THENEXTPRINCE, Chapter 24: Zone Protector.
Chakri thought that the taste of orange cake would be Young-Lord’s favorite. After serving the delightful pastries that he had just made with great pride to the master whom he recently put his trust in, the other party immediately mentioned renting an athlete to join Atsawathewathin’s team.
Seeing Young-Lord Khanin look studious, Chakri, as the household head butler, couldn’t stay still. When he saw the owner of the mansion starting to read information and athletes’ profiles, the plump housekeeper quickly slipped out to find a light snack again.
He came back with a drink, a cool cloth. At this time, Khanin was engrossed in his iPad, sitting alone on the cozy sofa. When he raised his head and saw each other, he called out.
“Mister Butler.”
The soft voice made Chakri have to put everything on the table near the door and approach the person sitting in front of him with courtesy and maintained gestures, keeping the courtesy in mind. He bowed down to the person sitting in front of him with respect and kept his politeness.
“Do you have any questions, Your Highness?”
“From the information I’ve looked up about Atsawathewathin’s fencers. I haven’t really liked anyone… Usually, if we want to find someone to add, where can we request it?” Khanin asked in a businesslike tone, causing Chakri to look worried, but it was just a moment of anxiety before he returned to his usual determination.
“How many more do you want to come? Your Highness, I will find them as quickly as possible.”
His eyebrows formed a slight frown. After listening, the person with a plan hidden in his heart discreetly observed the mannerisms of the housekeeper, while the other party seemed to wake up and started reaching for a notepad and pen to prepare.
The impact made Khanin have to suppress a smile when he glimpsed into the future and saw that everything seemed to be going according to plan.
The plan was to bring Charan back to where he should be.
And it wouldn’t happen if they were missing an important butler.
Khanin knew. Chakri was the one who would lead him out of here.
“Or so it seemed… But what if the person who we want is not part of our clan?”
Your Highness, I will make contact, no need to worry.”
“Is that so? We can do the same for everyone, right?” With a mischievous smile at the corner of his mouth, the enchanting figure asked a few people in a teasing manner, hoping that someone would take the bait and answer.
Khanin leaned slightly against Chakri, who was not quick enough to notice, realizing that his master didn’t seem as trustworthy as before. He was relieved to see that the Young Prince appeared vigilant and careful when dealing with people.
Because in that case, falling into a big trap would be inevitable.
“Everyone, Your Highness. I, Chakri is ready to do everything as ordered.”
“It has to be that way. Because we trust each other… right?”
“Well… it is like that, Your Highness.” Something in Khanin’s eyes made Chakri feel a flutter in his chest, but he maintained his usual alertness.
“If that’s the case, where is Khun Charan?”
The questioning sentence from the boss had a small smile forming like a heart symbol on the chubby man’s lips, gradually fading. Chakri frowned silently for a while before reluctantly asking a few questions with a puzzled expression.
“Which Khun Charan are you referring to, Your Highness?” The puzzled expression on his face could not replace the smile of the young boss. Khanin, who noticed the abnormality, started to feel uneasy.
“What about Charan? Which club is he in?”
“Oh… Khun Charan… Khun Charan is not in our club, nor is he in any club, Your Highness.”
“What do you mean?”
“Khun Charan is not a fencer, Your Highness… Never. Khun Charan has hardly ever touched a sword.”
How is that possible… with such skill…” A gentle voice trailed off as it observed the reaction of the young boss. The man’s face twitched before he started to narrate stories he had heard and witnessed himself about the leader of the royal guards, providing the Young Prince with fresh information to reconsider.
“Your Highness, where did you hear that Khun Charan is skilled… Here, it’s widely rumored that Khun Charan has no talent in fencing, indeed, although he is the leader of the Pitakthewa family, no one has ever seen him compete, accept challenges, or even if he has to compete, Khun Charan would rather lose from the beginning, always. Everyone talks about it…”
“What are they saying?”
“Khun Charan doesn’t want to participate because he is afraid of losing from the start.”
The owner of the pale, frowning face struggled with the new information he had just received. The words ‘no talent’ made the young man’s eyebrows twitch. Khanin’s mouth suddenly overflowed with thoughts, causing him to jump up.
I’m sorry? … That statement is just not accurate, it has no basis, and it’s unfair to criticize someone’s skills based solely on their gaze and body movement before wielding a sword.
How can someone accurately read their opponent’s every move and respond accordingly during a sword fight if they lack skill? It’s painful to see someone like him suffer defeat.
And that comment about Charan not wanting to participate out of fear of losing… it’s completely unfounded, the more I hear it, the more I think it’s a peculiar idea. Charan, whom Khanin knows, is definitely not the kind of person mentioned in Chakri’s rumored statement.
If we say that Charan doesn’t compete because he’s afraid of others surpassing him, it sounds even more absurd. It’s as if he’s that delicate and fragmented person who has no merits.
Sometimes, asking Khun Charan for a painting might be easier than this.”
Chakri’s intriguing narrative piques Khanin’s interest. He attentively listens as the head of the household goes into detail about the history of someone he had never known before.
“A painting? What do you mean?”
“Well… in reality, Khun Charan is an artist, Your Highness. He’s an art teacher and works in the art profession, Your Highness.”
The surprising information raises questions and causes Khanin to furrowed his brow, as everything seems distorted from the truth he once understood.
The young boy quickly analyzes and connects some pieces of the story on his own. Perhaps… This could be a widespread deception to conceal his true talents, keeping them hidden from others.
A fascinating illusionist indeed.
“If that’s the case… where does he teach, and how can I go there?”
“Ah, Khun Charan’s art school is called ‘Morpheus,’ Your Highness. It’s located in the Pritak Conservatory, which is quite easy to reach. It’s less than three kilometers from our palace… Oh, but why would Your Highness want to know?” The forgetful head of the household interrupts with a puzzled expression.
Chakri blinks his eyes and glimpses a smile on the face in front of him, feeling as if he’s watching a suspenseful movie.
“I want to go.”
“You can’t go just like that, Your Highness. You must have something you need to order, Your Highness. Chakri…”
“I want to go… I want to go by myself…” Khanin’s desire becomes clear, and he swallows the lump in his throat, making it difficult to sit still.
Young Prince, if you want to study art further it is okay, but the fact that you have to study now…” Chakri pauses for a moment, raising his hand slowly and counting his fingers deliberately. He wears a tense expression and continues, “You have five more subjects to study this week, Your Highness.”
“I didn’t say anything about wanting to study more… and also, Mister Butler, you don’t have to react like this. The reason I have to study this much is because of someone.”
“…”
“Mister Butler, your skill as a teacher is why you are like this…” Khanin’s words reproach his bulky and slouching father figure. His complaints seem insincere, but they make the listeners feel uncomfortable and shrink in on themselves.
“Forgive me, Your Highness.”
Even though it may be a plan that goes against his nature, at this moment Khanin doesn’t have many options. He knows well that stubbornly refusing will make Chakri have to apologize, and when the other party shows remorse for making him uncomfortable, Khanin will aggressively pursue to prevent anyone else from having the chance to refuse.
“I’m really having a hard time, Mister Butler. Since I am far away from home… I have to compete alone. So it’s best if I go.”
“Go, oh… no…”
“Don’t refuse, you mustn’t refuse, I’m begging you. I have two options for you, either I go alone, or you, Mister Butler, accompany me.”
“…”
“Choose.” A small sentence ends the act, with the cute face owner looking at the other party who stands with clasped hands, a worried expression on his face. Oh, wait, the mouth that was about to speak hiccups, resembling a fish out of water, playing with the almost slipping words, but held back.
I will… will really go, or Your Highness… if that’s the case, I will organize the procession and await.”
“Who said there would be a procession? I’m not a leader of a marching band. Why should I lead a procession, let others be awakened… just the two of us, that’s it.”
“But, Your Majesty, it’s not fitting for only you, Your Highness, and Chakri to go. It’s not honorable…”
“Why can’t it be, just take a ride. If you, Mister Butler, don’t go with me, just the two of us. I’ll flee.” The final threat has been revealed.
Chakri’s tenseness rises, covering his face with his suppressed anger, but that doesn’t make Khanin give in.
Don’t think he’s being malicious, it’s necessary.
“Young Prince…”
“Mister Butler. Let me ask something, did grandfather make you take care of me?”
“Yes… yes, Your Highness.”
“And your grandfather also said. If I want something, I can tell you Chakri directly, and you, Chakri will take care of it, is it still like that?”
“Your Majesty…”
“If that’s the case. Chakri, comply with the order..” Khanin deliberately used the keywords that he had heard the guardians say when they were ordered to carry out important missions. Such as, a small body hugging a slightly raised face, it made his cute face look more stubborn and inviting attention.
“Hmph, Your Majesty.”
“Chakri.”
“Can’t go right now, Your Highness. no matter what, people need to know.” Wait until tonight, trick everyone into thinking I’m asleep.” All objections are futile when Khanin has an escape plan and backup plans ready.
“Your Majesty, no… if we go together, Your Highness must…”
“Comply with the order, Chakri.” Khanin smiled coolly as a warning that no one else had the right to refuse.
Chakri arrived late, and before realizing it, he had to bow his head and follow the Young Prince without any other choice.
“Um… I acknowledge, Your Highness.”.
“Alright, we will go to ‘Morpheus’ together, without a procession, without a speech, without anyone else, just the two of us. Just Chakri and me… Here, give me your answer!” the royal boy announced loudly and then asked what the person who promised to help with everything could do, besides… “I received your command!”
That’s it. Ah, just like that… diligently stay with Chakri!
…
The art school, ‘Morpheus,’ had a certain number of people booked for its services on Sunday afternoons. After Charan disappeared for a while, his return to reopen the courses and accommodate a limited number of students resulted in a well-received response, as expected.
Charan hurriedly buzzed around since morning, but for him, it was quite good to immerse himself in something he loved. It seemed to help alleviate his thoughts about someone else, even if only for a short period of time.
“Thank you very much.” The renowned owner of the art school thanked the last customer politely. Charan stood waiting to personally escort his last student at the entrance.
This young man treated everyone who came to use the services at ‘Morpheus’ attentively, and because of that, the number of people who came to use the services was limited.
The wall clock indicated that it was late afternoon, and in just a few hours, the sun would set. The tall owner of the establishment went to attend to the art supplies. He cleaned and tidied everything, without relying on anyone.
One reason was that this art school was not large, and the other reason was that Charan disliked extravagance. He wanted to take care of everyone who came to use the services here inclusively.
Sharp eyes glanced at the washed paint dishes, and the quietness spread, indicating that there was no one else at this place besides him. Charan checked everything one last time after storing away the supplies.
After finishing everything, he walked toward the curved doorway with a black curtain hung, passing through the curtain and stepping into the garden connected to the sanctuary of the Phitakthewa.
Everything was his own desire to allocate the land in the same area for maximum benefit. The young man chose to build an art school within the perimeter of his home rather than accept offers of new land from the SovereignKing.
The thick-skinned hand was slightly raised as a means of forbidding anyone who appeared to confront each other immediately upon entering the village’s territory. Narong, the old family’s butler, lowered his head slightly and stood still, knowing his duties.
Charan disliked having someone constantly fawning over him. Whenever he needed help, it was best for him to appear at that time. He climbed up the stairs to the second floor of the house, leaving himself to sit on the edge of the bed after futilely looking for something to occupy himself with.
Warm breath exhaled, diffusing. Charan glanced at the remote control placed not too close but not too far and turned his gaze toward the bookshelf corner. He didn’t plan to turn on the television, chiefly because the person he tried not to think about… kept appearing on every channel.
It’s not just in his thoughts…
The news agency continued to be preoccupied with Khanin, so the tall man chose to divert his attention to reading to pass the time. He walked directly to the bookshelf corner, picked up a book, and returned to sit on the bed.
The collection of philosophical proverbs had something interesting to learn, but Charan didn’t feel like immersing himself in the letters or memorizing any particular sentence until his eyes stumbled upon a text… in the category of love.
It’s something that Charan doesn’t pay much attention to and often overlooks. Except for this time, where the meaning of certain sentences in the book made him question himself.
Sometimes love doesn’t come at the right time.
And sometimes keeping everything to oneself may be the best option.
So, what kind of love is it? And how frustrating is that feeling of being untimely? Is it more or less than what he currently feels?
Kree-Kree-Kree.
The ringing from the communication device in his pocket, accompanied by a vibration, interrupted all the scattered thoughts of Charan, prompting him to answer the call, trying to quickly regain a composed face when he saw who was contacting him.
[How are you? I’ve been so busy that I didn’t check if you arrived there or not. Are you at home?]
The image of Itti appeared immediately after the tall figure answered, wearing a smile that matched the cheerful person, contrasting with Charan’s lack of energy to enthusiastically respond.
“Uh, I’m home.”
[And what about Nong Nin?]
The names of certain people mentioned by Itti were no different from the venom of a large fire ant that bit into Charan’s heart, causing him to fall silent momentarily, taking a small breath as he realized how difficult it was to avoid someone else so coldly in his already shattered life.
“He is not here.”
[Oh? Why? Did you two have an argument?]
“We didn’t argue.”
[Then why are you living separately?]
Charan wanted to divert his gaze and pretend to be engrossed in watching a play, pretending to be ignorant of the rumors about Khanin spreading worldwide. Does the other person not know about the newly arrived heir apparent of Emmaly?
While Itti seemed to enjoy playing the role of a detective, trying to interrogate the suspect. Meanwhile, he tried hard to act nonchalant in his responses.
“And why should we be together?”
[So you two are arguing for real, huh?]
“We’re not arguing.”
[But your face looks so sad… Did you make my Nong Nin upset?]
Charan wasn’t sure what the main cause of his twitching eyebrow was, while Itti accused him of looking sorrowful or when his close friend mentioned someone else as the cause.
“He’s not mine… Itti.”
Silence ensued. While his close friend didn’t seem to care about what
Charan saw as important and needed to be corrected. Itti decided to speak up until the young man had to reluctantly speak the truth, putting a stop to all the acting in this particular play.
[Nong Nin…]
“You saw it in the news too… Yes, you can stop calling me Young-Lord and use my common name.”
[Huh, say it out loud then! You liar! You made me believe until I trusted you!]
Itti stopped wearing masks. The young man, owner of the bar, was irritated by the hoarse voice.
“I have to.”
[But speak up. You guys… really look like a couple.]
“I did what I had to do.”
[What duty? Atsawathewathin’s Phitakthewa Guard, isn’t it? So why are you here alone, not taking care of him?]
The interrogative sentence of a close friend stirred up Charan’s troubled mind. He remained silent for almost a minute before finally finding his own voice.
“It’s no longer my duty.”
[Not your duty? Oh, Ran, this doesn’t make any sense at all. You crossed the waters and oceans to bring him from England. When he agreed to come, you don’t know if you would or not take care of him. I said once you take responsibility for him, you have to go all the way.]
There’s no need to say that Itti is on whose side. He’s his close friend, but he’s closely attached to Khanin, as evidenced by Charan being blamed from the start until now.
And hold on a moment. Who said they’re not taking care of each other?
They just don’t get close, that doesn’t mean we don’t take care of him at all… “Are you not working now?”
“Don’t change the subject. I’m complaining, or… you two getting separated, did the Sovereign-King interfere or something?”
“…”
“Are you the Zone Protector?”
Charan wanted to know when Itti would stop talking. He saw the other side, making a big eye gesture as if pitying each other, and said, ‘Sovereign zones, what a meaningless thing. But most importantly… it annoys me quite a bit.’
“I didn’t… start with me. There are overlapping threads.” At first, Charan intended to refuse the differences, but there were important overlapping threads that had to be cut because the conversation partner was waiting.
“How about this, Vetis?” The end of the line is another close friend Charan trusts. Growing up together, including himself, they often rely on professional services from Vetis.
“I don’t think it’s difficult for me to search for the information you need. But if you want a complete history of people who sought treatment for ankle injuries at various hospitals in every city, it may take some time.” A professional shadow investigator of few words, this front friend has an unremarkable background.
But the truth is that Vetis works as a shadow investigator, working only for individuals and requiring heavy expenses. The other side had to invest heavily to accept.
In this case, Charan contacted Vetis because he didn’t want Sovereign-King to know that he still hadn’t let go of Khanin, and he didn’t, as Itti said.
It’s not that he doesn’t care, but there’s only a distant way to care for himself. It’s a car that requires more money than necessary, but that’s it…
Charan is not worried about money.
“I understand that, but I don’t want anyone to know too much.”
[Don’t worry, I’ll handle it myself.]
“Thank you very much.”
[Would it be better if we change ‘thank you’ to ‘get me a drink’?]
At the end of the line, the tempter beckons with a tantalizing voice. Charan knows well that the tempter doesn’t actually want him to indulge, but rather speaks to entice those who are easily swayed to step out and let loose more than necessary.
“Where?”
[Tonight, at two in the morning, at the same place.]
Charan is not a stranger to late-night outings, but he doesn’t necessarily lack any experiences. The young man strides into one of the top entertainment venues in the country, momentarily capturing the attention of numerous employees and people, who surround and care for him.
“I reserved a table.” He chooses to convey his wants with a short sentence to a male waiter, instead of engaging in lengthy conversations with others who attempt to make an acquaintance.
Being an intimate acquaintance of the Sovereign-King with a grand last name, it makes Charan reluctant to frequent entertainment establishments at night, not because he worries about his appearance being compromised, but simply because he feels weary of being stared at and desires to get to known by others more than being looked upon.
“This way, Charan.” The male employee seems to know his role well, extending his hand to lead him to the VIP zone adjacent to the bar.
Charan settles himself in a single anxious breath, and the person he longs to meet emerges.
Vetis, a 28-year-old young man, dressed in a dark shirt and with a honeycolored complexion. He has light brown hair and wears glasses, appearing seemingly polished and harmless upon first glance.
Contradicting reality completely.
“Hey there.” The other party greets him with a cheerful voice while taking a seat. In Vetis’s hand, he holds two drinks, which bear a slight resemblance to each other.
“You made me come here again.”
“You must know the reason, right?” Vetis teases and hands Charan a reddish-brown drink, a clear sign indicating the main reason why he had to venture into the bustling heart of the city to drink.
A tall woman stands behind the long bar table, clad in a tight-fitting black outfit that showcases her curves when she moves her body. Her hair is tied up in a ponytail, giving her a sharp and captivating look when she reaches for cocktail ingredients, but it doesn’t make her appearance seem intimidating.
Conversely, the surrounding atmosphere makes it hard to look away.
“What’s so captivating about her…” Charan asks, as this isn’t the first time Vetis has come to drink here. The other party can be considered a regular customer of this bar, and the main purpose is the woman with light-colored hair.
“Mira is beautiful, intelligent, and her knack for conversation uplifts my mood. Most importantly… She’s unlike anyone else.” Vethit voices his thoughts. In his mind, he raises his glass as an invitation for his close friend to join in.
Charan lifts his cocktail glass, containing Campari, Vermouth, and Gin in equal proportions, creating the distinct flavor of Negroni. His attentive gaze falls upon the sophisticated lady mentioned by his close friend, before he leans in to respond to the conversation.
“So, huh?” But it’s a way of continuing the conversation that makes someone listen, forcing them to look up with tired eyes and the indifferent nature of close friends. Charan is like this, introverted, never seen him enthusiastic about anyone or anything other than work and responsibilities. “Didn’t feel like asking if there’s a difference.”
“Not interested.”
“I forgot, you’re only interested in the things that matter to you.”
“…The words that came out of Vetis’s mouth without thinking caused Charan to pause for a split second, someone who never cared about anything other than a little gossip to distract himself.
“But I want you to know, Mira is not just good at mixing drinks, I’ve sparred with her, there was an agreement that if I won, I would ask her out for dinner, but that’s it, I lost embarrassingly…”
“So?” Now Charan seems more interested in participating in the conversation. He contemplates about people he doesn’t want to think about and then turns his attention to the stories from his close friend’s mouth.
Vetis and Charan talk about trivial matters. Even at almost 4 AM, the head of the Phitakthewa family began to feel something abnormal.
Charan thinks he’s being watched by someone… The spirits tell him that these pairs of eyes are different, and they give off a different feeling every time.
Who is it…
If you’re someone who wants to engage in conversation and get to know each other, why just keep observing…
“Wait, I’ll be back.” Because of a cramp, he made a decision to find an answer. Charan placed the glass, a ‘Negroni’, that he had barely sipped on the table. He stood up and let Vetis continue drinking in the dim light. Meanwhile, he walked towards the restroom at the back of the cafe instead of the VIP zone.
The reason was important as he wanted to lull the peeping person into following him. Charan’s footsteps were slow and deliberate, not rushing, until he reached a secluded corner. The head of the Phitakthewa family turned to deal with a mysterious person who followed closely, arousing suspicion.
“Oops!” A small figure whose arm was pulled and slipped out, a petite body less than ten centimeters tall in a hoodie, black in color, wearing a face mask, stumbled out.
The attempt to shuffle away was futile. When Charan firmly locked the other party, his narrowed eyes scrutinized cautiously.
At this point, the person who was caught couldn’t look up or speak, while the other side was wearing a tight-fitting outfit, but the familiar scent wafted up and tickled his nose, bringing back vivid memories of someone.
Someone… who shouldn’t be standing right in front of him at this moment.
“Be gentle. It hurts, squeezing someone that hard, that is just an arm. Not a dumbbell.”
Charan furrowed his brow when the mysterious person removed the hood, revealing his true identity, his pale lips trembling with concealed thoughts. The two pairs of eyes met and exchanged a deep understanding, just as it happened a few days ago.
“Young-Lord… How did you get here?” The older person’s voice was harsh, and thoughts about Khanin surged through their mind like a rushing stream. Charan looked at the other party, concerned, while the younger one was unable to find a proper stance.
“I’ve come to find someone here.”
“Who…” Charan momentarily forgot the appropriate terminology to use, upon hearing that someone else had an appointment. He mentally identified the person Young-Lord wanted to see.
To ensure safety, he introduced himself. He had to thoroughly investigate the individuals around Young-Lord, but as soon as he heard the next sentence, all thoughts of investigation had to be abandoned.
“I’m here to find someone.”
“Charan Phitakthewa, do you happen to know him?”
Because that person… is himself, not anyone else.
“Run fast, can’t catch up! I have to get news and photos of that man.”
The jarring noise reverberated, causing the nerve impulses of the leading members of the royal family to awaken. Charan hadn’t answered Khanin’s question yet, the opposite. He quickly grabbed Khanin’s wrist and pulled him closer, applying pressure on the other side until their backs almost touched the wall of the shop, before using his own body to shield the smaller figure. “What… are you looking for?”
“They are paparazzi…” Charan referred to the loudly shouting individuals who had just passed them moments ago. He clarified succinctly.
“…”
“This restaurant only attracts famous people, so incidents like this happen often. They shout and chase each other like this, and soon others will join in.” The older man spoke in a tense tone. He looked left and right, trying to find an escape route, but it seemed he hesitated too long.
“Go check that way, the restroom.” The sound of whispering came from a distance not too near nor far.
Charan exchanged glances with Khanin, their eyes meeting… There was no other choice left.
In a split second, it seemed that this time Khanin was faster than Charan by a large margin. Suddenly, the other party pulled out an exit door that even someone as experienced as Charan couldn’t anticipate.
“Sorry.” The apology sounded like a diversion, while the small hand swiftly reached around the neck, before gently touching the face of the person in the embrace, signaling to an intimate friend that they were close to the confines of the royal zone.
Their eyes met in a synchrony, within the close range of a passing breeze, before their lips… left nothing to be blocked, not even the passing breath could be separated…
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