Chapter 9: Reflections and Regrets

After I arrange everywhere, I get small time rest.

At last, I don help Crown Prince balance the throne.

Truth be say, nothing dey to fear. I don set everything for this boy—succession letter, loyal chiefs, soldiers, money, everything clear.

Even if I no dey, he suppose handle am—na me train am myself.

Who go believe, at last, na me no fit drop the work.

I start king work at fourteen, rule for thirty years—no be the best, but at least I try.

But for forty-five, I just notice say my strength dey finish. Before, I fit read document till midnight, just sleep small, I go dey okay. But now, I always dey tired, sleep no dey help.

At first, I no worry, but e just dey worse, till I no fit even stand up.

Doctors say I don overwork, my body don tire.

Dem find all the best medicine, but nothing really work.

I know say my time reach.

Lucky say everything dey ready for Crown Prince—he just need enter, enjoy as king.

As I dey bed, I call all the chiefs one by one, still dey repeat advice for Crown Prince.

I wonder if I worry the boy so tey he no wan do again?

So… he run last minute?

That one no be how our Ifedike family dey behave o.

Boy, if I catch you, I go beat you well.

As I dey think this thing, I dey remember how my papa slap me when I try hide for yam barn. If I catch this boy for spiritual side, na cane go hear am.