THENEXTPRINCE, Chapter 22: Forbidden Garden.
In recent days, several media outlets in the country of Emmaly have reported the return of important heir from Atsawathewathin, by discussing different topics, including the disclosure of personal information from food preferences to favorite colors, dragging on to the time spent abroad, which will then go back to discussing the history of the parents, some major media even reaching the point of live-streaming the wedding ceremony of Prince Tarin more than twenty years ago, resulting in various criticisms.
When Khanin appeared in front of the media for the first time, there was mostly positive feedback. Regarding the authenticity of the heir apparent of Atsawathewathin, many admired him.
However, some still had doubts about his his origins, and some were more interested in the theory of self-conspiracy that the leaders of Atsawathewathin might not want to miss their chance to compete for this position, so they had to stage a fake heir apparent in order to have a chance to compete for the position of the Sovereign-King.
With curiosity about the information of the newly introduced heir apparent, some media outlets invested in flying across the sky and seas to London to contact Young-Lord’s childhood friend and sought the opinion of a coach at the Sword Association.
It can be said that now when the television is turned on, you can see news about Khanin, Atsawathewathin, as well as the announcement of the competition for the position of Sovereign-King.
Inside the master bedroom of the Phitakthewa’s estate, a faint sound came from the TV that was left on softly. One interview mentioned the Young-Lord of Atsawathewathin, drawing the attention of the tall figure holding a pen, causing a momentary pause.
The tall figure in deep navy blue silk pajamas revealed a strong chest, slowly raising his face from the stack of documents. Sharp eyes peered beneath frameless glasses towards the face of the person on the television screen, captivated by the information flowing from the individual’s mouth. ‘Khanin, he’s talented, well, as far as I can tell. He’s been a fencer since he was a child. Whenever we meet, I always see him carrying a sword for practice at the association.’
‘Prince Khanin, right? Ah…that’s him. Prince Khanin, he’s a good friend. Other than that, he’s all pretty ordinary…and what else should I say? That’s enough for now. Stop following me.’
As the image from the coach faded away, the person who followed closely was a young fair-haired boy. Charan looked closely at the boy who was speaking to the media with a hesitant posture, his mind immediately recalling a memory from one night.
This young man was Paul…Young-Lord’s close friend, and the one who had cheered for his courtship with his own friend along with many threats.
Incoming news reports flooded Charan’s nervous system, as he felt another wave of glimpses of faces he hadn’t seen for almost a week on the rectangular screen.
The charming face caused the tall figure to unconsciously ponder about something, warm breath escaping as he exhaled. Finally, Charan decided to grab the remote nearby to turn off the television, redirecting his attention back to the documents in front of him.
Before he could do anything, the sound from the phone placed next to him interrupted him. Charan reached for the communication device to answer, immediately speaking when he saw the name of the person contacting him.
“How are you doing? About that matter…” The frameless glasses were removed from the face of the Phitakthewa family leader, revealing a relaxed posture, contrasting with the tension expressed through his facial expression.
[The poison the assassin used… our lab reports suggest it’s Potassium Cyanide.]
The sound from the receiver jolted Charan awake, his brows furrowed, before he countered with a stronger tone.
“Potassium Cyanide?”
[Yes, sir, the poison is encapsulated, hidden in the assassin’s teeth. During the autopsy examination at the hospital, they mentioned finding newly implanted teeth specifically for this task… because the material used is composed of composite resin that appears more transparent than normal, it is likely intended for drilling purposes.]
“So, when will the assassin die? Just by biting the tooth with the capsule inside, right?”
[Yes, sir.]
The new information caused Charan to start feeling anxious. He quickly grabbed his iPad and began searching for the name of the toxic substance he vaguely remembered hearing about, in order to clarify and verify the information.
Sodium cyanide is a white crystalline substance with a smell similar to almonds. It is highly soluble in water. It is commonly used in metal cleaning processes. It is used in electroplating, gold and silver ore extraction, and extensively in the gold mining industry.
However, for the human body, even a mere 200-300 milligrams of sodium cyanide can be instantly fatal. This is because it directly affects the oxygen in the body, causing seizures, breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, and ultimately depriving the brain of oxygen.
The symptoms resembled those of a professional assassin, without a doubt…
It means that these people are willing to risk their lives for the mission. Because this method is quite dangerous. If they accidentally chew too forcefully, it could lead to sudden death as well.
And who would have the courage to allow such deadly poison to be buried in their teeth? Unless it is someone who bears a grudge against Atsawathewathin to the extent that they are willing to die to obstruct the arrival of an heir apparent.
Charan’s eyes quickly skimmed the information in front of him and processed the reports, the leader of the Phitakthewa clan now appeared even more tense than before, bringing an oppressive atmosphere into the room.
The end of the line allows silence to envelop Nin without uttering a word. One particular reason is that he knows very well that a person of high status and leadership position needs to use their intellect.
Disappointed that more than one sentence was supported… The important sentence that confirmed anyone who uses this type of poison… will never escape the sight of Charan Phitakthewa.
“If so, I urgently request information on the use of potassium cyanide throughout the country, including its sources of production.”
…
The sky above the Royal Palace in Daveen is cloudy today, with groups of birds soaring playfully above the sky. Khanin, hiding his thoughts, perceived its freedom, which differs drastically from his current self.
The young man secretly took a breath, and for a moment, the teacher turned his gaze away from the window and looked back inside the reception room for another glimpse, which emphasized a color palette of brown and cream. The room was adorned with large billboards, equivalent to a two-story building.
In the center of the room, a small wooden piano stands as a decoration, contrasting with the short white fur carpet. The atmosphere invites relaxation. If not for the fact that two people were sitting and staring at each other, an inexplicable tension would have emerged.
It feels like being an animal in a zoo.
The young man absorbed the atmosphere around him and stealthily took a breath, feeling trapped. The important part is that the two individuals sitting on the opposite side, one woman from Thawetmetha and one man from Puchongpisut.
His gaze swiftly shifted to the young couple who were raising their teacups and sipping in unison, amidst a silent and wordless conversation. Suddenly, Khanin remembered the morning incident.
Everything happened so quickly that he didn’t have time to prepare. Chakri hurriedly ran over to report that the Sovereign King had ordered everyone participating in the competition to assemble together today, as there were important matters to address.
In haste, the head of the household had to reluctantly hold onto a sturdy handle that rose from the bed to pull himself up and go take a quick bath and change into ordinary clothes, resembling a mobile golden wardrobe, after days of wearing special attire.
After finishing his bath in a rush, Chakri led him to the grand reception room, informing him that temporary relatives, Evaa and Ramil, would arrive in another hour since they were unable to enter the Royal Palace according to the rules. The young man understood but didn’t have a chance to ask why.
Nearly an hour passed while Khanin sat alone, sipping tea and eating cucumber sandwiches. As the time approached, family members of high rank began to appear one by one, starting with the women.
She walked straight toward him, greeting him friendly with a charming gesture. Her beautiful and sweet face had an enchanting effect, making her resemble a princess who had escaped from a fairy tale.
She came closer to him and greeted him with a warm smile, exuding a friendly aura. Her lovely and captivating face made her look like a princess who had stepped out of a fairy tale book.
However, Khanin expressed his opinion that she… is a modern princess who is not pretty and sweet like in old fairy tales, perhaps due to her unconventional dressing style and high ponytail.
Nevertheless, all of these characteristics create an intense and surrounded atmosphere, and every movement she makes emanates confidence and fearlessness, but maintaining a sense of caution.
Next is a young man of approximately the same age as him. This person doesn’t even come over to say hello. Instead, he sits down with a superior posture as soon as he arrives.
He has an oval-shaped face, narrow eyes, slightly pointed chin, trendy hairstyle, and his posture clearly portrays his strong self-assurance.
Khanin feels that this man exudes the scent of a high-level professional athlete, with a sturdy physique and a confident walking style. However, his high-class mannerisms can enhance his air of superiority.
They all sit quietly, staring at each other. It takes a while for someone to start a conversation to break the tension.
“Well, I haven’t formally introduced myself yet… I’m Evaa, and the person beside me is Ramil. As for you, Khanin, I suppose we can consider ourselves as older and younger siblings.” Eva introduces herself, waking Khanin from his thoughts and back to the present situation.
A sweet smile plays on Eva’s lips, accompanied by a melodic voice, causing Khanin to soften his expression in response. She introduces herself before turning her hand towards the person sitting next to her, as if there is something on her mind.
The formal greetings begin. Their eyes briefly avoid each other and then shift their attention towards the person called Ramil, who slowly places the tea cup on the table before extending his hand for a customary international greeting.
“Nice to meet you.”
Ramil replies calmly, his narrow eyes still haven’t moved from Khanin’s face, while a flicker of curiosity can be seen in the corner of his eyes, glancing at the long, slender fingers of the person sitting beside them. Although he wonders about the gestures of the other party, the young man ultimately understands the importance of maintaining etiquette.
“Nice to meet you too.” Khanin responds smoothly, looking at the other person with a smile on his lips and a light chuckle in his throat.
“What’s with…” Khanin furrows his brow when he sees Ramil’s peculiar mannerisms. The other party holds his hand and turns to inspect it closely, as if searching for something, before finally uttering a sentence that Khanin can’t quite comprehend.
“I was just curious if you’re real or fake. People outside speculate that you were hired.”
“…”
“The person who supposedly hired you is quite skilled. To find someone who looks and behaves like this, with double eyelid eyes and this nose, this skin color, resembling Atsawathewathin’s personage so closely…”
“…”
“…”
“Well… in conclusion, are you real or fake? You can tell us. It may help to defuse the situation a bit easier.”
The disdainful posture of the other party causes Khanin’s eyebrows to twitch, as if being pricked by a sharp thorn. It’s not a feeling of pain, but rather a sense of anger from being belittled and ridiculed by a stranger.
Ramil makes it even easier to read him with such an attitude… and Khanin considers that to be an advantage.
There’s a saying that my father always speaks about being cautious, saying, ‘If you have to fight, choose to fight against the visible danger and avoid the invisible danger. We can never truly know it, and we cannot calculate how much harm those things can cause.’
Ramil was the first person Khanin chose to categorize as easy to handle. When the other party played, he revealed his superior posture from the beginning, including his words, speech, facial expressions, and various atmospheres, making it impossible to think of any other way. Except that the other party was trying to intimidate him in a childish way, there was no way to speak back and end the thinking in this face-to-face manner, even though he himself had the status of the heir to the throne just like Khanin, the ruler of the capital.
Khanin thought it was funny… and he himself enjoyed playing around like a child.
“Not sure, but he said yes, so I followed.” The one with the smile revealed the name. Khanin acted as if he didn’t understand what the other party wanted to communicate and responded lightly. That’s it.
“…”
“Well… is it customary to greet each other like this here… I’m sorry. I’m new here so I don’t know the customs well, but if it’s not, you can tell me. I’ll keep it in mind for future interactions with my own kind” Khanin turned to Evaa with a fresh expression, but it seemed to affect the person sitting on the other side and upset him.
“You…”
Ramil gritted his teeth. While Khanin continued to play the role, the oppressive atmosphere turned into intense heat, fights, and small drops of sweat appeared in front of the young lady, causing her to burst out laughing softly.
“Evaa!”
“I apologize, Phii Ramil, but I think you should simmer down, after between you and Phii Khanin, you seem to be the one who…”
In the name of justice, Evaa did not even take the side of the one she knew well. With a casual attitude, the only young woman in the room spoke the whole truth based on what she saw, and even though she had a broad mind to consider this as a joke, it made her look quite interesting.
Khanin lost interest in Ramil for a moment and he shifted his attention to Evaa instead. If he considered her as a younger sister, he thought she was quite decent. Having a broad mind like that should make her feel at ease, but if he considered her as an enemy, Khanin thought Evaa was much scarier.
In such a way, she was called an invisible danger.
Under the smile smeared with fragrant honey, Khanin didn’t know if there was anything hidden inside. Some people seemed to be empty-handed, but the truth might have dark and hidden aspects… Who would know?
“Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
When he saw that he wasn’t listened to, Ramil demanded attention by speaking sharply. Khanin tilted his head slightly, smiled, and then turned to look at the person who reprimanded him with innocent eyes, as if unaware.
“Don’t judge a book by its Emmaly language. I rarely use this language, is it a compliment or something. Is it customary to return a compliment…”
“…”
“Well… then don’t judge a person by their mouth either.”
Khanin believed that if he played a role in a drama, he had to play the role properly. He slightly bowed his head with a polite posture, suppressing the confusion inside and acting as if he knew nothing. Because the soul urged him to be cautious.
Calling themselves siblings, they might unintentionally become political siblings.
Smiling face-to-face, hiding a knife behind their backs to stab each other.
As long as the competition is not over. Khanin thought that he couldn’t easily trust anyone and would find it equally difficult to find someone who could be trusted…
Khanin realized that he was in a difficult situation. Another important reason was that the person he trusted most had disappeared… behaving distant and unfamiliar, despite having gone through near-death experiences together. Yet, they could still hurt each other.
Knock-Knock
The sound of a gentle knock on the door grew louder, interrupting Khanin’s thoughts. A familiar face entered, showing respect, before conveying orders from above in a commanding tone.
“Apologies… the Sovereign-King has ordered all individuals to stand guard.
Now it’s Your Highness’s turn.”
After Evaa, who had seemed more alert than anyone, gave her final smile, she got up and swiftly walked away. Unlike Ramil, who remained still, towering over everyone in his stature and showing no intention of moving, but as soon as Khanin tried to walk away, he intentionally stepped in his way, causing Khanin to take a step back.
Seeing that Khanin stopped in place, the taller figure turned and approached him. With lowered eyes and a neutral expression, not revealing any facial cues, Khanin interpreted his words as a subtle warning.
“Understood.”
Khanin immediately raised his eyebrows upon hearing that. He pondered inwardly about maintaining his integrity, but when there were no other options, he reluctantly played the role of a deceived person. He smiled, thinking that it would be the most genuine smile he could ever show to Ramil, before accepting the accusation. With a clear voice, he imitated a bird singing a morning song…
“Alright, I’ll take it to heart.”
…
The afternoon sky was not as clear as before. Charan was unsure if it was directly related to the weather or if there was internal turmoil causing this unease.
The young man tried to brush away the thoughts that were causing his restlessness, refocusing on his main purpose. Today he had to make another journey to the Royal Palace, after evading it for almost a week.
Grasping the thick fabric with the latest artwork, which was the main reason for his appearance here, he took a discreet breath before softly approaching. It started with the Sovereign-King’s remarks after sipping tea that day.
He was ordered to bring a new painting to replace the old one adorning the tea room. There was nothing left but Charan’s strength, as it had become a duty that he quite enjoyed.
He forced a smile and then… this interaction on the tapestry had gone awry, a distortion that could not be explained.
“Didn’t expect to see you here…” Petai Ranwin, close associates of Young Prince Ramil, greeted him, as Charan’s slender legs stepped into the reception room.
The young man swept his gaze around, looking for others, but found no one apart from the person who had just greeted him.
“It’s just us here. Have a seat…” Petai’s soft, soothing voice seemed to acknowledge Charan’s thoughts, as the slim figure sat elegantly on the opposite side.
In front of the two was a central table adorned with a set of small teacups and a plate of pastries. White smoke wafted from the beverage, indicating its warmth.
Charan walked straight to the sofa, his face more relaxed than before. Once sure that there was no need to be on guard in this area, he sat down and casually inquired about a matter that he believed would receive a good response – one that resided within the heart.
“Coming with Young-Lord Ramil, right?” Even Petai himself knows that it was all a ruse, causing the only son of the Minister of Defense to burst into laughter. The owner of the sharp, piercing eyes cast a sidelong glance at the conversation before responding calmly.
“Young-Lord Ramil, Young-Lady Evaa, and Young-Lord Khanin are in a meeting room with the Sovereign-King.”
The response that did not match the question did not surprise Charan as much as the name of another person. His sharp eyes flickered, happening for only a split second, likely not enough for anyone to notice. If it wasn’t because the person in front of him right now is Petai.
This man was of the quick-witted and intelligent type when it came to speaking. If not careful, one could easily be tricked into revealing what was hidden in their hearts.
Charan believed that his relationship with Petai was defined as ‘waterbound and tiger-bound,’ where they helped each other in conversations, but perhaps not often. They were not the kind to openly reveal their standing and status to each other, which did not affect their good relationship.
“Marble chocolate.” A younger person handed a plate of soft, moist cupcakes. His soft brown eyes looked intently. Meanwhile, Charan was preparing to refuse.
“I better not, Phii…”
“I don’t think you should refuse. Sweet things help reduce stress, it’s like an art that soothes the soul of a person..” Petai casually brought himself closer to the framed piece of cloth next to him. Charan did not respond, but he no longer refused the sweet treat in front of him.
He used a small fork to slice through the cake and tasted the combination of sweetness and a slight bitterness that arose from the hidden chocolate inside. Charan acted as if he were absorbed in eating. Although his mind was not present, at this particular moment, his gaze did not fail to observe. “…Silent young man.” Even when the conversation was inviting him to speak again, his consciousness returned to his body, allowing him to pay attention.
“That painting, the Eden Garden, right?”
“Yes.”
“The garden which was forbidden… It’s beautiful. Seeing it makes me feel that humans and greed are inseparable.” A smile drawn on the face had taken shape, inviting a glance. Charan thought that Petai was simply trying to prolong the conversation, but he knew that his underlying consciousness was not pure itself.
Eden Garden… Charan did not want to think about the cause that brought this painting to life.
“It’s not greed, humans and desires are different things that belong together.” The conversation flowed smoothly to avoid any conflict. Charan tried to act normal, but he was aware that his gaze did not meet the other person’s face much.
Sometimes the young man glanced towards the hallway, as if searching for someone, before quickly shifting his focus to a sentence, one of Petai’s almost needle-like words that pricked his heart, pulling him back to concentrate on the conversation.
“Humans and desires are things that belong together, like suffering and love, aren’t they?”
Charan was not sure if Petai noticed anything from him. Because the other person was intelligent, his inner spirit warned him to be cautious.
He had to do something to deflect the conversation away from its current topic…
“Some humans become addicted to suffering.” The older person’s face returned to calmness, and Charan’s sharp gaze shifted to the slender figure.
Petai was difficult to read, appearing outwardly as a person without vulnerabilities, never lacking, never weak, as if Ranwin’s only son was a complete specimen from head to toe.
But not Charan. Because he knew Petai… from a perspective that others never knew.
And no human is ever perfect in every way.
“…”
“Some people know that love can bring suffering, but they still hold onto it.
Is that true?”
“Not my cup of tea.”
The English language response was an idiom and a small expression of annoyance conveyed through the beautiful young couple’s eyes, invoking a faint smile from the older person, communicating well.
Petai doesn’t like anyone teasing about love. It’s no different from him not being interested in this matter. They both remain silent, allowing the quietness to be the mediator, as several minutes pass before Charan comes up with a new conversation topic.
“Did you finish drawing the picture you mentioned?”
“Not yet… I’m not in the mood.” Pronouns were being true to themselves, seldom slipping out, allowing the atmosphere between Charan and Petai to relax.
The young man raised a half-smile and glanced at the young girl, hinting at the topic he could guess.
“Is something bothering you?” It could be called a nuisance, so it wouldn’t be entirely wrong. Petai often comes to him, using art as a therapeutic distraction from various stresses in life, and because of that, in the eyes of Charan… the other party seemed like a little disciple.
Sometimes vulnerable, sometimes flawed, just like any ordinary human should be.
“Without my art teacher around, I don’t know whom to turn to.”
“Now, back to school. ‘Morpheus,’ welcome.”
“Make it real… If it disappears without a trace after seeking, it would be worth watching…” A small hint of guilt showed on his face, appearing composed and impassive, making Petai look somewhat crestfallen at times.
However, Charan knew that it was all just an external shell.
In fact… if it weren’t for the standing points within each family, sometimes they might be closer than this.
“Send a message beforehand if you want to come. If you’re stressed and need to vent… you can just come in and I’ll help.”
“But if you…”
“Petai.” The conversation abruptly ended when someone burst into the reception room without considering etiquette.
Charan stood up from the sofa, and without having to turn and look directly, he could guess who it was. If it wasn’t someone with a higher rank than them, it wouldn’t have been possible for them to intrude to this extent.
The young man respectfully bowed to one of the Puchongpisut family’s elders, showing great reverence. He saw a pair of eyes looking towards them with a grudging expression. If one were to guess, Ramil would probably catch the final sentence, and it might be the reason why the other party didn’t seem quite satisfied.
“Leaving.” A short command is an undisputed privilege.
Petai had no opportunity to bid farewell or have any further conversation with Charan. The young man walked out of the reception room quietly, leaving the cold teacup behind.
Ramil’s expression at the moment was indeterminate to Petai; the young man walked silently down the corridor of the Royal Palace, following the wide back of someone who appeared in his line of sight, gradually becoming familiar. Even though it was a person in a position to serve as a constant follower, the atmosphere grew tense. Until Ramil signaled others to step back and turned to face each other… That’s when Petai caught a glimpse of the disgruntled look in the man’s eyes.
“What were you talking about?” As the descendant of a noble family, he lowered his voice and asked. The hallway was devoid of people, but Ramil remained vigilant, just as he had been taught by his father, Rachata.
“On general things…” Petai responded truthfully, uninterested in being persuasive. However, the twitching in his forehead indicated that his response was not satisfying enough for the listener.
“Is this about finding a way to release stress, something called general?”
“Your Highness, we only talked about art… If y-.” Petai’s explanation was not yet complete. As the noble young lord exerted a force to draw him closer, Petai’s low voice almost became a whisper.
“Charan belongs to the Atsawathewathin family, our enemy. If you don’t want to get heated, stay away from him.”
“…”
“How many times do I have to talk about responsibilities, reminding you of who you belong to and what your duties are?”
The old words that Petai remembered came to mind and he used them.
He secretly took a breath before holding his hands back, intending to break free from the grip. However, the taller person wouldn’t allow it.
Finally, with less power, the person resorted to not resisting. Yes…they stopped physically resisting and responded verbally instead.
“Your Highness, I remember what my duties are…”
“…”
“But there are no rules written for followers that prohibit me from learning art, right, Young Prince Ramil?”
…
An intricately colored piece of wide fabric, representing meticulous skill and requesting affirmation, was handed over to the middle-aged man. Dhipabawon’s face was tinged with a smile as his eyes surveyed the recent artwork from Charan.
“So, it’s Eden Garden… Your skills are as good as ever.”
“I humbly thank you, Your Highness. Those words were respectfully received.” The person received the compliment by bowing their head, causing Charan to pause and reflect.
“Please tell me, what do you think when you see this painting?”
“Your Highness, I just read a book for entertainment and happened to come across an article about Eden Garden.” It was a mixture of truth and deception.
Charan knew well that the Sovereign King always asked in order to reciprocate, but because his conscience was not as pure as before, the young man felt more awkward each time.
“It’s beautiful. Thank you so much. It makes this room come alive.” Fortunately, the older person didn’t mind. Dhipabawon seemed pleased, enchanted by the admiration of the latest artwork from Charan.
And that was the best outcome… in Charan’s opinion.
“If it pleases Your Majesty, I am happy.”
The conversation between the Sovereign King and Nin continued. Charan responded and conversed with Nin as usual, but his inner thoughts were like drifting clouds, no different from some individuals.
Some people… who move around outside that room. Khanin feels like a fish in a glass tank. He mimics swimming, as if sneaking a glance at the door where Chakri reported that Charan is talking to the Sovereign King inside.
Their lips move closer, their minds pondering the situation that has been going on for several days. Khanin feels like Charan is avoiding him, intentionally or unintentionally. He cannot guess.
And because of that uncertainty… Khanin wants to find evidence. He chooses to confront in order to be confident that it’s not just his imagination.
The white-bodied owner of the house walks to stand behind a pole, patiently waiting as familiar footsteps approach. Khanin takes a deep breath and then steps out from his hiding place, appearing in front of the tall figure at a close enough distance to leave no room for evasion.
Charan pauses clearly, they lock eyes before Khanin utters what he thinks is the most foolish greeting he has ever spoken.
“Well.”
The older person does not respond with words, instead raising a hand to touch his slightly bowed head in a gesture of respectful courtesy, causing Khanin to hesitate.
These past few days, he thought he could gradually get used to the presence of many people who constantly showed respect to each other. But when it comes to Charan, the internal feeling grows louder in opposition.
“Is there anything Your Highness needs me to attend to?”
Khanin is unfamiliar, unwilling to familiarize himself with the imposing stance, the required distance to face. Now, what he wonders, it is clear that Charan intentionally treats him like a stranger.
There is no reflection in this area. Khanin has no idea how he looks right now, but if judged by sound alone, he…
It sounds too rehearsed, doesn’t it?
Is it going to be like this… are we going to be like this?”
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