THENEXTPRINCE, Chapter 27: Affectionate Companion.
‘Nin, on the other hand, you have to ask yourself…’
‘In summary, do you still feel anxious?’
The muffled sound still reverberated in his thoughts, making the small body in the large bed uncomfortable.
Khanin blinked, shifting his body in an indeterminate rhythm, before settling down and gazing at the ceiling. Although he didn’t know what was interesting about it.
Describing the changed pronouns that caused such unfamiliar feelings would be beyond Khanin’s ability to explain.
But… there was something lingering in the feelings, causing his heart rate to distort to a frightening extent.
Perhaps Chakri should consult the monk… or not.
Or maybe he rested too little…
Vibrant lips approached each other, their heads lightly brushed against each other, chasing away wandering thoughts, taking deep breaths, before imitating the behavior of a snail.
The young man tried to dismiss the thoughts revolving around Charan. Then he decided to get up and take a shower, carry out his daily chores with determination, before encountering something intriguing that he longed for. Khanin named it the Theory of Nostalgia…
Whenever he told himself to stop thinking about the other side, it was the same as when the thoughts started working, seemingly happening more often than the brain could dictate and control.
For example, during his shower, or while having a meal. He did everything slower, and it happened without his awareness. Even when conversing with…
the housekeeper. His responses were slow, causing the other side to get frustrated and scold him.
Everything felt strange, especially the lump in his left chest, and Charan was the main cause of his erratic behavior…
Why did it turn out like this? Please don’t use formal language. Charan doesn’t use it anymore, right?
And what’s so strange about it, just, between me and Nin… I don’t see anything particularly special, other people call each other various things…
…
Nin…
Nin… Pha…
“Your Highness… Your Highness.”
“Yes… yes!”
The sound of Chakri’s call made Khanin’s mind wander back and his eyes turned to the chubby figure of the butler who was stooping and walking towards them with eyes full of doubt.
“Remove it, why are you smiling, Your Highness.”
“Am I smiling? No, I’m not smiling, why would I smile.” The person accused of smiling at his father’s words quickly changed his face back to a calm and normal expression.
“Your Highness, you really smiled even though Your Highness just said…
Your Highness, you have buttoned yourself wrong.”
“And why did you just say it now?” The blood descendant of the Kattariya family blushed, looking back at his own attire, while Chakri continued to grumble.
“I told you, Your Highness… but you smiled. Chakri thought it was a new fashion.”
What fashion! He’s been wrong since the beginning! Damnit!
After the chaos with dressing up, Khanin immediately approached the Sovereign King. Because it was an urgent command.
“Young Prince Khanin, the Sovereign King, allows you to approach, Your Highness.” The voice from the small microphone walking in front stopped, calling the young aristocrat to rise from the chair in the waiting room.
Khanin turned to his trusted confidant once again to have the other side help check if everything was in order, before following the person who came to bring him face to face with the highest authority in this palace.
…
Inside the royal chamber, it was quiet. Although it wasn’t his first time coming here, this time Khanin felt something different.
Despite his grandfather’s workroom being decorated with mahogany wood emphasizing red and gold on a white floor, relying on morning light from the window like always, today Khanin didn’t feel the warmth of the sunlight like before…
The spirits alerted him that something was wrong, noticeable from the people in the surrounding poses. If Khanin’s senses were not mistaken, he could feel that everyone seemed to be unnaturally stiff… Those postures indicated that something important must be discussed today.
“Hello, Grandfather.” Being younger, one must greet the elders first.
Khanin followed the etiquette taught by Chakri in Emmaly Society 101.
The younger person smiled when looking at the person who was sitting at the document-filled table.
“Please sit down first.” A soft commanding voice resounded, before the highest figure in the palace turned back to pay attention to the pile of documents in front of him, just as before.
“Okay.” The serene and picturesque atmosphere made Khanin feel relaxed, as he settled down to sit in front of the elderly man with more tranquility. He waited patiently until the other party finished signing the final document.
He looked at his close friend Wanrun, who bent down to pick up a blue silk handkerchief with a national emblem from the table, a gesture that seemed more graceful than his age would suggest. Their eyes met briefly, conveying another layer of understanding.
“Have you had breakfast?”
“Yes, I have.”
“Good… If that’s the case, let’s get straight to the point without hesitation.”
The sentence just uttered by your grandfather indicated to Khanin that the inquiry about breakfast was merely an introduction to the conversation.
Because after answering the question, the initially tense atmosphere suddenly transformed into a sense of pressure, not unlike the moment when one looks at the interrogator of a criminal offense.
One thing he learned upon entering the palace was that he had to remain true to himself, as long as he didn’t sway with the surroundings. Khanin still had the privilege of explaining himself, even in front of the esteemed head of the Emmaly dynasty.
“Do you have something to say?” He raised his eyebrows upon hearing the question from the venerable figure. In his mind, the young man tried to recall the events of the previous night, analyzing and dissecting any mistakes, but found that he had not deviated from the scheduled agenda in the slightest.
He didn’t display any signs of unease, but adjusted his demeanor to appear eager, ready to receive any communication from the senior.
This caused the older person to breathe out lightly, while Khanin smiled…
The surrounding atmosphere gradually relaxed, as evident to the eye.
“Do you know what you did last night?”
“What do you mean?” The young man furrowed his brow upon hearing the question from the grandparent. In his mind, he attempted to recall the events of the previous night, analyze and identify any mistakes, only to realize that he hadn’t done anything contrary to the set schedule.
Therefore, the reaction displayed in front of the elder was merely a sigh from someone younger who could only breathe in one moment… and failed to properly analyze the situation.
“Virun.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Hand me our iPad, please.”
The sound of footsteps ceased as Sovereign-King, Virun, approached closely, handing the open news article from a website for the fair-skinned patriarch to read.
“…”
“…”
“Read it aloud for me, please.”
“Glancing at the young lord, Khanin, introducing himself as… the son of Atsawathewathin?!” Khanin unintentionally emphasized the last sentence, but due to surprise, his voice escaped loudly.
Wide-eyed, he shifted his gaze from the iPad to the imposing figure of the patriarch, hastening a reaction that prompted the ruler to take another breath and issue a command.
“Continue reading.”
“Um… Okay…” Khanin’s lips slightly curved as they automatically moved closer to read the entire headline. Like, seriously focused.
“Gaze fixed… Young-Lord Khanin, revealed that the one at the center of the celebration last night was… Atsawathewathin future-in-law! The event was astonishing, it wasn’t just anyone… Charan Phitakthewa, the young artist favored by the Sovereign-King… Read more in the link.” “You don’t have to read the link, it’s your choice.”
“Sorry about that.”
I wonder how your grandfather is feeling. Is he suppressing his frustration or laughing at how he can still be humorous even in such headline news? Or is he thinking of a way to enact punishment that might make the dynasty fall into the news?
But ultimately, Khanin feels a warm breeze gently brushing against his cheeks, indicating that making decisions to break down walls on the other side by playing small pranks can help the elderly to reduce stress.
Even if it’s just a little…
“What do you think of this news?”
“I’m a bit surprised… and I wonder why I made it into the news when I’ve changed partners on the dance floor. Why does it have to be news about him?”
“Because of the gaze… and what else do you think?”
A short explanation doesn’t help Khanin understand. The silent young man lowered his gaze and pondered on what he considered important… appropriately.
“And… why didn’t they choose a more handsome photo than this one?” A soft voice murmured at the end, as the observing person glanced at the young man for a moment before their lips met.
With just a few words, Khanin could understand everything. His deep brown eyes sparkled with clarity. He had let his heart know that you urgently called for a complaint…
And when you’re scolded by adults, you have to find a way to survive.
If you don’t confess your love to the other party until they forget what to say next, you should quickly change the topic and shift their attention elsewhere, so you won’t get scolded again.
This method always works with my father, and it seems to work with grandfather too.
“Khanin… What your grandfather wants you to know is that this news about you becoming such a sensation with Charan is a rumor. You should give importance to appearances more than this, as the Young Prince of
Atsawathewathin, or at least as the current heir apparent of Sovereign-King.”
“I’m sorry… but…”
“But?”
“I don’t think we should pay attention to it at all. These kinds of news come and go quickly.”
“…”
“People will eventually stop caring. Even if it’s constant gossip about someone in the royal family, if it’s not true, what’s the use of proving it ourselves? Also… I have something I want to talk to you about, grandfather. I think we have something more interesting to talk about than the whispers going on right now.”
“And do you think there’s something that should matter more to me than the image of just my one grandson?” Dhipabawon smiled slightly when he heard his grandson trying to steer the conversation towards something else.
It’s true that he can’t see through the antics of young people, but he just wants to know which stick Khanin will choose to sway more.
“I think right now we should focus more on team formation. I have none whom I want to join my team yet.”
“Well, that’s more interesting, isn’t it?” Sovereign-King conceded with a smile.
The young boy sneaked a sigh, too preoccupied to notice someone else sneaking a smile, with a cunning plan to approach the majestic lion field.
Sly antics aren’t easy.
“And none of the candidates caught your attention?”
“Not yet… Today, I would like to request a certain privilege…” Khanin didn’t beat around the bush or hesitate when someone older opened up a channel. He got straight to the main point, his serious face more convincing than the old way of asking Dhipabawon to use his attentive meditation to listen.
“Something?”
“Yes.”
“Well then, go ahead. If I can grant it, I will.” The elderly man asked with understanding. His wrinkled eyes tried to show empathy, warmth, making Khanin swallow quickly, and his throat filled with anxiety.
The young boy knew well about his own intentions and desires, but when it came to mentioning the name of another person who had been in his thoughts all along, he couldn’t speak it out like that.
At first, he understood that it was because of his grandfather’s displeased posture when he saw the news about himself and Charan.
But after pondering for a while and realizing that someone’s name could affect the rate at which their heart beat, Khanin had started to feel this suffocation.
But still, he had to speak! After spending the whole night thinking, how could he let such a good opportunity slip away?
“If I want to… request Khun Charan… to be by my side as a companion, can
I?”
“Reasons?” Sovereign-King responded immediately, the old man neither smiled or laughed. Only the petal-colored eyebrows slightly rose with curiosity.
Seeing that, Khanin quickly explained his prepared plan to the elder person, for him to listen immediately.
“I want him to help find people to join the team. I’ve fought him with a sword and I never lost until… I know that deep down he’s very talented, so talented that he might be… the type that’s difficult to catch… But I don’t want him to join the team. Because it seems like he doesn’t want to face anyone with a sword.”
“…”
“I don’t want to force him. I just thought that he might know talented people who haven’t been hired or purchased by other teams, so maybe he could make a recommendation.” The young boy thought that his ability was rap. Khanin explained at length while the older person continued to ask.
“And the person I found, are they talented in any way?”
“They’re talented… they just don’t want to choose.”
“Then can I ask why?”
“If they are chosen, it’s like showing all the cards in our hands to others, like revealing our strategy to the opponent before entering the field. I’m worried about this because I start the game later than everyone else and I don’t know who I can really trust. So, I want someone who is not known to anyone, I want to build my own team from the beginning. No, I want the opponent to know how we will play the game.”
Khanin’s words seemed to have a significant impact on the Sovereign King’s thoughts. When he heard someone younger explaining the reasons for the request, Dhipabawon turned to find the guardian standing not far away, but slightly out of reach.
“Virun.”
“Your Majesty?”
“Call Charan in.”
Khanin’s eyes widened when he heard another person’s name, and the young boy blushed, his heart skipping a beat.
A sense of embarrassment spread from an unknown source. Even though earlier he dared to make a joke to entertain the Sovereign King.
Well, how did you come here? When did you arrive?
Not that he arrived in time to hear me complimenting him, right?
Oh, embarrassed.
The familiar sound of footsteps announced Charan’s arrival, the owner of a handsome face and captivating eyes, who bowed respectfully before stopping by and paying his respects to the room’s owner in order.
“Paying respects, Your Majesty…” Charan still maintained his dignity and composure, holding his hands in front, but their eyes did not meet.
“Charan, did you hear the conversation between me and Khanin?” Dhipabawon’s question was like an electric shock.
The young boy’s lips trembled slightly, feeling a dark cloud descend upon him when he heard Charan’s response. “I heard everything, Your Majesty.”
Okay… clear.
The confirmed statement from the leader of the Phitakthewa family struck the young boy’s face. Khanin looked away, wanting to use his extraordinary powers to forget that he had just praised the other party.
I have fought him with a sword before and never lost. I know that he is very skilled, so skilled that he is difficult to catch…
Really?
Forget it. Let’s say I didn’t say it, didn’t say it, didn’t compliment him… didn’t say that I lost to him!
“I will not listen to you, Khanin, even though you speak reasonably, but I must ask Charan’s willingness first.”
“Your Majesty.”
“What do you think about this, Charan?”
“Your Highness, may I grant permission… it seems appropriate to follow the Young Prince’s wish.”
Actually, it has already been agreed upon, but when he heard the official response from Charan once again, a lump rose in Khanin’s left chest…
“Do you know that the position of the royal knight must be proven by entering the examination with the highest scores, have a sword duel with a guardian who is a training instructor from the Pitak Tewakul clan, and win two out of five matches in the royal arena to become a royal knight?”
“Your Highness, you are well aware.”
“I see… um… So that means you’re willing to reveal your sword-fighting abilities. Then, all that talk about keeping it a secret from me was unnecessary, right?”
“…”
Because Charan is silent, and there’s tension in the air. Khanin, who remains somewhat aware, glances at the news on his iPad and raises his hand to signal a quiet moment.
“Um, may I interject?”
“Actually, it’s not necessary… but for Khanin’s sake, I will grant permission. Speak your mind.”
“If we don’t appoint Khun Charan as the official bodyguard…”
“Then?”
“In that case, may I exercise my right to appoint with my approval,
Grandfather?”
A strong gust of tension fills the room. Charan’s face clearly shows surprise, while the other party gazes back, their face seemingly revealing tails and wings emerging from their body.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Most people think that Khun Charan and I have a romantic relationship. If that’s the case, why don’t we use that news to our advantage?”
“…”
The room falls into a solemn silence. Khanin takes a deep breath before hastily explaining further.
“If we say the appointment was for an affectionate companion, Khun
Charan wouldn’t need to reveal his sword-fighting abilities, right? I remember
Chakri said there was someone who did it like this before.”
Khanin was referring to the accepted rules, which have been recorded in Emmaly’s history.
To the best of our knowledge, there have been instances of noble people that were appointed as affectionate companions. Although it may be scarce at times, they ultimately received consent from the country’s leaders at that time.
“…”
“This way, I would have a bodyguard named Khun Charan. No one would doubt our outings together, and no one would suspect that Khun Charan has sword-fighting skills when planning something between the two of us. Let people interpret it themselves that I am someone who acts according to my own desires… In any case, those people won’t have a way to know.”
“…”
“…”
“But I’ll do it as a decoy, someone else who fits the criteria chosen by Grandfather.”
“What you mean is that you’ll do everything as it should be, and then divert in another direction to find a way to defeat the opponent without letting the other party know what plans you have… Is that right?”
“Yes, I have read it before in ‘Three Kingdoms’. It’s the strategy of using decoys.” The youngest person in this room smiles, as Khanin’s eyes sparkle when he talks about his carefully planned strategy.
Dhipabawon smiled contentedly, pleased to know that his only grandson shared the same mindset… even in evading danger.
Therefore, the old man chose to keep the dilemma lingering in his mind, to return to focusing on the most important matters at hand, for now.
“If it’s done that way, then Charan would be the one at a disadvantage.”
“Hmm…”
“Charan, if you assume this position, it means that Khanin’s plan will eliminate the chance for you to experience love for many more years. Would you accept this offer?”
The Sovereign King’s words widened the eyes of the person who had forgotten about this matter. Khanin clenched his lips, his mind filled with thoughts he hadn’t anticipated.
That’s true… if it’s done like that, then Charan won’t have a girlfriend.
If one day Charan develops feelings for someone… his role as the heir apparent would become an obstacle to the happiness of the other person, wouldn’t it?
No, he wouldn’t allow this situation to occur.
“If that’s the case… we won’t use this method anymore, Grandfather. We’ll use a different approach…”
“Your Highness, I wholeheartedly support this.”
Khanin didn’t have time to finish his sentence as someone standing still like a statue suddenly spoke.
The young prince quickly turned to look, feeling a slight surge in his throat, while the owner of the voice hesitantly responded to the proposal that felt as if it trapped him, preventing any further denial.
Charan agreed too easily, too easily as if he was just being invited to have a meal…
“That’s not good. How will you do that? And what if someday you want to have a g-…”
“Your Highness, no one holds a place in my heart… and I believe there won’t ever be someone.”
A laugh escaped from the old man’s throat, causing everyone to compose themselves in silence. Khanin’s charming face showed a hint of disappointment, unanticipated by himself.
No dialogue, no sound in the room, as if one could almost hear even the rustling of leaves outside swayed by the wind, Dhipabawon made a decisive decision on behalf of everyone.
“Alright… if that’s the case, then we’ve reached a conclusion… agreed, I allow the appointment of Charan as the affectionate-companion of the heir apparent , and I will announce that my grandson, with my consent, has been appointed an affectionate companion.” Dhipabawon emphasized the weight of his words.
The corner of his eye, wrinkled with age, glanced at the one he had nurtured, resembling his grandson in appearance, before exhaling a profound sigh, adding with a soft voice, “Because regardless… Charan is wholeheartedly dedicated… it shouldn’t cause any harm.”
“…”
“If there’s nothing else, all of you should go and carry out your duties. I need some rest..” Dhipabawon paused, then turned to instruct Virun to send out the guests.
Khanin took the lead. Then he hesitated, looking for a familiar butler. But seeing no one, he understood that Chakri must have returned to wait in the bedroom.
The hallway now contained only the Phitakthewa clan leader and the young prince. Their eyes briefly avoided each other, before they decided to exchange greetings.
“You…”
Khanin reluctantly stopped in the long corridor on the second floor of the left-wing of the palace. The lingering tension from the recent events pushed him to turn back and find the person walking behind him.
“Hmm…”
“Thank you.” It took him a while to express his gratitude. He averted his gaze, surveying the area to make sure no one was listening to their normal conversation.
“About what?” Charan stopped frowning, still not fully understanding the purpose of this somewhat heartfelt thanks.
“Well… about today.” He straightforwardly admitted that Khanin wasn’t very skilled at expressing such sincere gratitude.
It was difficult because the atmosphere around them made it overwhelming.
“…”
“Thank you for agreeing to cooperate with me. Thank you for coming back…” The young prince’s eyes were sincere. Their beautiful gaze affected Charan’s feelings, prompting the older man to quickly lower his eyes and look in another direction.
“I made a promise to do more than just my duties… and I must keep that promise.” He responded as if it was no big deal, but inside, it was conflicting.
Charan was wholeheartedly willing to help Khanin because he felt a sense of guilt and wanted to assist the young man’s emotions.
Just like how Khanin cared about Charan’s feelings… They were evenly matched.
“But it’s a bit too much… what grandfather said. If you accept this offer, it’s not just about not having a girlfriend, but you will be involved with Nin. I think
I underestimated it… I apologize.”
“And who else needs to be involved in this matter?”
“Me… and you…”
“Wow, why did you let yourself be gossiped about like that?” The tall figure raised an eyebrow in a mild question, intending for the young man to reflect on it again.
“Well… you said you wouldn’t draw your sword against others, so stubbornly… and I wanted you to be with me. So, I had to resort to this method.”
“This method?”
“I can’t protect you from being gossiped about. Because somehow, others are already talking about us this much.”
“…”
“But believe me. At least. I can keep your secret, I promise no one will know. I’ll keep your secret to myself. Because now, we are a team.”
What is the thing that holds the shattered heart of a grown person so tightly?
Charan has asked questions and sought answers many times, but his answers have never escaped the words ‘burden’ and ‘responsibility.’
It’s drastically different from this time. Khanin smiled a little. Then Charan responded, saying that it meant a lot to him to have someone understand and try to protect each other, something he had never received from anyone before.
And it holds emotional value, impacting the heart in a more intense way than Charan himself could have imagined…
“Oh, the same team, huh… In that case, can you tell me what the duties of a close confidant are?”
It’s no different from permission and acceptance in status… Khanin revealed a wide smile, before smoothly continuing the conversation.
“Let’s start by grabbing a snack together, shall we?” The sound of people talking in a funny manner.
Khanin looked up as they descended the grand staircase of the palace, the young boy not rushing. He silently smiled to himself as he glanced at a few people following closely behind.
They used to argue at this very spot, some pretending to be indifferent and cool, refusing each other in every possible way. And now, look at them, they have changed into completely different people.
Khanin felt like if this were a game, he would be the victorious one.
Ah… alright. If we don’t count the injuries caused by possessive pronouns and such…
“Sigh, what a laughable situation…” Because he saw someone younger, he couldn’t help but crack a smile. Charan refrained from asking out of curiosity.
“What do you want to be called?” Abruptly halting as they reached the entrance of the living room. Khanin frowned, feeling slightly awkward and flustered with the changed and alternating pronouns.
When Charan replaced himself with ‘Phii’ but then shifted back when they were apart, Khanin didn’t like it.
“This area is vast. It wouldn’t be appropriate if anyone overheard.” Whispers from the surrounding people.
Khanin held back, determined to argue back, but got interrupted by a third person appearing first. Their natural conversation had to come to an end.
“Who is it…”
“Khanin, Charan.” They were siblings, the only two in the royal family who respected and smiled at each other. Evaa, wearing an outfit that looked somewhat mismatched, with tousled hair tied in a ponytail, deviating from the gentle and elegant image she had in her royal attire from the previous night.
“Evaa.”
“Shall we go have dessert together?” The young woman still maintained her familiar friendship, extending a smile to Charan, inviting Khanin to make a decision.
“Sure…” Khanin replied, for one part because he had previously declined Evaa several times, and for another part because it was the intention of the young prince from the start.
Khanin took the lead and stopped in front of the sitting room with a balcony overlooking the garden. He graciously opened the door, allowing only one young woman to step into the area designated for snacks and rest.
“Thank you very much.” Her genuinely sweet voice was pleasant to listen to.
Charan and Evaa’s two attendants were about to move and stand guard in a corner, but Khanin refused to let it be that way.
“Where are you going? Take a seat.” Khanin’s command caused the tall figure to pause.
Charan hesitated to directly address the young lady in front of him, causing Khanin to speak up.
“…”
“Sits straight.” He clapped his hands on the empty seat next to him to indicate a position.
Charan hesitated to sit, for an important reason: the vacant seat at the table was not only for Khanin. However, considering their current positions and responsibilities, it would be best to reject the idea. Let that go.
“Please have a seat, Charan. It’s enjoyable to have a conversation with multiple people.” Evaa was skilled at creating a smooth atmosphere. She smiled friendly, gestured, and gave permission to Charan.
“May I request permission.” The senior’s words, accompanied by a respectful gesture, followed the hierarchical protocol. Charan sat down, maintaining his composure and posture, befitting the high-class upbringing he had received.
The noble servants served the vacant plates and cups. In front of them, there were various pastries and sweets displayed. They conversed about trivial matters. Then, at just the right moment, one of the ladies brought up a topic that clearly affected the listeners’ reactions.
“Indeed, we didn’t get a chance to talk about it last night…”
“…”
Regarding the criticism of the dancing pair. Khanin was not aware of the details but knew very well that it was being talked about. He couldn’t guess what Evaa’s opinion on the matter would be… Same goes for Ramil.
“That was an excellent performance. Very regal.”
The young lady’s words kept Khanin slightly perplexed. He raised an eyebrow, as she seemed not to care about his and Charan’s dancing, instead choosing to mention the open show.
Thank you. By the way, Evaa. Do you like playing any musical instruments?” Perhaps the glint in his eyes revealed genuine admiration, Khanin agreed to lower the barrier and engage in conversation.
At the very least, he was glad that Evaa did not grumble about the dance.
“I’m not really into music. I’d rather shoot a bow and arrow.” She said it with a comedic tone, before placing the tea cup in her hand, only to miss and half of it spilled onto the table. She then pointed to the bow and arrows held by two followers.
“So, you’re good at archery, huh? Impressive.”
“That’s my favorite activity. Would you like to try it, Khanin? I can teach you.” The younger one seemed more eager than the older. Evaa’s gestures were lively whenever she talked about her beloved activities.
“Uh… Sure, whenever I have free time. Count on me.” Once again, Khanin let his guard down. He considered the girl in front of him. At this moment, he still didn’t know where the other person would end up. If, in the end, Evaa proved to be genuinely kind-hearted, he would be more than happy to be a good friend rather than an adversary.
Khanin could distinguish that even in the field of competition, they fought for victory for the sake of their families. However, that didn’t mean they had to hate each other.
“Well… today Khun Charan didn’t go to work at the art school, you know…”
Evaa meant that ‘Morpheus’ made Charan a little quiet.
“Today, ‘Morpheus’ closed Your-Highness.” The young man chose to answer the question in a general way without specifying or explaining anything further, which surprised Khanin because this response went beyond a simple explanation.
“Yes, it will be closed frequently. Because the owner is not often available.”
“What do you mean by that…”
Because Khun Charan has a new role as an affectionate companion, right…
Isn’t that right, Khun Charan?”
For a moment, Charan thought he saw a hint of hidden pain under Young Prince’s bright smile and charming face. Khanin deliberately spoke to generate gossip.
It was clear that the other side intended to reveal this matter publicly, as there were still two or three noble servants who had not gone anywhere. They were cunning players, capable of hitting multiple birds with one stone.
“Are you referring to Khanin’s affectionate companion…” Evaa was a bit confused, and if one had to guess the reason, it was probably due to the issue of swordsmanship exams.
Everyone knew that being an affectionate companion was not a role for just anyone. Somehow, there had to be a certification process, but because this lady was very mindful of etiquette, Evaa didn’t dare to ask directly.
People in general had grown accustomed to images of questionable skill in combat and swordplay, so it was not surprising that doubts arose.
“Yes, Khun Charan didn’t take the swordsmanship exam, but he was appointed based on his qualifications…” Khanin clearly stated, observing the reaction of the young lady in front of him.
“If that’s the case, it’s good. You won’t be lonely, right… By the way, Khanin, do you know the special rules for this year’s competition?” Evaa didn’t show surprise or negativity towards the new information she had received. Instead, she continued to discuss another important topic.
“What kind of rules?”
“The rules for the substitute competition.”
“Why? Is there something?” In fact, Khanin already knew some details about this from Chakri, but he just wanted to know if Evaa would tell the truth or explain further, before she chose to show a puzzled expression and diverted the conversation.
Because in this round of competition,because there are three teams then one team will advance directly without having to compete through drawing lots. The other two teams will have to compete in the first round to find the team that will advance, and they will have a special advantage as the reserve team. Instead of having only five members as before, they will have the advantage of six team members, for fairness…”
“…”
“And to avoid any claims of defeat due to the weaker team in the first round… You, Khanin, should prepare yourself to form the team.” The Thawetmetha family’s daughter explained everything in great detail, and it proved to Khanin clearly that the other party wanted him to see it too.
Evaa wanted a fair game. And so did Khanin.
“Thank you, Evaa, for the information.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Let’s do archery next weekend if we have time… Let’s go shoot some arrows.”
From now on, only Ramil remains to be sure whether that individual is trustworthy or not, regardless of how honest people in the field may be. Khanin himself could not trust everyone entirely.
Because he doesn’t know that outside the field… There are still people who think of destroying him.
The atmosphere of the charity event at the Puchongpisut family Hospital is crowded with mass media. This afternoon, Ramil traveled to attend the event as a representative of the Puchongpisut family leader.
Working amidst people is not a big deal for Ramil. He was born and raised with this, being forced to leave work and work in front of the media until he got used to it, it’s not a big deal.
Except that being questioned by some unscrupulous media sometimes makes him feel uncomfortable…
“Young-Lord Ramil, what is your opinion on the criticism of Young-Lord Khanin’s conduct tonight? Is it a burden as the heir of the royal bloodline like him?”
A daring reporter asked. Because Emmaly is a country that grants freedom to the media. So it’s not surprising that today Ramil was shot with questions that are the hot topic during the interview.
The only son of the Puchongpisut family still maintains a neutral face. Ramil drew a charming smile on his face before responding to that question politely, but it was clear on the point.
“Tonight… Do we still have to talk about Khanin and Charan, is there anything to worry about? Since our country has legalized same-sex marriage, who someone is dating should be their right. If you want my opinion, there should be nothing but congratulations.”
“Uh…”
“I think it would be better if we focus on today’s event. Do you think so?”
The printed smile in his heart urged the observer to look closer at Ramil’s face.
The young man controlled the situation well, as if he had been trained thoroughly. Ramil not only controlled the situation but he was good at controlling emotions and facial expressions in front of the media. Ramil did an excellent job without losing to anyone.
His inner feelings were unknown to anyone, except… his close follower.
Petai followed closely behind the person who seemed to be the master of his own destiny, entering the bedroom, the top floor of the Puchongpisut family palace. The private space that no one was allowed to enter without permission from the Young-Lord.
“Why does the media like to play with the topic of love? Who loves who, why does it matter? It’s annoying.” A phrase written in calligraphy almost immediately appeared when the door of the closed room opened.
The tall figure dropped down and sat on the sofa, and the face that used to have a smile when talking face-to-face with the camera changed as if it was a different person.
However, Petai knew well what was true.
“It’s normal, you’re not tired of it yet.” Royal language conversation was not brought up unless there was no one else present.
Petai sat down on the same sofa with a calm expression, without caring about the distance as a good follower would do to his master.
Ramil didn’t like him to have formalities, the other party hated it when he used royal language or treated them differently like people of different status. Therefore, Petai chose to use it only when he wanted to irritate the listener.
Or when he wanted to stimulate seriousness, like calling a name that rarely happened…
Knock, knock.
“Sivakorn is here to request an audience, Your Highness.”
The sound of a knock on the door along with the statement from the small butler stopped the conversation between Ramil and Petai in the middle of the track.
The son of the Minister of Defense suddenly rose and walked to the door, opening it with a gesture of unity, as if just minutes ago there had been no unusual events.
He remained a loyal follower serving Young Prince without any flaws.
“Permission granted, Your Highness, regarding the matter of the Young
Prince assigned to investigate…” Sivakorn reported that he had been
instructed by Ramil to handle an important matter, and some information regarding the Thawetmetha family had been revealed.
In about ten minutes, it seemed that the detailed report would come to an end. Ramil closed his eyes silently to process the plan for the next step.
“Thank you very much, Sivakorn. You may go now.” Despite not losing sight, Sivakorn nodded briefly and left.
“Farewell, Your Highness.”
Petai remained silent. At this time, he couldn’t catch a glimpse of Ramil’s expression, but he could guess that hidden emotions lied beneath his calm face.
The desire for triumph grew. The excitement of experiencing competition and the challenge that the opposing party would have to face.
Evaa began to move, and we also had to start.
“Investigating Young Princess Evaa, and don’t you think of sending someone to investigate Young Prince Khanin as well.” The owner of the White Mansion asked. Petai did not think of anything beyond speaking, as he wanted to remind Ramil to think carefully.
But it seemed that both of them understood differently.
“Why do you want to investigate… Is it because of personal matters?”
“…”
“I’ve heard that Khanin plans to appoint Charan as his affectionate companion, just like you.”
…
“…”
“That’s breaking. If that couple does everything like we do, would you still want to study art like him?”
Ramil’s eyebrows twitched for a split second under the sharp gaze of Petai. Petai didn’t feel anything about the debate, except for a slight annoyance at the childish behavior of the tall man, until he found a way to respond… in his own way.
“If studying can help heal the mind, then it’s worth studying.”
“Hmm…”
“Ramil. If you ask and I can’t answer, you don’t have to ask later.”
A short, concise sentence with a clear intention, personal pronouns that Ramil both liked and loathed at the same time, were picked up and used by Petai.
This time, Ramil had to be the one to quiet down and suppress himself.
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