Chapter 148 |
‘…Huh?’
Raciel hesitated instinctively.
His eyes widened in surprise.
‘What is this?’
His gaze fell upon Poboki’s report, or rather, a liquor disguised as a component analysis. He found the answer he had been contemplating all day.
The content reads…
[Today’s Diary]
[My owner finally gave me something to eat after a long while. It’s alcohol, and he lured me by claiming it tastes amazing. He even mentioned that he’s giving it to me first because it’s special. I was genuinely excited. However, I was deceived. The alcohol tasted awful. In particular, T-Carnitine was the worst. It was overly concentrated and had a both salty and greasy taste. As soon as I consumed it, it swiftly depleted the fats in my body and converted them into mitochondria. There was no stopping it.]
‘…T-Carnitine?’
So, what is this? Is it a unique substance exclusive to this world? Raciel’s eyes quickly scanned Poboki’s diary.
[…Furthermore, they even operated during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cycles. Normally, for similar L-Carnitine, the intake is limited to no more than 2 grams per day, but there’s no such restriction here. It’s unbelievable. No side effects even with an intake exceeding 2 grams. Life isn’t fair, is it?]
‘What?’
It seemed like a scam. He sensed it as soon as he read it. L-Carnitine, which aids in fat burning, can lead to various side effects when consumed excessively. That’s why there are daily intake limits. But here, there was no limit? And no side effects even with excessive consumption?
‘Really… is this some kind of cheat code?’
The more he thought about it, the faster his heart raced. He had already been contemplating ways to expedite the 2nd Prince’s diet. What a fortunate coincidence this was.
‘Is this too contrived? Could it be a situation intended by someone, like a god or the creator of this world? Otherwise, it doesn’t make sense.’
A slight doubt(?) crept in.
But there was no way to confirm it.
‘Well, anyway. Typically, L-Carnitine is commonly found in dietary supplements. But if one can consume this without any limits or side effects… Phew.’
He already envisioned the slimmed-down appearance of the 2nd Prince. On one hand, he glimpsed a bright new future. Vesparos Queen Bee Wine, packed with this deceptive T-Carnitine. What if he refines this into medicine and sells it?
‘It would revolutionize the dietary supplement industry in no time. It would instantly reshape the hierarchy.’
He envisions the numerous overweight individuals across the continent reaching into their wallets. No, they might even come running with carriages loaded with bundles of money.
Raciel takes a deep breath.
“Well done, Poboki.”
“Poki?”
“Thank you for the component analysis today.”
“…Pobi!”
Poboki, who seemed to have come back to life, winks with one eye. A satisfied smile spreads across Raciel’s face.
Now, it’s time to ignite the 2nd Prince’s fat.
♣
Two months have elapsed.
The diet has been grueling.
The 2nd Prince has shed a staggering 62 kilograms.
Ding-dong!
[Comprehensive Examination Report]
[Examinee: Theodor Palermo Magentano]
[Species: Human]
[Gender: Male]
[Age: 20]
[Height: 184.3 cm]
[Weight: 88.1 kg]
[Blood Type: Rh+ A]
‘…It really worked. Under 90 kilograms, 2-month cut success!’
On the 60th day since commencing his diet, Raciel inwardly cheers as he sees the test results of the second prince.
[Comprehensive Opinion: The body is currently undergoing metabolic disruption due to rapid weight loss from an excessively obese state. Ketosis fat metabolism is highly active. There is accumulated fatigue in the liver and kidneys due to the rapid weight loss. It is recommended to take a month-long rest period for bodily balance and health.]
[Your organs extend both a polite applause and genuine concerns for your rigorous efforts that led to the second prince’s successful diet.]
[Heart: Haha, look at the transformation from a mass of fat into a person. So hardcore.]
[Lungs: Phew…haha.]
[Large Intestine: My fellow organs, the ones on that side must have been utterly exhausted, right?]
[Liver: If I were in that situation, I would’ve gone on strike. Haha.]
[Stomach: If it were me, I would’ve run away. Life without carbs? No way. Haha.]
[Kidney: If our body ever does something like this, I’ll create kidney stones as payback. Let’s see who gives in first. Haha.]
“……”
He gets chills for a moment.
Well, anyway, this wasn’t just a success; it was a massive success. If anyone had witnessed the second prince’s weight loss, gyms and pharmaceutical companies would be eager to contact him for a successful diet case study.
This was an overwhelmingly successful diet.
“Right? You feel it too, don’t you?”
Raciel turns his head with a sly smile. There stands the second prince, Theodor, looking transformed.
“Yes, thanks to you, I had to discard all the clothes that used to fit me.”
The jiggling flesh that once hovered around 150 kilograms has vanished. He’s returned to being a rather robust and handsome man. If he had a slim model-like body before, now he has a bulkier, sturdier appearance.
‘The impact of Vesparos Queen Bee was substantial.’
The unknown substance, T-Carnitine, had an astonishing effect. As soon as he consumed it, it burned fat like a nuclear fusion reactor. It also contributed significantly to his recovery from physical fatigue!
That’s why.
The combination of the Asrahan Core Technique that the second prince originally possessed and T-Carnitine allowed for almost cheat-level physical recovery. It was like giving a full set of male hormones to King Kong and making him exercise.
He could fully recover after just a few hours of sleep, even after a day filled with exercise. Thanks to that, he could consistently maintain a strict diet and exercise regimen, including swimming. He also took preventive measures like acupuncture and cupping for muscles, fascia, ligaments, and joints.
It was a process similar to sculpting a person out of a block of fat. As a result, the second prince had somewhat regained his former physique.
“So, aren’t you grateful to me?”
“Thank you. Truly.”
“See?”
“Yes.”
The second prince, Theodor, nodded his head. It was sincere. The past two months had been days of literally chiseling away the fat. But could he claim that the result was entirely due to his own efforts? The thought crossed his mind occasionally.
‘If it weren’t for Brother’s advice, management, and encouragement… it wouldn’t have been possible.’
Thanks to relocating to the Star Palace, following dietary instructions, and adhering to exercise routines, all the encouragement and occasional nagging played a crucial role. And the peculiar-tasting alcohol that Raciel personally brewed and aged.
“……”
That peculiar alcohol.
Just thinking about it made it feel as though a million thorns sprouted on his tongue. It was no exaggeration; it had no flavor. It was the most tasteless thing he had ever consumed, even worse than any food or accidental ingestions.
‘Even dog feces rolling on the street would be sweeter. Seriously.’
It was that severe. If he had to describe it? It probably tasted like Ogre earwax.
From the moment it touched his tongue, he wanted to sever it. When swallowing, it felt as if the esophagus wanted to escape. His stomach churned and twisted as if performing a doomsday serenade.
Yet, he wasn’t even allowed a piece of candy as a palate cleanser. Because consuming sugar would hinder fat metabolism!
“……”
How dreadful it was to have to take a spoonful of that alcohol with each meal. He subtly expressed his discomfort to Raciel. He even inquired about its ingredients. But the only response he received was…
‘Hey, it’s good for you. Just try a spoonful. Trust me, give it a try.’
…that was it.
He simply had to trust.
He simply had to endure.
His faith and patience were not in vain.
“I genuinely thank you, brother. If it weren’t for you, for your encouraging words… I would still be languishing in the Second Prince’s palace. I’d still be brooding over my failures and lamenting my fate.”
“Uh-huh. You surely would be.”
“Yes. That’s why I’m even more appreciative. Brother, you didn’t just help me shed weight. You saved my future and my life.”
“Uh-huh. That’s absolutely true.”
“So, I am genuinely, sincerely grateful.”
“Uh-huh. But is that all?”
“…Yes?”
Theodore paused.
What did his brother mean by that question? He had conveyed his gratitude for the favor he had received. He had sincerely said ‘thank you’ multiple times. But was that all that was expected? What else could be required? He felt puzzled.
Raciel clicked his tongue.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. You don’t understand the basics of social etiquette, huh?”
“Excuse me? What do you mean…?”
“You mentioned that you’re grateful to me.”
“Yes, I genuinely am.”
“But are you just expressing it with words?”
“…Yes?”
“Who in the world can’t convey gratitude with words alone? Even a stray dog could do it a hundred times if asked, right?”
“That’s…true.”
“Exactly. So, do you think the favor I’ve done for you is so insignificant that mere words would suffice? After helping you for the past two months? Is that all it’s worth?”
“Oh, I hadn’t thought about it that way…”
“You didn’t think, did you?”
“Yes, I’m sorry.”
“So, what should you do?”
“I should show my gratitude not only through words but in other ways as well.”
“That’s right. Exactly.”
Finally, a satisfied smile appeared on Raciel’s lips. This was the truth. Who in the world would just say ‘thanks’ and move on? If you’ve received a favor in this challenging world, shouldn’t you at least treat the person to some good food and a drink? Isn’t that the proper way?
Furthermore, this was precisely what Raciel had been aiming for from the beginning.
“So, do me one favor.”
“What kind of favor are you talking about?”
“It’s not a difficult request.”
“Please, just tell me, brother.”
A determined gleam shone in Theodor’s eyes. He was genuine. He was truly immensely thankful. Confined to the Second Prince’s palace, ignored by everyone, his brother had been the first person to genuinely extend a helping hand to him.
He absolutely wanted to repay the favor.
He would fulfill any request. He would wholeheartedly assist his brother in reciprocating the kindness. If it was something within his capacity to help his brother with, he would do it earnestly.
He made a resolute commitment inwardly.
Thanks to this determination,
“Good. Then, marry in my place.”
When Raciel said this with a composed expression, the Second Prince suddenly had second thoughts.
‘Should I just regain the weight?’
(To be Continued)
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