I Got Tired Of Being A Royal, So I Stepped Down And Became A Convenience Worker

I was 7 years old when I found out I had a talent in music. The grand piano that stood out in the living room basically called out to me and begged to be played. I remember asking my parents for a tutor the moment my fingers touched the white and black keys. I learnt how to play the instrument in a short period of time and it was just the beginning. Eventually, I found out about the organ and pressed my parents about getting another tutor. Due to my knowledge of the piano, I was slightly at an advantage and I took that to my lessons and learnt it at a faster pace. As more and more time went ahead, my interest in instruments never wavered. My love for the keyboard instruments then moved to the wind instruments and I found myself learning each wind instrument that came to my attention. But the amusement I felt when I consumed more lessons slowly flickered and transformed into boredom. With the constant pressure of pleasing my parents because of my special talent and them not really giving me the praise I’ve always wanted, I just gave up. They always stayed by my big sister’s side, and while I understood why, I just felt lonely. Instead of being clingy and acting like a brat, I isolated myself in our library. I read every children’s book I could reach and when I found no more of the same classification, I began to read advance ones such as novels, but even then did they not take the time to check up on me and remove me from the library chambers. But it’s okay. I think. I had charity work and school to keep me company. I even made a few friends to bond with. I met Ryan and Amy at school and they’re the best! Although they fight and disagree about stuff a lot, it makes me happy knowing that they still stayed beside me even with my title as a princess. I love them so much! And my sister really wasn’t mean or anything, we spent a lot of time together! It was just me misunderstanding her as some kind of mean sibling, but instead, she had the kindest heart a human could have. She would be perfect for a queen, but my dumb jealousy would linger here and there. She was the best sister I could ever have and I made sure to cherish her. Time passed by so fast and before I knew it, I was entering high school. I didn’t really do much but keep my grades at the top and read all kinds of books. I didn’t even involve myself in romantic relationships with others, though I’m pretty sure that’s not allowed. Maybe. I had a pretty uneventful school days, but that didn’t mean my royal duties were neglected. I followed in my big sister’s footsteps and did whatever a royal would do. Halfway in my high school, my sister announced her engagement with her partner. I was really happy for her and I approved of their relationship. Her announcement made me think about those kind of relationships. I’m pretty sure they’re the same as friends, but with intimacy. I didn’t know how it felt to be in a romantic relationship and was curious, so when a schoolmate of mine named Frans confessed to me under our school tree, I wholeheartedly accepted his feelings. Surprisingly our relationship stayed strong. We finished high school and college together with me having a Bachelor’s Degree in English Language and him Bachelor’s in Criminology Program. We were happy. My parents supported our relationship and everything was going well. We both lived in the manor that my mom and dad gifted me on my 18th birthday. I had the life that many people would do anything for. So why now am I making this decision? “I, Princess Lucille Aubergine Emily Ardolf, intend to step back as a member of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent.” It was an understatement to say that everyone was shocked. The King and Queen’s eyes widened, looking at each other as if asking if they knew about my decision. They both shook their heads. For the sake of publicity, my family remained calm and delivered a speech befitting of a supporting parent respecting my decision. I could feel my eyes giving out from the constant flashes of cameras and the furious writings of the journalists present. With how everything was going, I constantly had to convince myself that my decision was final and I do not regret saying them. But when everything was over and the press was gone, we all went home and my family bombarded me with questions. “What was that outrageous claim?! You never discussed this with us!” “What will the public think of this now? Why did you suddenly announce it to everyone without consulting us first?!” “Are you trying to ruin the royal family’s name?!” I looked down, suddenly growing faux interest at the white marble tiles. To be honest, I did try to talk about this with them but they were always busy or they tell me they’ll try to squeeze me in on their schedule but it never happened. I already told my sister and my friends about this, but even they were appalled yet understanding. I’ve waited for as long as I could, and now that I grew tired of waiting albeit being a reckless move, I just went ahead and announced it to the whole world. Haah… I can already see the articles talking about this… I faced them and uttered a small, “I’m tired,” and walked away, heading outside the palace. I headed to our garden, hoping that tending the flowers or drinking tea in one of our gazebos would give me a peace of mind. When I was met with a familiar man sitting on one of the chairs, I immediately lit up and hurriedly went to his side. “Frans!” I waved my hand, a bright smile making its way to my face, “I’m so happy you’re here. I was about to collapse on how my mum and dad were going on and on about—“ A loud smack rang in my ears, my head suddenly facing the ground. The stinging pain on my left cheek didn’t register until I saw his face bridled with anger. I slowly touched my cheek and looked at him in disbelief. “… ridiculous… never expected… stupidest… why would…” I could barely make out what he was saying. There were so many thoughts running in my mind, and with my eyes blurring and heart sinking, I didn’t need to listen to him to understand what he was saying. His actions and facial expressions were enough. He’s disappointed in me. “.. I can never have the chance in luxury now!” My senses were regaining but my tears wouldn’t stop falling. “And it’s all because of you, Princess Lucille. You ruined my life. My dream.” My world shattered in front of me. In the end, what he wanted was just a free seat to one of the influential families. And honestly, who wouldn’t? I understood where he came from but I felt betrayed. I felt so betrayed that I just dropped on the ground and silently cried, covering my mouth with my hand. I was a fool to believe that he harbored real feelings for me. I was a fool to think that we’d be happy forever. I really believed in him, and now that I know what his true intentions were, I felt like a huge meteorite just struck me. I was used yet why do I feel like our moments together; our little dates, our little banters, the surprises we hold at each other’s birthday, his promise to marry me, felt so real? “Leave.” I managed to let out a quiet command. His angry rant stopped and turned to confusion. “What?” “Leave or I’ll have my sister exile you from our country!” I yelled, not really caring what I was saying or what was happening. I just want to be alone. He scoffed at my threat, “You’re just a spoiled brat through and through,” my eyes widened, “no wonder your parents never bothered to take care of you.” His footsteps slowly trailed off, and when I couldn’t hear them anymore, I let out the dam that I’ve held in and let them flow. I couldn’t believe those words came out of him. Was my decision really that bad? It was for me and my parents’ sake, and I thought he’d be at least happy for me but I guess I expected too much. When my tears no longer flowed, I let out a heavy sigh. With how grim the situation for me was, I was convinced that I made the right decision albeit so many things happened at once. But the guilt that grew in my core began to sprout. Was it selfish of me to rest—or to put it harshly, running away—from the responsibilities I was born in? I definitely didn’t ask to be a princess and while the lifestyle was lavish, I felt out of place. It’s like I wasn’t meant to live such a rich and relaxing yet stressful life. I told my parents I’d give them back the land and manor I owned and refused to live under their money. Although my name was being carelessly thrown around by the public, I successfully remained a somewhat tranquil life in a small apartment. With the money I was given since I was crowned, I decided I’d donate a good amount of it and leave the rest for emergency purposes. I waited for the news to calm down but it took a while. My departure was sudden, that much I understand, but it didn’t mean they would keep talking about it for weeks. And the more I waited, the more I grew weary of staying in. I wanted to move and earn my own money but without attracting attention. Being an office worker sounded tiring to me, and while I could go back to school, the thought of writing a thesis drains me. I opted for a simpler job that doesn’t really require huge achievements: a convenience worker. Now you may ask, ‘how did that come to your mind’? Well, I once took a stroll around the park in front of the apartment complex that I currently reside in and heard a*****e worker singing. The doors were open albeit the cold air of the air conditioner going away so my ears perked up when I heard the voice. Without noticing, I found myself entering the store. I couldn’t make out what he was singing about but his voice captivated me. His deep, alluring voice that reached my ears made me blush in astonishment. I slowly took small steps to where he was and didn’t notice the yellow sign that said the floor was slippery. And I slipped. Hard. Thankfully I fell on my bum and not my head but it doesn’t mean I didn’t feel any pain. The singing stopped and I was forced to look up. I saw concerned orbs that were directed to me and I flushed out of embarrassment. “Are... Are you okay, ma’am?” The man, whose name I discovered was Ryusei judging from the name pin hanging on his left chest, held out his hand. The position he was in and the soft rays of the sun hitting his face really made him look like an angel. “Yes, thank you, I’m fine...” I took his hand, eyes still remaining on his. At that moment I thought, ‘he’s so pretty’. His olive brown eyes that seemed to comfort me and his careful yet strong touch when he pulled me up— I think I fell in love. And in that moment, I made yet another outrageous and sudden claim. “I’d like to work here!”