Chapter 66 - 62: The Prisoners (Part 1)
Hustace felt his entire head was in a daze. Logically, given his current situation, he should have felt sorrowful, anxious, and even a little frightened.
But reality always seemed to clash with the world one imagined. Not everything proceeded according to one’s wishes; unexpected disruptions would inevitably arise, rendering the imagined world utterly unrecognizable.
This, perhaps, was the difference between reality and imagination.
Young Master Hustace, having long since departed the Government Mansion, had experienced this disparity more than once. Consequently, in some corner of his heart, his emotions did not fluctuate excessively because of it.
What currently left Young Master Hustace at a loss was the persistent loneliness he always felt deep within his heart.
This loneliness was not outwardly visible, but Hustace had endured it for a long time. He always felt he was different from others—and as the Governor’s son, he truly was. Others could go wherever they pleased, but he could not; someone always accompanied him. Others could personally experience the value of an exchange, but he could not; no matter what he acquired, someone else would always pay, sometimes even gifting it to him for free. Others could do whatever they wished, but he could not; he had to report everything he did to his father. If he failed to report, his mother would confine him, preventing him from going anywhere.
"Why can’t I be like Jerma next door, go to the Dusk Market by myself to buy fishing gear, and go fishing?" he would sometimes ask his mother, unable to hold back.
"Jerma next door is just an unruly child; when he grows up, he’ll be a merchant at best. You are different. You are the Governor’s son; your words and actions reflect your father’s image!" his mother would always tell him, imparting many grand principles.
"If you want to buy fishing gear, you can go to the Daylight Market. The Dusk Market is beneath your status. Remember, you are the Governor’s son!"
"The Governor’s Mansion has a dedicated fishing pond. If you wish to fish, just have Guard Goding take you. The wilderness is fraught with danger; it’s no place for you."