I Became the Cure for the Cursed Prince - Chapter 33

Hybrids born with the blood of both monsters and animals were rarely accepted by either side, often abandoned to fend for themselves. The fact that the rabbit, despite being a hybrid, had neither been killed by humans, animals, nor monsters might have been nothing short of a miracle.

Jerry, who was kind-hearted, stood in front of the rabbit with tears welling in his eyes.

“It’s not a monster. It’s one of us! An animal! You mustn’t harm it.”

The other animals unanimously agreed with Jerry’s words. After a brief moment of contemplation, Leon nodded.

“That’s true. But stealing vegetables is still a crime. Keep it in the greenhouse until Lucas arrives. Make sure to guard it well.”

“Understood!”

“Don’t worry.”

“Leave it to us.”

The animals responded in their own languages, then escorted the still-sniffling rabbit back to the greenhouse. Only then did Leon let out a sigh of relief and turn to the storekeeper.

“Now, you can be assured that food won’t go missing from the storage anymore. That settles the issue, doesn’t it?”

The storekeeper, still in shock, nodded hesitantly.

“Y-Yes, I suppose so…”

Leon smiled faintly and made his way toward the greenhouse. He had to tame the new monster before Lucas returned.

Watching Leon’s retreating figure, Michelle shook her head in disbelief. No matter how gifted he was as a prince cursed to become a tiger, subduing beasts that still carried traces of monstrous energy was no easy feat—especially in his human form.

“Could it be…?”

A long-forgotten memory stirred in Michelle’s mind—an ancient myth her mother had told her when she was very young. In the distant past, there had been humans blessed by the gods…

Michelle pondered the thought for a while before shaking her head. That was a tale from centuries ago. There hadn’t been any ‘blessed’ humans since. There was no way Leon could be one of them.

Regardless, the prince seemed far more useful here in the North than he was troublesome. Feeling somewhat reassured, Michelle allowed her attendants to support her as she made her way back to the castle.

Rumors quickly spread throughout the castle.

A certain golden-haired boy, often seen in Lucas’s company, had tamed a monster in the greenhouse and caught a food thief.

Since Lucas had never formally introduced Leon, and because some had overheard Sion addressing him as ‘Your Highness’ on occasion, the rumors took on a life of their own.

Some claimed that Leon was the fallen prince of a ruined kingdom. Others whispered that he was the child of a fearsome magician whom even emperors feared.

But the most widespread rumor? That Leon was Lucas’s secret son.

Upon returning from his travels, Lucas immediately noticed the unease spreading throughout the castle and turned to Michelle.

“What exactly happened while I was away?”

Michelle scoffed.

“Oh, you wouldn’t believe it.”

She calmly recounted the incidents—the recurring food thefts, the discovery that the culprit was a hybrid rabbit, and how Leon had captured and tamed it.

“…And now, the entire castle believes that little brat is your son. The end.”

Lucas rubbed his temples in exasperation.

No wonder the animals in the greenhouse had been acting strangely lately. He had never imagined this was the reason.

A half-beast like Leon taming a hybrid monster…

Even if these creatures had been raised by humans from a young age and had grown docile, the fact remained—they carried monstrous blood. And yet, they submitted to Leon. If that wasn’t the result of his curse, what else could explain it?

Still, finding the cause of that phenomenon was a problem for another day. The more pressing issue now was quelling the rumors spreading through the castle. And for that, there was only one solution: a formal introduction.

Once Michelle left, Lucas summoned Sion.

“Sion, gather the most essential members of the staff immediately. It’s time to formally introduce His Highness.”

“Understood.”

At Lucas’s command, the castle’s courtyard filled with people.

To the east, the servants gathered under the steward’s supervision. To the west, the knights assembled, led by Sion.

This scene unfolded whenever Lucas issued an important decree. However, today was different. The creatures from the greenhouse—who usually remained hidden—had also gathered.

As people caught sight of Leon standing among the animals, murmurs spread through the crowd.

“Is that the one who tamed the half-monsters?”

“That’s what I heard. Apparently, he also caught the food thief…”

“That’s incredible.”

Listening to the hushed conversations, Leon looked toward Lucas with a satisfied smile. But something felt off.

Whenever they were alone, Lucas always had a warm expression. Yet now, standing before the gathered crowd, his face was cold and impassive. It bothered Leon.

“Luca…”

He whispered softly, but Lucas gave no indication that he had heard. Instead, he turned his attention to the people and spoke.

“I have gathered you all here today to formally introduce someone.”

At his words, the murmuring ceased. A heavy silence settled over the courtyard as everyone focused on the two figures before them. Lucas glanced briefly at Leon before continuing in a composed voice.

“The person standing before you is none other than His Highness, Prince Leon Theian of the Theian Empire.”

A stunned hush fell over the crowd.

No one had expected this. That small, delicate-looking boy was the prince of the enemy empire?

Though the servants were too well-mannered to speak openly, the knights—who were far more hot-blooded—reacted instinctively. Their expressions turned wary, some even gripping their weapons as if preparing to strike.

Lucas’s face darkened, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.

“How dare you display such disrespect! All knights, show proper decorum at once! Have I taught you nothing?!”

Startled by his sudden reprimand, the knights quickly corrected their posture and lowered their heads.

From behind Lucas, Sion spoke in a low voice.

“Your Highness, they need an explanation. The Theian Empire has been our long-standing enemy.”

Lucas let out a slow breath.

“I know.”

Lucas responded with a steady voice.

“Have I ever made a decision that brought harm to this nation?”

No one could answer. Because such a thing had never happened.

“I have lived my life dedicating my entire being to the Grand Duchy of Rion, with my name and honor on the line. On the battlefield, I have always led from the front. Because it was my duty to serve this nation.”

The atmosphere grew solemn. The attendants looked at Lucas with eyes full of respect, while the knights straightened their postures with unwavering loyalty.

“I cannot explain everything to you. But know this—His Highness the Prince will be staying here for some time, and you must serve him as you would serve me. Furthermore, this must remain a secret.”

Lucas took a breath before continuing. His dark eyes held no hesitation.

“I understand that I am asking much of you. But will you trust me this time as well?”

“Yes, Your Grace!”

“We will follow you for life!”

“Glory to the Grand Duke!”

The gathered crowd erupted in cheers.

At that moment, before Lucas could stop him, Leon stepped forward and bowed his head.

“I am Leon Theian, Prince of Theian.”

A gust of wind blew at just the right time, making his golden hair ripple. As Leon lifted his head again, his golden eyes shimmered with life.

For a moment, the gathered people were entranced—if an angel existed, it might look just like this.

“As His Grace the Grand Duke has said, I will be residing in this castle for the time being. As a representative of the Theian Empire, I will do my best to contribute to the peace of the Grand Duchy of Rion.”

His composed and dignified words moved the people, and soon, applause filled the air. Only then did a smile finally return to Lucas’s face.

“Today is a joyous day. Let everyone eat and drink to their hearts’ content.”

With Lucas’s declaration, the attendants and knights erupted in cheers once more.

Seeing their delight, it felt as if some of the burdens on his shoulders had lightened.

Leaving the celebrating crowd behind, Lucas turned on his heel. Leon quickly followed, grabbing his hand, while Sion trailed behind them at a slight distance.

“Luca, about the newcomer…”

“Ah, I already heard from Sion. I was told he’s behaving well, correct?”

“Mmh, yes! He seemed kind. So please, let him stay in the greenhouse with us.”

“Naturally, that would be the best arrangement.”

Elated by Lucas’s approval, Leon practically bounced as he walked. He had assumed Lucas would accompany him to the greenhouse, but when they reached a fork in the path, Lucas stopped.

“Your Highness, I need to discuss something with Sion. Would you mind going ahead to the greenhouse?”

Leon regretted revealing so soon that he could control his strength. He pouted, but still tried to act mature.

“It’s a shame, but I suppose it can’t be helped. I’ll meet my new friend later, then.”

“Yes, I’ll be sure to come by today.”

Once Lucas confirmed that Leon had disappeared toward the greenhouse, he and Sion turned toward the study.

The moment they arrived, both spoke at once.

“The number of monsters descending from the mountains has increased drastically compared to last year.”

“I know. And the damage is growing worse. The affected areas are scattered along the mountain range. The Black Forest is also showing signs of unrest.”

Lucas paused briefly before speaking in a low, deliberate voice.

“…It could be the sign of a monster wave.”

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