for it to

"Okay okay, I'm sorry." Catlin said after letting out a sigh.

"There is nothing you need to apologize for. It's only natural that you would worry about him, he's your son after all." Millim replied.

As I opened my eyes I let out a groan as the light blinded me momentarily. I heard a sharp intake of breath followed by footsteps rushing towards me. When I next opened my eyes I was met with my mothers eyes staring at me. She looked on the verge of tears but was managing to hold them back.

"Ivan! Can you hear me? Are you alright?" she asked

"Yes mother I can hear you just fine, no need to yell." I replied

"Oh thank the gods!" she exclaimed and covered her mouth as tears finally streamed down her cheek.

"Oh please don't cry mother, really I'm fine. A little sore but fine otherwise." I said while forcing myself to sit upright. "Is everyone alright?" I asked

"You are the last... How about you worry about yourself for once you silly boy." said Millim from behind my mother.

"She's right Ivan!" said another voice from behind my mother which I soon came to realize was Darcia as she jumped into the bed to hug me. "Time and time again I tell you to be careful and each time you end up in a state like this!" She looked at me, her eyes wet with tears but her face contorted in anger, "Just what am I to do with you?" she said burying her head into my chest and sobbing softly.

"I... I'm sorry everyone, for worrying you so." I said while wrapping my arms around Darcia.

"How is the pain Ivan?" asked Millim, "We treated your wounds as best we could, but how is the pain?"

"I'm a bit sore but a few nights rest and I should be fine." I replied.

Letting out a sigh Millim sat on the edge of the bed and looked over at me tiredly, "In addition to being in a state of stasis due to you expending all of your mana you had burns and cuts all over your body. Mostly on your arms and legs but thankfully none were too severe. Just what in the world happened to you?" she asked.

I went to speak but was cut off by the door to the room opening letting my father into the room. Following behind him was Luna as well as a few soldiers in full armor. My father looked shocked for a moment then rushed to join my mother at my side. His Kingly nature disappearing in an instant. "Ivan, my boy, how are you? Are you ok?"

Managing a weak smile, "Is there anyone else worried about me?" I asked jokingly, "I'd rather not have to do this over and over again." This was met with a few soft laughs from the soldiers as well as my father who reached up and ruffled my air.

"I'll take that as you're doing fine." he said, his grin widening as he spoke, "As for who else is worried about you, I think it will prove to be difficult to fit them all in this room."

I looked around and frowned "Isn't everyone already here? Who else could there be?" I asked.

"You silly boy." my mother started, "The mages under your command, Tamel, the palace guards, the blacksmiths you worked with, and the vast majority of the citizenry are all worried to death about you."