The Prince I Met in Another World is a Wolf

Chapter 16: Everyone Has Their Own Definition of Sadness

The next day, as Shun was walking down the corridor to the East Tower as usual, he was approached by a strange old man.

"Where are you going this early morning?"

The tall man wore a white, pastor's cassock that hides his feet, and the collar was embroidered with gold butterflies. His neatly trimmed hair was a splendid silver-gray, and there were wrinkles around his deep-set eyes. His spine was set straight as if it was hung from a string from above him, and he had an aura of dignity that could only be called intimidating.

"I woke up early and was free... so I was going to the library. By the way, what about you?

It was a question Shun didn't want to ask, but he was fully prepared for the answer anyway. He wasn't used to talking to his elders casually, but judging by his attire, he wasn't a member of the royal family. So he'll gloss over that so it doesn't look strange.(1)

　　　1. So I thought only royalty could wear butterfly stuff but ok author-san. I've been sweating thinking this was the King the whole time lmao

Shun had never met anyone who matched the words "strict" and "intelligent" so well. He wasn't a soldier. He didn't look like a waiter. Shun had a bad feeling about this.

"My apologies, I arrived late. My name is Schweitzer Karkarov. His Grace(2) appointed me as Your Royal Highness's new governor."

　　　2. The text said "his excellency" and excuse me, did you mean the King or some rando Duke (for anyone confused as why I say this applies to dukes when currently "your grace" does, that's because "excellency" was used for high level government officials, which were usually positions filled by dukes in medieval times, like how marquesses always have border territories, etc.)?? Anyways, His Grace/His Majesty are like time frame 1520+ or prior with fantasy fics it's just like pick your poison, so just let me know which you guys prefer? Gonna slap in a poll at the bottom. Please consider voting on it

He briskly kneeled down and bowed his head with his hands over the butterfly embroidery.

As expected!

Shun held his head in his heart. His former governor retired the other day because he wanted to spend the rest of his time with his grandchildren. How could he be expected to spend the rest of his precious life in charge of educating a good-for-nothing? That was also why Shun's knowledge of self-defense magic had progressed very slowly.

Anyway, Shun felt bad that his career ended on him taking care of a mob character. He hoped his previous governor would continue to live for a long time.

"It is very good to make use of the library. However, why do you have such a large bag with you?"

The bag that contained Shun's commoner clothing was pointed out. He was perceptive.

"Well, when I use my head, I get hungry, so I put some snacks in it."

In fact, only about a third of the bag contained candy and cookies from the castle, which Carl had asked him to procure because he wanted to study them. So Shun wasn't lying, but was it a suitable excuse for a twenty-eight-year-old? His eyes swam, but the ashen gray-blue eyes did not waver in their piercing stare at him. This penetrating gaze is characteristic of the elder generation, who could differentiate between sour and sweet.

"Is that so?"

It was a quiet amnesty, but he never looked away.

"Please remember these words, a prince does not straighten his crown before a Li(3)."

　　　3. You're not supposed to know what this means! >:O It gets explained next chapter, don't worry.

"Hm, ah, yes."