Translated from Spanish to English - www.onlinedoctranslator.

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Dear readers who have found this document, I hope you like this story and enjoy it as much as
I did. This story introduces us to Charan and Kanin, a story filled with love and many difficulties,
with twists and turns. The translation was written for reading and enjoyment, and is therefore
non-profit. If you wish to include an excerpt, please include the appropriate credits.

Gratitude:

I want to thank some people for their help both in translation and other things, first of all many
thanks to Lucy for suggesting me to translate this story, to Sea for allowing me to translate,
and to Astri for allowing me to translate the missing chapters, in the realization of this
document, I want to thank Dany for making this document to share it, to my friend Lou for
making the cover of it, and to my Dany for editing and adding several things, this being one of
her favorite books of all, in addition to them I want to thank all the readers who were update by
update reading and supporting the story, especially those in my telegram group, who are
always ready to read my proposals and read these beautiful stories with me.

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Characters:

Zee is Charan:

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Nunew is Kanin:

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ZeeNunew/CharanKenin

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Index
Acknowledgments: _______________________________________________ 2 Characters:
___________________________________________________ 3 Family Tree+ Fencing
_______________________________________ 8 Emmaly and Fencing
____________________________________________ 8 Chapter 1: Fencing Association Tensor
_________________________ 9 Chapter 2: Goodbye, I Don't Want to See You
______________________________ 20 Chapter 3: Earl Grey Tea
_________________________________________ 31 Chapter 4: The Truth in Lies
________________________________ 40 Chapter 5: Inescapable
___________________________________________ 47 Chapter 6: True Winner
____________________________________ 55 Chapter 7: Conservative
___________________________________________ 66 Chapter 8: Game of Life
___________________________________________ 75 Chapter 9: Dream Picture
____________________________________ 85 Chapter 10: Bad People
___________________________________________ 97 Chapter 11: Winner's Right
___________________________________________ 107 Chapter 12: Emmaly
___________________________________________115 Chapter 13: Storm
_________________________________________ 125 Chapter 14: Pieces in a Board Game
_____________________________ 134 Chapter 15: Move
Over__________________________________________ 142 Chapter 16: Lives Hanging in the
Thread _____________________________ 155 Chapter 17: Survivors
______________________________________ 166 Chapter 18: True Position
___________________________________177 Chapter 19: Only You
___________________________________________ 186 Chapter 20: A Really Important Message
__________________________ 196 Chapter 21: Important Heir to the Throne
___________________________ 204 Chapter 22: Forbidden Garden
____________________________________ 214 Chapter 23: The Game Begins
___________________________________________ 227 Chapter 24: Royal Guard
_______________________________________________ 245 Chapter 25: Feelings to Keep
___________________________________________ 259 Chapter 26: Charan's Task
___________________________________________ 276 Chapter 27: Close Companion
___________________________________________ 290
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Chapter 28: Trust _______________________________________________311 Chapter 29: First

Date _______________________________________ 328 Chapter 30: Chosen
_______________________________________________ 346 Chapter 31: Offer
____________________________________________ 363 Chapter 32: Escalation
_______________________________________________ 385 Chapter 33: Jealousy
____________________________________________ 404 Chapter 34: Lovely Time
__________________________________ 426 Chapter 35: Kiss
_____________________________________________ 449 Chapter 36: Yours
____________________________________________ 470 Chapter 37: Worry
_______________________________________________ 509 Chapter 38: Protecting
_______________________________________________ 526 Chapter 39: Mistakes That Need to Be
Corrected _____________________________ 556 Chapter 40: Clever
_____________________________________________ 576 Chapter 41: Planning
______________________________________________ 594 Chapter 42: Competition
_______________________________________________ 616 Chapter 43: The Truth Revealed
__________________________________ 634 Chapter 44:
Destruction________________________________________ 649 Chapter 45: Too Much Love Until
It Hurts _________________________ 660 Chapter 46 - On the Other Side of the Sky, by Your
Side __________________________ 675 Important
_________________________________________________ 697

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Family Tree + Fencing

At the center is the capital city, Krung Davin, the seat of Thippaworn (Thi-Pok-Pa-Ron), or the
Lord of Great Life, who is the highest in the land. The Lord of Life must be accepted by the
other four cities. The current King, who is the Lord of Life, is a descendant of the
Atsawathewathin family.

The northern district is home to the gold-rich Atsawathewathin family. The current leader is Prince Tareen, son
of the current king. His wife is deceased.

The eastern district belongs to the diamond-rich Puchongphisut family. The current leader is
Prince Rajat, whose heir is his only son, Prince Ramil.

The western district is ruled by the gem-rich Twichmetha family. The current leader is Prince
Chana, whose heir is his only daughter, Lady Eve.

The southern district is home to the Minanakarin family, rich in pearls. The current leader is Chai Wasin, who has no
children or wife.

The iron rule of every city is that unless you are from the sovereign family, you have no right to enter the
capital without permission.

Emmaly ruled peacefully, until it was time to appoint a new Lord of Life.

The rule states that each city must send its heir to run for the position of representative
according to the old regulations. Those running for office must have direct lineage in each city.
If the heir of that city wins, they will be entitled to become the new Lord of Life, and their
province will immediately become the most important after the capital.

Emmaly and fencing

The people of Emmaly attach great importance to fencing.

As their ancestors were influenced by the wars of the early days of the Kingdom, when it came
to judging matters, the Emmalis turned to sword fights to determine victory. But during
colonization, Emmaly influenced the sport of the country where she came from, leading, in due
course, to the choice of fencing as a universal method, replacing folk methods to reduce
mortality rates during the tournaments that typically take place every day in different locations
throughout the country.

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The King, at that time, took action to establish the first Davin swordsmanship school, ordering
all courtiers, from all backgrounds, to register to learn swordsmanship in the universal
manner. Only nobles were interested, but over time, it became popular, becoming a
widespread sport in the country to this day.

.............................................

Chapter 1: Fencing Association Tensor

The sword is a symbol of determination, meaning it has the power to judge. The application of
the law in judgment is a weapon used to decide the fate of others.

Therefore, the sword in Justice's hand is sharp on both sides. Called a double-edged sword, it is
a symbol of the law that can be used to punish the guilty and protect the innocent at the same
time.

But even so, this power could bring justice or injustice if the swordsman hadn't weighed the
evidence and given honest consideration. The sword must always be placed below the scales to
prove that...

The soft voice of a female voice actress from a Sword of Justice documentary on the iPad
continues, though no one pays attention to listen.

The small, slender figure in the room still pays attention to the favorite saber in his hand.

He wipes it slowly, passionately considering its slender shape and ergonomic handle. Then he
places the cloth on the sword before putting it in his bag with a new glove he used last night.

Kanin turns to close the documentary and stands up. He slings his favorite black backpack,
containing his fencing gear, over his shoulder.

He has to leave early today because there's a training session for newcomers to the Fencing
Association, so he needs to hurry.

The young man leaves the room. As he is about to close the door, his eyes linger inside the
room to observe his own pride.

Kanin's room is filled with various types of swords won from bets he won against his friends.
He beams with pride before closing the door and heading down the stairs in a good mood.

"You arrived five minutes later than agreed. Better next time."

Kanin's feet freeze as he hears the solemn voice of another person, who turns out to be his father.

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"Yes, sir. I'm aware of that."

Kanin shrugs, throws himself in front of the dining room table, and ignores his father, who is standing in
front of the stove.

He picks up his phone and reads a message from Paul, a close friend from the fencing club. He's
been seeing his message since morning, but hasn't had time to write anything to reply. His father's
breakfast is placed in front of him.

"I've said it before. If you're at home, use our language," Tattanai said sternly. Kanin's father
still maintained his usual gentle and indifferent expression.

Our language. The young man hears this and laughs inwardly. The language he's speaking is
Emma's, because her father is from a small Southeast Asian country called Emmaly. Tattanai is a
native who has close ties to his country, but Kanin doesn't. He was born and raised in England.

Not knowing how her father could say it was "our" language, since his father said he was born and raised
there. Therefore, his language should be English, not Emma.

How could Kanin possibly want to retort? But as he secretly observed his father's mood, he saw
the tension and stress on his face, so he decided to ignore it and take his words seriously.

"Khao Soi again?" Kanin murmurs to the food in front of him. He uses a fork to stir the noodles in
the curry soup, coconut milk laced with orange chili oil, and frowns at his father, who has just sat
down across from him.

"You know I don't like Khao Soi because it stains my clothes."

The boy thinks to himself as he eats his father's soy sauce, until the paste splashes water on his
shirt... it was dirty.

In fact, he doesn't like all types of noodles, because every time he eats them, Kanin always has a
problem with his clothes soaked in broth or sauce. Everyone knows this and always tries to avoid it,
but his father seems to be the exception.

His father, besides never avoiding things his son doesn't like, also likes to serve pasta every
morning.

"Learn to get used to eating so you don't make a mess," Tattanai replies in a monotone,
squinting at his son, who uses a fork to eat national food instead of chopsticks as he'd been
taught. "Learn to use chopsticks and a spoon until you get used to it. You can't just use a fork
to eat everything as if you've been here forever."

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Kanin sighs and lowers his head upon hearing his father say this.

The young man knows that arguing is pointless.

If he argues, his father will come and talk about the same old story about robots that program
themselves automatically, so he thinks about the fork and then turns to take two chopsticks in
his hand, puts a few bites of pasta in his mouth, then drinks water and immediately stands up.

"I'll just eat this. I'm full."

"Hm," Tattanai lifts his coffee cup and takes a sip, pretending not to see his son's dissatisfied
expression that became evident every time he complained.

Seeing his father indifferent, he turns around, picks up his backpack and slings it over his shoulder.

Kanin is about to leave the dining room, but before he can take any further steps, his heart weakens
and he finally agrees to reconcile with his father because he cannot stand him.

If you don't have to talk just because you're not using chopsticks to eat rice this time, I'll give you another
chance.

"Then go ahead, Dad."

Kanin speaks softly to his broad back, looking from this angle as if Tattanai couldn't care less
about making peace with his son. The tall man in the blue apron doesn't even look back.

The father calmly puts down his coffee cup and then lets out a solemn voice.

"Don't forget we have a rehearsal tonight, don't be late."

His eyes widen. His feet stop immediately.

"But I'm already training in the association. What else are we going to practice tonight, Dad? Give me
some time to enjoy and play."

The Kanin association means fencing association. The training is for practicing international
fencing in the sporting category.

The sport his father dreamed of representing his country in, but he couldn't due to an accident.
Still young, he had to abandon his dream and accept job offers in other fields, moving to
England to settle down.

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"I changed my mind. This training and 'ours' aren't the same thing."

He placed special emphasis on the word "our."

"Father, what are you holding on to? Aren't you satisfied with having one of the top places in the guild?"

"That's not enough. Come practice tonight. You still have a lot of holes I need to point out." At
the end of the warning, he brings the coffee cup back to his lips.

The middle-aged man shows his son that he's not interested in Kanin's objection. His orders
must be absolute, like a decree that Kanin cannot reject.

"So, whatever you want, Dad. Dad wants me to do everything, so I do everything. Anyway, I
have to be thankful I have an Asian parent."

NT: Asian father

Only the son's childish sarcasm sounds with the sound of the door closing.

For several minutes, Tattanai remains silent. His once indifferent eyes become tremulous. His
once fixed eyes dart out the window and change direction, eventually settling on Khao Soi's
bowl. The bowl from which his son had eaten and remained behind.

The middle-aged man can only let out a deep sigh. He picks up his plate of food and walks to
the sink, extinguishing the distraction overwhelming his brain.

____________

Kanin has already left the house. Still angry about what his father had said, the young man
hurries to Earl's Court station, hoping the effort of the walk will ease some of his frustration.

Kanin thinks his father is more like a soldier than a writer. With his solemnly commanding gaze
and the firm tone that often accidentally comes across when practicing swordplay, he gives the
impression of being harshly trained by a master medieval knight.

No wonder his friends don't dare visit his house, they're all afraid of his father.

Kanin still remembers when Paul first visited his home. His father ordered him to get up and
put on a suit to practice, seeing that the other man was still wielding a sword that wasn't as
beautiful as he'd hoped. So his father volunteered to be the one to rigorously train him until he
was exhausted. He never dared return home again.

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He also called his father the most brutal coach ever, a writer. And he told everyone at the club,
to the point where it's still a rumor to this day.

In fact, Tattanai's initial profession is that of a celebrity writer. Most of the works he specializes
in are autobiographies of athletes, so there aren't many of them.

But that's why his dad kept working out and training hard—because these famous athletes
prefer people who take care of their bodies to hiring skinny writers to write their own
biographies.

Kanin thinks Tattanai is a very talented person. If he hadn't had an accident, he wouldn't have
had to bury all his hopes and dreams.

Being able to live the life of a widowed father so perfectly, Kanin realizes that his father has
long since outgrown him.

Although Kanin never saw his mother's face, as she died when he was born, the other half fulfilled
his duty as his father very well, never lacking anything. Although he is strict with him in everything,
he can't deny that Tattanai is a very good father.

His father loves him as much as he loves his father. Even though they never say they love each other,
Kanin feels that his father's good intentions are always very sincere.

Both affectionate, always keeping the house clean, waking up and preparing meals every
morning. Hm... the food Kanin doesn't like.

Well, it's not that bad...

Having been with his father the whole time, Kanin didn't fall far from the tree. He took on
almost all of his father's traits.

Even the habit of observing people's facial expressions is due, in part, to the swordsmanship
practice taught to him by his father.

His father always said that this kind of sport is not just like using a sword to hit or strike your
opponent, but a sport that is used to decide whether to attack or defend by looking at the
opponent's posture.

Precise sensitivity and timely defense come from having to concentrate on reading other
people's minds and mastering other people's movements.

It's like he can read his father who, no matter how hard he was, was always kind to him.

Kanin sees all these skills as something special.

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He's good at reading the situation around him, especially people's facial expressions and
movements, and for this reason, this morning's trip to the fencing club seemed unusual...

He takes two steps forward and stops. Then he takes two more and stops, repeating this
process until he's sure the sound of his own footsteps is followed by another sound.

The sound of a thick-soled shoe is definitely not just an impression.

Sure enough, the young man suddenly stops walking again.

Kanin pretends to bend down to tie his shoelaces, even though they're still loose. The owner of
the shoes is standing not far from his line of vision.

The young man's heart beats as if someone were shaking it.

Kanin swallows. Pushing himself to stay alert, he chooses to stand up naturally.

Pretending not to know that someone had been following him for a long time and that he didn't
notice anything, Kanin quickened his steps toward the subway until the train doors opened.

For almost a week, Kanin has been sensing something unusual around him.

Many times he felt like there were eyes fixed on him, but when he searched for the source, he found no
one suspicious. But each time, his survival instincts told him the mysterious figure was getting closer and
closer. So close that it was no longer safe.

Whatever happens, today I need to see the face of the person who follows me.

Kanin thinks before slowly walking out the door to the middle of the carriage.

He cautiously looks at the reflection of people in the glass before his gaze finds the suspicious
figure in the gray hoodie, black hat, and sunglasses, standing less than three seats to his right
behind him.

Kanin sets his sights on the man. The boy reads the other's expression through the reflection in
the subway window reflected in his eyes. The figure in question turns left and right, and leans
exponentially toward him, reminding him of his former opponents.

The young man tries to sift through the fragments of his memory, wondering if he's ever had a
problem with someone like that, but his head is empty. Kanin doesn't know anyone who's
Asian, so he's pretty sure this person isn't someone he knows.

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Thinking about this, Kanin closes his eyes. Kanin takes a deep breath before mentally counting from
one to ten according to his rough estimate of time, then...

"Ah, that bastard!"

Someone cursed loudly when Kanin punched him in the shoulder as he ran from the center of the
train to the door. No matter how much he wanted to apologize, he didn't have time right now. Only
the station announcement was important.

Kanin counted down, calculated the number of steps he needed to run in time, and
immediately jumped off the train as soon as the sound rang out.

Disccccc!

"Die, haha, psychopath!"

Kanin suddenly turns around and speaks silently, but clearly emphasizes the movements of his mouth to
the person in the gray hood who had fallen into his trap.

The other had chased him, but it was useless. The train doors close, separating them from each other.
The young man smiles out of the corner of his mouth, raising his middle finger. His stern declaration of
victory leaves the people on the train confused. Before he can think of what to do, the train pulls away.

Idiot...

The young man stands still as he watches the train pull away with satisfaction. He hurries on, thinking
there's no point in taking the simple route and bumping into someone at the next station.

He decides to change the route to the fencing association for another train line, confident that walking a
little further is the best solution.

Well, it's a waste of time... but at least I can rest assured that I'm safe from the stalkers who
have appeared in my life for one more day.

____________

"Oh, and that's why I was late."

Upon arriving at the fencing club, it wasn't even a minute before a close friend, Paul, questioned
him in detail. He then told him the whole story, and he would then tell it to the others.

It never disappoints, though... when it comes to gossip.

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So, as they leave the locker room, the whole team already knows, even the rookie standing in front of the
scoreboard.

"Where have you been telling that story?" Kanin, hugging the metal mask, raises his eyebrows
at Paul. Angela turns to look first and quickly makes room in the group to let him in.

"That they were following you—" Paul says. The golden-haired Englishman immediately turns to his
friend. "So, what do you want to do now? Do you want to report these organ traffickers to the
police? Why are you making that face?"

Kanin smiles at his best friend's last words. Other people turn around and see him smiling. This
wasn't supposed to be a big deal. It's just Paul, with his excessive anxiety that makes it seem
absurd.

"Keep talking, Paul. What could a person like that possibly take? As nice as it sounds, please
listen to your friend. Just this once."

Alex, half-Chinese-British, holds a handmade epe sword as if displaying a tiny object. "Besides, with a
mouth like that, he'll just be a burden to whoever kidnaps him. Please have some sympathy for whoever
wants to kidnap him, my friend."

"Hey, that's a bit much, my friend. You must have forgotten who our team captain is. That said,
be careful not to get blown away." The team captain, Kanin, raises his saber and touches his
friend's chest. Alex raises his hands in a flippant gesture of surrender, making both friends and
newcomers laugh.

"By the way, this isn't the first time my friend has been followed. At least there was another guy..." Alex takes
advantage of the moment when his friends burst out laughing to nod.

The Chinese-British man looks at the man sitting with his hand in his lap and watches them
with an indifferent face, expressionless, before walking away, covering his mouth and speaking
in a low voice. "That guy... he comes to watch our team's practices whenever his name is on the
team's practice schedule. I'd say if he's not a scout, he's one of the people who likes you. Which
isn't wrong."

"How can that be? That idiot never came down to talk to me, not once," Kanin comments. The boy
looks at the person Alex spoke to and freezes slightly when he sees that the person is already
looking at him.

The distance is not too great, so Kanin can clearly see the man.

Tall, strong, and with facial features that show he is loved by God.

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No matter how many times you look at him, you can't deny that he's a very handsome man. Although he's Asian, he
measures his height with his eyes; he's almost 10 cm taller than him.

Plus, the members are enviable enough that in a seated pose, they look more like a celebrity
waiting for a photoshoot than someone who watches sword practice every day.

Kanin looks at him, considering his stylishly cut black hair, bushy black eyebrows that match his
slender, oval face, which perfectly matches his prominent nose. Finally, on the most attractive
part of his body, those piercing eyes look like those of an eagle watching its prey.

Everything mentioned above is dressed in the black and white color scheme. It always appeared that way.

Kanin had never seen this person dressed in other colors. He mostly wore a turtleneck, black or
white, alternating with a few different styles. But he couldn't deny that the outfit the boy chose
made him look like a real nobleman, including his behavior, manners, and beauty.

He doesn't look like a normal person...

Kanin doesn't know the purpose. He doesn't know why this person keeps coming to see him. Even though his
mouth denies it, he can't help but think that what Alex said could be partly true.

Does this guy really like her?

Damn, he doesn't smell that good.

And if you don't like it, why sit and watch?

There are many questions on his mind. And of course, it piques Kanin's curiosity.

Well, one of his irreparable flaws is that he's a seeker of answers. If there's nothing to pique his
curiosity, there won't be many thoughts in his mind, but if there are, no matter what, you'll find
a reasonable answer.

What's that called? It's something his father taught him since he was born. It's an instinctive part of the
body, something like that.

I'm going to talk to that guy and ask him about it, so there are no more questions in my mind.

Without waiting for someone to open their mouth to ask, as quickly as he could, Kanin turned
to hand over his knowledge to his friend Paul and then walked briskly toward that person.

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Kanin's every move is watched by Charan's eyes, who shifts slightly, preparing to deal with the
matter at hand to see his target, whom he has been watching the entire time, heading towards
him with determination in his eyes.

Like a kitten catching a big fish in a pond...

It's now... Charan himself has been waiting for this day for a long time. The young man has
many things to say to Kanin, he just needs to listen.

"Did you come to see me?"

The skinny man's sweet voice opens the conversation as soon as he arrives. Kanin insists on asking strangers
questions immediately in English, as he doesn't know what language the man usually uses. He crosses his
slender arms and raises an eyebrow at the man when he notices the man staring at him without saying
anything.

"..."

"Or are you a scout for another team? If so, I'll have to pass, because after I graduate, I have no
plans to continue competing. I want to take a break for a year or two," Kanin surmises, seeing that
the older boy didn't say anything. He launches the question with a skillful denial, as he has done
with other scouts.

However, the other remains seated like a stone statue.

"..."

"Or... you're following me like this because..." At this point, Kanin's eyebrows automatically furrow.
He knows there's one more thing, which makes him think about what Alex just said. It's the only
plausible hypothesis in this situation.

"Or you just like me... so you come to watch?"

"..."

It worked. The person immediately turns around after remaining motionless like a carved stone
for so long.

Okay... Say a word, stone statue. Do you want to speak telepathically?

"Hasn't Ttanai told you yet?"

However, what the man decided to say first wasn't a response to the like or dislike question. In
addition to not answering in English, the older man also chose to speak to her in Emma's
language and mention his father's name.

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Does this person... know my father?

"Will you tell me?"

The idea of asking for answers has just become suspicious. At this moment, Kanin's thin eyebrows are
almost arching in the middle of his forehead from frowning so much. The young man and the stranger
unconsciously draw so close that they can hear each other breathing.

"Hmm..."

The man makes a sound in his throat and narrows his eyes as if meaningfully analyzing Kanin's
facial expressions.

"Tell me what?" the young man asks quietly, probing again. Even though his head is almost popping and
exploding with curiosity, something is wrong... Kanin can see that this guy, no matter what, would never
tell the truth.

"I'll say that..." the man spoke more slowly, as if he wanted to purposely increase Kanin's
curiosity.

The minor doesn't even care that what would come next is not true, he just wants to observe
the other's gestures, whose slightly thin body is slightly tilted and the eyes that he watched
anxiously changing to gentle in the blink of an eye.

"When you wield a sword, you tend to unconsciously shift your left shoulder. Its propulsion
makes you move faster, but if you encounter a superior opponent, it will immediately read
whether you will strike or stab next."

"..."

"That habit could cause you to lose next time, so improve."

"..."

"That's something you should know from the beginning."

"Look here..."

"Actually, I think the top position in the Fencing Association still needs a lot of practice."

.................................................

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Chapter 2: Goodbye, I don't want to see you

"Actually, I think first place in the Fencing Association... still needs a lot of practice."

'You need a lot of practice'

The stranger's words still echoed in Kanin's ears even as the days passed. His eyes were fixed
on his father's face as the saber rested in his hand.

Kanin is on the attack. His well-formed face was serious as he prepared for training. Unlike his
mind, which isn't distracted by the stranger.

Visual movement signals call the thin body to try to concentrate on the situation in front of it.

The young man moved to escape the shining sword coming from the left before twisting his
body again to avoid the sharp edge coming from the opposition.

Kanin only has a split second to raise his arm in the hopes of stabbing his opponent. But
perhaps due to a lack of concentration, everything he had planned in his mind didn't go as
expected.

I lost... I lost easily.

"Nin." The sound of the vote-counting bell rang, followed by a deep sigh from his father. Kanin
pursed his lips tightly. He immediately knew what would happen next.

"..."

"You're not concentrating at all, you know?"

Ttanai uses a deep, ferocious voice. The middle-aged man focuses on the restraints of his
armor, removes his metal mask, and then stands with his arms crossed, before looking
introspectively at the younger man.

"I know there's no focus." Kanin believes he shouldn't make excuses. The young man sighed,
irritated with himself for accidentally letting someone influence his ideas.

How arrogant was that idiot to point out his flaws? To insult him at the end, saying he should
be the first in the association, even though no one had dared to tell him that before?

"What made you lose focus?"

"It's nonsense."
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"Kanin, if that nonsense distracts your mind when you're wielding a sword, you know what it means,
right?" Calling him by his real name implies greater seriousness. The young man didn't reply, but he
knew in his heart what Tattanai wanted to convey.

Hesitation and lack of precision are paths that will never lead to victory. Only defeat awaits.

"You must be alone to check."

"Dad, do you think if I try to adjust my stance and not move my left shoulder before throwing the
sword, I can win against you?"

"Huh?" The owner of the small body had uttered a phrase that hadn't been intended and Ttanai stopped
in his tracks before turning and looking at his only son with suspicious eyes.

"Hm... Let's do this." Kanin closes his eyes slightly. He grips the sword in his hand until he
realizes he accidentally said a phrase that has stuck in his mind. The young man intends to
refuse and end the conversation here, but Tattanai seems to think completely differently.

"Say it again... Say the phrase you just said again."

"THIS..." He sighed. "I said if I tried to adjust my stance and not move my left shoulder before
attacking, what would happen? I mean... what do you think?" The young man reluctantly
repeats the same phrase a second time. He remains silent, secretly watching for the signs,
waiting for a response from his father. Every second seems to pass slower than usual until
Tattanai's answer.

"I think so." Her eyes, which had previously been filled with serenity, were now filled with
satisfaction.

"..."

"I'm glad you're now recognizing your own shortcomings."

Bomb !

It was as if an invisible bolt of lightning had struck Kanin's head. The young man didn't even
know what kind of expression he was making this time. His small eyes widened, his small lips
parted, and his eyebrows contracted in the center of his forehead until they formed a messy
knot, not unlike his thoughts.

"By saying that, does it mean that in the past you knew how I would throw the sword because my left shoulder
was moving?"

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"Yeah."

"Is this what you told me to improve, when you refused to tell me what to fix?"

"Yeah."

"Does that mean if I adjust the moves, I'll beat you?"

"Correct," he nodded firmly. Kanin gasped and shook his head, because Tattanai's words
emphasized that what the man said was true.

"It's not true..." The young man turned his head. His body movements were enough for any
intelligent person to notice.

"Did someone tell you that?" the older man asks. In truth, Tattanai isn't so sure, but since
Kanin's eyes never hide the truth, he can see that the only son is confused.

"No," the mischievous boy turns into a -. Kanin quickly dodges his father's gaze by turning
around to grab a water bottle near him, opening it and quenching his thirst, in an attempt to
dodge the sharp eyes like a hawk's, pretending to be a blind eye, not looking the other way.
Unaware that the more he tried to hide what was hidden, the clearer it became.

Kanin never lied to Tattanai.

"If no one told you, how do you know?"

"Nín..."

"Think carefully before you answer your father." That sentence was no different than having a
hammer smash his mask. The young man let out a deep sigh, a habit he liked to do out of nowhere.

"It's fine," he said softly. Kanin made eye contact with the older man. For a moment, he
hurriedly hid his feelings in his heart as usual. But the person who spoke wasn't fine at all. It
was more like an illusion.

"Damn it! What did they say? Tell your dad!" This time, Tattanai wasn't the one who cared. The
older boy turned to look for the water bottle to drink, feigning indifference as he sipped, and
asked in a calm voice, for he knew his son's personality better than anyone.

The more excited and curious the child is, the more rebellious he will be. So sometimes...
Tattanai has to use the official method: do a few sword dribbles, stop to read the game, sit
back, and wait for the attack.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"He said I move my left shoulder before throwing the sword, thus letting the opponent know in
advance. He told me to be more careful. He also came to say that first place in the club should be
better than this... Embarrassing, offensive."

At the end of the sentence, it was like a whisper. It was a whisper filled with anger and emotion. Kanin
was annoyed at the thought of wondering how correct that motionless stone statue was.

Kanin's face showed frustration and seriousness, sometimes muttering and complaining to
himself. Most of it was seen through Tattanai's eyes, who smiled secretly before clearing his
throat slightly to call Kanin out of his reverie.

"So you think it's true?"

The middle-aged man asked his son to express his opinion. Tattanai didn't want to direct his
son, although in his heart he was quite grateful for that person's words. It seemed that having
someone to open the wound would help Kanin see his own flaws more quickly.

"I don't know."

"You don't know, I have to prove it to you." Tattanai finished speaking and turned to place the
water bottle on the table. His thick palms reached out to pick up the mask and put it back on
before connecting the cables to tally the established scores.

"Remember the game theory your father taught you?" The speaker stood in a ready position,
causing Kanin's body's instincts to respond almost immediately.

"I'm going to beat Daddy," the voice behind the metal mask grows more serious. The young
man moves his left hand behind his back and his right hand grips the hilt of his trusty sword as
he looks at his opponent. Of course, on the competition field, they have no family ties.

The boy was convinced that if his variable was really to move his left shoulder, then the game
theory his father had taught him would work, even if the opponent was his own father...

"I see you say that all the time." Tattanai smiles at the corner of his mouth. These gestures make the
younger man even more excited than before.

"This time, I won't lose."

"Then come."

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

The atmosphere in the practice room seemed more relaxed. Kanin no longer showed a worried
expression as he returned to focusing on training.

The little boy in Tattanai's eyes seems playful and doesn't seem to notice that the shoulder that
used to be a problem now moves in a different way.

Tattanai smiled at the results the coach needed, as he had realized. Kanin is strong-willed but
not stubborn, though his mouth denies it. In practice, he is incredibly detailed. Kanin's sword
movements are delicate yet fierce when timed right.

All the actions displayed completely contradicted the boy's cute face, like a positive and
negative pole, a wolf wrapped in sheep's clothing. No, Kanin would be a wild cat with claws, but
wrapped in fluffy rabbit fur.

The middle-aged man put his son's sword away and stared at the young man blankly, recalling
the time when he was still innocent. When he was younger, Kanin always had the habit of
following his father everywhere, no matter where he was doing something.

'I can do it, I can do it'

Rebel from this young age until now...

'What daddy does, I do'

The boy who followed his father in the past is now bigger than ever.

It's a shame there isn't much time to spend together... Tattanai can only hope that in the future, her
son will be able to enjoy the simple things, or at least think about it when he sees food, which he
used to complain about. It wouldn't be like every day.

Because he himself would miss Kanin very much...

Although I shouldn't even think about it.

______________

On guard

Parade

There ' (Go)

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

The referee's signal sounded. The two swordsmen in the battle immediately began to fight.
Both competitors took turns scoring points with such force that they could be considered
uncompromising.

The sound of the vote-counting bell continued to ring intermittently. Until the 4th minute, the
party that used the red light to count the points displayed superior tactical skill, slashing and
stabbing their opponents twice in a row until breaking the score in the 5th minute.

Kanin, the red representative, removed his metal mask and turned his face toward the
scoreboard before smiling contentedly at the corners of his lips. His slender figure politely
turned away to hide his smile. At the same time, he turned around to respond in a friendly
manner to the contestant's birthday handshake.

The young man smiled and spoke naturally to the green team. Before the next minute, the winner's
mood turned upside down so quickly it was frightening.

His double eyelids shifted their focus. All five senses didn't stop at the competitors when a new
target caught Kanin's attention.

The soft lips suddenly closed their smile. The pretty face went numb as someone's tall
silhouette appeared in her line of sight.

The man returned...

Perhaps because it's now a competition venue for those who want to compete in the city to
explore their own agility, the club opens the venue to outside visitors to occupy the area as if it
were a real competition. The surrounding amphitheater was unusually busy, but among the
many people, Kanin's eyes were fixed on that one person...

The white-skinned man combed his black hair to make it stand out, matching his piercing eyes.

The other party crossed their arms, haughtily looking at the same position as if it were a recurring
projection, not much different from the day before. They were completely motionless, unmoving,
still staring at each other without looking away. It was like a ghost that wouldn't go away and
needed prayer to drive it away.

Kanin condemned the other person forcefully in his heart. The young man lowered his head
and bid his opponent farewell before leaving. At first, his mind tried to ignore it, but in the next
moment, the focus shifted.

The small body removed its protective clothing, its legs heading straight for the owner of the
tall body. Eyes sharp as weapons. They faced each other, creating a silence that was not

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

unlike a small cold war, which lasted almost three full minutes until Kanin opened fire again.

"Did you come to see me?"

"..."

"Forget it, I don't care about the answer anyway."

The young man shrugged indifferently. Kanin didn't even care whether this guy would respond or
not, nor did he care what purpose the other party had in coming or going. The main reason he
came straight here was because the boy had something important to discuss.

In fact, saying that he came to correct an insult may sound more appropriate.

"..."

"I'm just here... to let you know I'm still number one at the club."

"..."

"Even though I may seem incompetent to you, in the eyes of the public and on the scoreboard, on
that screen, it's clearer than in the words of ordinary people... Do you agree?" Kanin smiled with his
mouth, but not with his eyes.

If the other's sentence had been painful the last time, Kanin had an equally sharp response this
time. The boy stared into the stranger's eyes, intending to disturb the person's emotions with
his smile.

"Ah, but I had to say thank you anyway. Thank you for teaching me, even though it was a lesson I
didn't ask for. Thank you so much..."

"..."

"...but next time, you won't have to."

If it had been anyone else, he would have gone to fight. However, with the man in front of him,
he managed to remain perfectly calm. Only the corners of his mouth twitched as the supreme
master of the body stood up.

The black eyes stared down as their heights were clearly separated. Kanin, without realizing it,
drew his feet back, his slender hands automatically raised in the air as the other came closer
and closer, until he could smell the faint scent of perfume... of the foreign body.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"You know, besides the shoulder contraction, when you take a step back, you like to kick your
feet twice."

"..."

"You can lose points if you find someone better than these people."

"So what? Now I..."

"Just because you're number one now doesn't mean you'll be number one forever."

______________

"I hate that guy."

"Why would you hate him? Weren't you the one who said that everything he warned about was correct?"

Paul leans forward and whispers as he eats a bowl of steamed rice. The Englishman
spontaneously turns to the waiter to ask for spicy fish sauce before turning to tap Kanin on the
shoulder, seeing that he still didn't seem to be in a good mood.

Almost an hour passed, but Kanin still couldn't deal with his feelings. Perhaps because he
knew, in his heart, that those words were still the truth. The feeling of irritation in his chest
couldn't be immediately dismissed. He was still tense, though, sitting amidst the laughter of his
companions, his mood was as dark as the cloudy sky.

If anyone is to blame, it's the stone statue.

"That guy's words are annoying."

Kanin said he was going to get a glass of water to drink and calm his explosive temper. Now
he's sitting at a Thai restaurant in SoHo. It's a restaurant famous for its intense flavor and the
same restaurant Paul suggested for a meal to commemorate three consecutive victories.

"Only this time it's not normal."

"How?" Pak asked, his eyes fixed on the various dishes being gradually served by the
restaurant staff.

"Because my father agrees with what that guy suggests."

It's not that he doesn't accept his mistake; Kanin already knows where he went wrong. But the
reason he was so offended was because the disdainful person's words were backed up by the
person he trusted most: his father.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"Your father? Well, even better. Your father is a murderer!" Alex, who was sitting next to him,
blurted out his opinion, after which Bod sat and listened in silence.

"..."

"When your father mentored Paul, Paul became surprisingly good, don't you remember? Otherwise,
he would never have been able to sit down and give us three consecutive wins like this."

"That's true, I agree with Alex. This guy can be very good... Which means you're criticizing him
so he won't be bad, right?"

At that moment, he discovered that his friends had abandoned him and were staying with the
stranger. Kanin sighed deeply, keeping all the confusion in his mind before answering only yes, yes,
yes.

"Hey, you're kind of an Emmaly, aren't you, Kanin?" someone said when the food in front of
him was almost half full. Kanin looked up from the intensely flavored orange curry and turned
his head to listen to his companions' questions.

"Because?"

"My friend asked me. Is it true that in your country children practice fencing every day starting at
age three? They know how to handle swords better than forks."

"Well, I heard that when they elect a new king, they take their sons to compete in fencing. This is one of
the tests. I used to watch short videos years ago on YouTube," someone said.

Because the noise inside the restaurant was so loud, Kanin couldn't tell which words belonged to whom.

"It's no wonder... The people of this country always make it to the Olympic finals. You're good,
your father is good."

The last sentence is from Kevin, a foreigner eating Ta Nam Khao. The other party was flirting
with the conversation, excited enough to get Kanin to return his attention to the matter at
hand.

"The others don't know this, but my father made me wield a sword every day." The young man
shrugs. He chuckles a little silently as he remembers his father, who would send him off to train
and train again as if swordsmanship was the most important thing in life that Kanin couldn't
give up.

His father said "it's in the blood."

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

As for the previous questions, Kanin honestly couldn't answer. He was born and raised in England and
never set foot in Emmaly. If there were a question to answer, it would have to be measured by his
father's strictness throughout his life...

Kanin assumed it must be true, as friends said.

Maybe Emmaly trains children to handle swords from birth... so they can practice
swordsmanship before they can walk.

In fact, his father wasn't just strict about sword training. There was also a lot of other
knowledge that Kanin was subject to.

For example: piano lessons, singing lessons, social studies, economics, and also other languages
that some of your friends may not know, such as Thai, Chinese, Spanish, and Arabic.

He studied so hard that Paul wonders why he didn't have time to find someone. What did he
say? There simply isn't much time for love stories, since there isn't much time for fun in life.
Kanin's life seems programmed to follow the path his father had laid out, though he didn't
pressure him to the point of hating his studies; his freedom and childhood weren't like those of
other children.

Many times Kanin questioned himself and many times he questioned Ttanai.

The boy didn't understand why anyone had to be an expert in everything, but it was because
his father was unlike anyone else. The answers he received were no different from math tests...

Tough questions that still require a high level of understanding... Tattanai has always been like that.
Entice him and wait until he establishes himself.

"Father trains you in swordsmanship, but swordsmanship is a finite game. Finish the game
within the time limit." So what is his consideration?

His father's words from the night before flashed through his mind. Kanin recalled that the debate
topic came up in the third practice of the night.

"Obey the rules and defeat the opponent within the time limit." The slender figure immediately
replied confidently.

"That's right, so... if you want to defeat a superior opponent in the allotted time... and you still have
to follow the rules, what do you do?"

The middle-aged man paused, letting his son reflect. Kanin instinctively shifted slightly, his
brain processing before he frowned as he thought of something.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"There are two paths." Kanin holds the sword in a ready position. Through the metal mask, the
boy's eyes meet his father's, suddenly feeling overly nervous because he was worried about his
answer.

"Say." Unsure of what he was going to say, Kanin stood there for a few minutes before finally
agreeing to say what was on his mind.

"The first way is to read the opponent. Find the opponent's weaknesses and overcome them. The
second way... is to commit a foul on the opponent... and we will win."

The announcer gulped when he realized the meaning of the phrase he said.

What Kanin said was no different than a cunning, dishonest, and cowardly fool... but the young man
was only thinking according to the variables to compete against the time his father had given him
on the problem.

You have to make decisions that will help you reach your goal as quickly as possible. This would also mean
committing a foul on your opponent, eliminating them from the competition.

"But we can't always do that. Intentionally breaking the rules during game time will make you a
cheater," Tattanai said softly, emphasizing the word intentionally to clear the way, so the young
man would think accordingly.

"But without time it could be possible, right?"

The sharp-minded boy thought too quickly for his brain to reflect. Kanin's eyes widened. He
was quite surprised by his own thoughts. As a result, the sword thrown forward this time was
distorted.

Lost... but Kanin vaguely saw beneath the metal mask that his father was nodding his head in
satisfaction.

"Yes, that's right, it's out of time, so you have to be on your guard. Live a conscious life,
consider the downsides, see the true purpose of who does what, for whom, why... because in
life there is or there isn't a way to know who is going to fight outside the rules. The slightest
inattention can put you at a disadvantage."

"..."

"Don't forget that in every fight we only need one winner. You have to figure out who fights each
type of fight and how."

"..."

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"Be prepared to break the rules, and don't forget the fact that we humans are different in this
world. It's only natural that there are still many people who are ready to win because they think
it's an easier path than competing for justice," he added. Tattanai returned to his ready stance
before nodding as a signal for the young man to do the same.

Kanin understood... His father didn't teach him to cheat, but he was teaching him to be
attentive to people. Priding himself on being superior and not looking around can lead to
disaster... Tattanai was teaching him. He opened his heart wide, as if he were going to open it
to that man's objection...

Although it pained him, Kanin couldn't deny the fact that he had beaten his father by a point that
night due to his adjustment to move his left shoulder less. As a result, his father couldn't read the
game. Even when combined with the old man's commitment... The young man couldn't escape the
truth.

Recognizing the error and trying to correct it more and more, eventually his body no longer
accepted the habit. His instinct demanded that he adapt. Every time Kanin touched his left shoulder,
he moved less and less... little by little, until he barely moved at the end of each fight.

What someone said is true...

But then... he and that guy will never see each other again after he graduates. Kanin intended
to disappear from the Fencing Club for a while.

The captaincy goes to his teammate Alex. And his life will be free again. There's no reason to
meet that rude bastard again.

Goodbye forever...

..................................................

Chapter 3: Earl Grey Tea

The image of a tall young man with a serene face and graceful posture placing the tip of a
paintbrush on a canvas would be a common sight if the viewer were a student at the first art school
in the Emmaus Kingdom. With a handsome face like a unique sculpture, everyone remembers
Charan Pitakthewa as the owner of an art school for the upper class.

I am attached to a young man who inherits the surname of an old aristocratic family that owns
famous works of art from the period that many want to own.

Charan has become Emmaly's number one artist, and many millionaires want to sponsor him
this decade. But the wealthy can only dream, because they know in their hearts that the person
who sponsored him was Emmaly's current leader.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

Being in the care of the Great Leader of Life made Charan seem lofty and unattainable. People
knew this artist was no ordinary person. Meeting him didn't mean approaching opportunities.
The great millionaires went out of their way to send their children to be Charan's disciples.

They are no different than bumblebees chasing beautiful flowers in royal gardens, observing,
admiring, but unable to pick, possess, or smell...

"Sorry for being rude, sir."

The old butler's voice called out to the tall young man sitting in the middle of the room, bringing him out of his
reverie. Charan, wearing a dark blue satin robe and glasses, stopped the hand that was tapping the ink on the
canvas. Turning his head, he looked at the source of the voice.

"Is something wrong? It doesn't usually bother me at this point." His tone of voice was flat,
without a hint of reproach, but Narong, the head butler, knew very well how the question that
was triggered came from his heart.

The middle-aged man in elegant clothes lowered his head slightly, showing an uncomfortable
expression. He knew the current master didn't like being disturbed, especially when he had a
new screen on a rainy night. It was a forbidden time... His ears heard the sound of heavy rain
from last night until dawn. Narong knew very well that he shouldn't be here, but he did so out
of necessity and coercion.

Besides the lord's orders, there is a more important matter...

"I'm sorry, my lord." The butler's small eyes looked apologetic, but he didn't explain too much
to avoid wasting time. He only allowed a man in military uniform to enter. The third person
bowed his head in respect to Charan. Before reaching out to say anything, the thick palm had
to drop the work of art in his hand...

"Khun Charan... His Majesty the King has issued a royal order to meet with him." The soldier finished
speaking, his lips pursed. The young man in uniform straightened, adjusting his body in a gesture
that seemed more courteous and appropriate for an artist under the patronage of the Lord of Life.

"When should I meet?" Charan asked back, grabbing a towel at his side to wipe the ink and
stains off his fingers.

"Now..." The officer stepped back a little. The expression on his face showed uncertainty. After
a moment, he paused in his thoughts and uttered another sentence:

"Oh, I mean, half an hour from now."

Half an hour?

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

His eyebrows moved as soon as he heard it. His tall frame lifted, his head tilted to observe the
gestures of the person in front of him. He discovered a truth about this man. He wasn't a
familiar soldier. In fact, they'd probably never met before. He was certain he had a good
memory. However, with this man, besides having no memories, there were many conflicting
things.

A high-ranking soldier, but his expression seems awkward, like someone who has recently had
the opportunity to serve... Why did he choose this person to be the messenger?

Many questions arose in his mind. Charan carefully assessed the situation based on all the
possibilities before him, before discovering that there were many things wrong. First, if it
weren't important, His Majesty wouldn't order him to find him in the middle of the night like
this. And second, there was no way His Majesty would allow a stranger to summon him to His
presence if it weren't for His Majesty's desire to keep the matter secret.

It's better than ordinary people... making it seem normal than using someone close to you as a focus.

"Are you a rookie?" The sharp eagle eyes turned to look at the stranger. Charan asked in a
monotone while secretly observing the caller's condition. The soldier's expression was as if he
were trying to maintain his expression against his pupils slightly dilated with nervousness.

"H-How do you know?"

The corners of his lips are slightly raised in a sympathetic smile. He shifts his gaze to the shoes
of the person in front of him in response.

"..."

"Your shoes are new, they don't look too bad. I guess you must have... worked less than a
week."

"Yes, it was actually yesterday." The young soldier must have thought it was a good idea to
befriend a famous artist under His Majesty's patronage, so he answered honestly, in a relaxed
manner completely unlike those listening.

"Do you have any other orders from Your Majesty?" Charan still maintains his impeccable natural pose.
Even if his heart is already restless.

"His Majesty didn't give clear instructions, Khun Charan. His Majesty just smiled and said, 'If
Khun Charan asks, tell Khun Charan, 'I see the cicadas are changing, summer is almost here. It
would be nice to have a friend to have tea with me.'"

The young man looked down at the statement. He tried to analyze what the Lord of Life had in mind that
made him order the officer to speak like that and also to choose a new soldier to invite to a party.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

quote. From that alone, it was clear he didn't want outsiders to know, but he was still careful.

His Majesty trusted in using someone innocent to carry out this task, choosing a person with a naive
appearance, easy to talk to, and seemingly incapable of keeping secrets to approach him, as he had
already assessed that, in the end, if this matter were to reach other people's ears, important
messages would not be spread either. Walls have ears. If you're not careful, it can be dangerous. On
the other hand, if you're too careful, you might also become suspicious.

I see the cicadas changing, summer is almost here. It would be nice to have a friend to have tea
with.

The young man replays the royal speech in his mind before turning and looking out the window,
suddenly seeing a flash of lightning before his eyes. Outside, the sound of rain falling from the dark sky
and hitting the ground, causing a musty smell to spread throughout.

Charan hates the smell of rain. He hates thunder. He hates humidity. He hates everything related to the
raindrops in the sky...

In fact, His Majesty is the person who knows this best, as he was the one who gave the royal order to move it
away whenever it rained. At the moment, the weather outside wasn't even close to indicating that summer was
approaching. On the contrary, true summer had already passed. The phrase is even more broken.

"Then report to the engine room on that side to prepare snacks. I'll make two kinds of tea
myself." Charan stopped the thought in his head. The leader of the Pitakthewa family stood up
before turning to speak to the person in front of him, but his eyes were fixed on the butler
behind him.

"I would like chamomile and oolong tea, Khun Narong."

"Yes sir."

There's no time to waste. If their assumptions were correct, drinking tea this time wouldn't just be
drinking tea like before...

______________

The servant at the front of the room turned and knocked three times on the large teak door as soon
as he saw the tall and dignified figure of the person His Majesty wished to meet appear. In the blink
of an eye, the other side of the door knocked three times, indicating that someone was waiting
behind it to hear the message.

"Khun Charan came."

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"You may come in."

Not long after the noise from inside the room, the teak door opened. The person behind the door
had a calm and polite expression, dressed like a courtier, and placed his hand on the left side of his
chest as a sign of respect for a dignified person. Similarly, according to the tradition of the people of
the Royal Palace, upon seeing this, Charan placed his hands on his chest and bowed his head.

A civil greeting that isn't overly formal. The young man follows the person into the small, open-
plan room. The interior is divided into three sub-rooms, all designed for tea drinking, which
differ only in their decorative style.

Charan was led into a room decorated in an oriental style, inside which was a large partition
with a dancing peacock pattern, surrounded by furniture decorated with antique pottery. In the
corner of this room, an old man, the Supreme Ruler of the Emmaly Kingdom, sat on his throne
awaiting his arrival.

"You're just in time. I just asked someone to warm up your buns."

His Majesty raised his teacup to his face. His hand moved the plate of dumplings toward the
newcomer, his tender eyes moving to rest on Charan's face.

"It is Your Grace, Your Majesty." The young man fell to his knees, placed his hand on the left side of his
chest, and calmly bowed his head before the face of the Lord of Life.

"Grandpa used to say that when it's just the two of us together, you don't need real words,
remember?" The speaker's voice dripped with reproach. Charan remained kneeling like that until
the next sentence was spoken. The young man then hurriedly stood up.

"However, you can be considered a grandson. By raising you from a young age, will Charan act
as if his grandfather is someone else?"

"I'm sorry, Grandpa," he apologized. The tall figure walked directly to the chair opposite the Lord of
Life before sitting down quietly.

"Hm, all right. Let's talk comfortably. You'd like me to listen, but apologize. It's been a while since
you've spoken to me, and when you do, you keep apologizing or thanking me for no reason." The
old man smiled and laughed casually.

"It's only Charan that Grandpa can talk to casually."

"Yes... and Grandpa, are you okay?" The tall man humbly asked the person who had raised him well
since childhood. Although Charan felt that, in this situation, it was inappropriate to greet the old
man with such words, he didn't want to waste any more time.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"He's withered with age... That's why Grandfather called you over for tea as a friend..." The
middle-aged man paused for a moment. The sound of rain falling on everything outside, along
with the flash of lightning, made Charan unconsciously tighten his hand.

"..."

"Grandfather is sorry for making Charan go through the rain like that," the old man said,
noticing the person of his same status, as if his adopted grandson had an unusual condition.
The old man pursed his lips and couldn't say a word. After a second, he returned his attention
to important matters.

"I heard Grandfather wanted tea. So I asked Khun Narong to prepare two teas... as usual." The
handsome face in front of the servant standing in front of the peacock dance screen only
nodded once. Two tea sets were then brought over and waited for them to choose wisely.

"Two sets as usual... Hm, is that chamomile tea and oolong tea?"

"Yes, I brought chamomile and oolong tea today. Which tea would Grandfather like to have?" In the eyes of
others, Ran was greatly favored by His Majesty. As long as he made something, he would be satisfied with
everything, including the preparations he understood according to his wishes, as if he were sitting in his
grandfather's heart. So it wasn't unusual to be summoned for frequent visits.

However, that was just a cover-up... In fact, no one knew that these two types of tea were just
secret codes used for communication.

Chamomile tea means wanting to meet and relax. If His Majesty chooses to drink this tea, it
means He just wants to see your face to talk a bit, perhaps ask you about your problems. But if
His Majesty chooses oolong tea, it means He wants you to do something secretly. And, of
course, the order changes according to His will.

NT: Oolong tea, also known as blue tea or semi-finished tea, is a variety of tea that lies between
black and green tea, and is one of the most valued varieties of tea.

"Charan... Grandfather is tired of these two teas." Emmaly's simple, different phrase from the
Sovereign of the Kingdom made the listener pause.

"And then?"

"Grandpa's body hasn't been holding up very well lately. His mouth isn't good at tasting
anything; his nose is too used to the smell. Chamomile doesn't help me sleep as soundly as it
used to... but drinking oolong tea made my throat bulge. This time, Grandpa has a more
interesting tea; I want my grandson to try it."

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At Her Majesty's signal, a third servant enters with another tea set. The uniformed figure places the
tea set next to the plate of scones and the cup of cottage cheese before everyone not participating
leaves.

"Earl Grey tea?" The unique aroma of bergamot essential oil rises. As if accidentally losing his
composure for a moment, the young man spits out the question out of curiosity. But he returns
to his old self in the next second.

"Yes, this is the tea your grandfather brought from England. I don't drink it often because I'm jealous of
things like when I was young... Its taste challenges me to think of the old days."

"..."

"Charan... your grandfather is very old. My health hasn't been good this year. I can't go buy it
myself. But I don't trust other people to buy it..."

His age-blurred eyes met Charan's, as sharp as a falcon's. The young man carefully analyzed
everything related to the King's illness. Although His Majesty didn't say a word, everyone knew.
Just blowing his ears while coughing once would send the royal physician running in shock, so
this was definitely not His Majesty's primary purpose in ordering him to come to an
appointment.

It's probably another British thing.

"If Grandpa trusts his grandson, he'll buy it for you." The pronouns of intimacy are used.
Charan nodded once before speaking in a firm voice that brought smiles to the listener.

"Good... very good. Who knows Grandfather's heart as well as Charan?" His Majesty smiled for
a moment. In the next minute, he raised his teacup and took a sip, then his face grew more
serious. "So let's prepare later, before it's too late."

"Yeah".

"Grandpa wanted the cicadas to change a little more... he wanted summer to slow down more
to arrive, but it didn't go as I expected... Recently, the monkey pod tree we planted in the
middle of the city had a wound in the middle root that has been pierced by insects. Also, the
tree is full of parasites... No one helps Grandpa take care of anyone... Only Charan can be
trusted."

The true order has been revealed. Charan turned his head to look at the rain falling outside. It has been
like this since late at night and continued until this hour. The surrounding atmosphere doesn't even come
close to matching the words "summer" and "monkey pod tree in the middle of the city"...

The country's national tree is still well cared for and preserved. Grandfather wasn't actually referring to the
tree, and the insects and parasites were merely symbols of evil.

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As for... "buzzer switching", this is the code that's bothering you.

Charan used to read about the cicada's life cycle long ago in a children's storybook given to him
by Her Majesty. It said: "The cicada's life cycle is one of the wonders of the world, because
cicada larvae live underground for a long period of time, from 2 to 17 years, until they become
strong. They then burrow into the ground to molt and live to inherit the species on earth."

If so... does that mean it's time?

"Just don't let Tareen find out about this." There's one important secret between Charan and
the Lord of Life that no one knows, not even Prince Tareen Atsawathewathin. His only son was
not spared the secret of the tragic death of Prince Tareen's wife and mother of
Atsawathewathin's only heir.

The secret associated with the important mission that Charan has been waiting for all along.

'Charan Pitakthewa, remember that you have to protect the prince, you have to protect
Atsawathewathin.'

His mother's voice echoed in his mind. Charan paused for a moment before answering in a firm
voice.

"Yeah".

"Go see Tattanai, Grandpa's old friend. He'll give you the best tea, bring it here."

***

The bergamot scent of Earl Grey tea and the warmth of the radiator did nothing to lighten the
mood in the Tattanai house. Chanan sat cross-legged on the sofa and watched the white
smoke rising from the cup of Earl Grey tea until the second hand ticked 10 times. Then he
looked up and found the person who was like... a cicada watcher.

"We need some time. Right now, the young man is still..."

"This is urgent. The Lord Almighty has grown sicker. Atsawathewathin's foundation was
weakening, so His Majesty wished you to come here to retrieve the young man."

The final ruling affected Tattanai's mind in ways it shouldn't have. The middle-aged man
lowered his head in dismay, contrary to his usual calm.

"Further.."

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Those strange gestures were all in Kanin's eyes. The boy wandered around the house, watching
his father from outside, trying to listen, but the walls were too thick. He pursed his lips in
thought for a split second, before deciding to do something that was known to be
disrespectful.

Kanin intended to listen... even though he knew that wasn't what he was supposed to do.

But how? That unfortunate strange man pretended to be someone to intimidate his father, and of
course Kanin couldn't accept that.

The young man secretly climbed through his bedroom window into his own home. He used the
quiet steps he had been practicing all along to approach the living room location, before
stopping within audible distance to observe.

"He doesn't know anything about himself yet... he's still a child."

"So when will it be? Anyway, one day the prince will have to know who you are, Khun Tattanai...
Know that you have to compete as the sole heir of Atsawathewathin." The strange man spoke
with a disdainful smile.

"I know, but I need some time to explain..."

"I understand how frustrating it is."

Tattanai couldn't even finish his words when the tall figure, who was elegantly perched on the sofa,
intervened, making the atmosphere in the room even more heated than before. Kanin was
confused; he couldn't understand any of those strange phrases.

"AND-"

"But you know, right?"

"..."

"Nothing will change the fact that Prince Kanin is of royal blood... and that you are not the
Prince's real father."

The sound of the clock hands enveloped the atmosphere, which turned cold and froze his heart.

Kanin remained silent, his footsteps advancing without realizing it. The young man forced himself to stop
in the middle of the house before calmly asking the question he considered the most difficult of his life.

"What are you saying...?"

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........................................................

Chapter 4: The Truth in Lies

"What are you saying...?" Kanin stopped in the middle of the room, sounding hoarse as if it
weren't his own. The two people in front of him reacted differently. Tattanai, who was so
preoccupied with his thoughts that his instincts were wary, shrank back, his eyes wide open.
The middle-aged man's face paled. Unlike the calmness on Charan's face.

"Nín..."

"I asked you what you said!" A pair of beautiful eyes flickered. Feelings of confusion, anxiety,
and worry surged through him like sharp blades aimed at a target to make him lose control.
Kanin, still unsatisfied, looked at Ran, but when he got no response, he looked back at his
father.

"Can someone tell me... what the hell is this?!" He shouted angrily, raising his voice to its
highest pitch. The person sitting cross-legged simply turned around to make eye contact with
Tattanai and said in a low voice.

"I'll give you time to explain everything to the young master." No further questions were answered.
Kanin only knew that his father kept his head down and didn't even dare meet the eye of that man...
who was walking in another direction.

"Then I'll return." Charan's final sentence came with a bow before Kanin's eyes. The young man
raised his head and looked at the person who had just informed him that he had royal blood in his
body before taking a long step out of the house and letting the silence take over.

"Nin, I'm sorry..." Almost five full minutes passed before Tattanai uttered a sentence. However,
that was a sentence he didn't want to hear. Kanin felt like he had accidentally ingested
something, causing his senses and body to go into overdrive, partly because he knew his
father's personality better than anyone.

Unusual view...

"Father... tell me that man is a liar." His sensitivity and instability were evident in his voice.
Kanin saw Tattanai's face flash with pain. The person known as his biological father for life took
a deep breath, more nervous than ever.

"All this... is true." The sentence was followed by a sharp, thumping sensation in his stomach, as if
he were being pushed down from above. Kanin's mind was filled with questions. He wanted an
explanation, but he didn't dare say anything.

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"..."

"Emmaly is a country ruled by a King. The Lord of Life, His Majesty, was once the leader of the
Atsawathewathin family."

"..."

"He only had one son, Prince Tareen. More than 20 years ago, Prince Tareen married his wife,
Princess Kunita, who gave birth to a little prince... but when the little prince was less than a
year old, there was an incident that no one expected."

"Dad, tell me... Why?"

Some of the stories Kanin heard with his own ears were told by Tattanai. He frowned as he
muttered his question like an idiot.

"The Princess's demise was hostile. Her Highness was assassinated on her way back from her hometown.
This incident caused Prince Tareen to lose his wife and son. But in reality, no one ever knew... that Her
Majesty saved the young man in time and ordered him to be sheltered outside the country with his royal
guard..."

"..."

"His Majesty ordered the guard to take a blood oath by cutting off his arm, swearing that he would
protect the young master with his life."

NT: oo But it wasn't necessary to cut off his arm.....that must hurt.

At this point, Kanin's body was shaking uncontrollably. His double-lidded eyes blinked, his gaze
immediately fixed on his father's left arm.

"Dad, why do you like looking at the scar on your arm so much?"

"Because that scar doesn't let me forget who I am and where I come from."

"Impossible."

The young man's voice shouted. Kanin pursed his lips and stepped back as Tattanai rolled up
his sleeve to reveal a long, prominent scar...

It was a scar whose origins the father never spoke of. Kanin only knew it was important
because of his actions.

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"Remember that lesson about courage...?" A pair of beautiful eyes burned with tears as they
dug a nail into his skin, for he remembered his father's teachings about courage all too well.

From a very young age until he grew up, Tattanai always told him to be a brave person.

The father had said that there is no greater courage than the courage to accept the truth. The other once said that
accepting and understanding seems easy, but sometimes it's very difficult to explain it to someone.

"I... I don't want to hear it. That's enough, Dad!" Kanin was just an innocent child at the time. He
just listened to the teachings and let them pass through his ears, arrogantly thinking he was as
brave as anyone.

"That guard's name is Tattanai. And that little prince..."

Tattanai refused to stop as requested. The middle-aged man was still obediently telling the
story. Contrary to the look in his eyes, which were now as unsteady as before, the fatherly
figure closed his eyes as if to hide his weakness. But you can't avoid reality...

"..."

"His name is Prince Kanin."

In fact, Kanin never expected...

I never thought it would hurt so much...

***

A tall, dignified figure walks with a firm step, reflecting on the situation he has just been
through.

His timing wasn't bad. Kanin arrived just in time for the important moment Charan had
planned...

NT: Charan came out bad for us.

The young man thinks about the owner of the pretty face, who often looks at him resentfully. This boy was of
Atsawathewathin lineage. If he had to measure his wit and cunning on a scale of 0 to 100, he'd give a score of 70...

It can be considered that Ttanai taught Kanin well enough for him to become a full-fledged
prince.

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But the question of etiquette must be very inferred.

The stealth of moving perfectly is an interesting but inexperienced survival skill. Kanin wasn't
even careful. Charan saw the other person's reflection in the stainless steel sugar bowl Tattanai
had set up for serving tea. The more he looked at his reflection, the more he could see the
young man.

Deduct twenty points for negligence.

Tattanai himself was also very busy, as preoccupied with the man as with making a deal, unable
to even hear the intruder's footsteps. He completely lost sight of the high-ranking guards.

Charan stopped in front of the old church. He looked at the lights and the landscape of the city,
built mostly of orange brick. It was such a strange sight... The young man sighed as he
organized his next steps in his head.

Not wanting to waste time being cruel and mean, Charan knew the younger boy would fall into the
trap, so he didn't hesitate to take advantage of that moment to blurt out the most important thing.

They were all just going through the motions he'd planned. Even appearing, looking into each
other's eyes, arguing, talking... All to leave Kanin guessing.

In the past, he hadn't thought of interfering with the gentle persuasion Ttanai requested. Since
he didn't want to cross the line, out of respect for his elders, he didn't say much. But today
Tattanai made it clear he wanted to stall. Charan, therefore, needed to speed up the reaction to
put an end to this protracted affair.

It may sound like a bit of a cruel attitude toward the "Cicada Guardian." But he thought this
was the best solution for the remaining time.

________________

Charan returned to Tattanai's house again in the morning.

Once again, fragrant Earl Grey tea was served before him. However, the expression of the
middle-aged man sitting on the other sofa was different from yesterday. Tattanai seemed
visibly absorbed. There was a sad look in his eyes as he muttered a prayer.

"The young master resisted strongly. Would it be okay if I could give him a little more time to
adjust?"

"We've spent two weeks adjusting since I met you," Charan said in a cold voice, before raising
his teacup. "I probably can't wait any longer... As I said before, the disease

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The Sovereign's status is getting worse by the day. If reporters find out about this, the other
clans will too... it could make the competition progress even faster."

"..."

"Prince Kanin isn't ready for the competition yet..."

"I know."

"According to the ancient rules of the Emmaly court, if the current King steps down, a
competition must be held to choose the next King. So, Khun Tattanai probably knew who
Prince Tareen had to compete for to be the next Lord of Life. That's why I'm here."

It's something that has been passed down for a long time. All citizens of Emmaly know about
the competition for the title of King. Each family must send their heirs to participate in the
contest.

Whoever wins will benefit his father, just as Prince Tarre had won in that competition for the
King to ascend to the throne as King of Emmaly.

They call it the courtesy system.

Allowing your father to ascend the throne first meant eliminating conflict within the family line.
Emmaly uses a method in which the heir must do everything possible to maintain leadership of
the country for his father. At the same time, the person who receives the title of Lord of Life
must rule the country with strength and power to preserve it and pass it on to the next
generation.

Maintaining the country's leadership position is one of the Atsawathewathin family's life goals...

"..." Sharp eyes stared at the caller as he placed his teacup on the table. Charan trusts in the
moment, while Tattanai sits silently and improvises. It's important to be mean to the other
person with a calm demeanor.

"There are many things waiting for the Prince to learn, because, from what I see, he seems to know almost
nothing but the national language."

"Yes, it's true, as Khun Charan said... The Prince still has much more to prepare for." Until
wisdom finds a solution, Tattanai can only accept it. He spoke in a soft voice, a burst of strength
at the end of his sentence, as if speaking to remember.

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The old man let out a slow sigh. The former guard no longer thought about opposing the younger
one. He got up from the sofa, left the room, and returned with a medium-sized leather backpack.

Charan looked down at the backpack that had been placed in front of him before looking back
up into the older man's dark eyes. He didn't ask anything, just stood there silently waiting for
Tattanai to explain.

"This bag contains everything Little Master needs to live..." The middle-aged man's eyes grew
even sadder as the other turned away from the object in front of him.

"Will you leave it to me? In fact, it would be better to leave it to you?" asked the younger, but
higher-ranking person. Charan sat silently with his back straight and didn't dare approach the
bag.

"It's good that you keep it. If I kept it with me... I wouldn't have the heart to give it to my son."

The telling phrase and pronoun Tattanai used to refer to Kanin shows that the former Ongrak gave
himself to the young man wholeheartedly. The young man saw a glimmer in those eyes. It was so clear it
resonated. Where there is love, there is suffering, no matter what form it takes. When the time comes to
let go, everything is miserable.

NT: Ongrak is a follower that provides protection

Charan sees that love is difficult and often leads to disaster and chaos. So he never considered
giving his heart to anyone, but it's not like he's cruel and insensitive and can't see the hearts of
others.

Maybe I'll have to let it go someday.

"I'll give you time to bid farewell to the Young Master as a son... but don't take too long,"
Charan said after finishing crystallizing his thoughts and admitting to himself that he
sympathized with the other. Tattanai needed some time to adjust after being awakened from a
long sleep. Even if they reconcile, Tattanai and Prince Kanin's relationship might no longer be
the same.

"Thank you," Tattanai said softly. His previously stiff shoulders seemed more relaxed. Charan
nodded as he was about to stand, but stopped when he thought of another important matter.

"I have another story that the Lord of Life wanted me to share with you."

"What is it?" Tattanai asked.

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"It's about the tea." Charan looked at the teacup placed in front of him. He pursed his lips
slightly before reaching into the opening in his shirt where his pocket was hidden.

"..."

"His Majesty ordered me to bring the best tea to Emmaly, and also ordered me to deliver this
letter to her."

The letter, in a small, sealed envelope the size of his palm, was handed to the middle-aged
man. Charan acted as the intermediary in delivering the message, collecting all the orders
without fail.

"Thank you."

Charan didn't know the meaning of that letter. His mind told him not to interfere, even if he
had suspicions. But the young man couldn't do anything else; the best thing he could do now
was to monitor the situation...

Knock knock knock

The sound of a door opening followed by heavy footsteps abruptly interrupted the
conversation.

Charan looked away from the caller and headed into the hall of the house. In an instant,
Kanin's beautiful face appeared, and his sharp eyes found the tiny person. But that only
happened for a brief moment before the senior person looked past him.

"Nin".

"..."

"Let's eat first, dear."

Charan said nothing, observing silently and keeping the details of the story in front of him. It
seems everyone here is trying to make everything feel like old times. Tattanai is wearing a light
blue apron, setting a rich table, while Kanin is carrying a backpack to go to school, even though
they all know the truth. There's nothing like it.

Everyone is standing on a ticking time bomb.

"I'm not hungry." The young man didn't even make it through the doorway to the room where the dining
table was; he walked out the front door and closed it with a loud, shuddering sound.

Bang!

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As for the etiquette points... it should be strongly deduced.

Charan didn't sigh; he wasn't dismayed by what the boy had done. Unlike Tattanai's face, which
showed a worried expression, it looked even sadder.

Kanin left, leaving behind an awkward atmosphere. Charan didn't say another word until the
cup of hot tea was empty, and the tall, dignified figure stood up before repeating the important
reminder.

"Please read this letter when I leave."

"Where are you going?" the older man asked curiously. Charan zipped his jacket and bowed
slightly, lowering his head toward the old man before making eye contact and speaking in a
firm voice, which Tattanai didn't dare say.

"I'm not stopping you from gaining more time... but my time is valuable too."

..................................................

Chapter 5: Inescapable

Kanin quickened his steps down the university corridor with a firm stride, completely at odds
with the feeling of confusion swirling inside him. The young man raised a slender hand to pinch
the brim of the cap he wore on his head to hide the traces of fatigue; he hadn't slept all night.
The reason was because of the stupid things he had just learned.

His father must have slept so little that he lost consciousness. As for that guy, he's been in
pretty bad shape since you first saw him until now. His posture, behavior, and words make you
feel unlucky. He doesn't like your face and doesn't want to see you. All sorts of negative
feelings are trapped in his thoughts. Kanin wanted to take that person away, but at this
moment he still couldn't think of a way out.

To be honest, I was confused. Yesterday, he was just an ordinary person with a normal life. But
overnight, everything turned upside down. Kanin was angry with his father, but more than
that, it was a difficult feeling to accept.

He was reverting to his own rebellious, defiant nature. Kanin thought all night, if he didn't care
about this nonsense, who could do anything?

I would pay to not have to go back to that country!

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He will stay here, living as an ordinary Kanin, not as an Atsawathewathin Kanin as they are trying to force
him to. He was, and with that in mind, Kanin's morning routine today wasn't much different than before.

The young man headed to the university's music practice room early in the morning. He went
straight to a large black grand piano, trying to calm himself down as he used to do here when he
was in trouble.

His slender fingers played the keys he remembered in his head. He reflected on his emotions to
guide him, allowing the sound of the music to soothe his frustrations, as it often did when he had
something to think about.

Kanin felt the world had a wicked sense of humor when he thought about the stressful things
he'd felt during that time and realized nothing was as serious as what he was thinking. The
unpredictable future and the twisted path before him made him so uneasy that he wanted to
run away for a while.

Tung!

His concentration was lost due to the precision that caused the melody to stop in the middle of the
song. When Kanin couldn't demonstrate enough concentration, the owner of the small body took a
deep breath and closed his eyes slightly to suppress the frustration that erupted in his chest.

His pale lips curved as he dropped his slender hand from the instrument in front of him, the equipment
available to him failing to help. As always, Kanin was searching for something new. A slender, beautiful
hand managed to reach into the bag, searching for something for a moment before pulling out what he
wanted.

Caramel toffee.

One of Kanin's go-to aids to ease his feelings when he feels uneasy or depressed. And the
person who got him addicted to this sweet treat was none other than his father, Tattanai.

Kanin thought back to when he was a child. There was a time when he fell and scraped his knee. At the
time, it hurt so much that he wanted to cry, but he proved otherwise. He wasn't crying and tried to hold
back his tears as best he could.

Because his heart wanted to follow his father's teachings, Kanin tried to hold back his pain as
he allowed his father to guide him home.

'Are you seriously injured?' Tattanai expressed his concern as he acted on his wound.

'That... hurts a lot.'

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'When it hurts, why don't you cry?' Tattanai's dark eyes were still fixed on his wound as he
asked in a soft voice.

Bod was afraid his father wouldn't like him. His father used to teach him to be strong, not weak. The
boy was sincere, but he was so thoughtful he filled his chest.

'So a child doesn't cry? Even if it hurts so much?'

'Yes...' he replied softly. Due to the force he'd used to try to deceive himself, he began to
tremble as the tears he was determined to hold back emerged along with his father's interest
in asking.

'I'm sorry...' Tattanai's voice was complicated, still filled with tenderness mixed with guilt. The
middle-aged man let out a sigh before lifting Kanin onto his lap.

'Your father shouldn't have taught you such a thing... Your father kept thinking that you have to be
patient, because what you're going to have to face in the future is ten to a hundred times bigger...
but I forgot that you're just my son now... I'm wrong, I'm sorry.'

At that moment, Tattanai repeated his apology while reflecting on his teachings again.

'From now on, if my child is hurt or sad and wants to cry, remember that the bravest thing is
the courage to accept the truth, to be honest with your feelings. Crying doesn't mean my child
is weak or submissive. Even if they shed tears, a child can always be a strong person, because
crying is human nature.'

'...'

But each time, his father wants Bod to find the cause of his own feelings. Something good, you
know, not just whining. But every feeling: joy, love, sadness, and fear.

'...'

'Don't let anyone know these feelings better than you. Because that can cause people without
good intentions to hurt you, kid... Do you understand that?'

'I understand.' His thick palm reached out to remove a round brown candy from his pocket before
handing it to her.

'I know you want to eat candy, but Dad can't let Nin eat too much because her teeth will
deteriorate. So you can just eat this as a reward for accepting her feelings, okay?' The offering
comes with a caramel candy placed in her tiny

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hand. Kanin raised his head to look at his father. The latent pain still lurks as always.

'Mm.'

'Nin, do you still want to cry?' The answer to this question is a wink. Kanin still held on, though
her tears were almost overflowing.

'If you want to cry, just sing, good boy.'

Memories of the past. No matter how much time has passed, Kanin hasn't forgotten them. The
young man looked at the brown candy in his hand. He thought for a moment before realizing
that this time he couldn't reward himself, so he finally decided to put the candy back in his bag.

"Hey, don't tell me you're hiding here. I've been looking everywhere for you." A friend's voice
brought Kanin out of his reverie. Paul entered the music rehearsal room. As he approached, he
raised an eyebrow as he examined his little best friend's face.

"A long time ago?"

"I've called you three times. What's up? Is there a problem?" Paul asked, and Kanin was sure it
wasn't because of his facial expression. His best friend was more aware of his habits and
behaviors than other people.

"A bit."

"A little? But your face doesn't say it."

"I have something to think about."

"Think about what? Life is short. Don't stress. Just relax. Take a deep breath and let it out. My
mom's yoga teacher told me to do this every day to help reduce stress." Paul isn't a mood
stabilizer, but even so, this friend's recommendation doesn't do much for the listener.

"How to stop stress?"

"It can't be stopped, but it can help reduce stress. I can help." Paul smiled, so the taller man
leaned in and whispered softly, even though there was no one else in the room. "Samantha
asked me to invite you to the party. They're having drinks at 8 p.m., but I arranged it with Alex
beforehand. Are you coming with us?"

"Samantha? The recording people?" Kanin asked, thinking about it.

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Samantha's friends were the same people she used to hang out with when they were still
popular on TikTok. They played short songs and cover songs on the group's channel to
promote themselves. Kanin played keyboards and sometimes sang with them. In the gang,
he's a music nerd. They're fun to be around, but lately he's been distancing himself. The reason
is because he has to practice fencing, on his father's orders...

"Yeah, Samantha, Charlie, etc. Come on, Nin. You haven't been out with us in a long time." Paul
said, putting his arms around the smaller man's shoulders to lift him up.

"I..."

"Don't refuse now. When class is over, I'll ask you again."

Kanin chuckled softly at his best friend's affection. He shrugged, allowing his older friend to
guide him out of the rehearsal room. He wasn't sure what his mood was at the moment, but
one thing was clear: he still didn't want to talk to his dad, didn't want to see his face, didn't
want to answer his phone, which was why he chose to go to a party.

Tattanai used to wait until morning. Or call him every two hours.

The owner of the small body sighed secretly. He had intended to leave all his frustrations
behind for a while, but it seemed that fate… no, that damned karma wouldn't allow today to go
as he wanted.

"Nin... is that the person who used to come see you at the club?" Paul's words were like a chain
violently yanking the thin man's ankle from the front. Kanin paused, his brain processing a way
to escape. But it seemed to be too late, so he turned to look.

Double eyelids drooped over a pair of eyes as sharp as falcons. The stranger, who at this
moment felt like they'd met several times before, was standing not far away. The other crossed
his arms and leaned against the porch railing with an indifferent expression on his face.
Nothing but the calmness of an ordinary sculpture.

"Don't worry, just walk." Kanin turned to Paul. The bag on his left shoulder was tightly gripped
in his palm. The young man didn't wait or stop walking. As soon as he came to, the person of
royal lineage shut down all his thoughts. He focused on dragging his best friend to do his
student homework without a second thought.

Kanin spent almost three hours in class. Today, she paid more attention than ever to the teacher's
teaching, despite her diligence. Even more so than Emma, the best girl in the class, or even Paul,
who usually studied hard, because he only sat and discussed party plans with his friends and
Samantha.

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You could say Kanin's left ear is for listening to entertainment. His right ear is filled with
academic knowledge. But the young man wasn't frustrated at all; he was willing to listen to
everything, mainly because… he wants to try to find other things to drown out the disturbing
thoughts in his brain.

"What's the point of tonight?" the golden-haired youth asked, smiling brightly until his fangs
were visible as soon as the professor walked away.

"Oh, I can go. I don't want to go home anymore." Kanin shrugged and replied as he put his
iPad back in his bag. He still didn't want to go home to see his dad, including that guy. He
hoped he wasn't crazy enough to wait all day while he studied, right?

"Why is he still standing here staring like that? Isn't he weird, or does he have a problem with you?"
Kanin's predictions were all wrong. That strange man was still waiting in the same place. Three
whole hours... I don't know if he went somewhere, but that kind of attitude is quite irritating.

The little boy frowned, his temples feeling a sharp headache as he suddenly opened his mouth
to deny it.

This guy is really crazy, so stupid...

"No, why is that guy chasing you...? Or does he like you?" His golden-haired best friend made a
thoughtful expression. He concluded his analysis by opening his eyes wide in agreement with the
sentence that almost made the listener choke on his own saliva.

At first, Kanin was about to deny it, but Kanin's words made him think of something. He still
didn't want the people around him to know about this crazy secret. Therefore, distracting his
friend's attention is probably the best thing you can do at a time like this.

"Yeah..."

"Hey what?"

"I mean, that guy likes me." Kanin raised a small smile at the corner of his mouth. Unstoppable,
a pretentious, elegantly dressed, arrogant, and smug person, surrounded by an aura of
nobility, being accused of being arrogant like a stalker would be strangely amusing.

"That's it! I could see it, feel it the first time, didn't I?" Paul looked visibly excited, while Kanin
shrugged again. He grabbed the straps of his friend's bag over his shoulders and managed to
drag the taller man forward.

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"Let's go." Kanin desperately wanted to get out of there, and his heart was breaking. But someone
he didn't want to get close to got in the way, causing the skinny boy to stop. The boy tried to ignore
him, but his golden-haired friend's sensitivity turned the situation upside down.

"Hey, you..." Paul used a serious tone to start the conversation. He craned his neck slightly
while also crossing his arms and staring, using his eyes to scan from head to toe like police
assessing and interrogating criminals in a movie.

Playing big... and bad. As expected, being in a fencing club isn't a spectacle.

"..."

"My friend said you're madly in love with yourself. You can't stand watching him from afar, so
you followed him here." What's the difference between the size of Kanin's eyes and a goose's
eggs now? Kanin nearly choked on air when Paul's opening line wasn't to defend him, as he'd
assumed.

"Paul!" The person who had just regained consciousness immediately turned around with the
intention of scolding his friend, who didn't bother to listen.

"Even if you like my friend, following him like that is a violation of privacy. It's against the law.
We can report him to jail, you know?" The golden-haired youth still played the role of
impeccable guardian, but Kanin wasn't at all grateful to him, because Paul had already
destroyed his intentionally fabricated lies.

I'll convince you to stop paying attention. How can you convey my words to anyone else?

"..."

"Did you hear that? You might like him, but chasing him..."

"Lying isn't a good thing," said a deep, firm voice. Kanin lifted his face and made an expression
unaffected by the words of the person in front of him, though his heart had already assumed
the other might have guessed the entire plan. And so they began to blame each other in a
language that a third person, like Paul, couldn't understand.

"What did he say?"

"My mother tongue, the Emma language... but don't worry, hurry up."

"You don't want to talk to me... Prince?" The words hit Kanin's ears, and he slurred his hearing, his
thin body frozen. The organ on the left side of his chest pounded uncontrollably, though he knew
full well that his best friend, who was at his side, wouldn't be able to recognize and understand the
meaning of what he was saying.

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"Don't call me that."

"Hey, don't you speak English?"

"I'm sorry I was rude to you." Paul's apology caught attention and was accepted, prompting
someone to communicate in English with an American accent.

“It doesn’t matter… I don’t care. But I’ll give you some good advice: don’t try to win my friend
over by being annoying. It’s better, I’m warning you. I won’t let you flirt with my friend easily. If
you like him, you have to go through my checkpoint first.” Kanin bit his lip. Secretly, he glanced
at his friend’s awkwardly pointing thumb and thought to himself.

Damn... This is an extreme exaggeration.

"He said what?"

"No-"

"Yeah! Let's just say you better not bother my friend, because we have a party to hide behind."

"Come on, Paul and Samantha, we're going to be late." The caller continued the conversation in a
low voice. Kanin didn't want to act suspicious in front of Paul. Therefore, he tried to use a friendly
tone of voice with his blond friend, so that he would stop paying attention to the stranger and curse
him outright.

The double-lidded eyes stared at the man several inches taller. Kanin pointedly stared at him,
ordering him not to interfere, but the man didn't cooperate.

"Can I come with you?" Paul grimaced in disbelief when he heard that. Before he could say
anything, Kanin sternly refused.

"No!"

"Why not? Your friend said that to flirt with you, I need to go through his checkpoint. How can I
get past the level if he doesn't know me? Or do I?"

The tall man smiled. His eyes were dazzling, like those of someone with a plan in mind.

As a result, Kanin's blond best friend leaned over and muttered under his breath.

"Hey... this guy really is the guy."

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"My name is Charan. It's a pleasure to meet you."

.......................

Chapter 6: True Winner

This is a very misconception... Kanin feels he made a huge mistake by choosing to tell Paul a
big lie from the start. At the time, he felt he wasn't much different from the shepherd boy.
That's because the lie he told came back to hurt him.

NT: The shepherd boy is a character from a classic children's story, and he basically lied about a wolf 3 times,
and the fourth time nobody believed what he said and he was telling the truth.

My golden-haired friend... ditched me. Paul liked the idea of having Charan saved and even
invited him to join the party.

'You want to go? Well, if you like my friend so much, you have to go through my checkpoint. You can't
chase him like that every time. We should at least get to know each other a little, right?'

Paul's good nature is a positive force, but it has a completely negative effect on Kanin. The
young man bit his lip and tried to think of a way out, but he saw no way out.

Kanin had no choice but to be prepared to confront him. On the one hand, because if he resisted and
didn't give in, the secret he'd kept from Paul might come out. If he persisted or seemed too interested, it
would mean he'd have some kind of suspicion that would lead to someone else. Although he couldn't let
anyone know about this. Absolutely no one.

"What's your name again?" he asked his new friend when they all arrived in front of Samantha's
residence.

"Charan," the owner of the name said in a deep voice, but his pair of eyes didn't rest on the
listener. Instead, they stared directly at the smaller person. In that stillness, there was a
shallow shell, and deep down, Kanin could see the amusement hidden within.

It was as if he was very pleased to see him depressed.

Frustrating... very frustrating.

"Okay, Charan, we're going to a party. So our custom is to drink until morning. If you like Nin and
want to get to know him better, go ahead. But I want you to think about it. Don't be fooled by that
cute little face, it's deceiving; his personality is truly cruel."

"..."

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"You've seen him in a fencing match, right? If you want to change your mind now, it's not too
late." Paul said jokingly, causing Kanin to frown as he listened to his best friend. He even looked
like he was going to help protect him, but he only did that.

"It's not that scary. I think I can handle it." Charan's response provoked a completely different
reaction from the audience. On the one hand, Paul seemed quite satisfied. As for Kanin, he felt
humiliated.

Okay... You want to annoy me.

Try it.

"Let's go inside. The party will start soon."

Kanin decides to join in and take a bet.

Since Charan likes an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, he'll try to fight the other person for a
while. What else can a person like Charan do?

"Well, you should have fun," Paul said in a friendly tone. Kanin made eye contact with the
person who'd been pushed into the 'person who's dying to like someone else' position out of
the corner of his eye before strolling off.

"Yeah. It should be fun."

Only Kanin and Charan know. There's already been a small declaration of war between them, and
whoever retreats first loses. Only one winner will remain, and Kanin is confident.

After all, it must be him...

You'll be nervous until you run back to your own country. Just wait and see.

NT: Uuuuu this is getting good, let's see who falls in love first.

"Hey, do you want to move on to the next round? If you're not going to play, step aside."

Someone's voice echoed as they saw Paul crouching down, staring for a long time at a
collapsed construction set. Now they were on the roof, sitting in a circle playing a simple game,
but one that added color to the moment, making it lively and fun.

NT: Building game is Jenga, I like that game.

"Calm down, Kim. You know Paul's a loser," said Samantha's voice, interrupting her Korean
friend with a laugh, amusing the rest of the circle. She held an acoustic guitar in her hand,
gently rocking it back and forth, helping to calm the atmosphere.

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A cool breeze blew against Kanin's face as he looked at the person watching him with
appraising eyes.

Charan looks weird...

He couldn't read what the other person was planning to do. The person didn't seem to have any
intention of taking him home or having a face-to-face conversation. He simply remained in his sight,
as if looking for a way to anger him more than anything else.

"Hey Charan, if you're done drinking, can you pour yourself some more? You're the only one with
soda, but if you change your mind, we can make it for you." Samantha was a great host. As for
Charan, he managed to talk so well to his friends that Kanin felt frustrated.

Good-natured with others, but Kanin can see that Charan is only wearing a mask. In reality,
he's a very tall wall, but he's flexible...

"Thank you, I don't want to drink too much," Charan remained polite. The young man looked away from the
glass of drink in his hand and toward the sweet face of another person.

Kanin turned his attention back to the collapsing construction set, and after looking at it to his
heart's content, Charan thought the little man must be thinking about him entirely in his own head.
Not out of passion, but out of caution, like a small animal on the lookout for danger.

The youngest doesn't trust him, but Charan means well. He came here for a reason, partly
because of... Tattanai.

'Nin... I mean, the Young Master turned off his cell phone so I couldn't contact him.'

The father was so irritated that Charan agreed to volunteer to keep an eye on the stubborn
boy, acting as a reporter for his every move. The glass of sparkling water in his thick hand
gradually dwindled to fizz, until the young man didn't even bother to drink.

He let the ice melt in the glass while he talked to someone to gather information about the
little person. Kanin seemed more relaxed in his own space. The boy chuckled, smiling
occasionally, and smirking whenever their eyes accidentally met.

Fun...

"I'm tired of Jenga... let's find something more fun," said mixed-race Charlie. After a few plays
that lasted almost twenty minutes, the young man threw the bat on the table and nodded,
signaling to Samantha and Paul.

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"Is it good to play this game?"

"What game is this?" Paul frowned slightly as the owner of the place smiled before placing the
guitar in the empty space next to him. He fidgeted a little before mentioning the name of the
game, which made all his friends at the party seem even more excited than before.

"King's Game".

NT: There is a BL series called You are my King, which is based on this game, well when they played it was
with kisses and alcohol to the max, this is not going to end well .

"Come on! Great, interesting."

"I feel like tonight will be a little more fun." Young Korean Kim frantically sweeps toys across
the table into a box, before rubbing his hands together anxiously.

"But in this game... I want our new friend to play too." Samantha finished speaking and then
pointed at the tall, dignified figure of Charan, who was now standing with his hand in his pants
pocket, staring blankly.

"I don't..."

"Don't invite him. He doesn't know how to play." Charan didn't even have time to refuse when
someone abruptly interrupted him. Kanin stared at the older man for a moment before uttering a
sentence that changed the reaction of those listening. "Or, even if he did, I doubt he'd have the
courage anyway."

"Where can I sit?" Charan's initial attempt at refusal was thwarted. He dropped the glass of
drink he was holding as he joined the conversation. In fact, the young man wasn't really
interested in building relationships or playing with anyone. His main goal now was simply to
annoy the naughty boy.

NT: It's going to backfire on you.

"Here, sit here." The others in the circle seemed to have experienced the same mini-war, but
for them it was fun. Then Charlie opened the circle and invited Charan to sit next to Kanin.

Someone put on a face of good deed, which Kanin angrily refused to accept. But since he didn't
want to look like a loser, he could only hide his feelings. He convinced himself it was all a game, and
that if he won, he would be crowned king and could use the opportunity to punish someone else.

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"This game is called King. It's a game we regularly play at parties. The 'King' is the ultimate
authority. He can order other players to do anything, following his own heart... Have you
played it?"

"Never," the person asked quickly replied without wasting time thinking. Charan's expression
didn't seem interested in knowing. He acted as if he had sat down out of politeness to stay in
Kanin's sight.

"Okay, okay, let me explain a little to our new friend Charan."

Charlie picked up a card, put it aside, and looked at the person who had gained new friend
status.

"Do you see this card? We'll distribute numbered cards to serve as each player's personal
codes. Don't show the card you draw to anyone else until the King has given the orders for the
numbers. Whoever becomes King... will have the power to command any number to do
anything. If you don't, you'll have to drink the strange water we mixed up.

Charlie pointed to a large glass of rice wine that contained many things. Both the color and the
smell were too disgusting for any human being to swallow. Or if they swallowed it, they'd get a
lot of diarrhea as a result of someone's sock floating in that glass.

It was a deserved punishment if the ordained person did not comply with the King's will.

"..."

"The King can ask for anything, but he must keep in mind the five rules. 1. Don't give orders to hurt
anyone or yourself. 2. Don't give orders to break the law. 3. Don't order anyone to drink the water,
for starters. 4. If the King doesn't get anyone to drink the water that round, he'll have to drink it
himself. 5. We're not going to tell anyone to hand over the money in their pocket. ...that already
happened. It was Kim who made us create this rule."

"Hey, when you were king, I just ordered you to make it easy... and get it for me. Can't you do
anything?" Kim yelled, turning her dissatisfied face towards Charlie.

"That's called convenience. He told me to open my wallet and hand over almost all the money
inside. Even as a king, that's not easy; it's clearly theft."

"But you paid me back. You ordered the people around me to pinch my forehead for the
amount of money I took out."

"That's why we created the first rule. I'm not going to order you to hurt anyone or hurt yourself."
Charlie raised his hands in the distance toward Kim, who tried to continue speaking. The black-
haired young man turned his attention back to Ran.

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"..."

"Listen, becoming king depends on the order of the previous king. If someone becomes king,
he will take revenge. You must observe other people's gestures. If you are a certain number
and if the person you want to take revenge is acting strangely, you must repay him..." Charlie
glanced slightly at Kim after teaching the tall man a little trick.

"All right, for the first time, let's choose the King by spin the bottle. I'd like to use the power of being the
owner of the place to spin it," said the only girl in the group, nodding to the black-haired Charlie to begin
dealing out the cards to everyone in the circle.

Of course, no one would disagree with Samantha's request. Paul took out a bottle of non-
alcoholic beer and placed it in the middle, immediately enlivening the boring atmosphere.

"The last time I was touched this much, I was told to pole dance in front of the club downstairs until
I provoked the Kirks." Someone whose name Charan couldn't remember, sitting opposite him on
the left side, spoke in a bitter voice.

"But I remember you ordering me to scrape my toenails to drive Charlie crazy. I'd better kiss
someone like Jimmy that time," commented Samantha, the party hostess. She frowned at the
mention of Charlie's toenails and then turned to Jimmy, who also frowned disapprovingly.

"But when I kissed, Bod ordered me to swap tongues with Seymour." Jimmy looked at the small
person next to Charan. "He said to kiss me for five minutes until my lips hurt. On the way back,
I couldn't look at Seymour."

At the end of Jimmy's sentence, his voice softened. But that brought a smile to the other members of the
circle.

"But that's why you started dating," Kanin protested. The little man looked at Seymour and smiled.
"Call it fate, Jim. I didn't even know when I was king and chose you and Seymour to kiss."

"Kanin always plays like this," someone said.

"Let's do this properly," Jimmy cursed half-heartedly. After that, the whole group laughed. It was common
knowledge that Kanin had never kissed anyone and had never been kissed by anyone. This sort of thing
was often said out of people's mouths, but Kanin never lost.

Because he was the King of the game.

"Whether you do well or not, I know I'll bow to whoever defeats Kanin tonight." Charlie finished
speaking and handed the bottle to Samantha, and she quickly took it.

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After nodding, he used his slender hand to forcefully push on the bottom of the bottle, causing
it to spin in circles in the center of the table for nearly a minute. Everyone in the circle was
stunned until finally, the mouth of the bottle stopped right in front of Paul.

"Great! I'm the King!" the golden-haired youth shouted happily. The other friends saw this and
secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The reason is because Paul isn't usually the type to order
anything more violent than necessary.

Everyone felt that their lives would be extended a little longer.

"Okay, then. Let's go over the rules. Everyone can open, but don't open your cards for other
people to see until the end of the game, okay?" Charlie returned to acting as moderator. Then
everyone silently opened their cards and placed them on the table.

"Give your order now. Make up for the time you haven't played." The black-haired young man
turned and patted Paul on the shoulder, who was now proud of the title he had just earned as
king.

"Okay, okay, um." Paul cleared his throat to get everyone's attention, because he'd been
waiting for this moment for a long time.

"..." Everyone in the circle fell silent as Paul scanned the room, contemplating for a moment. He
immediately narrowed his eyes before announcing the order.

"Letter number 7, go get a new bottle of beer, open it, and drink it in five minutes."

"Ah, I'm number 7. Crazy luck." Kim turned the number card over for everyone to see. The
Korean stood up and went straight to grab a bottle of beer behind him. He took it as instructed
in a relaxed manner. By the way, the words of a king like Paul are a bit inexperienced.

"Next..." The amateur king didn't wait for Kim to finish his bottle of beer. Paul began looking for
another victim. The titular king's eyes lit up with delight as he realized he would have to
increase his challenge level even further.

"Number 1 and Number 5, go dance, pick your nose, and then post on Jimmy's Instagram story.
Now."

"Paul! Damn. On Jimmy's Instagram story, but I have someone I like!" Samantha showed card
number 1 before cursing and raising her middle finger at the order owner, but she knew she
had no other choice.

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The king's orders are absolute. In the end, the only girl had to reluctantly ask Charlie, who got
number 5, to dance together and upload it to Jimmy's Instagram story.

"If the next command isn't as loud as mine, I'll yell in your ear. Just wait and see." As she sat
down, Samantha yelled at Paul, causing almost everyone in the circle to burst out laughing.

"Okay, I'll make it harder this time." Paul looked at the rest of the people who hadn't yet received an order from
the king. "I think someone will drink the water this time."

"But you can't make anyone drink the garbage in the game," protested Charlie, the half-breed,
sticking to the rules, still busy with his duties. "Even if you're the king, you're still subject to the
rules."

"I'm not ordering you to drink, but rather, I'm ordering you to fight this round to get the loser
and the winner..." Paul began to show off his cunning. He took a break like a football player
signaling on the field before running into Samantha's room. After a while, he returned with a
strawberry Pocky, which the lady of the house loved to eat.

NT: Pocky are stick-shaped biscuits known to be used by K-pop idols. Each person bites the side
of the stick and keeps biting until they almost touch their mouth.

"Pocky?"

"Yeah, I'll ask them to play Pocky. Whoever loses gets a split and has to drink half of that damn
water."

"Isn't this cheating?" Kanin, who had been silent for a long time, commented, "If you order that,
then there must be a couple who loses. Or, if a couple doesn't dare to play that game, there
must be a competition between them to see who loses and who wins, to take that water
anyway. This time the king survives."

The person who had read the entire situation in front of him said in a monotone. Kanin felt it
was a rather clever way to survive, but his curly-haired best friend didn't mind.

"I just need to find someone to replace me. I didn't break any rules here, did I? The King is still
under the five rules."

"But it's an order to compete and force someone to lose." Kanin's words are of interest to
Charan. The young man appreciated the other's quick reading of the game and admired
Tattanai's skill as a teacher, capable of teaching such a talented student so well.

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This guy has people-watching skills and a quick brain. If you add a bit more negotiation skills, it
would be good for people management. But even so... the etiquette point that was deduced
would still exist. Charan sees this as a different story.

Give a portion

Deduction, deduction

We can't take each other away...

"Charlie didn't make a rule that the king wouldn't push people around indirectly."

"Okay, next time I'll make that a rule." Charlie raises his hands in surrender, even though what
Paul said was something he hadn't thought of.

"If I drink that water, I'll punch you in the face, Paul," someone said.

"If you know my number, you can do anything to me. Everyone knows that. If Kanin's title is
king of the game, then I'm a pro at poker face." Paul chuckled and sat back with a stern look.
"For the next round, I order..."

This time the circle was calmer than the first. Each side looked at each other, because they knew
there would be someone there to drink that dirty water, except for those who had already been
chosen.

"I'd like to order number three to pair with Berry. Plus numbers nine and six to compete in
Pocky. Whoever has the highest bar will lose and will have to split the trash. Hahaha."

The person who had been given the title of king spoke with his hand slightly closed as if
holding a microphone. The playful Englishman swept his gaze around, waiting for the
unfortunate four.

Considering that Paul's orders weren't too insignificant, if it weren't for the Prince intentionally
bullying others, this dilemma would never have occurred...

"I'm number three, Jimmy Berry," Seymour said before the group cheered for good luck. Unlike
Kanin, who tightly clutched the number nine in his hand. Those two were lovers. Well, eating
Pocky wouldn't be any different than peeling a banana.

Both Jimmy and Seymour looked like they'd crossed the finish line on one leg, while Kanin
vaguely felt like he was seeing the gates of hell waiting for him. This became even more
evident when someone uttered the most outrageous phrase.

"Hello Charan, what's your number?"

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"Number 6."

"Don't tell me number 9 is Nin!" smiled the best friend. Paul almost laughed when he saw his
best friend's sad expression.

Even though it only happened for a moment and then quickly disappeared, that alone was
enough to make Paul happy to be able to put Kanin in a position of possible punishment.

"It's me," Kanin admitted, having no choice. He secretly used the corner of his eye to quickly
glance at his partner, before discovering that the boy was blinking more often than usual.

He thought the other didn't want to play this game, but after all, Kanin didn't care. However, he
would never relinquish his role as game master. Even if he didn't like the shameless man very much,
he would never relinquish his right to drink that garbage.

"Wow, this is starting to get fun, isn't it?" Samantha and Paul exchanged a dark smile, which
made Kanin feel a stabbing pain on the right side of his head.

"Will you give up?"

“No, but whoever has the courage to give up, let them do so.” He rejected Charlie’s offer and turned
to meet the eyes of the person next to him, who was already looking at him.

"Are you going to play? I want to know who's going to lose." Seymour caught a Pocky in the middle
of the circle and bit into it with a defiant look, causing Kanin to quickly and seriously look at the
person who had unwittingly become his partner in this game.

"I warned you before. I don't want to lose. If you don't have the courage, you'd better back off."

"Why give up... when we have the same goal?" Charan still had a calm expression, able to
control his emotions well. Kanin nodded and took a deep breath before signaling the start of
the game.

"3, 2, 1, go!" As the countdown began, Kanin thought of many things, like the fact that he knew
the only obstacle Jimmy and Seymour faced was speed. The two regularly swapped saliva, so
intimacy wouldn't be a big issue.

Completely different from him and Charan...

They didn't even look at each other as they tried to bite the long Pocky stick. Everything
continued at a uniform speed until... the stick was only about a centimeter long.

Kanin instinctively looked at the person in front of him almost instantly. His dark pupils
widened as his senses opened to read the reaction of his partner about to
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Biting the Pocky. That person's lips parted slightly, causing the skinny person's anxiety to
increase...

One centimeter is too much... if it ends here, we'll lose.

I can't give up... I can't give up.

As quick as a thought, Kanin slid his slender hand to cup the other's neck as he brought his face
even closer. The tips of their tall noses touched, followed by a level of closeness great enough
to widen Charan's piercing eyes...

The desire to win is the main driving force. Light lips gently touched warm lips, eliciting
screams from many people around them. So loud that you couldn't hear a word.

Double eyelids made contact with piercing eyes. Kanin didn't have a frightened look, unlike the
older man, who now looked no different than someone in a trance.

Charan remained silent until his brain told him to recognize that nothing else could refute or
change the fact that had happened.

The truth is... their lips touched.

And this was Charan's first kiss.

NT: Oh my God!!!!!! I was, but it was emotional.

Emmaly's first kiss is usually very appreciated, because there is a legend that says that when
someone from Emmaly gives someone their first kiss,

that person should become your only love forever.

"Holy shit! Holy shit!"

...........................

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Chapter 7: Conservative

"Shit! The fucking bitch who gave birth to you!"

A voice from behind him reached his ears, calling Charan to return from his consciousness to the
current situation. His sharp eyes flickered as he regained consciousness. Heat spread across his
entire face.

The heart on the left side of the young man's chest beat erratically as his brain recalled the
ancient legend of Emmaly, his home country.

"You can go out with anyone, hold hands, kiss someone's cheek, or show love in any way."

'But don't kiss anyone easily, because for our country... a kiss is a token of love forever... we will
only kiss someone if we want to live only with each other.'

The sweet, gentle voice of his mother, who had spoken to him as a child, echoed in his head again.
Although his memories often included him and his mother spending time together, it wasn't often
that Charan heard his mother talk about it.

It was as if the brain wanted to remember how important Emmaly's 'kiss' was.

Charan clearly remembered his mother saying that in Emmaly, you only kiss someone when
that person wants to love you forever. The custom was to use the first kiss to propose, in the
old tradition, although today's society isn't as strict about first kisses as it once was...

But Charan remains a very conservative person who follows this tradition as in the old days.

Kanin had left his two hot cheeks and two eyes, which left his face, wanting to hide. His
teammates looked around for a moment, as if they were exploring the place, before looking
away indifferently.

He spat out a piece of Pocky that was no different than a small speck of dust into his palm,
before turning to the other members with a calm face as if nothing had happened.

"That was all that was left," Kanin said, holding up a piece of Pocky, which roughly measured
with his eyes, should have been no more than three millimeters in size for Charlie to look at.

The supervisor leaned forward to inspect before nodding to his rivals Seymour and Jimmy, who
stood grinning as if they had already accepted victory or defeat.
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"I didn't leave anything out," Seymour interrupted confidently. The taller man shrugged before
continuing casually. "Then we can win, right? And who's going to have to drink garbage water?"

"Kanin," Jimmy walked beside his boyfriend, joining him with a smile on his face. They're happy
because getting the chance to get revenge on this friend is rare.

Kanin made eye contact with Jimmy. After a moment, he looked back at Seymour, who was
smiling beside him. Seymour's smirk and unassuming manner made the little boy chuckle
softly.

"What do the rules say, Charlie?"

"Let's have a Pocky-eating competition! The couple who leaves the largest chopstick will be
punished and have to drink the sewage." The cute face nodded. In a moment, he took out a
small piece of Pocky he was holding and showed it to all the members.

"Whoever leaves the smallest piece of Pocky wins." Kanin emphasizes the word win, smiling
slightly as Seymour's face begins to pale.

"..."

"But not a single piece remained... so who's going to drink the garbage water?"

Amidst the silence, only the sound of an ambulance siren could be heard in the background.
Kanin smiled at the corner of his mouth, announcing victory and ending with a raised eyebrow
to show his superiority. The master of the game never dies.

Kanin is the real winner.

If anyone is to blame, it must be the loopholes in the rules. Kanin needed to retain his title
because he didn't want to lose a silly battle to a silly game. His nickname wasn't acquired by
luck or chance.

Jimmy and Seymour were formidable rivals, but a person like Kanin found a way to escape from
the beginning, he did not hesitate to invest in Charan's face to bite the Pocky as quickly as
possible.

The rules are correct, but there was definitely no sign of the other friends.

"Well, we lost... we can admit it." It took a long time for the couple to accept their loss. Jimmy
and Seymour stared at each other frantically until someone finally raised their hand.

"..."

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"I drink that garbage water myself."

"He!"

The friends' voices cheered loudly when they finally found the real winner. It was Paul who took
the disgusting jug of water and handed it to Seymour and Jimmy himself. Everyone in the circle
cheered as the couple held their noses and drank the strangely colored liquid.

Kanin smiled. His eyes should have stopped and focused on the evidence of his own victory,
but, for no reason, this time his double eyelids strayed elsewhere.

The sight of Jimmy and Seymour, who looked dizzy as they raised their glasses of water, was
unremarkable. Kanin usually thought victory and punishment were important, but now his eyes
were fixed on someone's beautiful face.

And, to make matters worse, her entire attention was on the aforementioned man and his lips. Kanin couldn't
understand why she couldn't tear her eyes away from that direction.

The more she saw Charan make a worried expression and touch those warm lips with his
fingers, the stranger her heart felt. It was like an itch... like an army of ants were marching on
her heart.

Is he playing hard...?

Even if he didn't like that guy's face, Kanin was still human enough. Although Charan didn't say
anything, the sharp eyes that stared back at him... were clearly colorless.

Although the victory is his and the title of Master of the Game remains, Kanin isn't as proud this
time as he was in the past. This is partly due to his father's teachings about sportsmanship,
which were deeply ingrained in him and still haunt him.

'Knowing how to lose, knowing how to win, knowing how to forgive, knowing how to apologize when you hurt someone or
feel bad in the game. If you know these things, my son will be a good athlete.'

Kanin sighed. He struggled to get his father's words out of his head. The young man tried to
convince himself that this was what he wanted.

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Charan deserves a lesson for following him around like a stalker.
Kanin thinks this is another way to help the other stop interfering in his life.

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The young man nodded, reassuring himself. His thin lips lifted a small smile, before he
repeated the same words to himself over and over again in his heart to rid himself of all
lingering worries.

That's correct. It's the most correct thing to do.

Don't think too much, you don't have to think too much, you don't have to worry about
anything. Doing so is incredibly satisfying...

Satisfied... where exactly?

Kanin's feet walked along the path in front of him in the London night weather. The shop lights
were still bright enough to keep him from feeling lonely. The temperature, which had dropped
a few degrees, made the boy's nose start to turn a little red.

"Achuu!" The situation wasn't good. Kanin sneezed loudly. It would have been nice if he had
managed to raise his hand to cover his nose in time, because he considered it an embarrassing
moment.

Someone who hadn't said a word since leaving Samantha's house approached. Kanin saw out of the
corner of his eye that Charan was searching for something inside his pocket.

A split second later, a clean, dark handkerchief was handed to him. The thin figure froze, staring at
it for a moment and finally deciding to accept it without a second thought.

Kanin solves his problem. His breathing becomes a little heavier, indicating that the
problematic nasal cavity is becoming annoyingly stubborn.

"I'll give it back."

"No need," the owner of the handkerchief said in a monotonous voice, slowing down and
walking away, making Kanin feel a headache on the right side of his brain.

The way Charan was acting infuriated him. The other didn't say a word to him. Even though
they didn't normally need to talk to each other... is that too much?

Why would he speak without looking at you, backing away, walking at a distance like a
celebrity's bodyguard? This left Kanin's feelings so frustrated that he wanted to rage.

The young man intentionally counted from one to one hundred and told himself to calm down,
but in reality Kanin hadn't even counted to ten when his brain told him to stop walking and
turn to face the other.

"You."

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"..."

"What's your problem?" he said to the man, doing his best to keep his tone from sounding too
arrogant. Kanin met Charan's gaze and frowned slightly while the other man kept his gaze
averted, refusing to look at him as he normally would.

"Nothing, nothing."

Obviously, he was still going to lie again.

"God punishes those who lie, you know?" Those words would have made everything a little more magical
and sacred if they were speaking in front of a church, not in an empty alley with people wandering
around like today.

Kanin took a deep breath. Charan was like someone struggling with himself in his own head, as
if he had an angel and a devil arguing inside him. His handsome face was in the state of a
thoughtless person, looking as if he were in a dilemma.

But all that lasted a fraction of a second. In the end, Charan won the battle, and his face
returned to its soft state, proving that he has the ability to control his mind. Instead of allowing
the power of the devil or the angels to take over.

"It's nothing. Hurry up." The taller man began to take a step forward. Kanin sighed again,
before deciding to shout the word he had in his mind for the other to hear.

"Excuse me!"

"..."

"I'm sorry," the giant mountain in the center of Kanin's chest rapidly decreased in size just after
he said those words. He bit his lip and held back a bit when the older man stopped in his tracks
and met his gaze.

"Sorry for what?"

"Well, you don't look so well... since we..." The soft voice was cut off. Kanin searched for words that
might define what had happened, avoiding the jargon that set the tone for this embarrassing
situation.

"..."

'...we won the Pocky game.' The boy felt a little guilty. He didn't want to make Charan feel bad...
no, okay, he did, but he didn't expect the consequences to be so serious.

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"Hmm".

"So 'hm'?"

"Do you want me to be honest? Will you understand what my problem is?"

"Ahem," the young man didn't look away and continued to stare at Charan's face, waiting for a response
from the tall man who didn't want to look away from where he was.

"Don't kiss blindly again."

"What...?" The response he received wasn't unexpected. It was true that Charan didn't agree with
the fact that they were kissing—that is, their lips touching. But Kanin didn't understand why the
other used words to dissuade him instead of fighting him.

"Of course, don't repeat it."

"I haven't kissed anyone blindly. And... God, it wasn't a kiss."

"..."

"It's just a game, Charan." Kanin didn't think this was a bad speech; his intention was to explain so
the taller man would understand. He took a deep breath, making eye contact with the man several
inches taller than him before slowing his thoughts.

"..."

"Only game."

NT: said just play, in English

There was silence for a moment. Charan gaped as if he wanted to say something, but in the
end, the older man shrugged and chose not to explain anything as usual.

"Fine, I understand. Let's go back. It's late." Thick palms extend, signaling the person with royal
blood in their body to move forward. Kanin was about to take a step, but after a moment, he
stopped and didn't continue.

"Yes, it's late. I should go home, and you should go home too." The sentence isn't rude, but it's clear
enough for the listener to understand. Kanin shifted his feet, quickening his pace and putting some
distance between himself and the older man, who sighed exhaustedly.

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Charan raised his hand and rubbed his face, this time counting from one to one hundred. The guard quickened
his steps behind the younger man. There was no other option. He had promised Tattanai that he would take
this boy to the gate. A person like him would never break his promise.

The cold wind blew against his body. The night streets of the British capital fell silent. Charan's
ears were so open that he could even hear Kanin's sneakers hitting the concrete floor.

The sluggish mood continued. They were supposed to head straight to the alley and go their
separate ways to rest in less than twenty minutes. If not for the unexpected situation that
arose.

For a split second, the quiet street turned upside down. Charan's eyes widened when he heard
the sound of a motorcycle speeding down the road.

"Look out!" Charan was sure he screamed at the top of his lungs at the very moment his body shot
towards the young man and he grabbed his fragile body in his arms.

It all started and ended in less than a minute. The motorcycle's speed didn't even slow down as
it passed them.

Turn off the lights and run away...

Eyes as sharp as a hawk's stared at the mysterious motorcycle. The cautious instincts in
Pithakthewa's blood warned him they were in danger. Something was wrong.

"Shit..." The curse from the person in his embrace drew Charan's attention to the younger man. The
distance, which wasn't far, caused the young man's prominent nose to pick up a soft fragrance from
the other person.

NT Shit is shit in English.

"What's wrong?" he asked softly to the person resting their cheek against his chest. The person who
heard the question raised his head. They stared at each other until their eyes turned green.

NT: In Thai, having green eyes means getting angry, showing displeasure.

"What's wrong? I almost fell on my head and died because of you," Kanin whined. The small body
twitched and pushed away from the older man's chest. But this time, Charan didn't let go.

The eyebrows moved and the more he pushed the perfumed man, the tighter the tall person
gripped him.

“That motorcycle is the one that was going to kill you,” Charan counters with his opinion.

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That motorcycle... didn't slow down. It would be hard to say they couldn't see them standing in the
brightest spot on the street. They would have hit Kanin if he weren't faster.

Wait...

The blood in Charan's body suddenly froze, his handsome face sharp and stern. He processed
the entire situation in his head before finding any truth, which made the anxiety in his body
erupt like a volcano.

Deliberately to Kanin?

"Who was going to kill me? You... hey, you!" The thin figure hadn't even finished his sentence
when the thick palm of a large man, as heavy as iron tongs, grabbed him by the wrist.

Kanin slid into the abyss with Charan pulling him, quickening his pace even though he understood
nothing of what had happened, half walking and half running after him.

"What you're doing is hurting me!" Kanin's thin body tried to resist. And that made an
emotionless person like Charan start to feel a little annoyed.

"We need to get out of here quickly," the tone that attempted to control his feelings didn't help.
Kanin frowned slightly, as if the tall man in front of him was acting strangely.

"Because?"

"That motorcycle is strange. Learn to observe your surroundings. Running over it on purpose..."

"What are you talking about?" the young man frowned until he was almost in knots. Charan
sighed deeply, took a deep breath before starting to count to a number in his mind.

"Now is not the time to..."

"Are you saying that motorcycle was going to run me over on purpose?"

"Yes," Charan agreed, thinking Kanin would figure everything out on his own, but the young man seems to
have miscalculated.

"You watch too many movies." This kid... he didn't understand anything.

"You're too weak for this world," the phrase and the pronouns seemed to offend. Age made
Kanin's feelings of disgust even more pronounced.

With a sweet and soft face, the younger one crossed his arms before raising his eyebrows and asking a
question that seemed to annoy the older one.

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"If you're saying I'm being persecuted or that someone wants to harm me, tell me who these
people are and what their motives are."

"It could be many things," Charan didn't have to think too hard about this question. It's true
that Kanin's history is a secret, but his actions could make the matter of the youngest prince of
the Atsawathewathin family no longer a secret.

Maybe this secret is no longer a secret...

"No one knows about this except you," the boy says through gritted teeth. Kanin made eye
contact with the tall man, his eyes hiding irritability and dissatisfaction within.

"..."

"For me now, the most untrustworthy person is you. Could it be that you created the whole situation?" he
deliberately worried the younger man. Kanin was furious... and his feelings multiplied even more when the
older man didn't deny or show any discomfort at the accusation.

"Good guess, that's considerate," Charan replied in a monotone. He gave a faint smile,
prompting more reactions from Kanin.

The young man decided to stop arguing. The small figure headed straight home. There was no
conversation between them until the small palm touched the door lock.

"I hope I don't have to see your face again tomorrow." The resident of the house didn't even
look at the person behind him during his prayer. Kanin hears Charan's body move away slightly
before uttering an even more frustrating prayer.

"You can't run away from the truth."

"..."

"The time for acting like a child is over. Everyone has a duty. Please remember that your most
important duty right now is to return to me." It was like adding fuel to the fire. Kanin's furious
temper once again reached boiling point as he turned to face the older man.

"Duty...? What duty? I'm an ordinary person, born and raised here, not from Emmaly. I have no
obligation to go back and do anything for anyone... Stop talking nonsense for once. If you want
to go back, go forward. The path is clear."

"..."

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"Leave before I lose my patience with you!" The young man's body shook with rage. Charan
looked the young man in the eye before lowering his head as if to bow. He spoke the next
sentence in a calm voice, but it irritated the listener just as much.

"I apologize for offending you, Your Highness... I crossed the sky to come here with one main purpose and that
is you, Your Highness.

"How dare you???"

"If you despise it, you have to put up with it. If you find it uncomfortable, you have to put up with it,
because I will be here every day... until His Highness returns to me."

"..."

"Between us there is only duty, I hope Your Highness understands that."

NT: Yes, of course, to that story with another person, because you already fell in love.

.................

Chapter 8: Game of Life

Kanin can't sleep...

He was awake for a long time, but didn't get up to go anywhere. His double-lidded eyes stared
out the window. The difference in temperature inside and outside made the windows turn
whitish.

There was no freshness about it, it was still like a sunflower that can't find sunlight, like a wilted
vegetable that hasn't been picked up on a shelf long enough to hear its father's call when he
knocked on the door.

"Kanin, Nin... haven't you woken up yet?" The question wasn't immediately answered. The young man
opted to swing his legs out of bed and walk toward the bathroom more dramatically than ever.

It was the answer he woke up to and Kanin trusted that his father would listen to him.

“Nin, let’s eat first,” another word that Kanin said this morning, but he didn’t reply. The young man sighed
deeply after descending the stairs of the house and finding Tattanai waiting for him, wearing the same
blue apron.

The father's eyes showed a clear expression of indifference, but ultimately, the hard-hearted
person wasn't telling the truth. Kanin chose to walk away and leave his backpack on the sofa,
then return and sit in a chair at the dining table, rather than leave without a thought for the...
family.

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Today's breakfast menu is a full English breakfast. Kanin took the knife and fork from the side.
Without saying a word, he began to chew the roasted tomatoes.

He immersed himself in the flavors of today's dish. His father seemed particularly indulgent,
noting the more than usual amount of bacon on the plate. He also added two fried eggs.

Although Tattanai had always tried to control his weight as an athlete most of the time in the past, this
time his father added everything he himself had said he should abstain from in order to be able to eat
happily.

The boy noticed all the other's efforts, but Kanin's response was the opposite. He just ate his
own breakfast in silence even though he got what he always wanted. But this time, his inner
feelings were devoid of happiness.

Kanin assumed his father must have known better, which was why he no longer sat next to him as
he usually did. Kanin kept his distance before moving even closer when the third piece of bacon on
the boy's plate was gone.

The tall man remained silent. The young man's handsome pair of eyes observed some of the
older man's actions. As a result, Kanin accidentally held his breath due to a discomfort in his
chest.

Tattanai paused for a moment, then used his dominant cooking hand to place a caramel candy
next to his knife rack. As a result, Kanin stopped.

The young man looked up and couldn't make eye contact. Someone had already turned around
and left.

Avoid confrontation subjectively. This is the father's way of reconciliation...

'I know you want to eat sweets, but Dad can't let Nin eat too much, because her teeth will fall
out. Nin can only eat this to reward herself when she accepts her feelings, okay?'

The man bent down and spoke to him in his father's gentle voice. It was as if he were watching
old film reels in his head. Those memories remain vivid. For Kanin, the more outraged he
became, the more questions he had to ask.

By acting like this, it was as if the father wanted me to understand.

But what do you want me to accept? Accept anger, disappointment, resentment, and having to
become someone else who's no different than a stranger?

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Or you want him to admit that they aren't actually father and son, and that the person you trusted
most in your life stabbed you in the back and hid the truth for 21 years. What does the father want
him to accept?

His double eyelids blink. Kanin arms his knife as his favorite dish suddenly changes flavor.

Her body shoots up from the dining room table to the sink, deciding to leave the candy in the
same place... Her slender feet and legs walk quickly, grabbing her backpack before her eyes
return to the candy. That troublesome candy still in the same place.

Kanin didn't think to go back and put it in his pocket. The main reason is because whoever put it
there didn't think to talk or converse with him. That would mean he wouldn't have to pick it up
himself.

The boy decided to leave, but the skinny person had to randomly stop and follow him before he
walked out the door.

"Don't go yet."

"..." He turned and looked at Tattanai, having no choice. The older man had already taken off his
blue apron after disappearing for a while.

His then-father approached. His rough palm caught and grasped the slender hand of the
person he had known as his son for twenty years, before placing the candy in it.

"Nin..." he called, to no avail. Kanin acted like an angry child who wouldn't even look his father
in the eye. And Tattanai could read it... He shouldn't be on the same page as the boy now,
when the other has such a high wall in his heart.

"..."

"Are you angry with your father?" Then the next sentence turned into a question, with guilt
laced in his voice. As always, Kanin was stopped by the dark, weak-eyed eyes, though in the
end, the person in front of him remained silent.

Tattanai doesn't take this seriously. After all, in his father's eyes, the other is no different from a
little boy from the past. Just a little boy who purposely ignores his father because he wasn't
satisfied with what he had done.

But Tattanai believes things will soon improve between them...

This time should be like all the others. The most important thing is to pay attention to your child's
emotions and feelings.

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There is nothing complicated except trying to get the youngest to get rid of his anger, because if Kanin
gets rid of his anger, the world of Tattanai will be bright again.

"If you're mad at Dad... eat, son."

"..."

"Have a good trip. Take care."

The conversation between the two had just ended. Seeing that his son wasn't accepting it, the
middle-aged man stepped back, allowing Kanin to pass easily while still looking at him… until
the front door closed.

Pammmm.

The sound of the door softly closing reached Kanin's ears. The owner of the white body
stopped looking at the front door, alternating his gaze with the candy in his hand for a moment
before deciding to put it in his pocket.

He hadn't completely lost his anger yet, but he kept the candy to himself. Part of it was because he
didn't want to make his father feel worse, wanted him to force himself to close his eyes and tell him
he was okay, but he couldn't do that.

The back of a pale hand rose to wipe away the tears running from both eyes, chasing away the
heat that enveloped him and spread across the eye socket.

The sign of weakness was cast aside. Kanin quickly raised his head after adjusting his
expression, returning to his normal self. He didn't want anyone to see him cry, especially
Charan... the person who usually appears before him.

Kanin froze as something frustrating crossed his mind. His double eyelids looked around,
moving from left to right for a long time. When he saw no one, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Charan isn't here... or maybe it's because he was so harassed by him last night, it made him think of
something.

'If you despise him, you'll have to put up with it. If he's annoying, you'll have to put up with it, because I'll come
here every day... until Your Highness has it back.'

'...'

'Between us there is only duty. I hope Your Highness understands.'

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Perhaps those words aren't really serious, but that's good anyway, because Kanin can't stand it.
He still persisted in the same way; there was no way to change his mind. In the end, Charan left
alone.

The analytical person processed the situation and nodded to himself. The young man shook off
the distraction and let out a small sigh before starting to walk toward the fencing club again.

Today, Kanin intends to spend more time in the training room and with his teammates. At least
if his body sweats a lot, it can help relieve stress.

NT: You know if you have problems, exercise

He intended to arrive at the club in the next twenty minutes, but it seems that his intuition and
survival instinct acquired from sword training would start working again, when the owner of
the small body sensed an abnormality around him.

Kanin suspected he was being followed. The senses within his body were screaming, warning
of impending danger... causing him to accidentally catch his breath as he quickened his pace
even further. However, everything continued without a hitch.

NT: Kanin became Spiderman

Enemies? People who don't like me, or what, exactly, is doing this...?

'Are you saying the motorcycle was going to run me over on purpose?' 'Yes.'

'You watch a lot of movies.'

'You are too weak for this world.'

Once again, a conversation with an unfriendly person interrupted his thoughts. The
experienced person frowned and tried to think of a way out by scanning the surrounding
streets, before suddenly deciding to change direction.

The young man crossed the street to the other side, slowing down slightly to explore the anomalies on the opposite
side.

The beautiful pair of eyes looked up almost at the same second as irritation and relief surged in
unison. Kanin let out a long sigh of relief, after discovering that the

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The tall, dignified figure standing across the street was none other than... the same person who had
been bothering and interfering with his thoughts for the past few days.

Charan didn't even think about dodging when he met the white man's eyes. The young man
had already guessed why Kanin had crossed the street. That boy must have already realized
someone was following him. It was a clever and intelligent move.

The owner of the taller body simply nodded and bowed respectfully. Although he's older, with
his position and title, Charan doesn't see it as a bad thing.

He let the younger man distance himself and then followed him. In truth, Charan didn't want to be a
bully, but the situation and duty forced him to take that position.

The young man had been quite worried since the incident in that deserted alley the night before.
This person recognized him, and he was more concerned about the youngest prince of the
Atsawathewathin family than himself.

The other wanted to leave home to take care of his stepson alone, but... he was more concerned about
the boy's feelings.

Fearing that Kanin would become even more angry, Tattanai gave him the duty of guarding him.

The person who had thought about it all night after the arguments sighed deeply. Charan walked
slowly along the sidewalk. They were surrounded by cars passing between them on one side of the
street.

Using harshness or provoking too much emotion in Kanin is of no benefit at all, but it will make the other
resist until he loses time. Therefore, the young man had already decided he would opt for a new method.

'Nin can seem a little childish at times. But if there's a reason to talk to him when his condition
is stable, he'll listen.'

'...'

'I hope Khun Charan gives him time and understanding. Open your heart to Nin a little; this matter is
very important to him.'

True, as Tattanai told him on the phone last night. Perhaps the best course of action is subtlety and
the logic of negotiation. It's just that at this point, Charan still doesn't have a clear path forward...

Perhaps because they don't know each other, the young man can't grasp the point at hand. So,
the only way at this point is to wait at the guard post. His dignity is being used for the royal
family in the best possible way.

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Charan can only hope that what happened is exactly what Kanin thinks and that it's just a
coincidence. Although it's difficult, he wanted it to be.

It's all in my head...

"Hey, Charan, are you coming with me?"

That question came from Paul. Kanin guessed that the other must have liked Charan a lot.
Because he could see that his best friend immediately ran to the tall man after a few words.

Charan didn't seek out the spotlight. He was looking for a quiet spot to sit in the corner, but
because the aura surrounding his masculine body was quite prominent and attractive, he
couldn't help himself anyway.

"Come on, I'll take you to find the others." As previously stated, Kanin had managed to bond
with Paul in part because of the golden-haired foreigner's playful and friendly nature. But now
he was starting to dislike this behavior from the other.

The double-lidded eyes watched Paul's back. This person led Charan to introduce himself to the
other members of the Fencing Club, and although he didn't say anything about the tall man, he
didn't know why... so many friends kept talking to him. Kanin felt frustrated.

I remember you used to watch the games.

'Yes, I remember. I watched the whole time.'

'Are you interested in swordsmanship or in conquering someone?'

'Are you interested in Kanin?' Kanin didn't care who all those phrases belonged to, but one of
Alex the British half's most recent ones was the one that got the skinny guy off his feet.

"Why are you asking that?" the frustrated leader asked in a monotone. Charan raised his
eyebrows slightly, as snobbish as a teacher examining his students.

Unlike Kanin, he was silent, listening to the other with a slender hand he uses to clean his
saber, as if he was not interested in listening to the nonsense around him.

"Your eyes keep looking at Nin," Alex replied, nodding to the person mentioned.

Kanin, unconsciously, turned around and saw Charan's eyes immediately meet his own. There
seemed to be a small electric shock in the air between them, only for a brief moment before all
sensation disappeared.

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So light that no one was quick enough to notice, not even the speaker.

"That's true, I agree."

"If you like it, think about it--"

Amid the conversation among the friends at the party, one side tried to make Charan lose his
composure. The other, however, tried to convince the taller man to change his system and
come up with new ideas.

All of these actions were angering Kanin. He considered shouting at the top of his lungs so everyone
would know the true state of their relationship.

That boy wasn't someone she secretly liked, it was her karma!

But after assessing the weight on his heart, he realized that speaking out would only have negative
effects, not to mention having to explain what he didn't want to say to his friends. There was also the
possibility of having to delve deeper into the crazy story that has been uncovered these past few days.

Kanin pursed his lips thoughtfully and finally decided to stand in the middle of the circle. The
little person pushed his cheeks with his tongue. Those beautiful eyes were still fixed on
Charan's face, in stark contrast to the next sentence he chose to communicate with the other
members of the circle around him.

"I'm going."

If the music practice room is Kanin's number one resting place, it's inevitable that the fencing
club's roof is number two.

He often gets angry but doesn't want to get involved with anyone. Kanin, then, tends to hide and
deal with his own emotions here in silence, as he is doing now.

The boy raised his head and looked up at the clear blue sky above. Kanin gazed up at the clouds,
thinking of the stories his father had told him before going to sleep on the earth from which he
came.

His father said Emmaly was a country near the equator. There are particularly open skies, which
makes it easy for large clouds to accumulate. It was his homeland, and it was the country whose
beautiful sky touched his father's heart.

Tattanai loves Emmaly very much, as she always talked about things from the old days, like
food, lifestyle, and stories. Her father talked about all of this.

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And that made Kanin reflect in his heart... his father still thinks about the place he calls home.
Even though so much time has passed, he still talks about it. Why don't you believe his home is
here?

Kanin never thought about moving, about competing for a position he never imagined. It's not
important to him to sit back and sacrifice time for someone else, especially someone he doesn't
remember meeting.

Alone, Kanin admits he only sees one person as family: the one he refers to as a loyal
bodyguard...

Although he admits that he is still angry with his father.

The young man couldn't understand why Tattanai would allow these people to take such an
important position. Why should someone bow their heads, even though each had their own life,
instead of forcing them to negotiate?

The boy reached into his pocket. His slender fingertips touched the texture of the plastic
surrounding the caramel candies, reminding him of the older man.

Kanin closed his eyes and made his decision. Whatever happens, he'll have to speak to his father today to
inform him of the implications of his choice.

Between him and Emmaly, even if the sky there was so beautiful that the father would like to see it again,
if he had to go attend to other people's needs, the young man would find it unfair.

What kind of world is this? Even if none of them returned, no one would die. Then he would simply
ask his father to say he chose his family. That way, Kanin would be willing to do everything
according to his father's orders.

From now on, if his father says he should train... it doesn't matter how late it is. Kanin won't
mind going to the Olympics to compete for gold medals if he wants.

He just wanted to be in his own space, right here, where his father is by his side like before. He's ready to
forget everything that happened and never speak of it again.

Kanin thought he had the ability to convince his father. The boy was confident. He saw Tattanai's eyes as
they looked at each other. They were still filled with warmth, kindness, and good wishes for him, just like
before.

His father didn't want to let go of his hand. He thought his father might compare this situation
to the game of life. The road they face is a long game of life.

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If they went back there after this, it would mean they were no longer father and son. Tattanai
would probably be the same to him as Charan... The class barrier would remain between the
status quo, and ultimately, they would remain strangers to each other.

The young man opened his eyes again and saw the landscape before him. The dull colors of the
buildings further darkened his mood. Kanin fell into a funereal state until he regained
consciousness when, out of the corner of his eye, he saw someone standing beside him.

"Paul, can you wait a bit? I want to be alone for a moment—You…" The words were swallowed
in his throat as the owner of the small body turned around and saw the face of someone
beautiful.

Kanin let out a frustrated sigh. He used his small tongue to push his cheek back and forth to
calm himself, before composing the words in his head. Then he turned to the person next to
him with a serious look in his eyes.

"What are you going to say?"

"Anyway, I've already told you everything," Charan continued calmly. As did Kanin, who insisted
on his previous words.

"I'm not going back with you."

"You can't, Prince." The actual words were so well-formed that the listener rolled his eyes in
frustration. It's okay, and he faces it, but using it in a kind of compulsive situation.

Ah... believe it.

His slender hand floated to his hip. The young man tried to use his limited time to think of a
way to negotiate with Charan. He let the other observe him until some information about what
his father had told him appeared in his mind.

'It was normal for the people of Emmaly to wield swords, because our ancestors were skilled in
their use... Therefore, when they argued and could not reach an agreement, they usually
dueled with swords. Whenever someone invites you to a duel, whether directly or by sending a
letter... according to tradition, it is forbidden to refuse.'

'Whoever loses must die, or if not, must do whatever the other side asks.'

'To this day, it's still a dueling game, but it's a serious game... The winner can demand anything,
and the loser must obey without reservation. Otherwise, there will be an obligation to establish
a legal contract, like a loan agreement.'

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The corners of the young man's mouth twitched slightly. Kanin seemed to see the light at the end of the
tunnel. His father's stories were always helpful. They often helped teach Kanin to be more mindful in life,
sometimes helping him escape the chaos. And today they might have helped him in a situation where he
had to act to... get rid of someone.

"You criticized my fencing moves. So you must be pretty good at it..." The young man was silent
for a moment. He deliberately scanned the person in front of him from head to toe, but his
goal wasn't to belittle him.

"..."

Kanin quickly thought of a plan in his head, then let out a soft, not-too-quiet voice. His face was
slightly sweet, expressing no emotion. One of the reasons was because he didn't want Charan
to know his emotions or guess his feelings and thoughts.

"Can you and I fight?"

.....................................

Chapter 9: Dream Image

"Can we duel, you and I?" The sounds from all sides were cut off. Charan blinked as he
processed the battle challenge from the youngest Prince of the Atsawathewathin family.

"..."

"If you win, you can ask me for something," Kanin showed no sign of suspicion as they looked
into each other's eyes.

What Kanin said aroused Charan's suspicions. He narrowed his eyes slightly, carefully scanning
the other's expression. Trying to assess the little boy's posture, Charan wasn't sure whether
Kanin knew the true Emmaly tradition or not.

In this sword-fighting game, Kanin is the dominant side. This is because if the person with royal
lineage wins, Charan must fulfill all of their requests without reservation or condition.

But if Kanin loses, he has no right to make a contract or negotiate anything, because the other is of
royal lineage. This means he's above the country's fencing laws. He doesn't know if he knows this
old rule or not...

If he did, he would have been determined and cunning, but if he didn't... then they would have the same
starting points.

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"What are the rules?" Charan asked, looking closely. If Kanin knew too much, this fencing
challenge would allow him to learn a little of the other's true nature.

Qualifications for being a good leader of a country... If you know that people can't fight and still
force them to do so, can you be called a good leader of a country...?

"The rules are the same as any other competition. But if you win, don't ask me to return to
Emmaly directly. That way, the request will be considered invalid," the semi-explanatory
response suggests Kanin was unaware of this important Emmaly rule of thumb.

That's very... impressive for Charan.

This guy is cunning, but he's not a dishonest cheat.

"Which method will we use? Universal Style or Emmaly?"

"International Style." Kanin saved every opportunity to avoid being at a disadvantage in every
way. Of course, Charan already knows that the other is better at swordsmanship in a more
international style than Emmaly's personal style.

"..."

"How about it?" Kanin grimaced like a little fox that was trying to lure him into a trap,
intentionally challenging him like this, knowing full well that no matter what, he would never
refuse this offer.

Since Charan is an Emmaly person, he tends to adhere to traditions more than anyone else.

"I accept."

"Well, do you have anything you set as a rule to prevent cheating?"

"No," Charan's reply made the young man, who was considering how to escape, raise his eyebrows
in surprise. He thought Charan would pull more tricks.

Kanin vividly thought that the other would force him to return to his country. Because if that were
the case, the second plan he had put in reserve would likely be eliminated.

If he wins—which, of course, he absolutely will—Kanin will ask Charan to drop the matter. This
is a direct request for revenge against Emmaly, and she could easily cut him out of her life.

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“The loser must not break the contract,” said the owner of the sweet voice, raising his pinky finger in
front of him, showing a physical sign of the contract.

"A loser can't break his promise." Charan paused for a moment before answering. He looked
carefully at the white finger. After a while, he wrapped the same part of his body around it,
bringing a smile to the thin man's face.

"Then let's begin. Let's compete."

"Wait..."

"Oh what's wrong?"

"Let's compete where there are no people. Wait until all your friends leave first."

"Because?"

"No reason," the answer was brief and without further explanation, leaving the young man
perplexed as they stared at each other for a few moments. Kanin had to weigh it up and find
reasons in his mind to support that statement.

If you sit down and think about it, it's not easy to understand something like that...

"Are you afraid of losing to the others? Well, let's wait until the sky darkens before starting a
duel."

The night sky turned into total darkness. The crowd in the club began to thin out as the clock
passed 9:30 p.m. With thirty minutes left until closing time, the situation was fortunately quite
favorable. The last two members made it through the door with plenty of time to find a way to
decide who would win or lose.

"Do you have something to say?" Kanin asked, standing on the bow. In his hand, he held his trusty saber
at the ready. He was no different from Charan. The other had borrowed Paul's equipment and clothing.

He understood that they wanted to find a pleasant moment to strengthen their relationship, and
this fencing activity was just an excuse to cover it up.

So, the person trying to act as matchmaker agreed to go first. He also left all his costumes and
fencing equipment for Charan to borrow. Since they were both roughly the same height, they
didn't look too different.

"No, Prince..." Charan replied in a calm tone. The tall figure dressed in white looked so dignified
and elegant that even Kanin himself couldn't help but express praise in his heart.

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This guy looks too good.

But let's be honest, good skills don't mean good. Maybe it's bad.

"Well, if you lose, don't cry," Kanin dared to say, confident in his own abilities. At first glance, he
thought he heard Charan chuckle, followed by a phrase that made his irritability increase even
more.

"Your Highness too... Don't doubt it."

By the end of his words, a duel had begun between them. Kanin and Charan agreed to initiate
the sword fight first when they heard the alarm sound. They both stood motionless in front of
the sword line. Almost half a minute later, no one had scored yet.

They waste time scrutinizing each other. They took turns looking from one side to the other, until Kanin
grew impatient and, unable to wait any longer, decided to launch an offensive blow.

tuk tuk tuk

The rhythmic sound of their footsteps synchronized with their newly trained attack motion. Kanin
advanced while Charan retreated to defend himself.

The young man chased him and waited until the older man was about to cross the two-meter
warning line. He touched the tip of his sword to Charan's midsection. Then, the first point was
beautifully displayed on the scoreboard.

0x1

Kanin was the one who scored the first point to win. But there was something he felt was off.

Her slender legs fell back and stopped behind the sword line again. Her double-lidded eyes hid
beneath her mask and stared at Charan. This guy... he's acting strange. The other guy refused
to open an attack, only defending himself in the end.

The person seeking an answer was annoyed, so Kanin decided to change his plans. The young
man took a deep breath as he calculated the entire tournament time in his mind.

It's been a minute, almost five minutes from now... the first player to score five points
according to international standards will win.

This would inevitably happen in the next few minutes. All this madness will come to an end.

You have to finish the game as soon as possible...

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Kanin repeated his play to score the second point. He continued to play forward, and his response
remained unchanged from the start. Charan didn't respond; he continued to play solely for the purpose
of defending, without finding any opportunities to score.

Charan's actions distracted the younger player. Kanin can't read the playing style of the person
in front of him. Even if it's time to score at some point, the other player simply lets it go.

Charan confuses him until the last minute of the match. After all... his attitude has changed.

Charan's tall figure shrank slightly, his arms stretched out in line with the correct posture.
Kanin responded to these gestures with blows to block his opponent's threat. But this time it
wasn't as easy as he thought.

The dominant position in the game seems to be reversed. When Charan finds a moment to
turn around, the old man swings his sword and rhythmically advances his steps. As a result,
Kanin had to become the person who had no choice but to retreat.

Still...

The person ahead in the game returned to defense. In less than a split second, the signal from
the electric scoring machine rang continuously several times until it was shocking.

Surprisingly, none of these points came from Kanin's side. At this point, the younger man was
at a disadvantage.

Charan used a trick to play on his habit of moving his body outwards, slashing his sword and
immediately cutting Kanin's top off without giving him a chance to get up.

Kanin's intuitive reading of the game warned him of the danger levels. The young man gripped
the saber's hilt in his hand. He did his best to keep the Fencing Association's first place from
faltering, but... it was truly difficult.

The dampness of sweat dripped down the middle of his back. Kanin tried to concentrate and
wield his sword again, his purpose being to block and retreat several times to find a way to
strike Charan, but no matter which way he went, the result was no different than before.

Blocked by Charan from all directions.

The tallest person moves his body with a smooth rhythm. Charan's swordsmanship could be
said to be impeccable. In the last ten seconds, Kanin's heart sank. Everything around him went
into slow motion, before the final bell rang to count the points.

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It was a complete declaration of defeat from the younger one...

"Four to five," the challenger's soft voice said softly. A close and not bad score by the
competition's standards, but Kanin didn't feel too good about it. Not because he couldn't
accept defeat, but because...

Kanin knew in his heart that the four points he had scored were all scored because Charan
paved the way for him to score them all.

It's not true...

"Let's go," Charan removed his metal mask before walking toward him. Kanin remained silent,
unable to hear or notice anything other than the breathing of the person in front of him.

The interior of the club was completely silent, with no other people around. The vision of
double eyelids moved before landing on the scoreboard.

Then Kanin understood... why Charan said he wanted the others to leave first.

Because of his confidence, the person who wins this sword fight...

it will definitely never be him.

The nighttime temperature in the British capital has dropped rapidly. Long strides followed the
back of the little boy in front of him, using their eyes to inspect the expressions of the one who
had been silent the entire way.

Kanin hadn't said a word; the boy had been lost in thought since they left the club and reached
the alleyway. The boy who had often argued, at this point, wasn't speaking, nor were any words
coming out of his mouth.

And that made Charan quite worried...

The young man didn't want to destroy Kanin's trust, he didn't want the minor to act like that, but he accepted the challenge
because he wanted to clarify and make things easier for the other.

But it seems that this winning match would turn into a situation, which destroyed Kanin's
confidence in many ways.

"Wait…" the older man called, stopping no more than three or four meters from the front door
of the house.

"?" Kanin raised his eyebrows and looked slightly at the interlocutor instead of asking anything.

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"I have something to discuss with you."

"Don't be afraid that I'll break my promise, I gave you my word-"

"No, I just wanted to tell you something about your own strengths and weaknesses," Charan said to keep the
younger man from thinking too much of himself.

I hadn't thought about claiming the winner's order now. I just wanted to explain something to this
guy.

"Say it," Kanin said softly. The young man closed his eyes, trying to hide his various thoughts,
opening them again and exhaling a weary sigh when the chaos in his chest didn't calm down at
all.

"Your fencing skills are in good condition."

Charan began with words of praise. Of course, Kanin nodded, though he wasn't in the mood to
hear those words.

"Ah."

"But only for the ruler of the people in your world."

Charan spoke directly, without thinking clearly. The tall man said it in a voice lacking any
emotion. However, it made the listener's eyes widen.

Kanin looks back at his face to see the expression of the person speaking. His two eyes clearly
show his dissatisfaction with the older man's words.

"You!"

"I have no bad intentions," Charan interrupted hastily.

His body language showed seriousness. As a result, the child agreed to calm down, and Charan
took the opportunity to continue, "But what I want to convey is that your world is still very
small."

"What do you mean?" Kanin frowned at the complexity of Charan's sentence.

Even though he understood the implication of "world" that the other was referring to to mean
experience, the young man couldn't help but wonder what the true essence of what Charan wanted
to convey was.

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"In real life... you still have to meet a lot of people. Your weakness is that you don't have the
skills and you still need to practice. Confidence is something every athlete should have, but
having too much can make you reckless like you were today."

Charan isn't skeptical of Kanin's ability, but one thing he has to accept is his opponent's
assessment. Playing too low or overconfident is part of why the other player lost today.

"The winner can say anything," Kanin said dryly.

"But the loser must keep his promise," said the elder, reminding him of the truth, while his
sharp eyes stared at the younger's face, before some movement in the position of the window
of his house caught his attention.

And now...

"I know, but could you give me some time...?"

Kanin's voice immediately lowered its intensity as Charan's senses shifted elsewhere. He
frowned, his usually calm expression now more stern as his brain quickly processed that
something was wrong.

Normally, at this time, Tattanai's house would be lit up. But now it was very dark.

Why is there a shadow of more than one person?

Who is that...?

"..."

"You... are you listening to me? Uh..."

"Shh," a slender finger touched the corner of the young man's mouth, his voice chilling his slender frame.
Kanin raised his eyebrows, intrigued by Charan's expression as he continued to look back, and decided to
open his mouth to ask.

"Oh what's wrong?"

“Quiet, come here,” the thick palm held the small doll to bend down, while the double eyelids
glimpsed the strange situation that had occurred.

"There's someone in the house," Kanin seemed more to mutter to himself than to demand an answer.

"Yeah".

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"Who?"

"I don't know," Charan said, his voice strained. He didn't mean to offend, but the truth was, the young man
didn't even know what kind of people were in that house at that moment.

"I'll call Dad."

"Don't do that," the experienced man said, grabbing her thin wrist as she reached for her cell
phone. Charan warned her that if there was an emergency, contacting Tattanai could make
things worse.

"Because?"

"Because we still don't know who he is." Charan's curt reply, along with his clearly stressed
facial expression, carries enough weight for a perceptive person like Kanin to piece together
the whole story on his own.

Like when you felt like you were being followed...

that motorcycle;

the home invasion tonight. Everything seems strangely connected.

"And what do you want me to do?" Kanin's chest heaved, trembling, a truly awful feeling. The
more he looked at the dim lights around the house, the more worried he became that he could
barely sit still.

"Wait outside, I'm going in-"

"No, I'm going in too," the young man didn't even let Charan finish his sentence. His double-
lidded eyes stared, blinking faster and faster in time with his heartbeat.

The thoughts in Kanin's head screamed thoughts about the dangerous situation they had to
face.

If it is as Charan said.

Then...

That meant... my father was in danger.

"It's too risky. I want you to wait outside."

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"But my father is there... I beg you, I beg you... let me go too." The young man's eyes were filled
with many emotions. The end of the sentence obviously softened, causing Charan to hastily
ponder it in his mind once more.

"Fine, but if you leave... you must listen to me, don't do more than I tell you," the reason Charan
made this decision is because he doesn't want to waste any more time arguing and more
importantly, allowing Kanin to be in plain sight might be safer than leaving him alone outside.

"You can do it."

The light from the next door hallway filters through enough to see into the dimly lit room.

Kanin entered the house through the open door on the first floor. The first thing that struck his auditory
senses was the sound of someone struggling coming from the second floor, prompting the young man
to run upstairs.

The heart on the left side of his chest was beating rapidly. His trembling hands continued to sweat
as he dropped everything and ran. Kanin wasn't interested in knowing where in the house Charan
was now, or whether he would follow him or not. The thin figure only knew that his entire focus at
this point was on that matter.

"Kanin, don't come, run away!"

The father's scream echoed almost immediately as his son's face appeared in the master
bedroom.

Tattanai's thin eyes widened. The middle-aged man lost control for a split second, causing the
former royal guard to have a bad moment, causing the hand that was about to strike the
person he was fighting to twist into the wrong position.

"Father!" the boy was still at a loss for what was happening. At that moment, the second floor of the
house was invaded by mysterious people who surrounded Tattanai's body. One of them kicked the
middle-aged man in the knee, completely knocking him off balance and causing him to fall to the ground.

Tattanai gritted his teeth and stifled the pain as his opponent closed his hand behind his back.
The middle-aged man stared at his only son, praying that Kanin wouldn't come closer, but he
seemed to be out of time...

"Father!" Kanin was restless. He approached a strong, blindfolded man in black, as close as he
could get to his feet, but his body was slower than the tall man's.

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Aim!

Charan was the one who knocked him down with a punch, hitting one of the black-clad men
hard in the chin, freeing Tattanai.

The tall, graceful figure moves, using the cloak to maximize its appearance. Charan elbows one
of the black-clad men who ran up behind him, while Tattanai stands up and kicks another burly
man who flies and bounces off a door.

Phew!

The confrontation began quickly. What Kanin saw in front of him showed that Charan was not
only skilled in swordsmanship, but also in hand-to-hand combat skills.

"Escape with Kanin."

The young man gave the former commander a brief but decisive order of duty.

Charan manages to send the two who initially blocked Tattanai's arm to the ground with a
punch. The younger man shoved Kanin and the older man across the floor before turning to
face blows from both sides.

Charan barely dodged that sudden attack. Kanin went straight to see his father. He was uneasy
as Tattanai tried to use his brain to devise an escape plan during this critical period.

"Dad, what's wrong?"

"Take your time," the older man took the initiative.

Tattanai went downstairs and the first thing he picked up was a backpack, which belonged to the
person who had his own son's name and status for 20 years and handed it to him, and then pushed
his back towards the front door.

"Dad must go back to help Charan," Tattanai says, his voice cracking. There were four of them
in total... no matter how strong and talented they were, they could only hold out for a short
time.

More importantly, his rank was several ranks lower than Charan's. Running away and escaping first,
leaving the other behind, is something you shouldn't do.

"No..." As if predicting what would happen in the future, Kanin quickly shook her head, gripping
the man's arm tighter with her small palm, while making a pleading look.

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"No, listen to your father. Don't follow me. Remember that if something happened, you would wait in the third pine?"

"Dad, don't go."

"Before the sun rises, I'll follow you there," the speaker's thick palm rose to hold her slender hand.
They looked at each other one last time before the older man walked away.

Tattanai didn't wait and ran back to the second floor of the house, only allowing the boy to look
on in concern.

Kanin was so nervous that he spun around left and right before grabbing a flashlight nearby,
intending to use it as a weapon. He intended to disobey his father's orders, but it seems the
people above, Tattanai and Charan, still had each other's backs. They both ran away before
things got even more chaotic.

"Khun Charan," the old man gestured to the highest-ranking man.

Kanin was squeezed in the middle and was a little relieved when he saw that his father was still
intact.

But unfortunately, that feeling didn't last long...

Pow!

A sound pierced the air and struck his ears.

Kanin wasn't sure what the source of the sound was, until his double-lidded eyes rolled and
widened at what they saw...

By then, Tattanai's arm was red with blood. And the cause of the wound... was a silenced
weapon pointed at him by one of the men in black.

The younger man saw this and felt his body shudder uncontrollably as if his heart was slowing
down. Kanin accidentally caught his breath when the situation in front of him seemed to be
worse than he expected.

"Let's go!" The thin figure didn't even realize it would all end like this. Tattanai's familiar deep
voice turned to make eye contact and signaled to Charan before ordering Kanin to leave the
house.

Distress!

"Father!" Kanin's voice trembled at what his father had decided to do.

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Tattanai pushed him out before closing the door and locking himself inside, causing them to
separate from each other.

His eyes were filled with tears. Kanin tried to compose himself, intending to go back inside
once more, but he was slower than Charan. The young man hadn't even moved when someone
grabbed his arm.

"Release him! Release him! Dad!!"

Clear drops of water obscured the view of the house, which was completely dark without light,
further and further from Kanin's line of vision.

He could no longer see anything... not even the shadow of his father, not even a conversation to resolve
the misunderstanding... a word of the love that still existed.

It all became a dream that disappeared in the blink of an eye...

.........................

Chapter 10: Bad People

Kanin was far enough away before Charan allowed him to walk freely again. The thin body
recoiled slightly, panting from the exertion, knowing the strength of someone who still looked
normal...

"Step aside," the young man said curtly to the person standing in his way. Kanin hadn't given
up on the idea of going back to help Ambassador Ttanai. He was about to walk again, but
Charan kept blocking his way. "I told you to go!"

The order came with an open palm that shoved the taller man out of the way. Kanin rushed
forward, but barely took half a step before he was grabbed by the waist by the older man,
causing him to struggle.

"Calm down," Charan's voice, still as calm as ever, made the listener's anger explode.
Objectively recalling the events that had just happened to him and his family, the young man
couldn't firmly control his conscience.

"Calm down? Did you tell me to calm down? He's my father, you shouldn't leave him," Kanin said in a
tense voice, his two eyebrows tightly knit together in the middle of his forehead. The eyes that had once
shone with arrogance now darkened.

A pair of beautiful eyes filled with water. The tip of his small nose turned red. The other was like
someone about to cry, and this made anyone who saw him look thoughtfully.

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The young man understood the younger man's feelings very well. These painful feelings were
something Charan had experienced before when he was young. The feeling of being separated
from the embrace of a loved one, of having to become someone who has no one else... the
loneliness of having to face all problems alone.

That was all he understood well, everything... But with the situation and his duty, Charan could not let the
little prince return to the scene of the incident now, because he had promised Tattanai and the Lord of
Life that he would not take Kanin to a dangerous place.

"I can't let you come back," the older man's voice still insisted, though it was weak. The younger man looked
back with eyes of anger mixed with defiance... and sadness.

"Oh my God!" Kanin cried out loud as he ran a hand through his hair. The feeling of exhaustion
caused both legs of the person still standing to fall to the ground.

For the first time in his life, the young man felt like he had become completely incompetent. His
throat tightened and his chest heaved, as if he had accidentally lost something important in his
life and feared he would never get it back.

Disappointment, sadness, every negative feeling spread so much inside his chest, that Kanin
could feel his heart seeming to beat weaker and weaker.

"We're going..."

"I know what kind of person you are, but I didn't expect you to be so cruel," the young man's words
didn't anger Charan. On the other hand, the young man simply stood there, allowing the boy to
express his emotions in words, while looking at him with more emotion than sympathy.

"If you go back, everything will be worse. Tattanai doesn't want that, you know that," Charan's
words were like a punch to the heart. Kanin knew it was all true, but he couldn't accept it.

"You've completely abandoned him. Do you still have humanity? Do you still have feelings?" a
soft voice asked weakly, as if it were about to lose its strength. The younger man pursed his
lips. Charan saw... Kanin was trying to hold back tears.

But... in the end, a drop landed right in front of his eyes anyway.

The sight before him made Charan lower his eyes. The young man remained silent, not saying a
word in response, but deep down he couldn't deny that he felt sorry for what had happened.

Tattanai can be considered an acquaintance. Although they only met face-to-face a few times,
Charan had the opportunity to witness the love and concern of this father and son whenever
they had the chance to talk. Each other always demonstrated that Kanin was like a breath of
life.

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NT: I've been in tears since the episode started, this is so sad.

Charan could read those eyes and see what Tattanai wanted. He knew this went beyond his
duties—it wasn't just his status as a guard. It was an intimate relationship. A father-son
relationship that drove the middle-aged man to give up even a chance at survival in his own
life.

The old man didn't dare speak, but Charan knew very well that what Tattanai was doing was
very dangerous. If he's lucky... maybe there'll be a miracle. But if he's not lucky, Kanin and
Tattanai might have to part ways, without even having the chance to say goodbye one last
time...

It's no different from the events Charan has already recounted...

“Where are you going?” Kanin’s movement stopped all the blows to the older man’s head again.
Charan was about to block at first. However, seeing the direction the young man was walking,
he changed his mind and silently decided to follow him.

Kanin isn't going home. But he's about to go somewhere...

The numbers on the clock face indicate 1:30. Kanin has a goal. The novelty in mind was a park far
from his home. His slender body was in a hurry, running along the path without even thinking
about whether anyone would catch up.

'Nin, listen to your father. Don't follow me. Remember, if anything happened, you were supposed to
wait at the Third Pine?'

'Father, don't go.'

'Before dawn, your father will follow you there.'

The Third Pine... It was where he and his father used to go on picnics on weekends. A small spark of
hope appeared in the darkness. Kanin thought Tattanai might have already gone ahead and be
waiting for him there. That's why the white boy quickened his steps.

The young man ran down the path. He was full of hope. However, what he saw before him dissipated the
glimmer of hope that had previously reassured him.

The park area at night was devoid of people, not even a shadow of a person. In his opinion...
the surrounding atmosphere was calm and peaceful. It was so empty it was eerie.

Kanin took a deep breath. His double eyelids hid in the darkness, but he kept telling himself to
wait.
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Wait another hour, Dad should be here soon...

Tattanai was never wrong with his words whenever he told him something... The father always kept his
promise, and Kanin hopes that this time it will be like before.

The clock hands changed from minutes to hours. Kanin used to think waiting for something in
life was boring. But he never thought... waiting would turn into fear.

At 3:45 a.m., a droplet shone in Kanin's eyes, burning hot. The vision before him seemed to
disappear, but the stubborn man didn't let his weakness show.

Kanin told himself he wouldn't cry. There was nothing tragic about it; the sun hadn't risen yet. And
his father said he would come before dawn.

NT: But why so much suffering?

Dad must come, surely... he must come.

The owner of the white body consoled himself and waited. Kanin usually enjoyed watching the sky
and the first light of a new day, but this was the first time in his life that he didn't want the sun to
rise.

The morning air in the British capital, snow-free and without freezing temperatures, was cold and
aching in the heart of the one awaiting the arrival of their loved one.

The color of the sky had changed. The heart on the left side of his chest slowed, Kanin's tears
slowly spilling the clear liquid he was trying to hold back. The road ahead was empty, as
before...

Tattanai didn't come... he really didn't come.

NT: But....

"Why? Hur..." The father never broke a promise; the other always kept his word and kept the truth.
Kanin knows this better than anyone. The young man's legs fell to the ground. His body felt
exhausted as a deep voice in his heart cried out, telling him to accept the truth.

The truth that Kanin never wanted to accept...

The truth that Kanin didn't want to know.

The fact that no matter how many hundreds and thousands of sweets he ate, his father would never come back to
him...

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'If you're angry with your father... eat, son.'

Her palm held a small piece of candy tightly in her hand. Kanin shed many tears. The first light
of a new day splashed across her body, reminding her that the long wait must end here.

The boy reached out with trembling hands and unwrapped a small piece of candy. Sending the
sweetness into his mouth, the sound of sobs mingled faintly with the wind. Kanin wants to
know... now that he's eaten that candy... like his father asked.

And then... will the father go out to earn a living or not?

Charan looked at the young man before him. The sight he saw almost erased his memories of the
past. The tall man approached and placed his palm on the small shoulder, feeling the trembling of
sobs.

He let go, allowing Kanin to succumb to his sadness for a while before uttering a few words as
a signal that they... still needed to move on.

"Come on Khun..."

Even if Tattanai isn't coming back...

"What do you want to eat? I'll order it for you," Charan said quietly to the person who remained
silent the entire way. They were now in a small hotel room near Heathrow Airport.

Kanin sat motionless on the queen-sized bed, staring at the softly shining mid-morning sun.
The golden light from outside shone against the tears rolling from her sad eyes.

He didn't respond. Only silence filled the space inside the small, square room. Charan
approached the young man, while looking at the person who continued to stare aimlessly out
the window.

Charan didn't dare guess Kanin's true thoughts. He only knew that the other was in such a weak
state that he didn't want to think about it any further. This could be seen in the fact that he allowed
Kanin to bring him here easily, even though they had always been at odds with each other.

Early one morning in the public park, Charan put the pieces together and understood everything. He could tell
Tattanai had said something to Kanin. The other then decided to go there, and waited silently for the younger
man, thinking about the next step in case something really bad happened to... Tattanai.

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It wasn't pessimistic, but grounded in reality. Charan was responsible for keeping Kanin safe. He
quickly assessed the situation in his head and came to a clear conclusion: that house was no longer
safe.

Those people in black... deliberately hurt Tattanai, but that assumption isn't entirely accurate. But
no matter who they belonged to or what their purpose was, their mission and duty remained
unchanged.

Charan has to take Kanin back to Emmaly. He spent the first few hours planning everything,
from booking hotels to finalizing plane tickets. Fortunately, yesterday, when the incident
happened, he took the backpack Tattanai gave him to keep in his hands. So there's no need to
prepare anything for Kanin except clothes.

But Charan believes he can first acquire it and buy it from the hotel. However, right now, hiding
the young Prince Atsawathewathin was the most important thing for him.

Getting the young master back to the country safely is the most important task, but now there
seems to be another equally important matter...

"I don't know what you like to eat, so I ordered a lot of food." Boxes of food from various
nationalities were lined up. Charan didn't get any response from his roommate. So he decided
to buy him four or five items.

In fact, wasting food isn't a good idea. But in a situation where someone's mental health is
traumatized, he'll make a special exception.

"I'm not hungry," the young man didn't even look up when he told him no. Kanin continued to stand
there, making the older man choose things he didn't want to do.

"You need to eat. Otherwise, you won't have any strength."

Shameless... Charan did something that was unnatural for him.

"I said I don't want to eat."

"..." the tall man didn't argue. He chose to pick up the nearest box of food and hand it to the
younger man for him to look at.

"Did you hear what I said or are you pretending not to know?" Although the phrase was harsh, Kanin's tone
sounded weak and languid.

"I heard, but if you don't eat anything, you'll get sick."

"Are you talking because you're really worried or out of obligation?" Charan made eye contact
with the white man, who remained silent for a while. Until he let out a soft laugh.

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"Ah, if I die, you'd be in trouble," the disdainful tone made it clear the other was deliberately
arguing with him, but Charan didn't care. He let out a small sigh, pausing before saying a few
words.

"I said it for Tattanai," although what Kanin thinks is partially true, the main reason why he
does so much is because someone has sacrificed.

Tattanai loves this boy very much. And he didn't want his actions to be in vain.

"..."

"I don't want what he did..."

"Don't say that out loud. You... you shouldn't even mention my father!" Kanin said, pointing at
Charan's face with her small lips trembling. "If you really sympathize with what he did, why
didn't you let me come back? Why??"

"Because it would be dangerous for you."

"I wasn't afraid."

"But Tattanai probably didn't want it that way. He wanted you to be safe." The old man knew
that insisting on the deceased's wish would only cause Kanin more pain, but he had no choice.
The mention of Tattanai's will carried enough weight to help Kanin calm down.

The young man slowly closed his eyes. The lack of rest and food for several hours straight had made
him dizzy. Kanin looked like he was about to faint. In the end, he could no longer remain stubborn
and feign arrogance.

Charan secretly observed the reaction. He moved from the lunchbox to a bag of cereal bread
and a carton of milk. The young man pushed it closer to the younger man's reach before letting
the other begin his small meal in silence.

The tongue that touched him didn't taste it. Kanin didn't taste the delight of the soft, fluffy bread. The boy
seemed to eat to sustain his life.

"We're going to stay here a few more days," Charan said, referring to something important he needed to
tell the younger boy after he finished the carton of milk and the rolls.

"Because?"

"Because the situation out there is still not safe. I have to hide you according to your father's
intention."

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When it came to Tattanai, Kanin showed no further resistance. The younger man only wore a
thoughtful expression before looking away from the tall man who was stumbling over a familiar
backpack.

"Did you bring it?" the young man recalled accidentally dropping it when something happened to
Tattanai, and since the situation was quite chaotic, he didn't notice. And he really didn't think anyone else
would notice.

"Hm. The things you need are there."

That's right. As Charan said, this backpack had everything Kanin needed to live. The young man
grabbed it before opening it to see what was inside.

"Do you know what's inside?"

"Yes," the young man answered that question with his mouth full, since he knew this backpack very well.

"Where are you going, Father? Why are you carrying a backpack?"

— Not Dad's, but for Nin to take when she travels.

'Passport? Painkiller? Caramel candy? Where do you want Nin to go?'

'Not yet, I'm just preparing it. We must always be prepared.'

The conversation in his memory choked the young man again. Back then, Kanin used to
question and wonder why his father always told him to prepare and be ready.

He hadn't understood and thought about why his father would want to do something quickly so that one
day they could travel abroad as he had promised, so as not to waste time sitting and keeping too many
things.

Kanin believes it's a good result, but he never expected it to end in this kind of situation. He
hadn't understood many things until the day it seemed too late.

Tattanai probably knew in his heart that something like this could happen, but he never said anything. He had
heard something.

Terribly bad...

"I'll keep this," the person who was deep in thought muttered softly. Kanin raised a hand to
caress his face and took a deep breath before standing up and fleeing to the corner of the
room without a thought of waiting for an answer.

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"Hm," Charan thought nothing of it because he saw the little man's expression. Kanin took the backpack
and held it, hugging it, keeping the important things close to his body, imagining using it as if it were the
warmth of the person who was leaving.

The two of them were in a room that didn't have much usable space. Charan periodically glanced at
the younger man. He didn't interfere with Kanin. Although he wanted to ask in his heart, he
ultimately let it go.

Charan believes that... time will heal the wounds in his heart.

The sky outside had begun to change color. The sun had set over the horizon. Night had fallen
once more when the tall man got up and disappeared into the bathroom to attend to his
personal business.

Charan let the water hit his body, his ears straining to hear the sounds of the person outside. It
was almost completely silent. Only a slight movement indicated the other person was still
there.

Charan's tall, elegant body grabbed the towel and went out again, before discovering the boy
was asleep. The bedroom lights were completely off. In the dimness, he saw Kanin hugging the
bag and looking away.

The younger man's breath flows in and out evenly. The owner of the smaller body has occupied
the left side of the bed by the door, leaving the other side empty for the other. Charan moves
slowly and lies down tensely.

He was afraid of disturbing the other person's sleep, so he tried to keep things as smooth as
possible. Incidentally, the young man wasn't used to sharing a bed with anyone... but he didn't have
the option to choose the type of bed in his hotel reservation.

So they had no choice but to sleep in a queen-sized bed.

Charan considers it his duty...

The tall man closed his eyes and after a while someone dove into a dream, while the boy slowly
opened his eyes.

Kanin let his eyes adjust to the darkness. The young man paused for a moment, then stood up
and looked at the older man, secretly observing the sleeping man's reaction.

Charan was still sleeping as before when the small person slowly got out of bed, before
cautiously walking to the bedroom door. Kanin watched and waited silently for another five
minutes to make sure no one woke up before running out of the room. The room was silent...

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Kanin ran away on purpose... He didn't want Charan to take him back to Emmaly. So the only option
is to go far away.

Kanin's closest destination at this point was the subway station. He quickly stood up, preferring the main
thoroughfare where people were passing by, because he knew full well that in that situation, being in the
middle of the crowd would be the safest option for him.

The person with royal blood in his body bowed his head without making eye contact with
anyone. He boarded the last train of the day, silently skirting around a corner. Kanin bit his lip.
At this moment, he was blind all around, unable to think of anyone but Paul...

He couldn't go home; it was too dangerous. So, the destination of tonight's train ticket is a
station that connects to a nearby friend's house. The surrounding lights are bright enough to
be seen. Kanin got off the passenger train with an indifferent expression.

She hurried down the hallway and out of the train station before realizing something
important. The two hallways leading to Paul's apartment are residential, so it can get quite
lonely at night.

Kanin had no choice. It was too far from the station to turn back. The thin figure quickened the
steps and turned his gaze to Paul's building. It was only two blocks away, but it felt like a
kilometer away.

The sound of the thin man's footsteps echoed. The closer he got to his destination, the more Kanin felt
some signs of danger. The young man looked cautiously to the left and right.

The heart in his chest felt like it was dancing. Kanin decided to reach into his pocket and take
out his phone to dial a number to contact someone he knew.

The call rang in his ear at a steady pace. Contrary to the little boy's anxiety, Paul didn't respond.
Kanin, on the other hand, wasn't calm.

"Pick up, Paul, pick up."

He muttered under his breath as he closed his eyes. He stared at his best friend's window.
From this angle, he saw the door to Paul's apartment open before his silhouette stepped out
onto the porch.

Both eyes opened. The boy was about to scream and call for his best friend. But... Kanin could
only do whatever was on his mind.

"Pa... ah!" The sweet voice was intercepted by a mysterious palm. Someone tugged at the white man
from behind. As a result, his cell phone fell to the ground.

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Paul's voice called her name from the other end of the line.

But this time the phone's owner could only let out a loud scream, because he couldn't answer
as usual...

"Help... ah, ahhh!!"

"Calm down."

..........................

Chapter 11: Winner's Right

Kanin froze, trying to get out of reach as soon as his brain could figure out whose voice he had
just heard.

"You!" Charan didn't seem at all bothered by making him feel scared, he simply bent down to pick
up the phone that had fallen to the floor before handing it back to him.

"Come back."

Kanin picked up the phone, his heart racing, his fear still fading as he made eye contact with
the older man. It was no different than Charan's look, which blamed the younger man.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm coming..."

"Are you going to see a friend for help? Do you think you'll find a way to escape far away and
survive on your own?" Charan's long sentence began with a question, but he didn't want an
answer. The tall man's full account immediately revealed that he had learned of the other's
elaborate plan.

"..."

"You want your friend to be in danger, don't you?" The older man's face faltered slightly, and he
guided Kanin to continue what he was doing. How much disaster will this create?

"..."

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"Do you know what would happen to your friends if they saw you here? You know very well that those
people aren't normal." What the old man said was true in every way. Kanin realized it and saw it with his
own eyes that night.

If even Ran and Tattanai, who were trained and skilled, could barely resist, it would be even
worse for Paul, an ordinary teenage student. They would also drive his friends crazy.

The younger man's slender palms were pressed against each other. Kanin couldn't argue with
anything, but his brain still refused to stop thinking of other ways. What if he didn't rely on his
friends? He didn't bother others and did everything himself.

"And don't you dare try to find a way to escape alone. If I can figure out your plan, so can
everyone else," Charan warned him without a second thought, as if the person in front of him
could read his mind.

"..." Kanin was stunned. Though he wasn't too stubborn to hear the truth. The young man was
speechless; his previous storm seemed to have calmed down exactly as Charan had hoped.

"If you understand, can we get back together or not?"

NT: This is read with a double meaning.

…………………

The hotel hallway was empty at that moment. Kanin silently followed the taller person. His
double-lidded eyes saw Charan's shoulders and he felt himself getting smaller.

The young man sighed secretly. He hadn't said a word during the entire journey, but his mind kept thinking
about the terrible situation. What if what just happened wasn't with Charan? What if it was with someone else...
someone who wanted to kill him?

What could I do?

"Get some rest, you're very tired," the tall man said firmly when they returned to the room.
Charan walked over to turn off the light and then went back to bed. He acted as if nothing had
happened before.

"Hey."

"Hmm."

"Did you know from the beginning...?"

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"About what?"

"That I ran away," Kanin pursed his lips. He didn't say the whole thing in his mind. But there were many doubts
in his head that he couldn't think about, one of them being this question.

I was pretty sure Charan was sleeping at that moment. That's because...

Charan made eye contact with the younger man. The young man saw the innocence hidden in
Kanin's eyes. Even if he's ordinary, the other still considers himself too weak against the world.

"I've been awake since you got up," the older man replied before turning around and sitting at the foot of
the bed, leaving the younger man standing there. After a while, he continued, "I was just curious to know
what you were going to do."

Another important thing was Charan's idea to let Kanin try to go ahead with the plan he created in
his head, letting the younger learn in a real situation to emphasize that it would be impossible for
the other to escape without him.

It's better than throwing words to the wind. Kanin is such a boy. The young man realized that
letting the other try and see for himself would make the white-bodied man understand more
easily than wasting time sitting and explaining.

"So why didn't you stop me from there?" The young man's growling voice seemed to be
speaking to himself, rather than wanting the taller person to argue with him. Charan shook his
head, also wanting to ask if, had he forbidden Kanin from doing so from the start, he would
have listened.

"Next time, walk slower."

"..."

"You walk like a walking dinosaur. Even if I didn't wake up when you moved, I would wake up
when you started walking... to teach you." Kanin blinked, his mouth open. The young man
suddenly looked down at his feet before frowning and arguing.

"I don't walk around making noise."

"Bam!"

"You're the one who listens too much."

"That's not debatable," Charan agreed. If he were to explain it properly, Kanin would be
classified as fleet-footed. However, he was still a child. No wonder he was careless.

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Charan understands very well the true purpose of everything Kanin has done. He simply needs
to find spiritual refuge; it's the consequence of a physical loss. Then Kanin did something
reckless.

Going to Paul... must be one of the mechanisms for finding a way out for himself. In this
darkness, it's no wonder Kanin wants to meet someone he trusts, who definitely won't be
Charan.

"You... Who do you think those people are?" the sweet voice asked again after a long silence.

"I'm not sure. Maybe it's like I said: someone already knows that the descendant of the
Atsawathewathin is still alive." The listener's breath seemed to catch for a moment. Kanin
frowned, considering.

"But they... seemed to be purposely hurting my father."

"..." Charan agreed with this suspicion. The young man thought those people were really
targeting Tattanai.

"I wanted to go back to the way I used to live," Kanin muttered as he thought about the many
events that had happened. He didn't want it to end like this. His father had to sacrifice himself to
protect him, while Paul almost suffered bad luck for his troubles.

The feeling of being a burden was evident in his head, causing his weak heart to begin to cry.
Kanin blinked and tried to push the feeling away, but it was still difficult.

Her throat was tight and burning. She felt as if a hand was pressing her heart against her left
breast until it ripped out.

There are many promises they made together. His father promised to stop competing for a year or
two, that he would take him on trips, that he would make him delicious food. But it seems those
words will never come true again.

"Is my return really that important?" the younger man's trembling voice echoed. Charan
remained silent. At first, he thought about waiting until Kanin was in the right mood before
beginning to explain everything.

But there were two eyes full of questions and misunderstandings, calling out to Charan to say something.
Kanin has the right to know, because sooner or later he must understand.

"You probably know that Emmaly has a monarchy. We divide the main districts into five. There is a
supreme head of government, the Grand Lord. This position will only be determined through a
swordsmanship selection ceremony. It's something we inherited a long time ago."

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"..."

"Important Judging Rules: Each district ruled by each family must send a descendant to
represent it in the competition, according to the ancient rules of the kingdom. Those eligible to
participate in the competition must have direct royal lineage."

"..."

"If the heir wins, the ruling father of that district will have the right to become the next Lord of
Life."

“What does that have to do with me?” Kanin asked, knowing the answer well. The young man
still remembered what Tattanai used to say precisely. The current governor of Emmaly called
himself Lord of Life Thipboworn. And he only had one son, Prince Tarin—his real father.

"It's your time."

"..."

"You are the sole heir of Atsawathewathin. You must return and join this competition so that
your true father can be the next Lord of Life and Atsawathewathin does not lose power,"
Charan explained not in detail, but concisely and directly so that the younger man understood
his situation.

"Real father?... I only have one father," Kanin just shook his head, sneered, and smiled bitterly.
The boy was about to leave. He didn't want to know more, but instead, a tall man moved and
grabbed his arm.

"Can you remember the order for being the winner I got in the sword fight?"

"You have no right to ask me to return to my country," the young man said, as if he had guessed the near
future that was about to happen.

"I'm aware of that, but I will use the winner's right to protect your safety..."

"..."

"From this moment on, I order you to cooperate by hiding and running away from them until
we reach a safe zone."

Charan honored the agreement with the young man and didn't force Kanin to return directly to Emmaly. But
the request that was made wasn't much different...

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"How long will it take to be safe, in your opinion?"

"Until we get back to Emmaly."

..............................

The park at night is filled with passersby. Kanin sits on a bench in the corner and stares at the
large clouds in the sky. Because before, he felt like a bird in a cage.

For almost two full days, Charan wouldn't let him leave until Kanin got frustrated. Sitting in a
square room scrolling through your father's news and ignoring Paul's contacts is a bit stressful.

There were no reports of crimes in the area. Everything seemed normal, everything. Kanin shifted
his gaze to the people in front of him. A man and a woman in love. The mother pushing the baby
stroller. They all still had normal lives, which were completely different from his now.

A heavy sigh was released. The cell phone in his pocket was now a useless item. When Kanin
had to cut off contact with his best friend for Paul's safety, he simply sent him a text message
telling him he had to make an urgent business trip.

More than thirty hours of suffocation in the poorly ventilated room. After all, who would let him
out? But that's all... Charan just took him to a park near the hotel, within a kilometer radius.

The important thing is not to move too far from his eyes...

"Which of these two are you going to eat?" the taller person was returning from a small grocery
store nearby. With two large sandwich wrappers in his hand, Charan handed it to him so he
could decide first, as usual. But once again the shorter one showed signs of boredom.

"..." Kanin ignored it. To be honest, he didn't want to eat either of them, not because they were
big or anything, he just wasn't hungry.

"You need to eat, otherwise..."

"I won't have the strength... will I?" the young man added, concluding the words he'd heard
memorized. Charan nodded to convince the other, still relentless in his efforts.

"If you know, choose one."

"I don't want to eat that."

"So, what do you want to eat?"

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'...', there is no answer to this question... no, in fact it exists, but Charan would never know.

"Sick of the food?"

"Not quite."

"?"

"I want to eat Dad's cooking," as expected, the person in front of him seemed to be stunned for
a moment by the reaction. Kanin seems to hear a slight sigh before someone utters a sentence
that highlights the person and the surroundings.

"I understand you must be frustrated. I feel bad that your life has to change so suddenly, but I
want you to adapt."

"You're not me, you can say anything," Kanin interrupted.

"Everyone has their own path in life."

The young man's thin eyebrows twitched. Kanin turned to meet Charan's gaze before lowering
his voice, indicating that his mood was not entirely stable.

"But it's a path I hadn't thought of taking."

"If you don't want to return to the competition, at least accept my request."

"..."

"Return to Emmaly under my protection. Go meet the Lord of Life and tell him yourself that you
wish to surrender."

"Do I have other options too? I lost your bet here. I no longer have the right to choose anything," the young
man couldn't contain his anger.

Kanin looked away from him and out into the wide open space before him, until he saw out of the
corner of his eye someone walking away, then turned to look back.

The tall man's broad back gradually receded. Then he bit his lip. Kanin reflected, perhaps
Charan was starting to tire of being patient with him. It was possible...

Who would be able to put up with someone's fluctuating moods? The other person would be quite
irritated with them.

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Kanin chuckled in his throat. He felt even worse. His resentment toward fate made him feel like he
wanted to disappear from there, but that thought was easily cut short when the tall, elegant figure
of another person, who had vanished for a moment, returned with something that made the other
look quite surprised.

"What is it?" Kanin asked even though he knew what it was.

"Popsicle," the older man replied. Kanin raised an eyebrow. He tilted his head suspiciously,
letting the other know he was still stunned.

"I know. The question is why did you bring this?"

"Eating sweets will help you… feel better," Kanin was surprised, not expecting such a response.

The double-lidded eyes alternately look at the cup of coffee ice cream and the handsome face of the
older man, whose eyes are difficult to decipher.

He thought for a moment and finally extended his hand to receive it. Kanin opened the ice cream cup and used
a spoon to taste it. The fresh air and the sweetness that spread in his mouth seemed to help the young man
relieve his stress. But it was nothing compared to the next sentence from the taller person next to him.

"I'm sorry. I may have rushed you too much."

"..." The spoon he was placing in his mouth to test the smooth, slightly bitter flavor of the
coffee paused. Kanin looked at Charan. He made eye contact with the tall man, waiting for what
he meant.

"But I want you to understand... my duty is to protect you." That unwavering determination
never wavered. Kanin saw a flash of determination in his sharp eyes. This led the younger man
to realize this person's true nature.

With the Lord, duty is the most important thing.

"..."

"You probably don't trust me yet. But trust me now. If you're with me, you'll be safe." That
warm, fuzzy feeling in her heart really shouldn't have happened, but in this moment of
weakness and loneliness, having someone by her side affected and influenced her feelings.

Her slender hands and the younger man's eyes returned to focus on the sweet dessert in her hand. Kanin
didn't say anything until after a while, when he muttered something under his breath.

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"Next time, orange-flavored ice cream."

"That?"

"I like orange ice cream better than coffee," he repeated the same words, explaining nothing
more than showing his empty ice cream cup. Charan let it go, but for a moment it was enough
to understand. Finally, Kanin gave in to him...

NT: That sounds to me like something else with a double meaning.

"I'll remember it."

"How did you agree to take me out today?" the younger man asked about the matter. He was simply
curious, not expecting the answer he received to raise his body temperature from colder to hotter...

"Because I'm sure I can take care of you. No matter what, as long as you stay close to me like
this, it's enough."

It also made the bitter taste of coffee on the tip of my tongue add other flavors, as if distorting
it as well...

...........................

Chapter 12: Emmaly

In the city of Dawin, capital of Emmaly.

Inside the room, there was a large arched window, separating the garden from the person
sitting in the chair drinking tea. The serenity of the surroundings, the accommodating music as
usual, made what should have been a relaxing mood suddenly turn uncomfortable.

Prince Tarin passed two royal guards and entered the room. He stopped and raised his right
hand over his left breast to pay his respects to his father before taking a seat before the King. A
thick palm extended to take the teacup served to the current Majesty before bringing it to his
lips.

The scent of English tea rose to the tip of his nose. Tarin froze slightly. A wave of surprise
surged through, causing the middle-aged man to take on a thoughtful expression.

Earl Grey tea?

"Dad, is something bothering you?" Tarin asked, looking suspiciously at the person in front of him.
Normally, when he came to have tea in the garden like this, his father would put on some soft music to

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accompany him or sometimes even call a musician to play something relaxing, but today was
different.

"Your father has some things to think about, nothing special... You don't have to worry," his
eyes, clouded by age, watched small and large butterflies fly by, admiring the beauty of the
flowers. The Lord of Life gazed at the flower garden outside, not thinking of turning back to
look into the eyes of his only son.

Tarin raised his teacup and sipped again. The bitterness on the tip of his tongue and the faint scent
of bergamot made his body more alert than before. The silence surrounding the medium had an
uneasy effect on his mind. But it wasn't time to say anything yet. The eldest was the one who broke
the silence.

"Are you ready for the meeting?"

"Okay," Tarin lowered his head slightly as he replied. He secretly glanced at his father's face and
discovered that the other had a hidden impatience, so slight that someone far away wouldn't notice.

His father had a more tempered attitude than anyone. So Tarin had no doubt that what made him so
thoughtful could be due to the impending meeting with the royal family in the next few hours.

A meeting that didn't seem serious, but the whole town was in Darwin with an important matter to
discuss...

Gemstone production and export reports were key to Emmaly's growth this semester.

"Okay, get ready, Tarin."

"Yes," the owner of the name replied firmly, but deep down, Tarin sensed that his father's order
this time seemed to have some hidden implication.

Although he knew in his heart that when he had to meet his father face to face, there would always
be some matters to resolve, to the point that it became a kind of numbness that he almost didn't
feel, but this time it was different.

Tarin could sense the undercurrent of anxiety in his father, so he couldn't rely on indifference
as he always did. He was worried too, unsure if there was anything else to worry about besides
today's meeting.

If it's a matter of work, his skills could handle it. But if it's something beyond his expectations...
Tarin himself isn't sure... if he can handle it.

…………………

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Inside, the two-story guest room, decorated with wood, features a white linen sofa set. In the
center of the room is a cream-upholstered coffee table and a wooden piano. The warm-toned
decor style is unique to the Darwin palace and is appreciated by many guests.

It used to be a guest room, but today it has been chosen to be used for a meeting of members
of the royal family to report and discuss the progress of gemstone exports over the last
quarter.

The scent of eucalyptus essential oil permeated the room. Beneath the seemingly peaceful
mood, there was a lurking unease among the royal families of the four major cities as they sat
down to talk. A few servants stood up with teapots and carefully poured each one as
appropriate.

When they finished, they stepped back and stood quietly in the corner of the room, as if part of
the wooden pattern decorating the wall. Silence still lingered in the air. Until the servant's voice
at the front of the room was heard, and the great embarrassment slowly disappeared.

"The Lord of Life is coming."

The announcement caused all the princes to stand and pay their respects. The King of Emmaly,
who was lord of this place, intervened with his guards. His Majesty nodded slightly in response
before extending his hand, inviting everyone to sit.

"I'm sitting down so you can sit down."

The voice resounded, and all the princes of each district sat in their respective places. The highest
position at the table is the seat of His Majesty the Lord of Life's chief of state, who governs and
watches over the capital of Dawin.

"Let's start talking. It's almost noon, and I don't want you holding your stomachs for too long...
Tarin, let's start with you." At the end of the supreme authority's words, Tarin stood up. He
bowed to the relatives who headed other provinces before beginning to list the products under
his jurisdiction.

“This quarter, our northern provinces exported more gold jewelry. Up to 64% of gold bars, yes,
but in terms of international shipments, things are somewhat stagnant, especially with
Switzerland. Since a strict import control measure was issued there, we had to send a letter for
verification, causing a slight delay, but even so, it's not a problem.”

Prince Tarin, of the Atsawathewathin family, ruler of the gold-rich northern district, succinctly
and directly summarized the results of his operations, making the next person seated feel
uncomfortable.
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“But your nephew’s diamond export is a big problem, Your Majesty Uncle,” said in a deep voice
Prince Ratchata of the Puchongphisut family, ruler of the Eastern District, a land rich in
diamond family jewels.

His hard eyes reflected the image of the Lord of Life seated at the head of the table. The words
he spoke were in keeping with chivalry and manners, but they completely contradicted his
expression of emotion.

"Tell me, Ratchata, what problems can Uncle help with?"

"It's Your Majesty's kindness," Rachata said politely before mentioning the main problem she
encountered.

"..."

“As you know, according to the Kimberley Agreement, we do not import or export rough diamonds
from third countries in order not to support terrorism, but…” the owner of a fierce face paused at
the end of his sentence. Ratchata raised her eyebrows and shifted her gaze to others before
stopping at Tarin, the leader of Atsawathewathin, who was sitting next to her.

"..."

"There was a report recently of someone smuggling diamonds from banned countries... and
the importer lived in the Northern Province and had been on the East Coast less than two
years. I don't want to keep the thieves' diamonds; I want them all back. Can my uncle help his
nephew?"

The speaker's voice sounded shallow, as if pleading. However, if anyone knew Rachata's true
character, they would know it was all coercion.

If other countries discovered that the smuggled diamonds came from a prohibited country, East
Emmaly would also be affected. But if there was a guarantee from the Lord of Life that the culprit
wasn't from his province, Puchongphisut would get away with it.

"Yes, have the royal secretary issue a letter stating that the perpetrators were not from the east in the
first place, but people from the north who then smuggled and committed crimes... Uncle will sign the
acknowledgment."

"Thank you," the corner of Ratchata's mouth formed a smile as the Lord of Life turned his
attention to the leader who was third in line.

"Chana".

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Prince "Paya" Chana, leader of the Twichmetha clan, rules the west, known for its precious
minerals.

"Oh Twichmetha, how are you?"

"His Majesty had a minor problem with the gemstone trade in the west, but I resolved it as best
I could. In terms of production issues, we have completely switched the sales system to digital.
As a result, cut stones are exported more than before."

"What about the story of someone who says something was lost in transport?" This question
from the Lord of Life caused Prince Chana, who had a cautious disposition, to stumble.

"Not yet... I checked the source and couldn't find it clearly. Now I'm looking for a solution.
Initially, we'll change the transportation route to improve it, including speeding up the
verification of lost objects and items," the Western District Supreme Leader fell silent for a split
second, contemplating something before responding to the problem and proposing a timely
solution in the style of His Majesty with prudence.

"I just need your Majesty's kindness."

"Wasin Minakarin?", the last one is Prince Wasin of the Meenakarin family, ruler who oversees
the territory adjacent to the sea area, which is rich in precious stones such as pearls.

"Your nephew's pearl farm is having no problems this quarter. Yes, it's still exporting as
expected. A dark champagne pearl is now in development. When I receive a report from the
lab, I'll ask the secretary to send a letter to my uncle's royal secretary," the soft, deep voice
spoke rhythmically and pleasingly, causing the Lord of Life to relax.

From today's meeting, it appears that only Atsawathewathin and Minanakarin have no issues of
concern to the High Lord.

"Do you have anything Uncle can help with?" the Supreme Patriarch asked softly, his misty eyes
laced with eternal generosity, because all these years, Minanakarin seemed to be the only
family that had never brought dishonorable matters or troubles to the Lord of Life.

"There's nothing to help, yes... your nephew just wants to know if Your Majesty is still in good
health. Yes... it's been a long time since we met in person like this. I'm glad we can meet again
like this," Wasin smiled, unlike the dissident Rachata, who only chuckled before sternly placing
his teacup back on the table.

NT: Here's the bad guy of the story

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"Why wouldn't we meet like this? If it weren't for that iron law."

NT: a law or guiding principle that is indisputable and inexorable.

Not speaking to the highest authority, the Lord of Life, Ratchata's tone changed slightly. The
leader of the Puchongphisut family seemed to intimidate the person who ruled the southern
province.

"For the safety of all parties," the Grandmaster of Life said softly. "Furthermore, our country's
government has no reason to transfer people in or out of the capital in large numbers. Uncle's
bodyguards can look after the nephews. If you come to visit, please send a letter first. Uncle
will send his guards to look after you and ensure you have a safe journey."

"Are you sure? Uncle knows that no one trusts other people's bodyguards..." Ratchata replied. The
more she listened, the more irritated she became by the Great Master of Life's explanation, as he
tried to convince everyone that the iron law he established after the events of twenty years ago was
normal and acceptable to everyone.

"..."

"Don't you think it's great that other provinces don't have the right to come to the palace without permission
or important events?"

Access to the Royal Palace has changed since the Iron Law was established. There are also
some important and strict rules that must be followed, which makes Ratchata extremely
uneasy.

District leaders are prohibited from traveling with personal guards exceeding the specified
number. All entry and exit must be guaranteed solely by the Lord of Life.

It's such a crazy thing...

"The business of a district leader must be much more complicated than this. Uncle didn't realize that
following a rule would be much more difficult for a state leader, did he?"

"..."

"Most importantly, Uncle's bodyguards can be inspected by everyone, but they can't inspect
other people's bodyguards," the Lord of Life said in a calm, gentle, yet powerful voice. As a
result, those of lower ranks had to remain silent.

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Rachata let the others talk. After a while, she tried to smooth her expression before inviting the
eldest to talk about something else.

"I heard that my uncle, Your Majesty, is ill. If you would like a royal physician from the eastern
provinces, you can send a letter to your nephew. I will send the best royal physician.
Puchongphisut's medical science is ranked number one in the country."

Ratchata's statement was true. As is well known, in the eastern provinces, in addition to having
mainly imported and exported diamond-cutting factories, Puchongphisut itself is another
formidable investment family, symbolizing the power of subsistence.

They were serpents crossed over a scepter. Furthermore, their eyes were pure diamonds,
indicating a healing power that could control even poisonous beasts.

"Father is fine. There are also very good royal doctors in Dawin Village. There's no need to
worry, Ratchata. I try to take good care of Father," Tarin, who had been silent for a long time,
commented. His face was always calm, smiling faintly at his noble cousin, but only two people
knew that smile didn't reach his eyes.

Their insincerity with each other seemed to have turned into a small-scale nervous war
between the Golden Horse Clan and the Diamond-Eyed Snake Clan. The strange mood floated
in the room, making the surrounding courtiers restless.

"It's noon... Shall we have lunch? Yes... They must have waited a long time. Ramil and Eva must
be bored," in the end, it was Wasin who offered an alternative way to end all the
embarrassment while the Great Lord of Life nodded in agreement.

"Okay, very well, then let's go to the dining room."

His Majesty stood up after speaking and took a step forward, letting the other members of the
royal family gradually follow him.

Starting with the head of the Twichmetha Clan, who didn't like to mess with anyone, followed by the
heads of the Puchongphisut and Atsawathewathin Clans respectively. Only the head of the Minakarin
Clan, Wasin, was left behind.

He let out a soft sigh before following the others into the dining room, leaving the room as
unoccupied and silent as before...

Sharp arrows were nocked onto the bow. Ramil, the only son of the Puchongphisut family,
waited for the signal to prepare. His face was sharp, his nose prominent, and his eyes fixed on
the target in front of him, not unlike the woman at his side.

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Eva, the only daughter of a Western family, was as graceful as the man. Her soft, silky black
hair, tied in a ponytail, contrasted with her milky white skin, giving the owner of a fragile body
an elegant appearance.

Eva herself was no less than a match. The woman took the arrow and shot at a steady pace.
They were tied, but in the final game, it was Ramil's arrow that hit the target first.

Eva lost speed by a fraction of a second. But, if we're talking about precision, then... you could
say her vote count is on par with the others, worthily.

"Sometimes it's good to switch to archery too," said the sweet voice of the royal lady, and she
handed the bow in the guard's hand, before turning to the man who was not far away.

"Hm. Your skill is still good. It hasn't changed at all."

"Thank you, Phi," Eva nodded in acknowledgment of the compliment. Being cousins who weren't that
close, the atmosphere between them wasn't very harmonious.

Especially with Ramil, who wasn't the most hospitable type.

"Is Auntie okay? We haven't seen each other in a long time," the girl asked about Ramil's mother, Princess
Anpach. They haven't seen each other in a long time. In fact, if she doesn't have something important on her
national agenda, it's safe to say there's hardly any opportunity for them to talk.

It was just a game of life that everyone had to play, just like he was doing now...

"Okay... And did P'Paythai come with you?" Someone's name was called, causing Ramil's tall
figure to freeze. His black eyes scanned the area before answering the question Eva was
already aware of.

"That person... can't come?" The owner of the light hair that matched his handsome face
appeared almost at the same time Ramil finished his words.

Paythai Watcharatphong, heir to a noble family and trusted friend of Prince Ramil, descended
through the guards to the garden area, causing those of lower rank to bow their heads in
respect.

His tall, slender figure matched the graceful gait of a nobleman trained from birth. That
majestic appearance was everything Eva considered... pitiful.

It's a shame that a person like Paythai has to be stuck in a position no different than that of
Ramil's servant... A trusted friend is just a position that everyone knows isn't as beautiful as it
seems.

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The Puchongphisut family has a unique culture. They create a close friend for the heir apparent. If the
Prince does something wrong, the one who receives a harsh or mild punishment is the one who is in the
position of close friend.

It's something that's been practiced for a long time. Although Eva disagreed and pitied him,
she had no right to interfere with other families' rules.

"Miss Eva, Prince Ramil," Paythai's deep voice and respectful gesture brought the young
highness out of her thoughts. Eva waved to him, giving the person who had just entered a
friendly smile as his gaze met hers.

"The meeting is over. His Royal Highness Prince Ratchata has instructed me to invite the young men
to dine in the grand dining hall."

"P'Paythai, how are you?" is a very polite greeting. Still, speaking in common terms and without
so much arrogance, it could be said to be an expression of the utmost respect that very few
people receive from someone with the Khattiya lineage.

"I'm fine," Paythai flashed a smile across her face, lifting the corners of her mouth slightly, but
it only proved so admirable that some people felt their eyes sting.

"You go in first, I'll follow," someone interrupted the conversation. Eva looked at her cousin before deciding to
leave.

"Where have you been?" the brief question came after the young royal lady walked away,
guards lined up around her.

Ramil followed him with his gaze and turned to the person shorter than him. The other
remained silent, staring at the guards who had moved far enough away to consciously look in
the other direction.

NT: They even sneak around and everything, I don't doubt it.

"..."

"Where have you been?" he asked, repeating the same words to the person in front of him.

"I didn't go anywhere, Your Highness, I just waited near Kasem Samran's room, in case there
was an order from Prince Ratchata."

Paythai's response didn't please Ramil. His thick palm reached out to grasp and hold her
slender wrist, exerting no small amount of force.

"Whose are you? Confused at work?"

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"..."

"Your duty is to be with me, no one else."

NT: Day and Brick, come out, this is not your story, although this will end badly, I have no doubt about it.

"Let me go. It won't be good if anyone sees this," the blond man said, his voice clearer than
before. Such cautious expressions were quite amusing in the eyes of a joker like Ramil.

"What's not good? We're close friends, we can do anything."

"You mustn't be selfish here, Your Highness." This time, his tone of voice seemed several times more
serious. The use of distant pronouns made the listener's brows furrow in frustration and dissatisfaction,
causing her to cling to him even more.

"How many times have I told you not to use royal titles...?"

"Not here, my lord," but someone like Paythai knew Ramil's habits and methods better than
anyone. He spoke quietly and stared into the eyes of the most powerful person, with a gaze
that influenced the person with princely status to calm down.

"..."

"You shouldn't keep your relatives waiting so long. His Highness was invited."

…………………

The reporter's voice was still a familiar one from the television. As usual, Kanin played on his
cell phone, alternately looking at the clock on the wall and sighing.

Charan has been out since sunrise. It's now past noon, and someone still refuses to show up.
The remaining half of the fast-food cart has been left unattended.

Kanin ate to survive, but his taste buds were still as hard as before. It was already day three of
enduring being confined in a square room, which felt like a small cage.

At first, Charan told him they'd have to hide here for a day or two, but then he came back and
said they'd have to wait indefinitely. They've spent almost 30 hours hiding here.

I wasn't sure when this wait would end...

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The sound of a door opening combined with the sound of footsteps catches the attention of
the younger man, who is sitting on the couch, to look back before raising an eyebrow at
Charan's enthusiasm.

"Put your things away."

"Hm, what?" Unsure if he'd heard something wrong, he asked. Slowly, Kanin looked at Charan, who had
walked over and placed bags of new clothes for the other before saying a sentence similar to the one
above.

"Get ready. Tonight we'll travel together."

"Why did you tell me to wait?"

"It's time."

"..." A sharp tingling sensation appeared along with the announcement that the futile wait was
over. But Kanin couldn't say exactly what he was feeling now.

“I’ll take you back to Emmaly.”

…………………

Chapter 13: Storm

Midnight. Still quiet. On an international airline departing from Heathrow Airport to

Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand.

There are two ways to travel by plane from London to Emmaus's capital, Darwin. One is via a connecting
route in Thailand, and the other is via Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.

Charan ensured the person next to him had a good night's sleep, from the moment the plane
took off until he flew like a bird in the sky.

With her eyes, she glanced at the young man fast asleep in the seat next to her. She had
wanted to reserve a first-class seat in the middle row instead of the individual seat by the
window.

On the one hand, as a matter of prudence in case of an emergency, Charan should reach the young Prince
before anyone else. The second reason was something personal, which he couldn't share with anyone...

He hates flying next to the window...

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The person with an important duty swept his gaze around to observe and check security, as he
usually did. The flight wasn't crowded, especially in first class, where there was quite a shortage
of passengers.

The calm situation now unfolding didn't alert him. The anxiety that had been building in his
chest eased. Since the beginning of the journey, the young man hadn't encountered any
anomalies.

Everything was safe... so peaceful that the tall man himself began to panic. At first, he was quite
worried that there might be a confrontation at Heathrow Airport, but the reality of the situation
wasn't like that.

His prediction didn't come to fruition. At the airport, the young man didn't even encounter the slightest
hint of suspicion; everything was in order. And it's completely surprising...

The tall man sighed. Although the exit was unobstructed, an experienced person doesn't think
calmly. If the villain really intended to harm him or the Prince, he would definitely send
someone to catch him mid-flight.

And that's why... he intended to allow Kanin to spend more than eleven hours sleeping and
resting.

Charan was immersed in all the planning in his head, so focused until the moment his eyes
noticed a slight unease beside him. All thoughts in his head stopped.

The young man stared at the sleeping man. Kanin's brows furrowed into a tight knot. His body
murmured a few words under its breath, but they clearly expressed his frustration and
suffering.

Perhaps a nightmare was haunting him... He could see the other scratching himself with his nails. Charan pursed his
lips. He meant to wake the younger boy, but he barely touched him. The other clung to him as if seeking refuge.

"..." the elder froze. Charan hesitated for a moment, looked around, and groped for help,
frustrated for a moment until his stiff shoulders slowly relaxed.

If we hold hands... Kanin won't get hurt.

Yes... to prevent the young master from digging his nails into your skin again, it's better to hold hands like
this...

The first escape attempt had to be aborted. Charan stared at the person who had held his hand for
nearly ten minutes. The knot that his furrowed brows had formed almost in the middle of his forehead
gradually loosened.

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Kanin's breathing stabilized into a steady rhythm. The tension seemed to have eased just by
feeling the taller man's warmth. Charan didn't mind as long as his attitude was able to help the
younger man.

The journey to another country took several hours. Accumulated exhaustion forced the tall
man to close his eyes at regular intervals, but he remained alert. All five senses were active.

The seatbelt warning light sounded, causing several passengers to shift. Flying in adverse
weather conditions causes the plane to shake.

Charan opened his eyes again to check on the person next to him. When he finished, he leaned
his head back and sat up straight. The exhaustion he'd felt before was gone, replaced by a
small feeling of unease.

The young man unconsciously swallowed his saliva repeatedly, telling himself not to look out
the window. Charan's eyes searched for a place to fix himself; he needed a place to rest while
the plane flew through the storm.

The firmness of a slender hand brought the tall man out of his fear. Charan let out a sigh, unsure how
long it would take the plane to make it through the downpour.

He only knows that… he managed to regain consciousness when his thick palm moved towards that of
someone with royal blood for a long time, almost to Thailand…

…………………

They arrived at Suvarnebhumi Airport later than expected due to the conditions. The weather
was quite bad. The long journey postponed Charan's plans, but that wasn't a big problem. He
thought it would be good to use the time lost along the way to reflect and prepare for what
might happen in the future.

"What happened?" he asked the younger one, because he saw that the other kept making expressions as if he
was thinking about something.

"Nothing. I just thought you were sleeping and dreaming on the plane."

"What dream?"

"Ah, no, uh... no, never mind. Where are we going now?" Kanin frowned, changing the subject. The young man
refused to tell the truth about what he had dreamed. The reason was because he thought it was nonsense.

At first it was a nightmare... it made him feel really bad, but then Kanin dreamed that the person next to
him appeared in his mind and they held hands as if they wanted to comfort him.

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The problem is that the nightmare that haunted him at first simply disappeared and turned
into a warm feeling. The younger man didn't know how to explain this dream to Charan.

NT: We've already started with the high-speed romance, I love it.

"..."

"What? I asked where we were going next."

In the end, the man chose to keep it all to himself, and they headed toward the landing zone.
Kanin repeated as the tall man slowly slowed his pace, realizing the other seemed to have gone
too fast.

"We'll spend the night with a friend. Tomorrow morning we'll continue our journey," Charan leaned down
and spoke to the younger man so that only the two of them could hear.

"Do you have friends here? You're popular," Kanin said, nodding his head. The young man
could hardly imagine Charan being with friends.

Because in his eyes, judging by the snobbish gesture he often likes to make, Kanin unknowingly judges
that the other is probably the type who doesn't have many friends.

"It's half Emmaly."

Charan explained enough to Kanin for him to understand how they had known each other before.
The boy then had no doubts about the owner of the house where Charan would take him to sleep,
but there were still many things that bothered him endlessly.

"I wonder why we don't fly to Hanoi. Even if it took longer to get out of London, we wouldn't
have to wait so long to change planes." Kanin quickened his pace again, and the two walked
side by side.

People at the airport tonight are very busy. Charan sees this as an advantage, but on the other
hand, it's also a disadvantage. Camouflage is safe, but it means you have to be twice as careful
with those around you.

"Because it takes less time to get there by that route."

"Because?"

"Why the wretch must have sent someone to wait there."

The young man narrowed his eyes at the answer he received. He thought for a moment, then
nodded slightly.
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Charan isn't the thinking type. At least when traveling together, he doesn't have to worry about overthinking.
On the other hand, there are still many things he needs to remember.

The most important thing is safety...

"But that doesn't mean they don't send people here."

"What do you mean?" the younger man raised his eyebrows slightly. They stopped in front of the
front door before the taller man grabbed the younger man's thin shoulders, forcing him to pay
attention.

"You see, since we left Hearthrow, everything has been pretty normal. If I had to hazard a
guess, I'd say their plan would be to send a gang to wait for us in Hanoi, because they'd figure
they'd have to get us back to Emmaly as quickly as possible."

"That's why I don't..."

"Yes, but I think I could send someone here as well," Charan thought carefully, seeing the possibility that
the bandits would come and wait for them here. The young man just prayed in his heart that everything
would go according to the pattern he had in mind.

They must have thrown a battalion to wait in Hanoi and divided it into a small force to wait for
them here. If so, Charan hopes he can handle it.

"..."

"For your safety, when you cross the door, do not leave my side."

"I know," Kanin's serious voice caused him to murmur softly. Charan nodded before they left
again. Outside the arrivals gate, a crowd of passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Kanin tried to follow the old man's thoughts as instructed. He walked as if unaffected by the
other's brisk pace, completely contrary to his inner feelings.

The young man used to think he was someone who could do things quickly, but compared to
the current Charan, Kanin actually felt that his speed in making decisions and doing things on
his own was quite slow, not unlike that of a slot machine....

Early mornings at the airport are filled with chaos, with long lines of taxis stretching out like
snakes biting their tails. So Charan opted to walk along with a group of people who said they
would walk to the other side to hail a taxi.

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The young man ordered Kanin to keep his head down as much as possible. They followed the group
of tourists, and the older man argued that they should do so because it's safer than walking alone.

Because in addition to avoiding being seen, this method can also make it easier to find them at
the airport exit. Just follow behind with a group of people who already know the way. It's not
complicated at all.

After arriving at his destination, Charan hurried to the nearest taxi. The young man spoke to
the driver in Thai before nodding, indicating that the younger man should sit in the car seat.

The sharp face swiveled left and right to check security. Along the way, Kanin noticed the taxi
driver talking to Charan, which made him realize that the Thai language was similar to
Emmaly's. He was impressed that he had understood anything by paying attention.

"It's been raining every day recently. It's very difficult for me to find clients, and if I don't find
them, it's bad. So, where are you from? From Japan? I come here to take clients whenever they
come from Japan."

"Yes, from Japan," Charan replied formally before reaching out to touch Kanin's waist.

The slight warmth made the younger man raise his eyebrows and look suspiciously at the person
next to him. But before he could open his mouth to ask anything, the other stretched his face so
close it was almost close to his ear.

"Don't sit too close to the glass. It's not safe."

The short distance may have been due to Charan not wanting the third person in the car to
hear their conversation. Kanin moved. The young man didn't even realize how much he
accidentally sat next to the window.

He turned away from the car window and almost instantly approached the tall man. Kanin followed
Charan's words easily. Right now, he needed to believe what the other man was saying.

Although he sincerely wanted to sit and observe the strange weather of a country he had never
been to before, Bangkok was one of the cities he and his father had previously chosen as a
place to visit.

They were talking about planning to stay in this country for a week. Walking, eating street food,
wandering and eating like father and son...

But that's... Those dreams will never come true.

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Kanin allowed himself to sink into silence, until out of the corner of his eye he saw Charan
begin to move again. The young man turned his gaze to the person beside him.

Charan's attitude seemed strange; the other man was static. Looking around, Kanin couldn't
help but hug him while whispering softly into the older man's ear.

"What's wrong with t-?" Before he could finish speaking, Charan's index finger moved to his
lips, signaling Kanin to stop talking.

He secretly gulped as he sensed something unusual. Kanin took a moment to look out the back
window. The young man saw nothing, but assumed someone as sharp as Charan must have seen
something.

"Driver, turn left."

"Okay here?"

"Yes, turn around and park," Charan said to the person behind the wheel in a deep voice, leaving the
driver puzzled.

"Are you taking your boyfriend to the market? There are plenty of restaurants around here, but where you're going is two blocks
away."

“Yes, you can keep the change,” Charan didn’t mind the misunderstanding about their
relationship, thinking that past behavior had affected the driver’s understanding. The man with
thick palms took the expensive bill, before Charan hinted to Kanin to follow him out of the car
when it was completely parked.

Kanin still didn't understand much. All he knew was that he was standing in a crowd
surrounded by tents.

"They followed us," Charan said in a hurried voice. His brows were furrowed as he pushed the
young man from behind him to walk. Kanin glanced back slightly and quickened his pace when
he saw a strange group of people. Four or five people heading toward him.

They wore hats and glasses to cover their faces. They acted so strangely that it was clear they
weren't normal people...

But damn it, Kanin didn't want to believe that those people would actually send someone to follow
them here.

"This way," Charan hurriedly pushed the younger man into an alley. Clouds covered the sky,
making the older man feel agitated and worried.

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The young man just prayed it wouldn't rain this time. He tried to suppress all his fears and led the younger boy
down a shortcut through an alley.

Amidst the crowd, Charan's vision was steady and quick. The tall man could see the suspicious
group and accurately distinguish the number of people.

It was a skill cultivated by the Pitakthewa. They have a course dedicated to dealing with
situations like this, to protect and keep Atsawathewathin family members as safe as possible.

Therefore, in this disastrous situation, not a single ant could escape Charan's watchful eyes.

"Take my hand," the tall body leaned down and whispered as he squeezed her slender hand
tightly, pushing Kanin to quicken his pace through the crowd of people, leading him to
another, more secluded alley before halting in his steps as three suspects in addition to the
people emerging from the alley across the way stood in front of them.

As quick as his thoughts, Charan pulled the younger boy into a tent with the door ajar. He
grabbed the younger boy and hid him behind a wooden door.

Thick hands tightened around her slender waist, allowing their faces to come closer. They were
so close that Kanin could feel their warm breath on his face.

Charan tilted his head slightly to observe the situation outside. The sound of people running
around made the younger man's heart beat faster.

Fear crept down his spine. Sweat trickled down his face. But the old man's faint body odor
entered his nose, which surprisingly helped Kanin ease all his anxiety.

It was as if his body began to remember on its own without him realizing it.

No matter what happens, if I'm with Charan, I'll be safe.

It was an idea swirling around in his head. The young man secretly swallowed his saliva over
and over again. Until he felt a strong force slowly release itself from his waist. Kanin then
began to move.

"Back away slowly, and when I give the signal, we'll run down the alley to the left. Understood?"

Kanin nodded instead of answering. He secretly looked at the handsome face, hoping the other
would turn and nod. Then, Charan grabbed the young man's hand tightly.

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Slender fingers intertwined with hers before being withdrawn. The slender body left the old
tent, but couldn't go far due to an obstacle.

When one of the men in the black hat and mask stepped in front of him, Charan's thin legs
stopped. Kanin's eyes widened at the possible situation.

The tall and strong figure in front of him stepped forward with a dagger in his hand, and this time the
target of the sharp tip of the blade is the heir to the royal lineage.

"Dodge!"

Chaaran recounted the moment when the person dressed in black ran to warn Kanin before he
approached, who was panicking but, luckily, conscious enough to obey the order.

The young man stood in front of the suspect. Charan chose to knock the attacker down by
slamming his body against his, creating a collision. The other man lost his balance, but still held the
knife in his hand in a terrifying manner.

The light fell on the silver weapon. Although Charan had the advantage and could outrun it, the
strength of the person below was enough to point the knife at her beautiful face.

Charan moved out of the way of the blade. He used the other's rhythm and, with one hand,
squeezed the person's neck before using the other to twist the attacker's arm in the other direction
until his opponent groaned in pain.

The dagger fell from the bandit's hands. Seizing the opportunity, Charan rushed to grab the
knife and bring it to him, both of them resisting each other. The tall man rushed forward,
telling the other to retreat, but the other stood his ground.

He resolved to attack Charan again before doing the same thing the tall man had done earlier. The
mysterious man knocked Charan to the ground.

Hand-to-hand fighting in lands other than Emmaly meant Charan had to be much more
cautious, although killing the other was the easiest part of ending the situation.

But Charan couldn't do what he thought, and he knew the reason in his heart. Therefore, the young
man had to focus on other methods.

The experienced person has calculated the stance and duration of a fight. Charan decided to
run his hand over the tip of the attacker's nose, trying to remove his mask and distract his
attention, which went better than expected.

The other quickly grabbed his mask, giving Charan the opportunity to retrieve the knife,
moving nimbly. The tall body fell.

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His thick palm gripped the hilt of the knife, his other hand firmly grasped his opponent's ankle,
then he used the knife to nimbly slice through the other's Achilles tendon.

"Oh!"

Kanin's eyes widened at what he saw. A roar of pain sounded, accompanied by bright red blood
gushing from the body. Charan turned to avoid retaliation, crouching over the wounded man.

The young man gripped the knife in his hand again, but… at that moment, a drop of rain fell on
Charan's face, causing the person who used to be as swift as the wind to freeze for no reason.

The rain and humidity continued. Some of the feelings Charan was trying to suppress
immediately reacted, taking on a terrifying intensity.

The tall figure gritted his teeth, suppressing the turmoil rising in his chest, but the situation
seemed to worsen when his sharp eyes shifted to see a trail of red blood spreading and mixing
with the raindrops over a wide area, causing the man to lose his mind and his breath.

Amidst the torrential rain, dripping with fresh blood, Charan Pitakthewa seemed to have
completely lost control of himself...

"Ayyyyyy!!"
…………………

Chapter 14: Pieces in a Board Game

Kanin's eyes widened and he shouted for the other person. The rain brought even more of the smell of
blood into the air. The injured person struggled, refusing to be defeated.

He stumbled as if trying to find a foothold. Charan stood by for no reason, and as a result,
Kanin intervened when he made a split-second decision to seek help.

He turned left, then right, and grabbed a small flowerpot that was placed in front of someone's
house. He hesitated for a moment before deciding, closing his eyes, to throw it at the black-clad
man's head.

Clap!

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With just one blow, the hardness of the clay pot struck the opponent's head, and a scream of
pain echoed out. Drops of fresh blood spurted from his head, rendering the already wounded
strong man unable to stand up and fight again.

NT: If this comes out in the series, it will be very funny, poor Charan with his broken head.

Kanin ran toward Charan, taking advantage of the attacker's dizzy spell. He tugged on the older
man's wrist and sprinted down the road. The warmth of his palm brought the tall man out of
his thoughts.

Charan shook his face, trying to regain what full consciousness he had left. Kanin quickened his
steps and periodically glanced at the person beside him. Drops of rain fell from the sky, causing
their bodies to stare at each other.

Kanin felt that Charan seemed slower than usual... No, to be honest, it seemed like the other
had been unusual for quite some time since the rain started.

NT: It reminds me of the protagonist of La Pluie, because Charan is afraid of the rain.

"Are you in a lot of pain?" the young man assumed pain was a possibility. Kanin couldn't see if
Charan's wound was large or small; he only knew that the blood was still flowing steadily.

"Nothing much," Charan's expression showed no pain, unlike his slightly trembling palm. The
tall man gritted his teeth and refused to turn around to look at his own injuries, simply
sweeping his gaze around quickly, trying to concentrate as much of his remaining senses as
possible.

"It's no good continuing in this condition of rain... and blood."

Charan decides not to run in the rain and pulls the young man's wrist to hide in the public
bathroom in front of him, who opens his mouth perplexed with the intention of protesting, but
it was too late.

The young man was pushed into the same bathroom by the tall man. The confined space with
the two men was as unnerving as when they hid from the thugs at the entrance to the antique
shop.

Stuck where this time there's no point in focusing on anyone other than the person in front of you...

The close distance gave the white boy a strange, light feeling, which Kanin didn't know how to
classify, how to describe; it seemed like he didn't have feelings like these that happened to him
very often.

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In fact, Kanin understood and accepted why Charan chose to hide in this place. For one thing,
because right now, if he ran blindly, he'd only have one chance at having to fight someone.
Waiting probably made more sense.

"Your friend's house..."

"It's not far from here," a deep voice whispered as he lifted his backpack with its iron pendants.
Kanin raised his eyebrows and looked at these actions suspiciously before letting out a small
sigh as the tall man removed his shirt.

Charan's beautiful muscles appeared before his eyes. Kanin blinked and froze for a moment.
Immediately afterward, he quickly looked away. The young man chose to rest his gaze
elsewhere, but when he saw the wound on his strong arm, he couldn't help but forget himself
and look at him.

Charan took the cloth he had used to wipe the blood from his fingertips, put it in his pocket, and
took out a fresh one to use. The young man did everything with agility. So quickly that Kanin, who
was watching him, was surprised.

"You're not sore..." the younger man's sentence trailed off as his ears picked up on someone's
footsteps outside. Kanin made contact with the strong man beside him, who raised a warm
hand to cover his mouth.

The heart in his chest pounded wildly. Kanin felt as if his heart might stop beating for a
moment. Beads of sweat fell from his temples. Every second seemed to slow down.

The young man found himself involuntarily holding his breath. It was only when he heard someone
speaking Thai outside that he realized the person passing by wasn't the one they had feared.

Charan sighed patiently and waited long enough for the rain to stop. The young man then took
the white-skinned boy on his journey again...

...................

At first, Kanin understood that the friend's house Charan mentioned... was an ordinary house, but what
he saw in front of him now, didn't even come close to the word residence.

The sound of music was loud all around. Nightlife, men and women dancing to heavy metal.
His double-lidded eyes scanned the place, exploring the crowded entertainment atmosphere,
which amazed him.

"Let's go with Khun Itthi."

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"Khun Charan, right? This way," one of the waiters Charan spoke to turned around to answer.
The tall man nodded in response. The other then gestured to show the way as if greeting
someone.

Kanin and Charan followed the employee to the hallway behind the store, through a narrow
passage connected to a tall staircase leading to the second-floor lobby of the establishment.

"Khun Itthi is waiting in the office. He's been told you've arrived. You can come upstairs
immediately," the waiter said in Thai, but Kanin guessed it was communication from the way he
spoke. The other bowed his head slightly before moving away from him.

"Come on."

"Wait, Khun... and the house..." the sound of music outside could be faintly heard. Kanin
grabbed the older man's shirt and asked him a curious question.

"It's here. If it's an ordinary hotel, it'll be easy for them to find us," again, the explanation
wasn't long but reasonable, combined with Charan's consideration for Kanin, who shook his
head and didn't think to ask anything of interest until they stopped in front of a room.

"Itthi doesn't know anything about you," Charan reminded Kanin of something important. The young man nodded
and waited for the older man to knock on the door. Not long after, a voice from inside shouted back.

Knock Knock.

"Come in," a thick palm opened the door after hearing the permission. Inside was an office
decorated with expensive furniture, indicating the status of the owner, who is tall, muscular,
with light brown hair, and named Itthi Ittikorn. He stood up and greeted them with a friendly
smile.

"I've been waiting for you," Kanin sensed that Itthi's appearance didn't look right. The pub's
style was brutal, but the person in front of him looked friendly, harmless, clean, tidy, like a
model.

His double-lidded eyes quickly looked away from the person in front of him so as not to be
rude. Then, the young man's brain processed that... if the person were Charan's close friend, he
would probably be an equally tough guy.

"This is my friend Itthi, and this is Kanin," Charan didn't tell the person about his status. The tall
man only gave a brief introduction, as if it were a ceremony to maintain etiquette, rather than
wanting them to actually meet.

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"Are you tired from your journey?" the pub owner greeted her in Emma's language. Kanin gave him
a small smile before deciding to answer with something that went against what he truly thought in
his heart.

"A little," the corner of his mouth hinted at a smile. Kanin wondered if he could tell the truth about
how many times they'd almost died before getting here...

"Are you OK?"

"As you can see, I'm fine. It's been so many years since I've seen you," Itthi gave a contemplative
look as she turned to speak to Charan.

"Two or three years... This time, I'll have to bother you for two days," the tall man's words didn't
surprise the younger man. Kanin understood that they might not be able to fly on the same
flight as before, because, after all, those people must have set a trap and waited at the airport.
It's definitely too risky.

"Okay, I told you to clean the room."

"Thank you very much, Itthi."

"That's nothing. Ai'Ran, we're friends," came an intimate phrase that indicated they were clearly
very close friends. Kanin looked to the person to continue speaking a few more words, but the
bar owner interrupted the conversation.

"If you want anything else, you can use the room phone to call. Go rest," He said to the tired
people traveling upstairs to rest, so Itthi didn't think about prolonging the time.

"Thanks, uh, can I get... some bandages?"

"It's okay. Did something happen?"

"I ended up hurting myself a little during the trip," Charan answered the question in a low voice, as if the
wound on his arm was no big deal. Itthi nodded and went to order something with his phone on the
table. The same waiter soon returned.

Kanin nodded in gratitude to the owner of the place. After finishing, he followed the guide to
the traditional-style room they would be using, but what surprised Kanin was that the interior
walls can completely block out outside sound.

The double-lidded eyes scanned the surroundings, past the desk, through the center of the
room where the double bed was located, before turning to look at the other person.

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Charan stood talking to the Itthi employee at the door. The tall man's expression seemed so
normal that Kanin, who was secretly watching him, couldn't help but admire his patience.
Despite having a wound on his arm, he maintained his expression intact, unchanging, and
conversed naturally with another person in Thai.

"Aren't you going to the hospital? Your wound is very deep," Kanin asked when the other closed the
door and sat on the floor next to him with a first aid kit, which had been lent to him by Itthi, in his
hand.

The young man secretly observed his left arm. He clearly noticed that Charan was trying to move it
as little as possible while handling the bandage.

"Too far," the older man replied softly, using only his right hand to manipulate various devices.
Kanin watched his skillful movement and felt a little uneasy as a kind thought came to her.

The young man hesitated a bit, but when he saw Charan touching his sleeve, quickly washing the wound,
and applying the medicine himself, his determination only increased. Afraid of causing trouble for the
other, he remained still.

The atmosphere in the room was uncomfortably quiet. Aside from the sound of the bandages
being ripped, Kanin heard nothing else. His double eyelids watched the tall man struggle with
the bandages for a while, until he finally decided he had to do something.

"Come on, let me help you," the young man murmured, taking the bandage from the tall man's hand.

"Thank you," Charan whispered, extending his arm for the young man to help him without hesitation.
One reason was because he had assessed his abilities and realized that refusing wouldn't help much.

Kanin gently placed a waterproof bandage on the strong arm, though he was cautious about
choosing to open a new topic of conversation to break the silence.

"Khun..."

"Hm?"

“You know… how did the assassins know we were here… or did they have a tracker?” He changed
the word “rival” to something he thought was a more appropriate definition. Based on the situation
he was in, “assassin” seemed the most appropriate term in Kanin’s opinion.

The behavior of those in black was clearly to intentionally hurt them, judging by their
uncompromising behavior and the weapons they chose, expressing that the ultimate goal is to
kill.

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Kanin didn't dare boast; he couldn't imagine what would have happened if Charan hadn't
intervened in his fate. Perhaps... he'd be long dead.

"There's no tracker, they just used probabilities. Like I said, there are probably more people in
Hanoi," Charan let out a soft sigh as he recalled today's events.

What if the Little Master couldn't be protected? Charan probably wouldn't have the courage to
meet his benefactor, feeling like an imperfect person with an unforgivable flaw.

"So, what do we do now?" Kanin asked in a stressed tone. After thinking about the trip, to be
honest, he was now blind because he'd never been anywhere other than the country he grew
up in, so he couldn't think of anything.

The youngest just learned that everything Charan predicted always happened, whether in London
or today...

"We may have to change plans to take a train."

"Train?"

"Yes, it takes a little longer, but it's better than being a stationary target. Let's wait and check
the weather again," Charan says, sounding like a walking computer. The major seemed to be
evaluating a way to escape, so he answered without hesitation.

"Check the weather? Why?"

"Why not, we can't run away while it's raining."

Together, the young man seemed to see a subtle, hidden sensitivity, which only happened for a moment before
disappearing.

Kanin didn't argue with him, but instead turned his attention back to the injured person. The
boy was focused until he raised his head to see someone already looking.

"It's over now. Does it hurt a lot?" Not knowing what to say and not wanting to be distracted by the
situation before him, Kanin asked a new question.

Her two slender hands gently rubbed up Charan's muscular upper arm before slowly moving
away.

"No, it'll disappear soon." The speaker replied softly. The neglect of the wound shows that he's someone
accustomed to pain. Completely different from the younger one. For Kanin, just seeing the wound
already made him feel the other's pain.

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The owner of the smaller body sighed softly, wanting to laugh at his ridiculous fate. But having
been on the verge of death, he couldn't laugh.

The more she saw Charan having to suffer like this in her place, the worse she felt...

“Serious question… why do you work on something like this? It’s dangerous, you could die, get hurt, you
don’t know what tomorrow will bring. On a good day, someone shows up with a knife, and you have to
protect someone else… Don’t you feel anything?” The long sentence mixed emotions and
misunderstandings.

Kanin is susceptible to the person who is not affected by anything as usual.

"No, it's a duty."

Charan's word "duty" made the listeners' handsome eyebrows twitch. A surge of dissatisfaction
shot through the middle of his chest, causing the listener to shake his head with a small
chuckle.

"Duty? Just like my father, right?"

"..."

"I don't see how the duty of protecting someone to the point of death would be right," the young man
said, thinking. He didn't want to be a burden to anyone by protecting them. His face was drawn, and his
beautiful eyes were bitter.

The young man felt his emotional pole unstable, as if an invisible hand were tugging him back
and forth alternately. All sorts of confusion caused his emotions to rise to the point where he
wanted to cry.

"Your grandfather used to tell me about this... Tattanai was a very skilled bodyguard. He was
difficult to find and catch. Therefore, he was given the important duty of looking after you..." Charan
opened some questions in a soft, deep voice, calling the younger man to turn and look at him.

"..."

"It wasn't just his duty to protect him, it was more than that," hot tears filled the thin boy's
eyes, who shook his head because he didn't want to accept what Charan had said.

You want to protect me? So it's really necessary to do this...

Kanin looked away from the water droplets and remained silent for a moment, allowing his
heart to slowly adjust to the pain. No one wants to experience loss, nor did he want to suffer
any in exchange for great elation.

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The property that was subject to unknown royal blood was of no importance to Kanin...

"I'm honestly asking... These silly title competitions are so important to these people... Is it so
important to protect someone's life like that?" He never understood, and he still doesn't understand
today, just as he never did.

"Everyone needs power."

"Power? Funny... and to you? What's so important about this crazy competition?"

Charan's response made Kanin think. What made Charan give his all and serve? Why was this
person so dedicated to his duties, when they were just strangers to each other?

For Kanin, it's as if Charan were one of the chess pieces on this board. However, he didn't even
expect the response he received. Regardless of whether it was cultivated or out of duty, the phrase
the other uttered... has a profound effect and influence on the listener's heart.

"Competition isn't important to me. But you're different..."

"In that way?"

"If you're important to Atsawathewathin, it means you're important to me too."

...............

Chapter 15: Aside

In the mist, the scent of roses penetrated his nose. The image before him became clearer, an
atmosphere Charan knew well.

Flower garden of the Pitakthewa mansion.

This place is a glass dome, a greenhouse, specifically for growing roses. The beauty of the
colorful flower petals is spectacular, indicating that people take good care of this place.

Charan knows this is a dream... because when his mother passed away, he almost never set
foot in this winter garden again, probably because his mind wasn't strong enough.

The unique aroma of rose, pronounced and diffuse, mixed with the smell of black tea, is exceptional to
remember.

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The more he inhales, the more it reminds him of the past that has long been lost...

"I have a blueberry muffin today that you like too, Charan... Mom will give it to you," the
woman spoke sweetly with a beautiful smile on her face, making Charan's heart grow.

Sunlight streamed in through the rose-covered roof. The boy smiled sweetly before opening
his mouth like a little bird waiting for its mother's food. It was a very happy day for Charan
then, so happy that he could never do without its heart...

Her long, slender legs walked in his sleep. He saw his childhood self and the deceased, causing
a cloud of warmth to rise in his chest.

The eyes that had once been filled with stability now trembled as they looked at the person she
missed, touching her heart with sadness. Because she knew the young woman still talking to the
boy in front of her didn't know of her existence here.

"Mother, can you stay with me a little longer?" Charan said like a child in a pleading voice,
urging his mother to reach out and stroke his dark hair lovingly.

"Mom wants to stay with you a little longer... but we all have our own responsibilities. You have
to study, learn to socialize, and Mom has to go to work..."

"But your job means we'll rarely see each other... Is it possible you won't do this job and come
back and stay at home with me?" the boy said sadly. Charan remembered how he felt when he
was a child.

He felt sad and lonely every time his mother went to work. The boy from the past would sit and
count the days, waiting for his mother's day off to arrive. Each day felt like an eternity in his
heart.

"No way. Like Mom said, we all have a duty," the mother's voice sounded sweet, and the palm
that gently caressed the child's head made warmth spread to the center of his heart.

"But none of my friends' mothers... have to go work overnight somewhere else."

"Your mother works as a bodyguard... Whether they're asleep or awake, your mother must be
there to watch over them at all times."

"And they can't take care of themselves?" Charan's question made his mother stop and give a
light laugh before pulling her beloved son onto her lap.

"You can take care of yourself... but pay attention: keeping them safe is your mother's job."

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"So why should you keep them safe?"

The more she asked, the more the boy frowned in disbelief. The reason was because he still
couldn't find an answer to why... his mother had to sacrifice her time to be with someone else.

"If Atsawathewathin is not safe, we and others will suffer too."

"And that's why?"

"Because Atsawathewathin is a family that rules the province... If anything happens to them, our
province and Emmaly's country will be shaken."

At this point, the person who used to have a sweet voice became louder and more serious. As a
child, he couldn't see the concern expressed in those eyes. He didn't understand the meaning his
mother was trying to convey. Probably because he was still naive, his mother ended up choosing
not to explain anything too complicated to the younger boy.

"I don't understand," Charan looked down at his younger self, who was still sitting in the same place. Slowly, he
lowered himself to his mother's face. Everything that was happening was a scene from the past, but it was
crystal clear in the young man's memory.

The mother remained silent for several minutes, until she reached out her hand and said a few
words again.

"Can you see that bee?" Her slender finger nudged the boy on her lap to look at some of the
small creatures flying around, sniffing the nearby flowers.

"Yeah."

Did you know that bees have a very clear hierarchy? In a hive, bees divide their duties into
three important roles. One of them is the worker bee, which is the smallest but has the largest
number of employees, collecting food for the hive and sometimes working to keep the hive
safe.

"..."

"The second is the drone, which performs the mating and is larger than the workers. A drone
doesn't do anything; it just receives food, but it's essential for the development of the hive's
population."

"..."

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“And finally, the queen bee. In a hive, there will only be one queen bee, the oldest. But the
queen's main role is to ensure the hive's survival; she has the power to manage the entire hive.
And she will produce the next generation of the population. The worker bees must care for the
queen as best they can... because if the queen dies prematurely, the bee kingdom will collapse,
and the hive will immediately split.”

"..." the boy blinked, imagining his mother reading him a bedtime story. He'd just discovered
how many types of bees there were and what each type's function was.

"Your mother's job is to protect the queen bee... to protect the queen bee from harm, because
when the queen is harmed, it will also affect the well-being of your mother and her baby."

"So mommy is a worker bee?"

"Okay, yes, Mommy is a worker bee. She's the worker bee of the hive." A delicate hand slid over
and gently caressed her son's round cheek. Her smile in that moment was so etched in her
son's heart, he couldn't take his eyes off her.

"Mom is great."

"You understand Mom, don't you? Do you understand why Mom has to dedicate so much time to this special
job?"

"..." At this point, the child Charan seemed to understand a little more, although he felt sad every
time he had to be away from his mother. But Charan was strong enough not to embarrass his
mother. And it wasn't this time that he acted like a child.

“A little later you will understand, because Charan is the next leader of the Pithaktewa clan,”
Charan remembered in his heart the phrase his mother had left him, before they had no
chance to meet again forever.

"..."

"However, we cannot escape our duty, because our duty is to protect and cherish our
allegiance and to be loyal to Atsawathewathin. This is what our ancestors swore..."

"..."

"Remember to pay close attention, Charan."

That was the last time they saw each other face to face and spoke like that. His mother... was still alive.
The young man blamed himself many times, that he should have hugged her longer, stayed with her a
little longer.

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He condemned himself for not understanding the world at the time. Little did he know what
the worker bee had to sacrifice as she unleashed her sting to protect the queen's hive.

If I had known... I wouldn't have let things end up like this.

The whole dream disappears like a mist. They say the happier the memory, the greater the
suffering when someone leaves...

Charan agrees that it is true.

..........................

The warmth and strength of the other person in the bed frightened Kanin. In the middle of the
night, the owner of the small body got up and reached out to turn on the bedside lamp before
his eyes opened a little wider. When the light shone, he was surprised to see Charan's pale
face.

"Hey, you..." the end of the sentence was swallowed as the palm of her slender hand touched
the sleeping man's arm and she realized it was warmer than usual.

Kanin's furrowed brows began to flutter frantically as he wondered why the other had a fever
at that moment. Until his eyes fell upon the cloth on his arm, seemingly the answer to his
question.

Did the wound become inflamed?

"Are... are you sick?" he muttered a meaningless question, while Charan remained lost in his reverie.
The other didn't reply, nor did he wake up to look at him.

The sweat running down the sides of his face and his labored breathing told him the other was
suffering. Kanin hurriedly turned on the bedroom lights until it was light before returning to
inspect the other.

The boy swore under his breath. His lips pale from the fever, Kanin gently touched the other's forehead with
the palm of his hand before deciding to step away, but when he tried to take a step back, someone wouldn't let
him.

"No..."

"Ah..." The slender wrist was grasped by the older man. The voice that used to be soft, deep,
firm, and powerful was now dry, languid, and worried.

"..."

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"What did you say?" Kanin wasn't sure if Charan was conscious or just sleep-talking from the
fever. The young man was about to retreat again when the other showed no signs of giving up.

"No... don't go," the request from the person who would normally always have a stern look on
their face made Kanin frown even more. The young man scanned the body of the person who
was half asleep and half awake before shaking his head.

"You're too hot. You need to clean up. I'll get a towel to dry you off," Kanin tried to pull his wrist
away, but the other gripped even tighter.

"You don't have to go," Charan murmured, his closed eyelids slowly opening to meet the
other's gaze. Those piercing eyes were brimming with tears. His panting was hot, it felt like his
body was going to explode.

"But..."

"Can't you go?"

"Ah..."

"I want you to stay here... with me."

With his last words, the sick man forcefully placed his thin hand against his cheek. His sharp
eyes fluttered momentarily before slowly closing again, followed by a steady rhythm of
breathing.

Kanin was stunned, as if he'd been struck by a powerful electric current at his fingertips. He
couldn't help but allow himself to cup the other person's cheek.

He stared at the other sleeping man before telling himself that there was nothing wrong, since
that person had done all of that because of the fever. Because who could stay strong every
day?

He didn't give it much thought, although he had to stay still for the other to hold his hand like
that long enough for him to start feeling a slight pain in his back.

Charan is in a better position than him. Because he himself used to comfort and support him during a
time when no one else was the same. What would it be like to help nurse him through a mild fever? Why
couldn't Kanin do this?

The young man waited until he was sure Charan had fallen asleep again and then slowly
tugged at his wrist. The small body squirmed to dissipate the pain, before scanning his eyes for
a bowl in which to pour water to cleanse the other's body.

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"Khun, move a little," Kanin called to Charan again after filling a bowl of fake fruit, which had
been placed in a corner of the room, with water.

The young man dipped a clean cloth into the basin, squeezed out the water, and gently nudged the
sleeping person awake, but Charan didn't even move his body to help. The older man continued
sleeping in the same position.

"Then I apologize."

"..."

“Can I lift up my shirt…?” Seeing that the other didn’t respond to his stimuli, Kanin immediately
lifted Charan’s shirt.

His firm, strong abdomen is the first thing that catches your eye. There was a slight spasm
around Charan's navel, and the hair on his body stood up, as the cold suddenly spread across
his skin.

NT: I can already imagine this scene in the series.

Kanin closed his eyes and first helped the sick man. Initially, a feeling of shame arose, causing
him to hastily use a clean cloth to wipe the man's body.

The double-lidded eyes avoided the glimpse of the beautiful face. Charan was moving more
and more due to the cold temperature. The person acting as nurse needs to hurry... if the other
wakes up now, they'll probably be at each other's throats.

But does the bottom need cleaning?

If you want, you have to take it off...

Should I take it out? Hey... without taking off. Leave it like that.

Kanin struggled with himself. In the end, he came to the conclusion that he shouldn't interfere
with the other person's lower body. The young man managed to put his shirt back in place and
let him fall asleep before letting out a soft sigh.

Charan shifted like an uneasy person. Kanin knows very well what kind of symptom this is.
Before, when he was sick, he always wanted his father nearby, especially when he was half
asleep like this, so he could feel safe.

The boy thought Charan was going through the same thing. Otherwise, I wouldn't have held your
hand against my cheek like you did....

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"Uh..." A low, feverish moan made Kanin reach out to touch it. The softly sleeping person
seemed to want this, as he then grabbed the skinny person's wrist in a split second, as if afraid
he wasn't fast enough.

Charan rested his warm cheek against the young man's palm. This gesture caused Kanin to
purse his lips slightly.

"Sleep, I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

"..."

"Let's wake up tomorrow and try again." It was as if the other had understood what he had
said, whether Charan could interpret it or not, but at least the tall man, who had usually been
fidgeting and trembling, seemed to have calmed down in an instant, as if Kanin's words had
been magic.

His labored breathing gradually slowed to a normal rate, and his more relaxed demeanor
made the person watching him feel at ease as well.

The other protected him to the point of getting hurt. Just having to stay still and touch the
other person's cheek until morning... I don't think it can be that hard... for him?

....................

Kanin followed him to the second floor of the building in less than twenty minutes. He did it all in
what was arguably the most hurried act of his life. Because, truly, the young man himself didn't
want to appear rude by leaving anyone waiting for their meal, especially the owner of the place.

So the young man hurried off, but when he arrived, he saw that the dining table was still empty
and that Charan's friend, the pub owner, was now behind the kitchen counter, playing the role
of Japanese food chef.

"Come, sit and wait," Itthi said to Kanin in a soft, deep voice. The bar owner-turned-chef was
busy cutting fish with a sharp knife. His agile and calm posture is something you admire
greatly.

"Sorry I'm late," the youngest person in the room said politely. Itthi shook her head, giving her
a friendly smile like the first time they met, as she prepared the meal.

"Don't be serious. I haven't finished my meal yet. Besides, Ai'Ran said he had a fever last night. You
were there helping and caring for him; you must be very tired," Itthi prompted. Kanin looked into
the distance at a tall person standing not far away. She was busy washing the cutlery and didn't
seem to care what they were talking about.

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"Did he tell you?"

"Yes," Kanin was a little puzzled by the answer he received and looked back at the older man
there. But when Charan noticed, he seemed to be looking away. Then he acted as if he were
changing the topic of conversation back to today's breakfast.

“You seem very fluent, you know how to use a knife well,” the young man said after observing
that the owner of the entertainment venue had the skill of using a knife to cut three pieces of
fish like a sculpture that fit together, in addition to being so fast it was shocking.

"I usually make Japanese food. That's why I have the ingredients and equipment to prepare it. Actually... I
want to be a Japanese chef, but I don't want to leave the family business."

The gesture of picking up the kitchen utensils changed the bar owner's expression almost
completely. Kanin thought about it before nodding slightly in agreement. Kanin reflected... on
how he felt when he first saw Itthi, before nodding slightly in agreement.

After all, this person looked more like a chef than a real bar owner.

"You seem to have good knife skills."

"He's not just good with knives, he's also good with swords," someone who had arrived at
some point chimed in. Charan's words made his close friend laugh. Just thinking about his old
skills made Kanin feel sick.

"You're exaggerating."

"Mr. Keng is skilled." The same compliment made Kanin realize that Itthi must really be very
skilled with a sword. For Charan to have the nerve to admire him with his mouth full.

"Look, I gave up fencing a long time ago. Now I just pick up the knife, sit down, wait at the
table, and serve myself," said the pub owner, who posed as a Japanese chef, laughing.

"Wait, I'll help you... sit and wait," Charan offered. The young man turned to his friend before
gesturing for the younger man to sit at the table. Kanin complied, simply because he was quiet.
In less than five minutes, a Japanese-style breakfast service was brought out and placed in
front of him.

"Come, let's eat."

"Khun Itthi... did you do all this by yourself?" Kanin was quite surprised. He noticed how skilled
the other was with knives, but he couldn't help but ask: On the plate, your menu

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It consisted of grilled fish, hot rice, miso soup, pickled cucumbers, and something that was
probably tofu with sauce, ending with egg rolls?

"Yes, I like to study Japanese cuisine."

"Well done," he said with a serious compliment, prompting a smile from the bar owner in return.

"If Kanin likes it..."

"You can call me Nin..." the boy said politely.

"Then you can call me phi."

"Yes, P'Itthi," Charan looked at the two and the people alternately, but the young man did not say a word about
the thoughts that were going through his head.

Could it be... that these two are getting closer too fast?

"Do you like Japanese food?"

"Yes. I like to eat raw fish."

"When I can, Phi will prepare it for you to eat," he said, more politely than necessary. Kanin, on the other
hand, is humble and gives a completely different smile when he's with someone else than when he's
alone with Charan.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Most of the time, I rarely make it for someone to eat. So it's like I'm cooking it
just for you. It would be nice if someone could help me eat it and evaluate the taste."

"On appearance alone, that would be top marks. Seriously, P'Itthi could open a Japanese restaurant and
have the pub," the younger man spoke loudly. Charan saw that Kanin was the kind-hearted type, except
for the fact that... that trait never came into play with him.

"It's an interesting idea."

"Ai'Itthi".

"Hm?" The person speaking to Kanin looked away from the little boy and back at his best friend
when he was interrupted. Charan froze for a moment before hastily thinking of a reason for
why he had called him.

"You were going to make some tea. Did you forget?"

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"Okay. Let's do that first. I'll be right back," the third person stood up and left. At this point, only
Kanin and Charan remained at the table. The younger one took out his phone to take a photo
of the trays of prepared food, then took out his wooden chopsticks and focused his attention
first on the grilled fish.

"Eat cold tofu first. It's an appetizer," Charan's advice floated into Kanin's ears. The slender
body shook its head, looking away from the appetizer and toward the main course.

"I don't like tofu."

"Don't choose what to eat. Tofu is good."

"Oh, how grumpy. Are you my dad?" he purposely mumbled so the taller person would hear
him.

"Tofu is made from soy. And soy protein is twice as high as some meats for the same amount.
In addition, lecithin helps reduce fat, aids in the functioning of the nervous system related to
memory, and prevents platelet clotting. Tofu is helpful..."

"Khun, I know," Karin rolled her eyes at the long-winded sentence from the person next to her.
Unbelievable... Is this Charan lecturing him about not eating tofu?

"If you know, then eat."

"I know, but I don't like eating it. If you like it, then eat it. Because it's useful," Kanin's hand took the
spoon, took the cold tofu covered in sauce from his own tray, and placed it in front of the eldest,
smiling.

That's all. The problematic tofu was placed on Charan's plate.

"..."

"Bon appétit," the young man smiled. That gesture had created a completely different feeling.
Charan, who knew the boy's intentions well, saw Kanin as a cunning young man.

Ya Itthi, who had just returned to the table with a cup of hot tea, looked at the two people who
were busy with each other's food.

"You guys are so cute," the third person's statement made Kanin and Charan look back. The
young man raised his eyebrows while Charan himself looked equally confused.

"Hm? What's cute?"

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"You guys are so beautiful. At first, when you said you were coming to Thailand, I thought you were
coming to relax and find someone you love somewhere else... Something like that," Itthi smiled
mischievously. The owner of the place poured hot tea into a cup. He took a good-humored sip,
unlike his friend who still didn't understand.

"In that way?"

"Well, you told me you'd come and be with Nong. How many years have I been your friend? Why wouldn't
I know you're an only child?" the person put the pieces together. Embarrassment made Charan quickly
defend himself.

"Are you talking about the nong?"

"I can see that's no ordinary nong," the sentence made Kanin secretly swallow his saliva.
Charan himself was worried that Itthi knew too much, but the next sentence broadened his
thoughts.

"..."

"He's obviously your boyfriend. Are you going to disagree?" Kanin blinked. The young man
secretly glanced at the person beside him, who seemed surprised for a moment. They
contemplated the situation before them before thinking of finding a quick solution to cover up
their suspicions.

But going with the flow seems like the best solution.

“The secret is out… We’re very similar, aren’t we?” As if acting in a drama, the younger boy rests
his head on Charan’s shoulder, hugging him intimately.

Passing out again, this guy acted like he'd never been able to touch another person's body.

"Hm, you two look good together... How did you meet?"

"We... we met in England."

"Ah, from across the ocean. He loves you so much that you're the first person he brought to
introduce me to. Did you know that Ran, when she was in school, never dated anyone?" The
one eating remains silent. Charan's good mood seems to have been lost in this conversation.
The other remained still. The hand that was hugging him now seemed tense, acting
unnaturally, until Kanin thought of provoking it.

"Because I'm so cute, huh? That's why he wanted to introduce me to P'Itthi and encouraged me to come when we
were there."

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"Hm," the other groaned as he nodded in agreement. Charan knew that if he told Itthi that Kanin wasn't his
boyfriend, his friend would become even more suspicious. In the end, they had no choice but to pretend.

"My ung-ung is the cutest, right?" The strange pronoun made the listener frown and turn to
look at the person next to him at the same time, as Itthi asked him exactly what he was
thinking.

"Ung-ung? What is it?"

"What do I call him, Itthi? People who go out should have a different nickname than others," said the
mischievous boy while smiling sweetly, although he looked like a villain with his radical love.

"So what does it mean?"

"Ung ung... means uncle, because he likes to complain to me like an old man. Calling him that is
cute, don't you think?" with an external point of view. That didn't fool Charan. Kanin mocked him
indirectly, tactfully.

NT: Uncle is uncle in English

He started laughing. Itthi had been very pleased, but Charan could only blame the younger
person in his heart.

"Nong calls you Ung, and what do you call Nong?" the close friend asked, laughing so hard he
was crying. The pub owner wiped his tears with the back of his hand as he waited for a reply
from Ran.

The tall man was silent for a split second, then turned and looked at the young man beside
him. Kanin raised his eyebrows and looked at him mischievously. That gesture made him think
of nothing but...

"Du".

NT: Du is ดอ้,ื which comes from ดอ้ืดงึ which means stubborn.

“What?” This question came not from Itthi, but from the youngest person sitting at the table.
Charan smiled at the corner of his mouth and turned to look at the white man beside him,
searching for a way to mock him like Kanin had.

"I call him Du because he's really stubborn. Very stubborn, good at responding, does the opposite of what I tell
him to do. There's no more stubborn person."

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He pretended and swore... then pretended and swore back. Charan had a smile on the corner of his
mouth. He knew very well in his heart that Kanin was probably about to explode. He could see it in his
louder speech and how quickly he cut through the older man's speech.

"Ah..."

“But he’s cute,” the young man concluded, referring to his boyfriend’s appearance as a way of appearing
sweeter, which made Kanin grit her teeth.

"Oh, how cute. Where did you get your boyfriend, Charan? I'm already in love with nong."

"I also wonder where I got that from," Kanin bit his lip, smiling like a bridegroom in front of Itthi,
but in his heart, he was thinking about how to get revenge on the old man.

"Nin, if you need anything, let me know. Ran's boyfriend is my friend. Don't be shy, see?"

"Thank you, P'Itthi," the boy playing the groom smiled sweetly and humbly. Kanin returned his attention
to his breakfast while he thought about getting revenge on the other.

They exchanged glances and grimaces secretly from time to time until some loud words rang
out... causing the other to choke on their food.

"Ung-ung has two syllables. I think... just calling me Du doesn't go down well."

"..."

"It's better if you call me DuDu. It goes better with Ung-Ung."

..........................

Chapter 16: Lives Hanging by a Thread

The meal was over. Kanin retired to his room so the old friends, who hadn't seen each other in
a long time, could spend time reminiscing. He retreated to the bed, snuggling closer. He hadn't
fully rested, as the accumulated chaos left the young man's body completely exhausted.

Kanin took a nap and seemed to have memories between him and his father in a dream. There
were good times... and the last moment before they parted. The sight of a closed door blocking
the familiar image of the fading house.

The body was startled and came back from the reverie, and he didn't know how much time had passed. The
silence around him was deafening. Kanin still didn't move. He could feel the moisture in the corners of his eyes,
but he had no intention of wiping it away.

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He sat down and sighed softly into the darkness that had formed like a large cloud in his chest.
Kanin needed help, so he reached out to take something out of his bag.

Caramel candies... The boy thought for a long time. Before, when Kanin was in trouble, Kanin
always used this kind of candy as a help, but this time he hesitated.

Deep down, he felt a sense of fear... fear that this familiar sweetness would cause him even more
pain. Pain at the thought of... Tattanai.

The sound of the door opening brought the light-skinned man back to consciousness. In the end, Kanin
didn't eat it and put the candy back in his pocket. Although the other had returned, there was no
conversation between them.

Although Kanin didn't speak, Charan was perceptive and very observant. The young man approached and looked at
him for a moment, then asked a question.

"Are you sick?"

"No, I just..."

I had a bad dream...

The younger man didn't say anything. He remained silent and lowered his gaze, causing the other person to
ask again suspiciously.

"Fair?"

"It doesn't matter... Are you and P'Itthi done talking?" Kanin purposely changed the subject.
And, of course, Charan noticed. The young man answered the question, but still continued to
scan the other person's unusual behavior with his eyes.

"Ai'Itthi has gone to sleep."

"Really, right?" Kanin has no doubt why Itthi goes back to sleep at this hour. He primarily works
at night. Changing his bedtime to this hour isn't uncommon.

The talker, trying to hide his sadness, said nothing. Kanin simply jumped up and decided to run
away, taking a bath in the tub to refresh his body.

Charan said nothing, just stared at his back until the bathroom door closed. His alert eyes
shifted to the young man's backpack, lying motionless on the nightstand.

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The young man had seen it all: the red eyes, the confused look as he picked up the candy. If he
had to guess, he'd say the other must have had memories of Tattanai and had been assaulted
by fragments of memory and nostalgia.

He knew from a guess that there were several candies in the backpack. If Tattanai had put it in,
it must be important to Kanin. Charan hadn't realized that the other's emotional state was so
unstable, so weak.

On the other hand... he even seemed to understand the other person very well. Nothing will heal this wound of the
heart, except the time it takes to heal it gradually...

Sharp eyes glanced toward the bathroom door. After a moment, her thin legs slid out of the
room. Charan thought there was nothing he could do to help Kanin, but he decided to do
something instead of letting the situation go. Something you don't know if it will work or not.

.........................

Kanin emerged from the bathroom again after standing in the water until his body was
exhausted. A feeling of tightness still lingered, but at least he felt smaller than before. The
young man looked at his roommate. Charan was focused on his iPad, looking energetically
more like a young businessman than his own profession.

In fact, Charan looks like anything but a bodyguard.

Kanin moved quickly to the bed. He leaned forward to see, because the other was so
preoccupied with the device in his hands. Charan was half-sitting, leaning against the
headboard. As the youngest, he acted like a cat.

A cat that the owner is not interested in playing with.

The young man didn't realize how close he was to Charan. Living together for several days and nights
subconsciously dissolved the gap and lowered the defensive barrier that existed.

The scent of soap and shampoo from the young man's body wafted through the air, penetrating his
senses and affecting Charan's perceptions. The young man didn't look up from what he was doing, but
he sensed the small distance between them.

"I'm just checking the train," the older man said, not waiting for Kanin to ask. The boy frowned
and moved to sit close, leaving enough room for the wind to blow.

"Are you not hurt anymore?"

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"Ah, I'm recovered," the answer he received made him frown even more. Kanin was suspicious of
him. Is he Superman? Why is he so strong and recovering so quickly?

Kanin doesn't consider himself a weak person, but he recalls once learning to cook for his father
and accidentally cutting his hand with a knife. He recalls suffering for almost a year at the time and
struggling to do anything, even though the wound was larger than Charan's.

He didn't want to imagine if he was the one injured this time. He would become a burden.

"..."

"Tomorrow's weather forecast says it won't rain. We'll travel at night. The people from Ai'Itthi
will take us to the train," he said, still not having forgotten about Charan. The young man
nodded slightly in response before falling silent, as if deep in thought.

Kanin was worried because he had no idea what would happen in the future. What would his life be
like after traveling to Emmaly? He really didn't know.

Reddened lips pursed. Kanin was slightly distracted. He didn't even notice when the person
next to him moved and got out of bed. He only regained consciousness when the tall man
placed something in front of him.

"Hm?" Kanin looked at the ice cream cup. The young man was slightly puzzled to find the tall
man staring at him. Charan didn't explain anything. The other party continued to hold it until a
slender hand reached out to take it.

"The most important thing is that the ice cream... has orange flavor."

'Next time, orange-flavored ice cream.'

'Hm?'

"I like orange ice cream more than coffee."

'I'm going to remember this.'

The conversation from a few days ago flashed through his mind. Kanin pursed his lips slightly, but this
time not out of stress. He couldn't really put his finger on what that feeling was, but it was more positive
than negative.

"I remember Your Highness likes the taste of orange," Charan's words came as her slender
hands placed the sweet into his mouth, which absorbed the sweet and sour sensation into his
body.

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"Why...?" Kanin intends to ask, why the other person bought this for him. The motionless
person's eyes made a simple expression that preceded a long sentence that made the little boy
sigh.

"I read in a book that when people eat sweets, it stimulates the release of brain chemicals like
endorphins and serotonin. They improve mood and calm the mind."

"Can you say something easier to understand?" words accompanied by a chilly tinge came from the younger
man's mouth. Kanin waited for the other, who remained still for almost a minute.

Charan was like a processing robot. A moment later, he spoke a few words that surprisingly
lessened the gloom that had previously plagued Kanin.

"I bought it so you don't have to stress out. Is it easy to understand?"

...............................

The landscape outside is lush with vegetation. The fog condenses into rivulets, sliding down the
mountainside with the hiss of engines. The distinctive ripping sound of vehicles pulses in the
background. However, these things didn't make the person look out the window in the least.

Kanin leaned his head against the large glass window and thought about the influence of
Charan's best friend, who had now become his phi. As they said goodbye, he kept repeating
that they could always come back for a visit if they could. For now, he'd definitely agreed.
Despite that... he's not sure there's a chance they'll ever meet again.

Sitting on the train for long hours isn't as tiring as you might think, because Kanin has
someone at his side to look after him. Two pairs of eyes gazed at the distant mountains.

The fog was as thick as cotton candy floating low. It was as detailed as the villages clustered at
the foot of the mountain. The young man let his mind wander to the natural landscape before
him, absorbing the peaceful atmosphere he'd said he'd try to see with his own eyes one day...

Now that you're here, you don't know why you're not even a little excited.

"Don't sit too close to the glass."

A familiar phrase brought the blond man out of his trance. Kanin tore his eyes away from the outside world
and stepped back to look at the tall man, who acted no different than before.

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Charan is like a programmed computer. He often sits cross-legged, stares at him, and
frequently warns Kanin to be careful about this and that.

"We're on the train. And this train is passing through the mountains... No one can shoot me
now, right?" This whispered phrase sounded irritating on the surface, but Charan understood.
Kanin only said that because this boy's world didn't always hang in the balance.

The child was just an ordinary human being. It's no wonder he had poor self-care skills.

"You should get used to it. Anything can happen now. Even if you dive into the water, no one
can guarantee that you'll be safe."

Charan responded in a calm voice. The topic of discussion was deadly, but the person speaking
had the same demeanor as if he were discussing general matters like the weather, thoughts, or
life philosophies.

Kanin pulled himself together. Although he wanted to open his mouth to argue, he knew what
Charan said wasn't an exaggeration. He'd tried everything himself. Being an Atsawathewathin isn't
easy.

He let out a deep sigh. Kanin's face was deceptive, as if completely exhausted, but in the end,
he turned away from the window and sat cross-legged, his back straight, mimicking the person
he was talking to.

"We're almost there. We have to get ready."

In this situation, Charan had already learned to deal with it. The older boy didn't pay much attention
to the younger boy, but instead focused on the hands of his watch to calculate the distance and
coordinates of the next station's location in the next few minutes.

And, of course, Kanin guessed the solution. The boy knew Charan didn't care about his attitude.
Given a situation where we have to be alert to the dangers around us, a stern expression is
understandable.

"And what should I do?"

The little nose let out a deep sigh. He raised his eyebrows questioningly. This time he didn't
want anything, but he was curious because he really wanted an answer.

From yesterday until he boarded the train, Charan hadn't told him any plans. The other arranged
everything for the other so that the newer one could do something.

Providing him with food, making his bed, and caring for him until he fell asleep. No matter how many
times he wakes up, Kanin still sees that Charan is still in the same position. From Bangkok to the
destination, he doesn't know whether he closed his eyes to rest or not.

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But it must be said that even though he was sleep-deprived... that God-given face still looked
beautiful. It's obviously far above the norm.

"Get your things ready. The next station is the last one... let's get off the train there."

It wasn't long before they reached the final station, which was unremarkable compared to
other places. The station had a platform, a place to buy tickets, and a place for passersby.

Kanin walked behind the tall man, secretly watching the other, who handled everything with such skill
that he couldn't help but watch in his heart. Since he'd met him, he'd never seen Charan do anything
incomprehensible. When he touched something, he seemed careful, considerate, and appropriate.

"Do you want a drink of water? Or do you want to go to the bathroom first?" Because he was
secretly staring at the God-carved face while thinking about various things, Kanin couldn't help but
glance at the tall man when he turned around. The young man froze for a moment before quickly
looking away and answering.

"Um, I want to go to the bathroom."

In fact, Kanin wanted to go to the bathroom shortly before reaching the last station, but seeing that the other was
preoccupied with the journey, he didn't say anything. In this situation, he didn't know what to do.

To be honest, as soon as he stepped onto Emmaly, Kanin could feel his own fear. It was as if the
confidence he'd had before had completely disappeared.

"Then hurry up. We have to get to the rendezvous point," the young man didn't argue, knowing full well that
this time he should do everything quickly. Charan indicated that the young man should go to the large
bathroom outside with him on guard.

His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, his senses wide open, waiting to be alert. When he saw
nothing unusual, he decided to pick up his phone. Last night, Charan typed an important message
to inform someone about his complex schedule.

He just prayed that everything after that would go according to plan...

"Shall we go together?" Charan's soft voice began to sound familiar, causing the young man to
look up.

Kanin, at this moment, had a pale face wet with water droplets all over his forehead, indicating
a sense of urgency. It gave off a feeling not unlike looking at a fluffy white kitten being
carelessly taken to a bath...

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"Your face is wet. Why don't you use a blotting paper before you go?" he said, reaching out with the
back of his hand to gently wipe the other's soft cheeks. And this seemed to have been an action that
happened unexpectedly.

Charan wasn't sure what prompted him to do this. Perhaps his brain, his intuition, or something… whatever
the tall man wanted to think about, but it had already happened.

"I see you're in a hurry... No, no need. I'll dry it myself," Kanin seemed to react to that as well,
freezing before rushing to dodge, causing Charan to give up and move away.

They left again after Charan nodded as a signal to continue. The young man followed the route
behind him and walked between the buildings until they reached the meeting point less than five
hundred meters from the station.

On the one hand, because he didn't want the young master to be the center of attention. And secondly,
he feared there might be bandits hiding among the arriving passengers and wandering around the
station.

Charan's long, slender legs hurried along the path. He was sure someone had already been
sent to their destination to wait for them as agreed. And because of that thought, everything
seemed twice as fast as usual.

"What's the rush?" the young man's not-so-serious murmur came as Kanin tried to quicken his
pace to catch up with the taller man. That small, breathless gesture caused Charan to reach out
and push on his back to help the other move faster.

"The driver has been waiting for a while behind the building across the street at the meeting point."

"Your legs are so long. How far can I run?" The habit of complaining seemed like something that
couldn't be fixed. Charan shook his head, trying to separate his nerves to observe everything
around him, but his ears had yet to hear the complaints of the person next to him.

And because there were so many things to pay attention to, the old man's palm accidentally
moved from the back to the slender waist of the fair-skinned person.

A faint scent unique to the person next to him wafted up to touch his nose, causing Charan to
frown before realizing how close they were. It was then that he turned around to see the
handsome face of a young man.

"Khun... we have to walk..."

There was no voice in the thin man's throat when the tips of their greasy noses touched lightly.
Charan almost pulled away as if he had touched something hot, and the reason for that was
that his loveless eyes met those reddened lips.

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It's just a game, Charan.

'...'

'Only Game.'

NT: "just play" in English.]

Charan could feel the heat on his cheek as he recalled the memory he'd told himself to forget.
Both parties were confused before someone with important duties rushed in to clear all
distractions from their minds.

The young man swallowed a large mouthful of saliva, suppressing the strange feeling that had been
building and instead turning his attention to the situation at hand.

They had no further conversations. The younger boy's grumbling seemed to have ceased, and the
situation seemed calm and safe. But something in the corner of Charan's eye indicated that something
was wrong.

Charan's senses returned to life. A thick hand slid from her slender waist, moving to hold the
other's hand, and soon they reached the meeting point, but the destination looked grim.

"Run!" Charan shook his hand for the young man to follow. They quickly ran forward, but they
weren't far from the mysterious group of people who had spotted them ahead.

Two men in black came to intercept Charan's hand, gripping Kanin's tightly, but the man next
to him held his hand even tighter. Double-lidded eyes hid a panicked expression, urging the
older man to guide the younger man from side to side.

Before a small fight could break out, Charan turned around and took a punch from someone
before using all his strength to break the arm of one of the black-clad men.

He raised his foot to kick the person about to join the fight in the chest. His thick hand wrapped
around the slender waist of the person next to him to bend over, while he exerted his strength
against the fists and soles of feet coming from all sides.

Charan uses every part of his body possible and protects Kanin in response to every action. At a
rapid pace, but no matter how skilled he is, he can't withstand the force of the dog horde.

"Ugh!" Charan lost it in an instant. The man in black punched him in the chin, knocking him to
the ground. The thick hand holding the young master's thin one withdrew. Dizziness came on
suddenly, but the survival instinct remained.

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He turned around to shift his weight from the person on top of him, before sweeping his gaze
to find someone else. But it seemed to be too late.

"Let me go!" Kanin shouted as he struggled, intending to make the person next to him give up. The
reason was because this time... he was truly at a disadvantage.

"Stop now. Don't move!"

A scream in Emmaly's language clearly came from the person clutching the young master's
neck. Charan's face turned stern when he saw the barrel of the gun pointed at the little prince's
temple. He was even more worried when he saw Kanin's stifled expression.

If he was alone, he had many options for escape. But this time, Kanin's safety was paramount.
Charan decided to raise both hands in defeat, having no other option.

Entering Emmaly's field area, Charan doesn't know who the opponent is or how big they are...
He can't do anything rashly because it means Kanin's safety...

"Keep it simple."

There was only a kick to the legs so strong that the person fell to the ground for a moment,
being held with his hands behind his back. It was at that same instant that the man's sharp
eyes fixed on the small, young master, who was in a similar state to himself.

The faces were slammed face first into the dirt on the floor. At this moment, he couldn't resist. His
eyes filled with tears. Anger exploded in his chest, and he couldn't stop it.

"Hey! Don't move or I'll kill that bastard right now!"

The voice spoke as it stepped on his shoulders. At the moment when he could do nothing but
lie there watching Kanin being pulled by his head, he was held back by the strength of
someone stronger than him.

The young man gritted his teeth at the sight of the sullen, white-skinned man. He was angry with himself
for having the courage to do nothing, because he feared the other would be hurt even more. All events
seemed to rewind when he saw one of the group walking away from his sight.

There was a ringing in his ears as if the owner of the feet had left the area talking to someone
on the phone, presumably his director.

The brain, admired for its intelligence, quickly found a way out of this unfavorable situation. He
thought about finding the best way, which was... Kanin had to go to the meeting point.

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If the other one could escape from here, he might last a little longer, which would mean that in this situation,
someone would have to sacrifice themselves...

Charan is confident he can survive. However, the role of the Phithaktewa family members was
born to protect the Asawathewathin family members. Therefore, his life was not an important
issue at this time.

Sending Kanin to the shore separately is the right thing to do. Charan planned the steps in his
head before turning to meet the eyes of the person already watching him. And, as if Kanin
could read his mind, the young man moved silently.

"No."

The reddened lips trembled. The younger man's expression was like that of a frightened little
animal. But instead, his heart was so strong that the person who had never been shaken by
anything was distracted.

'Together'.

NT: "together" in English

An order in English tells them to go together. Charan admired Kanin for his extraordinary
ability to read people's minds. But now they don't have many options. Slower decision-making
means a lower survival rate.

Charan stared at the person stepping on the other man's shoulder. Using a short strike, the young man
grabbed the toe before using all his strength to knock the man down with his teeth.

The moment he was free, the young man moved forward and landed a powerful blow. He kicked his
weapon away from him, ready to shout an order that Charan is sure the other knows very well what it
means.

"Go!" Kanin had no choice. Charan himself did too. But in the end... the owner of the white body
decided not to move away, instead choosing to grab the weapon that had fallen at the same time a
man in black stood up and pointed his weapon at Charan.

"Khun!"

Boom!

Kanin froze at the sound of a silencer shot that suddenly pierced the air that wasn't his. The
newcomers in black suits looked dignified, with red badges strapped to their arms. As a result,
the bad guys spread like bees.

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"Run!" One of the bandits shouted loudly and retreated. Therefore, the newcomers had to split
their duties into two parts. One ran after the villains, while the other went to protect Kanin and
Charan.

The person of Khattiya lineage stood up, as did Charan himself. Confused, Kanin looked around
before stopping in front of four or five black SUVs entering the area.

Another group of people in full bodyguard uniforms appeared, walking toward them. One of
them, who appeared to be the team leader, led his subordinate to bow to Charan, addressing
the tall person in front of him with reverence.

"Sorry I'm late, sir."

..............................

Chapter 17: Survivors

"Sorry I'm late, sir."

Charan merely nodded politely at the newcomer's prayer before turning his gaze toward the person
he was worried about. Running over to the little boy, he looked down, stopping at the other
person's hand, which was trembling constantly.

Needless to say, he knew how scared Kanin was at this point. Once again, his intuition was
faster than his brain could reflect.

Charan didn't hesitate to step forward and intervene. He squeezed the Little Prince's hand even tighter,
drawing the other's attention to his presence.

"It's okay... you're safe," he said, reminding the younger man that the Atsawathewathin people had already
arrived and they were no longer at a disadvantage like they had been a few minutes ago.

"Good."

"Do you want to take a break first?" he said, nodding toward a van parked on the compound.
Charan admitted he was worried about Kanin. And more importantly, he was very angry with
himself.

"No... it's okay," the young man replied in a trembling voice. Kanin looked down at the barrel of the
gun he was still holding until the tall man managed to take it from him.

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"Then stay by my side," Charan said, handing the barrel of the pistol to someone who stepped
forward to receive it. Consciously, he pulled the thinner man closer to him. At this point, there
was almost no need to fight Kanin's stubbornness.

The young man became submissive after going through a life-or-death situation. That small
palm gripped him as if it were the only resting place in his life. This had a profound effect on
Charan's mind.

He himself could not have imagined how strong he would be.

Kanin's double eyelids were still twitching, caught up in the terrible situation from a few
minutes ago. He looked scared, and that made the tall man feel hurt.

With the duty to take good care of Atsawathewathin's heart... Charan thought he had failed
unforgivably.

"Don't look at me like that... I'm fine."

It was as if he could read the thoughts in her mind. Kanin just looked into her sharp eyes and
uttered a short prayer, but it drove away all the bad feelings from before.

"..."

"You're still here. I'm still here. We're still together."

"..." Charan couldn't say exactly what his feelings were at that moment, but the young man
probably thought he was no longer aware of the existence of other people around him. In his
eyes, there was only Kanin.

Only Kanin...

"I'm fine. Just a little shaken up... See? I'm still in one piece," the younger man, before finishing
speaking, made a flexing gesture with his muscles, causing Charan's hands, which were
intertwined, to rise together.

Charan could see that Kanin was trying to be strong, smiling, but those brown eyes weren't as
bright as before. It was probably to help him feel less guilty.

"Fine," fine... He still holds the thought in his mind. Charan stares fixedly until the other says
something, and then he comes to.

"What are you doing? Is there something on my face?"

"Ah, there."

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"That?"

"Earth... Earth stuck to your face."

Dark lips murmured before reaching out to wipe the dirt from the face of the young man
beside him. Kanin blinked. The light touch of pale skin on his cheek gave him a sensation
difficult to describe.

"Sir," the thick hand left his cheek almost as soon as he heard the call. The Phithaktewa Clan
Leader turned his head and found one of the culprits of the mysterious group.

NT: Phithaktewa literally means: Protection of God or Guardian Angel.

He was caught with his hands behind his back, surrounded by a group of Atsawathewathin
bodyguards dressed in black suits. The powerful body that had attacked him and Kanin less
than half an hour ago was now woefully crippled.

Fierce eyes swept over the body of the person who had been forced to kneel. He remembered
this guy... This man was the same one who had pulled the young master's hair, and yet he
dared to point a gun at his tiny temple.

The anger he thought had already dissipated flared up again. Charan looked at the grim
expression of the person who still had a black cloth covering the lower part of his face, but still
used his icy eyes to look at him and Kanin.

"Go the other way first."

That sentence sent a chill through the air. Kanin secretly glanced at the tall man's broad back,
who had moved forward and blocked the bandit's view.

It was a small act, but it caused a surge of confidence to well up in his chest. Kanin stepped
back and let the older man do his duty. Someone in uniform beckoned the younger man away.

But as he was about to follow him, his eyes glimpsed the image of Charan approaching the
criminal and lowering the mask that hid part of his face.

A large palm grabbed him by the hair, putting him at a disadvantage, before bringing its hand down to
his neck region.

"Ugh!" Charan punched the strong man in the face, leaving him covered in bloodstains and in
excruciating pain. This seemed as tormenting as what Kanin had suffered... maybe even more
so.

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"Who sent you?" The soft, deep voice the young man thought he'd heard suddenly became like
a dream. His eyes looked many times fiercer than usual. However, the person being asked this
question responded with an unwavering laugh.

"Huh. Phithaktewa... You're just service dogs," a wry smile came with a spit on the ground. His
hardened eyes glared back at her with fury. Just one sentence, but it made the guards
surrounding him almost stop breathing.

From this angle, Kanin can't tell what Charan's expression looks like. But when asked about the
expression of one of the assassins, he realized it was terrifying... too terrifying for words.

"Remember, you'll be devastated!"

"..."

"One day... the bastard... will have nowhere to stay!" Shouts echoed around the area, followed by
laughter. This time, they sounded so full of madness that the young man felt like turning away,
unlike the person with his back to him, who remained unfazed.

Kanin pursed his lips. He intended to look away from the image. However, due to the unexpected event
that had happened earlier, the young man was stopped. The body of the person who had been laughing
so loudly suddenly twitched.

His eyes rolled back, his whole body shook, his mouth foamed, and he convulsed with fear.
Kanin, seeing this, was shocked and stepped back.

"Damn it!" There seemed to be a great chaos around them. Charan swore angrily.

His large palms tugged at the nearest guard's gloves and slipped them on before placing them
inside the thug's mouth, as if he were trying to pull something out. At the same instant, the
man's body began to shake even more.

"Mister."

"Poison! Call an ambulance! Now!"

...........................

Inside the office of the Grand Sovereign in the land of Emmaly. The Lord of Life's thick palm
rested motionless on the table. His calm, emotionless eyes gazed at the horse statue made of
pure gold, the symbol of the Atsawathewathin family.

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It had enormous weight and value, a beautiful piece, and with such a high price tag that
everyone who saw it gasped, making it hard to take their eyes off it. But this wasn't the case
with the Sovereign Lord this time.

The old man just stared at him before closing his eyes to calm himself. The Lord of Life was used to
hiding his feelings, beneath his shoulders that carried the power of leadership and the well-being of
the country. He couldn't express his emotions or do much for himself.

Just like now, when he had nothing better to do than wait and help someone else take care of
it. The Lord of Life wanted to travel alone to find his grandson, but in reality, all he could do
was wait for news.

Making a trip now would be a bad idea. Being on the throne isn't easy. One wrong decision
could mean Atsawathewathin's imminent downfall.

He exhaled a hot sigh. His misty eyes stared at a message on his cell phone from Charan, the
person in charge of everything. The words briefly stated the date, time, and location—
somewhere 500 meters from the train station. No other explanation was given.

However, the Lord of Life understood very well that if Charan hadn't flown Kanin over, it meant
they were facing some sort of situation. Furthermore, it's likely that Charan initially avoided
contacting him for fear of leaking the news, or perhaps... the secret has already been
discovered by someone.

"Khun Wirun has requested permission for a meeting with the lord," a servant's voice at the
front of the room announced the arrival of one of the bodyguards the Lord of Life could trust.
He ordered Wirun to organize a team to protect him, details yet to be announced.

He only told him to bring him back safely and not to tell anyone about this matter. Because
Wirun is the type who only obeys and doesn't know how to ask questions, the Lord of Life
deemed it appropriate.

"Enter," after permission was granted, the person behind the door entered. Wirun respectfully
placed his right hand on his left breast and bowed his head as usual. When he finished, he
delivered the report on the matter that the Lord of Life had been waiting to hear.

"Khun Charan was found with only a minor injury."

"And the person he came with...?"

"He's safe," the report was no different from what the Lord had imagined. The King sighed secretly.
Charan never let him down. When he's assigned a task, it means 100% success.

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"Well, someone bring them back here and bring Tarin to meet us," the High Sovereign of
Emmaly hadn't asked many questions. Because right now he had more important things to do.

"Yes," Wirun diligently accepted the order and paid homage to the other party, who was the
Supreme Lord of this country, once again before turning around and leaving.

He sighed and leaned back against the backrest. His normally stiff and stressed shoulder
gradually relaxed after hearing the news that Kanin was safe.

Now, there's still a lot left to sort out... One of them is Tarin. It was time for him to tell the other
side something important, something he'd been hiding all this time.

Once Tarin acknowledges that Kanin is alive... The existence of Atsawathewathin's heir will no longer
have to be hidden.

"Prince Tarin requests permission for a meeting." At the end of the announcement, the Lord of
Life sat upright and dignified again. The old man's gaze turned to his only son, and he waited
for the other to finish greeting him before opening his hand in an invitation for him to sit.

"Father, you asked the servants to urgently summon me for an audience. Is something wrong?"
The middle-aged man bowed as he got straight to the point of the conversation without
wasting any time.

"Do you know about Dad's illness, Tarin?" A topic he hadn't expected to discuss made Tarin
stutter a little. But in the end, he nodded in response.

"Yeah."

"If this matter spreads, Atsawathewathin will soon be shaken."

"..."

"There's going to be a barrage of criticism... a lot of it. To avoid further chaos, I will hold a ceremony
to elect the new Lord of Life within the next three months," the country's leader declared. Hearing
this, Tarin gulped, because deep down he knew what was about to happen.

"If that's the case, Atsawathewathin will be disqualified," Tarin said softly. The middle-aged
man wore a serious expression, for he knew full well that part of this had been his doing.

Since his wife, Kunita, and his son died in that terrible event... Tarin couldn't find anyone to
replace them, even though, in accordance with his duty as ruler, he needed a successor.
However, according to the feelings of your heart...

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"According to the ancient rules of the court, a family, to compete for the title of Lord of Life,
must send at least one direct descendant to the contest."

"..."

"Tarin... you also have an heir," the firm voice of Emmaly's highest authority made the listener
frown. Tarin shook his head and said the next sentence, not understanding what his father
meant.

"Dad, what are you talking about? My son is dead..."

"Yes, it's true that Kunita is dead... As for your son..." the Lord of Life interrupted his sentence
for just a fraction of a second, but the feeling was an eternity for the one waiting for him.

"..."

"What if I say he's alive?" As if a huge electric current had passed through half of Tarin's body,
the person of royal lineage was stunned, trying to process and understand what he heard, but
so far it was no use.

"What do you mean?" It was just enough time for Tarin to find his voice. His father didn't
explain much, given his habit of saying little. The other simply took an envelope with some
papers and handed it to him before giving a low order.

"Open it," the middle-aged man obliged. Initially, what appeared was a picture of a baby.
Turning three or four pages, the image of that child slowly grew. Tarin's palms trembled, as did
his eyes.

His heart was pounding, bouncing back and forth with a deafening sound, as if it were about to
burst out of his chest.

The more I looked, the more the photos overlapped with the image of someone who had already passed away.
The boy had the contours of the face, eyes, and smile of the woman he loved.

"That..."

"Tarin... I had to send my grandson out of the country to save his life. For our family, I had to lie
to everyone."

"..." The last attached paper was a medical document. After reading every detail down to the last
line, she discovered the truth her father had hidden from her for twenty years...

"Kanin Atsawathewathin is not dead. He is alive."

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..................................

Kanin's heartbeat remained uneasy. After the recent events, this time the young man was led
to sit in the back of the car. From time to time, his double-lidded eyes glanced at the person
sitting in the driver's seat.

He was dressed in a full suit, indicating that this person must have been a guard working in the
palace, but his rank was likely much lower than Charan's. The other showed respect by
speaking to the tall man whenever they had a conversation.

At this moment, only Kanin was in the backseat. Charan opened the door and gestured for him
to get in the car, but they weren't side by side as usual, as the other was arranging for the
mysterious man's transfer to the hospital.

After a while, he looked back at the driver. He hadn't seen the sharp, calm pair of eyes since the
car left. The atmosphere inside the vehicle was awkward and quiet. The young man sighed
secretly, as he had many worries lurking within him.

The first is himself. The second... is Charan.

The owner of the white-skinned body bit his pale lip. Kanin looked away from the person in front of
him and out the window to observe the surroundings.

The young man realized he had no in-depth knowledge of Emmaly. He only had a little
information in his head that it was his father's homeland.

Kanin had something to ask Charan, but in the end, he sat silently and looked up and down the road
until the surrounding landscape gradually changed. It was only then that the young man came to
his senses.

A beautiful car drives between tall, large trees, obscuring the grounds in the middle of the capital,
as if they wanted to cut off this part of the common area.

Behind the lush vegetation, facing the observer, lies the palace decorated in luxurious white
and gold tones from the entrance. Kanin also noted the grandeur of Emmaly and
Atsawathewathin.

The symbol of the golden horse was in the middle of the fountain, standing out against the sunlight,
drawing attention to Darwin Palace... He had seen with his own eyes that this place is one of the most
beautiful in the world and it seemed to be true.

The young man was a little nervous and clenched his fists. When Charan got up from the front
seat to open the car door for Kanin, he stood there, stunned for almost a minute before taking
a deep breath and deciding to get out of the car.

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The tall, handsome gate opened to welcome him. Charan gestured to open the way, while
Kanin was at a loss for how to express himself in the situation. He simply walked forward
reluctantly, occasionally glancing at the tall man, who was like his only refuge at the moment.

His small palm was sweaty. Kanin was perfectly in control of his facial expression, but not his
inner feelings. He was worried and nervous.

His right side seemed to throb and scream in protest, especially when he walked through the
door and found a long hallway lined with bodyguards waiting to greet him.

Kanin had a hesitant expression as all the uniformed officers around him saluted him in unison.
He bit his lip. For a moment, he was about to lower his head in response, but because a warm
palm touched him, he froze and stopped.

Charan cast a glance and pressed Kanin to continue. The young man stepped forward, past
many people who bowed humbly to him, and headed to the second floor of the palace,
through a spiral marble staircase and walls adorned with typical Emmalian designs.

It was incredibly beautiful. It was as if I had entered a dream world, as if what I was seeing
couldn't possibly be real.

"Your Highness," someone's voice called out to Kanin, who was distracted by his many thoughts,
returning to the events in front of him again.

A bespectacled man with pale skin, a plump build, slicked-back hair, a black suit, and a bow tie
were accompanied by a group of women in long red uniforms. They paid homage to Kanin in a
graceful, clumsy manner, as if they had been trained to do so countless times.

"..."

"My name is Chakri, I am the steward of the palace in the right wing. From now on, it will be my duty
to render personal service to Your Highness... Please come this way, Your Highness," the
bespectacled man gestured with his hand to a door not far away.

"Where does this path lead?" Kanin asked, his voice filled with curiosity. He felt like a bird that
had been free for a long time, but this time it had been forcibly put back in a cage.

"The royal beauty parlor."

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"..." the young man frowned, unsure of what the other meant by "the royal beauty parlor."
What room was this? His expression seemed clearly confused. The butler then opened his
mouth to explain the meaning of that.

"The royal beauty parlor is the royal dressing room... and we invite you to go there."

There weren't many options. He was forced to follow the advice of the man who claimed to be his butler.

Charan glanced at the slender back. He recognized the signs of nervousness in the smaller boy
and tried to ride beside him, but he didn't dare do what he thought. The voice of one of the
guards called to the tall man, causing him to stop walking.

"The Lord of Life has a royal order for a meeting with Khun Charan," Charan's steps froze.
Sharp eyes stared at the main door through which someone had just entered. There was a
momentary hesitation in a short period of time, which was too short to notice.

Charan turned his back and decided to follow the order of the country's supreme leader, because he knew very well
that at this moment... it was the most important thing he had to do.

........................

Behind the door Kanin followed Chakri through was a rectangular room surrounded by railings
filled with separate clothes in cool and warm tones of every color, neatly hung in a row. It was
as if someone had brought a large walk-in closet and set it up here.

Kanin blinked, the young man thinking about how these kinds of situations were only seen in
TV shows or big movies. But now what had happened in his life had become a reality.

Having so many people in uniform standing to greet you and bow... Is that something that could
happen? How difficult it is for the average citizen to have a group of uniformed women standing at their
posts in the locker room as if waiting for orders. This isn't common.

"Which do you like, Your Highness?" The word "highness" from the person next to him clearly
emphasized the change in status. Kanin was usually braver, but not with things beyond his control.

In the end, the young man realized that, in this vast world... he was just a virtuous young man.
Just a person. And at this moment, Kanin was no different than someone lost in a mountain
maze.

Confused and aimless, his eyes unconsciously tried to find a person.

"Whatever you want, Your Highness, let me know. I'll have someone arrange it for you."

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"Charan... Oh, Khun Charan," Kanin didn't focus on the matter of dressing. He spoke calmly to
the person standing not far away. Honestly, he felt a little bad about not having that person by
his side right now...

"Khun Charan has gone to meet the Lord of Life. I will also guide His Highness on the way."

"Yes, I'd like ordinary clothes... uh, I mean, anything will do. I'll bother you by letting you choose for
me," he said. In fact, Kanin couldn't find anything ordinary or familiar about the clothes before him.

The white-skinned boy bit his lip. His double eyelids hid his gaze. The servants were busy
choosing robes of different colors before approaching and lining up in front of the board so the
person of royal lineage could look at them again.

"Your Highness, what color would you like in particular... if this suit?"

"Yes," came the automatic response because Kanin wanted this awkward moment to pass
quickly. She looked at Chakri, nodding. In a moment, all the maids around her paid homage to
Kanin.

"We beg your permission, sir," they spoke almost simultaneously. Kanin paused, glanced briefly at
Chakri before speaking in a low voice to someone who appeared to be a few years older than him.

"Uh... Can I change on my own?"

"May Your Highness grant me permission to perform services for you, Your Highness," Chakri
confirmed the words politely and humbly, but he seemed to understand her feelings to a
certain extent. The person taller than him chuckled and nodded, inviting the surrounding
women to leave.

Kanin sighed secretly at what he heard. Inevitably, he allowed the butler to serve him. He felt
embarrassed that someone had to unbutton his clothes and take care of him.

It's strange, but it's better than being watched by dozens of people...

Chakri fulfills her role fluently. She matched and selected the clothes to wear, piece by piece. A tunic
with embroidered details and golden leaves.

The exquisite craftsmanship of the embroidery, the details clearly evident in the pattern,
indicate quality and purpose. Kanin realized that even though his knowledge of clothing and
fashion was zero, he was still concerned.

It's a priceless item. Perhaps its value is greater than you dared imagine.

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"Thank you," said the person with royal blood after the other person walked away. Kanin was a
little surprised at first by the size of the clothes that fit him perfectly. But when he thought
about the main reason, it was that, in fact, nothing about him was a secret anymore, so...

"If you don't like that type of fabric or if you like something in particular, I'll let the maids know."

The butler's voice spoke in a courteous and humble manner. Kanin didn't respond with words, just nodded
before looking at himself in the tall mirror beside him.

What he saw stopped him in his tracks... Kanin looked at his own reflection in the mirror. He had barely stopped being a
commoner, and these clothes already suited him perfectly. But there's one thing...

Now he looked like a walking piece of gold or something.

...............................

Chapter 18: True Position

The interior of the reception room is decorated with light-colored walls cut with curved
patterns and gilded edges. In the middle of the large room, a cream-colored sofa sits around a
warm-hued rectangular table. Above it, a luxurious chandelier hangs brilliantly from the high
ceiling.

Charan entered the area where someone was already waiting. He bowed his head respectfully,
inclining his head in a gesture full of humility. The smile and gentle eyes of the Supreme Ruler
of the Emmaly nation invited him in.

"Sorry I'm late," Charan was now dressed in neat, clean clothes, just like his original
appearance. The young man asked his own staff to arrange his clothes from head to toe so he
could change into them before heading off to the meeting, as he was primarily concerned with
courtesy and etiquette before Her Majesty.

"You're fine, aren't you? Are you hurt anywhere?" The Lord of Life paid no attention to the
entire ceremony. In this chaos, the high-ranking person merely gestured to invite the younger
man to sit, inquiring with concern.

“It’s just a minor injury,” Charan said, adding that what he suffered was a minor issue. If you ask him
who he’s worried about, he’d say Kanin is the person who needs to take the most care of himself
right now, both physically and mentally.

"Grandfather will call the royal doctor to examine you."

"It's no big deal. But little master... for safety reasons, I think you should take a look at him
first."

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"To reassure Grandpa, let's take a look at both of them."

"It's very kind of you, Your Majesty," the lower-ranking person lowered his head to accept his
words at the same moment the Lord of Life uttered a prayer filled with intense feelings.

"Thank you very much, Ran. Grandpa really wasn't wrong to trust you."

"No, it's... It's my duty to obey His Majesty's will, but..." Charan paused briefly before
continuing, "Did you tell everyone about the Little Young Master?"

This question arose because the young man had already assumed the answer. During the journey
between the meeting place and Dawin, Charan realized that the Lord of Life might have given the news
to the people who served the Asawethawathin family.

"That's why there were so many royal guards waiting to welcome the Prince."

"Tarin already knows. Kanin is also in the Asawethawathin safe area. This matter doesn't need
to be kept secret any longer." That was to be expected. Charan looked at the chessboard game
being played.

Now Kanin is in the safest place in the country. If it were announced that the true heir to the
throne was still alive, every media outlet, every news agency, would unite to pay attention, and
everyone in the country would know of Kanin's existence.

And it will be harder for the abuser to do anything. This inevitably means Kanin's safety rating
will be high.

"A long-term vision."

"Not only will Kanin cease to be a secret, but also the fact that you are skilled and talented, not just
an ordinary art teacher as everyone used to understand. We no longer need to hide this fact."

The Lord of Life's words were the same as Charan's thoughts in his heart. Previously, from a
very young age until he grew up, he was raised under the care of the Sovereign, almost equal
in dignity to a royal family.

This made everyone understand that he was privileged. The reason was because his parents died in the
line of duty protecting the people of the Asawethawathin family.

Charan, the sole survivor of the Phithaktewa clan, who directly benefited from this isn't a lie.
But it's only part of the truth.

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His true self was as sharp as a double-edged sword... He was trained to master hand-to-hand
combat and all types of weapons, handling close combat. There was nothing he wasn't good at.

Everything was set up like a secret mission that no one knew about. For Kanin, the missing heir,
who had returned to the country so no one would suspect his identity, Charan had a duty to
live his old life like a normal person.

He had no interest in fighting and no exceptional skills. It was all disguised under the guise of an art
teacher. Everyone knew Charan had a talent for painting. And there was a charity school for
children, which included tuition with the royal family under the supervision of the Lord of Life.

Charan was considered a difficult person to discover when it came to art, and the young man's true
origins were never known.

And he thought... it should remain a secret, at least from the general public. That was the most appropriate
thing to do.

"I don't think many people know about this issue yet..."

"I don't want anyone to know too much," said the Lord of Life, as if he knew what I was
thinking. For one thing, because he knows Charan's ways. The young man is the type who
doesn't like anyone knowing his life story for a long time.

"Yeah."

"Okay, Grandfather understands. As for Kanin... Grandfather will announce it in front of everyone
after sending a message inviting the leaders of all the families to come here."

"The story of the Little Prince... I think you already know it. On the road, someone chased and tried
to arrest the Little Prince. As for Tattanai..." the ending of the sentence with someone's name made
the mood even more serious.

"Grandfather will send someone to look for him. If he's still alive, Grandfather will bring Tattanai here.
Regarding the bandit, Grandfather will ask Wirun to investigate further."

"Yes," Charan said, recalling the events that had occurred a few hours earlier. That man, if he survived,
might be able to find clues and information that would allow him to reach the core.

But the chance of survival was extremely low. Charan knows this truth well in his heart. It was a
method uncommon in Emmaly; only the royal family could do it.

However... what family? Tawichmetha, Meenakarin, Puchongphisut or someone from

Asawathewathin?

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"Let's go. By now, Tarin should be waiting in the dining room." The old man's call and
movement snap Charan's mind out of its distraction. The young man pushed all his doubts
aside, but he didn't intend to let them go forever.

In a carpeted corridor on the lower floor that extends to the porch in the other wing, the mini-
retinue of knights moves slowly in time with the leader's footsteps. In his old age, although he
still looks very dignified and strong, the Lord of Life could no longer walk as easily and swiftly
as he did when he was young.

Charan keeps his eyes fixed on the movements of the person in front of him, cautiously
observing the crowned person every step of the way. Everything was in line with what had
been practiced for over twenty years, whether as the leader of the Phithaktewa family or as a
grandson.

The long hallway ended in a room in the middle of the left wing of the estate. The courtiers
acting as ushers bowed before calling the patriarch's name as the procession arrived. In an
instant, both sides of the door opened.

"The King of Life is coming!"

At the end of the voice, everyone in the small room stood and raised their hands to respectfully
greet him in unison. Everything fell silent until the Lord of Life began to walk slowly toward the
chair at the end of the table, where he belonged.

Charan, who was following him, stopped at the door to respectfully greet Prince Tarin, who, for the
moment, didn't seem to be focused on him. His eyes were fixed on the door, waiting for someone to
arrive.

"Kanin hasn't arrived yet?" the Lord of Life's question came almost at the same time as the person
everyone was waiting for.

"The Little Prince has arrived."

The dining room door opened again, revealing the small silhouette of someone who had been
protected by Charan until they reached Emmaly's country. His eyes, beneath his double eyelids,
shone brightly, though they were hidden by nervousness.

A different sight, like never before, made Charan stand still, staring at the man who was newly
dressed so that nothing remained of him as a London bad boy.

The owner of this cute little face is now dressed in a fashionable Chinese collared shirt draped
over his shoulders, a prince's suit embroidered with golden patterns unique to the northern
province, which makes his fair skin appear softer. Charan thought Kanin seemed to fit in
perfectly here, in a way he hadn't expected.

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Before he realized he had been staring at the other for too long, almost a minute had passed.
The young man bowed his head and paid homage to the one above him. It was no longer
possible for them to behave inappropriately as they once did.

'I don't know what to do in this strange situation.'

'Remember, Bod, if we go to Emmaly... when we meet strangers... no matter who they are, if
they're older than you, greet them first.'

I don't think it's fair. What if I don't want to say hello?'

'If it's anywhere else, that's up to you. But if you go with Emmaly, do what I say, or they'll complain that I
didn't know how to teach you.'

Tattanai's teachings echoed in his head once more. Kanin pressed his lips together to ward off his
nervousness before agreeing to follow his father's advice, even if it went against his will. In London,
he was free to say hello or not. But here... he gave up because he didn't want to disappoint
Tattanai...

He deeply understood why his father had been so strict with his education in the past.

"Hello... yes..." he decided to greet her first with common words because he wasn't used to
using polite ones. He finished his bow and looked up once more to see a middle-aged man
whose expression he couldn't decipher.

Kanin couldn't predict who it was. A tall, elegant, elderly man with broad shoulders, a long
neck, and hair styled in a semi-formal style that made the other look more like a businessman
than a king stood on the left. Perhaps a religious figure or a relative, but not one of high rank.

Actually... not as tall as the old man at the head of the table. About this person, not much
analysis is needed, just guesswork.

Probably the Lord of Life... someone as honorable as his grandfather.

"Sit next to Grandpa."

A deep, powerful voice spoke as if listening to Kanin's thoughts. The young man pressed his
lips together nervously. With a glance, he scanned his only refuge, allowing Charan to sense
the plethora of confusion in his mind. However, he was met only with silence.

Charan remains silent... mainly because he knows the situation well at this point. The young man's
response was merely a simple expression, given his condition, which made him unable to interfere
with anything...

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"Yes," the person said weakly. The young man looked away from the person and walked to the chair
on the right, which was still empty. Kanin didn't expect anything from Charan because he
understood the possibilities, and secondly...

Kanin thought he saw something resembling the definition of concern in her eyes.

"Let's start eating."

When the prince of the Asawathewathin family sat before the highest monarch in the hall, he was
ordered to bring plenty of food.

The aroma of freshly cooked sweet and savory food filled the room, but strangely, it couldn't
make Kanin want to try anything. He was being resolute.

Her double-lidded eyes blinked. Silently, she watched a group of women in red skirts slowly
enter with a variety of dishes.

They carefully arranged the plates of food on the table. Kanin felt a pressure growing in the
middle of his chest, as if a huge rain cloud were forming, making him feel uneasy.

There are several thoughts running through your mind. Perhaps because Kanin is currently facing a
new situation, all his senses are on alert.

Kanin's gaze rested on the plate of food in front of him, but he managed to take in all the
reactions around him. Whatever the look on Charan's face, the young man was certain the
other hadn't left. His eyes hadn't looked at anything else from the moment they first saw each
other until this very moment.

Another person whose senses can be clearly perceived is the well-dressed man sitting opposite
him. If Kanin's analysis is correct, he's fairly certain that... the look was one of longing...

A longing that made you want to cry... but why?

The young man drifted off into a trance. But before he could think of anything else, a deep
voice suddenly called out someone's name from the person at the end of the table, causing the
young man to inevitably turn around.

"Charan... Sit down. Let's eat together today."

Kanin turned his gaze to the name's owner. He could see the embarrassment in his sharp eyes, but
in the end, the lower-ranking man didn't refuse. Charan merely bowed when he received the order.

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"Yes, sir," a tall, elegant figure approached the dining table, waiting for the line of servants to
politely pull out his chair for him to sit. Those sharp eyes glanced at him briefly as he took his
napkin and placed it on the table. Silence fell.

His every move was graceful. His actions, even the way he sat at the table, indicated that the
other had been trained as a nobleman. The young man continued to wait until the loud sound
of the fork in the Lord of Life's hand hitting a bowl of water was heard. Thus began Emmaly's
first meal.

"It's okay, we can finally be together... It's the happiest thing in Grandpa's life."

Although there was no special ceremony, Kanin couldn't help the anxiety that gripped his emotions.
The young man tensed, feeling a comparison in his heart... The table was lavishly laid out, but the
atmosphere was horrifying. Unlike the kitchen of a small house with just him and his father.

"Relax, grandson, don't stress out. This must be very difficult for you. Kwan told me everything."

"Yes," Kanin still begs to differ, even though the Lord of Life tries to lighten the awkward
atmosphere by striking up a conversation.

"And how are the wounds?"

"Fine. It's no big deal."

"Well, then you can rest today. Tomorrow I'll have the royal physician come and take a look at
you."

Kanin wasn't sure how to respond or act in such a situation. Refocusing on eating the food on
his plate seemed like the best option.

Not for nothing, but because Kanin can see that even if he says everything is fine ten times, in
the end, the person introducing himself as "Grandpa" probably won't easily believe him. What
was he supposed to say? Royals like to make a big deal out of situations.

"I heard you're the captain of the fencing club, right?"

"Yeah."

Noticing his grandson's cautious appearance, the King decided to engage in a more friendly conversation
with the information provided by Charan to improve the atmosphere at the table.

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It wasn't just Kanin who still had to adjust and get used to it. It seemed Tarin himself wasn't
much different. He hadn't touched any particular dish. The beloved son of the Lord of Life just
ate... and he did it all out of courtesy.

But all the interest turned to Kanin. Only to Kanin.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what kind of food you like. So I ordered them to do their best to try it
first… Our country’s food can be very spicy, but if you don’t like any dish… don’t force it. You can
choose to eat however you like. Grandpa won’t consider it impolite,” the oldest person at the
table spoke kindly.

Kanin looked at the long table filled with various types of food, each plate beautifully decorated.
Some were elaborately stuffed with vegetables and, moreover, meat, the smell of which invaded his
filthy nostrils and made his stomach growl. Even if your heart doesn't think of wanting to eat.

The boy started with a plate beside him. Kanin ate according to his upbringing, but his mind
was blank. He wasn't aware of the menu in front of him and seemed to have lost his taste buds
for a while, until he saw a porcelain bowl containing noodles. The curry and orange noodle
soup made his memory explode.

Khao Soi... the one your father loved to cook. The food Kanin always said he hated the most,
but this time he even grabbed the chopsticks at his side and reached out to pick it up. The
noodles sank into his mouth slowly, just like old times.

The scent of fragrant hot peppers reached his nostrils. The sweet, salty, and spicy flavors of the
seasonings coated in the noodles brought tears to the young man's eyes. Kanin knew very well that
he didn't want to cry… from the burning sensation of spicy food, but from the feeling of having his
chest squeezed by an invisible hand.

It's because the bowl of khao soi tastes similar to what your father used to make... so similar
that it caused a sensitivity. What was once food he said he didn't like was now slowly absorbed
by his small, delicate lips, which caressed it as if he was afraid it would end.

"Do you like Khao Soi?"

The Lord of Life, who took the opportunity to put down his fork, had a kind face and bowed
slightly to the young man. This made the slender hand holding the chopsticks freeze. Kanin
blinked steadily for a moment before agreeing to raise his head to speak.

"There, my father used to cook khao soi for me to eat," the person in his mind's eye seemed to
ease the tense atmosphere. The Lord of Life raised his eyebrows, slightly surprised by the new
information he had received.
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"Really? Tattanai can cook too? That's amazing."

"Yeah, my dad said I had to train because he wanted... uh, he wanted me to eat a variety of
foods."

"Very good."

The Lord of Life noticed a faint smile on his grandson's face. But the man at the head of the
table had a clear view of his son's face and posture.

Tarin used to be a quiet person. He talked a lot, especially when sharing the dinner table with
the other provinces. Tarin has always been an important helper in finding conversations to
create a better mood.

But this time it was completely different. Tarin seems to have forgotten how to talk, how to
build relationships, as if he's completely lost control of himself.

The Lord of Life had already assessed that this moment must be very difficult for his son. Someone
with more life experience decides to lend a helping hand.

"By the way, the two of them haven't introduced themselves yet," he thought, thinking things
should go in the proper order. The Sovereign's voice once again caught the younger man's
attention. Kanin, without realizing it, turned his gaze to Charan. Their gazes met for a second, until
the smaller man looked at someone at the head of the table.

"Tarina".

"Yes, Dad," he replied, before falling silent. The Lord of Life just looked at his only son with calm
eyes. The other's gesture caused trouble for the highest-ranking person in the country.

The old man let out a slight sigh. The Lord of Life concluded that the person who was supposed
to connect the Asawathewathin family was beyond repair.

"Kanín..."

"Yeah."

"Sitting here in front of you is another important person you should meet."

"..."

"This person is Prince Tarin Asawathewathin, ruler of the northern provinces..." The sentence
spoken by the Lord of Life made Kanin's brows furrow. At first glance,

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sight, he felt familiar with the name. He couldn't say how, but he knew he had heard of it
before, though not where.

"..."

"And most importantly... he's your real father."

...........

Chapter 19: Only You

The Lord of Life revealed the truth to the younger man. Kanin turned and looked Tarin in the eyes. Now he had
the answer to why the other kept looking at him with that emotion.

'Emmaly is a country ruled by a King. The current Lord of Life, His Majesty, was formerly the
leader of the Asawathewathin clan and had only one son, Prince Tarin.'

'Over 20 years ago, Prince Tarin married his wife, Princess Kunita, and gave birth to a baby
boy...'

"And the little prince was called Prince Kanin."

The story of his own roots, which he had forgotten because he didn't want to remember,
returned to him as if to emphasize the reality. Kanin remained silent for a long moment
without responding. He had no idea how long his own eyes had been staring at Charan without
stopping.

His body's reaction in moments of nervousness is honest. Kanin is like a child, but when he
meets the eyes of the person who is like a pillar he can lean on, the bad feelings seem to
improve.

Charan nodded slightly. After that, the younger boy decided to extend his greetings to the person
who had been assigned the role of biological father, even though they had never met in person.

"Hello," he said, like a son who'd never been desired even once. The young man looked at Tarin
as if he were a stranger of his own blood. It was a distant feeling, not unlike having a large wall
formed between them.

"Hm," Tarin must have been equally embarrassed. The other replied with a calm expression.
With a glance, Kanin noticed that he acted as if he wanted to say something, but ultimately
remained silent. This caused the Lord of Life to rush to fix the situation... what could be called
entering the crisis line.

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"From now on, you will also be a member of Aswathewathin. There will probably be many things to
adjust, but it can be gradual. But if there is anything unsatisfactory that you want to change, you can talk
to Chakri. He has a duty to care and accept all your orders, for you have the honor of being my
grandson... your grandfather's grandson."

The random speech of the person sitting at the head of the table didn't even reach Kanin's ears. The
young man couldn't understand anything, couldn't grasp the meaning of that long sentence. His mind
was filled with uncomfortable and discouraging thoughts about life's prospects. Until he remembered
the most important thing and decided to make his wish come true.

"About the race-"

"And Tattanai, Grandpa's old friend," but unfortunately, he spoke at the same time as the other
person. The Lord of Life froze, his brows slightly furrowed as he waved his hand at his new
grandson. "Ah, Grandpa interrupted you. Speak first."

"It doesn't matter. Please speak first," Kanin told the older man in a serious tone. This time, he
chose stillness to suppress his movement. The young man had already decided that no matter what
happened, he would still be strong enough when they finally mentioned the competition.

Even if the other person is talking about something, he'll simply listen and respond politely. Kanin
hasn't forgotten the main purpose of setting foot here.

He wanted to ask the Grand Lord to step down, and after that, Kanin hoped to resume his peaceful
life without anything to worry about. After all, he hadn't been part of this palace from the beginning.

Kanin thought he was steady in his choice, unfazed by anything... except for the moment he
accidentally met Charan's eyes. It was as if there was a strange tingling sensation inside his
chest, faint but perceptible...

"I'd like to know about Tattanai. What was he like? Having heard that he even took the initiative to practice
cooking, Grandpa wants to know more about him... Did he take good care of you?"

"Well..." After listening to the prologue from the person sitting at the head of the table for a
long time, Kanin finally let out only a short sentence.

The younger man's attitude toward the other reminded the Lord of Life a bit of his younger
days. When bothered, Tattanai tended to remain silent, asking no questions and responding
with few words, never saying more than necessary. But he tended to be gentle with the little
things...

"Did you often practice swordsmanship with Tattanai? Did you know that your father is very
talented?"

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Although he was his adoptive father, Tattanai was still considered one of Kanin's parents, so
the Lord of Life chose to use this pronoun to show respect to the one who cared for his
grandson, who spent twenty years calling him "father."

Honoring someone who is no longer here, even behind their backs, made the listener feel
good. Kanin thanked him, but remained steadfast in his thoughts.

"I know... because we train together every day," he replied calmly, not wanting to continue
sharing his stories with anyone else. Kanin simply remained polite, quickly cutting the
conversation short on his own.

But the moment he concentrated on that thought, the Grand Sovereign of this imperial palace
let out a light laugh. The Lord of Life's eyes sparkled with recollection of old times as he spoke a
sentence describing what he was like to his grandson.

"Still dedicated. Nothing has changed."

"..."

"Tattanai was always known for being like that... Did you know why that guy wanted to practice
swordsmanship every day? It's because he knew that one day you would have to compete for
the position of Lord of Life like Tarin did for Grandpa. ... It was the competition Tattanai was
most proud of, as he had already participated as a fencer on Tarin's team, being considered the
best at the time."

The nostalgic man tells stories from the past while laughing. The Lord of Life is in a good mood as
he thinks about his old bodyguard friend, who is an important person, and rightfully so, because he
earned him the title of Lord of Life.

"..."

"Uh... when your mother was pregnant and found out she was having you, Tattanai even
offered to be your trainer... He even resigned as chief bodyguard because he wanted to be a
teacher to an unborn child. That said, I can't stop thinking about it..."

It wasn't just the Lord of Life. Kanin missed his father terribly, too. The young man didn't even
know how many times he'd blinked, but what he'd just learned shook his resolve.

Nin misses his father... he misses the person who was with him since he started walking, he
misses the many teachings he accumulated to become this Kanin... even when his father
sacrificed himself for him.

Why did Tattanai have to do this for me?

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"..."

"Tattanai would like to see you when you enter the competition... for doing his best to take good
care of you and training you with your sword until you were good at it, probably because..." he
hadn't. He hadn't even finished speaking when he reached an important point and decided to cover
his lips. The elder was surprised because he thought about the words his grandson would say.

What else could it be... other than the competition he always had an opinion against?

"..."

"Grandpa said too much. You don't need to think too much. I understand..." Kanin simply
remained silent, saying nothing. He simply stood there and listened.

"..."

"If you're not ready, that's fine... as long as you're safe. Grandpa met his grandson, our family
is back together, and I'm happy. Grandpa promises to find Tattanai."

"...", the young man remained silent and his mind went blank as all intentions seemed to turn
into a confusing dream.

"As for you, rest in peace. Just think that you're home now... Kanin."

.................

Kanin felt that Emmaly's night sky was completely different from the country he had come
from, both in terms of feel and scenery. What Tattanai had said was no different from what he
saw in front of him at that moment.

Emmaly is a country close to the equator. The sky is especially open, so at night you can see the
stars clearly. Double-lidded eyes squint at the bright light.

The noise of the garden fountain and the scent of the geraniums didn't calm him. His mind wasn't as
peaceful as the atmosphere around him. Kanin was quite distracted. After dinner, he asked to take a walk
in the Na Wang Garden.

At that moment, Kanin was alone; Charan wasn't with him, having been asked to stay and talk to the
two adults. The young man then took the opportunity to withdraw. A hot breath escaped as if he
couldn't think. The conversation that had taken place in the dining room a moment earlier was still
swirling around in his head.

'If you're not ready, that's fine... as long as you're safe. Grandpa met his grandson, our family is
together again, and I'm happy. Grandpa promises to find Tattanai.'

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'...'.

'As for you, rest in peace. Just think that you're home now... Kanin.'

were you thinking of coming home?

Kanin gazed at the bright red petals of the geranium flowers planted around the fountain. He
just stared, letting the countless thoughts in his head run wild.

The conversation in the dining room still paralyzed him, making him think hard until he heard
someone's footsteps. Kanin decided to interrupt his distraction to tear his gaze away from the
geranium petals and look at the other person.

A person who, although he hasn't seen his face, can already assume who he is.

It was one of the sensory abilities Kanin acquired through his swordsmanship. He was able to
memorize the gait or gait of familiar people by hearing and seeing them repeatedly.

About Charan... it's unknown when their first sense of perception accidentally noticed small details
about each other. Perhaps it was when they were walking home together, strolling through the
park.

Or when her warm palm held him as they ran through the crowd or perhaps... at some point
when Kanin himself hadn't noticed, only now it became something he clearly knew.

"Khun..." he called softly. Charan seemed to hesitate slightly. The tall man looked around
before continuing to walk, stopping in front of the other.

"Aren't you asleep yet?" The deep voice sounded like before, but it gave off a totally different
feeling, probably because of the clothes the other was wearing.

Previously, Kanin described Charan as anything but a guard. But now he'd like to retract his
words.

Dressed appropriately as a bodyguard, the other looks formidable, powerful, too handsome.
He just... looks too pretty.

"Are you looking for someone? The housekeeper or Chakri? I told them not to follow me," Kanin
didn't answer the question, preferring to question the tall man's gesture.

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They stood facing each other in the fountain under the moonlight in the flower garden at night. The
scent of the fragrant geranium flowers was strong, but not enough to divert their attention from
each other.

"You shouldn't be alone," the older man's voice held a mild rebuke. Charan's brow furrowed
slightly. But the younger man didn't care and was quick to argue.

"Now I'm not alone anymore."

"..." Charan grows weary of reasoning, as he begins to recognize the younger man's habits. The
young man remains silent and allows the royal to examine his eyes.

"I have something to ask you."

"About what?"

“Are bodyguards normally allowed to join the table as well?” Kanin asked thoughtlessly, though
he didn’t believe the customs and practices here would seem so simple and unceremonious.

He was suspicious because the gestures the Lord of Life and Prince Tarin had towards Charan
were noticeably different compared to the others.

"Yes, normally, the answer is no," the older man didn't miss the point, Charan replied truthfully.
Still, this didn't help Kanin dispel his doubts.

"And why do you...?"

"I am an exception."

"Why? Because your position is higher than others?" Speaking of ranks, Kanin is confident that
Charan must really be a high-ranking person, as he should be viewed with respect and
reverence by other people, which is why his uniform is different from other guards.

"You can understand it like this."

"So... the true duty? What exactly is yours?" Kanin didn't really know why he wanted to know
about this. He just wanted to get to know him a little better now. Just a little.

"I never told you?"

"I don't think so," he said, shaking his head.

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During the night in Emmaly, the temperature dropped more than expected. Kanin made eye contact with the
other man in front of him, looking them in the eye before saying anything. As a result, the atmosphere, which
the younger man perceived as cold, soon changed.

"Protect Kanin. Take care of Kanin, maintain and be honest with Asawathewathin is my duty."

It was as if the temperature around him was higher than before. The sound of the nocturnal
insects that normally bothered him was interrupted by the sound of something coming from
Kanin's body.

The reaction was mild, but enough for the owner of the white skin to know what was
happening. Kanin was speechless. They looked at each other under the enormous moon that
still shone brightly in the sky.

The occasional sound of water droplets helped keep the room from becoming too quiet. Kanin
looked away. It took the young man several minutes to find his voice.

"Come here," the young man said, taking the liberty of picking him up... No. "I'm calling you, so
throw yourself up high by your wrist, so I can follow the trucks behind me back to the palace. I
think it's only right." Her slender legs under her fine clothes walked through the halls of the
facility.

Passing through many guards, the major had to give up and ask what the young master's
purpose was.

"Where are you going?"

"Come on."

"You..." Charan's sentence was cut off mid-sentence when the listener wasn't paying attention. The
young man turned to call out to one of the royal governesses who was passing by with a completely
unroyal phrase.

"Phi, uh... Your Highness would like a bandage, please."

"Are you hurt? I'll call the Royal Doctor," the one in charge offered zealous service. He panicked
about the young master's injury, while the nobleman spoke hurriedly.

"Uh, no, it's fine. It just needs a bandage," the young man smiled back, allowing the order taker
to walk away, then turned and dragged the older man along.

"Here."

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"Stop," Kanin ignored the objection. He led the tall man directly to the second floor of the
palace's right wing before stopping in front of the door to a room where Chakri was waiting to
attend to him.

The plump figure approached the young prince at the same time as the old housekeeper brought the
dressing equipment for the person with the royal title.

"What Your Highness asked for."

"Thank you," a common thanks made the housekeeper act awkwardly. Chakri gasped. But
Kanin doesn't know exactly what caused this.

On the other hand, the other party thought he was hurt or harmed in some other way.

"Is Your Highness hurt?" he asked, focusing his eyes on the position of her hands, but Kanin paid no
attention. He chose to focus only on what he wanted to know.

"No, I'm not. Butler, which room is... er, my room?" Chakri had already said to him before going down to
dinner, but he forgot about it as soon as he walked away.

"That room."

"Thank you. Come here," he turned around and tugged on the tall man's wrist again after
thanking him. This gesture made the people around him clearly embarrassed.

It wasn't just Charan who showed signs. It's safe to say that almost everyone in the area, including
Chakri, the housekeeper, and the guards along the way, felt so embarrassed that they gradually
moved away.

"What are you going to do?" The older man's voice was deeper than before. Charan waited until the
others had left and walked away before speaking to the younger man again in a serious manner.

"Come in," Kanin wasted no time. His slender finger pointed at the bedroom door as he
nodded.

"Can't."

"Why?" The negative statement from the person in front of him made the listener frown. Kanin was
puzzled and even more incomprehensible when he heard the brief explanation.

"It's inappropriate."

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"How many nights have we slept together?" The phrase held no hidden meaning, but it made
the calm person gasp for air. The young man looked sideways, as if being cautious before
suppressing his loose mouth.

"Be careful what you say."

"Tell the truth. What are you afraid of? My family name has the right to command you here, right?" The
question from the person of royal lineage carried an expression that indicated he had the upper hand,
causing the tall person to pause.

That's true. Phithaktewa was born to serve Asawathewathin. Whatever happens, you must not
disobey. In the end, he just nodded.

"Hmm."

"Then come in now," the young man ordered, a smile forming at the corners of his mouth. The
smiling young man had just realized that having power... also had some advantages.

The bedroom door was closed by the owner, who was unfamiliar with the place. Kanin
examined the luxurious furnishings. Most of the furniture is primarily white with gold details.

Kanin reached out and touched the statue of a horse, neither large nor small, in the corner of
the room. His double-lidded eyes instantly flickered with suspicion when he noticed what was
there.

"Real gold?"

"Really," the other's voice helped clear the doubt, catching Kanin's eye. This time, the boy's eyes
widened as he realized that, at that moment, Charan was slowly running his hands over the
buttons of his shirt.

"Ah... Hey... Why did you take off your shirt?" the young man looked away. Kanin's expression was
one of surprise. Although he'd seen this before, he didn't know why he felt different than the last
time.

"Surprised? Didn't you call me to attend to the wound?" he replied. Charan removed his shirt,
revealing a broad chest. For a moment, the young man forgot the impropriety he had
mentioned, because, after all, there were only two people in this room.

"Oh, uh... no, I'm not surprised. I'm not surprised at all, sit down," Kanin quickly adjusted his
facial expression back to normal. The thin man coughed lightly as he gestured to a chair by the
tall glass door, which could be connected to a balcony overlooking the garden and fountain.

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Charan didn't say anything else, standing still, allowing the younger man to approach as he
lowered his head. His eyes were serious, his brows slightly furrowed due to the swelling and
redness around the taller man's wound, causing Kanin to wear a look of discomfort.

He did everything so gently and tenderly that the person whose body had been touched for so
long felt a strange sensation in his heart.

"That's enough," as if a feather touched the heart in his chest. It made him feel warm, and that
ended Charan in a situation he wasn't used to. But Kanin seemed to have something more
important to worry about.

"Do you know that what you're doing now is for others?" The white-skinned man's serious tone
made Charan stop. They exchanged glances before the older man's brain told him something to
object to.

"No, not for everyone."

"..."

"The Phithaktewa family belongs to Asawathewathin. My mother was able to live thanks to the Lord of
Life."

"So you're saying you're here, in part, because of your mother?"

"We are all born with different roles. The duty of my Phithaktewa clan is not to betray
Asawathewathin."

Kanin remained silent. It was perhaps one of the few times the boy had seen him wear such a
thoughtful and serious expression. The clock hand moved for another minute, until the white-
skinned man took the initiative to break the silence.

"My father's life was the way it was because of you. Your mother, your family. To bring you back here,
someone had to sacrifice themselves. You hurt yourself because of me."

"..."

"If I really refused to participate in the competition, I would look like a traitor. Is that everyone's
hope?" If his hearing wasn't distorted, Charan could swear he detected sensitivity in the other's
voice. Kanin seemed confused, so he decided to say a few words.

"It all depends on your decision," Charan admitted. It's true that he had already wanted Kanin to
compete again. But now he admits he's not as sure as he once was.

Now I'm insecure and I don't know why...

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Kanin remained silent again after his sentence. This time it seemed even longer than before.
The young man closed the first aid kit and his gaze fell on the beautiful face before he reached
out and uttered a word that had never been spoken before.

"Charan... do you want me to compete?" the owner of the name made eye contact with the person who
asked. He saw a gleam in those eyes. The moonlight shone on Kanin's face. At the same time, Charan was
suspicious... but he didn't expect the answer that would come next.

"If I say I want it, what will happen next? Will you listen to my request?"

"Oh, I'll listen to you."

"..."

"My life doesn't belong to anyone else. It's just you now."

.........................

Chapter 20: Really Important Message

In the Phutkha Palace, the eastern capital within the Ratchata Puchongphisut office at this
moment, the atmosphere is filled with pressure and severity, which spread even further,
causing the surrounding guards to not even dare to move.

"What else do you have to say?" said the powerful voice of the supreme leader of the
Phuchongphisut family, indicating great anger, after hearing the latest report from the trusted
bodyguard Siwakorn.

"I received news that His Majesty has already opened the process of accepting the heir from among
the people working in the palace. Soon, there will be a message inviting His Highness to Dawin."
Ratchata clenched his fists, his body burning. Anger rose in his chest, forcing him to release it with a
bang on the teak table.

Boom!

The shock caused numbness, reinforcing the veracity of the situation: the heir to the
Atsawathewathin throne was setting foot on Emmaly lands, threatening Phuchongphisut's
victory.

Ratchata used to be very confident that when it came to choosing a new Lord of Life,
Phuchongphisut would be the only family entitled to participate in the selection process by
having a person who met all the qualifications and was in accordance with all royal laws.

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Atsawathewathin and Minanakarin have no children. As for Twitchmetha, she only has one daughter,
which means that in this board game, Ratchata has always been the one holding the cards over the three
families until... this stupid thing happened.

The heir to the throne, who was known to have been dead since the accident more than twenty
years ago, has returned to life. It's incredible, but it really happened. The Lord of Life concealed
this fact for a long time... so long that he was very complacent.

“Keep an eye on it,” the thick palms pressed together to the point of pain. Ratchata felt a great
deal of worry when she realized the throne she had dreamed of was drifting away.

For nearly five minutes, the Supreme Patriarch of the Phuchongphisut family was immersed in
tension. Ratchata allowed his brain time to think until the servants at the front of the room
called out the name of his beloved son who had just arrived.

"Mr. Ramil has arrived," a tall, majestic figure appeared. Ramil bowed to his father. At that very
moment, his closest friend approached him. Paythai bowed to the most powerful person in the
hierarchy before slowly withdrawing from the scene to stand and wait.

"Dad sent someone to pick me up urgently. Is something wrong?" His eyebrows furrowed slightly. As he
asked questions, Ramil walked over and sat down in the large chair in the center of the room, leaning
back in a relaxed manner, without waiting for his father's permission.

"Where have you been?" Ratchata ordered four or five guards to stand back before turning to
speak to her only son in a more stressed tone than usual.

At this moment, inside the Phutkha Palace office, only Ratchata, Siwakorn, Ramil and Paythai
remain, seemingly unaware of the real situation.

"Practicing swordsmanship with Paythai," the third person mentioned in the conversation
accidentally sucked in his breath. Paythai's face remained calm the moment Ratchata's sharp
eyes shifted toward him.

"Go first."

"Yes, yes," Paythai accepted the order immediately. Her slender, well-proportioned figure was
about to bow to the most powerful person present, but someone interrupted her.

"There's no need for you to leave... His Highness is ordering it. I'm too lazy to repeat it. Stay and
listen," Ramil ordered his man in the first sentence. As for the second sentence, the young man
turned and addressed his father in a soft voice.

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Of course, given Paythai's position, he had no right to leave the scene. The frail figure remained
motionless, simply keeping his head bowed so as not to be a distraction in anyone's eyes.

"From now on, Father will find a good fencing master to teach you more," Ratchata's face
turned toward his son, negotiating an important matter. The middle-aged man stopped paying
attention to the ranking of pawns in the board game and focused on strategies.

"Practice more? Why? I already practice every week, Dad..."

"That's not enough, Ramil," Ratchata replied to his beloved son, frowning. At first, Ramil planned to
argue. However, he sensed something unusual coming from his father. So the young man decided
to ask.

"Is something wrong?" Ratchata's worried look spoke volumes. The middle-aged man's face
filled with expressions of deep thought when he mentioned why he had to work hard to
develop swordsmanship.

"My father has heard the news that Atsawathewathin is about to reveal the heir to the throne."

"What are you saying, Father? 'Heir'? How is that possible? Everyone in Emmaly knows the
Atsawathewathin heir died in an accident many decades ago. There's no way."

"He's not dead yet. That heir of Atsawathewathin is still alive," Ramil was intrigued by the new
information he had just received from his father. The young man was still not convinced and grew
even more confused.

"Someone must be trying to spread random rumors, right, Siwakorn?" he said, turning to ask
his father's trusted bodyguard for his opinion. The owner of the name lowered his head slightly
in response.

"It's a rather strong rumor, and it comes from a reliable source. There are rumors in the palace that the Grand
Sovereign sent someone to fetch the Atsawathewathin heir from another city, and that he has already arrived
in Dawin."

"Is that really...?" he muttered in a low, thoughtful voice. Ramil was quite surprised.
Atsawathewathin managed to hide this secret for a long time without anyone finding out.

This means the child was raised in a different city. And perhaps hasn't had any contact or
relationship with Emmaly for the past twenty years.

Because otherwise, this secret would have leaked out at some point.

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"You must prepare yourself, Ramil. The Lord of Life will reveal the crown prince soon," the more
experienced one said in a tense voice. Ratchata could see the game going, but she probably didn't expect
the Lord of Life to decide to do something so quickly.

Tap-tap.

“There’s a message from the Lord of Life,” a knock on the door accompanied the words of the
servant at the front of the room. Ratchata gave Siwakorn an order through her eyes before the
lower-ranking person walked to the door.

Siwakorn opened it to allow the person outside to enter the room. A plump servant bowed to
the clan's Supreme Patriarch before addressing the crown prince.

"Please grant me permission. There is a royal letter of special urgency sent from the Royal Palace."

"Read it," Ratchata couldn't help but say, having already grasped the contents of the letter. The head of the
Eastern royal family had a tense expression. And he became even more violent when what he was worried
about became a reality.

"Her Royal Majesty has ordered a meeting with him tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. at Dawin Palace."

Boom!

"Damn it!" The Phuchongphisut clan patriarch's thick palm slammed on the teak table again
after hearing the nation's supreme chief's order.

Ratchata's narrow eyes held enough anger to intimidate the younger ones. Unlike Ramil's calm
expression, he simply sat cross-legged and spoke a few words casually.

"Dad, why are you stressed? I was born with dignity and have lived a life beyond yours forever.
I've practiced hundreds and thousands of times. I know the rules and regulations of every
competition. The public should see and know who I am, and that you have confidence in your
son's abilities."

"..."

"How could the royal blood that was born into the commoner class and raised as a commoner
compare with a pure-blood royal family like us? Isn't that true?"

....................

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The medium-sized conference room of Dawin Palace was now filled with a gloomy atmosphere.
The entire royal family sat in unison, though not a sound escaped them. Each side was silently
immersed in their own thoughts.

News of the heir to the Atsawathewathin throne spread widely through internal gossip. The
faint rumors of the first moment became clearer in the second when the leaders of each clan
were summoned simultaneously. Everything happened so suddenly that the three families
found themselves in a dilemma.

Phuchongphisut, Minanakarin, and Twitchmetha. They all knew in their hearts that the agenda of this meeting
would change something forever. There was nothing in the text of the actual message. The chiefs of the three
clans were all worried, because they knew something important would happen today.

Just what...? What does the Lord of Life have to say?

A question that not even a clan Patriarch had an answer for, frightening them so much they could
barely sit still. But what they demonstrated was the complete opposite. They all wore masks of
ignorance, covering their ears and closing their eyes. What was the difference between them and
the deaf who couldn't hear or the blind who couldn't see?

They assume the role of someone who doesn't know why or for what purpose... on this battlefield, if
you talk too much, you can do more harm than good. The security that each state has built could be
undermined. The fact that there is no single authority cannot change.

The four great families of Emmaly face off in a competitive board game. Knowing too much can
cast a shadow over the family's image, but it's also dangerous if you know nothing.

Therefore, the governing body of each state must be very careful. And so, everyone in this meeting
room chooses to express themselves through silence without initiating any conversation.

Until the employee in front of the door shouted the great man's name. Everyone gathered
abandoned their thoughts and stood to pay homage to the person who had just entered the
room.

The Lord of Life made his way to his throne before slowly sitting down. Every gesture conveyed that his
physical condition was not what it had been before and that he was more than formidable.

A pair of sharp eyes scanned the surroundings like a lion surveying all the beasts under its
dominion. Then he nodded as a signal for everyone to make themselves comfortable.

"I'm sorry for summoning you all so suddenly," said the elder. Despite holding the highest
office in the land, the Lord of Life was not an old-fashioned man, forgetting that other people
are rulers of each of his states. The supremacy of each district is, therefore, something to be
respected and not neglected.
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His face wrinkled, his smile adorned as ever. The eldest had a calm expression, his eyes fixed
on his biological son, making eye contact with Tarin once and watching him look at his lap. A
sign that he still can't accept what was intended to happen today.

But the Lord of Life predicted that now was the most appropriate time. If not handled clearly, it
could cause chaos in the future.

"Let's get down to business now."

"..."

The Lord of Life didn't delay, seeing everyone's eyes looking at him curiously. Rather, he left
them doubtful for a long time. His misty eyes remained calm before he said something that
made the leaders of every clan widen their eyes.

"We will hold the Sovereign Tournament Selection Ceremony in the next three months."

Almost the entire royal family froze. Except for Tarin, he was almost uneasy. The mask he wore
turned to dust. Minanakarin wore an expression of clear surprise.

At the end of the powerful voice, most of the royal family, except for Tarin, were uneasy. Clear
as day, the face of the leader of the Minanakarin family had a clear expression of surprise.

On the other hand, Ratchata, the leader of the Puchongphisut family, had a dissatisfied expression on his
face, but he still tried to hide it. Yachana, the leader of Twichmetha, although he didn't move and was like
a stone statue, it was clear that he had a hidden anxiety. This could be seen from the way he raised his
cup and drank as if he were thinking about something.

The other two children, Eva from Twichmetha and Ramil from Puchongphisut, were no
different. Neither said a word, as if momentarily forced to forget their own voice boxes.
Everyone in the meeting room was even more stressed than before because no one had ever
predicted that everything would be so tense.

It's true that they thought of Atsawathewathin's heir..., but they didn't expect the Lord of Life to
also jump into the competition. Wasin's slender eyes looked around, observing the actions of
his relatives one by one.

The middle-aged man looked at all the family members in a daze, including the leader of the
Atsawathewathin clan. He looked exactly like someone who couldn't think of anything. The atmosphere
was so bad… so bad that Wasin thought he should do something, as the eldest who was always in charge
of breaking up the rest of the family's behavior.

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While it's true that Minanakarin has no one as heir to the throne, at least doing something right
now to maintain the family atmosphere so they can talk is probably the best solution.

“About the competition for the position of Lord of Life…” Wasin said precisely that and then
stopped. His small eyes looked at the Lord of Life once more, until the other nodded
approvingly. Then the middle-aged man continued speaking. “If we speak traditionally, it seems
there’s no need for a competition. Yes… because if we hold one anyway, Puchongphisut will be
the only family competing. Yes… then Puchongphisut should take the position.”

Wasin said before turning to Ratchata, who was younger than him. He didn't think like Rachata,
the heir to Atsawathewathin, but he had to say what he had to say. At that time, the Lord of Life
had yet to name an heir to the throne, so the most suitable person to be eligible was inevitably
from the Phuchongphisut family.

The dark expression that accompanied Ratchata's irritated snort left the rest of the people
speechless. Although the scent of geranium permeated the room, it didn't help anyone feel any
calmer. It was like an eye candy.

Wasin's typically gentle manner of speaking could have put anyone in the audience at ease, but
this time was nothing like before. The people in the room could feel the pressure of the
atmosphere even more when no one said a word.

Rachata didn't seem happy at all. On the other hand, Wasin could still feel the heat spreading
throughout the area, as if the lord of the Phuchongphisut family wanted to burn others with his
anger.

But, amidst the embarrassment of her family, Eva, the young woman from Twichmetha,
decided to take action. She slowly raised her hand.

Large, bright eyes stared at the King's seat, firmly asking for the Supreme Sovereign's
permission.

"I beg your pardon, Grandpa."

“Tell me, Eve,” the Lord of Life nodded once. As a result, Eve turned her gaze toward the noble uncle
and first nephew of the royal family that owned the Minanakarin clan, before opening her lips and
speaking the words she had organized in her head in a sweet tone.

"My lord, I have some doubts. I don't understand what His Highness, Uncle Wasin, said."

"..."

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"Your Highness, Uncle... Are you saying I have no right to compete for my father's position, or... did I
misunderstand something? If so, you can fix it."

However, although her expression was as gentle as ever, everyone was aware of the dignified
pressure her niece felt. Everyone knew that the Twichmetha family had given their daughter the
right to make all decisions, having raised her to assert herself from a young age, which was why she
was so brave that she wouldn't fear anyone at a gathering like today's.

"The guy has nothing to fix, Eva... The guy is just speaking according to the customs we've
always had," Wasin replied softly. "But if I upset you, I must apologize."

This time, Ratchata didn't sigh anymore, but the corners of Wasin's eyes saw the person beside
him raise the corners of his mouth in a smile. A smile that the middle-aged man couldn't
describe the feeling behind, but considering the atmosphere spreading, perhaps the younger
man had something on his mind.

"But what P'Wasin said is correct... you are a woman. No decision of yours is the same as a
man's," Ratchata's words made all eyes turn to the strong man in the suit. A classic dark suit
with a family crest, featuring a snake whose eyes were diamonds.

"What isn't equal to a man, Your Highness Rachata...?" Eva, whose heart was still racing from the
conversation, looked at Rachata. She took a deep breath before lowering her voice in emotion.

"..."

"According to royal law, the laws of our country do not specify the gender of the candidates... it says that
the heir has the duty to run for his father's office, and demonstrate the potential for elevation of the heir
of each state, so that it will be evident in the eyes of the people so that there will be no doubt in the
government of the state in the future."

"..."

"Because the heir has a duty to prove to his people that the sovereign is ready to rule and how
suitable he is as the next Lord of Life. After all... why, my lord, should the heir to Clan
Twichmetha not have the right to prove her worth?"

Eva almost quoted an entire paragraph from Emmaly's book on inheritance law, a country that
professed to be a democracy with a monarch as head of state, but in reality had been
completely eclipsed by patriarchy. She had to fight against all odds to prove that she was no
less than a royal heir.

"Look at humanity, Ratchata," after a long silence, Chana decided to help Eva speak. A middle-
aged man who looked the youngest among those eligible for the next Sovereign title still
maintained a calm but respectful posture.

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"Phi, you may speak. If Ramil were a woman, you would oppose this," Rachata raised her lips in
a wry smile.

"Wrong. Even if Ramil were a woman, I would support him, because women are considered equal to
men. No matter the gender, there is no difference."

Chana's statement is true. And, because of this conceptual framework, Eva was very proud of her
father.

Her father never blamed her, compared her, or discouraged her. He was always a supporter of
hers. Eva trained and was determined to win the title race.

When no one was left to protest or say anything further, the only girl turned her gaze toward
the elder of this palace. The sovereign was the only person she would bow to.

"Your Majesty, Grandfather, please consider it."

“Grandfather allows you to compete, Eva…” said the Lord of Life. The old man paused for a
moment. His misty eyes scanned the conference room, taking in everyone’s different
expressions.

Eva looked relaxed. Ramil looked stunned. Wasin smiled slightly. Chana tilted her head slightly.
As for Rachata, there was an aura of unease around her. Tarin was probably the only one who
remained motionless and had no intention of retaliating.

The Lord of Life sighed slowly before deciding to mention another important matter that led him to
summon everyone here.

"Eva will have the same rights to compete with Ramil..."

"..."

"Atsawathewathin will also compete... You can participate, Kanin."

.............

Chapter 21: Important Heir to the Throne

"Atsawathewathin will also compete... You can participate, Kanin."

The voice of the man who held a powerful position, sitting at the front of the room, caused the
door to slowly open. The sunlight from outside bathed the slender body, striking the soft,
delicate skin of the man who waited for the signal to be given before entering the meeting
room, causing everyone's eyes to stop.

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The presentation of the important heir to the throne brought everyone back into a trance. On the
other hand, only Ratchata continued to laugh with a wry expression on her face. Even so, the Lord
of Life, the Supreme Patriarch, decided to address what he wanted to say regarding the most
important matters.

"I called you together today to, in addition to announcing the competition, also introduce you
to my important grandson. This boy is my only grandson... the next heir to take care of
Atsawathewathin after Tarin."

All eyes were fixed on Kanin's face. His double-lidded eyes were similar to those of his father,
Tarin. His thin lips and bell-shaped nose are typical of those with Atsawathewathin lineage.

Just looking at his face was enough to partially confirm that this person had a Tarin mix. It was
clear from his face... so clear that it was hard to deny that no one could find anyone who bore
the same resemblance to someone from the Golden Horse family.

Kanin straightened his body as he placed his hands on his chest before bowing to pay his
respects exactly as Chakri had taught him. In the young man's mind at that moment, he was
tense and worried, but when he realized what he had decided, his thin figure stood up again.

He had already decided to compete. So the only thing left to do was keep going. At first, Kanin
considered speaking, but opted to wait and observe the others to assess the reason for their
confrontation.

"And how can we be sure... that this person is the real Prince? Everyone in Emmaly knows that
the heir of Atsawathewathin died in an accident when he was less than a year old. So what
proof do you have to be sure?"

The reality is no different from what was predicted. Kanin didn't even say hello or anything. The
deep voice of the middle-aged man sitting to the Supreme's left interrupted. The other man wore a
classic suit with a snake-shaped buckle and wore a clear expression of hostility.

"That's something I knew you'd ask," the Lord of Life had intentionally given Ratchata the first
word. The old man's lips lifted slightly in a smile, before he signaled one of the royal secretaries
to deliver the documents that had been prepared to be placed in front of all the members of
the royal family.

"..."

Silence once again enveloped the conference room, with no dialogue, as everyone was intent on reading
the documents handed to them. Especially Ratchata, who, by now, had read almost all the letters and
stamps.

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"This is a confirmatory document. Also included is a DNA test, a history of previous residence,
and even photographs from childhood to adulthood. We've put it all together to prove that this
grandson is the same person who was at the site 20 years ago."

"How can you be sure the evidence wasn't faked? This kid could come and trick us... trick the
King," Ratchata lifted her lips and smiled in response, but Kanin noticed her gaze.

The patriarch of the Phongphisut clan pressed the flames of anger against his chest. First of all,
because he wanted to see Tarin's attitude... he simply stood there and said nothing, until everything
became strangely silent.

As for Wasin, he remained silent and refused to vote against the Prince. Minanakarin, never one to
talk much, only knew how to fish for cheap pearls and distribute seafood. And the city was a
punishment for the people of Atsawathewathin day after day.

Ratchata shifted his gaze to the country's paramount chief. He hated Atsawathewathin for
putting everyone's head under his rule; after having been ruler for two terms, he still wasn't
satisfied. The Lord of Life still played tricks and played pranks.

Despite always knowing that he had an heir to the throne, he never said anything and let the
other families play dumb, unaware that there is a major competitor to watch and about to
enter the field of competition.

"It sounds more pessimistic. Perhaps Tarin didn't want to miss the opportunity to be crowned Lord
of Life either. That's why he collaborated with the Sovereign to raise a new child as his own and then
used him to deceive the other members of the royal family..."

"..."

"You will be able to accept the truth," the Lord of Life's words caused Ratchata to look back at
the Supreme Patriarch, while Twichmetha continued to listen to gather the details of the
situation.

"..."

"It would be hard to say that this kid came to trick us... Originally, this kid didn't even know
anything. He only found out who I was recently. Just like Tarin."

"..."

"He never knew about Kanin's existence. I was the one who hid everything for twenty years... because I wanted
to protect him from bad things that might happen. I hope you understand," the voice lowers to the

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end of the sentence. It embarrassed everyone in the meeting room, including the aforementioned
person, Kanin.

The young man, wearing a navy blue semi-formal suit with a golden horse brooch adorned
with a bouquet of olives, secretly observed the others' actions. His double eyelids scanned the
surroundings and inadvertently found the person the Lord of Life called Ratchata. With just a
glance, the slender, snake-like eyes glared maliciously at him before looking away.

This awkward atmosphere caused Kanin a great deal of anxiety. Meeting the face of every
person he might call an opponent for the first time can be considered nothing short of
pleasant.

The eyes of two young men his age regarded him suspiciously, though they didn't speak
directly. But the young man's mind was able to assess the near future with the turbulence that
was about to form. Brewing like a murky cloud before a storm.

Perhaps the decision to compete wasn't as easy as expected. Kanin realized that this wasn't just
a fencing match, as he usually understood it... but rather an internal matter for this country,
related to government and power.

The more Kanin saw the situation with his own eyes in front of him, the more he understood how
his father used to act while they were still together... every day his father would ask him a
questionnaire to get his answers and, it was one of those times, where his father was especially
attentive...

'Can you see... who is your friend or enemy?'

If his father were here, in this place, in this situation, Kanin would only have one answer to give
Tattanai.

As for them, there were no friends here... or accomplices. There was no one they could trust.

In addition to having to compete for the power he never wanted, Kanin also had to be wary of
untrustworthy situations. He had no way of knowing who he was up against, but given the
odds, every person in this room had a very high probability of being connected to those
assassins.

There's a villain lurking in one of these four families. Kanin was pretty sure it was someone here
who caused him to separate from his father, even though they were together and happy.

Someone wants him dead... but Kanin will make him realize that it's not as easy as they think.

Double eyelids lifted and scanned the room. The new heir to the Golden Horse clan carefully
made eye contact with everyone who looked in his direction.

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Her small lips formed a smile at the corner of her mouth, as if someone had a plan.

Kanin saw that he had no fear in his heart. As heir to the throne, it's true that he wasn't born or raised in
a royal palace. But as a fencing competitor, the young man was confident he wouldn't be outdone by the
others.

No matter what field you want to compete in, we will compete.

Let's see who will be the best player in the game.

Because this time I can win. Just wait and see.

"Yes... if that's really the case, it means Kanin is your real grandson. Wow... that's a joy, isn't
it...?"

It was Wasin again who used his eldest nephew properly and spoke, his small eyes shining
brightly. The typical optimism of the ruler of Minanakarin made everyone sigh.

Different people have different ideas. Even if they don't agree, with good manners, everyone in
the room should flow according to the situation.

"Yes, it's a joy," the Lord of Life pursed his lips and smiled, though his hazy eyes held a hint of
unease hidden in them.

"Then, as your nephew, I would also like to congratulate Your Highness... Congratulations, P'Tarin, on
bringing back your son."

The Twitchmetha clan, which had been silent for a long time, finally spoke. He was a tall, thin,
middle-aged man, dressed in a suit with a peacock-shaped brooch. He was followed by Miss
Eva, who imitates her father in all her actions. Chana placed her hand on her chest and bowed
her head respectfully, Emmaly-style, before slowly raising her eyes to meet the person
standing next to her, a member of the Atsawathewathin clan.

Although he seemed reluctant, Puchongphisut eventually stood up as well. A muscular man in

a classic suit greeted Ramil, who was sitting far away. As a result, the important son had to
stand up according to his father's orders. The Phuchongphisut clan sighed once before placing
his hands on his chest and lowering his head impassively.

"This nephew too, uncle... Congratulations, P'Tarin."

"With such a joyful matter, we shouldn't just keep it in our family... Then we should hold a press
conference as soon as possible, shouldn't we, my lord?" Wasin said.

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immediately when he saw that Ratchata had introduced him himself. It was clear that he had
accepted Kanin. The thin man smiled with unmistakable joy.

"As Wasin said... in that case, then call the reporters right now," when no one objected, the
Lord of Life turned to give orders to the royal secretary beside him.

The old man was still thinking of words to send a message to the journalists to announce to the
public, before organizing everything and ordering it firmly.

"Tell them we'll be holding a press conference on the title race next month... three districts will
be competing."

"..."

"Because now Atsawathewathin has an heir."

.................

The Dawin Royal Palace was now packed with journalists from all walks of life, who had
gathered when the Royal Secretary announced that Her Majesty intended to hold a press
conference on important matters related to the Royal Family's next step.

There are many rumors circulating on social media. Some say it's a press conference about the
illness of the country's sovereign ruler.

Others say it is a statement about the rulers of the eastern and western provinces,
Puchongphisut and Twichmetha, who could play an important role in the future, as the other
two families had no heirs.

But in the end, all rumors were quelled by the sight of a clean-cut young man emerging from
backstage. He had double eyelids and a bell-shaped nose, reminiscent of the Atsawathewathin
family tree.

The owner of the white body wears a navy blue suit with a golden horse brooch, which was an
important family symbol, adorned on his chest.

Her calm posture and flash-free eyes captivated all the photographers. Every movement
stopped when a slender hand touched the black microphone on the gilded wooden platform
used for press conferences. The once-rowdy atmosphere suddenly quieted.

Only the red light from the live video camera was still working to show someone standing at the
podium.

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The protagonist of today's event, Kanin, had no intention of waiting and wasting people's time. He
simply took a deep breath and looked directly into the nearest camera before speaking with
determination and firmness, demonstrating his intentions and communicating what was important
publicly.

"Hello... my name is Kanin... Kanin Atsawathewathin."

"..."

"I am the heir to the next generation of Atsawathewathin... It's a pleasure to meet you. So
please, you may leave now."

...............

The words caused many waves, both positive and negative. Criticism in the social media world
was heated over the issue of the heir's appearance, with a history, as everyone in this country
knows.

Kanin Atsawathewathin became the most followed person overnight. And that was exactly
what the Lord of Life wanted.

The arrogant disparity of a noble person, the image of a royal family that was previously difficult to
touch, was completely turned upside down with a single statement from Kanin.

After the press conference, all families except Atsawathewathin were asked to return to their
respective towns in accordance with the rule that they could not remain or enter the
boundaries of his residence without his permission, or during the period of the Lord of Life
selection ceremony.

The classical music from the record player mingled with the aroma of chamomile tea, helping the
Lord of Life relieve some of his tension. Facing the eldest was Charan, a young man whom
Atsawathewathin had raised as a grandson since he was young.

By now, the other has grown stronger. Furthermore, his silhouette is attractive, combining the
faces of his mother and father. His nose is prominent, like a protuberance that matches his lip
lobe. His white skin contrasts with his pitch-black hair, making Charan stand out more than
anyone else.

The Lord of Life knew his appearance. Therefore, Charan has many people trying to establish a
relationship with him. However, he, the Lord of Life, had never seen the other accept anyone.
Not once.

Perhaps because Charan is too attached to his duties.

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"Chamomile tea is Grandpa's favorite tea, do you know why?" The quiet conversation in the tea
room was repeated when the elder invited the elegantly-figured owner to join him for tea after
the commotion had passed.

"Because it is tea that makes Your Majesty relax, it is the taste of true relaxation, don't drink it
for the connotation." The Lord of Life laughed a little as he used his weather-wrinkled palm to
pick up the teacup and drink.

"You always know Grandpa's heart. Let's have a drink together."

"That's very kind of you," Charan said humbly before raising the teacup in front of him to sip. It
was a while before the supreme leader of this country said anything.

"How do the people of Kanin speak?" the Lord of Life's voice was monotonous, undisturbed. The old man
questioned the motive because he knew full well that in all the things that happened, there was nothing
Charan didn't know.

It was always like this. Charan is the perceptive type, but he tends to keep information secret,
waiting until he's asked, not rushing to process it and share it, as many people like to do. The
Lord of Life considered him one of the people he could trust.

The Phitakthewa family will never let Atsawathewathin down.

"There are positive and negative aspects. Some people think it's a hoax, even though medical
tests confirm it, and others are hopeful. The young Prince creates morale and encourages the
new generation."

"So?"

"Almost every group, both at home and abroad, is very interested in the young Prince's story."
The words that came out of his mouth caused the Lord of Life to slowly shake his head. His stiff
shoulders gradually relaxed as everything went according to plan.

"Okay, leave it like that, that's good. Let the light shine so Kanin is safe."

"..." Charan lowered his head to acknowledge her words. The young man himself agreed with
this idea. Kanin might have to be patient. It's uncomfortable to be watched constantly, but at
least he'll be safe.

Kanin's beautiful face appeared in his mind, drawing Charan's attention away from the smell of
chamomile tea in his hand.

The young man inadvertently thought of the other person... until Charan realized that
something true had caught his attention in the present time.

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"As for those who don't believe, that's fine. Kanin is of royal blood. He is Atsawathewathin. This
fact cannot be changed. He is the heir to the throne," the country's highest authority said.

Charan gulped secretly. Suddenly, he felt a strange discomfort in the middle of his chest. It was
as if something was wrong with his internal organs against his will.

"Yes, yes," he replied firmly, as always, but the feeling inside him wasn't like that. Charan
remembered his state and shook off his lofty thoughts before taking the cup of tea after his
senses began to block his awareness of how relaxing the drink was.

"Grandfather must be very grateful to you for bringing Kanin back safely. After that,
Grandfather will give you time to do the work you love, go anywhere, and do whatever you
want. As for Kanin..."

"..."

"Grandpa will find someone to take care of him so he won't bother you," the Lord of Life's
generosity remained undiminished. The old man's goodwill seemed to be an indirect declaration
that his mission had been accomplished.

Your duty was to bring Kanin back here and now it's over.

"Your Majesty."

From now on... you should keep more distance from each other, right...?

............

Kanin took sudden steps toward the hallway. Once again, he pleaded with the servants and headed directly to
the garden in front of the palace. He gave Chakri an ultimatum and asked the other to give him some personal
time.

The important reason is... he wasn't born in a gilded cage. He'd never lived a life where he was
watched, so the most important thing for Kanin now was time. Fortunately, the other
understood him a little, so Chakri gave him some time, as he was busy surrounded by
reporters for interviews, to come to his senses.

A warm breath blew, and the sky changed color. Kanin returned to his old spot by the fountain,
listening to the sound of the lapping water and... hoping to hear someone's footsteps.

Ten minutes passed until someone announced that Charan had been summoned to have tea with
the Lord of Life. His expression seemed worried. Until he heard a scream and his distracted
expression changed.

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"Khun!"

"..." Charan walked toward the other, just like yesterday. His previously worried expression changed
to calm, and a tall, elegant figure stood before him. Giving the young man a chance to discuss his
problem.

"See the trends? My friend in England must have been foaming at the mouth in shock by now.
Damn, Paul was texting nonstop. I lied to him, telling him I was just flying abroad, and now all
of a sudden I'm the heir to... Are you okay?"

Kanin let out a long murmur in his heart. He spoke of what had happened, but was interrupted
because the reaction of the person in front of him was different from other times.

"..."

"Is something stressing you out...?", Kanin asked, as Charan remained silent, staring at him.
The young man brought his feet closer before a few words could paralyze the white body.

"Your Highness..."

"?" Kanin was puzzled, his eyebrows slightly raised, unsure of what the taller person meant.
Initially, Kanin understood that Charan was just trying to irritate him, as he did every time the
other chose to use the royal term.

But it seems to stand out this time...

"I think Your Highness should readjust with me."

"Because?"

Something will change.

"A royal like Your Highness and a bodyguard like me shouldn't use common words to
communicate."

"..."

It changes a lot...

"I'll do everything right from now on. Your Highness must do this too."

..................

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Chapter 22: Forbidden Garden

For several days, Emmaly's media have been reporting on the return of the important heir to
the throne, Atsawathewathin. Each channel featured a different topic, including the revelation
of personal information such as his likes and dislikes to eat and his favorite color.

He soon found himself living in a foreign country, where his father and mother's story was
once again talked about. Some news agencies even went so far as to publish a video of Prince
Tarin's wedding ceremony more than 20 years ago. This resulted in a wide range of criticism.

Kanin's first appearance in the media was mostly positive. As for the Atsawathewathin heir's
likeability, many people admire him.

But some still have doubts about his origins. And some focus on the conspiracy theory that
Atsawathewathin leaders might not want to miss the opportunity to compete for this position
and should therefore establish a false heir for themselves, thus giving them a chance to
compete for the position of Lord of Life.

Suspicious of the information about the new royal family that had just been made public, some
media outlets flew to London to contact the young prince's colleagues for an interview. Other
media outlets were so interested in his sporting abilities that they had to ask club coaches for
their opinions.

It can be said that now, when you turn on the television on any channel, you should see the
news about Kanin Atsawathewathin along with the news of his running for the position of Lord
of Life at the same time.

In the master bedroom of Phithakthewa Mansion, the soft sound of the television on the left
could be heard in the background. As soon as he heard an interview mentioning the Prince of
Atsawathewathin, the long, slender hand holding the pen diverted his attention.

A tall figure, dressed in deep blue satin pajamas with a low cut that revealed a firm chest,
slightly raised his head from the pile of papers. Beneath his glasses, hawk-like eyes stared
intently at the interviewee's face, gleaning information from the lips of the person appearing
on the television screen with interest.

'Kanin is great, from what I remember. He's been a fencer since he was young.'

'Prince Kanin, right? Ah, that's all. Prince Kanin. He's a good friend, everything else is pretty
typical... What else do I have to say? Enough of this, stop following me.'

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When the coach's image cuts, the next person to appear is a young, golden-haired foreigner.
Charan stares hesitantly at the boy speaking to the press. Suddenly, his mind reels with
memories of that night.

That man was Paul... the young master's best friend. And it was he himself who encouraged him to
flirt with his friend under many threats.

Several news reports from every outlet reached Charan's auditory senses before he regained
consciousness. It was then that a photo of someone he hadn't seen in about a week appeared
on the square screen.

The handsome face made the tall man accidentally think of something. His breathing became
hot and labored. Finally, Charan decided to grab the nearby remote control and turn off the
television, turning to pick up his pen and once again pay attention to the pile of papers in front
of him.

But before he could do anything as planned, the phone next to him rang. Charan grabbed it as
soon as he saw the contact's name.

"How's this going?" The Phithakthewa Clan patriarch removed the glasses and placed them on
the table. His tall body leaned back in his chair as if he wanted to relax, contrary to the tension
on his face.

[As for the toxin used by the killer... our lab reports it was potassium cyanide.]

The phrase on the other end of the call prompted Charan to be fully alert. The young man
frowned before repeating the words in a deep voice.

"Potassium cyanide?"

[Yes, sir. The poison was contained in a capsule in the killer's mouth... The nurse commented
that it would be a new molar implant for this job, mainly... because the material used is
composite resin, making it thinner than normal, probably intended for use in a perforated
tooth.]

"Does that mean the killer could die at any moment... just by biting his teeth with the implanted
capsule?"

[Yes sir.]

The newly received information made Charan feel unable to sit still. The young man took out
his iPad and looked up the name of the poison he'd heard about, trying to get a clear picture of
it.

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Potassium cyanide is a white, crystalline powder. It is rich in almonds and dissolves well in
water. It is primarily used for cleaning galvanized metals and extracting gold and silver from
ore. It is frequently used, especially in the gold mining industry.

But for the human body, just 200 to 300 mg of potassium cyanide can cause immediate death.
This is because it directly affects the body's oxygen supply, causing convulsions, asphyxiation,
and unconsciousness due to a lack of oxygen to maintain brain function.

No wonder the killer ended up like this...

Does this mean these people are willing to die for the mission? Since this method is quite risky,
even accidentally overchewing food can also cause sudden death.

And who would have the courage to let poison be implanted in their teeth? Only someone who
held a grudge against Atsawathewathin to the point of being willing to die to prevent the
arrival of the important heir?

Charan swept his eyes and quickly read the information in front of him. Having finished processing
what had been reported, the Patriarch of the Phithakthewa Clan now had an even more serious
expression on his face, lending an even more somber atmosphere to the room.

The other end of the call remained silent, not thinking of saying a word of protest. On the one
hand, because he knew that a person with the rank of lord and clan chief had to use his mind
well.

It was a long time before a sentence was uttered... an important sentence that confirmed that
anyone who used this kind of poison would never escape the eyes of Charan Phithakthewa.

"That's why I would like to receive information about the use of potassium cyanide throughout the
country, including the source of production, please, urgently."

...........................

The sky above the palace was overcast today. A flock of birds flew in the wind. Kanin's double-
lidded eyes watched them, feeling that the freedom of the birds was completely different from
the situation he found himself in now.

The young man let out a momentary sigh before looking away from the window. Inside the
royal family's living room, the decor is primarily focused on brown and cream tones, with a
large built-in bookcase surrounding the room, equivalent to a two-story building surrounded
by a frame.

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In the center of the room was a small, ornate wooden piano that contrasted with the short-pile
white carpet. The atmosphere would be very relaxing, if not for two people staring at it,
causing a feeling of discomfort.

The feeling of an animal in the zoo.

The young man read his surroundings while secretly sighing uncomfortably... most importantly for the two
people sitting across from him, the woman from Twitchmetha and the man... from Puchongphisut.

Narrowed eyes stared at the two young men sipping their cups of tea in unison. Amid the
silence, devoid of any conversation, Kanin suddenly recalled the morning's events.

Everything happened too quickly for him to have time to react. Chakri stepped forward to inform
him that the King had ordered everyone to compete together today because there was an
important matter that needed clarification.

Suddenly, the person who is the butler felt like dragging him from his bed mattress to shower
and get dressed, after wearing normal clothes for several days.

After hastily finishing his shower, Chakri led him to the main reception area and told him that
two more relatives would arrive within the hour.

At first, Kanin wondered why the others were late, but Chakri informed him that Eva and Ramil
weren't allowed inside the royal palace, according to the rules. The boy then understood, but
before he could ask why, the butler ran away.

For nearly an hour, Kanin had to sit alone, drinking tea and eating cucumber sandwiches.
Confirming that the hour was approaching, relatively elegant people slowly appeared, one by
one, starting with the woman.

She took a step toward him to greet him, her posture friendly, beautiful, sweet, pleasing to the eye.
She was like a princess straight out of a fairy tale.

However, Kanin would like to conclude that she is a modern princess who isn't as delicate,
sweet, and beloved as she is in the old fairy tale books. Perhaps it's because of the daring dress
and high ponytail.

All of this resulted in a strong and resolute atmosphere surrounding her. Every step of her
movement was dignified, bold, yet performed with humility.

Then a young man her age came. This person didn't even come to say hello.

His face was slender and oval-shaped, and his eyes were fine and pointed. His hair was styled in a
fashionable style. His posture demonstrated self-confidence.

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Kanin felt this man gave off the aura of a high school football team captain. But aristocratic
etiquette can instantly turn this self-confidence into arrogance.

They sat in silence, staring at each other until, after a while, someone started a conversation to nip
the awkwardness in the bud.

"By the way, I haven't officially introduced myself yet... My name is Eva. As for this person,
P'Ramil. P'Kanin must remember... we are cousins," Eva finally made Kanin wake up from his
reverie and return to the current situation.

The sweet smile matched what was said, prompting Kanin to nod in response. He introduced
himself before extending his hand to the person next to him, who was still sitting cross-legged
sipping tea, as if on his mind.

A brief, formal greeting began. The person named P'Ramil, for his part, slowly placed his cup
on the table before extending his hand in a universal greeting.

"It's a pleasure to meet you."

Ramil said, his slender eyes fixed on Kanin, observing the slender fingers of the person sitting next
to him. However, although he was suspicious of the other's attitude, in the end, the young man
realized that maintaining etiquette was important.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too," he said flatly, looking at the other with a smile on his face. A
soft laugh escaped his throat.

"What are you doing?" Kanin frowned at Ramil's strange gesture. Ramil took her hand and
turned it the other way. He leaned in to look more closely, as if searching for something. When
he finished, he uttered a sentence she didn't want to hear.

"I was just wondering if it's real or fake... Outsiders are spreading rumors that you've been
hired."

"..."

"If they hired you, it was nice to find something like that. Double eyelids, that nose shape, and a
skin color like this makes it so Atsawathewathin-like it's shocking..."

"..."

"But in conclusion, are you really true or false? Tell me so I can help you explain. The penalty
would not be too heavy."

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The voluptuous expression in her body language made Kanin's eyebrows furrow inward. His
heart contracted as if it had been pierced by a sharp object. But it wasn't a feeling of pain, but
rather the frustration of the contemptuous look cast upon someone who speaks without
thinking.

This way, Ramil makes it easier to read about himself... which is a plus.

There's a saying his father always told him about being careful. He'd told him that when fighting, he should
choose to fight against visible dangers and avoid invisible ones.

Because we never really know them, and we can't calculate how much damage they cause.
Ramil was the first person Kanin chose to place in the maneuverable category, which is when
an opponent displays a predominant behavior from the outset.

The words, the expressions, the gestures, the aura—everything made it impossible to think
otherwise. Furthermore, the other man tried to intimidate him in a childish manner, because
otherwise there would be no reason to talk so desperately face-to-face like that, especially since he
is also the Prince's heir.

Kanin thinks it's fun... and he also likes to have fun like a kid.

"I'm not sure how much, but I'll say yes and follow you," the noble heir revealed with a smile. Kanin
acted as if he didn't understand what the other meant. The young man eventually found a way to
counterattack... lightly.

"..."

"By the way... is this how you greet each other here? Sorry, I'm new here so I don't know much about the
customs... But if not, could you tell me so I remember to use it? Is it okay to humiliate someone from my
own family?" Kanin turned around and spoke to Eva in a bright manner, but it seemed to have completely
affected the heart of the person sitting next to him.

"You..."

Ramil gritted his teeth while Kanin continued to play the innocent. The strange weather made
things heated. A small argument took place in front of the lady, resulting in... the only woman
letting out a light laugh.

"Eve!"

"I'm sorry, P'Ramil, but I must ask you not to take this against P'Kanin in any way... We can see
that it was you who started it."

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In the name of fairness, Eva didn't side with the person she already knew. The only woman in
the room told the whole truth as she saw it and was open-minded enough to see him as
average. And that made her seem quite attractive.

Kanin momentarily lost interest in Ramil and turned to Eva. As an older man, he saw Eva as a
very mature and generous person. But as an opponent of the royal family, Lady Eva is very
terrifying.

That's why it's called invisible danger.

Kanin doesn't know if there's something hidden behind that sweet smile... Some people seem to be
nothing but the truth... but they may hide a dark side, who knows?

"It's not good, but with the mouth."

Seeing that he didn't care, Ramil drew more attention to himself by speaking loudly. Kanin tilted his head
and raised his eyebrows as he looked at the culprit with an expression as if he didn't understand.

"What does 'not good, but with your mouth' mean in Emmaly? I don't use that language much. Is it a
compliment? So it's a matter of politeness. You have to return the compliment, right?"

"..."

"So... you're no good, but your mouth is too."

Kanin maintained the motto that if you're playing a role, you should play it well. He politely
lowered his head slightly, keeping his frustration in his chest. He acted with humility and
ignorance. On the one hand, it was important because his instinct told him to be careful.

They said they were brothers, but they could have been, unintentionally, just a political brotherhood.

They smile from the front. Behind their backs, they wait to stab each other with knives in their
hands.

Kanin didn't think he could trust or find anyone he could easily rely on until the competition
was over...

Kanin realized he was in trouble. Another important reason was because the only person he
could trust at the time had fled... acting distant, like a stranger... despite the fact they'd been
through so much together, through life and death, but he had pushed his heart out in a cruel
way.

Knock-knock.

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A soft knock on the door once again interrupted the young royal family's thoughts. A servant
with a familiar face opened the door and greeted them before relaying orders from above in a
firm voice.

"I beg your pardon... The Lord of Life has ordered that everyone have a meeting now, Your Highnesses."

The servant finished speaking, took three steps back, greeted them, and then turned, leading the
way. At that moment, Eve seemed more alert than anyone. Only she turned and gave him one last
smile before leaving the room where they were waiting.

Unlike Ramil, who didn't seem as excited as Eve, the taller man stood still, unwilling to move.
But when he saw Kanin about to take a step, he deliberately held him back, forcing the slender
boy to take a step back.

Seeing that Kanin was standing still, the taller person turned to him with a zenithal gaze,
showing no expression, unlike his words, which could be interpreted as an indirect warning.

"I remember."

Kanin raised his eyebrows as soon as he heard this. He thought in his heart that he should play
the role of the strong-willed person, but with no other choice, he had to pretend. The young
man thought of the most innocent smile of his life before accepting the other's words with a
bright voice, as if it were the sound of a bird singing in the morning...

"Yes, I'll keep that in mind."

............

The afternoon sky today wasn't as clear as usual. Charan wasn't sure if it was directly related to
the weather or due to the frustration building in his mind.

The young man tried to dispel the disturbing thoughts. Focusing on his main objective, he was
forced to return to Dawin Palace one afternoon, after trying to avoid setting foot there for
almost a full week.

His thick palms pressed against a canvas with the latest painting—his main reason for having
to appear here—before he let out a soft sigh. It all started with the Great Lord's words after a
sip of tea the other day.

He had been ordered to bring a new painting to replace the old one that adorned the tearoom.
This is nothing more than Charan's virtue. Originally, this was a role the young man truly
enjoyed.

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So he agreed, but this time... something is wrong with the last brushstroke on this canvas. It's
an anomaly that's very difficult to find words to describe.

"I didn't expect to see you here," said Prince Ramil's close follower, Paythai Ranawee, as
Charan's slender legs entered the reception room. The young man scanned his surroundings,
looking for others, but couldn't find anyone other than the person who greeted him a moment
ago.

"..."

"There's no one here except us. Sit down," Paythai's soft voice said, as if he knew what was on
Charan's mind. The slender, pale-skinned man sat with his legs crossed and his back straight.

There was a table in the middle between them. On it, a set of small teacups and dessert plates
sat side by side. White smoke rose from the cup, indicating its high temperature.

Charan went straight to the sofa, his expression a little more relaxed than before. When he was sure he didn't
have anyone else to take care of, he sat down and asked something, even though he already knew the answer.

"Did you come with Prince Ramil?" This was a question that even Paythai himself knew was meant out of
politeness. As a result, the only son of the Minister of Defense burst into laughter. The owner of the pair
of sharp eyes glanced at the other before answering in a low voice.

"Prince Ramil, Lady Eva, and Prince Kanin are in the meeting room with the King."

The answer that didn't fit the question didn't surprise Charan as much as it did the other man,
causing his black eyes to blink. It only happened in a split second, and it wouldn't have been
enough for anyone to notice, if it weren't for the person in front of him at that moment,
Phaythai.

This person is the type who sees quickly and is clever with words. If you're not careful, they
could easily discover what's hidden in your heart and read everything.

Charan thinks of his relationship with Paythai as a boat on the river and a tiger in the forest. They support
each other and talk, but they can't reveal this to anyone due to their respective families' positions and
statuses... resulting in them not being close enough to each other.

"Chocolate Marble," the young man pushes a plate of soft pastries towards him, his light brown
eyes staring at him as Charan is determined to say no.

"It's better not, I..."

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"I guess you can't deny that sweets can help reduce stress. It's like art that heals people's
minds," Paythai nods at the canvas frame beside her. Charan didn't accept it, but he didn't
refuse the dessert on the plate again.

He used a small fork to cut the cake, whose sweetness matched the bitterness of ingredients
like the chocolate hidden inside. Charan acted as if he were focused on eating, even though his
mind wasn't there.

"..." the young man remained silent until the other invited him to speak again. The consciousness that had
been withdrawn returned to his body.

"This painting is of the Garden of Eden, right?"

"Yeah".

"The Forbidden Garden... very good. When I saw it, I felt that humans and greed went hand in
hand." The smile that appeared on her face made the image seem appealing. Charan believes
Paythai is just looking for idle chatter, but her subconscious isn't pure.

Garden of Eden... Charan doesn't want to think about the reasons why he made this drawing.

"Not just greed. Humans and impurities go hand in hand." The conversation continued
smoothly so as to avoid suspicion. Charan tried to act normal, but he knew very well that his
eyes weren't paying much attention to the person in front of him.

On the one hand, because the young man often inadvertently looked down the hall, as if
searching for someone. Until a sentence from Paythai, like a tiny needle, pierced his heart,
causing Charan to refocus on the conversation.

"Do humans and impurities go together, just as suffering and love go together?" Charan wasn't
sure if Phaythai noticed anything about him because the other was intelligent. His inner
instincts screamed at him to be careful.

I had to do something to divert the conversation this time...

"Some people are addicted to suffering," the older man's expression was calm, as always.

Paythai was hard to read. On the outside, he seemed like a person with no weaknesses, who never had any
flaws. He was never sensitive. He's the perfect guy through and through.

But not with Charan, because he knows Paythai... like no one else ever has.

And all human beings are never perfect.

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"..."

"Some people know that love will make them unhappy, but they still cling to it, don't they?"

"Not my type."

NT: "Not my type" in English.

"Really?" The English idiom's response was slightly annoying in the eyes of a younger person,
which may well have caused a slight smile in the older person.

Paythai doesn't like to bring up the subject of "love" with anyone, nor does he have any
knowledge of it. The two of them let silence fall for several minutes before Charan found a new
topic.

"And the painting you said you would do?"

"Not yet... I don't think I'm in the mood," the rarely heard friendly tone helped lighten the
mood between Charan and Phaythai. The young man smiled, looking at the young man while
hinting at underlying questions.

"Is something bothering you?" It wouldn't be wrong to call it bothering him. Phaythai often
comes to him to use art as a healing aid to avoid the stresses of life, and so, in Charan's eyes,
the other is like a little disciple.

Sometimes he is weak, sometimes he fails in life, as a normal human being should be.

"My personal art teacher is away. I don't know who to turn to."

"Now I'm back. Welcome to Morpheus School of the Arts."

"Let's face it. If I show up and you're not there, you'll see..." the thin man clenched his fist
toward his face. His face was thin, and that made Paythai seem arrogant at times, but the older
man knew it was all just a shell.

In fact... if it weren't for the position of each clan, perhaps they would be closer to each other.

"Send a message before you leave. If you're feeling really stressed and need to vent, ask the
elder to help you get in."

"Well, if you..."

"Paythai", the whole conversation came to an abrupt halt the moment someone recklessly
barged into the waiting room.

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Charan stood up from the sofa. He didn't need to turn his head to see who it was. He already knew.
If it weren't for being someone of a higher level, he wouldn't have the courage to act so
outrageously.

The young man bowed respectfully to the sole heir of the Puchongphisut family. Humbly, he
saw the eyes that glared at him. If he could guess, he could say that Ramil had walked in and
heard the last sentence, which was probably why he didn't seem very happy.

"Let's go back," came a brusque order. Paythai didn't have a chance to say goodbye or speak to
Charan again. The young man quietly left the waiting room, leaving behind a cup of cold tea.

Paythai couldn't predict Ramil's facial expression at that moment. The young man could only follow his
long strides through the corridors of Dawin Palace, behind someone who looked familiar.

The person in the position of close follower only felt an atmosphere of strangeness spread,
until Ramil signaled, shooing away all the other servants and walking away to confront each
other. Paythai then saw Ramil's sharp eyes, staring at him with dissatisfaction.

"What were you talking about?" the person of royal blood asked in a low voice. The hallway was
empty, but Ramil still remained vigilant, as his father, Ratchata, had taught him well.

"General business," Paythai replied truthfully. He didn't mean to be voluptuous, but his frown
indicated that his answer didn't sit well with the listener.

"Is it a question of finding a place to relieve stress or a general issue?"

"I was just talking about art studies. Yeah ah..." Paythai finished her explanation just as the
person of royal lineage approached, tugging at her wrist as he lowered his voice to almost a
whisper.

"It's the line that makes Atsawathewathin our enemy. If you don't want trouble, stay away from
it."

"..."

"How many more times do we have to talk about duties? Remember who you belong to, who
you have a duty to, and what you do," the same words Paythai had heard before she knew
them by heart came out. The frail body sighed before withdrawing her own arm, intending to
free herself from the taller person's grasp, but the taller person didn't let go.

Eventually, the person with the least power stopped being stubborn. Yes... he stopped being physically stubborn and
started responding with verbal rebellion.

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"I remember what my duty is and what I must do..."

"..."

"But there's no rule for close followers that prohibits me from studying art, is there, Prince
Ramil?"

.....................

An old man was handed a large canvas with exquisitely painted expressions. The Lord of Life's
face broke into a smile as his cloudy eyes gazed at Charan's latest work of art.

"Is it the Garden of Eden? Your skill is as good as ever."

"It's very kind of you, Your Majesty," the praised person bowed his head humbly, making eye
contact again with the person in front of him, whose next sentence would cause Charan to
interrupt his thoughts.

"Tell Grandpa what you were thinking when you drew this picture."

"I was reading a book for fun and came across an article about the Garden of Eden. Pretty
good," a mixture of truth and lies.

Charan knew very well that the Lord of Life had only asked a question, as he always did. But since
his heart was no longer as pure as before, the young man felt very ashamed.

"How beautiful, thank you so much. It made the atmosphere even more cheerful." Fortunately, the elder
was impressed. The Lord of Life seemed content to admire the artistry of the brush tip in front of him.

That's the best, in Charan's opinion.

"If Your Majesty is happy, I am happy," the Lord of Life continued. Charan responded to the
conversation, everything continued normally, but his mind wandered to someone else.

Someone... walking outside the room. Kanin felt like a fish in a glass aquarium: swimming and
glancing furtively toward the door of the room where he received a report from Chakri that
Charan was talking with the Lord of Life.

His thin lips pursed as his mind pondered the situation. All these days, Kanin felt like Charan
had avoided him. Perhaps on purpose, he couldn't guess.

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And because of this uncertainty, Kanin wanted to find a way to prove it. He chose to confront it
because at least he could be sure that not everything is just a hypothesis.

The owner of the white body took refuge behind a pillar, patiently waiting for the sound of familiar
footsteps approaching. Kanin took a deep breath before emerging from his hiding place and
appearing in front of the tall man, close enough that the other had no way to get around him.

Charan was clearly stunned. Their eyes met before Kanin said the greeting the boy thought
was the stupidest he'd ever said.

"Huh?" The older man didn't respond to his words, but instead placed his palm on his chest and
bowed his head in a respectful gesture. As it turned out, this time, Kanin was the one who
interrupted.

Nowadays, he thought he had been through enough to get used to the presence of so many
people who had to pay respect to him, but as soon as the inner feelings grew even stronger,
they shouted against him.

"Your Highness, is there anything I can do for you?"

Kanin hadn't gotten used to it. She didn't think she was used to the distant gestures, the pronouns
that indicated class and distance. All suspicions were now clear that Charan... was deliberately
treating him like a stranger.

This area is devoid of mirrors. Kanin doesn't know what kind of expression he's making right
now, but if he had to judge it by his voice, he's not entirely sure what tone he was using...

Does it look very cropped...?

"It will be like this... it will be like this, won't it?"

...........................................................

Chapter 23: The Game Begins

In a Western-style garden, Phucakha Palace is beautiful and shady. The greenery of the plants
contrasting with the color of the nasturtium flowers creates a sense of calm, but it does
nothing to restore the tranquility of the owner of the place.

Ratchata looked tense. His normally fierce face now looked even more terrifying than before, because
the leader of the Phuchongpisut clan had something on his mind.

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Siwakorn remained humbly by his side. In Ratchata's hands this time was a document
containing the story of a fencing athlete who was among the best in his homeland and who
had been selected to prepare him for the Great Lord of Life competition in the coming months.

"I've chosen them, Your Highness. I believe these ten people have the greatest potential. If any of
these people are of interest to Lord Ramil, I will go immediately to hire them."

People who are like hands to Rachata always work efficiently. But Siwakorn was still far from his
master's level of cunning.

"These ten people, we can hire them first."

"But about the race budget..."

"We don't need to worry about that part," the Puchongpisut clan's supreme leader said in a full
voice. Ratchata didn't elaborate further, but Siwakon could understand.

In a game that puts the fate of those in power, the dignity, and the future of the family at stake,
honesty may not be as important as winning.

"Yes, Your Majesty." He responded to that loud, primal voice. Siwakorn knew exactly what he
had to do.

"Puchongpisut can't afford to lose. Do you understand what I mean? Go and find out who
they'll use in the competition, both the Twichmetha clan and the Asawadevathin. If we can
sabotage and steal their people, we'll soon achieve our victory."

"Well Your Highness"

"We have to do everything we can to ensure Ramil wins."

The clan leader's fierce eyes burned, Ratchata was always serious when thinking about the most
important thing.

"..."

"But don't let Ramil know anything he shouldn't know." He had just finished saying what he found
troubling when he looked up and saw his beloved son walking straight toward him, but without a
companion at his side.

"Lord Ramil has arrived," the servant said, his call coinciding with the arrival of the Heir.
Siwakorn respects someone of royal blood. Ramil, who had been standing, sat down before
sighing deeply in front of his own father.

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"How was the meeting at the palace?"

"Honestly, it was very boring. Grandpa ordered me to prepare for the competition, nothing
more than I expected. There's just one more thing: the new special rules that changed today,"
Ramil said briefly, kicking his legs and sitting cross-legged as usual. Rachata checked her son's
attitude before asking another important question.

"Does Your Majesty have any orders regarding entry and exit to the Royal Palace?"

"He told me that, because of the competition, each clan participating in the competition is allowed to enter and
exit the royal palace as a special case."

"So it's like this..."

"Yes, that's right, but... Are you up to something, Dad? I've seen several people's profiles." Ramil's
question brought his father back to the current situation.

The middle-aged man nodded and gestured to Siwakorn, then moved to organize and collect
the entire pile of documents. All of them were submitted by people who wanted to consciously
enter the competition.

"They are all the best fencers in our country. If you're interested in any of them, your father will
make sure of it."

"Thank you... First, give me some time to plan, and then I'll give you an answer, Father." Ramil
passively accepted the line of athletes. He had no intention of reading it. One reason was his
personal frustration.

Today, he encountered many disturbing things, both from the new heir... and from someone
who was so familiar with his clan, considering him as his twin brother that it made him furious.

"Ramil, you seem confused. Is something bothering you?" His father's questioning brought
Ramil back to his senses. The young man froze for a moment before nodding.

"It's just nonsense."

"Is that so? If it doesn't make sense then don't take it seriously."

"..."

"Remember, from now on, this competition is the most important thing in your life."

...........

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Kanin felt it from the moment he set foot in this royal palace. He seemed to spend too much
time staring at the sky while pondering things in his mind.

Firstly, because I wanted to relieve stress and secondly, maybe because I didn't know who to
ask.

"I see... we're going to be like that, right?"

Kanin didn't wait for Charan to respond, as the anger he'd been trying to suppress erupted
from within him. To be honest, he was very angry at the moment. Besides, his irritable nature
meant that even Chakri himself hardly dared to approach the young man.

The sound of thunder rumbled softly. It was a sign of a storm. Kanin sat quietly on the balcony,
though, until the first drop of rain fell and touched the ground.

"You're sitting here. Be careful of the drizzle," a loud voice came from behind, urging the owner
of the white body to look away from the scene and focus his attention.

Tharin stood there, the middle-aged man's eyes calm, but deep down, Kanin couldn't guess
what he felt. The young man stood up from the bench and bowed to his father as etiquette,
before lowering his gaze.

It was the first time they had spoken to each other...

"..."

No conversation escaped the awkward atmosphere between the two. It took Tarin a long time to
get the young man talking again.

"Isn't it uncomfortable to live inside the fence in a palace like this?" The softer tone of voice
gradually eased the tension surrounding the two people.

Kanin made eye contact with the person in front of him. He didn't want to oppose his father
because he understood that the other party was also in a precarious situation. But although
Tarin wasn't mistaken, he still had a dubious expression. Most importantly, he didn't know
what to say.

"I... uh, Your Majesty..."

"Say it calmly." Tarin seemed to understand. Kanin nodded in understanding before murmuring
softly.

"I... was born and raised freely. Therefore, I'm not very familiar with this place yet."

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"Your dad... regrets not being there to take care of you and never noticing your existence." The
father's expression showed pure guilt. Kanin saw the sensitivity in those eyes, and it was mixed with
sadness and concern.

"It's not your fault. I didn't mean to blame you, uh... well, maybe a little when I first found out about my
condition. I couldn't accept it and thought this competition was stupid..."

"..."

"Forgive me." He said what was on his mind once, then suddenly exploded. Kanin froze slightly,
feeling selfish, his eyes staring straight ahead. But the other party didn't seem to mind. He, too,
gestured and allowed him to continue.

"Keep talking."

"Well... I used to think it wasn't my problem... but I've come to a new decision, ever since dinner
that day..." That was the first night Kanin came to Emmaly. After hearing Thipbovorn tell her
story of Tattanai's efforts, plus the dangerous situations they'd been through, he wasn't selfish
enough to betray anyone's efforts.

In the end, that was the reason why he was trapped here alone... even though he said there was
nothing else left... That man was still being mean to him.

That person... won't call me by my name, not even in his heart!!

Kanin intervenes to curse the person who tried to hide from him for a week. The young
nobleman didn't accept it at first, but in the end, he had to accept it. Because the person who
adheres to the truth is too confused by his own words.

"I already said I would compete. So I have to keep my promise." The owner of the white body looked
down. As a result, Tarin was able to understand the situation.

"About competition if your heart doesn't want it..."

"So you're here, father and son. What are you talking about?" The young man hadn't finished
listening to what Tarin wanted to say when Thipbovorn suddenly joined in. The old man smiled
kindly, holding a large box of chocolate biscuits in his hand.

........

"Tharin, are you still angry with Father?" Because his only son remained silent, Thipbovorn tried
to ease the tense situation within the family. He asked while expressing the concern in his
chest.

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"You're probably the one who understands your father the most, right? Everything your father does
is for our family... for Kanin's safety."

"..."

"Nin... do you understand your grandfather? All I'm doing is keeping you safe. Knowing you're in the
public eye. People who want to mess with you won't dare show themselves."

Unable to approach Tarin, Thipbovorn turned the ship's course toward his grandson.

"Yes." The younger man replied weakly. Kanin couldn't deny that he didn't understand. Perhaps because
he could read people's minds, the young man couldn't really get angry with anyone.

Everyone does it out of duty and not for personal reasons...

"As the leader of the country and the head of the clan, Grandfather can be too arbitrary. But as
a member of the family... Grandfather only wants Asawadevatin to have a chance to be
together again." The veiled voice of the Great Lord of Life remained as firm as ever. Still, Tarin
clearly saw the pain in his father's eyes.

Causing the stronghold of anger that had been built strong from the beginning to be destroyed and
shattered into pieces of sadness...

As for Kanin, the young man realized that what Thipbovorn said was true and correct. If not for
the Clan Leader's firm decision at the time.

Perhaps Kanin Asawadevatin did not have the opportunity to stop and breathe here.

"I have no problem with what you say about competition... whether you win or lose is a matter
of fair judgment."

...........

As usual, at the beginning of Sunday, Kanin likes to spend his day off chatting in bed. He would
roll around on the soft mattress, lie down, and watch documentaries or other programs until
his dad called him for dinner. You could say routine is what makes it a habit.

He never thought anything would change him. Kanin intends to continue maintaining that and
doesn't plan to give up until a major turning point occurs in his life.

Big enough to fly through the sky, across the ground, and transform from an ordinary person
into an important heir to the throne. At that moment, whether sitting, lying down, or walking,
there would definitely be people waiting to attend to him. Until now, he could do almost
nothing for himself.

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Some may see this as an advantage. However, for Kanin, the young man saw this situation as a
loss. Since he couldn't live his own life at all, everything had to go according to a schedule set
by someone else.

As today too...

This really should have been a quiet Sunday. He needed to rest after a busy week. But it turned
out he had to get up and sit in his private office, listening to Chakri read Emmaly's brief history
from past to present, as well as the ins and outs of each family from other provinces.

What Kanin learned from the good steward wasn't much different from what he read on the
internet... But there were many more details. For example, important things each family exported
and how each family traded. Therefore, most of the information received today revolves solely
around questions of provincial productivity and family history.

Most of the information Chakri tries to provide is business information. The Great Lord of Life
had the honor of being ordered, like his grandfather, to study business. The other part ordered
the fat butler to fill his head with as much information as possible.

For example...

Asawadevatin is located in the northern highlands, and horse herding was once the main
occupation. Now, however, it has shifted to gold exporting as its main occupation, and its
secondary occupation is financial banking, specifically related to investment banking, because
most people in the northern provinces are wealthy individuals.

Most of the territory ruled by Asawadevatin was occupied by wealthy people. Many millionaires
gathered here, and they held the highest ranks in the country, including the clan with the title
of the Golden Horse of Emmaly.

Phuchongpisut is located in the eastern part of the country. Formerly, its main occupation was
fruit farming. This is the best-cultivated area in the country, but only very little fruit can be
exported because the area is also infested with poisonous animals. Although they are hunted,
these animals remain dangerous to humans. Some time later, a diamond mine was discovered.

Since then, Phuchongpisut has shifted his work from farming to earning money with diamonds.
From hunting and destroying the nests of poisonous animals, he moved on to using these
animals' venom for profit. Therefore, the hospital business is the family's second most
prominent business. Furthermore, there are many chemistry labs on this side of town.
Comprehensive healthcare makes this area the second-largest economy in the country.

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On the Twichmetha side, it is located to the west. In the past, it exported timber because it had
the largest forest area. Twichmetha later discovered gem mines and greatly improved the
economy of the eastern provinces. However, recently, Twichmetha leaders have turned their
attention to the transportation business, because although their economy is stable,
transportation is quite problematic, so Twichmetha has made their own province a
transportation hub. They emphasize aviation as their main business.

The last is Meenanakarin, located in the southern part of the country. Previously, their work
involved fishing and livestock farming, and most still do. This area can be considered rich and
prosperous in terms of food because it has the most fertile land. However, there have been
recent export problems that have resulted in a decline in the value of the product.
Meenanakrin felt compelled to cultivate more pearls.

Pearls have become an important export product for Meenakarin and their secondary
occupation is exporting food raw materials as before.

All of this was just the basic information the young nobleman had received. By emphasizing the
words "just the beginning" like this, Kanin's brain could no longer recall the information. The
boy yawned as Chakri completed uploading Emmaly's 101 information documents onto his
iPad. The servant told Nin he could read it whenever he had free time.

Kanin wanted to ask again, when will he have time to read? Because his own schedule is so
busy, and he feels like he'll die carrying a book like that around? Just looking at the letters stuck
there, his eyelids grew heavy.

"Isn't everything done? What's this? Don't tell me... I have to read it all." He asked in a confused
voice after completing Emmaly's 101st briefing. But Chakri refused to let him rest, and the
other party immediately handed him ten new folders of documents. As a result, Kanin had to
hurriedly raise his head to look and wait for the butler's reply.

"That's right, everything here, Your Highness."

"When should I read it, steward?" Kanin prayed silently, hoping that person would give him an
answer so he wouldn't have to finish it today. But luck didn't seem to be on the side of the new heir
to the throne. In the end, the person standing with their hands clasped not far from the table had to
cough softly.

"Everyone... today, Your Majesty," Chakri repeated, his thick lips covering a bitter smile. "I just
received a message, to let you read all the information about today's fencer Asawadevathin."

"..."

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"And select the people who will participate in the competition team with Her Majesty... since
they will compete as a team."

"This is crazy! Would I rather go crazy and die? I shouldn't have to be so busy like this," Kanin
cursed under his breath. The young man slumped his body onto Louise's chair before
undressing, acting as if he were dying and crying.

What the heck... There's so much to learn in such a short time. What Grandpa said at yesterday's
meeting was almost completely absorbed by his brain.

Throughout the day, it wasn't enough to receive all of Chakri's state information until late
afternoon, but he still had to read the information from about 50 athletes. He also had to
digest it in time to prepare for other activities for tomorrow.

"Don't die yet, sir. His Majesty still has many things to do."

"What else?"

"Your Majesty has never danced, has she?"

"Now."

"Then you should read all of this today, because tomorrow you'll be taking the Banquet Social
Etiquette training course. If you've never learned to dance, I need to add dance lessons to your
schedule, because right now it's the Clan Heir's launch party. You have to go onto the dance
floor to open the ceremony..."

The young nobleman's thin eyebrows furrowed immediately after hearing the butler's long
sentence:

Well, the launch party...

He had completely forgotten about the event that the Great Lord of Life had informed him about when
he handed him the box of cookies, after his conversation ended very briefly with the person from
yesterday, who has the honor of being his biological father.

Grandfather spoke about his acceptance party as the official heir of Asawadevatin. The event
will take place in the next three days, three months after the launching party, and he will
immediately enter the competition for the title of Grand Lord of Life.

"..." Kanin sighed without responding to the other party's words. He looked at Chakri who was now
standing and turned his gaze in the other direction, causing the anger that had been building up in
his heart to erupt again.

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That crazy person didn't care that it was a human brain and not a computer. It's not as simple
as loading data into your head, saving it, and using it on its own.

Where are the competition rules that Grandpa talked about yesterday at the meeting, which
are supposedly more special than other years? They're about fairness for those who feel unfair.
There were three teams competing, so they had to have one team qualify directly for the final
round without competing in the first round.

Plus, there are so many minute details that Kanin is dizzy with. Part of the frustration came from
having been forced to do so many things without prior preparation, and the other part... was the
frustration that that person had disappeared.

That person... was the person who brought him back alive in the middle of the real battlefield.

Who said he would always protect him... who said he had an obligation to protect and be loyal to
Asawadevatin? Who told him that if Nin was important to Asawadevatin, she was important to him as
well?

And he became the heir to the clan, isn't that important enough?

"Uh... Your face is very tense, sir... Would you like some fruit iced tea?... I understand there's too
much information to read today... but if you don't read it today, your own reservation time will run
out."

A soft, familiar voice came from the fat butler who carefully placed the peach teacup in front of
him. This caused Kanin, who was showing a dark face, to sternly complain about his situation...
not only did he question the other party's intentions in his heart, but he immediately turned
around and looked at him.

"I'm running out of time. What do you mean, butler?" Kanin repeated what Chakri said again. The
young man looked at the small smile that adorned the fat man's face, then the other party
narrowed his eyes to repeat what he wanted to know.

"Because this year's team competition rules are more specific than those of previous years, it
leaves the most talented athletes not affiliated with any of the provinces to be selected among
all the participants," the other party handed over their iPad to open the ranking of athletes who
were candidates for the teams. The person with royal blood swept his eyes and read the
information provided.

Kanin followed Chakri's chubby fingers as they pointed to the face of the athlete who had previously
played on the national team and remembered this man very well.

Because when he was in London, Kanin once bet on this athlete's side and the winnings he
made caused Paul, who bet on the opposite side, to lose money, until his golden-haired friend
was almost out of money.

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"Does this mean athletes from other cities can be hired in this competition? What about the
budget? We don't need to pay so much until we exceed the budget, right? What will the club
say?"

From yesterday's meeting, Kanin learned that each team would receive 10 million EMS to use in the
competition, the money being sponsored by the current royal family.

Each team that receives money must allocate funds to form their own team. Whoever has the
most money remaining will also receive points in this category. However, there is a rule that
personal funds must not be used to form a team. Otherwise, the contest results will be invalid.

Kanin used to be part of a fencing club known as a professional team. Most fencers are athletes
who have competed both nationally and internationally. Clubs also often encourage athletes to
compete in European tournaments or leagues to earn money for the club.

Therefore, the young man had a good understanding of athlete purchases. If he buys the
fencer, then the fencer will be self-employed, so he will be responsible for everything, except
that the buyer will guarantee the fencer's income. For example, you will receive regular money
if you leave your breeding club to join it.

However, this qualifying competition will be held shortly. Other provinces may also order
athletes. He had to make a contract with a Fencer to join the competition with his clan's team
instead of openly purchasing one.

In this game, he was at a disadvantage when it came to selecting talented individuals to join
the team... because he was the heir to an unknown clan. Therefore, the taxes might be worse
than those of other clans. However, on the bright side, Kanin has the opportunity to learn
about other teams' situations first. If he tried searching, it shouldn't be difficult.

"As for the Great Lord of Life's 10 million EMS budget, it will influence when His Majesty decides
to select an athlete, but as always, there will be very few people who will buy athletes. Because
if they do, then they will have to use the career budget. Guaranteeing an athlete's salary in
advance for one year creates opportunities for budget waste."

"..."

"According to records from previous matches, most of the players were hired on short-term
leases by the club to join the team and compete together within a specific timeframe, Your
Highness."

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Chakri's answer was no different from Kanin's assumption.

"So this means that athletes will remain members of the club, even if each province has a
temporary rental agreement, right?"

"That's right, Your Highness."

"What if I ask to join a membership and buy an entire club?" The question made Chakri's eyes
widen. But even so, Kanin showed a calm face when he saw the other party's reaction.

"Nobody does that, because besides competing with a club being considered a waste of
money, you also have to take care of the club and all the fencers, not just the selected fencers,
sir."

Chakri acts as if Nin has decided to buy an entire club. Kanin's moves didn't surprise him,
because from his question, it seemed he had his sights set on that direction.

"So, we can't buy athletes or clubs because it would waste the competition's budget? The
money will be cut, and there'll be no way to maintain balance. So, in short, we have to hire
temporary athletes for this competition. I understand. Is that what you're trying to explain?"

"That's right, Your Highness."

The young prince nodded slightly. He tried to understand the butler's face, which seemed
redder than before. It seemed the other party probably didn't want his master to buy an
athlete or the entire club and waste money in vain.

Based on Kanin's experience analyzing people, Chakri's attitude seems positive, whether it's
offering sincere advice or expressing concern when Nin seems to have made the wrong
decision.

Maybe it was Chakri... who would guide him... not someone who kept running away from him.

"What if we get someone else to buy an entire club?" Because he thought it was necessary to
do a little more testing. Kanin asked leading questions to gauge Chakri's reaction.

"What does that mean, Your Highness?"

"I asked, what would happen if we forced someone else to buy an entire club... what would that look like?"

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"Perhaps..." Chakri was silent for a moment. The fat butler put on a serious expression. His
short fingers lifted and pushed the round glasses until they rested on the bridge of his nose.
He seemed worried about what he should say.

"..."

The atmosphere of the person standing before him was different from that of the young royal
family, who sat quietly and seemed calm. The double eyelids stared at him at that moment,
without even turning their heads or blinking in any other direction. This caused the person
being asked to give an answer to swallow a large mouthful of saliva.

"The person... the person who has to buy an entire club has a lot of money, because they have
to guarantee income for the club. But buying a club isn't that easy... The club's previous owners
have to meet first and discuss a deal, because most clubs are already strong, and it's not easy
to sell management shares to anyone."

"I want to know the advantages of buying a club." After listening to everything, Kanin
immediately spoke his mind. This action caused the fat butler to open his eyes. However,
before long, the plump body regained consciousness and gave an opinion on what the master
asked for without any flaws.

"The advantage... Your Majesty. If a club can be purchased, then we can force athletes not to
sign rental contracts with other provincial teams, because the athlete's rental is only a
temporary rental... The athlete will remain a member of the club, so if the club doesn't accept
the rental, Los Esfenistas will only have two options: become self-employed or reject the rental
contract and continue as a club member."

"That's what I want."

"What do you mean..."

"Before I explain further, I want to make sure how much I can trust you, Chakri."

The conversation between the master and the butler fell silent, not a sound was heard between
the two.

There were only eyes that looked at each other like that. Kanin reveals part of his heart to ask for loyalty...

"Honestly, I don't know who to trust, and the person I trusted when I first arrived here rejected
me... If I had to tell my plans to someone I just met... I'd have to know if I could trust that
person."

"..."

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"If you can't be trusted, step back, forget it, and I'll do it myself. But if you can be trusted, I'll say
anything and trust you completely, butler... what do you think?"

After drawing his sword, he wondered what kind of movement he received from the person in front of him as
he acted to protect himself from this negative pressure. Although he understood the feelings of the person in
question, the young man had to choose to use pressure.

Kanin really wanted to know if the person in front of him would care for him and stay by his side, or
instead push him away. Cutting through a sore throat with force from the start was better than lying in a
pool of blood on the battlefield after being betrayed by someone you trusted... that would be terrible.

The atmosphere in the square room was more tense than before. The pressure around them
had multiplied, until finally, Chakri spoke a few sentences with his sincere gaze. The feeling of
caution that had initially built up gradually subsided.

"I... the only son of a family of butlers. I have a mother who is very old and suffers from
epilepsy... Mia, not yet married, she is my younger sister who is still in college."

"..."

Kanin listened silently to the young butler's introduction with a serious expression. He
immediately sat back down with his hands in his lap, showing respect for the other party, even
though Chakri acted as if to show how humble he was as his butler.

"In this land, people who are far from the sun are cold. Those who come closer become warm. As
for someone like you... so close you can have everything... Your Majesty can obtain warmth and
light. But if the sun is too hot, only Your Majesty will be the first to burn."

"..."

"If His Majesty has a good, happy life and receives praise for his success, my family and I will
live happily. But if His Majesty is in trouble, lives in poverty, and receives a curse... I too will
fall... that's why I swear that I am someone who will be by His Majesty's side for the rest of my
life."

"..."

"And now, Chakri's only master is His Majesty... that's all. Is that enough for His Majesty to trust
me?"

.............

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After passing the exam, Kanin decided to escape the heat of the day by sitting and reading
various information while hiding in the palace greenhouse. Instead of being stifled in the
square room he had been sitting in since morning,

The double-eyed man looked at the desserts layered on the plate and then sighed secretly. Kanin
doesn't want to eat, he doesn't feel like eating anything...

Despite his trust in Shakri... the lump in his chest remained unsettling. Kanin felt as if he were
being sucked into some kind of black hole until his spirit vanished into nothingness.

Chakri himself seemed to notice and understand the situation. The butler asked him to leave so
he could try to find a place to sit and relax with tea and sweets in this greenhouse room.

Of course, he said yes without hesitation. He was bored with the square-block room. On his
way there, the young man accidentally ran into Twichmetha's only heir.

Kanin knew that now his other cousins had the right to enter and leave this royal palace without
binding regulations as before, including Phuchongpisut.

The gentle aroma of chamomile tea didn't help Kanin's mind clear his head. He still had a lot to
think about. Earlier, when he met his cousin, the woman invited him to read a book together in
the library located in the left wing of the Palace.

But Kanin decided to refuse, because now his brain in his head was receiving too much information,
not to mention something he had to read in his own hands. Luckily, Eva wasn't the type of person
who liked to push, and she only smiled slightly before pulling away.

"Aren't those cookies nice to look at or eat, Your Majesty?" Seeing that Kanin didn't touch the
delicious cookies in front of him, Chakri asked Kanin with concern.

"I'm not that hungry."

"Then try this, Your Highness, the servant just gave it to me." Kanin originally intended to refuse,
but when he turned around to see what the other party was carrying, his first intention changed.

That's orange cake...

"Next time, orange ice cream."

"Hey?"

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"I like orange ice cream more than coffee."

"I will remember it"

Memories Kanin thought were precious resurfaced. Until he came back to his senses when her
slender hand grabbed one of the cakes in front of Chakri that he had just brought and shoved it into
his mouth.

The bittersweet taste made her mind wander and think about the other person... She bit her lip
as she felt feelings that were present, that shouldn't appear, disappear on their own.

Kanin hated and didn't understand the strange heavy feeling in his chest. He finally decided to
put down the cake and take a sip of tea to get rid of the taste... and to make some of the
feelings go away.

He didn't want to think about the person who was bothering him anymore, that was enough.

The double eyelid moved to escape to another focal point. He looked around before bumping into
two people who had just entered the square space next to the greenhouse.

This is a similar room in the area, where bucks from hunting activities are collected. In the
center of the room is a large billiard table. A chess table was placed next to the round, curved
window in the corner of the room.

Ramil was the one who let someone in. The other party wasn't dressed formally like they had been yesterday
when they came to the meeting, but they still maintained a neat appearance from head to toe.

The royal paid no attention to which side of the room Kanin was sitting in. That person simply
led a tall, thin, fair-skinned man to the chess table.

His prominent nose matched his brown lips. This made the newcomer Kanin had just seen look
distinctly handsome and beautiful... at the same time. The young man stared at him for a
moment until he called out to Chakri in a low voice.

"Chief servant"

"Is there anything I can help you with, Your Majesty?"

"What's the name of the person with Ramil?" he asked, his eyes still fixed on the newcomer.

"That person is Khun Petai Ranawee, the only son of the Minister of Defense."

"Are you from the Royal Family?"

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Hesitantly murmuring Petai's name, the person reminded him of the first time he'd met
Charan. What was even stranger was Ramil's behavior toward the Defense Minister's son.

What would be the reason for someone as arrogant as Ramil to allow someone who isn't a
noble to join him in playing chess at the same table? Besides, the two seem very close.

"It's not just honorable"

"So why do they seem so close?"

"Lord Petai is Prince Ramil's closest companion."

"A close companion? Like a butler?" Kanin's eyebrows rose slightly in suspicion. The young man
turned his face back to look at the calm-faced person beside him, while the other party
hurriedly shook his head.

"No, Your Majesty. This position can be chosen by the Prince himself. And those chosen will
have a rank as high as that of the royal family." Chakri's words seemed to have helped Kanin
resolve some of his concerns. However, the young man was still stunned by his cousin's
behavior.

That's weird...

"So what's this close companion doing?" Kanin intended to continue asking thoughtlessly, but
Chakri's awkward expression made the young prince wonder while the other party narrowed
his eyes as if feeling guilty.

"Well... this matter is a bit complicated, Your Highness."

I expected him to explain. "Tell me," Chakri couldn't help himself. The butler came closer and
leaned slightly to make the next explanation more private.

"This position is the same as that of the Prince's trusted friend. Only the Phuchongpisut family
has traditions that are somewhat different from those of other clans."

"What's the difference?"

"Whenever the Prince makes a mistake, the person who will be punished in the name of the young
master is the person in the position of Companion, Your Majesty." The new information Kanin
received caused the listener to frown. The young man was stunned before muttering in confusion.

"How strange, a person wouldn't do that, why are they the ones who end up being punished?"

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"..." Chakri simply wrinkled his face and didn't comment. The other party maintains etiquette
and a well-trained temperament.

"So this partner position is just a punishment?"

"There are other duties as well. The most important thing is to follow the prince's orders and
become the prince's property and listen to the prince's orders in everything." After the butler
named Chakri finished his explanation, an idea crossed the young master's mind. As a result,
Kanin behaved very differently than before.

From what he saw, he couldn't even notice that her eyes were shining with more enthusiasm than before.

"There's no right to belong to another young person, right?"

"That's right, Your Highness."

"This position, the prince can choose it himself, right?"

"That's right, Your Highness."

Kanin smiled at the corner of his mouth as his brain suddenly came up with a plan. The face of
someone who had caused nearly a full week of annoyance clearly appeared.

From trying not to think about it, talking about it, and not seeking it out, he instead found a
new plan to have it completely. If Ramil had a close companion, why couldn't a young master
like him have one?

Charan Phitakdeva

What punishment should be given to such a wicked person? By that time, she had even stopped
interfering, accompanying, following, and bothering him...

"I'm sorry if my words offended you... I flew from high above the sky. Now my main target is
you."

Now it was his turn to play some games... He couldn't say Kanin was evil.

'Even if it's unbearable, you have to endure, Because I'll come here every day...Until I can bring
you back.'

Yes, he couldn't stand it, but he had to endure it. Charan upset him first, now he has to accept
the consequences. Let's see who can survive best!

...........................

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Chapter 24: Royal Guard

Chakri thought that the orange cake would definitely be the Little Prince's favorite, because
after serving the proud dessert to his teacher who had just trusted him, the other party asked
to return to the room immediately and planned to recruit athletes to join the Asawadevathin
team.

Seeing Prince Kanin looking diligent, Chakri, as the butler, couldn't help but get to work as well.
When he saw the owner of the white body begin to read the information and the list of
athletes, the fat butler hurriedly retreated in search of more food supplies.

He returned with a glass of water and a cold towel. Kanin was now quietly immersed in his
iPad. The other party sat on Louise's sofa. When he looked up and saw the butler, he
immediately called out to him.

"Chief servant"

The soft, hesitant voice compelled Chakri to place everything on the table near the door and
walk toward the nobleman. He calmly clasped his hands, bowing politely and humbly to the
person sitting across from him.

"Is there anything you need, Your Majesty?"

"After looking at the information on Asawadevathin's swordsmen, I still don't like anyone... If I
want to find more people, where can I look?" Kanin asked in a professional tone and seemed
disappointed, causing Chakri to show a worried expression on his face, although only for a
moment, before he returned to moving quickly as before.

"How much more does Your Majesty need? You can just say it, I'll find it as soon as possible."
His eyebrows raised slightly after hearing the person with plans in his heart secretly observe
the butler's actions. Physically, the other party seems to be clearly aware, as can be seen from
his actions as he quickly grabbed a notebook and pen to prepare to take notes.

As a result, the young man from the royal family had to hold back his smile. The young man predicted a future where
everything would go according to plan.

The plan to hunt down Charan and return him to his rightful place

And that wouldn't happen if he lost an important butler to him.

Kanin knows that Chakri is the one who will get him out of this problem.

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"Yeah... what if the person I want isn't in our club?"

"I'll try. Your Majesty needn't worry."

"Can you find everyone? Anyone?" The corners of his mouth lifted in a wicked smile as he
stepped aside and tricked that person into his trap.

Kanin leaned back and looked into Chakri's eyes, who didn't notice that this time his own
master seemed to have a cunning plan behind him. He was simply happy to see the Little
Young Master being so completely active that it obscured the other party's instinct to be on
guard.

That's why... Chakri really fell into his big trap.

"All right, Chakri is ready to do whatever you command, Your Majesty."

"It must be so. Because I trust you... am I right?"

"Er...that's how it is, master." Something in Kanin's eyes made Chakri feel a flash of electricity
run down his spine. Even so, the young butler remained as enthusiastic as ever.

"So Khun Charan... which club is he in?" A question from his teacher that made the chubby
man's broadly smiling, small, heart-shaped lips gradually droop. Chakri frowned and remained
silent for a long while, before asking a few questions with a confused expression.

"Khun Charan, what do you mean?" The young butler's changing expression made Kanin
suspicious. Seeing some of the anomalies, he began to wonder.

"What fencing club are you in?"

"Oh, Khun Charan... Khun Charan is not in our club or any club."

"What do you mean?"

"Khun Charan is not a fencer... That's right, Khun Charan almost never touches a sword."

"How is it possible... his hands are so agile..." The sweet, gentle voice trailed off as she
observed the butler's reaction. The young man shook his head before recalling what he had
heard and seen with his own eyes while traveling with the Phitakdeva family's master, as
information for the young man to make that decision.

"Where did Your Majesty hear that Khun Charan is skilled? Rumors say that Khun Charan has
absolutely no talent for swordsmanship. Although he is the leader of the family

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Phithakdeva, but no one has ever seen him compete with Khun Charan, he doesn't accept
challenges, or if he's right, and he really has to compete. Khun Charan will always give up first...
until someone says..."

"That?"

"That Khun Charan didn't want to compete, because he was afraid of losing from the start."

The owner of the white body frowned at the new information he received. The unskillful words
made the young man raise his eyebrows until they moved. Kanin pursed his mouth as some
thoughts suddenly surfaced.

Wait a minute... it's rumored that a man like that isn't good and has no talent. What kind of
incompetent person could comment on him moving his arm while drawing a sword just by
looking?

What kind of incompetent person could read his every move during a duel, causing the leader
of a favorite club like himself to suffer a painful defeat?

Then there were the words that Charan didn't want to compete because he was afraid of
losing. . . . That's simply not true. The more he heard it, the stranger this story seemed. The
Charan Kanin knew didn't resemble the person Chakri was rumored to be in the slightest.

If it is said that Charan did not compete because he was afraid the other side would lose and he could not show his
face, that sentence sounded the same as what he thought before being defeated by the other side.

"Perhaps if Your Majesty would order me to get you a painting of Mr. Charan, it would be easier to
understand."

"A painting? What do you mean?" Chakri's deep murmur caught the young man's attention.
Kanin listened intently as his butler told him the story of the other party that he had never
heard before.

"Well... actually, Khun Charan is an artist. He's an art teacher, and that's his main job." The
shock of this new information raised questions in Kanin's mind. Especially when everything
seems different from the truth he once understood.

The young man didn't need to process enough to form some theories. Perhaps... this was his
ploy to deceive the public and hide his abilities from others.

Very clever

"So... Where do you teach and how do I get there?"

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"Oh, Khun Charan's art school is called Morpheus Art School. It's located in the Phitakdeva
Mansion. It's very easy to get to because it's less than three kilometers from our palace... Eh.
But why does His Majesty want to go? What do you want to know?"

The butler, who had been reciting information for a long time until he forgot something
important, suddenly froze in midair.

Chakri blinked, looking at the smile of the person in front of him as if he felt like he was
watching a horror movie.

"I want to go"

"Ah... you can't go, Your Majesty. Whatever you want to order me, Chakri will do it..."

"I want to go... I want to go alone," Kanin clearly stated his wish. It caused the other party to be
embarrassed, and he had to wipe the sticky saliva from his throat.

"Master, you want to learn art... but what you need to learn now is..." Chakri paused. The butler
raised his plump hand and spread his fingers, slowly calculating. His face looked rigid. "There
are five subjects you have to study this week, sir."

"I never said I wouldn't study anymore... and one more thing, a butler shouldn't act like that.
Who taught you to be like that?"

"..."

"A butler's skill is to organize the course of my study schedule." Kanin expected a mistake and
nodded to the fat butler. He hadn't been serious when he complained to Chakri, but it seemed
his complaint made the listener feel guilty enough to react.

"I apologize, Your Majesty."

This plan might make him seem a little spoiled. But this time Kanin didn't have much choice. He
knew how to put on a stubborn face that would make Chakri apologize and make the other
party feel guilty for getting him into trouble.

Kanin will execute the offensive play so that the other side doesn't have the opportunity to say no.

"I'm really having a hard time. The butler probably knows I came far from home... having to
compete alone. Therefore, in conclusion, let me go."

"Go, uh... no..."

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"Please don't deny it and pretend you don't know. I have two options for the butler. One is to
let me go alone. Second, the butler can go with me."

"..."

"Choose." After speaking, the small figure jumped up to make the decision. The owner of the cute
face looked at the other party, who was standing with his hands on his face, and made a worried
expression. He opened his mouth, then closed it like a dried fish, but he still resisted the pressure.

"Do you really intend to go? Then Chakri will organize a royal procession for you, wait a
moment."

"Who said we were going with a procession? I'm not the leader of a marching band. Why does
there have to be a procession? There's no need to scare other people... just the two of us."

"But Your Majesty, you can't leave like that, especially with Chakri alone. That's undignified..."

"Why not? Just get in the car... If the butler doesn't come with me alone, I'll run away." Chakri
groaned in a stressed tone. The fat man stopped him, but that didn't make Kanin sympathetic.

Don't think it's bad because it's absolutely necessary.

"You..."

"Butler, may I ask something? Grandpa let you take care of me, right?"

"Yes... that's right, Your Highness."

"And Grandpa also said that if I want something, I should tell Chakri, then Chakri will take care
of it. Does that still apply?"

"Honorably..."

"Then Chakri, accept my orders." Kanin deliberately used the code words he'd heard from the
guards when they'd ordered him to carry out several important missions. The young man
hunched his chest while slightly raising his face, making that cute face look even more
stubborn.

"Oh, Your Highness."

"Cha-kri"

"You can't leave now, sir. People will find out anyway."

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"Then we wait until nightfall. We can fool everyone by saying I'm asleep." Any objections were
useless, as Kanin had solutions and backup plans.

"Your Majesty, no, if we go together, I have to..."

"Accept my orders," Kanin smiled coldly as a reminder that the other had no right to refuse.
Chakri was at a dead end. Before he knew it, he had to face the small young master head-on,
with no options.

"Okay, I understand, sir."

"Fine, let's go to Morpheus. Don't have a brass band event, no need to invite other people, just
the two of us. Just Chakri and me... follow me and take orders!" A deafening sound came from
the little prince. No need to guess what someone who says they'll help him with everything
would do. Besides...

"I accept your orders!"

That's it, flowing like water... Diligent and strong, Chakri!

......................

Morpheus Academy was packed with people lining up to register on Sunday afternoon. Charan
disappeared for a long time and reopened limited courses. The response was good, but not as
expected.

Charan has been a mess since morning. However, for him, this was a pretty good thing. Plus,
he can get back to doing the things he enjoys. These activities seem to help alleviate his
symptoms of thinking about someone else, even if only for a short time.

"Thank you very much," the owner of the art academy said politely and respectfully to the last
customer. Charan stood near the door to bid farewell to his last student himself.

The young man did this with everyone who came to use Morpheus's services in each class.
Therefore, the number of people who came to use these lessons was limited.

The clock on the wall struck afternoon. A few hours before sunset, the owner of the place steps away and takes
care of the art supplies. He cleans and does everything himself, without thinking about depending on anyone.

One reason is that the art institute here isn't big. Second, because Charan doesn't like big things.
From the bottom of his heart, he just wants to take care of the people who come to use the services
here as a whole.

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His sharp eyes fell on the palette, washed in clean water. The silence told him there was no one
else in that place but him. Charan gathered all his equipment until he finished scanning the
room for one last look.

When he finished, he walked directly toward the arched door with black curtains. He passed through the
curtain and walked into the garden that was the connecting point between Morpheus and the Phitakdeva
Mansion.

It was all his own desire to allocate land in the same area to maximize profits. The young man
preferred to build an art institute in the area within his mansion rather than accept the offer of
a new plot of land from the Great Lord of Life.

The thick palm lifted slightly, forbidding the person who had suddenly appeared in front of him
as soon as he entered the Mansion grounds. The old butler of the family lowered his head
slightly and remained silent, understanding.

Charan doesn't like anyone waiting on him and serving him. Whenever he needs help, it's best to ignore
him. The young man climbed the stairs to the second floor of the house and sat at the foot of the bed,
trying to find something to avoid causing himself too much trouble.

A hot breath was exhaled. Charan ignored the TV remote control not far away and headed to
the bookshelf in the corner of the room. He had no intention of turning on the TV. The reason
is because a person tries not to think about someone who's always popping up on every media
channel.

Not only in his mind...

The news agencies still haven't stopped talking about Kanin. So the tall man decided to divert his
attention by reading a book. The young man immediately went to the bookshelf in the corner of the
room and picked up one of the books. He then sat down again at the foot of the bed.

Book of philosophy quotes. There was nothing interesting to learn, but Charan wasn't looking
to read entire sentences or memorize certain ones until he found philosophy... in the love
category.

A category Charan doesn't usually pay attention to and often ignores in the past few days. This
time, the meaning of some of the phrases on the pages led him to question himself.

Sometimes love doesn't come to the right place at the right time.

And keeping it all is probably the best option.

What is love? What does it mean to feel like you're in the wrong place at the right time? How
does it feel? Is it pretty much the same as I feel now?

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RRRRRRrrrrrrrrr

The ringing and vibration of the cell phone in his pocket brought Charan back from all his
disturbing thoughts. He reached out to press accept, trying to adjust his expression to look
normal as soon as he saw who had contacted him.

(How are you? I was busy so I couldn't ask if you had arrived at noon or not. Are you home?)

Ittikorn appeared on the screen as soon as the tall man pressed the accept button. The other
party smiled broadly, as was his trademark kindness. Unlike Charan, who didn't have the
energy to express himself.

"Uh, I'm home."

(What's up with Nin?)

The name of the person Itthi mentioned was like the poison of a great fire ant that bit into the
heart of the leader of the Phithakdeva family. He sighed a little secretly, as he felt it was too
difficult to escape from the other. This is truly very difficult.

"He's not here"

(Um, are you arguing?)

"We don't argue"

(So why separate?)

Charan wanted to roll his eyes when he saw him acting out a role, even though he knew his
best friend very well. News of Kanin has spread all over the world; there's no way the other
party wouldn't know about Emmaly's new heir, right?

This is just one of Itthi's playful, entertaining dramas. He becomes a police officer trying to
seduce the accused. As for Charan, he made a point of remaining passive in his responses.

"So why do we have to be together?"

(You argued)

"We don't argue"

(But your face looks sad. Did you make Nong Nin sad too?)

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Charan wasn't sure what the main cause of his twitching eyebrows was, while Itthikorn said his
expression looked pathetic, especially when his best friend referred to him as if the other
person was his.

"He is not Nong, but Young Master 'Nin' Itt."

He said in a low voice, at a time when his close friend didn't think he was interested in what
Charan thought was important and needed to be corrected. Itthi intended to keep talking until
the young man told him the truth and this time stopped all his games.

(Nong Nin...)

"You saw it on the news... right? Stop calling the young master by his common name."

(Uhh, then tell me honestly beforehand, you stubborn bastard! You tricked me and I trusted
you completely!!)

Itthi stopped wearing his mask. The young nightclub owner cursed in an annoyed voice.

"I have to do it"

(But tell me. Tell me, you... really look like boyfriend and girlfriend)

"I'm just doing my job."

(Is this the duty of the Asawadevathin Royal Guard? Then why are you alone now and not taking
care of him?)

His friend's question was like a stick that stirred the sediment in Charan's mind. He was silent
for almost a minute, before he could regain his own vocal cords.

"That's not my job anymore."

(Isn't it an obligation? This isn't the important point at all. Ah, you crossed the ocean to bring him from
England. When he agreed to come with you, you didn't know how to take care of him. You also said you
would do it and be responsible for him, so you have to do it until the end.)

There was no need to tell him; he knew very well which side Itt was on. He's a close friend of
Ran's, but he's completely focused on Kanin's feelings. This can be seen from the fact that
Charan has always been accused by him from the beginning, until he received this call now.

So wait, who said I wouldn't take care of Nin? He just pushed me away from him. Well, it's not that
he doesn't want me to take care of him at all...

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"Why aren't you working?"

(Don't change the subject. Is he complaining or are you... feeling forced? Is the Great Lord of Life
separating you?...)

"..."

(What is the relationship between you being in the Escort Zone?...)

NT: a kind of Friendzone,

Charan wants to know when Itthi will stop talking. He saw the other party's eyes widen as he
covered his mouth as if deeply sorry. And why does he say the bodyguard is crazy? That doesn't
make sense. More importantly, it makes Ran feel a little frustrated.

"I didn't do it... I'll hang up the phone first. I have a second call." At first, the older man wanted
to find a way to defend himself. However, because an important call came in, the tall man had
to immediately interrupt Itt's sentence. Because this second call was the person he was waiting
for.

"How are you, Vetis?" Another close friend Charan can confide in. They grew up together since
childhood. Moreover, he himself frequently uses Vetis's services and relies heavily on them.

(I think the information you want me to find isn't difficult. However, if I search for the medical
records of people who received ankle ligament treatment at various hospitals in all cities, it
might take me a little time.)

The person with the profession of shadow detective said in a flat voice. This friend has an
ordinary background, not an extraordinary story.

But the truth behind Vetis is his career as a shadowy detective. He works individually and only
accepts large sums of money. The other party will only be willing to accept it if the client is
willing to invest and pay for it.

For now, Charan contacted Vetis. The important reason was because he didn't want the Great
Lord of Life to know that he wouldn't give up Kanin's safety just yet. And secondly, he cared
about Kanin, not as Itthi said.

He wasn't around, but he looked after him in his own way. This is a costly measure. But of
course... Charan has no problem with money.

"I understand. But I don't want too many people to know."

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(Don't worry, I'll take care of it)

"Thank you very much Khun."

(Could you change that thank you and treat me better?)

The other person on the other end of the line invited in a completely joking voice. Charan knew
very well that Vetis didn't really want him to do what the other party was saying. It was more
like convincing a homebody like him to come out more openly.

"Any manna?"

(Tonight at 8, in the same pub)

Charan doesn't like going out at night. But that doesn't mean the young man is inexperienced.
He entered one of the best entertainment venues in the country. In the blink of an eye, many
employees and people gathered to greet him.

"I've made a reservation."

He chose to say a brief sentence to the waiter to explain his need to come here, rather than
prolonging it or trying to move on with other people.

Being close to the Lord of Life, coupled with his surname, makes Charan reluctant to come and
experience the nightlife at all. It wasn't because he was worried about his image deteriorating.
He was simply tired of being stared at and asked to meet people.

"This way, Mr. Charan." The employee seemed to know his duties well. He extended his hand and led him
to the VIP room next to the bar. Charan slumped into a chair, and the person he was looking for
appeared.

Vetis, a 28-year-old young man. One of his best friends, was wearing a dark shirt. His skin was
as light brown as his hair, and he wore glasses. He made the person he was talking to seem
superficial on the outside, like someone calm and flawless.

Totally contrary to reality

"How are you?" The other party greeted him cheerfully as he sat down. Vetis was holding two drinks
in his hand, which was quite inappropriate for his current appearance.

"You were the one who called me here again."

"You know the reason why you have to be here," he said as he sent a reddish-brown drink to
Charan to drink as well. The bespectacled young man smiled as he nodded.

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head towards the main reason that caused the pub to be so crowded in the heart of the city.

A young woman stood behind a long bar counter in a black corset that showed off her curves
as she moved. She tied her hair in a ponytail, giving her a sassy look as she operated the mixer.
But that didn't make her look tough. On the contrary, the atmosphere surrounding her seemed
increasingly appealing. The kind of vibe that's hard to ignore.

"What do you like most about her?" Charan asked, as this wasn't Vetis's first time having a drink
here. He was considered a regular at this pub, and his main focus was the blonde woman.

"Mira, she's beautiful, she's also intelligent, and talking to her makes me happy. More
importantly, she's not like other women." Vetis spoke his mind as he raised his glass and
invited his closest friend to join him.

Charan raised his glass of alcoholic beverage and drank equal parts Campari Vermouth and
Gin. The distinctive flavor of a Negroni caused his sharp eyes to glance toward the woman, who
was slightly offended by his close friend, before reaching out to utter a single word in response
to the conversation.

"Now?" However, it turned into a polemic that made the listener roll his eyes as much as
possible, bored with his friend's indifference. Charán is like that. I had never seen the young
man actively approach anyone or anything other than work and assignments.

"You didn't even think to ask why it was different?"

"No"

"I forgot. You only care about what matters to your heart."

"..." Vetis's unconscious words made Charan fall silent for a split second. Indeed, he was
someone who never cared about anything except... He coughed lightly to cover his anxiety.

"But I want to tell you. Look, she's not just good at making drinks. I once had a duel with her. There
was an agreement that if I won, I'd treat her to dinner. But that's why I lost so much..."

"Really?" Charan seemed more interested in participating in the conversation this time. He
wanted to ignore thoughts about someone he didn't want to think about. He chose to turn
away to focus on the story from his close friend.

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Vetis and Charan talked about trivial matters. It wasn't until the clock struck almost 10 p.m. that the leader of
the Phithakdeva clan sensed something unusual.

Charan thought someone was watching him... his intuition told him that this gaze was strange and
felt different from other sights.

WHO...

If someone wanted to get to know him, then they would talk and he would talk to them, but why did this person keep
looking at him...?

"Excuse me for a moment." Since he didn't know yet, he decided to find out. Charan placed the
Negroni on the table and left Vetis to continue enjoying the lights and sounds around him alone.
Privately, he segregated himself in the bathroom at the back of the store, not the VIP area.

The main reason is because they want to lure the stalker and catch him. Charan's steps were slow
and deliberate. Until he reached a winding corner, the leader of the Phithakdeva clan turned around
to deal with the mysterious person who followed him until he became suspicious.

"Ah!" The voice of the person whose arm was grabbed was faint. A small figure, almost ten
centimeters shorter than him. The person was wearing a black robe and a mask to hide his
face. Exerting force.

He shook it harder so that the other part was crushed. As Charan locked the other part ever
tighter, those sharp eyes looked down again.

Now the person he had captured raised his head and didn't say a word. The other party was
wearing a fully enclosed suit, but the familiar scent of her perfume wafted into his nostrils. On
the contrary, they clarified that person's memories.

Someone... who really shouldn't be standing in front of him right now.

"Let me go a little. I'm hurt. How hard are you going to squeeze me? This is a human arm, not a
horse's bridle."

Charan frowned as the mysterious figure removed his mask and revealed his true identity.
Light-colored lips murmured as they stared at each other. Those double eyelids were the same
eyes that had stared at him in disbelief a few days ago.

"Little Prince... how did you get here?"

The older man shouted. Various thoughts about Kanin continued to surge through his mind
like a torrent of water. Charan looked the other man over from head to toe with a sharp,
worried look, while the younger man didn't feel the slightest bit of fear.

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"I'm looking for someone here."

"Who?" Charan forgot for a moment the formal words he was supposed to use. When he heard
that someone else had a date with a young man, and was on his way to meet the person the
little young master wanted to meet, he tried to remain calm.

He told himself this was all for safety. He needed to thoroughly examine the people
surrounding the Prince. But after hearing her next sentence, any thoughts of investigating
others were dashed.

"Charan Phithakdeva, do you know him?"

Because that person... is himself, not someone else.

"Run fast, otherwise we won't be able to catch him! We have to give news about that person."

The loud sound that echoed in his ears from a distance awakened the cautious instinct of the
Phithakdeva clan leader. Charan didn't have time to answer Kanin's question.

On the other hand, the young man quickly grabbed the other person's wrist and pulled him
closer. He exerted pressure on the other person to move until the thin back was close to the
tent wall, before using his own body to hold the smaller person beneath him.

"What are you doing now?"

"They are paparazzi."

Charan was referring to the people running and shouting loudly who had just passed in front of them. He
clarified before continuing with a brief and concise explanation.

"..."

"This is where celebrities come to drink. That's why there are often journalists... shouting back
and forth like that. Soon, someone else will come after you," his Phi said in a tense voice. The
young man looked left and right to find a way to escape, but it seemed it was already too late.

"Look over there. In front of the bathroom." The omen's voice could be heard from a distance.
Charan made eye contact with Kanin. They were cornered and had no other choice.

With no way out, it seemed that this time Kanin would do something that would upset Charan, because
suddenly the young man from the royal family dragged him toward the exit. A place that even a highly
experienced person like Charan couldn't hope to find.

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"Forgive me." An apology that felt like an opportunity, especially when her slender palms
suddenly cupped the stronger man's neck before bringing his face closer to the person her
best friend accused of being crazy. An emergency situation was approaching for the Royal
Guard.

The two pairs of eyes stared at each other, only the distance of the passing wind, before their lips... Open
and leaving nothing behind, not even their breath could separate them...

.............................................

Chapter 25: Feelings to Keep

The sound of people talking could be heard nearby, accompanied by the sound of footsteps.
Charan froze, the thoughts in his brain splitting into many parts, with a good side and a bad
side. The young man felt like he was being forced to stand on the edge of a cliff to choose a
path.

Another part of your brain tells you that what you're doing isn't right, but another part tells you that
it's as if you're immersed in your dreams, while enjoying the scent of the body and feeling the close
warmth of the person in your arms.

Instead, his good conscience was the main reason.

Protecting Kanin, taking care of Kanin is your duty... so what you're doing now can be counted
as one of your duties, right?

As quick as a thought, two male and female paparazzi passed by the corner at the same time.
Charan raised his palm toward one of the walls before turning his face away. He lets it touch
everything as he gets closer, enclosing the smaller person's entire body in his strong arms.

Kanin's eyes widened slightly. The thumping in his chest at that moment was so intense that the young
man wasn't entirely sure what was causing it. Whether it was the rhythm of the music... or the rhythm of
something in his body.

Her slender palms gripped the fabric tightly over her Phi's chest. The warmth layered on top of
each other seemed to help him feel... secure in that place.

"Oops!... Come on, let's go the other way." A third person's voice sounded worrisome.
Particularly vindictive, one of the two raised his hand to cover the other's eyes, before hastily
pulling his hands away.

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Kanin was silent for a moment, waiting for reassurance that no one else was in the area. He
slowly pushed the tall man forward. Their eyes met in the dimness. The feeling of warmth on
his cheeks and the touch of his lips still linger.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty." The conscious part speaks formally first, breaking the stifling
atmosphere. Kanin looked down and coughed lightly as he searched for a way to change the
subject.

"The reporters... have left?" he muttered in a low voice. Even though he was the one who used this
method first, when he received such a response... Kanin suddenly became the one who couldn't
handle it.

"I still have doubts"

"What are you looking for?" He asked curiously when the other party stepped back and scanned the
room carefully.

"CCTV... Your Majesty, put on your mask first." Kanin knew Charan was a wise man. So he didn't
think to say anything. The young man followed the instructions before coming forward to say what
he wanted to say.

"I have something I want to talk about..."

"Not here"

"But..."

"We have to go." Charan wasn't cooperating in the slightest. The other party took the liberty of grabbing his wrist.
That resulted in the young nobleman being dragged along, with no other option. Kanin wanted to flinch and argue.
But out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of another person running to his side with a worried look on his
face.

"Sir... Oh, Khun Charan, I think someone will recognize you... oh..." The plump butler stood
before them. Chakri's face awakens Charan until he gets an answer and clarifies his doubts
about how Kanin got here.

I think this child received help from Chakri.

"What's up, Khun Chakri? I told you not to come in and wait outside."

"But I'm worried about Your Highness, I..."

"Stop using real vocabulary, Khun Chakri," the younger man exclaimed to the young butler,
who was dressed like a normal teenager. This wasn't a uniform like the one the other party
usually wore. Panic made Chakri quickly raise his hand to cover his mouth.

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"Y...yes."

"Don't argue. Your Chakri leaves through the main door." Charan, who seemed the most
conscious and focused in this conversation, spoke quickly. His thick palm pulled out his cell
phone and he sent a message to another close friend waiting at the table. This time he needed
Vetis's help.

"Um... if I do that, people will be able to see me."

"Let people see you. Then they'll flock to the front of the pub. I'll take the prince in another
direction and we'll meet at the palace." The sentence is briefly explained and summarized.
Charan nodded and signaled to Chakri personally. The young man then turned around and
looked at the little man beside him with regretful eyes.

Blaming it on his arrogant stubbornness.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Follow me." Charan didn't answer the question. He chose to change the subject, leading the young
man back to a blind corner and pushing Kanin to hide just behind the exit, where no one was paying
much attention.

"Are you..."

"Please, Your Majesty, remain calm... wait here." The forbidden person frowned. Once again,
Kanin was ready to debate tonight. However, because he heard the sound of footsteps coming
toward him, accompanied by the sharp eyes of the tall man in front of him, the owner of the
white body could only silence his voice.

"What happened, Ai'Ran?" From Kanin's hiding place, he couldn't see the person Charan was
talking to. The young man listened through his ears, though he couldn't understand clearly
because the music around him was quite loud.

"I have an urgent matter. I'll go back first, then... can I borrow your beloved son? Isn't your
motorcycle parked in the VIP area behind the store?"

"Yes, but... you haven't had enough to drink. Will you come back?" Vetis asked without hesitation, but
confirmed by his close friend's serious expression, he didn't think to ask further.

"I'm sorry... I really have something urgent. We'll do it later, you can increase the debt again. I'll
have Narong pick you up and take you to..."

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"Oh, no need, I can go back myself. I'll stay a little longer." The conversation between Charan
and the third person continued for a few brief sentences, before his phi returned to him.

Charan didn't say anything. The other party simply signaled for Kanin to come out of hiding.
Once he did, they walked toward the back door connected to the VIP parking lot.

Charan's broad back straightened as he took slow, straight steps forward. There was no desire
to look at him at all, until Kanin had to resolve the issue he really wanted to know and get the
person in front of him to stop pacing to speak.

"Hey, you... I was wondering, umm... are people here very sensitive when it comes to touching...?"

Suddenly

"..." The tall man's footsteps stopped. He was like a stone man who had been cursed to stay put
as soon as Kanin mentioned that topic. He was pretty sure his words... affected Charan's
feelings a little.

No, not just Charan, but the people here too. Kanin was sure that the paparazzi's voices he
heard earlier sounded very scared, although this kind of thing shouldn't be surprising at all...
right?

"You heard me... hey, why are your ears so red?" Kanin believes his greatest strength is
speaking honestly and openly. But for Charan, it's a grave loss.

"I'm fine."

"I'm really asking, because it looks so red. You're not allergic to anything, are you?... Let me
see." One person had good intentions, but the other felt worse. The young man approached
and touched his cold fingers behind the boy's warm ear. Everything around him seemed to
stop, as if a person had been hit by a strong electric current, shocking their body.

"No..."

"Are you okay?" Someone of royal blood spoke softly. But even though it was only a whisper, for
Charan it was a shocking bombshell.

"Come with me, Your Majesty." This person fears nothing, not even knives, swords, guns, or
even death, and dares to face everything except... Kanin's questions and worries.

Charan went straight to his friend's motorcycle and grabbed his helmet, not even thinking about turning
around to meet the eyes of the person following him. Kanin frowned and sighed silently at the people
who had just avoided his question.

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"You didn't answer the question..."

"Forgive me." Aside from not wanting to answer, Charan also moved quickly to do something
Kanin hadn't expected. The other party turned to look him in the eye for a moment, before the
older man took the initiative to place the helmet in his hand and place it on Nin's head.

"Ah... oh, this is too tight," the young man cried. It would have been a romantic scene in a
drama series, if not for Charan doing everything quickly. This is no different than dressing a
stubborn kitten.

Kanin frowned and pursed his lips in frustration. Unlike Charan, who tried to act like a tall,
emotionless wall.

"Get up, your majesty"

"No, I won't come back until we talk." The owner of the white body stubbornly crossed his arms. He
looked at the tall man who had managed to put on his helmet.

Charan straddled the large motorcycle. After finishing, he spoke several sentences in a soft voice with a
serious expression. The person speaking seemed to want to tell him that what he'd said wasn't just a
threat and that Kanin himself shouldn't be stubborn.

"Not here, Your Majesty... If they find us here, not only will you be on the news, but we may
never have the chance to speak to each other again."

Emmaly's nighttime temperature dropped. The speed of the motorcycle colliding with the wind
made the person sitting behind her feel cold.

Kanin tried to maintain his balance by looking for a handhold. But that person twisted the throttle and
accelerated the motorcycle to a terrifying speed.

"Wait"

"What?" Because the wind around him drowned out his voice, Kanin had to lean closer to the person, just
as the other person leaned his face in to communicate something.

"You drive..."

"..." Two or three sentences still made him incomprehensible. Finally, Charan released one hand and
reached out to pull the white man's slender wrist so that he moved to embrace him between his waist.

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A boy froze as the distance between them decreased dramatically. The speed of the large
motorcycle prompted Kanin to move to hug the driver's waist, while his brain and heart began
to confuse and conflict like never before.

"Hold me tight"

Kanin is annoyed with Charan... annoyed that the other party acts like they don't care about him. But he
becomes even more confused when he receives such a warm and gentle response from the man.

A large motorcycle entered the palace grounds. It was unusual for a servant to guard the gate.
But when the driver took off his helmet and revealed his identity, the massive steel gate in
front of him slowly opened, inviting a foreign vehicle with an unknown license plate number to
enter the palace with ease.

Kanin turned her face away from the broad back and accidentally let go of her hand as the
motorcycle's speed slowly began to decrease and before the roar of the engine died away.

The long legs of the person sitting in front landed on the ground to support the Iron Horse's
body. As a result, the person sitting behind him released his hands from the thick waist. Kanin
quickly jumped to the ground and managed to remove the helmet from his head, before
handing it to the person who had just gotten off the large bicycle to take and replace it.

No conversation emerged from those brown lips. Charan simply straightened again and looked at him
with eyes the young man couldn't read. Then he placed his hands on his chest and bowed respectfully, in
accordance with royal etiquette.

"Follow me, Your Majesty." This was almost like an indirect command delivered in a respectful manner.
Charan turned around and stepped forward after speaking, as if he were acting courteously at that
moment to maintain the etiquette he was required to observe.

Honestly, Kanin was reluctant to follow him, but since he had no other choice, he did. The reason
was because, at that moment, the young man didn't know the way. Secondly, he wanted to observe
the other party's reaction.

I wanted to know how coldly Charan would treat him...

The older man led him through the back of the building, past the large kitchen where the
servants were still busy working. They passed at least ten rooms until they finally reached a
large hallway that was beginning to look familiar.

At the end of the hallway, past the spiral staircase in the main hall, lies Kanin's bedroom. The
young man let out a small sigh, as the order that used to prohibit guards from staying in his
sleeping area became a good thing at a time like this.

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There was no one else there, only the sound of the two people's footsteps could be heard. Charan
paused in front of the bedroom door before doing something that seemed to answer the question
Kanin was longing to know.

Charan... it was very cold and much colder than I thought

A pair of beautiful eyes looked at the person greeting him as if saying goodbye indirectly. The other
party acted as if nothing had happened and was destined to leave, but this time... Kanin didn't give
up.

"If you want to run away again... I don't think I can remember my own words anymore. Let's talk
here." The voice of the person who said that was expelled without repressing any emotion. Kanin
crossed his arms over his chest, staring into the tall man's face. He used body language that forced
the other party to understand that this time he wouldn't let that person escape again.

......................

Charan seemed to be trying not to show any expression. But for people who had spent time
together, Kanin knew the cruel person's sharp eyes held a hint of sparkle.

"How did His Highness get there?" When there was no way out, Charan brought up the topic of
conversation he most wanted to know, which of course didn't concern his method of travel or even
who was accompanying the other party. Because all the answers definitely point to the butler
Chakri, who has been tricked.

Charan wants to know more about how Kanin knows exactly where he is.

"I went to Morpheus... your steward Narong said you were there." He answered honestly. He didn't
want to lie or be misunderstood by others. Kanin crossed his arms and raised his head slightly,
making the image of a stubborn child appear taller than before.

"Waiter?"

"Yes," the young man nodded. He made eye contact with the older man. Only then did he hear the phrase he
assumed the other man would say.

"Don't do this again. It's very dangerous."

"Then don't run and stay away from me... if you don't want me to be in danger again." Because the
other party's behavior wasn't much different from what he expected, the young man responded
immediately.

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Kanin really hopes other parties will feel sympathy for him. The young man didn't want him to
avoid him like everyone else did. He then tells Charan that Ran is the main reason Nin is in a
dangerous situation.

Arbitrarily hiding your face is a big problem. If Nin did something that made the other party dissatisfied,
Charan should come forward and tell her, instead of distancing himself and frustrating her. Kanin didn't
like that the other party didn't say anything.

If it's someone else... if he wants to do something, just do it. But now he wants to encourage Charan to join
them... that's why he keeps harassing him like this.

"It's getting late, it's time for Your Majesty to sleep." Charan remained the same as before. The
other party acted like a rock, unaffected by wind or rain. The young man reached out to open
the door. But the boy was faster than him. He quickly reached out and grabbed the other
party's thick hand and closed the door as before.

"I'm not a child who has to go to bed before ten. Seriously, aren't you wondering what I want to
talk about?" The frustration welling up in his chest made the young man decide to just say it.
Her pretty face and dark brown eyes expressed disappointment, and it had a great impact on
the hearts of those watching in front of her.

".." Charan remained silent, looking at him as if he wanted to communicate something, but instead
didn't say a word. Finally, Kanin had to say something important first.

"In the competition, I have to find people to join the team... Grandpa has gathered people for
me to choose from, but I need someone I can trust..."

"Sorry Your Majesty, I don't raise my sword in front of other people."

Charan didn't even wait to hear her out until the end, when he threw a rebuff in her direction.
That action was no different from the hot fire burning the straw in Kanin's burning heart.

"Refusing is so easy, isn't it? I haven't said a word forcing you to fence or do anything... Are you the one
who said you would protect, guard... and the one who said you loved me?" compete?

"..."

"Khun... You're very cruel, did you know that? You brought me here, but instead you left me and
disappeared... Have you ever thought about how I survive here alone?" Her broken voice made it
clear that Kanin had accepted his weakness. Also, it's about accepting his disappointment in
Charan...

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He slowly closed and opened his eyes once more as all his accumulated patience had run out.
In the past, Kanin never thought silence could hurt anyone. But this time, he felt Charan's
silence hurt him deeply.

"You probably don't remember. So I'll tell you and remind you once more. Now in my life
there's nothing left... I only have you." Kanin didn't scream or shout at all. But strangely, Charan
felt the voice of the young royal family echoing repeatedly in his ears and perhaps buried...
deep within his mind.

"Charan..."

"I'm sorry. Mr. Kanin... Mr. Charan." A third person's voice was heard, interrupting the awkward
conversation between the two. A familiar-looking servant appeared. He bowed in a very hurried
manner.

"Is something wrong?" Kanin retrieved his mask of power and put it back on. He looked away from
Charan and straightened again, his face serious.

"Prince Tarin has ordered Your Majesty to go to your room... Now Your Majesty."

"Yes, I'll go..." He received a message from the servants before turning around and leaving
immediately. Kanin won't delay any longer. He'll act like a ticking time bomb, spill everything,
and decide to move on.

His father once told him that... dealing with some people takes time, and for others, it usually requires a
different approach. Kanin used to think he was good at approaching people. But with Charan, he doesn't
know how to deal with him or what he should do.

If the other party ultimately doesn't want to come back... perhaps the easiest thing to do is to forget
everything. He thought this competition was fair from the start. Let's forget all the words of that evil
person and pretend it's just a passing wind.

Although in the past the warm breeze really helped him when he was suffering from the cold.

The walk to Prince Tarin's bedroom was long, even though it was only one floor away. Kanin
stopped in front of a large door where two doormen were waiting. The servants at the door
placed their hands on their chests as a greeting and etiquette that was often routinely
observed in this royal palace.

"Master Kanin has arrived." At the end of the sentence, a large wooden door opened
simultaneously on both sides. Revealing a room decorated simply in a white-brown tone, with
bright yellow lamps lining the sides, not the expensive chandeliers like in other rooms.

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The items that looked the most expensive were probably the cream-colored Louis sofa located
in the middle of the room and the large bookshelf that was large enough to indicate the
position of the room's owner.

It was also worth considering books, both old and new, from various collections. It was
definitely much more expensive than the combined price of all the chandeliers in this mansion.
The young man entered and stood awkwardly, searching for the person who had told him to
come, before being surprised when a cold voice sounded.

"Sit first." Her pair of beautiful eyes swept over the speaker. Tarin, wearing dark brown satin
pajamas, walked out the door that seemed to be directly connected to the bedroom. She
greeted her elders according to etiquette before gradually lowering herself onto the sofa.

"Thank you"

"Drink... to warm your body." The owner's expression seemed friendlier than before. Tarin held
the teapot carefully and poured the liquid into a small white cup. After that, he pushed a cup of
drink that smelled of baby powder over.

Chamomile tea was something Kanin didn't really like. But he could still drink it.

"Thank you." The young man looked at the teacup in front of him, then lifted it and savored the aroma. His
intuition is open and waiting for words from the other party that perhaps the purpose of this summons has
something to do with Nin... escaping from the palace at night.

"You came home late. Looks like you had a good trip." The hand holding the teacup froze. Her
small lips pursed slightly. Even if he could guess the reason for this call, when the topic was
bluntly opened, Kanin felt embarrassed.

"YO..."

"Next time, if you want to go out, have someone follow you. If you don't know who to tell, tell Dad... don't
go out alone with Chakri. It's more dangerous out there than you think."

"..." The person who heard it was stunned because he thought it would be strictly forbidden,
but it turned out not to be. Tarin simply offered an alternative and didn't care. Kanin thought
he should be worried.

"It doesn't matter what kind of life you've lived, but when you're here wearing the crown of duty
even though you're forced to do it... you have to be more careful and think ahead, because it's not
just Chakri who'll be in trouble... but the people who are worried about you won't be able to sleep
either."

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Even when he spoke in phrases that sounded like a reprimand, Kanin could hear the gentleness
in the speaker's voice. The other party carefully placed the teacup on the table and looked at
him with all his heart. His face, which had faded with age, seemed gloomy, making the younger
ones feel guilty.

"..."

"Do you understand what Dad said?"

"Yes," Chakri's words popped into his head. This is the story of Prince Tarin, who always goes to
bed before 9 p.m. every day as a matter of course. The nearby butler told him this because he
knew Nin slept later than her father to avoid any noise disturbing the adults.

And yes... it's already past 10:00 PM and Tarin still hasn't slept.

If it weren't for worry, there could be no other reason.

"..."

"Yes, if I go... I'll tell you."

He chose to be honest, rather than promise that this wouldn't happen again. Kanin chose not to lie,
and that made Tarin smile at the boy's honesty.

"Will there be a second time?"

"Yes, that's... possible." He replied in a confused voice, knowing the future was uncertain. Kanin
is now in a state of disunity.

"Oh... It's late. You should go rest."

"Yes, thank you... Uh, Dad." Kanin bowed his head to show his respect and humility according to
what Chakri used to teach every inch, even though they were not yet familiar and close to each
other.

But deep down, she hopes that the high walls separating family ties will rise, or perhaps soon
be reduced...

....................................................

Nothing has changed in the current Dawin Palace. The guard at the front of the room was like a
small dog, and the maids performed their duties diligently. If anything was different from the
usual, it was the outcome of the escape...the youngest prince of the Asawadevathin family.

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Kanin woke up early and quickly composed himself before his butler arrived. He was in perfect
condition to study, without hesitation. The reason was because he felt a little guilty toward
Chakri, remembering that yesterday he had accidentally forced the other party to obey his
orders even though they didn't want to.

Talking to Tarin helps Kanin regain his senses. Thus, the young man studied hard and helped
reduce the burden on the personal butler before the sun rose in the west. Chakri acts as
Emmaly's Social Studies and Economics 101 teacher and then allows her to take a break in her
free time.

After a while, he called the servant to bring the speaker, Marshall, into the room. The other
party introduced him to the dance, taught him some simple moves, and told him about the
dance traditions of the Emmaly tribe.

Chakri said Emmaly's ancestors loved to socialize. Therefore, dancing is essential when
celebrating a festival. Whether inside or outside the palace, everyone loves to dance.

They want to get to know each other and have the opportunity to spend time with strangers without feeling awkward.
That's why they have the tradition of dancing in pairs. It's a common practice that has been done for a long time.

"His Majesty's feet should take a step forward in front of me... and then take a step to the
right."

"Like this?" Hearing Chakri, who played the dance partner, say that, Kanin followed suit. The
butler clasped his hands and nodded.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Good." The boy gathered his thoughts and concentrated as he took the lead. Kanin completely
imitated the style Chakri taught him and danced with him. Only a slight stumble... so that in the
end, he got confused and accidentally stepped on the butler's plump leg.

"Your Majesty, oh." Shakri moved her foot away, but her toes seemed helpless. Kanin's eyes
widened, kneeling down to look at her dance partner's wound, because she still needed him.

"I'm sorry, Chakri, you're hurt..."

"All right, Chakri... All right, Your Majesty," someone of lower rank said, refusing in a mixed
voice. The butler's flustered expression at this moment seemed even more troubled than when
he was stomping around.

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"Let me see..."

"No, I... Another important matter, Your Majesty, please be careful with your steps... Otherwise,
you will step on the feet of your fellow dancers... Our custom is to walk around your fellow
dancers, so you must pay more attention to the rhythm of your steps... otherwise, you will take
the wrong step."

"Sorry." Seeing the other party taking on the role of a strict teacher, Kanin seized the moment
to express what was on his mind. The owner of the round face raised an eyebrow and looked at
him suspiciously. He realized that the other party was waiting for him to continue and explain
what he had said.

"..."

"I'm sorry about today and yesterday... I put Chakri in a difficult position, didn't I? Did she scold you or not?"

With him summoned and knowing he was being watched last night, Kanin assumes Chakri
won't survive either. The young man showed his guilty expression to the other party
completely, and sure enough, that action completely won the butler's heart.

Shakri's expression suddenly changed from initially suspicious to so moved she had to press
her lips together tightly.

"A little... but I'm fine, Your Majesty, don't feel guilty."

"Who scolded the butler?"

"The high life..."

"How is Grandpa?" he asked because he was worried and felt guilty. Kanin knows very well that
he is the main cause of other people's problems.

"He knew everything that happened yesterday... He told Chakri to pay more attention to His
Majesty... and oversee the appearance of the prince who was to display his talents during the
ceremony to launch the clan heir."

The young man remembered his grandfather's orders by allowing him to determine the performance to show
the potential of the next heir of the Asawadhevathin clan. Although his grandfather allowed him to put on a
simple show, Kanin knew that

It shouldn't be too simple... because if it's easy to understand from the start, the heir of
Asawadevathin will soon become the weakest link in the board game.

"Butler, don't worry. Trust me."

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"..."

"I guarantee you it'll be a hit this time. I'll look stunning in the entire room."

...........................................................

The clan heir's dance practice schedule doesn't just apply to Kanin. Eva and Ramil do too. All of
this is to avoid mistakes on the day of the event. Therefore, all members of the royal family,
both young and old, must attend classes as scheduled.

For Eva, it wasn't so difficult. But for Ramil... he saw dance training as something ridiculous and
meaningless.

Ramil didn't train as well as he had hoped, and his teacher had to give up and withdraw. The
melody of the dance practice could still be heard in the background in the large rectangular
room. Petai looked at the person slightly taller than him before letting out a soft sigh.

"Does Your Majesty not intend to fix it?" The voice, which sounded slumped, came from the
only person besides Ramil in this square room. Ramil looked away from his cell phone screen
and approached the person who dared to comment in a way no one else dared.

"There's no point in practicing. You know I can still dance with my eyes closed." The languid voice
told him that Ramil didn't care about Petai's complaints. On the other hand, he quite enjoyed
getting the attention of the Minister of Defense's only son.

"It's not like that. Even if you know how to dance, training according to a schedule is something His Majesty
should do. That is the duty of the heir..."

"The duty of the clan heir... is repugnant," Ramil replied. A young man of royal blood rose from
Louise's chair at the side of the room and walked directly toward his confidant, who sat cross-
legged next to an expensive record player.

"What would you do?" Petai's thin back pressed against the back of the chair as soon as the
other party approached. Ramil's two thick palms landed on the chair's armrests and held the
smaller person down so he couldn't get up.

"Find something not boring to do," a sly smile appeared at the corner of the person's mouth.
Ramil lowered his head, closing the distance, and silently observed his nearby companion's
reaction.

"Door…" Petai didn't push it openly. The other party simply rolled his eyes and stared before
whispering a few words that were no different from what Ramil had predicted.

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"Blocked," he said, lifting the chin of the person under the royal power and bringing his face closer.
Ramil smiled sympathetically when the other party showed a bit of resistance, as his lips
approached the body in front of him.

"..."

"Do you still believe in the legend of that stupid kiss?"

"People have different beliefs." The answer is neither acceptance nor rejection. But it also
brings a smile to the listener's face. Ramil nodded and let the distance between them narrow
as he whispered a few words softly, then placed his warm lips on top of the other's.

"If you believe, then... that's good."

Because that means he'll own this person. Her whole body... and her heart.

"Umm..." The warm palms prevented the owner of the small body from moving away. Petai
groaned in his throat with a weak voice. His lips parted slightly, allowing the strong-willed
person to forcibly deepen the kiss and savor the sweetness.

Two breaths intertwined, her slender palms pressed tightly against the thick shoulders of the
person holding her. The kiss wasn't gentle, and the other party was someone who could make
the fiery passion even more unbearable.

Ramil is a good kisser, and his tendency to manipulate people isn't just to provoke others. The
young man encouraged his close companion with a sigh, before reaching out to turn the
stereo's volume up to maximum to help hide the secret between the heir to the Phuchongpisut
family and the talented son of a defense minister.

"Ah, eh"

"Don't hold back... You won't moan louder than this music." The sound of loud music
emanating from the door of the multipurpose room made Kanin, who had just passed by, raise
his eyebrows slightly. The quiet hallway amplified the melody from within.

"Your ears aren't damaged, are they?" she muttered suspiciously at the volume of the music as
her cousin emerged from another room down the hall.

"P'Kanin," the other party greeted him politely and humbly. Despite their age difference being only a few years
apart and their acquaintances having only known each other for a short period of time, Eva seemed to adapt to
his status and became accustomed to him easily.

"..." Once again, the stubborn Kanin still couldn't ignore the volume of the music in the room of
need.

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"P'Ramil is practicing the dance in that room." It was as if Eva could read Nin's thoughts, so she
tried to speak to the woman as friendly as possible.

"So?"

"Did your dance practice go well?" A question from the daughter of the Twichmetha family stopped Kanin from
thinking. He thought about it for a long time, but finally answered with the phrase he thought made the most
sense when searching for a definition to support it.

"Uh...I think." This doesn't go down well compared to someone who's been practicing this sort
of thing since birth. During just a few training sessions, Kanin didn't dare count the mistakes he
made when he was off pace. Honestly, without being too self-conscious, the young man
thought he was on the right track.

"If there's anything I can help you with... Your Highness, Uncle." The young royal's end of his sentence
was cut short when his gaze caught sight of one of his relatives walking in that direction. Ratchata and
four other soldiers stopped not far away.

As a result, the polite Lady Eve greeted the elders almost immediately. Kanin was the same, although he knew
full well that the others held negative feelings toward him. But as far as maintaining etiquette was concerned,
the young man never considered ignoring her.

"How are you? How are the preparations for the launch party going?" The intimidating voice of
the Phuchongpisut family leader asked with a haughty expression that told Kanin that his
purpose in asking this time was probably not pure curiosity.

He saw that the other side had found a topic that would embarrass him.

"Nothing to worry about."

"Okay, so you..."

"Place"

"So... do you think there'll be an impressive spectacle or something for the first launch of the
Asawadhevathin heir..." Ratchata looked at her interlocutor who was still standing. The corners
of her mouth lifted, not even waiting to hear Nin's response, as she spoke her next sentence.

"..."

"No, really, don't do anything that will embarrass the royal family." Eva's expression wasn't very
good at the action that mocked her by saying that Ratchata wasn't a good adult, but Kanin
didn't care. He knew exactly how to deal with people like that.

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"It's good that His Highness Uncle is worried. I won't make His Highness Uncle worry. Please
rest in peace, Uncle." He was humble and polite, like speaking to an adult who truly has good
wishes for him. Kanin smiled sincerely, and of course, that confused Ratchata.

"This..." The person who intended to cause controversy was left unable to speak forever.
Ratchata frowned, and Eva showed no reaction to this incident, but her pair of beautiful eyes
showed that she really liked it.

"Dad... are you here to see me?" Before the Phuchongpisut family leader's fierce anger could
flare up even further, the door to the auditorium that had previously been blasting music
swung open.

Ramil appeared, and behind him stood his closest companion. But... Today, Kanin felt that the
other side seemed stranger than any other.

"How was dance practice?" Ratchata immediately turned her attention to her son. It's no different with
Kanin. She looked at Ramil, who was standing next to Petai. She could sense that something unusual had
happened.

Ramil seemed to be in a better mood than ever. At this moment, Petai is still a person with a
personality who rarely speaks. It's just that something about the other side isn't what it used to be.

The young man glanced at him quickly. Kanin considered it before coming to the conclusion that what
was different today was his neatness... yes, Petai usually wore soft, unwrinkled clothes.

But this time it wasn't as tidy as before... several strands of hair looked messy, unlike their
previous appearance. This made him realize something was wrong. What exactly was it?

"Dance practice, really..."

"..."

"It was so much fun. I trained so hard I almost ran out of energy. Didn't I, Petai?"

.......................

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Chapter 26: Charan's Task

Today inside Dawin Palace, the fighting became fierce because of an important social event,
the inauguration ceremony of the sole heir to the Asawadevathin throne. Many people flocked
to attend events in the Ino Kingdom.

From ambassadors, princesses and princes of foreign kingdoms, descendants of ministers,

politicians, and media from all walks of life, both national and international. Everyone gathered
here because this event was considered a grand affair, equivalent to a display of wealth, that
many people had to witness.

Charan wore a suit tailored specifically to his body shape. Furthermore, it encouraged the
wearer to look good beyond words. There weren't many ornaments on his body, but each one
was more valuable than what ordinary people would wear.

Charan's stature and agility drew even more attention from the media crew already waiting at
the main gate of the event.

"Khun Charan, may we ask permission to take some photographs?" A polite request for
permission is uttered by an intrepid press member. Amidst his anxious wait in the crowd,
Charan halted his brisk pace and slowed down, before reluctantly nodding his head.

It was true that he rarely appeared before the media, except for the required period, when
permission had been given, so many flashes of light from all directions swarmed like lightning
in a storm.

The noble figure stood still and finished his etiquette before advancing toward the luxuriously
decorated banquet. He mingled with many people dressed in expensive evening attire. Many
guests dispersed and chatted in groups while waiting for the waiters to provide service nearby.

Charan knew very well that he came here only for his job. But his cautious instinct was still on full display,
like a habit. The young man turned his gaze to observe the people passing by.

Her dark eyes fell on someone she clearly remembered who he was. Tall, fair-skinned, with a
delicate face, he didn't seem to care about anything. That unique and remarkable man was Prince
Calvin Lee, heir to the throne from abroad.

If you remember correctly, the other party doesn't really like going to social events either, but
guess what, this time Prince Calvin must have been forced by his father to show off and be
friendly and ready to connect with Emmaly.

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As Charan recalls from old news, the Lee family from a neighboring country has always helped
sponsor one of the families vying for the title of Grand Lord of Life, and this time they may have
come with the same goal.

Choose a team to support and sponsor

Calvin Lee let out a tired sigh as he focused his gaze. He reached for a tall glass with a golden
drink in his hand. The champagne here tastes good, but the current atmosphere is rather
unpleasant.

The royal aura he'd experienced since birth was nothing new. Calvin avoided talking to or
hanging out with anyone. The young man hid in a corner, letting the guards surround him like
a shield.

"That's Mr. Calvin."

The whisper of the external media, which was covered by pillars, was loud enough to directly
hit the owner's auditory nerves, because he was standing near the media area.

Only a few news organizations have a chance of making it to the top. Calvin doesn't mind.
Partly because he'd heard major news stories referred to under his own name before, until he
got used to it.

Of course, however, people talk about it more...

"Did you see Jay? Jay Jirat, that theater actor."

"How did it get here?"

In the middle of a discussion about him, the topic suddenly changed. Calvin wagged his finger
at the waiter to change the champagne glass because he intended to find a quiet place to sit
and wait, but the gossip's foul language made him stop.

"He probably asked for an invitation from the media who were once his friends; I saw him with
a media poster hanging around his neck."

"So you're out of luck. Do you still have connections to exploit?"

There are so many other good things that surround the negative criticism, which makes Calvin
really dislike hearing it.

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He doesn't hate talking. But there's a difference between gossip and disgusting mentions in
negative flashbacks. Before Calvin was about to leave, he had the chance to see Jay Jiras, the
theater actor.

Her light brown hair perfectly suited the shape of her small face. Her mouth and nose were
small, and she had doe-like eyes that made the other party's appearance seem... pitiful.

What a shame! I hope that someday other parties can also spread a thousand rumors about
this crime, even if it's just once.

Charan looked away from the foreign prince and back at his watch. There were another five
minutes until the heir to the throne was launched as scheduled, and the lights in the main hall
were beginning to dim. This caused the nervousness the Phithakdeva family leader had been
trying to suppress to begin to stir again.

"The Lord of Life enters the room"

An announcement from the royal servant called Charan to immediately look at the open door
and await the event. The chatter around him was like that of young birds and wild beasts
whose nests had been destroyed. The Lord of Life himself silently enters his path, not unlike
the arrival of a lion into a forest.

The country's supreme leader appeared noble even in his old age. All the politicians attending the event
paid their respects according to tradition and practice. They waited for the country's highest authority to
open the ceremony.

"We are delighted to welcome you all. We hope you enjoy a pleasant evening."

The voice told him it was time for someone's debut. It was true that today's work made Charan
nervous, but it wasn't because he had to attend a big social event.

But because when he went back to bed, he thought about someone all day and night and discovered that... He
himself was really as cruel as the other party accused him of being.

'Khun... You're so cruel, you know that? You brought me here, but instead you left me and
disappeared... Have you ever thought about how I survive here alone?'

Charan felt very guilty, so today he intended to come and talk to the Little Prince so the other
side would understand. The clock struck one, just as the light surrounding the entire room
went out completely.

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The young man straightened his body before freezing for a moment as he looked at the spotlight directly
above someone standing in the middle of the stage. The man he was referring to appeared with a large
white grand piano and sang in front of him.

Kanin Asawadevathin wears clothes the same color as his instruments. He resembles a painting
carefully painted by a skilled artist. The melody created by his slender fingers was very pleasing
to the ear.

The first note and the rhyme he uttered made everyone's eyes stop at that spot, as if
spellbound.

Charan in particular, the young man couldn't look away. Until he regained consciousness, his
own heart began to react strangely as before.

The sweet voice mixed with the sad melody of the chosen love song demonstrates Kanin's
cleverness in using the most popular love song among the people of Emmaly. It's a timeless
song that everyone loves, and it's known to be very difficult to sing, in addition to having
complicated musical notes.

But the debut of the heir Asawadevathin was even bigger than that, as Kanin reorganized the entire
song, even the verses. He sings in his own way, unlike the others. His singing voice is also very
unique.

Soft and sweet, and pleasing to the ear, especially the elegant image that befits the position of
the sole heir to this great family. All the elements blended perfectly, causing the comments of
the people at the event to be astounded.

"Very beautiful, Prince Kanin."

"Is this the person who, according to the media, was raised as an ordinary person?"

"The sound and music are good."

The unwavering praise for Kanin, the heir to the Asawadevathin clan, continues to resonate
even though the young man initially hated the mass attention directed toward other parties,
but was still able to suppress and contain the irritation in his heart.

The sound of applause echoed throughout the room as the young Noble's performance ended. Kanin
walked directly to the center of the stage and bowed in sequence to Supreme Leaders like Thipboworn
and Tarin. He then straightened his shoulders and silently looked at everyone around him before bowing
humbly.

"I'm happy that everyone gathered here for me. Thank you for the applause and hospitality. As
part of the people of Emmaly, thank you to all the parties involved in organizing this event.
Thank you to the guests from neighboring countries who came. Thank you for being

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part of this evening. On behalf of Asawadevathin, I will treasure all your kindness and never forget
it. Thank you."

Kanin finished speaking and bowed slightly to show respect to those who had paid him
respect. The entire flash of the speech surprised Charan... No, if what he saw was true, not just
Charan, but everyone in this hall, even Thipbovorn.

Partly because of his long sentence just now. Kanin not only spoke Emmaly, but switched between his
languages one by one, demonstrating his communicative prowess in front of leaders of other countries.

He spoke Japanese to the Japanese representatives, English to the international media,

Chinese, and much more. This made many people gasp. ThipBowon and Tarin smiled.
Meanwhile, Charan himself still couldn't look anywhere.

Kanin handles various situations. It was better than Charan thought. When the pair of eyes met

Charan was sure the other Kanin would be able to figure out where he was, because the
younger man was deliberately standing where Kanin could see him. The first time they met, the
younger man seemed a little frozen.

But it's really... just a little. Before they turned around, it was as if they'd never met or been
near each other. Charan felt warmth in his chest... as if a great bonfire were building.

His negative feelings surfaced in full force, especially when the owner of the white body stepped off the
stage alongside the Lord of Life, who invited him to perform and speak with the Princes and Princesses of
other countries, as well as at many other celebrations, in keeping with the social customs of the Emmaly
people.

I was on duty... but I didn't know why Charan wasn't feeling as well as before.

"This is Prince Calvin. You should meet him." Standing not far from their conversation, Charan heard and saw
everything. Prince Calvin, who had previously had a plain face and cared nothing for anything, now seemed
more active than before.

"Nice to meet you"

"Me too. The song you sang is very good. I like it." Knowing at a glance that it was a sincere
compliment, Kanin immediately thanked him with a smile, before shaking hands as a wedding
ring.

"Thanks, I'm glad you like it."

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They simply introduced themselves to each other. But Charan stared at the two of them as if he
saw a deadly weapon about to destroy the world. The expression of the head of the Phitakdeva
family, which had always been calm, grew calmer and colder by many times.

How could the young man's heart have collapsed? Charan considered before making a decision in his
heart. No matter what happened, he would no longer hesitate. Tonight, he had to find a way to approach
the young master and find a chance to speak with him.

"I like listening to music. I also heard this song. You wrote it yourself, and the way you sing it is
very interesting."

"Thank you. I hope Mr. Calvin remembers the song my way." Kanin responded to the compliment
with a smile. He looked at his interlocutor with a twinkle in his eye, remembering well what Chakri
had said earlier.

Prince Calvin's story. Chakri says the other party is the main sponsor and might be able to help
him. In this competition, only Kanin refused to take a direct approach without adding the art of
strategy.

The young man chose to use the method of talking about music rather than making a formal
commitment. But in the last sentence that just came out of his mouth, there was meaning and purpose.

Thipboworn and Tarin had moved away, but Kanin could still feel a pair of eyes on him. He had
become the clan heir; it was important to remain normal.

But that pair of eyes wasn't like the others, Kanin knew Charan was looking at him. The dark
eyes of a young artist and owner of a famous art school didn't leave him.

Kanin was the one who tried not to care, even though the other party acted as if he didn't feel
anything, but then he was caught red-handed in a lie. Because as soon as their eyes met, the
strange feeling in his heart that he thought would subside instead spread so much that he
didn't want to look into the eyes of the evil person who had ignored him.

But deep down, Kanin couldn't deny that he still had an unsatisfying curiosity. He just wanted
to know if Charan remembered the things they said the last time they spoke.

Does it make you so anxious that you have to try to find something to do to forget about it?

He looked at the waiter who gave Kanin a glass of wine to drink. He was sure Nin had seen... eyes
that looked as if there was something he wanted to tell him because Charan's eyes seemed to be
flickering... As if he had more feelings when looking at Nin than he had in the last few days.

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Kanin hated himself because deep down, he was still waiting for an opportunity. But like he said
before, Nin was tired of chasing him. Charan is the one who should be chasing him!

I wouldn't try it again. Maybe I could find a way to slightly provoke someone's reaction.

His father used to say that when we spoke or approached someone and he remained silent.
That's when we had to be careful because it was scary. It would make Charan realize he was
being ignored by him at all costs.

The orchestra's music explains the sequence of subsequent events. It brings the person
formulating the plan out of his reverie. Kanin walks to the center of the dance floor in a
previously studied position.

He saw Ramil, Eva, Petai, and even Charan himself enter the dance floor as well. Many people
around him moved to surround him.

This time, Kanin stood in the middle of the dance floor and in the middle of the crowd. In front of
him stood a beautiful woman whom he vaguely recognized as the daughter of a minister. The other
party immediately greeted him and smiled at him first. The young royal family immediately bowed
and greeted the other party as usual.

Kanin couldn't deny he was very nervous. The more he glanced out of the corner of his eye at
another pair of dancers ready to take position, the more his little heart began to beat
erratically.

Who would have thought that someone who was born and raised as an ordinary person like
him would one day be on a show that was no different from a movie or series he had seen
before?

His double eyelids turned to meet his gaze. In that corner, he saw Chakri standing not far from
him. The other party also looked at him. The personal butler gave him a determined look and
was ready to make a cheerful gesture to boost the morale of the person who was now smiling
at him.

The corners of his beautiful mouth were decorated with a gentle smile. It was very interesting to
watch. But when he turned around, he saw someone standing not far from him. Kanin returned and
made a cold face. The young man pretended not to care about Charan's gaze. He turned to his
companion and gently raised her fragile hand and held it.

The music begins, first a string instrument is heard, then the sound of a piano follows.
Rhythmic waltz music was played to enhance the aesthetics of the young men and women
dancing in the ballroom. The entire royal family and nobles on the dance floor danced
gracefully to the melody.

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Kanin tries to calculate his dance moves and be the perfect leader for the young woman. In the
first round, the other party sent him a friendly smile, so he smiled back.

"It was an honor to dance the opening dance with the Prince."

"Me too... but if there's any mistake, I apologize. I'm... not good at this." Talking can help
reduce tension and nervousness. Kanin's mind became more relaxed.

"Your Majesty has wisdom." The young woman smiled as she encouraged him, before the tempo of the waltz
being played rose even faster than before.

When the Piano's stalemate slows down again, it indicates that the traditional dance partner
needs to change. Kanin's first dance partner sent him a sweet smile goodbye and switched to a
new partner. But his intuition told him that Charan's eyes were still on him, that he was the
young royal family.

Kanin could feel those eyes. Even if he tried to pretend he didn't care. But there was no denying it
always bothered him. He deliberately took his colleague away.

He wanted to escape to the other side of the floor, but he couldn't do it as he expected. Kanin
tried to divert his attention to his second dance partner, even though his mind wasn't
connected at all to his eyes and body.

She had a formal conversation with her dance partner and smiled at the end of the dance. Nin also pretends to
be insensitive to someone's gaze, even though the reality is quite the opposite. Not only did she feel his gaze...
but she also felt very bad about it.

Charan acts as if he's playing a game. When Nin chased the young man, he retreated for a while;
now, when he retreated, the young man continued to pursue him. Eventually, feeling stranded
pushed Kanin to face the man's gaze.

The boy decided to look away as the last part of the song began to fade, marking the important
moment before the dance partner arrived. Their eyes met.

A pair of eyes that seemed bewitched and enchanted stared as if they wanted to use their
power to read Nin's thoughts. Everything around them suddenly slowed down. It was as if time
stopped spinning, just as the rhythm of the song began to play, signaling the change of
partners.

Unexpectedly

Kanin looked to the left. But this time things went wrong when the young royal family tripped over
their own feet. They would have lost their rhythm if someone hadn't come to support their waist
and catch Nin so they could keep dancing at the right tempo.

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Facing the current important heir of the clan was the leader of the Phithakdeva clan. The flashes of
light around him flickered along with the resonant sound of the chamber being pressed, making the
young man more nervous than before.

But still, all this had less influence on her mind than the tall, dignified figure of Charan with the
warm palm touching her.

"Watch your step," came the soft voice of an elderly man, speaking softly like a whisper. Kanin
pressed his lips together tightly, letting the other party lead the dance, adjusting the rhythm of
his steps to match the melody of the music.

When it was all over, he agreed to look up and meet her gaze. The first thing Kanin received
wasn't any reproachful glances. Instead, he emitted a faint light that made others look at him
in fear.

"..."

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty isn't as good at dancing as he is at fencing." Charan fell silent
after his first sentence and received no response. After a while, he brought up a new topic that
made the audience's eyebrows twitch. Nin wanted to remain silent and not respond, but...

Damn, Nin's brave fighter instincts told him not to give up!

"People who aren't there to teach don't have the right to say anything, right?" Kanin's pretty face
wasn't as bright as it had been when she'd been dancing with others before; in fact, she was still
trying to concentrate on the music even though it was difficult to do so.

"Teaching dance is not my job, Your Majesty..." Charan said that, but his thick hand that was
tightly holding Nin's waist held her and pulled her back until Kanin frowned.

Isn't teaching dance an obligation? What then is Charan's job? This man continued to stare at
Nin until his body was almost impaled. Was that also the other party's obligation?

Her beautiful eyes flickered as she stared at the speaker. For a moment, she uttered several
sentences... several sentences that not even Kanin himself could understand why he remembered
them so deeply.

"Protecting Kanin, caring for Kanin, caring and loyal to Asawadevathin is your duty."

"..."

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"But I forgot it was just a lie." Don't forget to end with the word "painful." Kanin suppressed all
his emotions and covered them with a cold gaze. He acted indifferently toward the person in
front of him, and it reflected badly on Charan.

"So, if I go beyond my duties, is that alright, Your Majesty?" The pace of the dance quickened as
his thick palms moved to clasp around the smaller person's waist. This brought their bodies
closer than before. Amidst the beautiful music that played at the end, Charan brought his face
closer so Kanin could smell the other's fresh menthol scent.

Two pairs of eyes were locked, their faces so close together that there was no room for air to
pass. All sounds in the surroundings became silent, with flashes of light still flickering through
the eyes from time to time.

But now Kanin is no longer interested in the people around him. The young man is only interested
in the lips of the person in front of him, which were moving to convey something.

Something the speaker seemed to be holding back for a long time and... it took him a long time
to put aside his arrogance and look up with pleading eyes just before the lights in the hall went
out.

"Let's talk outside, Your Highness."

.....................................................

Kidnapping an important heir to come out and speak at a time like this isn't easy. Well, there's
no denying that Charan's abilities are extremely strong, and he also got some cooperation
from Kanin. They finally found a quiet place to talk.

Silence seemed to reign in the garden that evening, where no one was there except the two of
them. Kanin crossed his arms and stood still, not even bothering to look at the face of the person
next to him. The sweet scent of geranium flowers wafted through, but he couldn't help but suppress
the disturbances in his mind.

"If you don't say something, I'll come back." Because other people kept looking at him as
someone who forgot he had vocal cords, Kanin let out a deep sigh without needing to be
polite.

He was eager to leave when suddenly the immortal stone statue began to move its thick palm.
The old man moved to hold it. The face that had always been handsome now looked
uncomfortable.

A well-known fact is that Charan never compromises with anyone, nor does he ever give in.
Especially in situations where his emotions became stronger than his brain.

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The young man who seemed to be considering finally moved his heavy lips and uttered a word.

And of course those were the words I was waiting to hear...

"Forgive me." The sincerity was clear in both his voice and his eyes. Kanin was happy that at
least everything he'd invested didn't seem to be in vain. Since he'd been chasing for so long,
this time he wanted to try to play with the other party a little.

"I'm sorry for?"

"Everything that happened in the past"

"..."

"Sorry for being mean."

"Have you been warned?" Kanin's sarcastic voice rang out as the other party still refused to
look at the other person's face. This caused a feeling of warmth to arise, making him think he
had to move his body closer and take a step back to get the other party to look at him.

"I know, that's why I'm here to apologize." They stared at each other as the sound of party
music rang out not far away. Charan made eye contact once more. Those eyes were filled with
so many things, and it affected Kanin's feelings.

"You left me alone."

"I see that Your Majesty already has Khun Chakri at your side..."

"Is it the same? Chakri is Chakri... You are you. Can you replace people?"

"..."

"And you rejected me again... The moment I opened my mouth to say something, you already
rejected me... Do you know how bad that was?" In fact, Kanin thought he could act humble and calm
this time, but when reality came, it wasn't so easy.

His battle soul refused to leave his body. Because of this, he had another chance to scold the
other party's behavior and asked what Charan could do except...

"I'm sorry. I won't let Your Highness feel bad again."

He said a sentence that would make the other party not run away. Charan looked at the person standing with
his arms crossed over his chest. His expression was clearly dissatisfied. The young man was angry. But Charan
didn't feel as uncomfortable as he had when he'd been ignored before.

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On the other hand, that arrogant attitude made the corners of his mouth rise slightly. The
young master's insolent expression, which was rarely seen by others, made him feel that
Kanin... Very cute.

"That's what you did. Well, that's your job. You said it yourself... you said you'd protect me and take care
of me. What a mean person... yeah..."

"Honorable"

"I shouldn't..."

"Honorable"

"What?" The person explaining frowned and blinked when he saw Charan had a small smile on
his face as he looked at him. A strange feeling came over him until he had to look away.

"There's something I want to convey to Your Majesty so that you can hear it... This is not an excuse. But I want
you to understand."

"Ah, say that."

"Actually, my task has been completed since Her Majesty arrived safely at Emmaly."

"..."

"After reporting to the Lord of Life, he said that my duty to look after His Highness was over...
The Lord of Life gave me permission to suspend my duty and do what was right for me... That's
why I won't come to see you unless it's necessary."

"But when we meet, you'll be able to say hello, right? Did you know that you act very coldly toward
me... even though I see you as a trustworthy person?"

It was made clear that the end of his sentence would make him feel light. Kanin took a deep breath
before asking a question that caused something in Charan's left chest to become heavy and hard.

"..."

"To me, we've been through so much together... but you act like I don't exist. I may look like a
child clinging to someone who's been through life and death together, but I really want to ask,
despite that. In fact... don't you think about me?"

"..." Even the question, for Charan, was more terrifying.

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"Am I the only one... who needs you..."

"If that's the case... it would be as if I'd gone beyond my duties, Your Majesty." This time it was Kanin who
wanted to smile, but he had to maintain his image. The young man pursed his lips and made himself look
innocent and innocent as he looked at her.

"You said you'd do it yourself. So when are you going to do it?"

"Your Majesty... what does Your Majesty want me to do?" Kanin couldn't hold back any longer. He broke into a
big smile, because in the end, what he'd hoped for had gone according to plan.

Like water dripping on a stone every day, the stone will erode. How can a weak heart bear it?

"Come back to me"

"Understood, one..."

"No, I haven't finished yet. Listen, I saw Ramil had Petai by his side, then I asked Chakri. Chakri
said that every woman and man will have a close companion who can be their friend... I'll go to
Grandfather and ask you to be my companion like Ramil who has Petai by his side."

"..."

"Or if you want to act as a bodyguard, you can also do whatever job you want... and if you don't
want to be exposed in front of others, that's fine. I originally wanted you to join the team. But I
won't force you."

Kanin didn't know what made Charan reluctant to fence in front of other people. But he didn't want
to ask, for fear that it was something the other party wouldn't want to tell anyone.

You don't want to hurt the other party because of your one-sided needs and desires.

"..."

"But I want you to know... I want you so much."

"..." Everything Nin had said shocked his heart, but it couldn't compare to the last sentence he
heard. Charan knows that Kanin grew up in England. The girl spoke English better than
Emmaly.

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But saying this phrase directly, that's... OK, Kanin probably doesn't know this. But in Emmaly,
this expression is only used by lovers who want to say they love each other. I mean, it's a
symbol lovers use when they say they want to have sex...

Kanin probably didn't understand Charan's reaction, who felt a feeling flash in his heart, along
with the heat in his body increasing and could not be suppressed.

"You really have a nice body, your arms are hard and long. A good combination... I really love
you... Oops" Before the conversation could continue, Charan chose to raise his free hand to
cover the mouth of the Persona who hadn't finished speaking and then shouted in a scolding
tone.

"Your Majesty, you cannot speak like that."

"What do I do-" Kanin raised an eyebrow and tried to turn his face away from Charan who was
trying to find a way to explain.

"Not being able to..."

"Why are you stopping me from talking? I was just saying I want you to join the team."

"I understand, if you just said you wanted me to join... the words you used in Emmaly aren't
words that... should be said, at least don't say it directly like that in front of other people."

"I'll accept your word... I can change the words, but there must be an exchange." At first, the stubborn
boy seemed rebellious, and for a moment Kanin smiled at the corners of his mouth and adopted a
mischievous expression.

"Exchange?"

"You have to stop saying real words to me. And you won't say them again unless you have to."

"Can't..."

"I love you," Kanin spoke deliberately to stop the older man's resistance, and it actually worked
as expected. Charan looked at the owner of the white body, who seemed completely unfazed.

"No-"

"I love you. I love you so much. I love Charan so much... Oops." The older man's thick palm
moved to cover his mouth again. Kanin intended to struggle and fight hard, but since Charan
got his timing right, he was able to reach out and use his strong arms to block the other party's
words.

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"Okay, okay. But I'll stop talking like that only at certain times. Only when we're alone."

"Yeah... Finally!... You know, I'm already feeling awkward and going crazy. Seriously, I can't live
when... no one casually talks to me... Ohh" He was so excited that he didn't notice the closeness
between the two. When Nin turned around, her breath disappeared when the tall man's warm nose
touched the surface of her cheek... that's why she noticed.

"We've been out for a long time. We should go back in."

"Yes, it's been a long time. Chakri will be worried." They murmured to each other as they
separated. Charan remained silent. Kanin remained silent, but this time they didn't feel
awkward at all.

The sound of night crickets rang out in unison as they once again stared into each other's eyes,
before Kanin finally revealed his main objective, prompting the two to go talk here.

"I'll sum it up, are we okay?"

"Nin, he has to ask you..."

"Hey..."

"In conclusion, do you feel better?"

...............................

Chapter 27: Close Companion

'Nin, he has to ask you...'

'In conclusion, do you feel better?'

The enveloping voice that still resonates in his mind leaves the owner of the small body in the large bed
restless.

Kanin blinked and rolled over countless times before lying back and staring at the ceiling, though he didn't know
what prompted him to do that.

The changed pronouns felt indescribably strange. Kanin couldn't explain what had happened.

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It's just... there's something stuck in his mind. It affected his heartbeat and caused such
strange sensations that it scared him.

Maybe Chakri should call the royal doctor... or not?

Or he'll rest a little...

The colorful lips were lightly pressed together. His little head pushed aside the distracting
thoughts and he took a deep breath before beginning to move, mimicking the behavior of a
snail.

The young man tried to shake off thoughts of Charan. He decided to get up and take a shower.
He went about his daily activities with intention, before discovering some surprising truths.

Kanin called it nostalgia theory...

When he told himself to stop thinking about others, that's when nostalgia started to kick in.
And it seems to happen a lot. Rather, his brain... has the power to determine and control.

For example, when showering or eating, everything slows down and happens without realizing it. Even when
talking to the butler, his response was so slow that the other party had to repeat himself.

Everything seemed strange. Everything, especially the fluttering in her chest, and Charan were the main
reasons why she was dreaming so much...

Why did he become like this? He had forbidden him to use real words, and Charan no longer used them.

Even stranger, only Nin and I said... he didn't see anything special here... other people often
mentioned it...

Ka...Nin...

Ni..n

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty"

"Well yes!"

Chakri's call immediately startled the distracted person. Kanin raised his head to meet the eyes
of the fat butler, whose head was lowered, his eyes filled with astonishment.

"Your Majesty, with a smile on your lips... is there anything to be happy about?"

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"Am I smiling? I'm not smiling, why should I be smiling?" The accused repeated the young
butler's words with a smile, quickly adjusting his expression back to normal.

"Smiling, you smiled even though I just said... His Majesty put the wrong button."

"So why did you just tell me?"

The person of royal blood said. Kanin's face, which was full of elegance, immediately lowered
and returned to focusing on his own clothes. Chakri simply muttered in a low voice.

"I told you... but His Majesty just smiled... Then Chakri thought it was a new fashion."

What a trend! They were wrong from the start! Shit!

After having to worry about fixing himself, Kanin immediately rushed to meet with the Great
Lord of Life. Because this is a very urgent situation.

"Mr. Kanin, His Majesty has allowed you to enter now, Your Majesty."

A voice from the Royal Guard standing in front of him called the young nobleman to rise from his seat in the
waiting room.

Kanin turned to his nearby butler again to have the other party help him check his appearance,
before walking behind the guard to meet the Grand Lord of Dawin Palace.

Inside the writing room, it seemed quiet. Even though it wasn't his first time there, Kanin felt
different this time.

Grandfather's two study rooms are decorated with mahogany wood, highlighting the
alternating red and gold colors on the long floor. The room uses the morning window light as
its main source of light. But this time Kanin didn't feel like he was receiving the warmth of the
sun as usual...

His instincts told him something was wrong. He could see uniformed people standing around,
keeping watch. If Kanin's senses weren't mistaken, he could sense that the person seemed to be
positioned in an unusual location and not just anywhere else... That gesture indicated there was
definitely something important to discuss today.

"Hello, Grandpa."

As a younger person, you should know how to greet adults first. Kanin strictly follows the
Emmaly 101 textbook on social etiquette taught by Chakri.

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The young man smiled when the man signing files at the desk raised his head to look at him.

"Sit first." A soft, distinctive voice spoke in front of him. The Great Lord of Life returned his
attention to the stack of documents in front of him.

"Yes." This strange atmosphere made Kanin feel like he was shrinking. The young man slumped
down and sat opposite his grandfather. He felt more humble than before, especially when he held
back until the other party finished signing the final document.

The man looked at the royal guard, his confidant. Wirun bent down and picked up a blue silk
bundle with the National Emblem and left the desk for a moment before the old man looked up
and met his gaze again.

"Have you had breakfast yet?"

"Well, that's all, Grandpa."

"Good... then Grandpa will discuss a topic. He won't go around in circles." That sentence had just come
out of Grandpa's mouth, and he knew that Kanin's question about breakfast was merely an introductory
sentence.

Because after answering this question, the atmosphere that he initially thought was awkward
suddenly became more stressful. It was like watching a guard investigate a prisoner's
misdeeds.

One thing he learned when he moved into the palace was that he had to maintain his own identity.
He also had to avoid being swept along by the currents. Kanin would also have the privilege of
explaining himself, even to Supreme Leader Emmaly.

"Grandpa, what's wrong?" Those double-layered eyes looked at the palace master in front of him with
confidence.

He does not have an agitated expression and knows how to adjust his posture to appear lively, as well as receptive to
what the adult is trying to communicate.

As a result, the old man had to sigh softly. Kanin smiled after that... the atmosphere around
them slowly faded and became more relaxed.

"Do you know what you did last night?"

"What is it?" An eyebrow rose when he heard the noble grandfather's question. The boy's brain
tried to recall the events of the previous night, while analyzing and classifying the

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mistakes. He discovered that he hadn't made the slightest mistake in the schedule he had set for himself.

Therefore, the adult's actions may simply have been due to a misunderstanding. But his words
made the old man sigh again... many times.

"Wirun"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Give the iPad to Prince Kanin"

The calm voice of the Great Lord of Life came. Wirun approached and handed an iPad already
on with news on a website for the owner of the white body to read.

"Read aloud to Grandpa."

"Be on the lookout for Prince Kanin's engagement with future son-in-law Asawadevathin?" Kanin didn't want to
raise his voice at the end of the sentence, but to his surprise the young man accidentally broke free and spoke
loudly.

His double eyelids were wide open as he read the news on his iPad, and he looked up and stared at his
grandfather with his wide eyes. This accelerated the reaction of the country's top leader, who sighed
again as he gave the order.

"Keep reading."

"Uh... well..." The thin lips closed automatically. Kanin looked down and read the headlines in
full sentences with great attention.

"Look at Prince Kanin's launch with his future son-in-law Asawadevathin in the middle of the party
last night... The whole event was a surprise. There was no one anywhere except... Charan
Phitakdeva, the young artist favored by the Great Lord of Life...read more at the link"

"The words can be read at the link, no need to read further."

"Excuse me."

He didn't know how his grandfather felt. Whether he was embarrassed or amused that he still dared
to joke around even when he was on the front page of news like this, or thinking about how to
punish him for possibly making his family members the news.

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But in the end, Kanin felt a warm breeze brushing his cheek. The wind proves that the decision
to let down each other's walls by making small jokes can reduce the tension between them.

Even if it's just a small thing...

"What do you think about this news?"

"I was a little surprised... and I wondered why. I danced with someone else last night, but it wasn't news. I
switched three partners, so why is the news only directed at him?"

"Because of the look... anyway, what else were you thinking?" The brief description didn't help
Kanin understand. The young man silently looked at the iPad again, and after a while, said
what he thought was important... more or less.

"So... why didn't you choose a picture of me where he looks more handsome?" A soft voice groaned at
the end. The boy secretly glanced at his grandfather before biting his lips.

In just a few moments, Kanin was able to read it all. Those dark brown eyes shone brightly. He
had warned his heart that Grandpa had called him about an urgent situation and to complain...

What to do when an adult complains other than putting up with it?

If you can't say "love," you'll confuse other people and forget what to say next. He had to
quickly change the subject to divert attention elsewhere and stop Grandpa from complaining
further.

This always worked for his father and should work for his grandfather too.

"Kanin... that grandfather wants you to know. You're in news like this with Charan... It's scandalous
news... You should pay more attention to your image as Prince Asawdevathin... Or, at least, as the
grandson of the current Head of State, right?"

"Sorry but..."

"But?"

"I don't think we should be worried at all. News like this comes and goes quickly."

"..."

"Soon, people will stop paying attention to the gossip about the royal family's love. Even if they
keep talking about it, if it's not true, then it's nothing. Time will help prove it."

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Besides, I have something I want to tell Grandpa. I want to talk to him about it. I think I have a more
interesting problem than gossip right now.

"So, what do you think Grandfather should be worried about now besides his own grandson's
image?" Thipbovorn smiled slightly as he listened to his grandson try to find a way to distract
him onto other matters.

It wasn't as if he couldn't see through the young man's tricks. He just wanted to know what trick Kanin would use to
avoid this problem.

"I think we should focus more on building competitive teams now... I don't have anyone I'd like
to include on the team right now."

"I see... it's actually more interesting than that."

The Great Lord of Life surrendered to him.

The young man let out a small sigh. As a result, he didn't notice the other person secretly
raising a smile at the corner of his mouth because the boy dared to have such a clever idea of
fighting an experienced lion.

But not clever enough

"So the person Grandpa chose for me... Isn't he at all attractive in your eyes?"

"Not yet... so today I would like to ask His Majesty Grandfather's permission..."

Kanin didn't hesitate or hesitate once the old man opened a gap. He got straight to the point.
His face became more serious than before, causing Thipbovorn to focus more and wait while
he continued to listen.

"Something?"

"Yeah"

"What? Tell me, if Grandfather can give it to you, I will," the old man asked sympathetically. His
clouded eyes tried to reflect. The feeling of unease made Kanin quickly swallow the thick saliva
running down his throat in worry.

The young man knew his purpose and desire for coming here. However, when he had to speak
honestly, someone else kept appearing in his mind, making him unable to speak so bluntly.

At first he thought it was because of Grandpa's expression of discontent when he saw the news of him and
Charan.

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But after thinking about it for a while, he realized that this person's name affected his
heartbeat. That's why Kanin has some pretty significant problems like this.

But I still had to say it! I'd slept and thought about it all night, so I wasn't going to let this
opportunity pass me by. Don't miss it!

"If I want to ask... Khun Charan... to come to my side as a close companion, you can do it,
right?"

"Why?" The Sovereign responded immediately. The old man neither smiled nor laughed, and only his
gray eyebrows rose slightly in suspicion.

Seeing this, Kanin quickly opened his mouth to explain the plan he had devised to the old man.

"I want you to help me find someone to join the team... I once fenced against him and lost
badly, so I know that in reality... he is very skilled and seems to have a rare ability... but I didn't
want him on the team because it seemed like he didn't want to fight in front of anyone."

"..."

"I didn't want to force it. I just thought maybe he knew some good people who hadn't been hired or
bought out at other clubs, so he could mentor me." The young man thought his other talent was
rap. Kanin explained at length, while the old man continued to ask questions.

"So the person Grandpa brought isn't good for Kanin or what?"

"They're nice... But I just don't want to choose."

"So, may Grandpa ask why?"

"If I pick them... it's the same as showing all the cards in my hand to someone else. It's like
bragging. The opponent will know which direction I'm going before I even enter the field. I'm
worried about this because my game starts later than other people's. I didn't know who to
really trust... so I wanted someone no one knew. I wanted to build my own team from scratch. I
didn't want my opponents to know how I was going to play the game."

Kanin's words seemed to have a profound impact on the leader's thoughts as he listened to the
young man explain the initial reason for the request. Thipbovorn immediately turned to the
royal guard standing not far from him.

"Wirun"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

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"Call Charan to come in."

Kanin's eyes widened when he heard the other party's name. The young man felt unease run
down his spine to his cheeks, and suddenly his heart began to tremble again.

Feelings of shame arise. He didn't know how he could act in such haste. Although he did it to
joke and lighten the mood of the Great Lord of Life.

But when will it come?

Did he come and listen when Nin praised him for being clever too?

Ah, he's going crazy

Familiar footsteps clarified Charan's arrival. The owner of the handsome face looked at him for
a moment before bowing to the leader and stepping aside to pay his respects.

"I respect you, Your Majesty." Charan still had a polite and calm personality. He held two hands
in front of his chest, but those sharp eyes stared at him, never looking away.

"Charan, you must have heard what Grandfather and Kanin said, right?" Thipbovorn's question
was like high-powered electricity. The young man bit his lip and felt a little stunned when he
heard Charan's reply.

"I heard everything."

Well... of course

The Phithakdeva clan leader's confirmation truly struck the young man's face, and Kanin looked down.
The young man wished he had magical powers to hypnotize himself and forget what he had just said
because he was praising the other party...

I once faced him and lost badly, so I know that in reality... he is very skilled and seems to have a
rare ability...

Actually?

Let's forget about this one. Let's assume he didn't speak, never spoke, didn't praise him well... and didn't even
say he lost to that guy!

"Grandpa doesn't want to pamper Kanin yet. Although Kanin said there's a reason... but
Grandpa has to ask Charan if he's willing first."

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"Yes, Your Majesty"

"What do you say about this matter?"

"I beg Your Majesty's permission... I think I should follow the little prince."

In fact, even though they had agreed before, after hearing Charan's official response again, the
stirring in Kanin's left chest seemed to react again...

"Did you know that the position of Close Companion must be proven by taking the entrance
exam with the highest score? In addition, there must be a fencing match with five royal guards
who are trainers of the Phithakdeva Family in public... and you must win two of the five fights
to become a Close Companion."

"I know it very well."

"I know... um... so that means you're willing to reveal your talent in fencing... after all, you once
told Grandpa you wanted to keep it a secret? Now there's probably no need, right?"

"..."

Because Charan was silent and the atmosphere around him began to deteriorate, Kanin looked
at the news feed still open on the iPad screen. He immediately raised his hand and muttered
softly.

"Um, can I ask Grandpa's permission to intervene a little?"

"Actually, it shouldn't be like this... but Grandpa Kanin allows it... What do you mean?"

"If Grandfather cannot appoint Khun Charan as his close companion in the usual way, then..."

"But? "

"So, may I exercise my right to name you out of affection, Grandpa?"

Charan's expression was clearly one of surprise, as if he were suddenly short of breath. The other party
looked at him and made an expression as if... he saw horns and a tail growing from his body.

"What do you mean?"

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"Most people already think Khun Charan and I are in a romantic relationship... If that's the
case, why don't we use the news to our advantage?"

"..." The entire room fell silent, Kanin took a deep breath, before hurriedly explaining and
cutting the matter short.

"If you say he was named out of affection, then Khun Charan doesn't have to reveal his
swordsmanship skills, right?... I remember Chakri saying someone did this once." Kanin talks
about the rules being compromised, a reference to which was noted in Emmaly's history class.

As I recall, there seemed to be a nobleman who raised a close Companion out of affection. Although it
was controversial during that period, it eventually received the blessing of the state leadership.

"..."

"This way, Khun Charan will become my closest companion... When we go somewhere
together, no one will suspect. No one knows that Khun Charan knows swordsmanship. No one
will doubt that we are both planning. Let people interpret that for themselves. I am a person
who can do whatever I want... However, those people have no way of knowing my strategy."

"..."

"But I'll act as if I'm going to hire the person Grandpa chose for me like before... I want people
to think first that I chose the person Grandpa chose."

"You want to do everything right and then venture out to find another way to defeat your opponent
without letting him know what you're planning?... Don't you?"

"Yes, I read it in the book The Three Kingdoms, it's the strategy of a cricket shedding its skin." The
youngest person in the room smiled. Kanin's eyes sparkled as he spoke of the plan he had devised.

Thipboworn had a smile on his face, the old man was very pleased when he realized that his
only grandson had several plans... Even plans to escape.

So the old man chose to let go of the sediment that had accumulated in his heart and refocus
on what was most important at that moment.

"If you use that method, it's fine... but the person who suffers the most in this matter is Charan."

"Ah..."

"If Charan takes this position, it means that Kanin's plan will cut off his chances of love for
many more years... Will you go ahead with this plan?"
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The words of the Great Lord of Life made the people who had forgotten to consider such a
possibility open their eyes wide. Kanin bit his lip, as he contemplated something he hadn't
expected.

Really... if he does that, Charan won't be able to have a girlfriend.

If Charan ever falls in love with someone... The position of Close Companion will become an
obstacle to the happiness of the other party.

No, I couldn't allow this to happen.

"Then... we won't use this method anymore, Grandpa. We'll use a different method..."

"I'm willing."

Kanin hadn't even finished his sentence when someone who had been standing as still as a stone
statue suddenly moved his mouth to speak.

Kanin quickly turned his face to look at the other party. For a moment, he felt his neck tense, as
the owner of the high-pitched voice accepted the offer like ropes easily tied. He didn't seem to
mind at all.

Charan accepted too easily... as easily as someone who was invited to a meal...

"No, how can you do this? What if you ever want to have a girlfriend..."

"I don't have anyone in mind... and I don't think I ever will."

The stifled laughter of the old man watching the event before him caused his grandson to
quickly turn around and act calm. Kanin's handsome face was slightly wrinkled, while Charan
still had a calm expression on his face.

Without any conversation, the room was so quiet that even the sound of the leaves rustling in
the wind outside could be heard. As a result, Thipbohorn decided to make decisions for
everyone.

"Okay then, Grandfather has come to a conclusion... Okay. Grandfather will allow Charan to be
designated as a close companion... and Grandfather will announce that Grandfather's grandson named
him out of love." Thipboborn emphasized his voice greatly.

The corner of her wrinkled eyes glanced at the person she had raised like a grandson in her
stomach, before taking a breath and preparing to continue in a low voice, "Since he's already willing
to do it... perhaps this isn't a bad thing."

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"..."

"If there's nothing else, you guys can go and do whatever you have to do... Grandpa needs to
rest for a while."

Thipboborn nodded and turned to tell Wirun to dismiss the guests.

.......................

Kanin moved forward, looking for the butler who was nearby as always, but as he looked, he
immediately understood that Shakri would be back waiting in the room and he wasn't angry.

Currently, only the Phithakdeva Clan Chief and the young prince were in the room. The double-
layered eyelids avoided a glance at the other party before deciding to call out to him.

"You..."

The little man stopped in the long hallway on the left wing of the second floor of the Palace. The feeling of
awkwardness left over from the incident made Kanin decide to turn around and say something to the person
behind him.

"?"

"Thank you"

He held his breath for a long time before saying that. Charan turned his gaze to the other side
and looked around the small area to make sure no one was listening, as they spoke normally
among themselves.

"About what?" Charan raised an eyebrow and looked at him in confusion. He still didn't fully understand the source of
this gratitude.

"Well... about today."

To be honest, Kanin wasn't very good at expressing gratitude.

But at this moment, the surrounding atmosphere... was very welcoming.

"..."

"Thank you for agreeing to cooperate with me, thank you for coming back..." The little young
master's eyes were filled with sincerity. Those beautiful eyes affected Charan's feelings.

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a shock that made the big man quickly lower his head and look in another direction.

"I promised I would go above and beyond my duties... I must keep my promise." He responded as if he weren't
thinking anything, but inside he was against his own attitude.

Charan agreed because he felt guilty and wanted to help Kanin and... he cared about the little
boy's feelings.

Like Kanin who cares about Charan's feelings...same.

"But isn't that too much? If you accept this offer, not only will you not be able to have a girlfriend... but
you'll also become the subject of gossip. I think it's too little, sorry..."

"And who will be the gossip on this subject?"

"I... you..."

"Um, why do you think this will be gossip?" The tall figure raised an eyebrow and asked quietly. The
goal is to get young people thinking about themselves again.

"Well, you... you said you wouldn't fence in front of other people and you seemed so determined...
But I want you to come live with me, this... that's why I have to use this method."

"So what do you mean?"

"I can't protect you from gossip, because other people are already talking about us..."

"..."

"But at least let me... I can protect your secret... I guarantee no one will find out. I'll keep your
secret because we're on the same team now."

What goes through the mind of someone who grew up alone?

Charan used to ask questions and find answers many times, but the answers were never free
of the words burden and duty.

Completely different from this moment. Kanin gave a faint smile, and then Charan got an answer.
What if someone felt empathy and tried to protect him? That was something he'd never received
from anyone before.

And it's beautiful, this feeling affects the heart... The kind that's stronger than anything Charan
himself dared to guess...

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"Umm, we're on the same team. So... tell me what the next duties of a prince's close companion
are." This is no different than permission and acceptance of status. Kanin put on a big smile
before continuing the conversation, which flowed smoothly.

"Let's start by stopping for some snacks first, shall we?" the person's voice said jokingly.

Kanit spoke as they descended the spiral staircase of Darwin Palace. The young man was in no
hurry. He smiled slightly to himself as he looked at someone following him.

They had a fight here yesterday, and the other party continued to act cold and indifferent, denying everything.
Look now, he's like a different person.

Kanin felt it was a game. He was the winner.

Oh, okay... Except for the fact that he lost consciousness. The meaning is the pronoun the other
party says...

"Your Majesty, what are you laughing at..."

Seeing the younger person still smiling and seeming to lose consciousness, Charan couldn't
help but ask curiously.

"What did you call me?" He suddenly stopped as he approached the front door to the living
room. Kanin raised an eyebrow, feeling like an idiot. The other party slightly confused the
constantly changing pronouns with actual vocabulary.

Even when Charan refers to himself as "I," he's not being nice. But when he returned to
vocabulary, Kanin felt dissatisfied.

"This area is so large that if anyone were to hear it, it wouldn't be good." The wise men spoke in
whispers. Kanin crossed his arms, intending to argue as well. But he was trapped where a third
person had pushed him to a stop first, and all their intimate conversations had to end.

"Who..."

"P'Kanin, Khun Charan." The only female cousin of the royal family came directly from the
building on the left as they greeted each other. Eva smiled, completely different from the
image of a sweet noble lady in a delicate ball gown last night.

"Eve"

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"Would you like to go have dessert together?" That person still had a good relationship with
him as always. He smiled at Charan, who nodded to Kanin for a decision and agreed.

"Let's go," Kanin replied. This was partly because he had rejected Eva many times before, and partly because he had
been aiming for the young royal family from the very beginning.

Kanin stepped forward and stood in front of the living room with a balcony overlooking the garden. He
managed to open the door to allow a woman into the refreshment and relaxation area.

"Thank you," the sweet voice said sincerely. Charan and Eva's two followers were about to leave
and wait in a corner of the room, but Kanin wouldn't let that happen.

"Where are you going? Sit down." The young royal family's command made the tall man stop, he
glanced slightly at the noblewoman in front of him, and his eyes expressed doubt that Kanin would
repeat his words.

"..."

"Sit here." The white palm tapped the empty chair next to him to indicate his position. Charan
didn't dare sit for an important reason: the person sitting at this informal table wasn't just
Kanin. But with his current position and obligations, that refusal really had to be forgotten.

"Please sit down, Khun Charan. He talks to a lot of people. It's fun." Luckily, Eva is good at
connecting the atmosphere seamlessly. She smiled kindly as she gestured to Charan with her
hand in permission.

"May I ask permission?" the older man said, respectfully and with etiquette. Charan sank down and
sat down, maintaining his face and posture as if he had been observed as a nobleman.

Two or three waiters slowly brought trays of snacks and tea to be served. On the tall plate rack
in front of him were many kinds of sweets and candies. They chatted about trivial matters
before the only woman in this conversation obviously mentioned some topic that influenced
the audience's reaction.

"I really haven't had time to talk about last night..."

"..."

Kanin's slender palm, which was about to lift the teacup for a sip, paused. The young royal
family glanced slightly to their side, though there must be some things in the other party's
heart that they should also be concerned about.

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Regarding the trend of criticism of dance partners, Kanin hasn't seen it in detail yet. But he knew very
well that many people would mention it. And he didn't know what Eva would think about it... Ramil was
the same.

"A very good performance, Your Majesty." What the young woman said left Kanin somewhat speechless.
He raised an eyebrow in surprise that Eva didn't bother dancing with Charan, instead choosing to
mention the opening performance.

"Thank you. By the way... what kind of music does Eva like to play?" Perhaps because those
eyes showed that the other party was sincerely flattering him, Kanin agreed to lower his guard
to talk.

At least the young man liked that Eva didn't sit back and attack him with nonsense.

"Music isn't my favorite, archery's better too," she joked. Eva placed the cup of tea she hadn't
even drunk on the table before pointing at the bow and arrow two servants were holding for
her.

"Can you shoot arrows too?"

"My favorite activity. Does P'Kanin want to try it? I'll teach Phi myself." The younger ones
insisted on volunteering. This made the girl seem even more enthusiastic than before,
especially when she talked about her favorite activities.

"Hey... take it. I'll find you some free time." Once again, Kanin lowered his guard. He looked at the
girl in front of him. Currently, he still didn't know where the other party would lead. If Eva was really
good in the end, she would definitely be a good friend instead of an enemy.

Kanin knows how to differentiate himself; even on the field, we have to fight for victory. For the sake
of our family, but even so, there's no reason to hate each other.

"By the way, didn't Khun Charan go to work at the art school today?" What Eve meant was
Morpheus, and that sentence confused Charan a little.

"Today, Morpheus is closed, Your Majesty." The young man chose to respond neutrally. He
didn't think to specify or explain anything further; unlike Kanin, he didn't want this specialty
simply explained.

"Yes, it usually closes afterward because the owner isn't there."

"Fi means..."

"Because of Khun Charan, he had to take on a new role as my close companion... Isn't that
right, Khun Charan?" For a moment, Charan thought he saw the cunning hidden beneath the
Little Prince's bright smile and cute face. Kanin spoke deliberately to stir up rumors.

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Obviously, the other party intended to reveal it. Especially speaking of this in the middle of a
meeting, where there are still two or three servants who haven't gone anywhere. You could say
it's clever because it uses walking tactics in the game, killing many birds with one stone.

"Does Companion P'Kanin mean..." Eva looked a little confused, and if I had to guess, it would
be because of the fencing exam.

Everyone knows what it means to be a Close Companion. Not everyone can achieve this
position; they have to take a certification exam. But since he's the type who's very strict about
etiquette, that's why Eva doesn't dare ask directly.

People are used to the image of him being lacking in wrestling and fencing, so it wasn't surprising
that he was suspicious.

"Yes, Khun Charan did not take the fencing exam, but he was appointed according to my affection." The
young royal spoke clearly as he silently watched the reaction of the woman in front of him.

"Is that so? If so, good, you won't feel alone... Oh yeah, about the P'Kanin competition, do you know
the special rules this year?"

Eva didn't seem surprised or negative about the new information. He simply nodded in
acknowledgment, before inviting them to discuss another important matter.

"What are the rules?"

"Competition Substitution Rules"

"Why, what's wrong?" Kanin actually knew a few details about Chakri. He just wanted to know if Eva
would tell him the truth. In the end, he opted for a confused expression as the younger person
explained.

"Because there are three teams in this round. One team will advance without having to
compete in a lottery. Meanwhile, the other two teams that have to compete in the final round
to find the finalist team will have the privilege of endorsing their team from the original five to
obtain the right, specifically six people, for Justice..."

"..."

"And in order to avoid any reason for losing due to weak strength from the first round of
competition... P'Kanin himself must be able to prepare the team's formation."

The daughter of the Twichmetha family has no hoarding. Eva explained everything in detail and
clearly showed Kanin that the other party wanted him to know as well.

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Eva wants fair play, Kanin himself.

"Thanks Eva for the information."

"You are welcome."

"Save it for the rest of next week if you have time... Let's go practice archery."

After this, only Ramil was left to identify whether the person was dishonest or not... But no
matter how honest these people were, in the field, Kanin couldn't trust them at all.

Because off the field he doesn't know... If there are other people who want to destroy him or not.

....................

The charity event at the Puchaka Group Hospital was widely covered by the media. This
afternoon, Ramil attended the event as a representative of the leader of the Puchongpisut
family.

Working among people isn't a big deal for Ramil. He was born and raised being forced to stand and
work in front of the media until he got used to it. Nothing major...

Except having to submit to some unethical media asking him questions sometimes makes him
feel annoyed...

"Mr. Ramil... What do you think of the news this time, about Prince Kanin's behavior last night?
Is he also problematic as a member of the royal family?"

The voice of a brave reporter asked. Because Emmaly is a country that gives freedom to media
creators. Therefore, it's no surprise that Ramil was shot today in the middle of an interview.

The only son of the Phuchongpisut family still had a calm expression. Ramil plastered a
businesslike smile on his handsome face before answering the question politely but clearly.

"Last night... if I were to talk about Prince Kanin and Khun Charan... do I have anything to worry
about? Especially when our country has marriage equality laws. Anyone who is in a relationship
with someone should be afforded their rights." . If there's anything to comment on, it's just
funny."

"Oh..."

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"I think we should focus more on today's work. Don't you think so?" The heartbreaking smile
that appeared on the audience made Ramil's face even more attractive.

The young man had everything under control thanks to perfect training. Ramil not only controlled the
situation.

But he's good at controlling his emotions and his face in front of the media. The young royal family
did so in a grand and invincible way.

His inner feelings are unknown to anyone. Except for one... His closest companion.

Petai entered with someone as important as his own destiny and entered the bedroom. This was the top
floor of the mansion and was a private room where no one was allowed to enter without the Prince's
permission.

"Why does the media like to play games about love? Who loves whom, who likes whom, and
why? It's really annoying." A phrase was heard as soon as the bedroom door closed.

The tall man immediately went and sat down on the couch. His previously smiling expression
when speaking in front of the camera changed, as if he were a different person.

But Petai knows exactly what is... real.

"That's normal, aren't you used to it?" Real vocabulary wasn't used in an era when there was no
one else around.

Petai plopped down and sat on the same sofa, without thinking about keeping his distance as a
good companion should treat his master.

Ramil doesn't like formalities. The other party hated him when he used real vocabulary or
treated him as someone of a different status. Therefore, Petai only uses it when he wants to
annoy his audience.

Or when he wants to encourage seriousness, like insulting someone. That doesn't happen often...

Knock Knock

"Khun Siwakorn came to see you."

The knock on the door and the words of the doorman at the front of the room thus stopped Ramil
and Petai's conversation.

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The son of the Minister of Defense approached the door and opened it with a calm expression, as if
nothing unusual had happened before.

He remains a close companion who serves the master perfectly.

"I ask Your Majesty's permission. This is the matter the prince asked me to investigate..." Siwakorn
came to report what Ramil had instructed him to handle. Several items and important information
about the Tinchmetha family were handed over.

About ten minutes passed, and he watched until all the details were finalized. Ramil closed his eyes
to allow the young man to process his thoughts about the next sequence of steps.

"Thank you, Khun. You can leave first," he ordered the person on duty. Although he hadn't yet opened his
eyes, Siwakorn bowed slightly, said a brief goodbye, and left.

"Your honor"

Petai remained silent. At that moment, he couldn't see the look in Ramil's eyes. But he knew,
just by guessing, what feelings lay beneath that blank face.

Thirst for victory that pleases him in competitions and feels challenged by the existence of other
parties.

"Eva is starting to move. We should start too."

"Investigating Lady Eva's side, don't you want someone to investigate Prince Kanin's side?" the
owner of the white body asked. Petai thought nothing of it other than speaking, because he wanted
to remind Ramil to think carefully.

But it seems that their understanding is very different.

"Why do you want to investigate? Is it for personal reasons?"

"..."

"I heard that Kanin will appoint Charan to be his close companion just like you."

"..."

"Are you heartbroken like that? Especially if the couple did what we did. Do you still want to
study art?

The listener's brow furrowed as he met the young royal's sharp pandan eyes. Petai wasn't hurt
at all by Ramil's sarcasm.

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But he was feeling a little frustrated by the tall man's childish actions, so he had to find a way to
defend himself... his way.

"If studying can help me heal my mind, then it's worth learning."

"But..."

"Ramil, if you ask me again, you won't be able to accept my answer, so I don't think you need to
ask again."

Short and concise, but clear. It was the kind of pronoun Ramil loved and hated at the same time. Besides,
Petai uses it and says it.

Things are changing for once... The young royal family should be the ones to agree to calm down
now.

..............................

Chapter 28: Trust

"Last night... if I were to talk about Prince Kanin and Khun Charan... would I have anything to
worry about? Especially when our country has marriage equality laws. Anyone in a relationship
with someone should have their rights. If there's anything to talk about, it's just fun."

The news report of the attractive cousin's interview came from the iPad Kanin was holding.
Ramil's face, amid dozens of cameras and reporters, remained calm and unchanged.

The other party wore a small smile on his face so as not to appear too aggressive. You could
say he's the kind of intelligent person who's able to adapt very well to the environment. Raised
in an intact family, Ramil, of course, has the skills to handle the media he deserves.

But beneath the feelings he hid inside, there was no need to guess that the person was cursing
every strange question from the media, maybe even many times.

"The trend on the Internet is very strong, Your Majesty."

Chakri, the fat butler, with a worried expression on his face, let out a tense voice. While Kanin
simply presses a button to pause a news report, he then switches to his Twitter page to keep
an eye on social media.

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Beside him, there was a close companion who stood calmly above him, seemingly
contemplating. This was in stark contrast to Kanin, who had no facial expressions, as if nothing
affected him, not even the slightest.

"Fine, leave it at that. You can't stop others from talking about us... I don't see any harm.
Emmaly already has marriage equality laws. This isn't a country where the law doesn't yet
recognize the basic rights of couples of all genders."

"..."

"Besides, anyway, criticism or gossip about us doesn't go beyond the point of bullying or
violence. I don't think it's a big deal. Just because I became the prince doesn't mean other
people can't speak up." "But if they speak to the point of hurting other royals, I won't accept it
either."

"..."

"Nobody deserves bad words, right? Is it really that bad, Khun Charan?"

Khun Charan's call from the boy surprised the owner, and he turned to look him in the eye. The tall
figure processed the young master's words before nodding his head and making the younger man
smile.

"I agree with you too. I just want you to be careful with the placement..." Said the person who
always did things within limits, with a voice that showed the results of his heavy thinking.

Kanin smiled, not thinking much because he understood Charan's nature of thinking
differently. Unlike Chakri, who always thinks according to a pattern. The other party is planted
to be careful and do things according to his own criteria. This caused some people to feel
disappointed with what he did.

"I'll try... let's talk about planning the next game."

The young man agreed. He chose to try it, knowing what would happen in the future. Kanin has
decided he has to use this tendency to disguise himself, and this love story probably won't
disappear so easily.

A figure moved slightly. Kanin straightened his back, looking more serious than before, for he
was about to convey important things. He made eye contact with the tall man, causing Charan
to raise his eyebrows slightly as if in doubt.

"?"

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"I want you to help me find someone in this country who is talented at fencing but isn't in the
system or a member of any club. Can you do that?" The entire room fell silent after Kanin
finished his request. Charan remained silent, using his brain to think for a while. In the end, he
nodded in response.

"This isn't a problem, Your Majesty. But it might take a little time." Kanin nodded,
understanding that this sort of thing would definitely take time, and he firmly believed that the
other party had extensive enough connections to help him at this point.

"I can wait... does the butler have anything to say?" Because he saw the awkward expression on
Chakri's face. The other party opened his mouth and then closed it, as if he had something to
say when a higher-ranking person asked him.

"Uh... well, bringing in outsiders like that, how do we know who's really good or not, Your Majesty?"
The loyal butler muttered about the shortcomings of his grand plan. But that made Kanin smile
widely, because everything went according to plan. Like talking to the granddaddy of it all.

"That's what I want, butler. I don't want anyone guessing. We'll compete against each other. If you know
everything, what fun would that be?"

"Then... will Khun Charan be able to find him?" Chakri's expression was still full of worry
because the butler still didn't know Charan's true abilities, so the other party had doubts.

"I have a friend who's a spy. He knows all kinds of people, maybe that'll be enough to help me
find the information." A voice said in response to the person who was worried about his
comfort. Charan wasn't lying. The young man had truly intended to go to Vetis for help, but he
didn't think to explain further.

"Can I have a list of names and addresses, Khun Charan? I want to go see them myself."

"Will you come see them yourself?" This time Kanin surprised the young man quite a bit. His eyebrows formed
a frown as he made eye contact with the younger man.

"Yes, I don't want to use methods like other clans. I want to share my thoughts. I want them to
know that I came to them, I chose them, just as I chose you." This is an innate strategy to elicit
sincere words, and it only needs to affect the listener's feelings.

Chakri smiled, the young steward's eyes shining with gratitude. As for Charan, he said nothing, but
in his heart he thought Kanin was very good. He doesn't want to lose people, so he buys with his
heart so they'll stay in the membership.

"But if we choose someone outside the system, news will leak out. People in society or other families will
have doubts and questions. Won't this cause another negative current, Your Highness?"

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"That's right. Because my plan from the beginning was to confuse everyone," Kanin replied
jokingly. The corners of her beautiful mouth lifted slightly, slyly, while Chakri nodded her head
in disbelief, thinking that the Little Young Master's actions... were truly baffling.

In the afternoon, the weather was gloomy and the sky was overcast, as if it were almost
raining. Kanin sat on a leather sofa near the window with an iPad, after asking to find someone
who would catch the judges' attention and had interesting fencing skills. He expressed his
wishes and waited a long time until what he wanted arrived.

Charan worked faster than he expected. Detective friends from other parties helped gather information
and sent it to him. Among them, there was one person who caught his attention the most, and it was
someone Kanin knew and was searching for very well.

Itthi, a pub owner in Thailand and Charan's best friend.

"You seem to have good knife skills."

"He's not just good at using a knife, he's also good at fencing."

'You talk too much'

'You really are skilled'

'Let's see later. I gave up fencing a long time ago. Now I can only play with kitchen knives. You
sit and wait at the table, I'll bring it to serve.'

Memories of the past make Kanin recall that Itthi was the person who received praise from Charan
for his swordsmanship. A young man taps his fingers on an iPad screen before sitting down to read
the detailed history of Ittikorn Mahannop.

He's an only child and has had an extraordinary fencing career since his school days. But his
parents didn't support him because his family intended to return to Thailand, so there was no
need to pay attention to this. He could be considered a talented individual.

At the end of the biography, it is written that... Itthi also secretly joined an underground
fencing club in Thailand founded by the Emmaly Association of people who gathered there. He
attends these fun tournaments twice a month and always wins.

Kanin counted down the remaining time before match day arrived. He took a big risk by bringing in an
outsider to compete with the professionals, but the young man wasn't afraid.

One, because apart from having strategic planning skills, he has a lot of confidence in himself.
Second, because he has Charan.

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Even if the other party refused to compete and only promised to help, Kanin would no longer feel fear.

"I already have one of the ten people Khun Vetis sent to join the team."

"You don't have to fly. You can video chat and talk to him." As if he knew everything Kanin was
thinking. His hands were clasped in his lap, as he spoke in a flat voice, like a wizard who had the
power to read people's minds.

Kanin was a little surprised. But remembering Charan's versatility in the past, he decided to do
and follow his orders without protest or question. He guessed Chan must have scanned these
ten biographies before, too.

"If I don't go to that place..."

"If you keep flying around, His Majesty probably won't be able to find anyone else. Besides,
Itthi often tells himself that if there's anything he can help you with, just say so. Itthi is a man of
his word, no matter what he's said."

Charan used no other means than to show Kanin his lack of time. And of course Nin agreed not
to deny anything about the trip. But he chose to mention another important point.

"But P'Itt has to take over a pub in Thailand. What if he can't handle the business anymore?"
The intimate pronoun resonated and gave him an awkward, uneasy feeling. Fortunately,
Charan was professional enough to assuage those feelings and was ready to continue the
conversation. He managed to speak fluently.

"I'll send someone to take care of it if Your Majesty wishes... Itthi will definitely join the team."

Since Chakri was still there, Charan had to use real vocabulary in his conversation. The young man
encouraged the young teacher and made the listeners smile broadly.

"I'll apologize first." Kanin really didn't do anything wrong by chasing him and did everything
he could to win Charan back. His life felt much easier than before. From what had once felt
dark, it was suddenly as if there was a bright light showing the way forward.

"Your Majesty... Where are you going?"

"I'll contact P'Itt."

The young man, in a good mood, grabbed his cell phone and left, leaving Charan staring at him. The
young man finished answering the butler's questions and then hid in a corner and made a video
call.

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While the tall man continued to think... Charan thought the pronouns between Itthi and the Little Prince
sounded problematic. This seems very inappropriate. But he didn't know where it was inappropriate. It's
difficult to explain, but if the opportunity arises, both of them should let each other know.

Giving your heart to your team members is good. But traveling and being so intimate with
everyone... is bad.

The leader of the Phithakdeva clan remained silent at this. He, a close companion of the Young
Prince, looked at the person standing there while talking on the phone. On the other end of the
phone was his close friend Itthi, who listened attentively to the request of the young man in front of
him.

He used to say Kanin was good at socializing; that person wasn't wrong at all. It only took him
less than fifteen minutes to speak, and Itthi immediately agreed. In an instant, Asawadevathin
found a member to join the competition team.

"See you here, P'Itt."

"See you later, Nong Nin. See you Ai'Ran, then I'll see you later."

The other end of the phone shouted until he could be heard, even though Charan didn't walk up to
the camera and show his face to the Thai man. The phone had been disconnected, but the young
man's smile was still on his face.

Kanin turned around to give a thumbs-up sign that he was capable of handling any situation.
Chakri, who had been looking at him in amazement, stood nearby and clapped. He grimaced
proudly at the young man until he smiled awkwardly.

"We talked for so long that my throat was completely dry."

"Your throat is dry, Your Majesty. Would you like Chakri to bring you some hot lemonade and honey?"

"Sorry to bother you," the conversation flowed smoothly. Charan could only shake his head
slightly as he watched the butler rush off to get a drink for the younger man, having previously
taken the pile of snacks the other had placed on the table until it was full.

After seeing him, he knew that Chakri really spoiled the little prince.

His sharp eyes turned to look at the person being pampered. Kanin looked down again to pay
attention to the iPad in front of him. That focused gaze made the tall man unconsciously stop
and stare at him for a long time, long enough for the other party to sense it.

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"You... my face... is there something there?" Kanin's sweet voice greeted. Her slender fingers
touched the fair skin of his cheek as she tilted her neck to ask a question that made Charan
blink nervously and clear his throat. Ran immediately rolled her eyes to change the subject.

"Are you going to keep reading? Give your eyes a break. Staring into the light for too long will
hurt your eyes."

"Oh, I don't want to waste your time." The young royal family refused. Kanin didn't give up on his
intentions, so Charan didn't think of arguing with him further. The young man immediately got up from
his chair and took something out of his pocket, then lay down on the same sofa.

"This"

"Hey?"

"Filter glasses, these are glasses you can wear." Charan handed over the radiation-filter glasses
he always wore. But after waiting a split second, the other party still refused to come forward
and accept them.

"No, it's okay..."

"Don't be stubborn," he immediately cut off her sentence so the other party couldn't continue.
Charan held out the glasses in his hands before taking a moment to place them on her small
face. The gentle voice coupled with the carefully chosen action made Kanin feel a low electric
current running through his heart.

"The eyes are the most important organ in the body." The lines aren't even pretty or striking at
all. However, the impact they felt when they looked into each other's eyes was quite difficult to
describe.

For a moment, all sounds around them seemed to fade away. Long enough for both people to
hear... the sound of something throbbing.

"Thank you...thank you." Kanin was the one who gave in to the staring game. The young man raised
a white flag and immediately looked down to find a work file in his hands. He opened his eyes and
began to read silently.

Charan stuck out his hot tongue to lick his dry lips. He felt the air in the room slightly boiling. In
the end, he could only sit with his hands clasped in his lap as usual, waiting until he found a
topic and returned to normalcy. The older man chose to discuss the next point.

"Nin"

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"Umm"

"About looking for someone to join the team outside the palace, why not think again? The
critics are currently in a mess. If more negative news comes out, the Sponsor might not dare to
help our team. Besides, people might have already done so. I guess we've found someone to
form a team."

Someone who thought things through, reprimanded Kanin and let him think again.

The young man was silent for a few minutes, struggling with his own thoughts, before deciding
to look the tall man in the eyes with a firmer, more serious gaze than before.

"First of all, I don't care. Sponsors can improve our team, but if we can't get it, that's fine. It's
about managing our budget, so there are no problems. Second... I don't think anyone can
guess."

"..."

"I designated you out of affection. We can go anywhere together, and it's not awkward at all.
Just make it softer, then people will be too busy focusing on the fact that we're in a
relationship."

"How should I make it smoother?"

It was Charan who murmured softly. Unexpectedly, the young man's response... would be to
make a rock as solid as a mountain as himself... to the point where he would no longer be able
to rise and live.

"There are several ways."

"As?"

"Make it look like we're a couple. Let's go on a date."

...................................................

The tip of the slender sword flew swiftly toward the figure in front of him. As it moved, the
figure moved and automatically avoided it. The royal lady's slender legs took a step forward. A
pair of beautiful eyes stared at the warrior model in front of him.

Eva precisely measured the tip of the sword against the training dummy's body. The soles of
her shoes rubbed against the concrete floor, causing a creaking sound to echo throughout the
area. As a result, the maid who had just arrived in front of the royal palace had to quickly shift
her movements to the fencing training room.

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From walking briskly to sneaking into the room, he didn't even dare to make a sound, so he
could only stand still and watch the fencing practice between Lady Eva and the automatic doll
that was running around excitedly.

"I'm sorry, miss." Said the voice of a young maid in a dark blue dress after finishing her
training, and the young girl turned her gaze back to the maid.

He bowed respectfully as he spoke humbly. He waited silently for the master to remove the
iron mask and carefully placed it on the side table before walking toward him.

"Is there something wrong?"

"Eva asked in a low voice. A woman wearing a thick, pure white striped cotton cloth turned around
to take the cloth hanging next to the person who came to wipe her sweat. She raised her thin
eyebrows and looked at the other person suspiciously.

"Pa... Prince Chana has ordered you to be present in the Red Room."

"What time now?"

"It's half past five, miss."

Eva didn't immediately receive the message. The young woman simply nodded and asked the
servant to accept the sword and return it to its place. After tidying up a bit, she removed her cotton
clothes, leaving only soft white armor over her casual clothes.

"I understand. Then I'll go see my father first... Please, can you prepare a sword for me? And
there's no need to touch that simulated doll automatically. Leave it alone. I'll take care of the
rest tonight."

He spoke as he moved skillfully to pack his clothes.

A slender hand folded the fencing suit and handed it to a maid in a blue dress to hold, then
strode out of the room.

"Your Highness, your princess has arrived." It wasn't long before they made it from the practice
room to the meeting place. Eva appeared behind the chaotic Mr. Twichmetha at a large film
processing sink.

Her large eyes gazed at her father's thick hands, which were busy lifting the painting out of the
water. Chana managed to dry the black and white drawings on the clothesline above. After a
while, he walked over to her.

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"Tired, huh...? How about the swordsman model your father developed for you?" Seeing her
daughter look tired, Chana mentioned the automatic doll she had just made to be her
daughter's training partner.

"It's very usable..." Her father's skill was second to none. He was creative and skilled in
developing autonomous sword-wielding robots. Although it was only an initial model, Eva
would give it a very positive evaluation.

Outsiders might view Prince Chana as a ruler who only played a role in developing Emmaly's
transportation system. But in Eva's eyes, her father was a talented inventor.

Her father was not only good at his job, but also a great father. He takes excellent care of his
daughters and is also an unparalleled expert photographer.

Chana values other people's worldviews because she knows everyone has different ideas. Her
other hobby is film photography.

Even today, digital cameras play a role. But his father always said that storing memories on film
was more subtle and real than any digital file storage.

From childhood to adulthood, Eva was used to seeing her father huddled in a red room filled
with movie chemicals.

"So what did Dad do? These photos..." she asked, looking at the black and white photographs
exposed to the sunlight. The familiar little girl figure was little Eva holding Dad's screwdriver in
the old garage.

"I took a picture of Eva when she was a kid," the person said with a smile. Chana turned
around, using a plastic clip to take a black-and-white photo of the sink and showed another
photo: "Isn't that cute?"

"Let's see, oh who is it?... of course cute, because I am Her Majesty's daughter."

Her lips blossomed into a sweet smile. A slender hand reached out to receive the photo and
examine it. Without realizing it, her father's gaze turned serious.

"Then you shouldn't forget your duties as a child too..." Those words caused the tall-backed
young man to turn his head up and meet the eyes of the older man who was leaning his hips
against the stainless steel sink. He crossed his arms and looked expectantly at his daughter.

"Your Majesty, Father..." The young royal family swallowed secretly and smiled bitterly. She called out to her
father in a sweet voice, hoping to gain sympathy.

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"You don't have to train so hard. You have to make time for Dad. My son wants to practice
without disturbing the other team members, so Dad made a dummy to practice with. My son
wants to learn something to make for Dad. "I'm proud, I'll let you learn... Because the Great
Lord of Life announced a competition for that position, you kept practicing until we barely had
any time together."

"..."

"Get some rest, honey."

Eva doesn't know a child's duties, even in another house. But for the Twitchmetha Clan, the
intention is to give them time to go anywhere together as father and son.

Sometimes they go to the countryside, sometimes abroad, but mostly the two will focus on traveling
with nature, especially focusing on taking photographs and looking for delicious exotic food to eat.

Eva knew her father spoke with concern. That his own behavior had recently changed. It all
happened after the Great Lord of Life's announcement. Nowadays, young girls barely had time
to come and play and take photos like they used to. There was barely any free time to play with
her favorite bow.

"Hey... Mechanic Khun, why are you so indifferent?" Eva still fought the tiger politely. She accepted his
nickname normally and chatted with her father as a shield. The most important thing was to make sure
their entire conversation didn't seem too serious.

The reason was because the young woman knew better than anyone that, behind the Twichmetha ruler's
kindness, if anyone angered him, it would be difficult for even his own daughter to calm down. That's
why it's best not to stir up a storm.

"Father doesn't show indifference, he just warns you."

"I've noticed... Give me a little more time. I can't even sit idly by now, because... Ramil is turning
his attention to the best swordsman. I have to hurry and follow the backup plan."

"Suggestions or-"

"Well, I already know he'll choose the best swordsman in our city... Our number one
swordsman has been successfully purchased. I need to ask someone to find a Meenanakarin
swordsman to support my team." Eva deliberately explained the plan to her father.

The reason is that, in this era, most people in Twichmetha pay attention to technology.
Therefore, there were only a few professional swordsmen who were familiar with the

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Real swordsmanship. Although people in this city still play fencing, they tend to play through
virtual reality games that better simulate a virtual field.

He whispered, hoping Dad would understand why he didn't have time for him. Because
tracking people in Meenanakarin is very difficult. Transportation in Meenanakarin isn't as
sustainable as in other cities. Progress is uneven. For example, some people don't even have
phones, or if they do, there's no signal. Therefore, there are some areas where it takes people
twice as long to reach goals and accept special offers at locations.

"A Meena swordsman?... Are there any left? My father thought the intelligent people there
would be evacuated elsewhere."

"Father... you must have a contact line for the refugees in their states. So far, none of them
even joined a club. Besides, none of them practiced fencing because the equipment was too
expensive for people in the states to afford... But if you gather that many talented people..."

The sport of fencing is no longer affordable for the people of Meenanakarin, even though they are
also residents of Emmaly. But it's clear that the other three states have much better financial flows
than Meena.

"So, how will they agree to join our team?" At that moment, the father's voice wasn't as grim as
usual. Only hesitation remained, and a pair of fine eyebrows furrowed on the great mechanic's
face at the same time, making Eva have to smile.

"You can offer them the right to flee. The right to education for members of the warrior family
in their children's generations through inheritance. The right to work like the Twichmtha
people and a certificate of employment for them for ten years."

Eva doesn't know who to buy yet, but she knows no matter what she does. Her father wouldn't reject her
because he always said Eva was the most important person to him. The ability to pull people out of the
cycle of hardship is knowledge.

Therefore, he chose to take this proposal to the State Warrior of Meenanakarin, as it was predicted
that no one would easily reject this offer.

In Menanakarin, there are currently problems in the education sector. The main problem is
transportation. The province has a brain problem, as all the valuable sources of thought have
been evacuated from Meena State.

The most important thing is that there were internal financial problems and a lack of growth in the
country, so almost no one wanted to live in such a development, especially knowing that there was no
opportunity for future advancement.

People had to escape to find a new and better settlement.

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"Umm... good boy... who would have thought that one day Meenanakarin would become like this? Even
though they used to be the second richest country after Asawadevathin." By the end of the sentence,
Chana seemed to be muttering more to herself than having any other purpose.

"I remember what my father told me when His Majesty was a student at MIT. At that time,
Menanakarin was much more prosperous. Currently, Asawadevathin still strongly supports
Meenakarin, so why..."

Eva remembers her childhood.

She keeps asking her father to tell her bedtime stories, and one of her favorite stories is the
political history of each state in a country, presented in fairy tale form.

Dad has a way of telling stories that are very easy to understand. Perhaps because he's an
inventor, politics could be applied to fairy tales with characters like horses, birds, fish, and
snakes. In the jungle, everyone wants to be a leader, but because all animals have limitations
within themselves, they have to live in dependence and competition.

When she was a child, going through difficult times, Eva kept asking her father to tell her the
same story. Though the simple symbols were changed to aliases for each state, and they
shifted from a simple problem to a more complex one, he himself was never confused. Because
each person's past history can predict the future and help him plan his judgment of others.

"Sometimes bad decisions lead to disaster."

Chana said softly after a long silence. Eva looked at the Twichmetha clan leader and let out a
regretful sigh.

"As?"

"About transportation... At that time, there were rice fields. They had enough manpower to
create a high-speed transmission system with us. If they had given those rice fields to our
Twitchmetha to manage at that time, today, Meenanakarin would have the greatest wealth as a
granary in the country... they can manage human resources better..."

Father raised his lips, Chana regretted Wasin's decision about the past.

"At that time, His Excellency Uncle Wasin gave the authority to build a high-speed electric train to
Phuchongpisut, right? But it ultimately failed because it was impossible to fulfill what was
promised." Eva mentioned another story her father told her.

This is a fish that dominates the sea as far as the eye can see. It was once great in its own
waters, but one day it had to accept the fact that fish can't swim anywhere.

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part. Then he tried to find a way on land with the help of an underground snake, both thought
they could use its dependence, but in the end, the fish was betrayed by the snake.

Even if the fish king was great, who would have thought that the treasure he offered would be the fish's
last treasure?

"Well... even if he didn't choose his father, he should have chosen Asawadevathin because...
Phuchongpisut will never succeed with anyone else."

Dad spoke immediately. It was as if he'd remembered it for years. My father's expression was
filled with regret. Eva picked up on that sentiment from her father.

Now the noble peacock felt sympathy for someone who had lost everything. And uncomfortable
with the behavior of those who choose to betray everyone... let alone take good care of themselves.

"..."

"Brother Wasin shouldn't believe Prince Ratchata's words."

.............

That day, a close follower was summoned to meet with him less than an hour before dawn. Almost
a week had passed since the appointment deadline for the high-ranking officer was due. Kanin
decided to convert his dormitory office into a full-fledged war room.

The young man asked the important butler to provide him with several computer monitors, so
that it would be easier for him to open the competition video and compare the different
strategies of each opposing Warrior club.

Someone who had arrived before the scheduled time caused the meeting to start early. Kanin
sat in the president's chair, grabbed the remote control, and opened one screen at a time. May
the image of the swordsman who is every club's favorite continue.

"I've seen all the replays of the matches of the athletes Ramil chose..."

"..."

"Most of them are club athletes from Asawadevathin State and Phuchongpisut State who are
independent of the ruling family. These people will probably use them as main characters.
Because I see them staying in touch all the time..."

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The person of royal lineage finished the sentence. The image then changes to a swordsman
leaving a luxury hotel in the state city of Asawadevathin, before the slide changes again to an
image of Petai getting into a car.

As is known, wherever the close comrade goes, the leader will also be there... Therefore,
although he himself did not see Ramil, Kanin could guess that the other party was probably
sitting in the car in which Petai was traveling in that photo.

The information gathered from Vetis is as good and perfect as Charan said. Vetis is a true
professional detective, and after obtaining information and verifying it, he asked Chakri to
summon and hire the swordsman Ramil was looking for. We learned that the swordsman told
us there was already a team looking to hire him.

Kanin turned to look at the tall figure sitting to his right. The other party looked back and
nodded as if to continue.

"Butler, explain the details of Ramil's team's swordsmen to Khun Charan."

"This is Khun Charan... there are 6 swordsmen that Prince Ramil decided to hire. There are 3
people from clubs in our state, 3 people from 2 clubs, Khun Charan. 3 more from 2 clubs in
Phuchongpisut state... and one person again from 1 club in Twichmetha state."

The butler spoke excitedly as he handed an iPad to the young man who had been promoted to
his new position as Close Companion.

"Prince Ramil only chooses swordsmen who have competed at the world level. It seems he only wants to
choose experienced people for himself and leave the mediocre ones for the others, so as not to be
controversial." Charan just gave a sharp look. He commented before handing the iPad back to Chakri and
then raising his head to look the young man in the eye.

"Yes, quite greedy and clever. Don't let anyone get hold of experienced people... like the three
people from the Asaeadevathin state club, they're people who have snatched away world-class
talent..."

Kanin gestured the correct sign with his hand before picking up the remote and pressing it. He
opened a page with income and expense tables for each team online on Emmaly's main
website.

A photo of Ramil's expenses surfaced. The money was used for Asawadevathin, Phuchongpisut, and
Twichmetha, but he didn't reveal who it was used for to prevent information leaks.

The budget received by all teams, as well as each team's income and expenses, will be entered
and aligned until the final minute of the game to allow the referee to verify fairness. Are there
no unreasonable transactions or parties receiving assistance from others, except for receiving
money from sponsors?

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The young prince of the Horse Clan turned around and opened the swordsman's salary list at the
Asawadevathin Club. He then opened the application to calculate each swordsman's monthly salary
for the past year, then divided it by the number of months and added it all up. He then sent the
number to Charan.

"The figure is close to the amount paid this month by Prince Ramil's team to the Asawadevathin
State." Charan quickly saw it and understood everything. Sharp eyes met the young royal's
brown ones. But instead of worrying, the skinny man shrugged and smiled mischievously.

"Well... that means a contract has been made... according to the rules for hiring swordsmen.
According to the rules, if you agree to hire yourself, you have to hire it continuously for three
months until the day of the competition. "This is to guarantee income for the swordsman who must
dedicate time to training or have the opportunity to compete with the club."

"..."

"All right, Ramil made a quick decision."

It seemed there were only two people in this place talking to each other with understanding. Chakti
frowned and pursed her lips, hesitating for a few minutes. Then she decided to ask

"Why are you so happy, Your Majesty? Prince Ramil only accepts talented people. All the
warriors have left, sir," the loyal butler said in a low voice. The fat man's expression was
obviously troubled by the little young master's thoughts.

"Because of Ramil's choice... have you heard about that? If you make the wrong choice, your life will
change... look at the people Ramil chose. He probably thought it would be a union between Eva and
me, that's why he pulled out all the stops on talented people from Asawadhevathin and his own
province... if I had to guess. There would be nothing to worry about. After all, he can control the
people in Phuchongpisut."

Kanin turned to answer. He tried to explain the concept to the butler, who listened without hesitation and
with complete confidence.

"Chakri knows the content of your plan. But I still don't understand how His Majesty can be happy."

"I have to give credit to Chakri here... Remember what I once asked Chakri?"

"R... What's wrong, Your Majesty? You're asking Chakri a lot of questions."

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Chakri rolled his eyes and didn't think. The young Iyu steward tried to recall what the young
master had asked, before discovering that the number of questions Nin had asked was almost
countless.

Kanin laughed softly. The double-eyed man looked at his confidant with the title of Close
Companion, before blinking when he saw Charan smiling at him.

"Master, don't just laugh at me... Chakri is stressed."

He said, seeing the little prince sending signals to speak to Khun Charan through eyes only the two
of them understood. The young butler couldn't help but groan.

"Okay, I won't joke around anymore... it's about buying the whole club."

At the end of his sweet, gentle voice, Chakri blinked. The young butler continued to search his
memory, image after image, until he finally found the phrase the young man had requested.
Regarding the team's purchases...

"As for the Great Lord of Life's 10 million EMS budget, it will be influenced by when His Majesty
decides to select an athlete, but as always, there will be very few people who will buy athletes.
Because if they do, then they will have to use the racing budget. "Guaranteeing an athlete's
salary in advance for one year creates opportunities for budget waste."

"..."

"According to previous match records, most of the players were hired on short-term leases by
the club to join the team and compete together within a specific timeframe, Your Highness."

"What if I apply to join and buy the whole club?"

"Nobody does that, because besides competing for places being considered a waste of money,
you also have to take care of the club and all the Fenchers, not just the selected Fenchers, sir."

"So what this means is that athletes will remain members of the club, even if each province has
a temporary rental agreement, right?"

"So, we can't buy athletes or clubs because it would waste the competition's budget? The
money will be cut, and there'll be no way to maintain balance. So, in short, we have to hire
temporary athletes for this competition. I understand. Is that what you're trying to explain?"

"That's right, Your Highness."

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Shakri's tense expression turned into one of surprise a few seconds later. There was joy and
wonder in those wide eyes.

At the time, Chakri thought the teacher asked this because he didn't know how the law is applied in
this country, so he tried to block the other party because he didn't want the man to rush into
breaking the law. But who would have thought the Prince would ask that because...

"Don't say... His Highness will appeal to Mr. Young Ramil..."

"Yes... I will bring victory to the greedy people..."

"..."

"Let's see... if I intend to buy the team he went to... what will he do next?"

"..."

"But first... We need to go a little further and let Ramil think that I really want to buy the whole
club because I want to compete with him. Let's start tonight... We need to find a place to spread
the rumors."

Kanin turned to Charan with a clear smile on his lips and shrewd eyes like a child having fun.

But the person being looked at had the opposite image. Charan was worried because he knew what
the young man wanted when he looked at him like that... The boy wasn't just asking for help finding
a place to spread gossip.

But that's for another reason.

"Make it look like we're a couple. Let's go on a date."

And if you would like to go on a date... What should you do!

..................

Chapter 29: First Date

A dark grey Mercedes-Benz drove along the small road before slowing down as it entered the
parking lot, according to the map displayed on the screen.

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The cabin was completely silent, with no dialogue from the moment the luxury car started until
it stopped. The man turned his head to look at the person next to him, who was sitting quietly
on the road.

Kanin wasn't sleeping; the other half was busy concentrating on the path to the tent. The light
from the screen illuminated her pretty face, which was about to look closely at the map in her
hand.

After Vetis sent him a message with the coordinates of the candidate who caught his eye, Kanin
didn't hesitate to travel to this location. It was a small entertainment venue in the city center
that didn't rise too high above the main street. Instead, it was tucked away in a deep alley and
opened after dark.

Vetis's message indicated that nobles like Kanin should not travel there alone especially to
maintain their image, but the young man didn't care.

The target was Mira, the young waitress. She couldn't find a job anywhere to earn a living. So
Kanin didn't want to miss this golden opportunity. He urged Charan to take him on the pretext
of an important mission.

The strongest pretext was to come and announce who would be purchasing swordsmen
throughout the club. The second was to persuade Mira to join the team. Shop areas with a
diverse population do not restrict privacy rights or discriminate against the best classes.

It was a better place to spread rumors than anywhere else. Kanin was pretty sure that word of
the nightlife would help him spread the word faster and further. So he had to hurry and travel
as fast as possible.

"Come on."

"Hang on a minute..."

"I'm sure it was me who made the decision." Kanin immediately interrupted, even though the
older man hadn't finished speaking. Charan was simply worried. It wasn't as if he wanted to
disturb the young prince's game. But safety is important. That's why the young man decided to
support Nin in his own way.

"I won't forbid you from going. But there must be a bodyguard."

"Guard?"

"..." Charan nodded and answered the skinny man's doubts by pointing his hand towards the
rear window and revealing the people the Phithakdeva clan leader had prepared... a total of
four cars.

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"You... We're on a date, not a parade. How can we go with them here? What date is it anyway?"

"..."

"Is this a football team?" The owner of the white body frowned and complained. Kanin crossed
his arms and made a stubborn gesture that began to make Charan want to reach out and
pinch his soft, round cheeks.

"For your safety, they will protect you from a distance. Everyone will pose as visitors." Charan's orders
were always secret. The young man selected a group of bodyguards under his command to watch over
them without hesitation.

So when the Little Prince got out of the car, he was the only one walking beside the slender
figure while gesturing to the dozens of remaining armed men to pretend to be visitors and
keep their distance from time to time.

His tough demeanor had lessened. Kanin seemed more relaxed as he walked along the road. He swiped
his finger as he zoomed in and out on the map while muttering something in a more enthusiastic tone
than before.

"It's also far from the parking lot. We have to walk down this alley to pass the store entrance,
and also past the market."

"Huh?" Because he didn't know much about this environment and everything didn't seem any different to
Charan, he could only ask in surprise.

"Here you have to walk through the market. The map says there's a market up ahead." The
distance between the two made it impossible for Charan to see what Kanin was showing. The
young man came closer. His eyes narrowed slightly as his long legs slowly slowed down. He
waved his hand to signal the guards to follow them at a closer distance than before.

The narrow alley, which was about 300 meters long, made Charan suspicious. The reason it's
important is because this place is known to be a traffic jam for all the people who come to use
this service.

Too risky. If anything happens to the little prince, it'll be a big problem...

The anxiety in his brain caused the tall figure to approach the smaller person. The handsome face
leaned toward the small head. At the same time, the other party raised its eyes and stared at him.

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Charan froze, met a pair of beautiful eyes for a moment, then immediately stepped back, but
Kanin wouldn't cooperate. Her slender body grabbed his strong arm as she raised an innocent
smile. Contrasting with the happy sparkle in her eyes

"Leave it like that."

"But..."

"Get used to it... We're going on a date here. Remember, we're on a date." A whisper reminded
him of today's mission. With a nod, Charan had to say yes. The people walking back and forth
in front of him began to look at them and pay attention.

Then the young man stopped walking and walked back to the white man's side, who started
walking again. Charan pursed his lips and tried to calm his mood, even though Kanin's words
caused heat to rise to the skin of his cheeks, and that bothered him a little...

"This alley is too narrow. We should find another entrance to the store, like using VIP." After the
first five meters through the crowd, Charan began to comment in a deep voice.

The young man was concerned about the unusual crowding on Friday night. This is different from
the young man who doesn't seem at all affected by the situation around him.

"I understand you're worried. But we're bringing ten people. Maybe nothing will happen if they follow us
like this. We're walking normally. If we're going the VIP route, it doesn't seem normal."

"..."

"Also, I want to go to the market... what's it called here? Is it a flea market?"

A long whisper accompanied by a gentle squeeze on Charan's upper arm made him open his
mouth, intending to reprimand the young man for not being stubborn. But the words spoken
were anything but...

"Yes, flea market."

"Let's walk to the market first, na~... We arrived ten minutes earlier than when the waiter
entered the bar na~ na~ na~" Her sweet voice came out as she looked back and was ready to
blink. Slowly like a request. It had never met before since they met. Charan voluntarily stops to
consider it. This method seems easy, but the results are extraordinary.

"Yes..." Before realizing what his task was, Charan slowly nodded in response, leaving the
young man to raise his hands to the sky in good humor.

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"Hurrah!"

"But don't go anywhere alone." He raised his voice slightly when he saw Kanin had made an
exaggerated victory gesture. Charan turned away. Partly because the corners of his mouth
didn't want to obey him properly, so he felt like raising it higher.

He wanted to smile, but he didn't understand why at all... It happened when he saw the
beautiful eyes of the person in front of him shining brightly in the light from the lanterns that
decorated the path. It was as if a spell had been cast...

Like a spell on your brain... so that you don't have enough strength to control yourself.

"I understand. Today I won't be far from you, we'll always be together... Are you satisfied?"

"Um." A soft moan escaped her throat. That brought wide smiles to the young royals at her
side. Kanin cleared his throat and extended a small hand as he nodded toward his own palm.

"Then... help me. Let's join hands."

"...." Charan was silent for a moment. He looked around. However, that action didn't seem to
impress the Little Young Master. That was why the other party took his hand and held it without
hesitation.

"Don't look so confused. It seems unnatural... When we go out, we're supposed to hold hands.
Look at other couples." He felt the heat as their palms tightened. The owner of the melodious
voice nudged Charan to follow him from behind.

Heat radiated from every molecule of his body as if flowing into the fingertips of the hand held
by the small palm. Charan looked behind the person at the head. They were surrounded by
many people, but their attention was directed nowhere.

He noticed that Kanin seemed very excited. Others suggested they look here and there, occasionally
stopping to buy snacks along the way. The look in the young royal family's eyes tonight reminded
him of that boy in London...

At that moment, Kanin always had a bright expression, like this one. Although he had only seen
him a few times, Charan remembered him very well in the depths of his mind.

The young man tightly grasped the hand of the person next to him. They walked side by side
down the long road. Charan allowed the young man to look around all the shops. Until he
realized their movements had stopped in front of a small jewelry store.

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"As I was walking, I saw another couple holding hands and looking at each other's hands. Do you know what I saw?" It
seems like a question that doesn't need an answer. Kanin smiled mischievously before turning and heading toward
the inexpensive jewelry store. He looked for a moment at the various accessories lined up in front of him. When he
finished, he pulled out a pair of bracelets.

"That?"

"Items for lovers," he said, daring to grab the wrists he had previously held together to put the
bracelet on his hand, then put it on the other hand.

Charan is confused, but finally agrees and puts it on. He looks at the person who gives him a cheerful
smile. He seems happy and proud of the things he chooses.

"When I walked in, I was wondering what was missing and why we didn't seem like people who
were actually dating... but now I have the answer. All the couples are wearing bracelets like this, and
it seems to be popular."

"..." The information received made Charan raise his wrist and explore something new.

In fact, the young man was introduced to the trend of wearing a pair of bracelets by the young
teenagers who came to his house to study art. He had heard that most couples tend to wear
clothes that fit their relationship style.

"There's a message engraved on it. It says..."

"The destination is far away, but we'll see each other anyway." It was Charan who read the sweet message on
the bracelet aloud. They looked into each other's eyes before Kanin burst out laughing.

"Fate, even though we live in different skies, we have to meet... Wow, how romantic!" The
younger ones clapped happily. Kanin seemed to like the idea, and that made Charan chuckle
softly.

Fate, even though we live in different skies, we must meet... is that so?

That's all... among young people maybe it is like that.

After walking for a while, Kanin took up a position closer to his companion and entered the XXX
pub. His eyes were immediately met by a sight filled with crowds and smoke.

Loud cheers could be heard from the crowd throughout the evening's performance. The noise
competed with the music, the atmosphere chaotic, but it couldn't make Kanin abandon his
thoughts and retreat.

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Dozens of pairs of eyes were on them, probably because the young noble was someone who
shouldn't be here, and Charan too...

"That's the Young Prince with Khun Charan. Why did they come here?"

"Are they really dating?"

"Raised with love... Will he announce it?"

The reviews buzzed like bugs in the night, but Kanin didn't care. It's great, and the more people
talk about it, the better.

Those long, slender legs penetrated the people around him. His double eyelids wandered,
searching for a target. That night, a woman with beautiful eyes wearing a tight black dress and
red lips met his charming gaze.

Look, the beautiful girl I was looking for. The beautiful girl who was crowned waitress tonight
stood skillfully with a cocktail shaker in her hand. The area was crowded with people.

Kanin thought it was because she was a pretty girl and good at making cocktails. Most
importantly, she was charming and attractive like no other. She filled all the seats in front of
him until there were no more spaces left.

"What's the next plan?" Charan pretends to be a human whose brain has been removed. He
intended for Kanin to be the commander in this game. As for himself, he would lower himself to a
lower level and simply follow him.

"We need to find time to talk... I saw the man sitting across from Miss Mira take out his cell
phone twice. One glance at his watch... He'll be up from there soon," the owner of the small
body whispered back. He nods, causing Charan to look at his words.

Although he hadn't seen the man's behavior at first, the man's activity made Charan suspicious
along the same lines. So he added the young man's observations to his thoughts.

Kanin is smart and quick. He's also an observer.

"Then we have to move a little closer, otherwise someone else will take the seat."

"I was thinking the same thing too... You're so cool and can read my mind." Kanin turned to wink at
him, and he sent that wink to the older man only because Charan got along perfectly with him.

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The cheerful people turned their attention to the next task. Kanin grabbed the elder's arm to
continue walking. He didn't even see the expression on Charan's face when he blinked and made
cute gestures.

Adorable... This definition could probably describe all of Ran's feelings.

"Mr. Kanin"

"Oh, young prince Kanin."

"Can we say hello?"

"Can I talk to you?"

Kanin's wish seemed to have been granted. The people around him focused their attention on
his presence. Even if he simply stepped forward and sat at the bar instead of the man who had
just left.

"It's fine, I really enjoyed talking to you, I don't mind." He struck up a conversation as soon as
he had a chance to sit down. The young man turned to talk and smile with the stranger at his
side. As a result, the buzzing around him grew louder.

Charan said nothing, but silently watched the movements around Kanin, gesturing for his own
people to come in and restricting the area to those who approached.

The people surrounding most of them were bodyguards posing as visitors. In person, he would
simply take the hand and place it on the back of the smaller person's chair. It's a simple and
superficial act, but it can seem typical of a loving person, like a show of ownership.

But there are actually more reasons than that. I didn't want anyone to get too close to the Little
Prince. And it's important to maintain distance and safety, so that if a dangerous incident occurs, it
can be resolved in time.

"This may be a rude question. But I'd like to know when the young Prince will undertake the
team's formation, Your Highness." A young woman sitting in front of a nearby bar forced
herself to open up. She seemed to represent many people in this place who were also curious.

Kanin knows this because his team is the only one that has yet to submit a team formation fee.
So it's no wonder people question him.

"You don't need to use that word. Everyone can talk to me normally. I don't have any problem...
because I'm not good at using those words either." Kanin is good at creating atmosphere. The
boy told a simple joke and laughed loudly in response. When he finished, he turned to

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send a smile to the person speaking. "I'm building a team. Now I'm also looking for the right
people."

"Will he arrive in time?... We're waiting for you to see when the Prince will form a team. Because the
other two teams of the Royal Family have finished forming teams." This topic of discussion attracted
many listeners, so more people gathered behind him, but he couldn't get close because the royal
guard standing there was blocking his position.

"In time, of course, because I've already decided who to choose."

"Who are you picking? Can you give me a hint? I just made a bet with a friend to see if I could
win." An excited voice came from someone not sitting at the bar, and when he looked in the
direction of the voice, he found the interrogator standing, leaning behind the guard who was
pretending to be a visitor.

"I can tell you. It's no secret... I'm considering two people at the Asawadevathin club. Each of
them is good, having even competed on the national team." Kanin raised his voice even more
so the questioner could hear the answer. The young man expressed his thoughts with
confidence. As he finished his speech, he crossed his arms, demonstrating with his body
language that he was completely confident.

The big show has begun. To make the story easier to tell and give it a richer flavor, Kanin
believes this move is certainly necessary for gossipmongering.

"But we heard that Prince Ramil has already hired both of you." This time it was the voice of the man
sitting next to Charan, raising his eyebrows and staring at him.

"That's how it is... but I don't have a problem with that. If I want people to join the team, I can just
buy the whole club and that's it." This could be called luck because the question he wanted to
answer came faster than he thought. Kanin didn't hesitate to answer that question. He laughed a
little to make it seem like he wasn't thinking anything complicated about the competition.

"But money won't be an issue, right? Because the management budget is also part of the
ranking," a curious voice asked from the corner.

"It doesn't matter. If in exchange I can get two highly talented people to come with me, I'll
pay... It doesn't matter if I have to pay until it's all gone. Is that right, everyone?" The words
were very gentle and persuasive. As a result, many people nodded in agreement.

Kanin smiled pleasantly as he talked to the people around him for a while, before excusing
himself to spend time with his closest companions enjoying the evening.

After hearing that the Prince of Asawadevathin needed some time in private, the surrounding
people gradually retired to their tables politely. Even so,

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All eyes in the store were still focused on the famous young royal family, as usual.

"Mr. Kanin... what would you like to drink?" Perhaps because he had displayed his demeanor in front
of the crowd before, even allowing himself to be the center of attention for long periods of time, the
person he was pointing at stepped forward in a relaxed and friendly manner.

She was a young waitress named Mira with a charming smile and of course Kanin smiled back.

"Hmm... can you give me some advice? But I asked for a light drink, because I'm not good at drinking
alcohol."

The person who had been sitting silently watching the other party's performance next to him
for a long time frowned when he heard Nin's words. The young man laughed out loud as he
recalled the incident he himself had experienced.

He had seen the little man duel with a large beer bottle against his friend Paul. Kanin's friends
even nicknamed the other party a beer barrel. Therefore, upon hearing him say that he's no
good at drinking alcohol... This could also be called a problem.

"Yeah, so... Do you like refreshing flavors? Do you like drinks, especially those made with
lemonade?"

"Fine... but couldn't something be too bitter?" This was because he disliked foods and drinks
that were too acidic and would make a person of royal blood look miserable. Kanin tried to find
something to talk about with Mira and break the ice before successfully finding a rhythm on
the topic he wanted to talk about.

"A little bitter, how about pomegranate or strawberry juice?" The melodious voice was pleasant to
listen to. Kanin and Mira stared at each other, before someone who had been listening for a long
time interrupted them.

"Lemon is best... You like everything tasty." Charan has no intention of losing his manners. But he
realized that if they waited any longer, their conversation might make even less sense because they
were just smiling at each other, and why make eye contact?

"Yes... Yes, lemon... with lemon juice as the main ingredient, it's delicious." Kanin immediately
turned to give Charan a thumbs up because he liked it when the other party remembered what
he liked.

The young man agreed and immediately expressed his wish that Mira could make the Gin she
liked, then praised her and then continued with persuasion to join the team without problems.

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It was a clever and subtle plan. Charan knows his heart comes first.

"Then let me introduce you to Screwdriver." Finishing those words, he turned around to pick up
a round fruit and cut it open, then squeezed the fresh juice out of it.

Mira makes smoothies and does everything with skill. He was ready to serve an intoxicating drink
decorated with bamboo, which was delivered to the young prince in just a few minutes.

The "delicious" Kanin immediately plays the role of a foodie. The young man spoke softly to
himself before taking a glass of tequila. His double eyelids opened wide and glittered, before
he immediately praised sincerely, "It's so delicious, I really like it."

"Thank you," Mira smiled politely. The girl didn't seem too keen on the compliment when she saw that
the customer in front of her seemed satisfied. She then moved on to serving other customers.

"You look very active. It's fitting that someone recommended I see you." A simple sentence could have
prevented a charming woman like Mira from raising an eyebrow and putting down her glass. She asked
because she wasn't sure what she had heard.

"What do you mean, drink recommendations?" The bartender looked into the eyes of the
celebrity who was sitting with his chin up, looking at him. That pair of eyes was different from
the ones a few minutes before. His opinions were very clear.

"That means anything that can be exchanged by both parties... you can give me, and I can give
you back." It was almost a soft whisper. Kanin raised a smile with a gesture Mira could see.

He realized the other party wasn't talking about the drink. But his true purpose remained
unclear. A pair of eyes narrowed as the handsome face responded to what he'd heard and
assessed the needs of the person in front of him.

Mira was determined to reject any offer she didn't want to hear about. She was about to open
her mouth, but the famous young royal took a 1000-em note folded into a triangle from his
pocket and handed it to her.

"If you have any free time, don't forget to follow the advice I gave you... Because I want to see you
again." The gentle voice blinked and nodded at the wrapped cash in Mira's hand, before standing
and turning to walk away with the close companion who accompanied him.

Mira doesn't understand Kanin. He's very hesitant when the other person signals that they want to
talk and approaches, but he's not as persistent as other men. Therefore, I didn't expect him to
originally think the young royal family was approaching him based on women.

But the other side's gaze wasn't like that. But you still don't know what it's about?

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A pair of sharp eyes followed the figure of the owner of the mysterious words. He walked hand in hand
with the famous young Prince to the center of the dance floor among the crowd. The owner of the double
eyelids looked at him and nodded once before returning his attention to the person in front of him.

Mira used her fingertips to touch the money the other party had left. She already knew the money the
young man had handed her—not just the thousand-em bill, but also the fact that, in the triangular fold of
the bill, there was a piece of paper hidden inside...

Kanin sparked Mira's curiosity... And of course it worked.

The Minister of Defense's son's handsome eyes gazed with great interest at the two people who
were the center of attention that evening. Petai is in another corner of the tent. The high table area
is for those who come alone and don't want to mingle with anyone.

He ran his fingertips along the rim of the glass, acting as if he didn't see the scene in front of
him, merging into the nightlife bathed in light and sound.

But the reality is the opposite. Petai intended to come here not for recreation or entertainment
like other people, but for some important reasons.

The news of the appointment of Prince Kanin Asawadevathin's new close companion spread
widely until he frowned. He witnessed with his own eyes the proximity of two people in the
middle of the dance floor.

Nothing went wrong from the moment they sat down at the bar. The young prince chatted with
the people around him, followed by a young waiter. It wasn't long before he took Charan
dancing.

It's okay, but it's strange...

It's strange how a child can be so close to someone like Charan. Plus, Charan's attitude is
different from usual.

Charan isn't someone who's open about relationships, nor can he be controlled by money or
power. Petai looks for reasons for the other party to act normally.

Did you agree to do this... out of love, really?

The corners of his beautiful mouth twitched into a smile for just a split second. He laughed to
himself, knowing full well that sometimes love makes people strangers.

But a person like Charan... Why would he be interested in that child?

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So why did Asawadevathin let a child run around and destroy the family's reputation like that?
There are many locks that can't be picked. And Petai needed time to figure that out.

He had to admit that, deep down, he wanted to know what Kanin was good at... it was suspicious, that's why
Petai came here.

A slight vibration from the communicator caught Petai's attention, causing him to momentarily
tear his gaze away from the two people in front of him. A message sent with a person's name
appeared on the screen, causing the owner of the white body to involuntarily hold his breath.

RM: Where are you?

A brief message, but one that allowed Petai to recognize the anomaly. She came here without
informing Ramil first, and for that reason, her beautiful eyes began to scan the pub carefully, along
with the next message that appeared.

RM: Can I call you?

Petai exhaled a warm breath. He told himself he was probably overthinking things. Ramil asked
if he could call, and it definitely didn't mean anything more.

PT: Now I'm going to sleep.

He decided to keep his answer short enough for the other party to understand. His slender
finger pressed against the screen, feeling a little uncomfortable about having to lie. But
honestly, he thought it was for the best.

Ramil shouldn't have come here... a place like this has a different lever than other parties.

"Hello," came the greeting with the sound of a glass of liquor being placed on the table beside her.
She called the owner of the white body around and saw a person of familiar height and a familiar
scent of perfume pass before her eyes.

The newcomer wore a black hat that covered his face, but it couldn't hide his true identity at all.
Petai's heart was pounding, and his thin palms were trembling with sweat. Suddenly, he fell
silent, as if he had momentarily forgotten how to speak.

"I just realized your room is here." A deep voice whispered, but he didn't want an answer. Petai secretly
glanced at the face of the nobleman in front of him, but Ramil didn't look at him. He preferred to focus
his attention on the couple in the middle of the dance floor.

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"..."

"Do you have to come see him?"

"You shouldn't be here." Despite being surprised by Ramil's sudden appearance, Petai still managed
to contain her nervousness. She didn't answer questions she knew the other party didn't want
answered, but instead tried to address the most important points.

I didn't know how Ramil got here. Whether alone or with followers, but either way, this is a
dangerous place.

"..." Those sharp eyes turned toward him in the dim light. Petai saw a flash of frustration in
those eyes. Ramil didn't react. The tall man simply raised the hand holding the black hat and
moved to take it from him. This caused the skinny man to quickly grab the wrist on the
stronger side.

"No"

"Then let's go back," Ramil ordered in a calm voice as the young man reached out and grabbed
Petai's slender wrist. He pushed his hat back slightly so as not to be the center of attention,
while pushing the smaller person behind him.

This time Petai didn't hesitate. He saw that Charan's problem wasn't as important as his situation
with Ramil. The person in front of him quickened his steps, and he, too, was ready to follow that
person.

They left through the pub's back door and headed down an alley that led to one of the less-
traveled streets. A dark-colored foreign car was parked on the corner.

If I had to guess, Ramil had used one of the escort cars to secretly come here from his father.
Petai didn't say a word until they approached their destination, and he was finally able to speak
to break the silence.

"Don't do this again, it's too risky."

"Are you worried?"

"I'm sorry..." He apologized simply, knowing full well that this time he was wrong. He admitted
his mistake at least so he could reduce his sentence a little... Phetai knew that.

Ramil hated everything that wasn't said, and what he hated most was not telling the truth, whether it was small or
big.

"You know what happens to liars, right?"

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"You can't sleep here." He won't say no, but remind the drivers to be aware of their
circumstances. The atmosphere in the car was completely silent. For a moment, the sound of
the engine revving was heard again, as the car swerved to change course.

"Ramíl..."

"Sleep with me again. You have to stay with me tonight."

.................

"What are you looking for?" The music in the store was still blaring. Kanin had finished dancing
to a song. But she still moved to the pleasant beat and asked the person who was still staring
suspiciously toward the back door.

"There aren't any." Charan couldn't tell Kanin that he felt he saw Petai and Ramil here. First, because the
evidence isn't clear. Second, because he didn't think those people would come here.

He could be sure because a person like Ramil wouldn't come to a place like this. Or if he did come
and investigate the news, he probably wouldn't disappear so quickly. Charan might have just
misunderstood him.

"Stop worrying about anything else. Are you ready?" The little prince's unexpected question
arose as the pleasant rhythm of the music changed to a slower tempo. Kanin raised a smile at
the corner of his mouth, while the other person still had a confused expression on his face as
usual.

"Ready for what?"

"Ready for our next plan?" A sly gleam flashed across her pretty face. Charan's eyes flickered
slightly as the white man leaned closer until he could smell Nin's body odor.

"Plan?"

"A lot of people want to know about us," Kanin said, lightly touching the hand that wore the
bracelet on her wrist. She looked at the face of the person she was speaking to; the slender
figure slowly began to move to the beat of the music.

"So?"

Kanin didn't need to tell Charan because he knew that on the far left of the store, two people
were holding their phones secretly taking pictures, three on the right, and countless more
behind them. Especially when the other party leaned in to whisper closer. The people around
seemed to have more reactions.

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"Just now I sent Miss Mira a note with a date message. From now on, we have to measure our
luck as to whether she'll show up as scheduled or not... But we have to work together to divert
attention."

"How?" This question didn't arise because Charan didn't understand the first plan. The young
man knew that by distracting the people in the store to focus on this, Mira could easily slip
away unnoticed. But what he suspected was a second plan.

I wanted to know what Kanin was thinking in his head to make his eyes sparkle with joy.

"Well done," the people in the shop turned to look at us. Kanin began drawing more patterns.
As soon as he finished speaking, the boy asked him to sway to the music before creating drama
by moving his body closer to Charan.

He let his body pressed against the other's until the heat made it so the taller person could no
longer stand. This time it wasn't just a simple one-on-one. But it was more than that.

It was enough for a once calm young man like Charan to be in trouble because he could not
control his sane thoughts for a while.

Charan transformed into a stone statue. He was silent, trying to sway as much as possible to the
music. He was trapped in the pressure and didn't know where to put his wooden hand. Completely
different from the fluidity of the younger man in front of him.

Kanin ran his fingertips over Ran's broad shoulders before moving down to his wrists to guide
and assist the young man. Kanin grabbed his strong arm and placed it around her small waist
as he walked closer, closing the distance between them until there was almost nothing left.

This time there wasn't even enough room for the wind to blow. Charan gritted his teeth slightly
as the younger man's hair touched the tip of his nose. He seemed to be deliberately testing
Ran's patience.

The young man pressed his cheek against Ran's strong shoulder as he shifted slightly, looking
up at him with interest until Charan wanted to retract what he had said about the other party
not being good at dancing. Now Charan no longer feels that way.

"We're a dance partner. Can you play naturally?"

The phrase he had heard once today had been mentioned to remind him of it again and again.

"..."

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"Let's look like people who love each other." Kanin wrapped her arms around Ran's strong
neck, her double eyelids gazing at Ran. A seductive light shone brightly in her gaze, like a
young deer wanting to stalk a lion.

And of course it worked...

"How natural do you want it to be?" This time it was Charan who bent down to whisper in the
little boy's ear. The intimate image he showed drew many whispers from the people around
him as well.

Not only because he's a royal, but the most important reason is that most people know that
Charan Phithakdeva has never had a bad relationship or dated anyone. Furthermore, he seems
to prefer work and doesn't mind romantic relationships.

But this time it's really different...

"Make it a little softer, you're as tough as nails. Who's going to believe you?"

"What do you mean by rock?"

"Well, I said about love. Just go crazy like... everyone who sees you will think you've lost your
mind like... ah" The person who talked nonstop at the beginning, instantly froze when Charan
was hot. palm rested on her waist

"Like this?"

"N... very little."

"Good." After receiving those words, she changed her stance from simply defending herself to
walking over and pulling the white man's waist closer. A pair of sharp eyes stopped moving in
front of her pretty face, before doing something no one, not even Kanin himself, expected.

"Ah..." Charan pressed their foreheads together, closing the distance so that the tips of their noses
touched slightly. There was no reflection in his sharp eyes, except for the shadow of the young royal
nobleman.

Kanin's brain went numb, and his eyes dizzy for a moment. A deafening whisper sounded from no
particular direction. He didn't know if it was because they were in the middle of the dance floor... or
because of the older man's actions.

The boy's ears seemed to heat up and he almost fainted, but still, he came to when he heard a
clear voice whispering right next to his ear.

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"So... Looks like I'm falling hard enough for Nin?"

The stone had shifted, and it seemed to move with such force that it caused a throb in the white
man's chest. There was a strange sensation that was different from before...

"Enough."

"If Nin wants more... I can do it." If he hadn't thought about it for a moment, Kanin was sure he
would have seen a smile playing at the corner of the tall person's mouth.

The young royal family didn't want to lose face. They tried to maintain their normal emotions. But
look at this match: Asawadevathin was actually defeated by Phithakdeva.

"Look, Mira is outside." The people who were nervous about the proximity quickly came back to their
senses and decided what they had to do.

Kanin turned his gaze to find a young waiter. He clearly determined that the other party wasn't
in the same place and immediately organized the next plan.

"What's next?"

"I'll... pretend to be drunk and then let you take me to the back of the store."

"Wait..." Kanin said briefly and seriously. Her sweet voice whispered, and she winked, signaling
Charan to prepare to stand before her without protest.

Her slender arms wrapped tightly around his strong neck. She tilted her head slightly and
leaned closer... until the people around her involuntarily held their breath.

The murmur competes with the music. I had guessed that kissing was a big thing in Emmalu...
Kanin admitted that he hadn't really thought about doing it. But performing a drama is
definitely helpful in getting the audience even more excited like this.

Suddenly

Before their lips touched, the young royal man pretended to kneel. The nearby companion, whose
heart had just skipped a beat, immediately had to tighten his strong arms to restrain the intruder
who was pretending to be drunk.

Kanin rolled his eyes and smiled sweetly. He ends the drama by saying a few words that force
Charan to mentally test the young man's cruelty score, which is enough to reach 1,000 points...

"You can't get drunk here, Ang-Ang help me get back to the palace."

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..................

Chapter 30: Chosen

Today, in the early hours of the Phithakdeva Mansion, there was quite a bit of chaos. Perhaps
because a large group of visitors came here at the same time with four appointments.
Therefore, the manor's butler had to be more active than usual, because previously this place
rarely opened, let alone received people who wanted to visit.

"I haven't been back here in a long time. But nothing's changed." Itthi, who had finished work at her
own shop and had arrived at Emmaly yesterday afternoon, spoke. She walked down the corridor
directly to the waiting room that had been set up to receive them and separate the important
people.

"Okay, this time I have to thank Little Young Master. Otherwise, my head would never set foot
in here. Usually... Khun Charan is more protective of his personal space than anything else."
Formal pronouns are used to tease his close friends because both Vetis and Itthi know how
reserved Charan is.

"Appropriate"

"It's nice to see you all here, but it would be better if everyone used normal words with me. You
don't need to use difficult words. That's all. I'm not used to that either." To break up the
behavior of those in the same boat, Kanin thought that using real words to classify classes was
wrong. Unlike Charan, who seemed to disagree.

"That's..." The owner of the mansion tried to tell him to reconsider, but he was slower than Itthi
who let out a sigh of relief before muttering with a blank face.

"Great, looks like I don't have to learn how to pronounce difficult words anymore," laughed the
young half-Thai-Emmaly.

In fact, Itthi wasn't sure what to say to the young royal family. Perhaps because she could see
the Little Prince's caring attitude, especially toward his friend's needs. It included gossip about
name abbreviations and mentions of intimacy outside the scope of a Close Companion. This
made it seem as if the young man was lifting a mountain off his chest.

"Say what you want."

"But in front of other people, you can't use common words..." Charan remained cautious. He
met the young master's eyes. He thought about explaining the discrepancy further, but his
close friend blocked him.

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"It's simple, I understand. By the way, who's on our team? Me and Vetis too..." Itthi suddenly
changed the subject and managed to get a nice smile out of the youngest person in the room. The
young man pointed at Vetis before turning his gaze back to the owner of the beautiful mansion.

"I have the duties of a shadow detective," Vetis defended himself. Itthi then turned his
attention to Charan.

"Country?"

"Task of supporting the team in the dark"

"Oh, so you, Ai'Ran..."

"..."

"Ohh, that's P'Ran..."

It was Kanin who brought Itthi's attention back to him by using pronouns and referring to
people who were strict with the rules in order to change.

The young man knew Charan's ability was a secret. Therefore, he chose to remain hidden and
decided to perform another scene.

Kanin stood up before walking toward the person standing behind the sofa with their arms crossed.
Charan fixed it, but the younger man could sense the older man's surprise.

Everything became crystal clear the moment he approached the other party. The tall man
lowered his head and said nothing. The height difference between them made Kanin look up to
meet his eyes. Only Kanin can read what's in Charan's mind.

He was very surprised that Nin called him Phi.

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became calm. The youngest man in the room grabbed the
large hand of the man in front of him and held it, interlacing their fingers. Before anyone could say
anything, Kanin managed to wrap his arms around Charan's long arms and place his face on his
broad shoulders.

"This person is there to ease Nin's mind. Pay no attention..."

"Uh, so that means..." The answer made Itt hesitate slightly. The young man looked at the
owner of the 'This is for your peace of mind' position of his team leader, hoping for an answer,
but the other party seemingly ignored his gaze.

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And when he saw Vetis, the man simply shrugged. In the end, his gaze had to return to the
young royal family. The boy was still holding the hand of the calm-faced man who had no
desire to let go.

"Nin is forming a team, Phi Itt. It might take a while, especially now that there are only two of
us on the team." Kanin returned to the main story. His lips smiled like a little devil.

Seeing this, Itthi didn't think to ask anything about Charan. He quickly changed the subject
when he saw at a glance that his best friend's ears were getting redder.

"What's up with Miss Mira? Did Phi see her yesterday? How's the situation?" The name of the person
who didn't come here was mentioned with a slight frown. He knew this because she was the girl he
chose for the young master.

Mira's flexibility is well-regarded, not to mention her intelligence. The young royal family Vetis
hopes can convince Mira. He wants Mira to join the team successfully.

"I'm sure he'll come." Kanin revealed what Vetis was thinking. A small smile appeared at the
corner of his mouth.

The man of royal blood recalled last night's events after performing a grand scene of feigning
despair. He let Charan carry him out, then Kanin went straight to the meeting place.

The meeting point is under the stairs on the second floor. The place is connected to the back of
the store. Not many people pass through this area, so Kanin isn't in a hurry to discuss
negotiations.

Kanin looked at the waiter who was waiting.

The other party had their backs to the building. The moment the young royal family arrived alone,
Kanin decided to let Charan guard the entrance and exit. For the sake of both of them.

"Nice to meet you here, Miss Mira." As I recall, Kanin didn't want to intimidate the other party at
that moment. He maintained a reasonable distance. But even so, the effect continues to
surprise the party who constantly seems to be thinking.

"Prince Kanin..." The girl turned around and backed away slightly, panicking. She was about to
pay her respects, but Nin stopped her.

"No need. Sorry to surprise you."

"..."

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Kanin quickly opened his mouth and raised his hand to stop Mira. That made Mira stare at Nin
as if a wild animal were staring at Mira.

Seeing that the other party didn't say anything, the young Royal Family moved their steps to stand beside the
other person.

"The night sky here is very beautiful, isn't it?" Kanin chose to open the conversation indirectly, as he
turned his gaze toward the view of the city in front of him.

"Yeah"

"Have you been here for a long time?"

"Nothing much... Let's get straight to the point, shall we?" Mira didn't elaborate further. He
preferred to steer the conversation back to its main focus and find the main reason why someone
like Kanin wanted to talk to him.

"Yes, I'll talk to you... Why did you come here?" The unanswered question made Kanin look at
Mira, who looked confused. Mira considered her own answer in her heart for a moment, before
deciding to answer Kanin honestly.

"I just want to, and because if I stay here, my professional opportunities will be far greater than
anywhere else."

"So Menanakarin..."

"My house doesn't even have streetlights. If we're going to use electricity, we have to get it
ourselves, and it can only be used for a limited time. It's pretty bad here... But at least it's better
than the places I've been." The waitress's beautiful eyes sparkled as she reached out to tell the
truth. The girl turned her gaze toward the building's light, remembering her difficult times.

Kanin secretly looked at the other party's face; he could see the annoyance the other party was
trying to hide. This caused several questions to arise in his mind. In the hands of the
government and the monarchy... Isn't it possible to work together even if we are limited by
differences in location?

Is Asawadevathin so prosperous while other cities are declining like this? According to Mira, the
difference was like that between heaven and the abyss.

In fact, since he arrived here, Kanin has never gone anywhere alone. But he didn't expect such
a deserted area.

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"That's why you're trying to migrate to Asawadevathin, right?" A question from the young royal
family struck Mira's heart with all its might. Mira stirred for a moment and nodded.

"Yeah"

"Are you here for your family or because you came to follow your dreams?" Many people are
able to pursue their dreams, but many may not have enough options in life.

Like this young woman from Meenakarin

"It's because my mother is sick and my little brother is in high school. As for my dream... it will
never be possible. My only option is my family. Because otherwise, I wouldn't throw it all away."

Mira's dreams are difficult and far from her mind.

It hurt, but it was a recurring pain that he was used to.

"You probably know I'm going to form a team, right?" Amid the silence, with the sound of traffic on
the highway audible in the distance, Kanin looked at the person he was speaking to. He made eye
contact with the other party with seriousness and sincerity.

"..."

"I want you to join the team." The words Mira heard were unexpected and surprising. They
made the listener freeze.

The woman processed what she heard and repeated her question to make sure.

"I?"

"I want you to join the team."

"Why?" Her face was filled with doubt. Mira looked at Kanin and took a step back. The length is
a little longer than before, then bends slightly.

"I apologize for rudely investigating your background," Kanin quickly responded. That was
because he didn't want to lose the other party's trust.

"..."

"I know your dream is to open a fencing school. You're talented and excellent in class..." A pair
of beautiful eyes flickered at the truth of the past. Mira looked down and laughed softly.

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"Yes, but my life has long since moved away from those dreams."

"You're probably wondering why I chose you when I probably had so many other options."

"..." Not responding means accepting. Mira didn't walk away, she remained silent, waiting for an
explanation from the person in front of her.

"I want you to know. I only got here a short time ago, no different than you... I want to find
someone outside the club. Someone who'll start over with me. Someone who actually wants to
be on the same team as me."

"..."

"You're a good person. And I think it'll be a good fortune to have you on the team. As for your
family's support and immigration certification, I think I can help you." Nin did well. The royal
family member conveyed all the important points and concluded with an offer that wasn't
extended.

Of course, for Mira, Kanin was like a match that lit a dream she had long abandoned. What had
been extinguished seemed to regain its strength.

"Prince... do you think this is a good idea? Besides, I'm a woman." Mira doesn't want to repress her
own gender, but that's due to the stories and past events she encountered in society. This made the
young woman aware of the separation.

Although many people in her country are aware of equality, Mira often doesn't feel that way.

"Well, I don't care what gender you are at work. What matters to me is that you have talent, and I
need you."

"..."

"Sincerely"

Kanin was in no hurry to give an answer at that time.

He gave the girl a chance to step back and think. She would wait; the rest just had to test their own
minds. Kanin takes a chance and sees how Mira will decide...

He tells everyone on the team to relax and get along... Hoping everything goes as expected.

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If Kanin is lucky, he'll have an excellent team to work with. But he'd be even luckier to give
another chance to someone who deserves it.

Pum Pum

A knock on the door woke him up.

A knock at the door brought Kanin's consciousness back to the situation at hand. The person
speaking besides Kanin stopped the conversation. Charan invited the servant behind the teak
door to enter.

"Look, she's arrived, sir." The dark-dressed maid's words brought a wide smile to the young
royal family's face. Kanin released the long arm she was hugging and stood right in front of
him. Those dark brown eyes stared toward the door with a bright light.

“Invite him in,” Charan immediately ordered his servant. The waiter disappeared for a moment
before returning to the waiting room with the person everyone was waiting for.

A tall figure walked slowly in. He looked around the room at everyone before pausing to stare at Kanin
for a long moment.

"Hello... uh, Phi."

"Hello... no need to say real words. We agreed not to say that." Kanin was the first to approach
cheerfully. Mira this morning was quite different from the image he saw last night. This may be
because the makeup and clothing aren't as bold as before, but they still maintain their
unchanged appeal.

"Thank you," Mira replied with a genuine smile she never showed during work hours.

Currently, the young nobleman's team had added one more person.

Almost according to your wishes.

"I'm glad you came."

Amidst her excitement, Kanin officially welcomed her only daughter.

"Yeah, I think I'm glad I decided to come, too." The tied bun revealed her cleavage. Mira smiled
slightly, a little nervous because she didn't know anyone here, except for Vetis, who usually
talked to her.

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"I want to introduce you to Khun Charan. They met last night. As for Khun Vetis, you probably
know him. The last one is P'Itti. He's one of our team members. Everyone, this is Mira."

Kanin acts as a good team leader in welcoming newcomers. This resulted in a slightly worrying
move for the young bartender's first encounter.

"Nice to meet you. Please take care of me, Miss Mira." Itthi's kindness helped ease the tension
in their first meeting. The pub owner motioned for the newcomers to sit in the empty seats.

"Nice to meet you all, I'm Mira," Mira replied as she walked over and plopped down in a chair
near the person who invited her to sit.

"So, what's the next plan, Khun?" Vetis reopened the topic after completing the simple
introduction. Kanin thought for a moment. Then, he turned and looked Charan in the eye for a
moment, and answered.

"Next plan... We'll find the rest. Two more young players and a substitute, to comply with
Emmaly's rules."

As is well known, there are some competition rules here that are not in line with universal
principles, so Kanin needs to study them thoroughly.

"What about the people's stories I sent you? Is there nothing that interests you?"

"Not yet." Kanin considered Vetis's options, but he had to choose the person most suitable for
him. Therefore, Kanin had to be the most thorough person.

"So where should we all go looking...?"

Pum Pum

Itthi hadn't finished speaking and had to swallow the rest of her sentence. Once again, a knock
on the door interrupted the conversation. Everyone in the room fell silent again.

"Khun Charan." Charan raised his eyebrows slightly because this time the person behind the
door was not a servant, but Khun Narong, the old butler of this family.

"Please come in... Is there a problem, Khun Narong?"

"Something happened, Khun Charan," Narong intervened, pausing to speak in a low voice with a rather
unsympathetic expression. The middle-aged man calmed his posture, not daring to say anything in front
of his master's important guests.

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"You may speak." He raised his hand in permission. He didn't think he wanted to keep anything a
secret from Kanin... including his other friends.

"Our people caught a foreigner wandering in front of the mansion. It's still unclear which side he belongs
to. But he didn't escape..."

"..."

"Aside from that, he told me he wanted to meet Khun Charan. Because there was something important he
wanted to discuss with Prince Kanin."

Narong's words caught Kanin's attention. The young man turned to Charan with a calm
expression. But those bright eyes seemed several times more aggressive than usual.

"I'll go down and see for myself."

"Nin will come with Phi," Kanin asked as he walked towards Charan, but before he reached the
door, he was stopped by a taller person.

"No... It's too dangerous."

"But..."

"We still don't know who he is. I can't be complacent at all." His voice was deeper than before.
Kanin unconsciously pouted and suppressed his desire to win.

Although Charan and Prince Kanin were just staring at each other, those looking in the room,
including Mira, felt a strangely sweet atmosphere.

At that moment Itthi just smiled good-humoredly.

"But Nin wants to go too."

"It's too dangerous. Shouldn't Nin learn to be afraid and vigilant?" Apparently, they didn't even
know they were using each other's pronouns. However, both old and new team members
managed to silently observe each other's cute behavior.

"Nin is not afraid..."

"..." Charan intended to increase the level of tension and make the young man give in. But it
seemed that all he could do was think about it. Because as soon as Kanin said the next
sentence, his previous determination immediately disappeared into the mist.

"Didn't Phi tell me that Phi can take care of Nin? Phi said no matter what happens, stay close to you."

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"..."

"What else does Nin have to fear?"

.....................................

Jay Jirus was worried, his small palms drenched in sweat as he was forced to kneel in the middle
of the Phitakdeva Mansion's hall. The young man knew what he had done was quite risky, but
he had no other choice. That's why he had to go too far.

The sound of heavy footsteps was the moment that announced the arrival of the Phitakdeva
clan leader. Jay silently swallowed a mouthful of saliva. The male bodyguard behind him
nudged him gently and then turned his head to look Charan in the eye.

"Say it"

"I..." Jay was speechless. Who knew that the other party, who was simply the best art teacher in
the country, had a cold aura that seemed to envelop him. It seemed like this guy had more
depth behind him than Jay had previously known.

Charan is too scary to be an ordinary art teacher. While he's not dangerous, the atmosphere
surrounding this guy always seems like it could destroy him if Jay makes the slightest mistake.

"..."

"I... want to meet Prince Kanin."

"..."

"I'd like to join the fencing team for the next tournament." Since there was no way back, Jay
decided to ignore his nametag. The young man made eye contact with the person sitting in the
chair. Charan sat tall and elegant. He makes the person you're talking to feel smaller than
before.

Charan looked at the smaller person with a cold gaze. Unlike some of the thoughts in his head.
To be honest, what the stranger had just asked was completely different from what he had
predicted.

He came to see Nin because he wanted to join the team... Why?

"Identity"

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"I'm Jay Jirus, I'm 22 years old, and I used to be a theater actor." Jay's statement was
immediately verified. Charan crossed his legs and sat silently. He remained that way for ten
minutes and waited for Vetis, who was secretly watching everything via CCTV with Mira, Itthi,
and Kanin.

For nearly ten minutes he looked at the information and brief history of this stranger that had
just been sent to Charan's communication device.

Jirus wasn't lying. The identity given by the other party is true.

"You're a theater actor, so why..."

"I want a chance, I want to have light again. I'm unemployed now... I need a chance, sir. I can
fence. You can try... I mean, let someone else try me." Jay heard the news that Charan, the
leader of the Pithakdeva clan, was not good at fencing, so Jay changed his target.

"I don't see how the fact that you want to join the team has anything to do with you losing your job.
Besides, haven't you heard the news that the prince is going to buy people at the club?"

"I heard about it. But since there was no news of a purchase agreement, I came here. As for the reason
why I came to ask to join the team... Because I had no other choice. I couldn't return to the world.
"Entertainment. If you check my profile, you should already know that my reputation is... bad."

"..."

"But that's not true... Actually, I don't have to be Asawadevathin's team. I've tried going to
every team, but I can't get anywhere else. And most importantly, Asawadevathin alone hasn't
signed anyone or officially bought anyone."

Charan said nothing during this conversation. He remained silent, gathering information, but
his mind was filled with thoughts. Jirus will probably lie and please our side. Others should
praise Asawadevathin's rank to satisfy us. But it turns out he wasn't like that.

"..."

"Can you help me? This is truly the last chance in my life. I want to meet Prince Kanin." Such a
pleading request sounded pathetic. Charan made eye contact with the person in front of him
for a moment. Before choosing to use... His brain to judge without emotion.

I didn't want this to get complicated, so I intended to deny Jay. Kanin shouldn't take any risks.
The tall figure stood up, but before he could say anything, the person who had promised
Charan he would only watch via CCTV came out.

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"If you know me, what's next?" Kanin stared coldly at the stranger, while the other party's gaze,
which had seemed to have lost hope, seemed to have a glimmer of hope again.

The unexpected encounter with the young royal family sent Jirus into a panic. The young actor
expressed his undisguised surprise.

“Master…” He was very happy, causing Jirus to move slightly. His small reaction was captured in
the eyes of the young man whose instinct to protect Kanin quickly emerged. This incident was
deeply engraved in Kanin’s heart, who received his protection.

"What is it?" Her small palm touched Charan's broad back. Kanin instructed her that she would
always be close to Charan, not too far away. All these methods helped Charan reduce his rigid
posture.

"I want the Prince to face me just once, and if I lose, I won't bother you again."

"..."

"Please, Your Majesty is the only one who can help me." Kanin didn't know if Jay's words were
true. His heart felt that just from Jay's voice or the look in his eyes, that person looked exactly
like Mira when she looked at him. In the end, Kanin decided to give the other party a chance.

"Come on, if that's what you're talking about, let's give it a try." The young man said to Jirus, which
gave him a glimmer of hope. The former theater actor smiled widely as he imagined his future once
again, after having been immersed in darkness for so long...

Kanin wasted no time in moving forward. He borrowed a room in the Phitakdeva Mansion to
serve as a venue for the assessment. Jay Jirus was now dressed in white and ready to clash
swords.

Her thin palms were sweaty. She felt a bit of nervousness rise in her chest. Now she faced a
final decision that put her own future at risk.

The young royal family didn't show much style or talk much, and a sword fight immediately
began. When it came to starting, everything went according to plan, but there was something
that caught Charan and Kanin's attention.

Jay Jirus isn't as easy to chew as they say. Sabreta's swordplay is average, and it usually doesn't
take long to defend himself, but the way this stage performer attacks and parries is quite
interesting.

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Charan crossed his arms and looked at the two people in fencing gear in front of him. Beside him
were Itthi and Mira, and no conversation escaped them until the end of the match. The owner of the
venue then took the ball at his feet just as the decision was being made unanimously.

"..." Kanin removed his mask, and Jirus remained silent. The loser maintained his expression
well. But those beautiful eyes seemed gloomy. And, of course, the little young master Nin
noticed.

"You're good too..." Very good for Kanin. Although the result of the fencing match that followed
was the victory of the young royal family. But for someone skilled in the art, Kanin found Jay
quite interesting.

Perhaps because the other party has acting skills? He can organize his body very flexibly. Kanin
saw this as an advantage in himself. If he continues training and utilizing this part of his
potential, he will become extraordinary.

"I'll be right back." Jirus was no longer stubborn, immediately removing his mask, then forcing
a smile to accept the compliment before nodding at the Prince in front of him. Including the
owner of the place and other people watching.

The former theater actor kept his promise. Jay turned and left. But not quickly enough to avoid
the scrutinizing eyes of the people there.

Charan, Kanin, Itti and Mira all agree that Jay Jirus's expression and sadness may not be a lie...

Emmaly's night sky today is filled with many memories. Ramil stirred slightly as she began to
wake up after having slept the best she'd had in a week.

The young man turned over as he swept his warm palms. He then turned to face the bed,
revealing the fragile body of someone he had stalked all night. His bushy eyebrows stared at
the door, and his eyelids immediately opened wide. The owner of that tall body couldn't even
sense the presence of his nearby companion.

Petai disappeared

"Petai..."

He called Petai while looking around. Ramil sat down and let the blanket covering his body fall
into a pile around his waist. He exposed his healthy abdominal muscles and maintained a self-
care routine.

The surroundings were completely silent, with no response. Not even the sound of the other
party's footsteps could be heard. Ramil frowned. He felt a little annoyed, so he had to rush out
of bed.

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"Tai..." Getting no response, he repeated. His large hand grabbed a dark bathrobe that had
fallen nearby. He cursed the bathrobe before walking to the door to find the person he wanted
to meet.

Where did he disappear to?

Across the flower garden at Phuchaka Palace are blooming hydrangeas whose violet-blue
petals contrast with their lush green leaves, making the flowers interesting to look at.

The sound of shears cutting branches interrupted the tranquil atmosphere. In front of Rachata
was a tall vase of hydrangea flowers arranged with stems gathered into a bouquet. Petai
remained silent, showing no expression other than standing still, holding his hands in his lap.

The boy's head lowered slightly and waited until the Clan Leader looked up at him from the
harmful flowers in the other party's hands. Rachata used her eyes to look at the young man,
looking at the person whose status was only that of a close companion to her son. To stare at
people with eyes whose thoughts cannot be predicted.

"Take it."

"Thank you." A bouquet of hydrangeas was handed over. Considering the fact that Petai was
unwilling to approach, or even accept, but with his low status, Petai had no right to refuse. In
the end, he was forced to take the flower and hold it.

"Last night... why did Ramil go to that pub?" It was enough for Ratchata to reveal an important
topic that Petai knew so well that this was the main reason they suddenly had to call him in to
discuss it.

Rachata's rough fingertips struck the cover of a book not far from her. Rachata fixed her gaze
on it instead of the face of someone lower in rank. An awkward atmosphere spread over Petai's
depressed and inexplicable feelings.

“Master…” Petai took a moment to breathe. He didn’t think about finding the answer to this
question, because he knew very well that lying was useless. Ramil would never go to a place like
that looking for entertainment, Rachata knew this well.

But if Petai were to tell the truth about why he went there… Petai thought the situation would probably
be much worse.

"I told you, don't you understand? Your job is to take good care of Ramil."

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"Forgive me." Not knowing what better to say than this, he decided to apologize. The owner of the white body
lowered his head. At the same time, Rachata laughed.

"Excuse me?... Once again you apologize. How many years have you been in this position? How many times have you
apologized?"

"..."

"You know, if news spread that Ramil went to such a shady place, what would happen?"

"..."

"The image I created for Ramil could be destroyed!" Rachata's angry tone was clear as he
continued his sentence. The middle-aged man picked up the book from the table and threw it
at Petai's handsome face.

A thick book fell onto the grass. The impact wasn't light, causing only a sharp stabbing pain.
Petai closed his eyes and gently licked his lips, as he could smell the faint scent of blood
somewhere.

"..."

"It's not just Ramil's image that will be a problem. Even worse, it could affect the fight for the
position of Lord of Life!"

"..."

"Don't make me feel like having you is useless, Petai."

"I'll be more careful with the Prince." Rachata is always like this. She always calls Petai to vent
her anger because she can't do that to other people. After that, Petai managed to lower his
head under the other's gaze.

"Leave," the clan leader's voice ordered, which wasn't far from his predictions. Petai bowed his
head in greeting before leaving. He walked along the garden's stone path. He passed a blind
corner and decided to stop walking.

Petai forced himself to hide in that place, his thin figure secretly sighing with exhaustion. As he
touched his face, his small hand landed on his lips, and he discovered a small scar above them.

Her eyelids suddenly closed. Her once straight, graceful, and elegant back suddenly drooped.
Honestly, she thought, it would be nice to sit here for a while. It's better to regulate her mood
so that it returns to stability, but the sound of heavy footsteps approached. It warned her that
someone was heading that way.

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The owner of the whitest body took a deep breath. Petai looked up at the sky before deciding to
leave the corner where he usually hid, just in time for the arrival of someone waiting.

"Where have you been? Why didn't you wake me?" Ramil's distinctive raspy voice asked as soon
as he saw her face. Petai pressed his face down, murmuring what seemed like the most
reasonable response before taking a step forward.

"Go for a walk"

"go for a walk?"

"Oh... I'll be home soon..."

The force gripping his wrist from behind made Petai turn toward Ramil. For a moment their
gazes met, and Ramil felt a strange difference.

"What's going on?"

"No, I'm fine," she replied, lowering her gaze. But she couldn't escape Ramil's observation. Her
bright eyes seemed even brighter after she looked away and saw the scar on his beautiful lips.
Only then did her previously gentle voice change.

"What happened to your face?"

"..."

"Tell me. It's because of Dad, right?" Emotional horror can be heard in Ramil's angry voice. It
contrasts sharply with the light touch of his warm fingers that touched Petai's wound.

"It hurts..." The white-skinned man tried to turn around. But in the end, he got stuck and
couldn't go anywhere. Petai sighed, his beautiful eyes shifting to look at the person in front of
him. At first glance, negative thoughts demand that he do something for himself.

"It hurts if it's like this, come to me."

"If I say so, what can you do next?"

.......................................

Inside a luxurious room in the middle of Emmaly City, Prince Calvin lay on a large bed. His eyes
rested curiously on the scenes of the theater in front of him.

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Calvin didn't really want to see it. Initially, he only planned to find some activities to do while he
solved the problem. His father forced him not to return to the country until he found a team to
sponsor. That's why these foreigners have to come and live here.

The person is wearing casual, casual clothing. Pressing the pause button stops the clip, while it
rewinds to start it again. I was considering an actor who stood out more than anyone else.

'Did you see Jay? Jay Jirat, that theater actor.

'How did you get here?'

'He probably asked for an invitation from the media who were once his friends. I saw him with
a media poster hanging around his neck.'

—So you're out of luck. Do you still have connections to exploit?

Light brown hair that matched the frame of her small face, her small mouth, her small nose,
her sad eyes, fragments of memories from that night's party flashed through Calvin's head.

Is Jay Jirus in trouble? Strange...despite his extraordinary performance, why has he completely
disappeared from the entertainment world?

Curiosity prompted Calvin to try a cursory search on this person's history. Many news sites
offer information about him.

The actor's reputation has become more negative than positive. His love scandals, poor image,
bad temper, arrogance, and much more are enough to understand why the other part had to
disappear from this industry.

Calvin frowned, a little disturbed by the description of his personality. He doesn't like to decide
someone's attitude solely from the media or gossip. The young man considered a question.
Was this guy named Jay really that bad?

Slender fingertips typed a message to contact someone who worked quickly enough to help
him with this matter. It wasn't long before he was provided with a profile of the person he
wanted to know more about.

Jay Jirus, 22, was once a rising star in the theater industry. She's a beautiful diamond who's
everyone's favorite.

The other party began entering the industry in just one year and landed a leading role in an
important project with a famous actress at the forefront of the art industry, as well as a highly
skilled stage director in charge of the project.

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You could say this was a big event that many people were waiting for. However, during that
time, Jay's scandals and antics began to emerge. This led to his exclusion from that important
project, including other jobs that followed.

From its attractive appearance, everything revolves...

Calvin focused on the gossip he often ignored. No, it's not as if he'd never noticed. The young
royal pondered, his expression hardening slightly as he sensed something off.

The first year before accepting the big stage gig, Jay never had any bad news or bad rap. But
after the last project, on the contrary, he was always reported to have a bad reputation, and
most importantly, it wasn't something that stemmed from his past. But this is truly new news.

As for Calvin, he wondered… If the actor's basic behavior was that of a bad person, why were
there no scandals in his earlier career?

The clock on the wall had already passed eight. Calvin got out of bed and walked straight to
stand and stare at the starless sky through the transparent glass of the luxurious building. The
sound of a notification on his phone broke the silence.

Calvin picked up his cell phone and saw the last voicemail his father had sent less than a
minute earlier. The young man decided to press open to listen to the voicemail. A familiar voice
uttered a phrase resembling an order. In fact, Calvin didn't really care about this order.

(You really didn't accept Dad's call... Hurry up and pick a team, Calvin. I think this time, let's
support Mr. Rac...)

The young nobleman couldn't even contain himself until he finished listening to his father's words. He
immediately turned off the screen lock and threw his phone onto the sofa beside him, then looked at the
scene before him.

In Calvin's mind, he still wanted to wait a little longer. Honestly... Right now, there isn't a single
team that catches his eye...

..........................

Chapter 31: Offer

The clouds above Dawin Palace coincided with the morning weather forecast from the main
television channel, which announced that there would be storms everywhere today.

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As a result, Kanin's riding lessons had to be canceled. The reason was because the butler was
afraid that the Little Prince would faint before getting on the horse due to the extreme
weather.

Although the competition schedule is approaching, his status as Prince comes with many
responsibilities that Kanin must learn. The young royal family's schedule is quite busy,
especially on a Saturday afternoon like this.

Chakri said the Emmalys didn't travel on horseback, and that was true. However, horseback
riding is an activity the Prince and Princess must learn in preparation for the meeting, because
horseback riding is known as a special game for aristocratic royal families.

Charan arrived there early in the morning. People with the status of close companions came to
serve and attend to the young man of noble lineage. In fact, they barely had time to chat until
the Little Young Master's break came.

As the afternoon hours changed, Kanin stood with his arms crossed in front of the window in
the right wing of the palace building. He let his thoughts wander and pondered the problems
still lingering in his mind before deciding to mutter.

"I think he looks very sad," he said to someone who was writing. The young man called for
Charan's attention to return. The older man raised his eyebrows slightly, the tall figure looking
up from the book in his hand as he responded to the young nobleman's words with a simple,
relaxed, and friendly phrase.

"What?" There was no one else in this room besides them. Charan sat cross-legged on a large
cream-colored sofa. Her sharp, vicious eyes stared at the person she was talking to, waiting a
split second before the other person's name was called.

"Jay Jirus"

"He's an actor," Charán commented. The young man took a deep breath. But even if it was only
once, he urged the person by the window to take a long step and sit on the same sofa.

"That's true, but it's attractive."

"We don't know which side he's on. He's probably on the same page as another family." Charan
looked at the younger boy's thin pink lips, pouting as the child thought. His little head nodded
up and down, and then he repeated it again, showing that Kanin agreed with everything
Charan had warned him about.

"You're right again... His skills aren't ordinary. When he competes, he moves very quickly, his
eyes and ears are quick too." Kanin murmured and approached the tall man. His slender hand
grabbed the iPad that was face down on the table and ran it over his partner's face.

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close. It caused Charan to accidentally hold his breath due to the sudden intimacy.

The scent of shampoo on Kanin's soft hair wafted up, disturbing his senses. Charan turned around in a daze
and muttered something that sounded perfunctory. He seemed to be expressing his opinion on the Jay case.

"Incredible." But only the owner of those words knew that they had nothing to do with Jay.
Charan knew very well that his words just now weren't meant only to refer to a third person.
But they also referred to himself...

"Who can't be trusted? Jay?" That pair of beautiful eyes flickered as she tilted her neck slightly.
Charan wanted to question Kanin's naturally cute demeanor. The two were getting closer, and
that caused the young noble to lower the barrier he had put up earlier.

Especially when he's in front of the team members. Charan can read Kanin's behavior. All
because Kanin doesn't want anyone to know Charan's true abilities. That's why Kanin tries to
play a trick to hide Charan's secret from the others.

Kanin made everyone understand that the two were in a relationship, as reported. This is good for
keeping people from questioning you. But it couldn't help but affect Charan's heart at all.

"Yeah..."

"Unbelievable, but he's attractive." Someone who had been busy pressing the iPad for a long
time looked up and met the tall man's gaze. Kanin held a rectangular tool in his hand to reveal
Jay Jirat's face. A sly smile lifted from the corner of his mouth. This raised many thoughts in
Charan's head, but the young man refused to respond.

"..."

"There's a saying: keep your friends close, but your enemies closer."

"So what if it ends up becoming a wormhole?" Kanin's thoughts were truly interesting. But
Charan's protective instincts were just as strong, and his condition was now a bit serious. He
moved slightly away from the prince and tried to maintain a steady distance. However, the
other party refused to cooperate. Kanin actually approached him until his small face was
almost past his shoulder.

"We can have him sign a secret contract and supervise him so he doesn't talk too much. Try to
understand it a little, if something sneaks into someone else's ear, we'll immediately know who
the worm is... At that time, we can sue him according to the contract to

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be able to massacre him and be seen by the opponent as well. Isn't it better to keep him away from the
opponent?

"..."

"If we're lucky, we'll get someone ready to join the team. But if we're not lucky, we'll only lose a
wormhole, but at least we'll know the opponent's moves."

"..."

"His story isn't that hard to see... Yesterday, when the duel was over, I asked Chakri to help me
find his profile... you can see it at a glance... But like what Chakri drew, yesterday, after they
separated. "With them, the boy went straight to the province. Look, he also has a homestay,"
Kanin said as he placed the iPad in the older man's hand. The strategies learned from the
young noble made the Pithakdeva clan leader think critically and obey.

"..." Charan took the iPad and looked at it calmly. His sharp eyes scanned the history of Jay Jirat
that Chakri's butler had compiled for Kanin. At that moment, Kanin could only cherish Chakri in
his heart.

Chakri does his job as an informant well; the young Prince's close butler tells the young actor's
story in detail so that the reader can understand it as easily as possible. But Jirat's story has
nothing particularly remarkable about it; apart from his acting, there is nothing out of the
ordinary. Even his fencing story was very general.

"Their story isn't anything out of the ordinary," Charan murmured, as if it were a revelatory phrase. But in
reality, the phrase was more directed toward suspicion. He could imagine the two were somewhat
familiar, and suddenly a strange feeling arose in his chest.

Movement from other parties. Jirat... it's really interesting, it's just...

"It's strange that his story isn't extraordinary. But the other party's moves are interesting...
perhaps he's been practicing fencing for a long time or just playing underground," Kanin's
comment was the same thing Charan was thinking in his head. The young man nodded before
finally giving up on the same boat.

"We can try. Phi will have Vetis double-check Jirat's history."

"But Nin wanted to go see him herself when... uh... I mean... she wanted to go see him herself
today." The back-and-forth pronouns made Charan's thick eyebrows twitch again. Charan
narrowed his eyes and stared at Nin's thin lips pressed into a straight line, before asking a
question.

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And of course this wasn't a work topic they were discussing.

"I've been meaning to ask for a while. Why aren't you called Nin...?"

"Well... I'm not used to it." Those dark brown eyes involuntarily looked away. Kanin looked at
the iPad. At the same time, Charan didn't think about letting it go.

"You told Phi yourself that you wanted us both to call each other affectionately," he protested
the previously discussed arrangement. The heat made Kanin quickly defend himself with his
wide eyes.

"It means... It means using simple, normal words. Not just using pronouns." Charan didn't even
realize he was smiling. Seeing Kanin's behavior made his mouth drop open, then he
remembered to look away. It makes Charan itch and wants to rip out his heart.

Charan couldn't say when everything started feeling so strange. Although in the past, he didn't
like anyone getting close to him or acting intimately with him.

But now he had a wish that Kanin would call him by his name or call him Phi... That would
definitely be fun.

"Also, you said at the time that you wanted people to know the two of us were close. Like two
people... teasing each other?" Until now, Charan has always remained silent about all the
reasons Nin gave. The more he mentioned it, the more the younger man's confused
appearance made the older man chuckle softly in his throat.

"Ha ha ha"

Look... Nin is adorable.

"What are you laughing at, why are you laughing?" Kanin raised his eyebrows and grimaced in
annoyance. He was like a kitten pretending to look upset, and that reinforced Charan's previous
thoughts.

"So you don't want to be like that?" Charan asked softly. The smile that adorned his handsome
face made Kanin's cheeks suddenly turn hot and red.

"Well... that's what I want."

"Then you have to act a little natural... if you call me 'you' when someone comes and hears it,
they'll think we're not really... flirting with each other." Kanin thought he definitely wasn't blind.
Because that pair of fierce eyes looked sparkling, strange, and cunning.

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"So... Now they know we're flirting. We don't need them to see us flirting so often. In
conclusion, will you take me there? If you don't want to take me there, I'll go alone." The boy
returns to the original problem of survival. Kanin did that so he could change the topic of
conversation. So Charan had to let go of the kitten first this time.

Welcome to the shallow cat...

"If you want me to take you, you must first promise me that you won't be stubborn, that you won't be careless, and that you
will obey me in everything."

Even though the atmosphere outside was dim, it made Charan feel a little nervous, but letting
Kanin lose his sight or travel, going anywhere alone was even more serious.

If he refused again, she might not escape on her own, which would make him even more
anxious than before. In this case, if you try to think about what to do, it's hard to stop. It may
just flow, stay close. To control the erratic behavior, you need to be better.

"I promise, I swear... I won't be stubborn, I won't be careless, I won't always be in your sight, take
me..."

"Um... let's go. We have to hurry up and get ready. It won't take long to drive from here to
Jirat's house. But if it rains... it might be difficult to travel." Charan didn't know if it was because
Kanin was begging or something. But now Charan gave in easily.

The young man peeked his head out the window. The sky outside the palace made him pause for a
moment to look and mentally calculate the distance and total travel time.

In fact, Charan doesn't like to take the risk of traveling on days when the weather is likely to
rain. However, the Little Prince's wishes were more important. If it hadn't rained while he was
driving... there probably wouldn't have been any problem.

As soon as the shiny, dark-gray Mercedes-Benz stopped, the young nobleman acted like a normal
teenager. Kanin crouched down and stood up, stretching his arms to feel the cool breeze. Kanin
took a deep breath and turned to look at the scene around him with shining eyes.

Before them lay a huge mountain. Below the mountain lay popular villages. On the side of the
road, there was a small sign for a homestay, indicating they hadn't traveled to the wrong place.

"The weather is very pleasant... different from that in the center of Dawin City Palace." The
young man, who still had his arms wide open and his eyes closed against the wind, murmured
in a clear voice. Unlike the person who had just stood up from the chair with a sharp gaze, he
hurriedly checked the security and instinctively approached the person of noble lineage.

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"Be careful, it's dangerous out here... Next time, don't open the door yourself. You have to wait
for me before leaving." The older man scolded him. As for the person who heard him, he
simply turned his head and smiled sweetly, playing along as he looked the other party in the
eye.

"Didn't I tell you this is a vacation trip? We came here to visit as a couple. Don't get angry."
Kanin reminds Charan of the agreement they had discussed earlier. Since they didn't want
anyone to know their secret, Kanin decided to use the same method.

"Still, you can't be careless."

"I know!" The young nobleman kept a straight face and held his hands to his chest, imitating a
bodyguard taking orders. When he saw his Phi upset, he simply threw his head back and was
afraid to continue complaining, so Kanin quickly changed the subject. "Let's go."

"Umm, this way." The older man raised his hand as a signal for the higher-ranking person to
take the lead. But what Kanin did in response was the complete opposite.

"As lovers, we can't make such moves... we can't walk separately." In addition to not wanting to
lead, Kanin also decided to act in opposition. The boy grabbed Charan's hand, clasping it
together so he could convey warmth. This caused a stir in the tall man's heart, who currently
seemed to have lost consciousness.

"Look at your face... Don't forget that we have to play other people. This time, I want everything
to go well. So what am I telling you? You have to do your duty as best as possible. You probably
have an obligation to order me around and scold me... But no matter how you see me, you
have to see me the way I want you to. If I ask you to see me as a bird then I am a bird, if I tell
you 'If you see me as a stick, then I am a stick...' Khun Charan only has to pay attention to the
Kanin of this world."

The long phrase was sung to explain their situation and to stop Charan from doubting anything. The leader of
the Phitakdeva clan laughed, but ultimately nodded.

Charan didn't follow my heart out of duty. It's a purely personal feeling.

"Understood, let's go." Ran replied with those words before the two walked directly toward the
sign that read 'Niran Homestay'. The entrance is uncomplicated. The decor is pleasant, and the
space isn't too large. This makes new visitors feel warm and welcoming.

Charan scanned the small lounge next to the entrance bar, an area used to welcome tourists.
The homestay's interior is tranquil, with rustic decor combined with white and brown furniture,
contrasting with the natural beauty that will invite visitors to feel refreshed.

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In front of him was a long wooden counter with no attendant. On his table was a golden bell,
neither large nor small, with a label attached to the side that read

'I need help ringing the bell'

Jingle Jingle

The bell rang as soon as Charan finished reading the writing. He turned to look at the young man beside
him and discovered that the source of the bell's ringing was coming from the young man's hand.

"Here we go, sorry to keep you waiting." A woman's voice called from inside as the young man
reached out to place the bell in her hand and returned it to its original place. The room fell
silent again as a middle-aged woman wearing an apron stopped behind the counter with a
surprised expression on her face.

"Hello," Charan said, breaking the silence. His sharp eyes met those of the middle-aged woman
the young man remembered well from Jirat's profile. She is the mother of Jirat, one of the
owners of this family home.

"Hello, Khun Charan...Hello...Uh, sir, Prince Kanin." Because you're both already famous. So there's no need for
you to introduce yourself and waste my time.

"Hello... no need to be formal, it's okay." Nin's relaxed and friendly movements helped the
other party relax even more than before. But that couldn't reduce the confused expression on
his face that couldn't be hidden. He's human, after all.

"Are you reserving a place to stay?" The homestay owner's cautious look made the two
uninvited guests turn and look at each other. Charan read the look on the person next to him
before stepping back slightly when he realized it was Kanin who was about to speak.

"We came to meet Mr. Jay Jirat... What's the matter?"

"Uh... What's wrong? You can tell me first. Because Jay... he doesn't want to see anyone right now."
The mother looked worried. She must have been very worried because someone as high-ranking as
Nin had suddenly come to visit her son's house, unannounced.

"I have something important to discuss with him... It's something he asked me to do. If we
don't meet today, I'm afraid he'll miss this important opportunity." Kanin's argument was very
good and interesting. But now Charan feels his little one has reached a new level of
development.

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In addition to learning to speak well, the boy knows how to use calm to overcome anything. Kanin
can also choose a new tone of voice to use, which demonstrates his strength, as well as being able
to maintain etiquette with older people.

He got straight to the point, but remained polite. He indirectly said they came to see Jay today...
they came to discuss important matters.

And if the other party was too reluctant, he didn't want to waste time either.

"Then..."

"Wait!!" It seemed that timing and fate had coincided. Jirat, who had just emerged from the
dormitory, after wasting time trapped in the sadness of missing an important opportunity,
opened her eyes wide.

"..."

"I was going to meet you... I'm... I'm sorry I kept you waiting." A young man ran frantically up
the stairs to the second floor, hesitating at Kanin's words.

The young theater actor was panting, and Jirat almost ran down the stairs. In less than a
minute, the tall running figure stopped behind his mother.

"I'm ready to talk. You can talk. Let's talk." The young man's face was full of hope. Kanin looked
at him and, of course, could see Mira's eyes superimposed on this potential new team member
as well.

"Okay then. Can we go somewhere quieter? We can talk more easily that way." Kanin smiled,
helping to ease the tense atmosphere. Jirat nodded enthusiastically and quickly invited the other
party to go directly to the living room.

The young actor took the lead, while the young nobleman followed. Kanin cleared his throat as
he stood behind her and tried to remain calm. But Kanin kept turning around and giving a
thumbs-up, while winking at the person next to him who was acting calm. The reality was so
different that Charan had to press the corners of his mouth tightly together to keep them from
rising too high.

Kanin's nickname, "Bad Boy," no longer suited him.

"I won't beat around the bush," Kanin said after following the master of the family into the living room.
Kanin began his argument. The young nobleman placed the cup of tea Jirat's mother had prepared on
the low table before opening the matter to more important matters.

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Nin cared a little about herself in her heart. Who would have thought she'd memorize Khun
Button's conversations and use that word (I won't mince words) to help him get into any
situation as easily as peeling a banana in her mouth.

"Of course, Your Highness." Jirat seemed more active than before. The deer's eyes shone with
hope. This also made Kanin feel even more enthusiastic than before.

It would be nice to have talented people on the team. But if they're smart and also have the will, that will
make them a strong and formidable competitor.

"I came today because I wanted to invite you to join the team... I don't know if Khun Jirat is
interested in joining my team." At the end of his sentence, the young man glanced faintly at the
person next to him. Charan didn't say a word to refute him. The other party simply sat silently with
his arms crossed. He kept a straight face as agreed.

"I... Your Highness... Your Highness, I am very happy." Jirat's eyes filled with tears at the
invitation he received. He quickly accepted. The happiness he seemed to express was clearly
mixed with joy.

"But if you want to join the team, you have to follow our terms." However, the voice of the
Phitakdeva clan leader was heard. The smile that once adorned Jirat's charming face gradually
diminished.

"What are the conditions?" the person they were approaching asked in a weak voice. There was
a trace of concern in his deer's eyes. But it simply vanished in an instant. Jirat is an actor. He
knows how to deal with his emotions a bit.

"You must sign a confidentiality agreement. No information about Prince Kanin and the stories in
the Asawadevathin palace will be leaked... You must even allow Phitakdeva's people to follow you
and stay in your house 24 hours a day until the end of the race... You cannot travel without
informing me or without my permission. Everything you do after signing the contract must be
transparent. You can refer to the contract..."

"..."

"And if the agreement isn't fulfilled... you must agree to leave the team immediately. After that,
we'll take legal action and sue in accordance with the contract you signed." A tone of voice
Kanin had never heard Charan use before sounded intimidating.

Jirat swallowed, not because he was hiding anything. But because Charan exuded an aura of horror. The
young man was speechless. The hot air, for Kanin, even made him feel something.

"What do you think, Jirat?" The young man didn't care about the rules and terms of the agreement, because he
knew very well that everyone had gone through a mature thought process. Charan added rules.

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detailed to fill in blind spots and help you stay alert to danger and stay safer.

"There's nothing to lose, Your Majesty... Because I believe I'm transparent enough to be
trustworthy." Such a clear revelation of his identity was something that made the Little Young
Master very pleased with the new future member.

"Then, I'll have my lawyer draw up a contract and send it to you online. When do you sign it?
You may enter the palace, and I'll inform the steward. Welcome…" A slender palm extended
toward him with a smile. Jirat grabbed it again and gently shook it a few times, then quickly
withdrew it for a moment, when he sensed a strange light beside the young noble.

Where Khun Charan's gaze seemed a little frightening. He simply reached out and touched
Prince Kanin's hand. The other party was like a cloud spreading through the house.

"I understand. But I have a small request to make... can you hear it?" The small figure stuttered
as he saw that the surrounding atmosphere was about to turn into another wave of pressure.

"Yeah"

"You said that people from the Phitakdeva clan would come here and definitely meet my parents, I...
I want to ask for help, can you ask someone who looks good to meet me? I don't want them to
worry. Because... because they are old."

"Yes," Charan replied immediately. He filtered out the Phitakdeva people who seemed friendly to
him. He would prepare to select them and send them to look here.

"...Actually, they don't have much of a routine. Most of what they do is stay at the homestay.
Sometimes they go out when they go to the market because they have to buy things to prepare
breakfast and dinner separately... but they have to go every day because this place is famous for its
dinner... They always serve braised beef with khao soi and braised beef with galangal chili paste..."

Seeing that the leader of the Phitakdeva clan had promised, Jirat hurried to tell him about his father and
mother's life. The young actor narrated this conversation so that the other person could understand. But
Kanin seemed to be focused on other points.

"Braised Beef Khao Soi?"

"That's right, Your Majesty... This is our braised beef version of Khao Soi."

"Oh, that's interesting. Actually, we're done talking business, aren't we?... Promise me whatever
you say, I'll see you at the palace... come on, P'Ran." Suddenly their conversation was

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interrupted when Kanin suddenly jumped up from the large sofa. He wanted to go home
immediately but was trapped because a clear voice broke the silence.

Grook

The fair-skinned man smiled as he used his palm to lightly caress his stomach. Amidst the silence,
the aroma of simmering meat could still be smelled, and it was making the young nobleman's
hunger grow stronger.

"Uh... would it be too rude... if I invited His Highness and Mr. Charan to dinner at my house before I
leave?"

"..."

"The stewed meat for dinner should be almost ready... Driving from here to the city will take
several hours. If Your Majesty doesn't mind..."

"No, I don't mind at all. I'm just cold, but... what's wrong?" Charan turned to look at the
younger person who pretended to be asking. But deep down, he was probably thinking about
the taste of his food.

"Are you very hungry?"

"No... I'm not hungry at all."

"But your stomach is growling." The older man laughed and noticed Kanin's cuteness, and that
made the young man enjoy his chase.

"..."

"Take your pick and decide. If you're not hungry, we can go back to training..."

"I'm hungry, let's stay and eat Khao Shoi rice with braised beef first."

...........

The afternoon sun set and hid behind the clouds. Calvin Lee looked down at the street below with a
bored expression. Fortunately, during this time in his life, he didn't have to rush to get anything
done on time. He had time to waste on trivial matters.

For example, he came here to drink hot tea while watching the setting sun from the tall
buildings in the city center of a neighboring country. This was an event that didn't happen very
often in his life.

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Calvin lifted his teacup and enjoyed the aroma. Honestly, his claim that he had nothing to do
was a bit of an exaggeration. As we know, he still has an obligation to find the team he wants
to sponsor.

And if he were honest, the young nobleman should not keep wandering around.

"I've sent information on each team's contestants to Her Majesty." The voice of his confidant,
named Benley, spoke before Calvin had even finished his snack. His large palm lifted the white
cloth that was on his lap and he wiped his mouth according to etiquette before moving his
hand to take the iPad from a trusted person and hold it alone.

"Thank you." Her slender fingers opened and she read the information Ben had prepared.
Everything was exactly as her father had said. Puchongpisut really had a very interesting team.
All the swordsmen were titled people and champions, and Twichmetha's side was the same.

Judging by the swordsman's potential, as far as I could see, both were interesting. Completely
different from the Asawadevathin clan side.

"Is there no information about the Asawadevathin family's swordsman?" Not only was he inferior,
but the Golden Horse Clan didn't have a single member of the Swordsman team. Although Kanin
was the club's top candidate while living in England, he didn't seem enthusiastic about recruiting
people for the team.

Strange...

"Asawadevathin hasn't reported the swordsman's purchase. There are only rumors that, uh...
Prince Kanin might buy the entire club."

"..." Ben's words made Calvin's brows furrow. The young noble pondered the new information and
found himself comparing the three families. Asawadevathin doesn't seem to be the most careless
clan. These rumors about the entire club being bought out are hard to believe, but perhaps...
there's more to the story behind the rumors.

"But there's one more thing I want to tell you, sir."

"Say it"

"Jay Jirat, the theater actor, our member reported, yesterday, Khun Jirat traveled to Khun
Charan's house, and today, both Prince Kanin and Khun Charan also traveled to Khun Jirat's
residence in the suburbs."

The name of someone who should never appear again in his life made Calvin's slender
fingertips that were following one of the swordsmen of Team Ramil

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stop. He raised his head and looked into the eyes of the person who was his secretary and
bodyguard with a gaze that was difficult to read.

If I'm not mistaken, according to the story, Jirat had another home in the form of a small family
house on the outskirts of the city. Why did Kanin go there with his closest companion? As superficial
as it may seem, it might have seemed like a normal vacation, if not for the information that the
theater artist had previously stayed at the home of someone named Charan.

A stage actor and close companion of the young Lord of the Asawadevathin clan...

Does this have anything to do with the rumors of the club being bought...?

"Send me the fencing notes of someone named Jay," he ordered instinctively, though Calvin himself
wasn't sure. He simply seeded an existing network of information and stitched it all together.

The young royal family wouldn't benefit from Jirat, especially in matters of money or power. In
fact, it's impossible for these two people in the same orbit to meet. There's probably a deep
story behind it all.

"I've attached the file at the end for you." Ben remains a person who knows his heart and
always works carefully. The other party may not think much differently than he does. That's
why he's prepared a second file as evidence that Calvin wants.

Calvin read the information before breathing a sigh of relief when he found no interesting
problems. Jirat has a good history in fencing, but nothing that stands out or is interesting. So
why is the other party tangled up with those two people?

There may be other information he doesn't know or can't confirm. Perhaps he should take a chance and do
something.

"..."

"Contact Asawadevathin to tell him I'd like to see his team member list to make a decision on
selecting a clan to sponsor."

"Well Your Highness"

"If Jay Jirat is on your membership list, I will sponsor Asawadhevathin this year."

...........

The Ratchata office is now in the shadow of its true owner. Ramil sank into a large emerald
chair and clasped his hands in his lap. He closed his eyes in silence as he waited for his father to
arrive.

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Ratchathani had been deliberately avoiding him since that incident. The other side held a large
meeting with ministers that lasted several hours.

Ramil is like a volcano about to erupt.

'If I say so, what can you do next?'

His voice was calm, and his eyes held a hidden sparkle. Petai was always like that, always suppressing
every unpredictable emotion, and Ramil had to work hard to understand him.

Being at this point isn't easy. It's never been easy between them from the start...

"What is it?" The wait finally came to a close. Ratchata's powerful voice called out to the person who
had reduced his emotions to the current situation. Ramil stood up and looked at his father, making
the old man tremble.

Rachata seemed to see her youth superimposed on her own son's eyes. But what differentiated her was her
determination. Ramil was more determined than he was.

"What's Father doing?" The young man raised an important point. The young nobleman looked at
his father, who walked past him to the other side of the expensive chair behind the dark table. His
thin eyes held no other emotions as they searched for an answer.

"Giving a lesson" Rachata didn't take an intimidated stance. He didn't even pretend not to understand
what his son was trying to communicate. His large palm moved to lift the pamphlet in front of him and
read it. This attitude annoyed Ramil even more.

"Father has no right!" From the very beginning, Ramil didn't plan to come and listen to his
father's words. The young nobleman immediately went to the front of the expensive table,
before revealing what was hidden in his heart. And, of course, it made the listeners stop what
they were doing.

"What did you say?"

"We eliminated that stupid phrase a long time ago. Father has no right to do this to my
people." It's clear from Ramil's statement that he's referring to the Puchongpisut family's
ancient unique rules.

The rules he had instilled and understood were correct all along.

"This is your job."

"No, Petai is under no obligation to enact anyone's punishment."

"..."

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"Don't mess with Petai anymore. I'm warning you, otherwise I can't guarantee what will happen." Ramil's
stubborn attitude and his narrow eyes, which normally seemed fierce, were commonplace. But this time
he was more aggressive than before.

After conveying all his needs, Ramil turned and walked away. The anger still burned in his chest
and was too difficult to quell.

"What are you planning, Ramil? Use that brain of yours to think about who you are and what you
should do!" Rachata tried to suppress his power over his son. This was no different from what he
himself had experienced before. However, the Supreme Leader of the clan suddenly realized
something, having received an answer that far exceeded his expectations.

Ramil is not like him...

"I don't care! If Dad messes with Petai again..."

"Apa..."

"I'm going to turn this whole board over to show you."

He doesn't look anything like her...

A cold atmosphere enveloped Ramil, then he turned around and left his father's office to return to
his room without thinking of waiting and hearing another word from his father.

In the top-floor bedroom, Petai was still waiting for the tall man to return. The Defense
Minister's son pursed his lips and recalled yesterday's conversation.

"If I say so, what can you do next?"

'I can do more than you think'

That last sentence was heard before Ramil hurriedly walked to the other side of the palace. As a
result, Petai couldn't say anything. Her left chest throbbed as if she were feeling a negative
reaction, so she had to try to suppress every emotion so as not to sink again.

Ramil insists on talking to Rachata even though it's been a night, and he won't give up. He also
didn't let Petai escape and return home.

'Your mouth hurts, how can you get home?'

Unreasonable reasons. Her slender white hand rose to stroke her hair irritably. Her long,
slender legs paced as she thought about something.

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Petai is frustrated with himself. He was frustrated by the pressure he felt. He was worried
about that stubborn person.

Rrrrrrrrrrr

The vibration of the cell phone in his pants pocket brought the person he was thinking about
back to him. Petai grabbed his small cell phone. Initially, he intended to disconnect the call, but
after seeing the number displayed on the phone screen, he changed his mind.

"As?"

(Nothing's wrong with them. They're just on a normal vacation.)

The report from the person he hired didn't contain any further information. The young man sighed and
murmured a response under his breath before ending the call. He didn't want to wait until Ramil saw him.

"So... keep looking. Don't forget."

Petai didn't want to risk seeing Charan alone. Therefore, he had to resort to this method.

Crooked

The sound of the door opening was heard from behind, accompanied by the tall and powerful
figure of the person Petai had been waiting for. The two young men stared at each other in silence.
There was an awkward atmosphere for a moment before the senior person gradually approached.

"Does it still hurt?" His warm fingers touched the side of Petai's cheek, but the warming effect
spread to Petai's heart. He lowered his eyes and gently shook his head, muttering to change
the subject.

"Okay... what about the competition? I heard Asawadevathin is going to buy candidates for the
club."

"No way. There's nothing crazy about doing that." Ramil withdrew his hand, chuckling. Most
people tend to rent rather than buy. On the one hand, it's because of the budget savings, and
on the other, no one wants to take on the responsibility of supporting athletes.

"..."

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"Unless you have the support of a sponsor." Petai's silence was a response that meant he
agreed with what Ramil was thinking. The two of them should simply skip this topic of
discussion.

If it weren't for the tall man accidentally receiving several messages from Siwakorn, Ramil's
facial expression changed until Petai sensed the abnormality.

"what's going on"

"Siwakorn reported that Prince Calvin contacted him because he was interested in sponsoring Kanin's
team," his voice sounded serious. Ramil lost his mind when what he had previously thought was
impossible seemed to become reality.

"What would you do?" the owner of the white body asked as Ramil hurriedly stood up from the
chair, pressing the cell phone in his hand to contact someone.

"I contacted Siwakorn to arrange the purchase of the club we rented." The young royal family
needs to defend itself now. From what Ramil saw, Kanin seemed to have an invisible coin. It's
time for Ramil to think again.

If the other party has a sponsor and can actually choose to buy the person from the top warrior
club you've chosen, there's a very high risk, and members of your team will be selected.

"Perhaps that isn't true. Asawadevathin doesn't have a swordsman on his team yet, so why
should Prince Calvin sponsor him?"

"Because he's Asawadevathin." That phrase could almost explain everything. The clan that's always
number one. It was definitely more exciting than the other teams that came to compete.

"But we still don't know whether Prince Calvin will actually sponsor Asawadevathin or not."

"Siwakorn never stops seeking information." Information provided by other parties is almost never
inaccurate. And that's why Ramil began to feel hot and cold. The same with Petai.

"Perhaps this matter is more complicated than that. Charan would never let Prince Kanin do
that." Petai seemed to mumble that sentence to himself, not to communicate with the person
he was speaking to. The anxiety between the two is not much different.

But since he knew Charan's habits, that's why Petai felt this was strange...

"You know each other very well. That man achieved the same position as you. Has he ever
wielded a sword in this life?" Charan wasn't involved in fencing; everyone knew this fact. In the
end, Petai couldn't argue.

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"..."

"No matter what, this matter must be resolved immediately. The swordsman we hired still
belongs to the club. If he really wants to buy the club, we'll lose everyone who's been selected.
It's best to keep the best people in the club first."

"What's going on with the budget..."

"Money management isn't as important as making money. Otherwise, how can we be sure
people won't tell us about our budget?"

"But Charan..." Someone's name made Ramil frown. Ramil shifted and kept his gaze forward as
he asked in a calm voice.

"So, who do you want to win?" The two sides stared into each other's eyes. After quite a while,
Petai finally nodded in response to what the person in front of him wanted.

"It's up to you." There's no denying that Kanin is truly terrifying. And Ramil's method seems to
be the best solution at the moment. The tall figure contacted Siwakorn and conveyed the
message he wanted to carry out. However, the new information Ramil had just received
confused him a bit.

"Sir, you don't need to buy members... The swordsman you wish to buy belongs to
Phuchongpisut from the beginning."

"Means..."

.............

The air on the outskirts of the city near dusk is cooler than the normal temperature in the
capital. The grass flowers flutter gently in the wind. Because the Khoa soi stew was not yet
cooked, Jirat told Kanin and Charan to go for a walk and admire the scenery around the
homestay before eating.

They had no intention of spending the night there, but when they were persuaded to have dinner together,
they didn't refuse. Another reason is Kanin himself. He wanted to take this opportunity to immerse himself in
an atmosphere he'd rarely experienced.

The footsteps of two people tramped across the field. Kanin took a deep breath, feeling more
relaxed than before when this area was empty of people, even though there was still a small
community near the homestay in the area.

A pair of beautiful eyes glanced faintly at the other person. At this, Charan stood behind him. In
fact, Kanin noticed that unless he was in a crowded place or at a random moment, most of the
time, the other party rarely moved to his side.

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It seems Charan is used to letting Kanin lead and always watching his back. Every time he was
slow, the others were even slower. So the two people can't coexist.

"Phi," the little boy slowed his steps as he called out. The results weren't the least bit different from
what Kanin expected. His distance remained the same. Furthermore, there was no sign of anyone
else approaching him.

"Mmm." Fortunately, Charan didn't use real words to create a wall between them now.
Otherwise, Kanin will have even more headaches.

"Why are you walking slowly?"

"?"

"You walk slowly"

"Do you want me to walk beside you?" Charan asked bluntly. In less than a second, the other party finally
caught up with him.

"Umm," Kanin said nothing but made a sound in his throat. The young man turned to breathe fresh
air into his lungs. His chest warmed only because the other party was walking beside him instead of
following him as usual.

Charan let him lead. But now he knows how to do what Kanin wants... And that's an advantage.

"Do you like khao soi with braised beef?" Charan saw that the atmosphere around him was too
quiet, so he invited Kanin to speak. In fact, he expected to see the other party nod
enthusiastically. But Kanin actually did the opposite.

"No... not really. Noodle dishes are the food I hate the most." Kanin shook his head with a faint
smile, his dark brown eyes staring aimlessly ahead. "But I always eat it for breakfast... and...
this menu reminds me of Dad."

"Tattanai?"

"Um... when I'm in London, my dad often makes me eat it... sometimes he makes plain beef
khao soi. Sometimes he makes boiled beef... but I prefer boiled beef. It's easy to chew and it's
delicious." "Dad used to say he made this dish because he wanted me to learn how to use
chopsticks. In the past, I could only use a fork to pick up food," she said, laughing. But those
dark brown eyes weren't smiling.

"..."

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The changing atmosphere made Charan more cautious. He seemed to have inadvertently
reached out and recalled the other party's deep memories. Therefore, he chose to remain
silent and say nothing. Charan gave the young man a chance to cherish his memories.

"I haven't eaten this menu in a long time. Since the first night I came here... not only am I
hungry and want to eat, but I'm hungry and miss it."

"Tattanai will be fine. He's a great soldier." It sounded like a joke. But Charan knew the other party
didn't want to reminisce, judging by the connotation of Kanin's words. So the young man comforted
him.

"I hope so... our breakup wasn't that great. I haven't had the chance to apologize. I should have told
him I love him... instead of just blaming the other party. I feel guilty. Now I understand what my
father has done to me in the past..." The end of her sentence was mixed with a trembling voice.
Kanin forced a smile and pretended to say something. But she couldn't escape Charan's observant
gaze.

"Don't smile. If you feel sad." His large palm touched the thin man's shoulder. Charan looked at the young man
who was still trying to be strong in front of him.

"..."

"If you want to tell a story, you can do it."

"I'm... serious. I used to wonder why I was born. If I didn't exist, other people wouldn't have to
suffer, there'd be no need to sacrifice. You'd have your own life. Father would stay in the palace
and live his life however he wanted... I can't even tell myself that the fact that I'm alive now is a
good thing, can I?

The young man muttered softly and let out everything that filled his mind. Kanin revealed his weakness.
Charan looked at the outer corners of his eyes; there was a hint of clear water on Kanin's eyelids. The
other party lowered his eyes before letting the tears flow.

Charan squeezed his hand on the little boy's shoulder to let the other party know that Charan was
still there. This was the third time Charan had seen the young Noble's tears. And each time he saw
them, it brought back many different emotions.

To be honest, Charan is willing to listen and is happy that Kanin is willing to expose his
weaknesses. But if he could choose for her...

This person simply doesn't deserve tears. Kanin had to smile because it would grace her
beautiful face.

"Well, I'm glad you're here..."

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"..."

"It's good we met." Thinking quickly, Charan reached out to touch Kanin's cheek and used the
tip of his thumb to wipe away the other's tears. A warm feeling seemed to envelop those who
stood amidst the chirping birds and the setting sun.

Kanin thought about it and came to the conclusion that at least... it was good that he was still alive.

Even though it wasn't a good start, this person was always by her side. From the time she lived in London until
now, even though there were things she didn't understand, Charan was the only person she wanted to open
her heart to...

Two pairs of eyes met. For a moment, Kanin inadvertently leaned his face and rested it in the
young man's arms. The owner of the strong hands switched from using his thumbs to wipe
away his tears to using his palms to cup Kanin's cheeks. His gentle touch made Kanin squirm
and caused Kanin to slowly close his eyes.

Perhaps it was because the atmosphere was so pleasant that the two of them didn't care whether
they looked strange or not. Charan took her hand and held her soft cheek like that for a long time
until he felt Kanin had recovered from her sadness. Then he slowly withdrew his hand.

"I've always been stubborn with you, though. Aren't you upset?" The young man widened his
eyes before asking out of curiosity. His tears had dried, though they had left a mark. Kanin's
nose turned red as he asked the question in a sweet voice. It makes people smile when they
see him.

"Well, you're not so stubborn that you can't overcome it." Kanin pretended to take a moment to
think and then answered the audience. Kanin smiled when their eyes met.

"Next time I'll be a little more stubborn, I promise."

"Don't be so stubborn. No, don't be so stubborn anymore."

"I know," the young man said, his brows slightly furrowed. That made Charan laugh. The
previously somber atmosphere gradually eased. After a thousand conversations, the tension
had passed.

"Do you still want to cry?"

"Who's crying? I've got dust in my eyes," the young man shook his head. That negative gesture
as he shook his head made Charan laugh out loud. He couldn't help but find something
tempting the other party to see Kanin's next reaction.

"Okay, the dust should be big and hard to see."

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"You made fun of me again. I just realized you're that kind of person. Enough already... let's see the
view over there." The young nobleman said as he walked toward the village road, his pinky finger
pointing toward a house some distance away. There were people queuing up to buy something. It
looked like a milk shop if seen from the perspective the other party mentioned.

"Let's go." But Charan didn't think of refusing. The young man let Kanin do as he pleased.
Among the country folk, the tip of Kanin's little finger interlocks with the slender left finger of
an older person.

Charan rolled his eyes and saw that the action was not good and was dangerous for his heart.
The young man turned away before reminding himself to focus again on the atmosphere
around him.

The two continued walking in the direction the young nobleman had pointed out. This area was
already crowded, and Charan couldn't let his guard down. The young man dismissed the
nagging anxiety. He intended to move his mouth to call the white-skinned man closer. But at
the same time, something unexpected happened...

You!

"Ah..."

At the intersection, someone quickened their steps and tried to collide with Kanin. The other party
arrived quickly, aiming to deliberately knock Kanin out. However, their quick steps were inferior to
Charan's, who was more agile.

He grabbed Kanin and dodged just in time as his eyes caught sight of something in the
mysterious person's left hand. The shadow of the sharp object seemed to glow in the sunlight.
Charan's eyes widened. In that same second, fear invaded his mind and caused his heart to
contract like never before.

"Be careful!"

"Arggghh!!"

Chapter 32: Escalation

"Argghhh!!"

A scream sounded as someone saw the skinny man fall to the ground. Amid the commotion of the
now-dispersed crowd, the man's palm trembled and he gradually moved to lift the knife hidden
beneath his tattered shirt.

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"Stand back! I told you to stand back!" The speaker's eyes are filled with fear in contrast to his
hands raised and ready to stab if anyone approaches.

Charan assessed the situation and arranged for Kanin to move behind him. The young man took the
initiative to address this dangerous crisis situation. His strong arms separated Kanin as he made
eye contact with the person, who was shocked and frightened by the sight.

"Don't come any closer!" The tip of the knife wasn't pointed at Kanin as Charan thought. The other party
swung it aimlessly, indicating that he had no specific intention of harming anyone. But it seemed that
person had fallen into a state of crisis and could no longer control himself.

"Put down the knife and speak nicely." Charan's large palm pointed at him. Unarmed, Charan
attempted to negotiate as he slowly approached the person in front of him.

"Be careful..." Kanin's voice trembled, and Ran could tell the boy was probably scared by the
chaos that was happening. So Charan decided to try to find another way to end this problem as
quickly as possible.

On the one hand, because it's a residential area, he's worried that other residents will be affected as
well. On the other hand, because Charan is worried about... Kanin's mental state.

"Don't come any closer!" the poor man shouted. The skinny man's back retreated to a nearby post,
further startling the people around him.

The deafening sound was the trigger for Charan to take advantage of the moment the criminal
began to panic. He could hear the screams of shop owners because their products were
damaged. He dared to grab the gun from the skinny man's wrist.

Using his speed, Charan managed to grab the attacker's wrist and twist him to the other side
until a loud scream was heard. At the same time, the sharp object in his hand fell to the
ground.

"Ugh... let me go!" The injured man was struggling and unwilling to give up, the other party
swung his fist in response. As a result, Charan had to increase his power level to face this man.

Charan used his foot to kick the knife in the other direction, before twisting both of the villain's
wrists behind his back. His long legs lifted and pushed the other party to the other side. As the
other party lost balance, the tall figure leaped to pressure him and deftly caught the slender
body on the flat ground.

"Ah... help from the police." There was a commotion from the vegetable stall vendors,
accentuated by the arrival of the local police who had just burst in. Now the surroundings

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The environment is starting to become more chaotic than before due to many things. People are
starting to pay attention to who they are.

Charan freed himself from the skinny body and let the local police intervene to handle the situation.
He turned around and grabbed the young nobleman's arm. He studied Kanin's eyes briefly before
whispering to quicken his steps.

"Let's go quickly." The frightened person nodded obediently. The anxiety in his eyes made
Charan blame himself for being too careless. Charan touched the back of Kanin's hand and
pulled him to hold Charan's strong arm so that Kanin could find a point of trust.

No words were spoken, but deep down, they both agreed they shouldn't get involved in this
mess. Charan and Kanin started walking again, leaving the chaos behind.

The tall man quickened his pace, but had time to look back at the people around him once
more. Charan's sharp eyes scanned the situation before finding anything that felt unusual.

Among the people still busy observing the situation, there was a pair of eyes staring at him. For
a moment, Charan felt hatred and coldness surge, but it only happened for a split second,
before the mysterious figure turned around.

The distance was quite great, making the face appear blurred in Charan's eyes. His brows were
slightly furrowed. In the end, the young man couldn't even glean any information except...

His walking posture... It seemed the man had a problem with his ankle because he walked in an
abnormal manner.

............

"My Lord, I must apologize for what happened today, Your Majesty." After finishing a delicious
meal of braised beef, Khao Shoi, Madam Jirat, the owner of the famous homestay, began
discussing important matters, after waiting for her two guests to rest until the panic subsided.

The middle-aged woman's expression was filled with guilt and worry. She wouldn't have known
what had happened if Jirat's son hadn't noticed the young prince and Khun Charan walking
outside for a long time.

Given these circumstances, the adults on the scene couldn't help but feel uneasy and somewhat worried,
especially with stories of the unpleasant events that had occurred just a few hours earlier.

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"It doesn't matter. No one wants something like this to happen, I understand." Kanin replied
sympathetically. Even in his heart, he was still troubled by the things he had just experienced.
His pair of beautiful eyes glanced faintly at the person beside him. Charan remained silent, just
as he had been an hour ago when Jirat had run wide-eyed to take them home.

"There are a lot of thieves around here. It's because the economy is worsening. Then people are
losing their jobs... Something like this happens every day. But I didn't think it would happen to Your
Highness." Jirat's father briefly described the situation in the neighborhood and sighed, as if
blaming himself for letting the young noble wander alone even though he knew how important the
other party's position was.

"It's okay, it's not your fault. We came unannounced too. When something like this happens,
your host family gets the sap too. You don't get any other customers at all," a sweet voice said
softly.

Kanin remembered Jirat's words, that people would normally come here for dinner at night.
However, due to this incident, the homestay owner was forced to cancel the guest's reservation
by default.

"Sir, don't feel guilty. In fact, some customers have already asked to cancel their reservations,
Your Majesty. This is because the weather forecast calls for a storm today. Some have come
from the city, so they're worried that it will be difficult to return. Even people from this
neighborhood have called us to deliver food to their homes."

Jirat's words, showing that no one is to blame for what happened, made Kanin feel more at
ease. The young man looked away from the two parents and the child sitting on his other side,
then turned and paused to look at the plate of food of the person next to him.

Khao Soi Charan's braised beef only slightly reduced. His handsome face looked very calm, and
his eyebrows were raised. Symptoms like this... he must be thinking a lot about today's events.

Kanin's anxiety grew stronger than before. Partly because he blamed himself for being stubborn
and taking Charan for a walk. He was also careless and caused chaos. As a result, the other party
has to worry about the problems that arise, to the point of being so tense.

"There's no need for everyone to think too much about it... Today's food was delicious. Next
time, Khun Jirat should bring some back and send it to the palace. I'll finish eating and then ask
the butler to contact you. If so, I should go back first. I've been bothering you for too long..."
Because he had seen Charan's behavior, Kanin thought that he shouldn't continue staying
here.

The young nobleman ended the conversation before reaching out to gently touch the back of
Charan's hand under the table, causing Charan to turn around and nod.
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slightly. Kanin politely stood up and thanked the Jirat family, while the others gradually
followed.

"Thank you for the food and for giving us the opportunity..."

Crash!

Suddenly, as Charan's sentence ended, it had to be interrupted due to unforeseen

circumstances. Jirat's father stood up, but perhaps because he wasn't careful, his large palm hit
the ceramic cup on the table in front of him, causing it to fall to the floor. The cup shattered,
and hot water splashed everywhere until Jirat came over and cleaned it.

"Are you okay?" Kanin asked with concern. He was about to bend down to help pick up the
broken glass, but the old man stopped him.

"It doesn't matter, I'll clean it up, you guys hurry back, the storm is coming."

To everyone's surprise, it was Jirat's father who easily went down to pick up the broken glass.
However, Kanin's straw-colored eyes found the tip of Jirat's father accidentally touching a sharp
object. In just a few seconds, red blood spurted out.

"Dad! If it hurts, step back and Jay will clean it up." The owner of the deer's eyes went to grab the
cleaning equipment in a panic. Jirat then lifted his father off the ground. At the same moment, a bolt
of lightning struck from outside, followed by a loud crash in the sky.

KRAAAAK!

It seems it's time to go back. Kanin looked out the window, where the once overcast sky had
turned bright red. Added to this was the blood flowing from Jirat's father's fingers.

A little red blood dripped onto the ground and caused someone to start acting strangely...

"I'm... going to the bathroom first," the person next to Kanin said in a low voice. For a moment,
everyone was focused on other things, so Charan immediately separated himself without
waiting to hear anyone's words. His reckless and hasty appearance made Kanin feel that
Charan was acting strangely.

"Rain... If you don't mind, please stay here or wait here until it stops." Jirat's voice prompted
Kanin to tear his gaze away from Charan's broad back and turn to face the other man. The
young nobleman nodded and didn't reply. It was actually because Kanin wanted to ask
Charan's opinion first.

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"Thank you." The dishes on the table were cleared away, along with the broken glass and
bloodstains on the floor. The sound of the wind combined with the sound of rain outside could be
clearly heard from time to time.

Kanin watched the raindrops through the window, alternately looking at his watch. After a
while, a memory appeared in his mind.

"Where is the restroom?"

"Bathroom... You can walk to the front of this room and then turn around behind the reception
desk. Let me take you..."

"That's all. I can go alone. You can heal your father's wound first." The young nobleman
declined Jirat's help. Kanin nodded in thanks before walking down the hall.

The sound of raindrops hitting the house grew louder than before. The atmosphere in the main
hall was even quieter. Kanin felt so worried that he had to say the name of the person he was
looking for.

"Khun... Charan." Her brows furrowed slightly, sensing the abnormality of the situation. Her
slender legs moved forward down the corridor. Her instincts told her to walk faster.

Kanin headed to the bathroom and then quickly opened the door. At that moment, her eyes
widened as she saw the figure of a tall man who used to protect her tightly, now looking weak and
sitting leaning against the bathroom door. Charan was panting, and sweat was dripping down the
frame of his face.

"P'Ran!" The young man rushed toward Charan, who was sitting on the ground in shock. His slender
palm grasped Charan's warm cheek and made the other party aware of his presence, then looked
back at him.

"Ugh..."

"What's wrong? Where does it hurt? Where does it hurt?" Her voice was muffled, her eyes filled
with worry and anxiety. As a result, Charan had to quickly suppress her panic symptoms.

He didn't want the young man to see him helpless. The young man closed his eyes and took a deep breath
before changing his expression to appear normal. Even though it contrasted markedly with his current state of
mind.

"Nin..."

"Yeah?"

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"I'm fine. But I can't drive yet." The older man muttered softly. Charan's hand grasped Kanin's
thin wrist to inform the young man. He chose to use a few lies so as not to frighten the
audience.

But Kanin saw everything. He remembered very well that this wasn't the first time he'd seen that look
from Charan. If he guessed correctly, it seemed like the other party was reacting to the rain... but he
thought about not saying anything because he himself still wasn't sure...

"I understand. You don't have to force it. We can just sleep here." Kanin didn't think anything of making Charan
uncomfortable. The young man let the young man lead him out of the bathroom. Charan continues to try to
maintain his expression to hide every weakness.

Because Charan didn't look healthy and didn't pretend to be strong, Kanin decided to stay with
a family. And, of course, Jirat's family is very friendly. They also thought the same as the young
nobleman: It's better to spend the night than to endure the storm.

The second floor of the homestay is a room Jirat arranged to separate important people from
other visitors. The decor isn't luxurious, but it has a very unusual local village feel.

Kanin sat down on the large bed in the middle of the room. He let Charan shower and then lay
down on the soft mattress. Almost ten minutes passed, and the tall man finally emerged. The young
nobleman, who had been asleep, woke up immediately when Charan, in his bathrobe, nudged
Kanin to wake up so he could take a shower and clean himself up.

Kanin didn't take long to clean his body. The young man immediately stepped out of the bath, feeling
refreshed than before.

"Is it better?" he said to the person sitting on the bed playing with their cell phone. Kanin
looked at Charan, who was too busy playing with his phone until he took the opportunity to
approach.

"Um..." Charan made a sound in his throat in response. The tall figure looked at him for a
moment before returning to typing a message on his cell phone. He didn't want to hide who he
was texting from the person trying to spy on his cell phone.

Chakri's name stood out on the screen of Charan's last text message. This made Kanin understand
why the other party was more interested in playing games on the phone than actually talking to
him.

"We'll return tomorrow morning. May I ask Khun Chakri for help in informing the Imperial
Department, so that His Majesty doesn't worry?"

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Seeing the content of the message in the chat box, Kanin already knew who Charan was talking
about. The boy let his elders text with Chakri. Slowly, he stepped back and sat down next to
him.

"Let's go to sleep. Tomorrow morning we have to rush back to the palace." The bed suddenly
collapsed, causing Charan to hurriedly end his conversation with the person on his cell phone.
The young man immediately rolled over and stood up. He grabbed a pillow and placed it on the
floor. Kanin, seeing this, could only frown.

"Why are you sleeping there? We'll sleep together; the bed is big." Kanin made a suggestion when
he saw the older man turn off all the lights and leave one next to the bed.

"Okay, go to sleep." Charan indirectly rejected Kanin. He didn't even give a reason for sleeping
on the floor. Instead, Charan simply stood and stared with eyes Kanin couldn't read.

Even though they had slept together before, so why...?

Many questions popped into his head. But before he had time to ask, Charan decided to run
away and sleep first. Charan made a gesture by lying on the ground with his back to him as if
doing so on purpose so that Kanin would have no choice but to stay still.

The young bastard couldn't help but fall onto the bed. This was because Charan's facial expression
seemed unpleasant. Kanin crawled into the blanket, then covered his eyes to stay awake and tried
to sleep. But... I don't know how much time passed, but all he could hear was the thunder, and sleep
didn't come to greet him at all.

As the day grew later, the temperature dropped, and finally, the cold air forced the person in
the bed to open his eyes again in the darkness. His small figure stirred and he turned over. The
chill from the air mass below made the young man feel uncomfortable because he was wearing
only thin pajamas.

The sound of rustling fabric called Kanin awake and he moved to the edge of the bed. Light
from the sky flickered through the gaps in the curtains. The man lying on the floor was huddled
in the darkness.

"Can't you sleep?" he asked softly, causing the older man to turn to look at him. When their two
pairs of eyes met, the sound of the rain outside also seemed to fade away.

"Um..."

"..."

"Can't you sleep either?" the muffled voice asked again in the silence. Kanin moved a little
closer to the edge of the bed. He groaned softly in response.

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"Umm..."

"Are you still shocked?" I don't know what Charan's expression is like now. The surrounding lights
aren't very bright. Therefore, the young man could only grasp the other party's emotions through
the flow of his voice.

"Not anymore"

"So why haven't you slept yet?" Her voice sounded worried as she asked. No, the tone of her
voice made Kanin feel warm, but he felt it wasn't enough.

"Uncomfortable... and cold. Aren't you cold?"

"..." This time Charan remained silent and didn't reply. If Kanin were to guess from Charan's
previous behavior, the young man would know that Charan was cold. How? He could even
clearly see Charan hugging his own body.

And then... another feeling arose from Charan that made Kanin feel strange.

Kanin felt that the other party was trembling, looking lonely... And not as normal as usual.

The boy moved and turned his back on the man, who remained silent. Many thoughts ran
through his head. His demonic side told him to let Charan remain this cold until morning. He
didn't want to be blamed for overstepping his bounds.

But his more rational, angelic side said that if the other party didn't want to sleep with him, why
couldn't Kanin encourage him to sleep together? He can come to Charan and share a blanket
together. That's not a problem, right?

Yes, I had to do it. This is to protect the well-being of other humans!

What will happen must happen without suspicion!

"What are you doing?" a surprised voice sounded. Especially after Kanin jumped out of bed and
slept beside him. Kanin's mouth twitched, because the further Charan moved away from him,
the closer he got. Kanin also put a blanket over the other party.

"If you don't want to come to the bed, we can sleep together on the floor. If you get sick, who will
protect me?" Not wanting Charan to feel lonely, Kanin decided to simply do it. The younger man
pretended to blame the older man. In fact, it was all purely out of his own desires.

"It's not good"

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"What's not good? Are you cold? I'm not afraid." The atmosphere around Charan was filled with
sadness. Who would let him sleep alone?

Letting him sleep alone is not good.

"Not cold"

"It's fine, it's not cold, it's not cold." Kanin knew that people like Charan could only argue. If the
other party insisted that he wouldn't be cold, then he would simply say yes. So the young man
thought quickly. He tried to find reasons so that the other party couldn't refuse him.

"Then I'll change the reason. Even if you weren't cold, I'd still sleep here. If someone secretly
opened the door to see us, what would they think if they saw us sleeping apart?"

"Your reasons don't make any sense." The person lying beside him spoke softly, his voice
clearly sounding tired.

Abuse of duty... Kanin is quick to scold

But if it had to be traded for seeing Charan lying somber and alone, Kanin said it was worth the
trade.

"That makes sense. Come a little closer, don't sleep too far away. Isn't it cold?" That was
because the other party had moved further away, creating a large gap between them. Kanin
turned to look at Charan. He pulled on his strong arm to get closer. At that moment, Charan's
body turned to stone...

The warm voice was accompanied by breathing mixed with the sound of the whistling wind. The
cold air of the air mass that had previously depressed him turned into warm vapor due to the skin
of the person next to him. It accelerated Charan's heart, which normally beat at a normal rate, to
accelerate for no reason.

From a cold body to a warm one. Kanin was the first to look away and quickly turned away. He
chose to ignore the person lying on his back and pretended to close his eyes to sleep, while
Charan opened his eyes wide.

"Are you really going to sleep like that?"

"Yes, don't run away and sleep somewhere else. It's fine for other people to come in and see us sleeping
anywhere, but don't move more than 10 cm away from me." Kanin still used the same reason for giving
orders because he knew Charan wouldn't refuse if it was his duty. Before coming, the other party had
promised to pamper him in every way.

Although the reasons he gave were quite unreasonable, Kanin believed that Charan would definitely
agree without objection.

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"Nin..."

"Hey?"

"What do you want?"

"..."

"What do you want me to do?" Charan spoke in a low voice, as if he'd lost his mind. He looked
up from the young man. A pair of sharp eyes stared at the back of Kanin's white neck, who was
sleeping with his back to him.

The fragrance of her soft hair contrasted with the smell of the rain outside. No one said
anything until Kanin sighed quietly and stepped closer until her slender back was close to
Charan's strong chest.

"I want to... hug," Kanin, who was lying in front of Charan, said softly. His voice was soft but too
clear to be heard in the quiet room. There was no longer any reason to lie for Charan's sake.

Here, there are only them... in the cold. Only Charan and Kanin exist.

"Like this?" His strong arms moved to wrap more closely around Kanin's slender waist. His
sharp face stared at Kanin's slender shoulders. The nervousness that had existed before
seemed to ease at once.

"Stronger than this... can you hold me all night?" Kanin didn't know who should help whom. He
simply said what he wanted. As for Charan, he couldn't deny it any longer.

The other part moved and placed his hand under the little boy's pillow. He tightened his hold
on him, letting the heartbeat in his chest do its job as it should...

Raindrops fall to the ground and the sound of the wind blows. The breath of the person in his arms came
and went constantly. Charan hadn't slept, but it wasn't because he was sick. It was because something
was bothering him.

On the other hand, this might even be the first time in Charan's life that he could easily get
through a rainy night like this without having to escape to the living room like he used to.

The loneliness in his heart and the cold he faced were only replaced by the warmth of the little
man. Kanin slept soundly. He lay still like that, but he probably didn't know how much that
meant to Charan.

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The memories of the cruel past have faded to some extent. But every time Charan had to see
rain and drops of blood... His heart couldn't bear it, even if he had no intention of showing it.

Charan thinks everything has always been difficult since he lost his mother... even now.

'-I can't even tell myself that the fact that I'm alive now is a good thing, can I?'

'Well, I'm glad you're here...'

'...'

"It's good that we met."

Yeah, that's great. That's how they met.

"Uhh..." The sound of the sleeping man's moans brought a smile to Charan's handsome face.
Kanin moved his slender hands to squeeze Charan's arms and close the distance.

His cute face was curled up like a kitten's looking for a comfortable place to lie. The boy's head
moved back and forth until the back of his neck touched Charan's warm lips. The owner of the
white body finally gave up and fell silent.

Charan froze and pressed his warm lips together as if he'd touched something hot. The sheen
of soft skin touching her lips, along with Kanin's fragrant, clean body scent, was like a small
electric shock that entered his heart.

Suddenly, one side of his brain told Charan to stay away. But in the end, Charan allowed himself to
remain in the same position. He embraced the warmth of the person in front of him and buried his nose
in Kanin's hair without thinking about moving away.

The storm outside the window didn't let up in the slightest. The chill didn't decrease. But this
time Charan couldn't hear anything but... his heartbeat.

23:23

In the midst of his sleep, Kanin couldn't tell if this was reality or just an illusion in the world. The
faint whisper was incomprehensible, but it was a beautiful dream that made him not want to
wake up at all.

If this is a dream...

"As..."

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"..."

"Vomito Nin"

It's a beautiful dream to hear....

..............

It also rained heavily at Phuchaka Palace. As Emmaly's group was battered by the storm, Petai
looked at Ramil beside him, who was still standing still, staring worriedly out the window.

"It's very late... It's better to talk again tomorrow."

"No, I want to finish. You can sleep first." The reason is that Ramil now has to wait for Ratchata
to finish speaking with the country's top businessmen first. Ramil could only go back into
standby mode.

The information he obtained from Siwakorn was not something he could retain.

"You go to bed first, I'll catch up with you." The young nobleman applied pressure after seeing
Petai hesitate. He gestured for his confidant to head upstairs to the second floor of the palace.

"Um." It wasn't as if Petai wanted to rush to bed or anything. It was because he knew full well there
was no point in staying here. For better or worse, the situation could be more serious if Ratchata
saw him. In the end, Petai agreed to go.

This time, only Ramil remained in the courtroom. He remained silent as the clock ticked down,
and that did nothing to lessen the emotions and anger of those waiting.

Ramil let out a frustrated sigh. He sat down and waited for a while until he heard his father's
footsteps in the hallway. Ratchata glanced slightly at her son, but didn't think to say a word.

The old man ignored Ramil before walking with long legs and disappearing into the bedroom. As a
result, the young nobleman felt a little annoyed. This time, Ramil no longer maintained his manners.
His long, slender legs walked quickly toward his father's bedroom door. He managed to push his
way in without thinking about waiting to hear the announcement from the guard at the front of the
room, as usual.

"I already know everything." The first sentence indirectly opens the conflict. Ratchata himself
remained calm. He raised his palm slightly lower as a sign of doom, causing all the courtiers
waiting for service to gradually leave the room.

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"What else did Dad do?" Ratchata wasn't at all moved by her son's arrival along with that storm
of emotions. The middle-aged man glanced at Ramil before realizing the young man was in an
emotionally unstable state. This was a little different from the last time they fought.

Like a scene from a movie replayed over and over again, the atmosphere isn't much different from when
Ramil attacked Petai. The level of anger is the same.

But now it feels different, perhaps because the eyes that look at the father look different from
any side...

"Using private money to buy a swordsman is definitely cheating. Father is playing outside the rules."
The end of that short sentence didn't stop Ratchata from listening. The owner of the room walked
over to the corner of the table and forced himself to sit down. He looked at his son with an uneasy
expression.

"So"

"So? Do you know what you're doing?" Ramil's voice was filled with incomprehension. His sharp
eyes stared at the older man, as if he were looking at a stranger he'd never seen or met before.

"Father knows, and you know, Ramil? If my father hadn't bought them athletes in the first
place, by now, Asawadevathin would have attacked you until you fell over!" At the mention of a
competitor, the mass of emotions Ratchata had been trying to suppress from the beginning
exploded.

"..."

"This match isn't a toy. You can't lose, Ramil. The future of our clan depends on you!" The person
pretending to be insensitive slammed his palms on the table, expressing his frustration. His serious
tone and aggressive stance were clear to see. But he couldn't make Ramil tremble or fear him at all.

On the other hand, the young nobleman saw that he had to say and do something, at least to remind his
father, before the other party would go any further.

"I don't understand the word 'losing.' But I don't understand why Dad wants to win until he sees
something right!" Rachata wasn't the only one angry. Ramil was the same, the atmosphere around
them growing tense. The two argued, and it seemed like neither of them was going to give in.

"Is it true you can win? Do you have the ability to follow the rules and fight against them?"
Ratchata's eyes narrowed. The sound of laughter in her throat expressed disbelief.

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"..." Ramil shook his head as he looked at the high-ranking person in front of him with tired
eyes.

"Why are you looking at Dad like that?"

"I never thought my father would have such an idea."

"You..."

"My father asked me if I could do it. I think I can do it! And even if I can't do it, at least I'm using
my own skills. I remind my father that this competition is to find a leader."

"..."

"And if the leader cheated from the start, what would happen next? Are you proud of the victory
achieved by deceiving others? Please... Don't make me lose even more trust in you." A scathing
sentence hit Ratchata in the face. The supreme leader of the Puchongpisut clan could only clench
his fists. Although he wanted to open his mouth to argue, the Son's accusation had the effect of
slightly numbing the listener.

Ramil had never spoken so harshly to his father. Even if it wasn't a harsh insult, the pain was similar
to dragging Ratchata and splashing him with cold water to revive him.

"..."

"I still respect you, but the money you use to buy fencers needs to be converted into money in the
system and made legal. I hope you understand."

..............

There's just a hint of moisture left in the air. In the middle of this week, everyone was invited to
gather again at Dawin Palace.

Itthi, Mira, Jay, and Kanin began talking and getting to know each other. It was enough to melt the
walls between them, as well as the atmosphere in the room to prepare for today's training, so that it
didn't seem as tense as it had been the first time they met.

"I heard the news that Prince Ramil actually bought the athletes from the club," Mira spoke, using
everyday language according to the agreement between Prince Kanin and the team.

Vetis nodded like an independent detective, as if he'd been waiting for this moment. Because
as soon as the young waiter opened the issue, the other party also managed to display a
webpage containing the news of the athlete's purchase on the iPad screen. The iPad was
immediately handed to Kanin for further consideration.

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"Currently, social movements are heavily critical of Prince Ramil. They say that if he monopolizes like this,
there won't be any good athletes left. The other side will have to choose..." This statement provoked
mixed reactions among listeners.

Chakri, who was standing not far away, had a tense expression on his face. Charan crossed his
arms, as if he were thinking about something with his brain. Kanin sat down and smiled
slightly, then scanned the news feed on the iPad to the end.

"It's going according to plan... Fortunately, Prince Calvin contacted us to sponsor the Asawadevathin
team," the young nobleman murmured. Kanin knew the matter was that simple, in part because he
always had good luck with his timing.

Even now, there were still questions in his mind. Why did the foreign prince so readily agree to
sponsor Asawadevathin's team? If you think about it, the members of his team can't compare
at all to the other two teams, if you look at it from an outside perspective. But at least this is
good news, not bad news, for his team.

"It's good, but it's a little strange." Itthi gave his opinion after taking a sip of the tea in front of him.

"Maybe because Asavadevathin is the successor to the royal family or there are other personal reasons."

"Butler, Prince Calvin is coming here today, right?"

"That's right, Your Majesty. Prince Calvin's follower told him he was coming to meet the team
members. This also included asking to wait and watch Her Majesty's team practice."

"He can come in and get to know each other, no problem. But regarding the training, it's best
to inform him first that we're not comfortable yet. I don't want outsiders to know too much yet.
Another thing, because now... Our team still doesn't have enough members. So tell him I need
time." The end of the sentence, spoken in a worried tone, made Chakri hurriedly nod in
acceptance of the order. The fat butler went to fulfill his duties and left everyone on the team to
discuss further.

"Actually, we already have four. We just need one more person... look, who else is most
suitable?" Itthi's question made Kanin think hard. He shook his head, but deep down, Kanin
knew who he wanted.

That person is Charan...

But since he didn't want to force the person to do it, he simply looked at the older man with his eyes
lowered. Of course, the person they were looking at was also aware.

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"..." The throbbing in Charan's left chest softened. Kanin's thoughts of not wanting to
complicate Charan's life any further began to bother him. In fact, Charan had been thinking
about it for a few days; he just hadn't found a good rhythm to talk about it with Kanin.

They continued to argue about the last member of the team for a while. The fat butler, who
had disappeared for almost half an hour, had returned. He brought a report that made Kanin
and the rest of the team unconsciously hold their breath.

"Prince Calvin has arrived, Your Highness. He is now in the waiting room."

"Then... invite him in." Kanin took a deep breath before answering in a firm voice. To avoid
prolonging the time, the young man rose from his chair and stood to greet the new visitor with
a calm expression on his face.

As team leader, Kanin needs to maintain her image. Though she has many concerns, such as
what if Prince Calvin isn't satisfied with the team members and decides to withdraw the
sponsor? What should she do?

Kanin isn't afraid of losing sponsors. But it's not that he doesn't love the other side. He was simply
discouraged by what was about to happen.

Amidst so many dizzying thoughts in his mind, someone approached, before reaching out and
lightly touching the back of Kanin's hand. Charan sends warmth to each other. Charan doesn't
have elegant words, but his actions seem to indirectly communicate that everything will be all
right.

And Kanin will be fine as long as this person is by his side...

"Prince Calvin has arrived," the guard at the front of the room spoke, breaking the silence. All
the members formed a line behind Kanin, even Vetis and Charan.

Kanina took a deep breath. The door to the practice room opened, and a strange man
appeared. His figure was tall, slender, with black hair and attractive eyes that gave off an aura
of aristocracy.

Calvin Lee had a small smile on his face. He walked in and looked around. He didn't think
specifically or focus on anyone in particular. But he accidentally noticed someone with rounder,
doe-like eyes than the other team members without realizing it.

"Nice to see you again, Prince Calvin." As the host, Kanin was the first to greet him, while the
other members gradually showed their respect afterward.

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"Nice to meet you, Prince Kanin... the others too." Calvin's expression wasn't overbearing, and
it helped the members who weren't born and raised within the palace fence gradually ease
their tension.

"Thank you so much for choosing to support our team. These three people are the team
members who will be fighting." Kanin pointed to the people behind him. Itthi, Mira, and Jay
came over to briefly introduce themselves.

"I am Itthikorn"

"I am Mirapeka"

"I'm Jay Jirat"

"Nice to meet you, guys." A man of high rank and nobility like Calvin approached the members.
He extended his hand and greeted the three of them as a sign of respect, eventually making
eye contact with Jirat, who held it for almost a minute before letting go of his hand to look
away.

"..." Jirat blinked. The young actor was confused. He tilted his head slightly, unsure of the gaze
of the strange man he had just met for the first time. The gaze only lasted a moment before
disappearing, so quickly that Jay had to tell himself to ignore it.

Perhaps it was just a thought, because Calvin was no longer looking at Jirat. The foreign prince
turned his gaze toward the other members as he continued to ask.

"So the two of them..."

"That's Vetis. He's not related to the competition."

"And he's my closest companion," Kanin clarified, but declined to elaborate. Calvin himself
simply nodded. The young nobleman looked at someone who didn't really need an
introduction, as he knew him very well. He'd seen both of their faces on the social media.

"Khun Charan." The person he politely addressed lowered his head. Charan was as calm and
unassuming as ever. Unlike Itthi, who had an awkward expression on his face. Perhaps it was
because the other party wasn't used to meeting the country's top celebrities, so it caused an
unreasonable awkwardness to appear.

"There are only four members now? Who's the last one?"

"We're still discussing it." Eventually, Kanin's concerns were raised. Fortunately, Kanin had
prepared his response well. Therefore, the team leader felt no discomfort in responding.

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"Is that so... Can you allow foreigners to join the team as well?" Calvin's words caught Kanin's
attention. The eyes that had previously been used to hide their concern now shone as if they
had discovered a new alternative path.

And of course that reaction was visible to everyone, including Charan's eyes.

"You know fencing, right?" His bright eyes shifted to focus on the interlocutor from another
country. This made Charan feel uneasy in his heart. The tall man pursed his lips and looked at
the young man who was about to approach Calvin, before deciding to say something to
intervene.

"It's impossible for outsiders," Charan maintained his polite tone, despite fighting his inner
feelings. He saw the young man's eyes dim. His gaze looked as if he had lost his option.

"..."

"Also, the team members are complete."

"Where... only..."

"The prince asked me about joining the team. I accepted."

"What..." This time, those beautiful eyes opened wider than usual. Kanin acted as if his ears had
misheard. The young man asked repeatedly as if he didn't dare believe it. That made Charan
confirm it clearly.

"I'll join His Majesty's team. I'll also compete... Ah." The end of his sentence was cut short by
Kanin's shock, who was in such a happy state that he couldn't hide any reaction. Kanin jumped
into Charan's arms with all his might and made his large palms rise to support Charan's small
waist.

They stumbled a little. In the eyes of the people in the practice room, like Itthi, Mira, Jay, Vetis,
Chakri, and Calvin, who were looking at them, all the parties looked at each other with similar
feelings.

Specifically, they were able to confirm the rumors with their own eyes that Prince Kanin and his
close companion Charan were very close while the rumors were circulating and it was not a lie.

"Hooray!" The junior team leader seemed to have forgotten there were other people around
him. Kanin was happy while Chakri smiled wryly. The young butler was pleased to see the
young master free from his worries. But he really couldn't help but feel disturbed by the
current roster of team members.

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One of them was a pub owner, a young bartender, a marginalized theater actress, and ended
with a man whom everyone in Emmaly knew had never competed in swordsmanship with
anyone. Furthermore, he didn't focus on the skill at all. The total win stats are zero...

"Our team is the best!" The little prince's voice cheered. It was completely contrary to what Chakri
thought. In fact, the young butler didn't dare think about his future. Look at them closely. They
seem to be the best, really the best, what...!!

The best thing about the prince... I wanted to cry.

....................

Chapter 33: Jealousy

The sky above Dawin Palace was blazing hot. Even though the wind blew from time to time, it
couldn't prevent the butler, who was close to the young Prince of the Asawadevathin family, from
relaxing and calming down.

After Prince Kanin gathered all the members, he ordered everyone to meet at the royal palace.
Kanin made a meeting to discuss and prepare for the upcoming race. Of course, everyone
worked very well together.

All the members arrived together on time from early in the morning. They also chatted casually
with each other to help plan various intensive projects...

Is that true?

Chakri sighed; all of the above was his own wish. As for reality... Itthi arrived at the same time
as Charan; they were the first two people to arrive. When the two met, they struck up a
conversation. The pub owner continued to chatter away about his place of entertainment.

He also said he wanted to invite the young Prince to find time to play while he practiced. On the
other hand, Charan, sitting beside him, didn't help direct the other party, but instead stared
silently at the young Prince as if bewitched. Charan didn't even move like a rock.

There's no way to stop them from wasting time...

Other members gradually arrived one by one, from Mira to Vetis to Jirat. The former theater
star and rising star arrived with a box of cookies that Chakri had heard her family made herself.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

The young butler admitted that the cake was delicious, the texture of the cake was soft and
smooth... Well, that's the taste of the cake... It gave everyone a new topic to talk about... about
Prince Kanin's trip to Khao Soi, boiled meat covered in food at the Jirat family home.

All members look active... that's good.

If you stick to that point... none of this matters. Aren't they great now?

You can chat about travel any day.

But today, can we talk a little more seriously!!?

What was happening at that moment gave the young butler a headache, but he had to fulfill his
duties. Seeing the young Prince and his friends chatting nonstop, he was worried that
everyone's throats would go dry. Chakri, being the responsible person, had to sneak out and
prepare some snacks for them.

Chakri walked down the hallway with a sigh, hoping that when he returned, everyone would be
discussing something more serious. The young butler led the red-clad royal maid toward
Prince Kanin's bedroom. His worried expression was still evident. His face looked so
bedraggled that one of the maids near him couldn't help but ask a question.

"What's wrong with Khun Chakri? I've seen you sighing before."

"It's nothing. Come, the Prince will be waiting a long time." He turned around and replied with
a smile. He tried to suppress his expression to hide his anxiety. The young butler sighed
secretly again, before reaching out and gently knocking on the bedroom door.

"I beg Your Majesty's permission... I have brought food to offer, Your Majesty..." There was no
voice ordering entry. Chakri frowned, sensing something unusual. The young butler hesitated
but eventually turned to give orders to the person beside him.

"You continue with your own work. I'll serve the young Prince his meal myself." He used his index
finger to push up his glasses. After he could piece together the whole reason, Chakri waited for the
other servants to leave. He took the food cart and opened the door to the young Prince's bedroom.

Inside the room where the team members had previously held a meeting, nothing remained.
The young butler raised his eyebrows and looked left and right. He scanned the living room
area of the Young Prince's bedroom before his eyes fell on a door that had been left slightly
ajar.

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As expected, nothing went wrong. At that moment, everyone left the living room to gather in a
small room that Prince Kanin called the War Room. All eyes were on the projector screen, which
played clips of fencing matches with videos of the national team athletes.

They're a team from Puchongpisut... The atmosphere in the room was calm. Not everyone
reacted the same way they had this morning, as if they were different people. Chakri remained
still for a long time until the person sitting in the leader's chair turned to look at him.

"...I'll go back and watch the new clip. From what we've seen, this athlete will have a pace that...oh,
Butler. Are you back yet?"

"I apologize for leaving and returning without asking Your Majesty's permission." Chakri
clasped his hands and touched the left side of his chest. He was paying his respects according
to Emmaly tradition. In fact, Chakri felt a little guilty because the words of the person of royal
blood seemed to imply that she was waiting for him.

"There's no one outside, is there?"

"True Your Highness."

"Good, then we can continue talking. I saw Chakri disappear, so I invited everyone to watch
fencing videos of other competitors... First, I have to apologize for making it seem like we were
talking nonsense. I just don't want anyone to know what we're planning." The Little Prince
blinked, before turning around to take out the remote control and turn off the projector that
projected the image behind him.

The Young Prince's words surprised Chakri. The plump butler recalled the incident when he
entered and discovered that the other servants were actually there because he had called them
to help ensure that if the Young Prince needed anything, they could provide it immediately.

Chakri, thinking alone until the very end, secretly took a handkerchief and dabbed the corners
of his eyes. He felt guilty for not knowing anything and felt the team would collapse before the
match even began.

Ah... Little Prince, Chakri wants to apologize. He didn't mean to mislead her that way.

"Now let's see how this game goes. The next thing I have to ask everyone to comment on is the
order of entry of the shooters... because we haven't practiced together. So I don't know the
difference in their playing strengths."

"..."

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"And most importantly, Emmaly's fencing method isn't universal. I should probably...
recommend it to everyone. Honestly, just hearing that there will be a tie gives me a headache."

"Emmaly needs a strong family, selected based on their tenacity and how leaders allocate
costs." This quote is Mira's. She copied the community's criticisms online.

"That's it... This is very unreasonable. I mean, the competition between three teams. It would
be better to fight and tie to qualify for the first round; that's not a problem. It's not like that.
This tie is more like a fortune-telling game. If we're lucky, we'll be selected. It might be good,
but if we're unlucky and the other side is selected, that means we won't be able to see what the
other side's team looks like. ... So I have to be very strict with the order of the shooters." The
young noble sitting in the leader's seat spoke in a serious tone as he turned his gaze.

Everyone in this room knew the rules the Royal Household Department announced from the start.
Because this year, only three families can compete. This means that the first round will have a team
that advances without hesitation, but the rules have been changed.

The first round will be decided by drawing lots, allowing a selected team to advance to the final
without having to compete against anyone else. The winning team in the first round may only have
one substitute swordsman to replace players in the next round.

However, the team that reaches the final round first will not be entitled to a reserve fencer.
This is all for the sake of fairness. Therefore, choosing the order of the swordsmen to compete
is very important.

The main rule of this party is to destroy all opponents. They could plan whatever they wanted,
but they had to leave as many people as possible, and among the remaining members, there
also had to be an heir to the throne.

It's a strategic simulation of the battle for the throne through national sports to see who can
best manage their own budget and team.

This competition will demonstrate overall strength and aims to unleash the Crown Princes'
potential in managing human resources and money. The competition also showcases the
Crown Princes' ability to view and welcome them.

The heir to the throne who is skilled in management, swordsmanship, and good luck will
achieve victory. In time, the supreme leader of the family will become the next Great Life.

"May I offer an opinion?" It was Jay Jirat who raised his hand to speak into the silence. His
worried look disappeared completely when Pangeran Kanin nodded slightly.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"You can talk. Because you're a member of the team now... Oh. But no real words, according to the
agreement. Remember?"

The young royal smiled. He didn't forget to remind her of the agreement he'd announced to
everyone when she joined the team. They didn't need to use frustrating, headache-inducing royal
words.

"Uh... yeah, sorry... ah, sorry... so let me comment... I don't think we should prioritize the order
of the shooters. But let's focus on getting a better look at the order of the shooters." Jirat was
afraid that what he said would be meaningless, so he didn't make eye contact during his
speech. But when he saw that people were quiet, he decided to look around.

"Why do you want to do that?" There were no reproachful eyes from the other party; everyone
seemed to be paying attention. Even Prince Kanin, who was just asking, his eyes widened in
curiosity.

"Yes... From what I've learned about the Great Lord of Life's competition strategies in the past,
most of the time, when it comes to competitions, the shooters will be ranked from least skilled
to most skilled. This method is used to eliminate the best players from other teams until the
heir to the throne can compete with the opposing heir to the throne. Mainly to respect the
elders so they don't betray each other on the team. But not everyone is a member of the club. ,
aside from not being able to consider the rank of seniority, we also have freedom in rank..."

"..."

"What if we create a narrative for our fencer? We can make the other side think that the
strongest player on our team is the weakest and put them first. The goal is to confuse the
opponent's reaction."

"Means...?"

"We have to train and determine who is the strongest among us and then put them first." Jirat
pursed his lips and explained everything with full intent. Although on the way to explaining
everything, he felt a little nervous.

"And how do we know the other team won't be organized the same way as ours? What if the
other team also changes locations?" This question comes from the astute Vetis, who has been
responsible for the data search for a long time.

"If it's not what I expected, I can predict who the opponent will use to fight... In the past, I
studied acting. I also made a career as an acting coach. I'm quite capable of reading the other
party's words." face... The muscles in our faces can sometimes twitch or lift without us realizing
it when we express our emotions."

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"..."

"Good actors know how to control their facial muscles to look as happy, pleasant, sad, or angry
as they want. So just by looking at their facial expressions, I know who's competing next."

"This is a great idea. Just hearing this is incredible. If what Jay said is true, then our opponents
won't be able to read our game at all. But we can read all of their games." Itthi clapped, and the
others nodded in agreement.

"Besides, we can adapt to face the opponent, I think it's a good idea. As for me, I'll be the one
to find information for you... basic information isn't difficult to find. After all, customers who
come here to drink usually always talk about it, I just need to ask around a bit," Mira showed
confidence. She had often used her career to find information to sell to people who needed it.
And this time she would do it the same way.

"I can feel our strength. Thank you all very much for your cooperation." Kanin applauded Jirat and
Mira's excellent comments. The young nobleman turned and sent a sweet smile to the Phitakdeva
clan leader, who hadn't commented from the beginning until now.

"There's one thing I have to say first about the order of the matches. I agree with everyone's
comments. But when it comes time to compete, and the competitor is Petai from the
Phuchongpisut team. Until then... I want to be the one competing with him." A calm expression
matching his voice made everyone's eyes turn suspiciously. One of them included the look of
someone sitting in a leader's chair like Kanin.

"May I ask why?"

The young nobleman asked, his back straight. Unconsciously, his lips curled slightly, as he tried
to suppress the irritation that was rising in his mind when the image of that slender man with a
handsome face suddenly appeared in his memory.

That person was the person who was always by Prince Ramil's side.

"Because I've known him for a long time," Charan replied in a calm voice.

"Ohhhh... how long have you known each other?" The young nobleman replied in a drawn-out
voice. Charan's reply didn't lessen his doubts at all. Kanin felt like he was in a washing machine.
He really wanted to kick himself for not asking such a thing on purpose. But he had other
thoughts... this was all to obtain important information for the team.

Yes... he did it for the team.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

Then you have the right to ask more questions.

"Ever since Petai was in school... At one point, he was also a student at Morpheus. So we were
quite close... Petai is hard to read. Aside from that, he's also been recognized by the best
coaches in the country... Here, only Phi knows him best." Charan has a serious face, and his
sharp eyes seem steady. That made the rest of the team nod in agreement.

He wanted to say something more, but in the end, he had to keep his mouth shut. Because the person sitting
in the leader's chair couldn't seem to let the subject of Petai go.

"Ohhhhhhhh. Did Phi just say that only P'Ran can read him and compete with him?"

"Yeah"

Kanin straightened his face. The young prince didn't know why he needed to draw out his voice as long
as possible. But he couldn't stop himself. Perhaps because... he wanted to vent the frustration in his
mind.

They've known each other longer than him and they're close too, right?... Hmm... So Kanin
came later?

Although they lived and died together, Kanin has to accept the fact that Charan wasn't born in this world,
but only for him. Even if the other party tells Kanin many secrets, that doesn't mean Petai doesn't have
the right to be his friend. It's not uncommon for the other party to have other friends in Emmaly that he
doesn't know about.

But it's embarrassing to say that none of these reasons are true. She always thought she was the
only one for Charan since she set foot in this country.

"Oh, like this... We've known each other for a long time. So Phi knows best, so it would be better if
Phi competed with him rather than with others." Kanin didn't want to give any advice, but his mouth
wanted to rebel. Kanin also wanted to wonder why he should feel this way. Or maybe this was due
to a dream from when they stayed at Jirat's house...

Kanin dreamed of hearing Charan whispering in his ear... He said

'As..'

'...'

'Phi likes Nin'

Nin thought she should act normal and forget about everything, because it was all just a dream. But
when reality arrived, she couldn't forget it...

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Upon learning that Charan had known someone for so long, let alone known him so well that
he even asked to make him a competitive opponent—even though Charan generally refused to
fence in front of others until he died—Kanin also didn't know how his defenses might collapse
immediately. An uneasy feeling arose in his heart, and he sensed that all was not well.

It was a bad feeling, and he tried to stop it. But the more he forbade himself, the more
widespread the feeling became. The self-confidence he once had, because he knew he was the
most important person to Charan, was diminishing.

She doesn't want Charan to give good wishes to anyone. She doesn't want Charan to be around
anyone but her.

That's jealousy...

Jealousy arises when we like something. Something that I really... don't want to share with anyone.

Here it means that Kanin likes Charan... right?

Kanin has just realized her own feelings. After analyzing all her strange past actions, she finds a
new definition for her feelings for Charan.

But he didn't want to worry too much yet because he didn't want to make a mistake in this
relationship.

Charan didn't do anything wrong. It's not a bad thing to know or be familiar with someone
before meeting them. After all, humans had their own lives to live... in the past, the other party
had proven that they had done a lot for him. From the time they met until now, everything the
other had done, be it watching, protecting, or even agreeing to go above and beyond the
duties assigned to him, proved that... he was no less important than Petai.

Kanin calmed her breathing. Even though her chest was pounding wildly, her round eyes
continued to stare at the tall man staring at her.

At that moment, he felt as if a cool breeze was blowing in his heart. Something like that

As he likes it, Kanin is jealous... so jealous it's almost irrational.

"Ah... then it's up to you. Well... let P'Ran compete with Petai, that's all." Prince Kanin's smile
and gentle voice relieved everyone who had been gasping in panic at his jealousy.

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Itthi secretly wiped his sweat. He was practically numb and had difficulty breathing. Perhaps
only Charan couldn't see it, because he kept answering questions that turned the prince into a
ticking time bomb.

Don't you see that jealousy will soon kill him? Stupid rock! Itthi, who had been watching from the
beginning, could only scream in his heart.

Prince Kanin is very good at managing his emotions. He's better than some famous actors. Jirat
nodded obediently.

"So we have to find a coach who's as good as the national team to teach... But where should we
find him?" Mira, who was the quickest to regulate her mood, immediately asked.

"We've already done it. He's sitting here."

"Nin means..."

"Yes... Khun Charan will be our coach." Chakri wonders how he can trust someone who has
never wielded a sword like Charan.

At first, when Prince Kanin said Khun Charan would become the trainer, the young butler didn't
even want to believe it. But when some of the other members were equally incredulous,
Charan finally had to stand up and hurdles so they could see his skill.

That afternoon, Prince Kanin let all the team members compete with Charan to demonstrate
his disbelief. At first, the young butler thought winning at least two out of five matches was
considered good, since Charan had to compete with everyone constantly. But in the end, the
Phitakdeva clan leader won and quickly scored points. He finished the game, even beating
other members in a very short time.

Okay, Chakri admits it's good... very good, too good!

So good that it begs the question of why Charan is always covering up. He hid his abilities to
the point where the head butler seemed stressed and felt like his life was getting shorter every
day.

Charan's talent was evident in the eyes of the team members. No one dared to argue with him
anymore. Kanin's close companion now has a new position as team coach. That's something
everyone agrees on.

Therefore, team planning is smooth and systematic. If Chakri is stuck on something, it's
probably where he is...

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"Chakri, you need to train your body more."

A loud sound was heard as Chakri stepped onto the second lap of the track. The fat butler
slowly turned to look at the person running next to him, his face growing frustrated.

"Khun Charan... heh... I... No, can I go back to being a butler like before?" Chakri finds it difficult
to answer Charan. He keeps wondering what he has done.

Normally, I'd have to leave at this early hour to prepare food for the young Prince to eat in the
dormitory. So what's this?

He was included in a running program to train his physique, leg muscles, and respiratory
strength. For one reason only...

As a substitute for the Asawadevathin team

Yes, you heard right. He was appointed at the request of the young prince himself.

"Father, please help me."

Chakri just won the lottery? So, he had to do this mission...

"No, the steward has now become our substitute. Although I'm confident I can beat the other
team without a substitute, you still have to run... To prepare and be on your guard. Keep
running, just one more turn and your work is done." Prince Kanin, who was chasing him on the
other side, spoke in a cheerful voice. But in the listener's heart, the more he listened, the more
he wanted to cry.

Even after doing this for several days straight, his body still couldn't get used to it. Unlike the
other team members who seemed stronger, especially Charan, the leader of the Phitakdeva
clan made him realize once again that in the past, his eyes had never seen anything!

The other party's entire body was robust. Charan is very tall and agile. Why would he think
Charan isn't good at fencing?

He felt cheated and tamed until he rotted away in bad parts.

But to be honest, no matter how tired Chakri was, his pride was worth it. At least things
seemed to be taking shape now. Chakri felt frustrated thinking about the report on Prince
Kanin he had to write to the Great Lord of Life this week.

Due to Chakri's concerns about this team... the journal's message had to be changed.

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Her small eyes looked at the other members. A team running with excitement. Then, she
turned her gaze to the Little Young Master, who stopped running and took a short walk to
approach the other team.

"Tired?"

"A bit."

"Phi has brought water. Take a few sips, not too much, then you can rest." The leader of the
Phitakdeva clan gave Kanin a bottle of drink. The two whispered and spoke intimately.

Then they walked away hand in hand, leaving Chakri behind...

"Khun... Your Majesty, wait for Chakri!"

Magazine report for the Great Lord of Life

'The training went well. Everyone seemed very diligent in training and ready for the
competition... For the first week, Khun Charan trained the team very strictly as if he were
training soldiers to become Royal Guards... The Little Prince also seemed more interested in
the competition. He was very happy to have Khun Charan by his side, but after this work,
Chakri had to ask for permission to take a long vacation. I won't be able to work for a while
longer... because the substance of my body seems to be being destroyed in a bad way, end of
report.'

From Chakri

...........

A sweltering, sweltering weekend afternoon is something that makes Kanin feel sticky and
uncomfortable. After going through a tough training session with the members, they decided to
spend some time relaxing together.

To strengthen their relationship, Itthi was the one who brought this up. After Vetis and Mira
managed to track Jirat's background, the information provided by the other party was accurate in
every way. Nothing could be considered a lie, so the atmosphere between them became more
relaxed.

Mira, the beautiful bartender, suggests they throw a small party. He'll be their personal
bartender and volunteer to make drinks. Itthi and Jay agree, and Charan doesn't mind too
much because he wants everyone to get their powers back, especially after being boiled by him
for a week.

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A small, informal party was held in the right wing of Dawin Palace. The main entrance was blocked off to
prevent outsiders from disturbing the gathering. They were given permission by the Great Lord of Life to
have fun to the fullest, so there was nothing to worry about.

"I feel very honored because today I can drink drinks made by Khun Mira without having to
duel." Vetis also took advantage of the invitation, sitting at the bar table next to Mira, who had
the influence of being the only girl on the team other than the mixologist.

"You can tell me what you want to drink, everyone." Everyone mentioned what they wanted to drink,
including Kanin, Charan, Jay, and Prince Calvin, who accepted the invitation to sit in the living room,
confused.

Kanin was the one who spoke according to etiquette. For the first time, he thought Calvin wouldn't
mind. But in the end, the foreign prince readily accepted his invitation. Charan was also a little
surprised.

Calvin seems like a prince with too much time on his hands, and there must be a reason he's hanging
around here, even though he normally has a capitalist streak and isn't a filial son. This information is
known to everyone.

"What musical instruments can you play?" Calvin spoke to the small team leader, who now
seemed to be paying special attention to his glass—that is, the colorful cocktail in his hand. Not
far away, Charan sat next to him. He had his legs crossed while sipping a drink, but his ears
were open, listening to everything in great detail.

"I can play the piano and the guitar, but what I like most is singing."

"So... sing a song." The conversation flowed as naturally as possible because Kanin and Calvin
spoke the same language. They also had sociable personalities. People who couldn't speak well
like Charan could only sit in silence. But he didn't think about getting up and running away.

"If you want to listen," Kanin didn't make an excuse because it was commonplace. When he lived in
England, he did this often. A slender hand lifted the drink in his hand and he took another sip,
before Chakri stretched out his arms in the corner of the box.

"Do you need a new musical instrument, Your Majesty? Chakri has prepared one for you." The area
has enough guitars, keyboards, cahons, and rhythm equipment to form a small band. Kanin smiled,
stood up, grabbed the guitar, and opened his mouth.

"You always know. Thank you."

"It's a pleasure, Your Majesty." Chakri nodded with a big smile. He blushed a little at the drink that
was Mira's special menu. At first, the young butler refused and wouldn't drink anything. But

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As Kanin was threatened with being very sensitive if he did not enjoy the party, he was forced
to temporarily suspend his duties and work.

"Are you going to play too?" Kanin asked as Calvin stood up and took the black cannon with
him. The tall figure nodded and gave the other person a small smile, causing Charan's
eyebrows to furrow slightly.

"I'll try."

"Ready." The team leader gave Calvin a thumbs-up, as he prepared to sit on the box. But he
suddenly didn't hesitate to turn around and tell someone he'd been sitting and daydreaming
for a long time, without even holding a drink.

"Khun Jay"

"Y... yes." The owner of the name was slightly surprised when his name was spoken to the point of
being stunned. Jirat raised an eyebrow and tilted his head to the left as he responded in a low voice.

"Can you coordinate that too?"

"Oh, me?" They speak casually because Calvin understands that some people aren't good at
speaking foreign languages and grew up speaking Emma's own language. Therefore, he's the one
who allows everyone on the team to use their own language to communicate comfortably.

"Yeah, let's go." Calvin nodded and invited them, while Jirat thought for a moment, but finally
accepted. The owner of the deer's eye was moved and sat there until the small band formed.

Kanin performed well as the lead singer, with a charming voice and harmonious intonation
techniques. Jirat and Calvin's drum rhythms blend perfectly into a beautiful melody. It sounds
very comfortable and creates a more lively atmosphere in the room than before.

They took turns singing, taking turns playing until time passed, so Kanin called for a short break and
looked for a drink to quench his thirst and heal his dry throat. Jirat looked at the leader of the small
team and smiled, then shook his head slightly as the other party invited him to drink together.

Charan stood up and joined the young Prince on the sofa. Thus, only Jirat and Calvin remained.
Each group daydreamed until someone of higher rank spoke up to break the silence.

"Aren't you drinking?"

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"I... I'm allergic to alcohol. If I drink, my face turns red because of the rash." He explained to the
person he was speaking to without making eye contact. Jirat looked at the vase as decoration in the
corner of the room. He fixed his gaze on that spot and said nothing more as the young Overseas
prince walked away and then rejoined the others.

The former theater actor sighed silently. Jirat doesn't want to be like that, not because he doesn't want to
talk. But he's not good at speaking, coupled with the events he's experienced in his life. As a result, the
person becomes less courageous about making eye contact or approaching someone first. What he
showed was pure and heartfelt.

Jirat knew everyone in the room was very welcoming, and he no longer felt awkward or uncomfortable. It's just
that it's still not easy to break through the wall in his heart that he'd built himself.

"Handcrafted non-alcoholic cocktails." Someone thought they'd come back with a glass of
colorful drinks. Jirat is slightly frozen. He was a little confused and finally asked again.

"Mine?"

"You said you were allergic, right? This one doesn't contain alcohol. It was specially made by Khun
Mira for you. Come on, have it." The narrative sentence spoken so thoughtfully made the white-
skinned person blink. Jirat frowned slightly, not understanding. His brain tried to process the
intentions of the person in front of him.

But he found no purpose other than the good of Calvin. Beyond that, he had no intention of
anything, and more importantly, Jirat knew he had no influence. What good could he do to this
high-ranking person?

Calvino has it all. And what can be made of it?

"Thank you." At first, Jay thought it was difficult to catch up with the man in front of him. They
were very different. Jiras thought he should look at Calvin again. A slender hand reached out to
pick up a glass of colorful drink and took a sip before smiling slightly.

"What do you think?"

"Fizzy, delicious." The refreshing, easy-to-drink taste, combined with the smile on the young
actor's face, helped make the atmosphere around them less somber than before. Calvin raised
the glass in his hand and took a sip, clearly enjoying the sweetness on the other person's face.

"Jiras..."

"Yeah"

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"Aren't you planning on returning to the stage again?" A question that suddenly appeared
made Jirat freeze. The former theater star pursed his lips. The awkward glances showed that
this question had a great impact on the listeners' hearts.

"..."

"Sorry to ask." Calvin said, afraid what he said would be rude. Especially going out of his way to
touch on other people's sensitive topics, but Jirat shook his head.

"That's fine. I want to go back and live there too... if there's a chance." The end of the sentence is almost
as light as a breeze. Jirat smiled brightly, thinking of the reason why he didn't continue on the path he
loved, but the memory made him depressed.

Do good things, don't stand out, it will be a disaster is the definition that Jirat always has for himself.

Workplace harassment becomes too big to contain. What she went through before was
something Jirat didn't want to talk about anymore. Partly because she didn't know if anyone
would be interested in hearing the truth or not...

Interested in listening, that is, truly interested in their feelings... not just curious and continuing
to spread the news.

"..."

"Why... are you asking about this?" Perhaps that was the first time Jirat asked the question first.
The white-skinned man looked into Prince Calvin's eyes. He waited to hear the answer... But an
unexpected answer came out of Calvin's mouth.

"No, I just want to see you on stage again too."

"..."

"I'm sure you'll definitely have good opportunities again after this." Jirat didn't know if Calvin
said it just out of politeness or if he was telling the truth. But the feeling he received made the
audience feel better than words could describe.

Jirat felt like smiling... a very big smile.

"Miss Mira makes really delicious drinks." Across the room, Kanin gave the girl a thumbs-up
and said in a flattering tone. The only girl in the group, with a bright voice, chuckled and
responded in a friendly voice as she looked at the skin on a young man's cheeks, which were
red from drinking.

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"You flatter too much."

"Honestly, it's really delicious." The person who from the start was a friendly and kind man,
spreading smiles everywhere, especially after getting alcohol into his bloodstream.

Itthikorn, who had watched his friend's strangeness for a long time, left his initial position, then
walked over and stood next to his best friend. He whispered in a seductive voice.

"If you like him, tell him. If you stand there and make cute, annoying eyes like that, he won't know."

"Shut up!" Look, just look. Even though his mouth was saying "shut up," Charan's eyes didn't even glance
at him. More importantly, he could say he'd captured another important point. Charan didn't say no to
deny it. It means...

"You really like it."

"Mr. Know-it-all"

"I know a lot because I know you. Right now you're talking to me, but your eyes aren't looking at me
at all."

"..."

"You looked at him as if you were afraid your Nong would disappear." Itthikorn laughed at his own
words. Seriously, since he'd become friends with Charan, he'd never seen the other act like this toward
anyone, anywhere. Therefore, it was impossible for him to keep his mouth shut.

It had been a long time since he'd seen Ran lose focus. It's hard to find until she's like a wonder
of the world.

"What were you two talking about? It seemed like fun." Because Itthi's laughter was loud
enough for Kanin to hear, the young nobleman turned his attention to them. Charan turned to
look at his best friend, and that made the young pub owner laugh even harder.

"I just spoke with Ran and told him that if the match ends, our team will definitely be able to do
well in the entertainment field. Would Nin be interested in playing music and singing at P'Itt
Pub?" Itthi is very good at taking risks and changing the conversation. The young man dropped
his hands on the table, thinking seriously in front of everyone.

"Interesting."

"Singers only? Don't you accept waiters too?"

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"Who dares reject you?" His charming, smooth flow earned Mira a soft laugh. Kanin smiled as
well, feeling the positive energy from the people around him. The stress he'd experienced
before gradually faded away, as did Chakri.

"Why is the head butler smiling?" Kanin asked as he looked at him when he saw another man
standing there smiling and looking at him with a happy look. Kanin raised an eyebrow and
tilted his head slightly, showing his doubt.

"I'm happy to see the state of this team, Your Majesty. If outsiders knew how good this team is, the
opposing side would have a hard time." This time, Chakri didn't exaggerate his praise, choosing to
speak from the perspective of the situation he saw. At first, he was also one of those people who
didn't see the team's future.

However, after seeing their training and strategic planning, Chakri believes everyone here is
pure gold in a mine no one has ever seen. Especially with Charan Pithakdeva, it's impossible for
anyone to imagine that an art teacher who never held a sword in plain sight would possess
skills that were hard to find anywhere.

The young man's eyes were far-sighted. Kanin's intelligence is unmatched!

"Good, now we have to announce to those outside who our members are." Chakri's statement
seemed to provoke Kanin into further thought. The young royal girl raised a mischievous smile, and
her beautiful eyes shone brightly. So brightly that Charan, who is good at reading the minds of the
people in front of him, had to ask questions to dissuade him.

"What do you want to do to make you smile like that?"

"How about we announce Kanin's team?" Charan narrowed his eyes in disbelief. The young
man grabbed his cell phone and thrust it into Chakri's hand.

"What do you want me to do, Your Majesty?"

"You don't know how to take photos? Khun Jay, come here quickly, everyone come and pose nicely." The
team leader gestured for the members to gather. Chakri frowned, the young butler hesitated but finally
murmured.

"Your Highness... Why don't you take photographs during practice? It's like letting people see
that you intend to show them what you're thinking, isn't it...?"

"That way, they won't be able to guess anything. We don't just focus on other people's
perspectives; we focus on being different but creating memorable moments."

"...." Chakri was speechless, while the other members laughed. Charan shook his head at
Kanin's sarcasm. And, of course, the Little Prince doesn't seem to give in easily to jokes.

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"Everyone smiles. Butler, come on, take the photo. As for P'Ran, look at me, you don't have to look
at the camera so you'll look really in love with me." At the end of the sentence There was an order
that Chakri accidentally overheard. The fat man frowned when Kanin ordered him to raise the
camera. He thought of several questions in his mind.

Doesn't that guy do it all the time?... Don't you two seem to love each other enough yet?

.............

Ramil stared at the photo posted on a local news site less than an hour earlier. A wry smile
appeared on that handsome face. The only son of the Phuchong Pisut family leaned back on
the sofa with a relaxed expression as he watched the news and read the information from the
Asawadevathin team members.

NO1: Are you kidding? How can each member compete with other teams?

No. 2: Bartender, former actor, pub owner, and art school proprietor. Will the prince who grew
up far from home actually take up fencing or not?

The positive and negative opinions are mixed. But most of them were negative, and what was
interesting to Ramil was the tendency to say that Asawadevathin had no other choice due to the
dominance of Puchongpisut and Twichmetta. So they had to bring them along to join the team.

Frankly, that's a pretty strong opinion. However, the young royal family was quite happy, as the
current situation was worth the budget.

Ramil was busy all day today because he had to attend team training and meetings. He
oversees strength and flexibility among the members. Besides, if you look at the list of Kanin
teams that will be competing, there's honestly nothing to worry about.

Ramil isn't afraid of Eva, Twichmetta isn't weak, but she's not too strong compared to
Asawadevathin either. To be honest, I didn't even consider Kanin a competitor in this field.

"Did you see the news?" Petai's tense voice made Ramil, who was attentive to the news on the iPad
screen, look back. The face that had once been handsome and attractive was now filled with
tension, without a smile.

"That's how it is"

"Charan is also competing in this game."

"So why?" Alis, from the young royal family, paused to look into the eyes of his companion
Dekar, who now seemed uneasy. He is also a member of the Puchongpisut family team.

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Everyone in Emmaly knows that Petai is a person whose skills are hard to match. The only son
of the Minister of Defense has competed in fencing several times and always wins. Even Ramil
himself.

"So what?"

"Can I be the one who can compete with him...?" Petai said honestly, conveying his wishes. The
son of the Ranawee clan bit his lip slightly as he made eye contact with the person of his same
age in front of him.

"Why? Give me a reason."

"The other party isn't a careless person. I want to be the one to compete with him." Petai
answered honestly. He may not know Charan well, but he believes he's much better at fighting
him than the other members.

"It's your decision." Surprisingly, Ramil showed no signs of anger or sarcasm toward him this time.
On the other hand, the other party only responded calmly, before standing up and about to leave
the room.

"Where are you going?" Petai's slender hand grasped Ramil's strong wrist. From that angle, Ramil
didn't even turn to look at him when he answered.

"go to practice"

"But you've been training all day."

"Um, I still want to practice more, so you can go back first." The young nobleman simply left
before grabbing her wrist. Then he turned around, grabbed all the fencing equipment, and left.

The sound of the bedroom door closing made Petai sigh, familiar with Ramil's personality.
Ramil's behavior becomes like this if his mood is unstable. The Defense Minister's son decided
to wait for him.

Petai still hadn't thought about going home tonight. Ratchata wasn't at Phutcaka Palace. So he
decided to stay a little longer. The clock on the wall ticked by the minute.

It's very late... but Ramil hasn't eaten yet.

Those long, slender legs reached from the top floor of the building to the dining room on the
ground floor. On the table were many cards lined up, but still no sign of the person she was looking
for.

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"Khun Petai" Several servants stationed in this area bowed humbly to the highest-ranking
person. Petai decided to ask.

"Has the prince come for dinner yet?"

"Not yet, Khun Petai. He's still in the training room." One of the maids replied softly. Needless
to say, she knew the other party would give an order not to be disturbed by anyone. And
because of that, this food would later go to waste.

"Then please prepare a small amount of food for me and don't let anyone come near to disturb
me. I'll take care of it myself." He quickly gave orders to take care of the other party. The
servants responded before dispersing to do as they were told without a second thought or
reluctance. Partly because he knew that in this situation no one else could weather the storm.

Dinner was served on prepared trays. Petai carefully led him from the dining room directly to the
front of the training hall on the third floor of the imperial palace. He took a deep breath before
knocking loudly twice on the door.

"I told you not to let anyone bother me." A voice from behind the practice room door clearly
described the speaker's mood. Ramil was upset, so no one dared to bother him.

But that applies to other people, not Petai...

"It's me. May I come in?" The people in the room fell silent. Petai waited for his brain to process the
answer he would receive, and of course, it wasn't much different from his expectations.

"You are no exception, Petai." The moment was even greater for the young royal family, especially
when he uttered a short sentence that sounded shallow and malicious, but for Petai, there was not
the slightest fear.

"I know... but I want to see your face for a moment. Isn't that alright?" She used a tone of voice
she didn't often use. It allows locked doors to open quickly. Ramil's face remained grim as his
gaze shifted toward her.

"..."

"I want to give this to you. Can I come in?" someone next to him asked quietly. Petai held the
tray up for the person in front of him to see, then slowly approached.

Ramil didn't reply, but he didn't refuse either. Therefore, Petai interpreted Ramil's agreement.
A slight smile appeared on his handsome face. The long, slender legs of the Ranavwe family
son entered the practice room, secretly glancing at the other party.

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"Does your hand hurt?" Petai asked when he saw that the high-ranking man was still holding
his wrist. Ramil didn't reply further. Therefore, Petai didn't think to ask any more.

The term is that when you play with children, you need to follow your heart a little.

"..."

"Let's eat first"

"Without hunger"

"Eat first, I'll give you a massage." A pair of beautiful eyes looked at Ramil. A slender hand
grabbed Ramil's strong wrist, before pulling the frustrated person to sit beside her.

"What do you mean..." Ramil still hasn't recovered from his sarcastic anger, the young man can
say no but one thing he has to admit... Ramil isn't good enough to deal with Petai... well, about
arguing.

"I'm worried about you."

And he has problems in his heart

...........

The party ended with the departure of the other members. After the small party ended, Charan took
Kanin to the bedroom. The young man reasoned that Chakri should go and rest now.

Unlike a close Companion who is affectionately named, Charan has to take care of him. Charan
didn't think of refusing, especially because he too was willing. The older man carried the owner
of the white body, whose cheeks were now red due to the influence of alcohol, and carried him
to the bed.

"Calm down." Charán did a great job. He pulled the young man down onto the bed while he looked
at his face and his reddened eyes.

"Phi"

"Huh?" A snort came from the man in the bed. He opened his eyes to look at Charan with a
seminal gaze. Charan suddenly leaned closer until Kanin looked stunned. He was a far cry from
the nickname and image of the young, hard-drinking Prince of England a few months before
Charan had met him.

Charan didn't know what drink Mira prepared for him until he looked so weak.

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"P'Ran..."

"Yes... Phi is listening." The change of name made the older people freeze. Because of their
height, their distance was greater, so Charan needed to crouch down to listen to Kanin up
close. His eyebrows raised slightly before he frowned suspiciously when he heard Kanin's next
sentence.

"Do you like Petai?"

"Why are you asking this?" Charan gulped silently when his eyes met Kanin's. The pretty face
didn't close its eyes and looked at him while complaining. The short distance made his heart
race. The other party moved slightly until the tip of his nose touched Kanin's white cheek for a
moment.

"Well... Phi said she'd compete with him in fencing. Why doesn't Phi compete with Nin sometime?" Her high-
pitched voice was accompanied by a cute nasal expression that made the audience laugh. Charan lowered his
head slightly, but still answered in a weak voice. He doesn't mind playing with drunk people.

"How can Phi compete with Nin? We're on the same team."

"That's..." Kanin acted as if he'd just realized something. The young man nodded in
embarrassment. He couldn't move until Charan had to hold him and carry him to the pillow.

"Sleep."

"So, in conclusion, does Phi like him?" The curious boy didn't let it go easily. Kanin repeated the
sentence even though his body was rocking against the large pillow and his eyelids felt heavy,
as if he were fighting sleep.

"I don't like".

"Oihhh... Yeah, you must not like it. Phi is also forbidden..."

"Why?" Charan asked, wanting to know. The young man was intent on listening, but Kanin
seemed to have fallen asleep and didn't respond. Kanin turned away, as if trying to shut off all
consciousness due to the influence of alcohol.

But in reality... The fake drunk created a situation that allowed him to ask the question that had
been on his mind for hours. He chose to answer the question only in his heart and didn't speak
so no one would hear him.

Kanin sleeps while smiling, then closes his eyes and expresses contentment through his
expression. Although he felt warm all over his body, especially when he moved to

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bring her cheek close to Charan's nose. It's more as if she had voluntarily given her cheek to an
older person.

But his heart was relieved when he discovered that the other party didn't like anyone at all...
didn't like someone named Petai.

Why don't you like Petai?

Well, if Phi likes him, Nin will be heartbroken!

.................

Chapter 34: Lovely Weather

In the Dawin Palace's shady, cool flower garden, a gentle breeze blew, carrying the scent of
gardenia blossoms scattered everywhere. Tarin turned his gaze to the latest post on Kanin's
public Instagram account.

The image of the team members together during the party, captioned with the hashtag
#teamkanin that a team was finally reunited, made the middle-aged man smile as he shook his
head. The father, Thipbovorn, lowered his hand from the teacup in front of him and turned to
ask his son.

"Is there anything fun?"

"Father must have seen it," he said, handing the other party an iPad to view a photo of the heir
to the throne. The sole Asawadevathin heir, along with Team Thipbovorn, understood the clan
leader's feelings, so he just looked before murmuring and laughing.

"Their intelligence is transmitted through the blood."

"Nin was raised well. He grew up the way he should."

"That's right... Tattanai raised this child very well, that's all." The powerful voice changed slightly as he
spoke of the past. An old man who has overcome many obstacles and stories from the past with him.
Thipbohorn's expression was tense because he had something to think about.

"Father... have you heard any news about Tattanai?" Tarin knew his father was still urging
people to search for Tattanai. Thipbowon sighed. He shook his head. The mass of stress
spreads until the listener can clearly sense Thipbowon's feelings.

"Not at all. I've looked for clues. Those involved in this matter must have great power... just like
us."

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"Do you think he's still alive?" The boy asked, although he had guessed the answer in his heart,
but didn't dare confirm it.

That question is difficult to answer. If it can be according to the Great Lord of Life's intentions,
Tattanai will definitely do everything possible to return to them, but if he doesn't return, there
are two possibilities.

"One of them is that he can't come back, or is there something that can't make him come back?"

"..." The Great Lord of Life expressed the same opinion. Tarin suspects the perpetrator was a
relative of the party member. The reason was likely because he wanted to get rid of Kanin and
start a war, raising the alarm.

But who... who could do this?

"Don't tell the girl this implicitly. Nin is happy now, she's learning to live her real life." This may
sound a little cruel, but Tarin knew very well why her father spoke like this.

Because I wanted to protect Kanin's feelings as best I could. Sometimes it's necessary not to
provoke a wound that hasn't healed, much less reopen it...

.........

Weekly to monthly training sessions continued. All members helped each other practice and
shared tricks. Kanin could sense that his own team was very strong.

Their team experience may not match that of professional athletes. But their freshness, which
no one has ever tested, is frightening.

Know that if the other side knows them, even if there are a hundred battles, they will achieve a hundred
victories. But if the other side didn't know anything, how could they match them? Kanin knew that
Twichmetha and Phuchongpisut's image of the team was bad. But that's what he wanted. To make his
team as low-key as possible until people became careless. The less those people know, the more they are
at the top.

The young nobleman sat alone after completing several hours of training. Today, Kanin asked
everyone to rest. Even Charan did. He gave the team members time to relax and play for two
days to recharge their physical energy.

Personally... He lives his days as usual.

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Kanin didn't know where to go. He's someone who has no friends. No one... except Charan, but
because he wants the other party to rest. So he was willing to feel lonely by not greeting or
bothering her.

Although I really miss you...

Her slender fingers ran over the inbox of someone she'd named 'Deuk-deuk's Ang-Ang.' The
name was very self-proclaimed and embarrassing. This made Kanin chuckle slightly at the
moment.

Her double eyes blinked at the open chat screen. Her brain pondered as the nerves in her
hands pressed the keyboard to ask questions.

'What are you doing now?'

A basic conversation began, but before he could send it to his seniors, Kanin decided to delete
it. Kanin told himself he shouldn't disturb Charan right now. So he lay down and opened his
phone to check the news. Initially thinking of taking a short break, Kanin eventually fell asleep.

The leader of the Phitakdeva clan entered his team's private training room. Someone he
thought must have been training hard was now asleep on the sofa in the corner of the room.
His head was swaying back and forth. Charan didn't know how long Kanin had been like that,
but it seemed his posture was quite uncomfortable.

The steps, which had been trained to sneak around many times, did a very good job. Charan
looked left and right. He tried to find a servant who could help the person in front of him sleep
better.

He frowned as he approached, his thick palm reaching out to grasp the pillow. He intended to
put it around Kanin's neck. But suddenly, an emergency occurred first.

Kanin, who was asleep, suddenly staggered to one side. The situation was very worrying as the
white man was staggering to the left, so Charan decided to support Kanin on his own shoulder.
Better than the young royal suffer a more severe neck pain.

You!

Kanin's hair touched the warm surface of his cheek. Charan turned to stone, allowing the
young man to rest against him. The atmosphere around the room was tranquil. It was so
peaceful that the tall man could hear his own heartbeat as a warning.

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It's not as flashy, but it doesn't feel bad. Not as hot as pain, but not as cold as pain, nor as
jumping as accepting victory.

But sometimes being around someone who makes your heart feel special seems simpler than
that...

It was as simple as finding a way to get as close and as long as possible to another person who
was fast asleep. Charan's left arm became a piece of wood that felt no sensation, as almost half
of it was numb.

"Hey..." The young man's shrill voice announced that Kanin had woken up. The young man
stretched lazily like a kitten that wasn't quite awake yet. Charan cleared his throat, causing the
owner of the small body to freeze. Kanin immediately turned to look at the person beside him.

"Sleep soundly?"

"Khun!... Since when have you been coming?" Kanin wasn't sure if he was asleep or awake. The
young man's eyes widened for a moment, then he frowned in confusion as he realized this was
all real, not a dream.

"Not much." It's just that Charan's left arm is numb...

"Oh... so what are you doing here? Did Grandpa call you?"

"No, no one called me. I just came because I wanted to... Today is a holiday, so why are you still training?"
At the beginning of his sentence, Kanin sensed that Charan didn't want to meet his gaze. The young man
cleared his throat slightly before nodding toward the helmet and sword located not far away.

"I wanted to quit, but since I had nothing else to do, I got bored." That's his nature. He couldn't
stand being alone, but he didn't know where to go.

"The weather is nice today."

"Uh, fine, but there's nothing fun to do." The murmuring voice seemed to give the older man a
chance to ask questions. Kanin pursed his lips and waited for a split second. Finally, the other
party answered without disappointing.

"Do you want to do something fun?"

"Um, do you have any suggestions?"

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"Should we go out and find something fun to do together?" Charan's more active expression caught
the young royal family's attention. Kanin raised his eyebrows. He asked a question, but he hadn't
expected to receive this kind of reaction in return.

"How much fun?" The corners of Charan's mouth lifted. His handsome face leaned closer, as he
whispered a few words that made the listener's heart race.

"If you're with me, it's just fun."

Kanin felt that word implanted in his brain. He tries to think more and more broadly, but trust
me. Whatever Charan has to do with this, it's always unpredictable. The young man quickly
followed him through the park to the back lane. They passed through a silver steel gate.

Currently in front of him was an unfamiliar place. Kanin silently scanned the surroundings to
process it. The boy felt even more excited when the other party stopped in front of a large
cage.

I knew Dawin Palace was very large and had plenty of space. But I didn't think it would be this
big until there was a private compound in this palace.

"Khun Charan! Sawadee. It's been a long time." A tanned, middle-aged man wearing a suit
collar and high boots greeted Charan according to traditional customs in Emmaly. He greeted
the tall man next to him in a friendly and familiar manner.

"Sawadee, how is Saemork?" Initially, Kanin thought Saemork was the man's name. But when it
came time for the two of them to take him to meet Saemork, Kanin understood.

Saemork... is a large, smooth, white horse with no other color on its body. Its appearance is like
that of a horse in a fairy tale book about princes and princesses that children sing about.
Everyone must have seen this type of horse in fairy tale books.

"He expects Khun Charan to visit him every day. Isn't that right, Saemork?"

"Hello," a strong hand stroked the four-legged animal's body in greeting, after receiving a leash
from its handler. Kanin didn't come any closer. He kept his distance, not out of fear, but out of
caution.

"Is this what you think is funny?" A small child's murmur made Charan laugh out loud. That pair
of beautiful eyes looked confused. At the same time, the butler in charge asked,

"Khun Kanin, would you be interested in taking a look? There are more horses in our barn. If Your
Majesty needs them, I will provide them immediately. And if you would like a tutor..."

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"No matter. I'll take care of it myself. Please prepare the equipment for me. Thank you very much."
Charan cut short his sentence. Then the administrator resigned. Charan brought the large horse closer to
him. Meanwhile, Kanin gave an incredulous look as he backed away slightly.

"So big..."

"Come closer, come here, let's meet Saemork." The elder's voice mesmerized him. Kanin, who seemed
uncomfortable, approached. The young nobleman was indeed skilled at swordsmanship, but when faced with
this, he was no good at it. No, he... he'd rather be called inexperienced.

"Will he kick me?"

"You have to approach him the right way. Don't scare him."

"Hello..." He was awkward but very cute in the eyes of the person looking at him. Kanin agrees to follow the
older man's advice, although he seems a little uncomfortable.

"Introduce yourself"

"Huh?" The cute face seemed confused by Charan's statement. Kanin looked at Charan and
Saemork alternately. He hesitated for a moment, but in the end, he obeyed after hearing
Charan's explanation.

"That's etiquette. Introduce yourself to him so he can trust you."

"Oh... Hello Saemork, uh... I'm Kanin. Very nice hair, it's a pleasure to meet you... What's so funny?" At the
end of the sentence, his voice trailed off a little because he felt awkward, then he heard his nearby
companion laugh. The young man immediately turned around and looked at him suspiciously.

Kanin looked at Charan's handsome face. At a glance, he realized the man was seducing him.
Her slender palm hit his strong chest. He made a face of annoyance, which made Charan look
at him even more affectionately.

"It's a joke"

"coward"

"I won't joke any further. Before we begin taming the horse, you must first wear protective
gear for safety." After finishing his sentence, Charan invited Saemork to be tied up and wait
beneath a large log that weighed a ton. His hand that had been holding the horse... turned to
touch Kanin's slender, white hand.

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"..." Kanin continued to obey and didn't refuse when Charan brought the equipment the caretaker
had prepared for him. Charan used it himself first. Once finished, he turned his attention to the
younger person.

"Too tight?" The warm, whispering voice, combined with his closeness, made Kanin's mind go
fuzzy. He realized that what the other party meant was the helmet on his head. But strangely,
for some reason, the skin on his cheeks felt warm.

We're going to die, Kanin. Since when are you like this?

"..."

"If it's tight, let me know."

"It doesn't matter." He turned to look at Charan. His awkward expression made Charan understand that
Kanin must be worried about the activity they were about to engage in. His large palm touched the
middle of Kanin's back. The warm touch came with words that comforted his heart. Hearing this, Kanin
became even more anxious.

"Don't be afraid, I'm here." Charan seemed calm as he taught him, but a second after finishing
this sentence, Kanin's ears seemed unaware of anything but... the beating of his own heart.

"To ride a horse... you have to press the pedals... then sit... Do you understand what I
explained?" Kanin needed to ask questions later. Charan's explanation ended when Kanin tried
to shake his head, signaling that he didn't understand. The young man was nervous. He
seemed to be listening, but he wasn't. The most important part was because Kanin only saw
Charan's face while he was speaking.

The young noble took a deep breath. He looked away and stared at the furry beast before
rising to sit on Saemork's back, however he could manage.

On horseback, he could see the vast expanse in front of him. Kanin touched Saemork's reins,
even though he was still quite stiff. The other party began to guide the four-legged beast in its
direction.

"Wait, wait, stop." Less than five steps from the starting point, the young nobleman called out
to Charan in a trembling voice. Kanin considered this for a moment. He bit his lip and began to
get a little scared. Kanin still has bad memories of learning to ride according to the schedule
Chakri had arranged.

He wanted to ride a horse, but he was afraid. Still, he didn't want to give up. Today the weather
and the views were good. The surroundings were so beautiful that he wanted to go see them.
But Kanin realized he wasn't good enough to control Saemork.

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"Hmm?"

"Let's go together. Let's ride together."

"I?"

"Nin wants Phi to take me to see the scenery there." Her slender finger pointed at a distant
spot. Wide open fields with sunlight, revealing the city's atmosphere. Her face was colored with
the warm hues of the sun, drawing attention. Charan was silent for a moment, processing her
request, and then he answered.

"It doesn't fit me. I can just walk."

"What's not going to fit? Phi forgot your homework, huh? Besides, how are you supposed to walk?
It's a long way."

"I can walk." That was the phrase that came out of his mouth. Kanin was so frustrated that he
finally blurted out what was on his mind for the tall man to hear.

"No!... I mean Nin. No... I don't want to travel alone, it's better to guide Saemork and walk together."

"Eh~." Charan smiled broadly, unable to contain it any longer. At the same time, the young
man's eyes stared at him, while he gave orders with an expressionless face.

"Come on, if Nin falls off her horse and breaks my arm, what will Phi do next?" Charan shook his
head, thinking about the young man's excuse. Charan knew full well that he would never allow such
a dangerous situation to happen to Kanin. But what else can you do?

Like it or not... Charan decided to get up and sit behind the younger man in Saemork as well.

"Where are you going? Show me." The familiar warmth calmed the person who had been
nervous. Now Kanin lost his anxiety. The more he heard Charan whisper near his ear, the more
his worries disappeared.

"Over there." The young nobleman's back inadvertently tilted toward the person behind him. He
immediately moved away and returned his gaze to his surroundings. Kanin's sight, which Charan said
was already very beautiful, is now much more attractive than before. Especially when the owner of the
white body isn't concentrating on his fear.

"I'll take you there," Charan said, putting his hand over Kanin's shoulders and tightening the
reins so Saemork could walk.

Charan is an expert at horsemanship. His tall frame exerted strength and accelerated
Saemork's running speed, causing Kanin to protest.

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"Oh, take it easy, I'm scared."

"Mmm?" Charan brought his face closer. The tip of his nose accidentally touched Kanin's soft cheek.

"I said slow down, I'm scared... Or if you want to go fast, then..."

"What?" Charan tugged on the reins, forcing Saemork to slow down. He whispered softly into
Kanin's ear. The light touch made Kanin's stomach twitch. However, that didn't make Kanin
abandon his plans.

"Hold on tight, Nin... If Nin falls, you can help. Does Phi understand? Hold on tight." The
nervous command made Charan pause. The young man smiled softly, sweetly. After looking
away, he could see the ears of the person in his arms turning red.

"Is this tight enough?" Charan whispered to ask, unsure of Kanin's instructions. He leaned
closer so he could press his chest against Kanin's back, and squeezed their arms together so
the distance between them narrowed until there was barely enough space for the wind to pass
through.

His warm breath hit Kanin's soft cheek. His heart was beating so fast that the young man had
to look away. However, Kanin's response was the complete opposite.

"A little less... hug Nin tighter."

Oh, shy but so brave... cheeky bastard.

But who cares? If you have the chance to be around someone you like, then you have to make
an effort.

Kanin told himself to have courage, swallowing the saliva that ran down his throat. While he
waited, Charan immediately took orders, tightening his arms and hugging Kanin, just as he had
wanted from the beginning. His little brain had thought the other party would refuse his
orders.

Although Charan might not want to hug her... but he doesn't refuse. At least Kanin can find a
reason to be close to the person he likes... right now.

That's enough...

Kanin pulled the strong hand holding one of the reins towards his waist, before pressing his lips together
to suppress the feeling of embarrassment.

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Without having time to organize himself, the person who had been silent for a long time
suddenly tightened his hand and pulled Kanin towards him. His slender back pressed against
Charan's strong chest, until a faint fragrance emanated from the other party's body. Kanin's
breathing hitched slightly as the face of the man behind him rested on his sloping shoulder.

"So... is it tight enough or not?"

"Oh... enough, I'm satisfied." Nin murmured softly. The young man returned his attention to
the scenery. His small lips curved into a small smile. Kanin didn't even have the chance to
realize that the person hugging him had intentions that weren't very different.

Charan laughed heartily. The young man mounted Saemork and stopped under a large tree in the middle
of a wide field. He let the other party take the shot. A slender hand grasped the phone he was carrying.
He continued to contemplate and record the beauty before him.

Kanin was immersed in the nature in front of him, but he didn't hesitate to reach out and grab
Charan's strong hand, squeezing it so that it still hugged his waist tightly. Kanin didn't want
Charan to let him go. It might have been a small action, but it made the Phitakdeba clan leader
grit his teeth, and he couldn't help but whisper and say...

"The horse won't run away, you won't fall."

"No, you have to..." From the intention of finding a lie to acting selfishly, Kanin remained silent.
She remained silent for only a moment... when she turned around, her soft cheek moved
completely until it touched the tip of Charan's nose.

"If you want me to hug you, tell me."

"Bah... dude, who wants to hug your ole? I'm just scared, okay!" He shook his head so frantically that his
tongue almost went numb. The young man shook his head and acted so cute that Charan had to restrain
himself with all his might. He didn't want to bend down and kiss the cheek of someone who was absurdly
embarrassed but pretending to be serious.

"Ah, okay." Kanin has been acting sweet lately. In the past, he'd only greeted him while he was doing his
homework, but it seemed like things had changed over time.

Between what the two of them had done, many of their actions were unreasonable when he thought about it.

And that gives Charan hope...

I hope we both feel the same.

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In the past, Charan often wondered about the strange behavior of the people around him
when they were in love. These people are always anxious, unable to eat or sleep. Sometimes
there are people who feel good, blush, and are so happy they almost jump. He used to think it
was all empty words. But Charan didn't expect that in the end, on that very day, he would be in
a condition not so different from those people.

In fact, he still had a lot of work to do. There were many documents regarding the acceptance
of people to train as bodyguards on behalf of the Phitakdeva family, and then there was the
poisoning case he'd been investigating, which had recently begun to develop somewhat.

That said, Charan is very busy. But when a notification popped up on his phone from someone
he was thinking about, Charan immediately dropped everything and ran to the palace.

"Are you happy?" Charan asked softly to the person in his arms, who was busy photographing
the view in front of him. Charan snapped out of his reverie to spend time with the person in his
arms again.

"Pleasant"

"Did you like it?" "Did he like it?" It was a question lingering in Charan's mind, but he didn't dare ask.
Charan let Kanin finish taking pictures and waited until the other party accidentally turned around.
They looked at each other without embarrassment, then Kanin smiled gently.

"What do I like? Horseback riding? I like it. I like this place too... If you hadn't brought me here, I
wouldn't know there was such a beautiful place in this palace."

"I like it too, okay... you can relax. Because in the future you'll have to train harder."

"Come on, I'm not scared anymore. It's Kanin, he's okay!"

"From now on, you'll have to train with me privately more often... Is that okay, Nin?"

"It's okay, it's okay. I want you to always be with me..." His voice trailed off at the end of the
sentence. It was as if he were begging. His round eyes shone as if he were playing to win the
trembling hearts of those who looked at him.

Charan makes eye contact with Kanin. Many answers popped into his head. His feelings were
turbulent until he wanted to find a way to release them. But this time it was very difficult.

"I'll always be with you... I'll help Nin... whatever I can do, I will."

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..............

Emmaly's weather is unpredictable. The weather at Darwin Palace, which had previously been
very hot, changed as if the rainy season was approaching. Clouds gathered, causing the sky
outside to darken.

The outdoor environment isn't conducive to any activity. Currently, Kanin is trapped inside the
building because Chakri doesn't want him to go outside and face the changing weather. He
was afraid it would affect Kanin's health.

During that time, Kanin had to train very hard. Although there was no team training today,
there was still individual training with Charan. This is because he is a descendant of
Asawadevathin.

Kanin must carry the image of the clan. Even if in this game he's a descendant raised outside
the palace, when the time comes to emerge, he needs to show his own light so as not to be
underestimated by the people.

The tough training at the end of the day ended when Charan gave Kanin the task of practicing with
a training dummy. Today, Charan trained him just as hard as he said before. He gave lessons with
such intensity that the invitation to go horseback riding the other day seemed like a dream.

Kanin shuffled down the hallway. The fatigue and pain in his legs made him reluctant to quicken his
steps. But if he didn't walk quickly, he felt the pain even more. Kanin didn't want to show his
weakness to anyone.

Especially with the head maid following her around for the month and a half since she'd lived in this
palace. Kanin wanted to protect Chakri's feelings. The young royal knew that if he spoke about his
condition, Chakri would panic and call the Imperial Physician to come immediately. If that were the
case, other schedules would be postponed. Everyone would have a hard time because of it. Kanin
didn't want to create a little mess like that.

"Lift it up well, don't spill it."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The sound of chatter from across the hall made Kanin look up. As he was
about to step forward, his dark brown eyes immediately met the figure of one of the relatives
he had met a month ago.

Kanin looked away from the red-uniformed waiter holding a tray of food next to the person. He
leaned closer before clasping his hands in a traditional Emmaly greeting.

"Sawadee, Uncle Wasin," the owner of the name smiled and nodded. The other party walked
over and immediately touched Kanin's shoulder firmly, asking without letting go.

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"How are you? How are you here? Are you used to life in the palace?" the uncle asked in a low
voice. Kanin heard this and nodded slightly in response.

"It's good that you're getting used to it." Although they had only met a few times, the videos he
watched while living in the palace had taught Kanin how to respond and answer. Now he
knows how to talk to adults.

But he still couldn't hide his curiosity. His double eyelids glanced at the tray the maid was
holding, before looking toward the nearest large door. Behind the door was the private dining
room of the Great Lord of Life.

The other party must have brought tribute...

"That's right. Uncle brought a bird's nest to present to Your Majesty... Ah, to present to Your
Majesty. Uncle saw that the Great Lord of Life was ill... It was a beautiful bird's nest that Uncle
got from an island in Menanakarin... Have you ever tried it, Kanin? If you haven't, Uncle will tell
someone to prepare a place for us to eat while we chat together.

"Thank you, Uncle Wasin, for your kindness... But I can't accept anything now. I still have a
training program to complete," Kanin lied. In fact, he hadn't had any more practice. He gently
refused because he didn't like eating and swallowing.

"Well, that's a shame... how was training? I heard you've completed the Team."

"Everything's fine," Kanin replied politely. He didn't need to share the story in detail with anyone.
Even if the other party doesn't seem to be doing any harm,

"Having Charan join Kanin's team, Uncle is relieved. Charan is as talented as his mother. Uncle
is confident he can help you more or less..." A faint smile appeared on his thick lips. Wasin
gently looked at the person known as his nephew. "However, Asawadevathin is like
Meenanakarin's sunshine. So if there's anything Uncle can help you with... you can always tell
Uncle. Uncle is on Kanin's team."

"Well... thanks again, Uncle." Kanin nodded to his elders. The other party said he was fine and
then asked to leave.

Almost a minute later, Wasin was gone, but Kanin was still standing in the same place,
contemplating what he had heard.

"What do you mean... by saying that Asawadevathin is the sun of Meenanakarin..." Seeing no one
here, Kanin asked the person who had been standing behind him this entire time. The butler
thought for a moment before giving a firm answer.

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"It means that Meenanakarin will never betray Asawadevathin... just as I have sworn loyalty to the
prince."

"So why do you have to declare your position to me?... After all, I'm only here to compete. I
won't be becoming ruler anytime soon." Kanin wondered again. This time, the young royal
slowed his steps so the butler could follow closely at the same pace. Those dark brown eyes
looked to the side with the same thoughtful expression.

"Perhaps you would like to help... because if Prince Wasin says so, that means he will be with
us. One more thing... If Asawadevathin obtains the position of the Great Lord of Life in this era,
Meenanakarin hopes to return to prosperity again." ...In the past, "Meenanakarin still receives
help from us. There are many gold shops there... Perhaps he would like to return and trade
gold with us again."

"Is that so?" Although the sentences spoken seemed easy to understand. In reality, there were
several points that made Kanin feel strange about his uncle's words.

The first was the fact that the other party had declared himself one of his friends, although the
other party should think more neutrally.

The second is that Uncle Wasin trusts that Charan can help him... even though Charan has
never shown any ability.

Maybe next time he shouldn't reject his uncle. He should sit down, swallow his saliva for once,
and listen to what the other side had to say... to help dispel the fog of doubt at all costs... That
might be a good choice.

..............

"Prince, it's time for dinner, Your Majesty."

"Please let me stay here a little longer. I'll go down myself if I'm hungry. The butler can eat first;
you don't need to wait for me." After resting for a while, he continued practicing alone with the
dummy under Charan's instructions. Time passed for several hours until his shins began to
weaken. Even so, people with noble bloodlines still don't want to rest.

"But..."

"Go... it's okay. You don't have to wait for me. If I'm hungry, I'll find something to eat myself."
But as a personal servant, Chakri still couldn't help but worry.

The young butler stood up and looked at the young man who was still struggling with the
training dummy, as if in a trance. Seeing this, he decided to leave secretly and set out to obey
orders, then went out to find food to fill his master's stomach. When he came out,

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He had only taken a few steps to stop when he saw a familiar face walking from the other side
of the hall.

"Oh, Khun Charan... Chakri thought you had returned to the mansion because he hadn't seen
you since earlier." Chakri spoke to the tall figure who had disappeared all afternoon. He was a
little surprised to see the other party still here, even though he should have returned a long
time ago.

"Not yet... The Great Lord of Life has ordered me to attend an audience. I've just finished...
What about the little prince, Chakri?" Charan answered her questions and then turned his gaze
around. Not seeing the owner of Kanin's thin body, he asked the plump butler.

"The Little Prince is still training in the training room... He's been training since the afternoon
and hasn't even rested for more than ten minutes. I have to sneak out and prepare some food
for him. After finishing training, if Your Highness is hungry, you can fill your stomach first."
Currently, Charan seemed to be the only person who could get the young prince out of the
training room. Therefore, Chakri had to take the risk of telling the true story and adding a small
commentary, so that others could come to the rescue.

"Don't you want to rest?" The tall figure began his remarks, concern clearly written on his face.
The young butler then attempted to start a fire.

"Yes, don't rest. Having a snack isn't enough. It's time for dinner. If you don't want to go back
yet, Chakri ask Khun Charan to go see the Prince... Oh." Chakri hadn't finished speaking, but
when he turned around, Charan had already disappeared. Chakri looked around. He couldn't
even see the shadow of the person who had spoken to him.

But there's no need to waste time guessing... Where could Charan have disappeared to, if not
the practice room where the little prince was. He was in such a hurry that he didn't even think
of saying a word to Chakri. The butler immediately started thinking.

Pretending to be a couple of lovers to deceive other's eyes, Oiiihhhh

Watching him from Mars, Cakri realized that Charan really liked the young Prince!

The sound of shoes rubbing against the floor echoed continuously without pause. As a result,
the person who had just returned suddenly had to sneak over to the place where Kanin was
diligently practicing.

Kanin's figure in fencing uniform advanced with impressive and elegant movements that left
the audience unable to move away. Charan could only remain silent and wait until the other
party turned around and saw him.

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"Butler, I said I'm not hungry yet... Oh, how did you get here? Why aren't you home yet? The
rain is coming." Kanin took off his black mask and immediately approached the other party. His
large, round eyes looked at him suspiciously.

"Chakri said Nin wouldn't rest... why are you pushing yourself so hard?" Charan asked, not
thinking of answering Kanin's question. He took a step toward him and then gently extended
his hand to help the other remove the soft armor.

"I was bored... So I practiced. In the past, when I was in England with my father, Nin always
practiced like this, also... If we meet next time, I just want someone to praise how good I am."

"What?" Kanin, who wanted to smile, had to lower his lips as he stood frozen. The small young
nobleman sighed softly, before answering with a dull face.

"Ramil and Eva... And whoever you say has talent."

"Ahh..." Charan fell silent. His sharp eyes leveled with the person in front of him, before his
brown lips formed a faint smile.

"Don't think about it... Aren't you going home now? It's going to rain, it's hard to go out when it's already raining."

"Not yet, I'll be home soon..." He said softly. He grabbed Kanin's small wrist and pulled him out of the
practice room and into the living room.

The leader of the Phitakdeva clan didn't give his Nong any time to ask anything. The tall figure
then used his palm to press the other's shoulder down onto the sofa. He instantly knelt on the
ground right in front of Kanin.

"W-What are you doing?" Kanin's eyes widened. The young noble was confused when Charan
lifted his legs and placed them on his strong lap. The young man was determined to get up, but
he was too slow and weak.

Charan's warm palms touched and pressed Kanin's slender ankles. The soft touch on his calf
made Kanin feel very comfortable. But even so, Kanin still didn't understand the tall man's
actions.

"During training just now, I saw Nin's footstool... you practiced until it hurt, right?" Charan
revealed his own actions and then remained silent for a while. The handsome face with the
sharp gaze lifted to meet the eyes of the younger person sitting on the sofa. This made Kanin
feel uneasy.

"Umm, don't tell anyone. Kanin doesn't want other people to suffer." His cheeks heated up due
to the blood pumping to the area. Kanin doesn't want to be a burden to anyone. So he tried to
bear the pain alone. But Kanin never thought anyone would notice him...

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Especially Charan...

"Then sit down and Phi will massage your feet," he said in a soft voice that didn't differ much
from his actions. Charan used his thumb to press on Kanin's muscle point. He massaged the
person sitting on the couch to relax him before slowly moving his fingers down.

"Ah... no, no need," Kanin cried in surprise as Charan's fingertips touched his toes. The young
nobleman was ready to flee. But Charan held his ankle tightly.

"Don't run," Charan said firmly. His sharp eyes seemed to sparkle. Therefore, Kanin had to stop
being stubborn. The older man did what he wanted without Kanin interrupting him.

The sound of thunder rumbled outside, indicating that it would soon rain. The sky was dark,
with wisps of cloud merging with lightning.

A storm is coming... Even as an ordinary person, it's still hard to ignore the sound of rain, let
alone someone who reacts to heavy rain like Charan...

If he doesn't leave now, there's a good chance he'll be trapped here with Charan for a long
time. Because he himself would never let Charan go out and face the cruelty outside alone.

More importantly, Kanin intends to keep Charan captive... so the two can spend more time
together.

"If you don't want to go home yet, then stay a little longer. At least until it stops raining... Nin
has something for Phi." Kanin is now starting to get used to using friendly pronouns. So she
started doing it more often.

First, because he wanted the older people to think he was cute. And the second is because he wanted to get
closer to Charan.

"What's that?" The person concentrating on massaging the little toes looked up at the other
person. The more he saw Kanin's hidden, caring eyes, the more curious Charan became.

"I won't tell you; let's see for yourself." Kanin stood up from the sofa after speaking. The young man
didn't think to explain further. He chose to walk and closed all the curtains on the windows, so that
Charan was isolated from the outside world for a while.

"..." It was raining. The young man didn't even know it because he was probably just focused on looking
at Kanin's face. He didn't hear the roaring of the sky that used to make him anxious and scared.

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"Recharge your eyes"

"Because?"

"Well, Phi doesn't like the rain... and the gift I want to give her is in Nin's room... we have to go
through a corridor full of windows... Nin won't be able to close all the curtains because it will be
difficult for the other residents of the palace... but if Phi closes her eyes, Nin will take your hand and
guide you..."

"..."

"Don't worry. Nin is by your side." Charan had never felt so comfortable when it rained for long
periods of time. Especially since the incident that made him have bad memories of rainy days...

However, today the young man felt like himself. He was able to overcome the difficult first stage. When he opened his
eyes, he found himself in the bedroom of the young prince Asawadevathin.

It would be very funny if someone came and saw the young royal walking hand in hand.
Besides, Charan's eyes were completely closed. The warm touch made Charan forget some of
his fears.

Of course, it wasn't like he disappeared all at once, but Kanin's presence nearby made it lighter.

The bedroom, which once had large windows, now offers a beautiful view of Dawin Palace. The red
curtain was lowered, preventing Charan from seeing the lightning above.

"Wait a moment." The melodious voice woke Charan from his reverie. At the same time, the
other party's small hand moved away. Kanin pressed his shoulders so hard that the tall man
collapsed and sat on the edge of the bed. This made the leader of the Phitakdeva clan
suspicious.

"Where do you want to go?"

"Pick things up," the speaker said with a sweet smile. Kanin took this opportunity to break free.
Charan considered everything in silence.

In the bedroom... nothing showed Kanin's aura at all. There were no symbols or other objects.
The atmosphere was very different from that of his room in London.

The bedroom is filled with swords, belongings, and objects of Kanin's desires. Both toys and
collections contrast with the emptiness of the room.

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What does the other side do first to heal the wound? Today, Kanin still looks the same,
unchanged, even though he pretends to be ready to leave at any moment, but...

For Charan, Kanin is like a warm breeze. He blows through his heart while Charan cowers in the
cold under the storm.

Having this person by his side... makes Charan have a clearer purpose in life. What was once
obscure has now changed. From feeling nothing, he has now changed...

From never thinking about loving anyone, today he learned to love as it was once said. If we
use our hearts to care for our loved ones, we will cherish them as life itself.

Charan feels that everything is true.

When you care for him, a feeling of love arises. He wants to truly appreciate the other person. Charan believes
his meeting with Kanin was the fate that made him cross the sky and bring him here.

But he had to hold back, even though he was reluctant to leave, and even though it hurt. For those who
have never heard the word love, it seems... Charan doesn't know what to do to keep the other person
close to him.

He doesn't want to lose Kanin...

"Here he is." A soft voice sounded loudly from beside the bed, pulling Charan from his reverie.
The young man blinked briefly before erasing all thoughts. Those sharp eyes turned to look at
the white-skinned man, who was smiling mischievously while hiding something behind his
back.

The pretty face came closer until Charan had to lean back and move away. He had to keep his
distance... Because he was afraid he wouldn't be able to contain his heart...

"What's that?"

"Guess".

"How could I have guessed? This was the first gift Nin gave Phi." A relationship somewhere
between close and not close makes Charan feel happy and hurt at the same time.

He didn't even know when Kanin was secretly searching for the object he'd hidden behind his
back. In fact, there's a lot more Charan doesn't know about Kanin.

"Well... Anyway, just guess. To make it easier, close your eyes. I'll put it in front of you, then
guess... How?" The owner of the white body laughed lightly until he wrinkled his nose.

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The cute and adorable expression of the person in front of him made Charan ready to take
orders again without hesitation.

"Yeah"

Kanin stared at the beautiful, sharp face just an inch away. The young man pursed his lips
before gently pulling out "that" object and slowly placing it over Charan's head.

When both ears were covered with an object, the sound of the storm outside was muffled until
Charan could barely hear anything. Even though the sky outside thundered loudly, he felt no
fear in his heart.

The young man opened his eyes and reached up to hold the small hand placed on top of the
device. He held the hand to prevent the other hand from moving anywhere.

"Earplugs... earplugs?"

"Yes, a noise-reducing cover. Put it on when it rains... That way Phi won't have to hear anything
she doesn't want to hear." Kanin explained in a serious tone, but the performance of the noise-
reducing device was very good. So much so that the people who seemed to be listening
seemed confused and didn't understand.

"This is really good..."

"Nin... I can't hear you," Charan clarified before removing his earplugs and hanging them
around his neck. The newly sober people laugh at their own purchases.

"Nin forgot... Now, Nin said this is for you to use when it rains... so Phi doesn't have to hear
anything you don't want to hear again."

"I want to know...?"

"Um, Nin has watched you many times, and you always panic when it rains. Phi has always been like this
since we ran away from the bad people in London. Nin isn't blaming you or anything. I just want to help
you get through a bad day... Because there's always a way that makes us able to live with everything."

"..."

"Like when Nin lost her father... Nin had Phi to replace him."

"Thank you..."

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"You're welcome." His sharp eyes looked at the younger man with a gaze that was difficult to
read. Charan was silent for a long moment before asking what he wanted to know.

"Nin... didn't you ask why?"

"Nin doesn't know what caused Phi to be like this... but I never thought to ask because Nin
didn't want Phi to feel uncomfortable. It must have been a bad day for you, right?... Then a gift
from Nin might help you." It was as if the walls of his heart had been shattered. Charan stared
brightly at the person in front of him. He didn't know what kind of gaze she was using. But if
Charan had to describe her, he would say that her gaze is full of patience, love, and trust.

What Kanin gave him was too valuable to be explained in words... And so, in the end, the
person who held the secret ended up revealing a weakness he had never thought of telling
anyone.

"Yeah... it was a bad day..." Charan looked down, but his big hand was still holding Kanin's small
hand like before. "Mom... my mom died on a rainy day." Charan still remembers that night until
his heart and dreams suddenly shut down in an instant. The pain of losing a loved one is too
painful to bear.

Mom was like her whole world at that moment...

"..."

"At that time, I was still young... When I was little, we didn't have many opportunities to be
together because my mother had to work as a royal guard and head of the Phitakdeva clan.
The day of the incident... That was the day my mother promised to stop and live with me as
long as possible... but in the end... in the end, my mother never returned. The empty sentence
at the end pierces the feelings and heart of the listener. Kanin squeezed Charan's large hand as
she felt the pain spread around her.

"..."

"Only my mother's clothes were stained with blood... which the butler took to the forensic
division... I was happy that my mother was back. So I rushed out to search... but in the end...
that was all that remained. Mother never returned as she promised." Charan recalled the photo
of his mother's clothes amidst the sound of the stormy sky. The dampness in the air mixed with
drops of fish blood and the smell of rain disgusted him.

His heart ached and the wound had scars.

Charan hates blood, he hates rain, and what he hates most is when those bad memories come up.

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"It's okay... Shu... it's okay. There's no need to tell me more." Kanin bowed his body toward the
weakest person at that moment. Charan's face looked like someone about to cry, but no tears
came out.

"Today I hold the position of clan leader... But I only hold it by right of blood... If a leader
doesn't have the ability, they don't need to hold the position... Phi doesn't want people to see
my ability, because I don't want to be here... Because that position... is what made me lose my
family."

"..."

"Everything I do is to repay the Great Lord of Life for helping me take care of myself. That's why
I've never told anyone about swordsmanship." Everything is resolved with a simple sentence.
But it still gripped Kanin's heart, so much so that he wanted to take Charan in his arms. At least
it might calm the other party down a little.

Those dark brown eyes gazed into his handsome, sharp face. He was the person to whom he had
given his heart. Kanin leaned closer and used his forehead to touch the tall man's.

"Nin's sorry. I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry why...?"

"I'm sorry, I didn't know anything... And I still put on a happy face when Phi decided to
compete. Even though Phi had been trying to avoid it all this time." The young royal reflected
on everything Charan had done for him. He regretted the day he was so happy that he jumped
up and hugged the other party, even though he had unconsciously created pressure on P'Ran.

"Fine, if it's for Nin's sake, I'm willing," Charan told Kanin honestly, trying to ease her worries.
His large palm caressed her white cheek as he gave her a gentle smile.

Charan made his decision from that day on and never looked back. For Kanin's sake, he could do
anything.

"Then Nin is willing too... if P'Ran is afraid or feels ill, you have to tell me... I promise! Nin will
protect you as you protect Nin... there's no need for Asawadevathin to be protected by
Phitakdeva. There's only Charan and Kanin... do you understand what I'm saying?"

Kanin's voice was serious, revealing his sincerity. At that moment, Charan's eyes were unwilling to
look at anything else. He stopped there, leaning against the person in front of him.

"Yeah"

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Charan responded because he knew the confusion in his own heart. The heartbeat in his left
chest was beating faster than before, even much louder. Besides, at this moment the other
party still refuses to stop being cute.

Kanin was so cute... So cute that Charan's head could only imagine how to subdue the other
party in various ways.

"Or if you don't want Nin to do something, Nin won't do it. But... but the thing is, Phi has to be a
little persistent. Because Nin is too stubborn for Phii..." The person speaking didn't even have
time to fill their lips with a smile, because suddenly, Charan managed to hold Nin's face before
bringing their lips together and crushing her small lips with a hard kiss.

His two large hands pressed against Kanin's slender ones. The young nobleman felt both warm
and flushed. Charan's kiss made her melt. Charan's pair of sharp eyes didn't close completely,
but instead stared at Kanin in response. Kanin's heart trembled even more.

Kanin's beautiful eyes opened as she faintly heard the sound of skin meeting and forming a
kiss in the rain. Charan's labored breathing echoed in her ears. The teasing touch made Kanin
slowly close her eyes...

They kiss....

A conscious kiss isn't meant to be played, nor is it meant to deceive anyone. It isn't caused by any
compromise or agreement that constitutes a limitation.

Kanin trusted the moment Charan's large palm relaxed its grip. Kanin withdrew his hand and
circled P'Ran's neck. He also bent his face to feel every touch until his body could follow
Charan's kisses.

In a split second, he broke away from the Phitakdeva clan leader to take a breath. Charan
wrapped his arm around Kanin's waist, then pulled the person whose blood was pooling to
straddle his lap, while saying several words filled with the emotions and feelings he was trying
to suppress.

"Open your mouth." By then, Charan's patience had snapped. The more he looked into Kanin's
eyes, which were also looking back at him, the more joy burst forth in his heart.

Kanin didn't respond, but chose to part his lips. The expression on his face seemed to allow the
tall man to do whatever his heart desired.

"Uhh..." A thick palm closed Nin's face. He immediately inserted his tongue into Kanin's lips. His
hot tongue ran all over the small mouth. He probed along the line of teeth,

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before licking her soft lips and sucking eagerly. The warmth and gentleness of the other party made
the person hugged almost go weak.

Kanin's palms were pressed firmly onto Charan's broad shoulders. Their synchronized gasps
drowned out the roar in the sky, almost inaudible even without the need for any assistance
equipment.

Charan found something better than painting... or using other devices. The young man realized
that Kanin was a good medicine at that moment.

The person being attacked was breathing heavily. Charan was intoxicated by the sweet lips of
the person on his lap, as he continued to press the kiss repeatedly. Despite the larger man's
efforts to suppress his emotions as hard as he could, it all ended like this.

"Ugh...Phiii..." Those bright red lips made Kanin's brain go fuzzy. The person he thought knew
nothing about kissing actually crushed him almost to death.

Charan... He's too good at kissing...

Kanin's stifled cry and protest were a warning signal for Charan to calm down. The young man
withdrew his lips, however, and shifted his focus elsewhere.

The piercing eyes that had once seemed wild seemed to be seducing him until Kanin could no
longer control his heartbeat. He bit his lip as the other party moved the tip of his nose until it
was pressed against Kanin's white neck. Charan passionately inhaled Kanin's scent.

"Nin..."

"Umm..."

"Fragrant," he whispered in a husky voice that stirred even more passion. Charan's lips
explored every inch of Kanin's shoulder, before everything had to stop because... they heard a
familiar voice.

"Prince Kanin... Have you slept, Your Highness?... You... haven't had dinner yet... Ohh!!"

................

Chapter 35: Kiss

"Prince Kanin... have you slept?... Your Majesty... you haven't had dinner... oh!"

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Two pairs of eyes opened when the sound of Chakri's knocking from behind the door grew closer.
Kanin moved away from the taller man's body and climbed off his lap. He stepped back when he
heard a knock on the door from outside.

Chakri screamed at first because she tripped over her own feet and fell until her face almost hit
the floor. The fat young butler got up and walked over to knock on the door before the person
inside opened it.

"Your Majesty... are you all right? Your face looks very red," Chakri asked, sensing that her condition
wasn't normal. Kanin shook his head and said no, even though he knew the exact reason why her
condition was that way.

"No... uhh, it's just really hot."

"Warm weather... Oh! I didn't see Khun Charan earlier. I thought you had gone home." Before she
could finish her words, when Chakri entered the bedroom, she saw Charan. Then Chakri said
suspiciously.

Chakri's eyes, behind the frames of his glasses, looked at the two people standing far apart,
and both looked away. One was in the corner of the room, and the other was sitting at the end
of the bed. The two kept their distance, as if... they had just been through a strange situation
together.

Are they arguing? ...

A question arose in the young butler's mind, but he couldn't utter it freely. Chakri could only
smile stiffly.

"I'm going home now," Charan said as he stood up. He didn't forget to take the earplugs with
him. The tall figure walked to the corner of the room and his pair of sharp eyes shifted to look
at the person looking away, before murmuring softly, "See you."

"Um." Kanin nodded and pursed his lips without turning to look at the man. One hand was still
tightly gripping his shirt, one of whose buttons was open.

"Don't you want to stay for dinner? I've made two..."

"I'm not hungry / It's fine." Chakri hadn't even had time to finish his words when the two voices
answered. The plump butler looked alternately at the Young Prince and Charan, and found that
both were avoiding each other's eyes.

A strange atmosphere arose. For a moment, the room was filled with awkwardness. Chakri
intended to open his mouth. But before he could say anything, the family leader

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Pitakdeva had already bowed his body to pay his respects to the Little Prince. After that, the young
man turned and nodded, then opened the door and quickly walked through.

And leaving only a gloomy void

what just happened? ...

...................

The still-flowing raindrops, the sky flashing with lightning, and the chilly air were not enough to
calm Charan's racing heart.

The sound of shoes hitting the floor echoed throughout the hall. Her long, slender legs
continued forward without stopping, even though the servants who saw her bowed their
bodies respectfully. Her sharp eyes continued to look ahead, and her steps walked straight, but
her mind was completely unfocused on the road ahead...

Because his mind always jumps to someone he just left behind...

Someone who made her heart beat as fast as this.

"Khun Charan, I'll take you home." Someone's voice was heard as Charan passed through the last door.
In this palace, many people knew that on rainy days, the young man would never go out into the rain.

Charan always stood and waited until one of the palace guards offered him a large umbrella and
escorted him to the car. But today was different from other days. The leader of the Phitakdeva clan
didn't even pause to wait. He walked through the door and stood still in the rain without saying
anything.

It was as if he were unconscious. His thick hands tightly gripped the black earplugs, which were
the first gift from someone who had always been on his mind. Charan can still clearly
remember the smoothness and softness of the skin he touched, the warm temperature of her
body, and the fragrant scent of her body. Everything still lingered in his mind.

The image of the white man, sitting on her lap while holding her shirt and staring at her with
unreadable eyes, was still clearly etched in her eyes. Even though they had just separated,
Charan's heart still beat so fast that it hurt his chest when he thought about it.

He's done something great. He even refused to hold back and dared to...

Hands!

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The thunderous sound in the sky tugged at his consciousness. Charan raised his hand to caress her
wet face. His hot breath rushed out as he found himself standing in the middle of what he used to
dread...

Charan turned around to grab an umbrella from one of the bodyguards chasing him. The cold
sensation of raindrops falling on his skin didn't penetrate the young man's heart as usual.
Perhaps because there were so many things bothering him right now.

Something in his heart that took control of his brain... was worry...

Worried that what he did today would undermine the trust Kanin had placed in him, he fears that
his feelings will be suppressed and make the other party feel uncomfortable due to his own
carelessness in not being able to control his feelings.

Charan thinks he made a mistake by letting his common sense slip away and his heart take
control. Although Kanin didn't mind this, the young man didn't say anything either. He
shouldn't have acted so impatiently. Nor should he indulge his heart's desires...

............

Soft sunlight shone through the window. The sky above Davin Palace at dawn seemed bright,
cloudless, and rainless. The sound of morning documentaries on the major cable channels
remained on, making the room less quiet. Her voice even reached the ears of someone
wearing clothes in the locker room.

Kanin lets Chakri spray perfume all over her body and describes her daily routine. For a few moments,
her round eyes stared at the television in the seating area outside the dressing room, before the next
sentence in the documentary made her change her mind. Initially, she was standing and listening in the
dressing room, then she stopped in front of the large television.

'...It's always difficult to realize... It's a short time compared to the time in the universe. That's why...
throughout their lives, for the people of Emmaly, kisses are the most important thing...'

"..."

'A kiss is an exchange of promises to care for each other throughout life and also in the next
life... apart from that, a kiss also provides certainty and confidence to the couple in a
relationship... therefore, National Kissing Day is planned to be celebrated...'

Even a cable documentary came to haunt him about the kiss. Kanin recalled how he remained
in a state of torment and restlessness all night, thinking about yesterday's events.

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Kanin barely slept all night. When he woke up and saw sunlight filtering through the curtains,
he had to force himself to get out of bed, even though his brain hadn't had enough rest.

Yesterday was a bit sloppy.

Seeing the other person in a sentimental mood, they accidentally kissed. Kanin knew she had
done something she shouldn't have. But she decided to go with the flow and kiss the man
back. She couldn't imagine what would have happened to him and Charan if Chakri hadn't
appeared at that moment.

He should be able to control himself a little more...

I didn't know if the man liked me or not. Kissing doesn't mean you like each other.

Charan probably did it just because he was excited...

Oh... then he kissed her back so hard that she lost consciousness.

The young nobleman sighed deeply. He turned his back on the television before walking over
to sink onto the sofa. His dark brown eyes seemed to go unfocused, so he didn't notice Chakri
walking toward him with two pairs of shoes.

Kanin let his mind wander for a long time until it suddenly froze. The white man's round eyes
widened in surprise, as his brain had just processed the information he'd heard from the
documentary a moment ago.

"Which color do you choose, Your Majesty?... Brown or Black? Umm... since His Majesty will be having
breakfast with the Great Lord of Life, then I think brown is more suitable..."

"Hey!"

"Hey!" Chakri was startled by Kanin's sudden shout and his sudden rise to his feet. The young
nobleman's actions nearly caused the fat man, who was holding two shoes to show him, to fall.
The butler hurriedly turned around to place the brown and black shoes in his hands on the
carpet before looking at his master with an incomprehensible look.

"What's up, Your Highness?"

"W...what did the documentary say?"

"Documentary... Oh, the legend of the kiss. The documentary says that the people of Emmaly
take kisses seriously. For them, a kiss is like an oath to take care of each other throughout their
lives and into the next." The words spoken were like a hammer hitting him.

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repeatedly. Kanin's face turned pale for a few moments, before turning red as his body
temperature soared.

"So... when we kissed..."

"Your Majesty kissed who?!" Chakri, who wasn't quite sure what he had just heard, opened his
eyes wide. Kanin, feeling hot and uncomfortable, quickly denied it.

"No... I didn't kiss anyone. Why are you yelling at me, 'steward?' You scared me!" The noble youth
shouted to cover himself and divert their attention, while Chakri's face had already turned pale.

"Your Highness, how could I not be surprised?... In Emmaly, we can't just kiss someone
casually."

"..."

"Here we have the legend of the kiss. The Emmalys believe that a kiss is a vow of love... it
means we want to have a deep relationship with someone... the same as asking them to be by
our side for the rest of our lives."

"..."

"Only husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife, may kiss. No matter how much
you love him, you must not kiss him just like that. So, Your Majesty, do not kiss anyone easily...
even if you don't agree in the first place, but that person may indirectly force you to stay by his
side for the rest of your life!

That? ...

The new information Kanin had just received hit him hard, bringing the young man almost to
his knees. At the time, he could barely understand what Chakri was muttering.

"Your Highness, did you hear what I said?... Oh, yes, you can't kiss anyone easily... otherwise,
you'd have to send a letter to request it."

Chakri's murmurs no longer reached his ears. Those double-lidded eyes could only continue
blinking.

What she heard caused her brain to become momentarily confused, before that, memories of
her first kiss with Charan flowed like a stream...

"Never kiss anyone carelessly again."

'That?'

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'Sure? Don't repeat yourself.'

"I don't kiss anyone casually, and... anyway, it can't be called a kiss."

' ... '

"It's just a game, Charan... Just a game."

Because that first kiss was born from her desire to win, so she dragged him into a game where he had to
survive.

'Hey, you... I was wondering, umm... are people here very sensitive when it comes to touching?'

' ... '

'Did you hear me? ...Hey, why are your ears so red?'

'I'm fine.'

'I seriously asked, but it looks really red. You're not allergic to anything, are you? ...let me see.'

'No...'

'Are you... blushing?'

Every kiss was caused by Kanin's selfishness.

Exactly what happened last night, which was caused by feelings on both sides...

From both sides... that means, the reason why Charan kissed her last night... that means...

Charan likes it too, right? ...alright?

The nervousness and anxiety over yesterday's events didn't disappear, but the shock he felt
increased many times over. Kanin staggered and tried to breathe deeply. Memories of the
previous night returned as if someone had shown the same movie over and over again.

Starting from when she covered the man's ears with earplugs, then moving on to when she
said words of comfort to him, to the scene where they kissed...

"Your Majesty... are you sick?... Your face is very red... where does it hurt? Does your heart hurt?
Or..." Chakri called out to him and touched Kanin's hand that was rubbing her left breast.
Seeing the frightened face of the butler standing near him, Kanin couldn't respond properly, so
he had to close his eyes.

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His heart felt like it was going to fail him... Kanin felt like he was going to have a heart attack and
die.

How could he be so bold as to approach the man like that? ...when it comes to that man, at this
moment Kanin is no longer himself.

Because her heart no longer belonged to him, but belonged to Charan... and everything he
had...

...........

I must call the Royal Doctor... was the thought that had been going around and around in Chakri's
head ever since she dressed the Little Prince and dragged him to the breakfast table.

Prince Kanin ate only a little and his face turned red. Aside from that, he also experienced strange
symptoms when he met Khun Charan. The two refused to greet each other, but continued to stare at
each other.

An odd couple or maybe they have a fever? ... Chakri really should call the Doctor.

The Observer was thinking about many things, while Kanin himself thought he had managed
to control himself and the situation around him. But in reality, the young nobleman didn't
notice that his behavior seemed different from usual.

Her meeting with Charan this morning seemed different from the previous ones. They didn't have
any special conversations and continued to maintain their distance until the evening.

Practicing fencing for several hours straight didn't leave the team members as tired as before.
Perhaps because their bodies had begun to adjust to the tough training, their stamina had
increased more than before.

"That's enough for today," Charan said after looking at his watch. Itthi lazily shifted his body
from left to right before removing his mask and placing it on a chair in the corner of the room.
Meanwhile, Calvin, who was allowed to sit and watch practice today, stood up from his chair
and nodded toward the box of desserts.

"I ordered cake. Everyone come here and eat together." Calvin's words caught the attention of
the team members, who all wanted to eat something sweet to energize their bodies. Itthi and
Mira went straight to the dessert table without having to be invited twice. Meanwhile, Kanin
and Jirat slowly removed their gear before following them.

"This is the same cake Jay used to bring here," Itthi said to the members following him. Jirat
quickened his steps slightly before standing by the table to make sure.

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The front of the box has a distinctive label and a logo that says "Niran Homestay," so it's
definitely not bad. The message he received from his mother, telling him that a kind customer
had ordered several boxes of cakes—was that Calvin?

"You... so you ordered it?"

"Well, I tried it and it was delicious, so I bought it." The sentence was simple but quite surprising to
Jirat. The reason is that, although their homemade cakes are very delicious... they aren't very well-
known in society. Besides, they usually only sell to regular customers or people in the village.

The former theater actor was shocked and amazed when he discovered that a man in such a
high position could recognize cakes made by Niran Homestay.

"Thank you." Jirat didn't know how much more gratitude he could give this person. Calvin didn't respond.
The prince from the neighboring country took a cookie out of the box and placed it on a ceramic plate
before handing it to the smaller man to take.

Jirat was amazed. He bowed to the nobleman before taking it and placing the familiar biscuit in
his mouth. Jirat gave a small smile at the corner of his lips, which then made one feel
intrigued...

"Niran Homestay, nice name."

"That's the meaning of my name," he said in response to Calvin's words. The former theater actor has lowered
his boundaries with the Prince of the neighboring country, so there are no more awkwardnesses like before.

"Oh really?"

"My name is Jirat, which means forever or eternity." The new information Calvin had just
received caused the person listening to nod in agreement before muttering it to himself.

"Very good meaning."

"..." Her low voice was gentle. Jirat's hand, which was holding a fork to serve the cake, froze. He
didn't know why he felt this way. Over the years since he grew up, there had been many people
who praised the meaning of his name. But... there had never been anyone who could make his
heart beat so fast.

"Jirat is a good name. It also means very beautiful. It suits you very well."

"Th... thank you."

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"Khun Jay."

"Yes." Their conversation seemed to separate them from the people in the training room. This
caused the person whose name was called to pay attention to no one but the person in front of
him. Jirat waited patiently to hear what Calvin had to say, while looking the man in the eyes, as
he hadn't done with anyone in a long time.

"Do you mind if I ask for your contact number?...just in case I want to order another cake."

"..."

"I wanted to ask for it so my dad could try it... but it's okay if you don't feel comfortable giving it
to him." Calvin's attitude shows that the other party is giving him space to decide. Jirat
processes his feelings as he weighs his decision.

If it were before, he'd feel uncomfortable talking to strangers. But with Calvin... Jirat doesn't feel
that way.

"No problem. Don't hesitate to contact me. Maybe next time... I'll bring you another cake for
you to try." He felt quite comfortable, perhaps because he felt Calvin was more interested in his
talents than in personal matters, like everyone else.

"..."

"Yes... if you really like it or are interested in trying it."

"Yes, I like it," Jirat's response brought a slight smile to his face. Their eyes met each other's,
while Itthi and Mira looked back and forth between the two of them.

"Two stories, two emotions," Itthi said, nodding toward another couple on the corner of the
sofa near the window. Kanin was seen sitting with his head bowed, quietly eating cake. While
Charan kept secretly glancing at him from time to time, the Man didn't know where to go. So
he remained silent and continued staring at her.

"Are you fighting?" Mira murmured softly, after putting the last bite of the soft pastry in her
mouth. She really liked the taste of Niran Homestay's pastries, so she thought about taking a
box or two home.

"It seems so... if it were just the two of them, things might be easier." Cupid Itthi immediately
got to work after he finished speaking. He convinced the other members to go home
immediately, hoping this would indirectly help his close friends.

I didn't know what Charan had done to anger Nong Nin again. But this seemed to be the best
way to reconcile the two.

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"Come on. I have something to talk to you about." Itthi patted Chakri on the shoulder before leading
everyone away. Chakri then followed along with the other members. In this rectangular room, the
atmosphere returned to its usual silence.

Kanin felt nervous again. He didn't dare make eye contact with the person next to him and kept
rubbing his palms on the front and back of his knees. His behavior seemed so strange that
Charan had to ask.

"Are... are you okay?" Charan asked. Although he still wasn't sure of Kanin's feelings, he didn't
want the situation between them to get worse.

Charan believes that last night's incident made Kanin become like this.

Meanwhile, Kanin felt uncomfortable and anxious.

"I?..."

"Why do you avoid my eyes?"

"No, it's just that..." the noble young man trailed off. Kanin couldn't say it because... when he looked at
Charan's face, he remembered what happened the night before. He kept thinking about kisses, heart
problems, legends, vows of love, and all sorts of nonsense he heard this morning.

"..."

"It's fine, just... I felt tired and wanted to rest." Therefore, he tried to avoid eye contact with
Charan. Kanin continued to maintain his distance, unaware that he had made other people feel
anxious and worried.

"Tired?..." The thick palm that was about to touch the soft cheek froze in midair. The main reason
was because the noble young man suddenly jumped up from the sofa.

"I'm sleepy too... I'll rest now." Kanin said quickly before turning and hurrying off, leaving
Charan, who remained silent where he was. The man thought about the young man's panicked
behavior, who refused to even look back.

Charan is worried, while Kanin still can't find a way to overcome his heart palpitations.

The leader of the Pitakdeva family let out a warm sigh. His facial expression seemed tense, as he
couldn't control anything as usual. Charan wanted to restrain himself and talk to Kanin. But there
was nothing he could do but let him go...

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Regarding last night... I still hadn't found a solution. Maybe I should give Kanin some time...
and some space to think about it.

******

Chakri gave Itthi the opportunity to bring the car they had arranged to transport the members.
After that, he took Mira to the parking lot next to the park. The girl didn't need anyone to pick
her up because she had her own vehicle.

"Thank you very much, Khun Chakri."

"You're welcome. Here, I brought it for you because I saw Khun Mira liked it." The girl received
three boxes of cakes from Niran Homestay. Mira smiled charmingly and thanked the head
cleaner, who beamed with red cheeks.

"Khun Chakri is very sweet."

"You're too much... be careful on the road." Chakri raised his palm to scratch the back of his
neck in embarrassment. Mira nodded, then bowed slightly in farewell, before walking toward
the black motorcycle she usually rode alone.

He took his helmet. But before he had time to put it on, he stopped because he saw a group of
people walking past him. Daughter of Eva of the Tavitmeta family. Mira had heard that the young
noblewoman's appearance was very elegant. And now she has proven the rumors true.

"You're on Team Asawadevathin, aren't you?" The young noblewoman's greeting caused Mira to
lower her helmet, before turning around to bow and greet the girl in a higher position.

"True Your Highness."

"There's no need to bother with the ceremony. I'm just passing through. Your name is..."

"Look, Your Majesty." The waitress couldn't help herself and had to answer, so she said her own
name. Mira showed no caution and kept her distance, but there was something Eva could still
sense.

"I'm Eva," the younger girl greeted politely. Eva then extended her hand to the girl who was
taller than her. She held Mira's hand for a few seconds, until their hands touched.

"..."

"I'm glad Asawadevathin has a female member on his team," her sincere voice matched her
bright eyes and the rays of the afternoon sun bathing her beautiful face.

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making Mira look at him. The waiter was careful, but he didn't build high walls against the
person he was talking to.

"Times have opened. There are many wonderful women." Mira continued to maintain her
manners, while Eva remained friendly.

"Like you, right?" The girl's smile was as bright as people said. In reality, Mira held no prejudice
against Eva.

He even liked her. Eva represents the figure of a modern, intelligent woman, at the same time
intelligent, educated, idealistic, and seemingly flawless. If they meet in a normal situation, they
can be good friends or companions.

"..."

But since they were on different sides... things weren't as easy as I thought.

"Nice to meet you. I look forward to seeing you on the competition field."

.............

Kanin was wide awake after lying down all night and thinking about Charan.

He finally came to the conclusion that the most important thing now was to recover the core spirit of
Kanin.

Last night, the young man didn't respond to the tall man's message. One reason was that his
mind was so confused that he had to avoid it and remain silent.

He had always been stubborn before, but after last night's incident and learning the legend of
Emmaly's kiss, he...

I feel so embarrassed that I don't know what to do...

Kanin's small, slender palms caressed her soft cheeks to cheer her up. Then, his eyes fell upon
the small piece of paper he had secretly placed on her head.

'The destination is far away, but we'll meet anyway.'

Destiny... even though they are in different skies, they will meet in the end.

That's right, now... he must create his own destiny. Kanin won't give up the competition, but he
will plant his own love tree. Life isn't just about one thing, is it?

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"What?..." The slender figure, who had prepared herself to act extremely cute today, froze. Her
beautiful eyes sparkled as Chakri suddenly reported something she hadn't expected.

"Khun Charan told me he wanted to take a day off today." The person he wanted to meet didn't
show up. And more importantly, this leave notification was sent through Chakri, and he wasn't
contacted directly. Floating... perhaps this is the most appropriate definition to describe Kanin's
feelings right now.

The things he had previously planned were in danger of falling apart. The young nobleman didn't
delay any longer and immediately took out his communication device to call the person who had
disappeared. But there was no response.

"How does it sound?" Kanin thought he was good at staying calm. However, the anxiety in his
eyes couldn't be completely hidden. In his mind, the young man feared that his behavior
yesterday had caused today's incident.

"As always, rigid and serious..."

"..." Chakri described Charan's tone of voice as normal. Even so, Kanin's instincts still told him...
that something was wrong.

While he was thinking of a solution, Tarin, who had just come down from the second floor of the palace, passed
by and greeted him. This caused Kanin to quickly ignore the disturbance in his head.

"Don't you have practice this morning?" his noble father asked. This time, Tarin immediately
approached and asked him to speak first, when the middle-aged man saw an opportunity to
ask.

"Yeah."

"So... Nin wants to have breakfast with Dad?" The middle-aged man used pronouns that
seemed to indicate their relationship was now quite close. Tarin held his breath slightly as he
waited for a response. And thankfully, this time he didn't get the rejection he'd feared.

Kanin had nowhere else to go this morning. Aside from that, he also needs time to think about
Charan. And of course, now his enthusiasm for practicing is waning.

"Does it taste bad?" the middle-aged man asked, studying the younger man for a few
moments. Kanin continued swirling his spoon in the pumpkin soup and didn't even touch the
Western breakfast set they'd provided.

"No, this... Nin... tastes good," he said, bringing the soup to his mouth to let Tarin know it
tasted great. But right now, Kanin's mind was more focused on other things.

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"How was training? Is Nin feeling very tired?" Tarin, who understood that Kanin was
accumulating stress due to the competition, decided to ask. The old man silently observed the
sweet face in front of him, probed carefully, and waited to hear the answer.

"Nin feels tired, but Nin thinks she's still okay."

"With some things, sometimes we have to do what we want. If you want to rest, then you have
to rest. And if you want to go, then you have to go," Tarin advised, for he understood that
Kanin felt tired from the training. But the middle-aged man didn't know that the words he
spoke would allow the young nobleman to obtain the answer to the question that had been
bothering him for so long.

"..."

"No one knows better than ourselves what we want."

That's right... If you want to do it, then you have to do it. Whatever you want, then you have to go and do
it...

Tarin's words made Kanin think. Then, the middle-aged man handed him a plate of small
caramel cake before saying a few words that reminded him of someone who had passed away.

"Sweet foods can make us feel better."

"Thank you..." Kanin had nothing to give Tarin but thanks. He made eye contact with his
biological father when the middle-aged man offered help, and drew the person who had
previously been confused about finding a way out to follow in his footsteps.

"If there's anything you can do for Nin, let me know." The speaker's eyes seemed to be filled
with sincerity and generosity. Kanin took a deep breath and considered for a moment before
deciding to say what he wanted.

"Nin wants to... go to art school."

"With who?"

"Uhh... yeah, can Dad... allow Nin to go there?" It was an unexpected request that Tarin
immediately agreed to, but with a very simple exchange, namely, Kanin had to eat the
breakfast in front of him.

Kanin was helped out of the palace by Tarin. Once breakfast was over, his father's men
escorted him to Morpheus.

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But before that, the young man of royal blood had requested that all the guards return first,
claiming that he wanted to stay and study art and that Charan would take him home later.
Then, her long, slender legs walked down the corridor, after which the mansion's head butler
came to collect her.

Kanin orders no one to inform Charan of his arrival. He heard from the chief steward that the man
was giving private lessons to a special painting class. That's why the young nobleman wanted to
come and see everything with his own eyes.

But what awaited him exceeded his expectations. Kanin froze for a split second when he saw
Petai, the son of the Minister of Defense, sitting next to his man.

Charan stared at the young man's painting, while Petai's face was decorated with a slight smile.
They talked, then laughed and smiled at each other. Seeing this, Kanin felt his heart burn as if
he had been bitten by a large group of red ants.

Are they both... so close that he doesn't come to the palace to be with someone else?

All right... all right, P'Ran. Just look what Nin gives you!

.............

Petai ran the tip of a red brush over the paint. Beside him was the owner of the Morpheus
School of Arts. Charan stood looking at his oil painting. The man considered him for a moment
before asking about the painting he was completing.

"What is a camellia flower?"

"Umm."

"Why?" The observer's personal question caused Petai to drop the brush and palette in his
hand. He then looked down at the masterpiece he was completing before smiling slightly and
responding in a disgruntled tone. Contrary to the smile on his face.

"I like the deeper meaning"

"Which version?" Charan knows the meaning of the camellia flowers very well. Both the
Japanese version and the international version in general.

"How do you know this? Aren't you someone who always thinks positively?" Charan laughed at the
young man's honest question. The man looked at the stubborn young man, who gave him a
piercing look.

"I used to only see the bad side, but now I think that's changed, right?"

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"You know, I'm really bored," he muttered as he turned his attention back to the painting,
forcing Charan to repeat his question.

"So why did you paint this?"

"I like the meaning...both the bad and the good of Camelia, Tsubaki."

"..."

"Soldiers should not plant Tsubaki flowers on the fence of their homes, as it is a bad sign.
Westerners, on the other hand, give these flowers to anyone they want, and it means their fate will
be handed to that person." In the past, Japanese soldiers paid great attention to planting Tsubaki
flowers in their homes.

Because of the way the flower petals fall, they don't fall slowly one by one, but all at once. It's as
if someone had been decapitated with a single sword. That's why the ancient warriors didn't
like it very much. But at the same time, the flower has a positive meaning.

"..." Charan was silent and thoughtful as his gaze fell on the dark red flowers against the
background of the black square frame.

"Complex meanings have two points of view and two sides to choose from, just like people,
don't you think?" This time, Petai's gaze shifted from the painting to a person who works as an
art teacher. Her beautiful eyes seemed calm, but they held hidden clues so Charan could see
clearly.

"What exactly do you mean?" Their entire conversation was about this. They talked about trivial
matters and put art first. But they both knew there was something more important they wanted to
talk about.

"Just so you know, even though you didn't say anything, I can already guess that in the past... you've
hidden your hands from people. Isn't that right?" The white man didn't want to mince words. He used a
direct-speaking strategy to deal with this situation.

When in doubt, first tell the other person that you've managed to uncover a hidden secret. This is a
basic method that works for many people. However... with the leader of the Phitakdeva family,
everything didn't seem as easy as it used to seem.

"If so, then what? And if not, then what?" The answer was as vague as ever, but Petai didn't care
anymore. He didn't want to confirm anything and only came to send a warning message.

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"You should know that I won't give up. I won't think about the teacher-student relationship between
us. In the competition, we're on opposite sides." A firm gaze showed his intentions. He looked
different from Charan, who still had a relaxed smile.

Her attitude didn't seem worried, anxious, or stressed. It's perfect if she does it often.

classified as a quiet individual, difficult to read, never out of control and unpredictable.

"I came here because I wanted to tell you."

"We all have duties and responsibilities" means they belong to each family. And it seems
Charan is very aware of his actions and never changes.

"Duty or heart?" The disdainful voice came as Petai rose from his chair. The young man paused
for a moment, but soon returned to his hurtful words.

"Ask yourself first what exactly you are doing."

"Huh?" Sentence after sentence made the listeners laugh. They continued staring at each other until
Petai sensed the arrival of a third person. The young man then changed his impassive face to a
smile.

It was as if they were just talking normally, rather than creating a Cold War situation.

"Thank you for taking the time to teach me today." Petai's formal words told Charan that
someone else had entered the room. The young man turned toward the door and his gaze met
a second person, whom he hadn't expected to appear here.

Kanin... how could he be here?

"Are you studying art? It must be great fun." The young man of royal blood's cheerful greeting
caused the people of lower positions to bow in greeting.

"Prince Kanin".

"Khun Petai, I didn't expect to see you here." This was probably the first time they'd spoken to each other.
Kanin made eye contact with someone taller than him before turning his gaze back to the painting.

"I didn't expect to see you here either, Your Highness."

"I came to see P'Ran." The pronouns and friendly words were said as if unintentional. But Petai
could sense someone trying to clarify their position, and that was quite an interesting behavior
to him.

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"..."

"I heard Khun Petai is a student of P'Ran's. This painting looks very good." Kanin still
maintained his relaxed demeanor as he chatted. Meanwhile, the defense minister's son
remained as talkative as ever.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"Am I... bothering you guys?"

"I was just about to leave." Knowing Kanin's objective, Petai didn't want to hinder anyone.

Furthermore, even though he had said he would leave, he could still feel the hostile atmosphere coming from the
other side.

"Is that so?"

"I bid you farewell, Your Majesty." He bowed with the courtesy he had trained and practiced all
his life. Petai then smiled and deliberately ended his words with the intention of making a joke
to someone as rigid and strict as Charan.

"..."

"I'll go first, Phi Ran." The familiar pronoun Petai had never used with Charan stirred a burning
sensation in Kanin's chest. The Minister of Defense's son was gone, and inside this square
room, it was just the two of them.

"Why didn't Nin tell Phi first?" was the first sentence uttered after they let the atmosphere of silence
surround them for a few moments. Kanin pursed his lips. He secretly took a deep breath to give
himself some encouragement and courage before giving his answer.

"Nin called you, but Phi didn't respond." He intended to attack, so this time Kanin tried to
suppress all distractions and restore his former self.

"..."

"Nin came to study art. Nin wants to be good at painting like Khun Petai. Can Phi teach me?"

...........

"I think this is impossible." A grunt was heard, accompanied by a long sigh. The young
nobleman showed a sullen face before placing the brush on the table.

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They moved from Morpheus to a private painting room in Charan's mansion. Kanin sat in a chair,
and in front of him was a framed painting of his work, which didn't even come close to the definition
of beautiful.

Next to the budding painter was the owner of the art school, a close friend and leader of the
Phitakdeva family. Charan sat looking at him. The man was silent for a moment, considering,
before answering.

"All right, that's a good start." The tall figure stood up and walked around before standing
behind him. He stared at the image of a porcelain vase, which Kanin had painted on cold-
pressed paper using watercolors, before comforting him. His voice was soft and gentle, as if
saying that Kanin's painting was quite passable, even though...

It's a disaster

"It's not good at all," Kanin muttered softly as he thought about the camellias Petai had
painted. He had to accept that when it came to painting, his skills and those of the handsome
young man were on completely different levels.

"Pretty good for the first time... but the color here is too dark because you rushed it. The paint
is too hard... you can't cover it with water now, because the paper will peel off. You have to wait
until it dries first," the professor whispered in his ear. As a result, Kanin's body immediately
reacted violently.

His dark brown eyes stared at the approaching person. Along with the familiar scent of mint,
Charan's face now looked serious as he used a brush to try to spread the color to other areas.

The man studied Kanin's painting intently, while the true owner of the work was thinking about
something else.

Kanin knew Charan was trying to improve and find the good in the bad picture before him. But
the more the man tried, the more the young man doubted.

He used to be a rational and stubborn person, but love made him want to become a decent
person.

He wants to be a good person in Charan's eyes. His feelings of inferiority surfaced for a
moment, before being replaced by the determination that led him to this mansion.

Now is not the time to paint...

The reason why he asked Prince Tarin... Father... to allow him to be here.

She came here today... because she wanted her relationship with Charan to progress, right?

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"Then wait for the paper to dry first. Can Nin leave her painting here to dry and then paint a
new one?" Kanin took a deep breath and gathered the courage to move on to the next step.

The young nobleman had many thoughts on his mind. But in the end, he had to stop what he
wanted to say because he was first interrupted by Charan's question.

"No problem... so Nin wants to go home now?"

"What?... Who said Nin would be coming home? Nin doesn't want to go home yet." His lips were
pressed tightly together and his brows furrowed when he heard the indirect expression of
goodbye. If this were a normal situation, he would definitely be very upset. But now he
understood Charan quite well, as his eyes followed the man's sharp eyes as he looked out the
window.

Charan looked up at the evening sky, which was turning red. A sign that a storm was coming
soon. This made the tall man feel worried.

Not feeling overconfident, Kanin was quite confident, even though the man's tone was laced
with concern, but this contrasted with the look in his eyes that clearly showed regret for not
having spent enough time together.

"Nin still doesn't want to go home," he repeated again so Charan would understand.

"If Nin is going to wait here, Nin might have to wait for quite a while because it will rain soon..."

"All right. Nin can wait until it stops raining. Nin...ah." There were many things Kanin wanted to say but had to
swallow them back due to his own carelessness. The young nobleman was in a hurry to discuss something, but
his cursed elbow accidentally jostled the brush, and it collided with the palette, which was on the edge of the
table, and fell to the floor.

A lot of paint spilled. Some of it splashed on Charan's clothes, and some of it splashed on Kanin's. This
made the young man even more anxious.

"Is Nin okay?"

"I'm sorry..."

"It's fine," Charan said immediately, without even waiting for the young man to finish
apologizing. The owner of the place wasn't angry. He didn't even care how messy it was.

The only thing that caught his attention was the expensive and fine fabric Kanin was wearing.

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"The paint stained our clothes." Kanin saw traces of watercolor staining their clothes. The stains
were scattered haphazardly over their expensive clothes, like a symbol of worry that spread to
every corner of his mind.

It doesn't look good and makes your whole outfit look dirty.

Charan tried to help Kanin, ignoring his own dirty clothes. His thick palm wiped the paint-
stained surface of Kanin's skin, but the young nobleman grabbed his warm wrist.

"Phi, it's okay. Nin should change her clothes first..."

"P'Ran..." he yelled at the tall man to stop his every action, raising his head and making eye contact.
Kanin didn't want to get so worked up like that... he just wanted them to be the same as they should
be.

It would be nice if he and Charan could let things go. Look at each other and see only the
essence within them.

"..."

"If Nin has to take off these clothes... P'Ran's clothes must come off too."

Chapter 36: Yours

An atmosphere of silence developed between them. Kanin pressed his lips together tightly, his
double-lidded eyes gazing at the older man with a deep gaze.

Of course Charan could see it. However, since he didn't want to say anything at the moment, he could
only guide the young man's hand toward the bathroom door, which was connected to the painting room.

Charan takes him inside and gives him a bathrobe. The man didn't say a word and even looked like
he was about to leave. Then the heat forced Kanin to speak.

"Phi... Phi, where are you going?" Her slender palm grasped his strong wrist. Charan made eye
contact with the young man before speaking to answer his question. The young nobleman's eyes
then looked grim.

"Phi will also change her clothes."

Is that all you can say, Phi?

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"..."

"When you're finished, Phi will wait outside." His words were like a breath of fresh air that
helped cool the heat and reduce the anxiety he felt. Kanin smiled, and his eyes, which had
originally seemed somber, now filled with a glimmer of hope, knowing that his purpose in
coming here might not be in vain.

"Wait... Nin, Nin wants to discuss something with Phi."

"Alright."

They made eye contact again before going their separate ways to take care of themselves. Kanin
tried to resolve his personal matters as quickly as possible. And no more than fifteen minutes later,
the noble young man was back on his feet.

At this moment, the hall didn't seem as messy as before. Kanin wonders if Charan has ordered
someone to come in and clean it up. Kanin's painting still stands in the middle of the square
room, which is Charan's personal living room.

The outside window shows a fairly strong storm currently raging. But because the walls of
Phitakdeva's mansion were covered with a soundproofing effect, the loud noises coming from
outside only sounded softly in his ears.

Kanin paced back and forth like a rat stuck in mud. He worried about how to express the words
in his head. While he waited for someone to return, he sat down. But not long after, he stood
up again and decided to go out and look for Charan. At the same time, the tall man entered the
room.

They faced each other at close range. One person was wearing a large bathrobe and the other was
wearing dark blue satin pajamas.

Charán looked different. Perhaps it was because his hair looked wet and his rimless glasses
adorned his handsome face. The man's casual appearance made people who looked at him
freeze.

Kanin completely lost consciousness and common sense. All the things he had previously
planned to say suddenly disappeared. Because he was too busy thinking about how much God
must have loved that man... to give him a face like that.

The noble young man gulped secretly. As soon as he woke up, he tried to regain his focus and
return to normal. It was a difficult thing to do, though.

"Nin has something to ask and wants to talk to Phi." Kanin cleared his throat before getting straight to the
point. He'd already wasted so much time, so he thought he wouldn't delay it any longer.

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"Yes, Phi knows. Ask her."

"Why is Phi free today?"

"Phi wants to rest," the older man immediately replied, wasting no time to think. The face of
the leader of the Phitakdeva family remained calm. But no one knew that in his heart, Charan
felt nervous and restless.

"Does Phi really want to rest or...does she want to avoid Nin?"

"Phi didn't think of avoiding Nin... Phi just wanted to give Nin time to think on his own."
Charan's reply clearly showed that the man was aware of his abnormality. Kanin pursed his lips
and muttered softly.

"Nin didn't want to avoid Phi..."

"..."

"Nin just... Nin wanted to tell Phi... Nin regretted it because yesterday Nin left suddenly. That's
because..."

"It's fine, Nin doesn't need to say it." Since his attitude seemed uncomfortable, Charan interpreted it
differently. The man tried to keep his facial expression impassive, while the younger man wasn't
about to let the matter drop.

"Nin has to say it... if Nin doesn't say it, Phi will understand it differently."

"..."

"Nin ran away that day because he was ashamed... Nin couldn't behave properly, Nin was
ashamed!" Because he said it quickly, Kanin's voice sounded half-shouted. This made his white
cheeks look rosy and attracted the attention of the people listening.

"Ashamed?"

"Uhh... well, because Nin just discovered the reason why Emmaly people are sensitive to
kisses... why they can't kiss other people carelessly..."

"And what does Nin already know?" Charan's initially worried demeanor now changed. The
young man approached, staring at the person in front of him with eyes that left Kanin
speechless.

"..."

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"Tell it to Phi." Charan is very good at coercing and cornering people. The man moved closer
until they were almost eye level. This sent the young man's heart racing, so much so that he
had to look away.

"Nin knows that... if Emmaly people kiss someone... it's a vow of love. Phi too... believes that,
right?" he dared to ask, even though his little ears looked red. And that makes the people
watching feel even more interested.

"Phi has been Emmaly since birth." Charan refused to speak openly, but his meaning was clear
enough to make Kanin's heart race.

"So the next question... Does Phi feel uncomfortable being kissed by Nin?..."

"No." Charan responded immediately, wasting no time to think. The young man shook his head and
made eye contact with the person in front of him to emphasize to Kanin that his response was not to
please the young man.

"So Nin's kiss... made Phi feel attached?" At this, Charan remained silent for almost a minute.
The older man lightly moistened his lips before saying a few words, which caused a strong
sense of shame to fill the white man's mind.

"Yeah..."

"Ah..." Kanin's beautiful eyes flickered. She thought of many solutions. But the next minute, her
depressed mood changed with just a few words from Charan.

"Phi doesn't deny that it started that way... but now it's changed."

"..."

"Phi doesn't know when it changed either."

His heart, which had been beating slowly, was now beating fast again. Charan taught Kanin to
see the power of this thing called love. He had long watched his friends fall under this power
and found it very amusing.

Kanin thought... he was good at controlling his own heart.

But when it came true... it couldn't be like that at all.

Their eyes met, and they both remained silent because they were too uncomfortable to say a word.
Charan was good at fighting and had mastered the art. But with love... he was no different than a
newborn baby who had just learned to crawl.

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Having lost his skills and become a reckless and clumsy person, he has to find something that
will help him get rid of his awkward schoolboy behavior.

"The paint... the paint is dry. Didn't Nin say she wanted to keep painting?" Since Kanin was still
stunned and red-faced, Charan had to find something to help lighten the mood. They're like
children just getting to know each other. It's awkward... but it feels good.

"I don't want to. Nin isn't good at painting... Nin really has to admit that there are things Nin
can't be good at." Kanin said immediately. Finding it amusing, the corners of the young man's
lips lifted slightly as he looked at the image of the vase he had left behind. This then elicited a
loving look from Charan.

"If Nin doesn't want to paint... what does Nin want to do?"

"Ah... Nin has found it." The young man's smile appeared on his lips. Kanin immediately walked
over to the board, which was placed on a large wooden table, and held it up to the
bespectacled man. He then took a pencil and handed it to Charan while pointing his finger at
the man's chest and also at a large piece of white paper.

"Hmm?"

"Nin wants Phi to draw Nin... although Nin isn't good at drawing, Nin is a good model. Would
Phi try?"

"Ah." Charan, not expecting that response, groaned softly from the depths of his throat. The
young man remained silent for a while before finally laughing out loud.

"Why is Phi laughing? Try taking a picture first, so Phi knows how good Nin's posing is." Kanin
made a mischievous expression to help the atmosphere between the two become more
relaxed.

The young nobleman took a chair and placed it in front of the room's owner. He then sat down and
posed like a model from a famous brand he had seen before.

Kanin held his position so seriously that Charan had to remind him.

"Nin doesn't need to be so tense like this. It's better to pose naturally," Charan said, holding the
board in his lap and taking a pencil before making a fine oval sketch. It's curious how his
situation has changed now. Initially, he talked seriously about his feelings and then moved on
to drawing activities.

"What kind of natural? Is it like that?" he asked thoughtfully. Kanin was silent for a moment
before striking a new pose. This time, he chose to sit next to the person he was going to draw.
He pretended to be daydreaming, his eyes looking elsewhere. But his body still seemed tense,
no different from before.

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"Be nice as always."

"Ah..." The person who spoke quickly said what was on his mind, causing the listener to feel
hot. Kanin pursed his lips in embarrassment, but Charan didn't notice.

"Nin can stay still... but try to think in your head, from what angle Nin wants Phi to see you."
Charan said in a soft but serious voice. The thick hand holding the pencil began to draw the
image of the noble young man. Soon after, on the previously blank paper, a work of art now
appeared.

Kanin was fascinated by what he called craftsmanship. Admiring Charan's swordsmanship isn't
enough. But when it comes to art, how does he explain it? Let's just say that God... was very careful
and thoughtful in creating Charan.

"What does Nin want by continuing to stare at Phi like that?" A question from the expert painter
made Kanin realize. Charan didn't even take his eyes off the paper to look at him, but he still
realized that he was the target of Kanin's gaze.

"Nin... no, of course Nin has to see the painter." Kanin muttered softly. It only took Charan a
few minutes to draw the entire upper body, leaving only shadows and detailed facial
expressions.

"Move a little."

"Move?" The white-skinned man raised his eyebrows as Charan stood up and touched the tip of
his chin. The man moved his handsome face from left to right and readjusted his pose to match
the image in his head, before explaining his actions.

"Phi couldn't get a good look at Nin's face." Those words were actually normal words, but for
some reason Kanin felt his heart sink when he heard them. Then he gave up easily when he
saw Charan in serious mode. After thinking about it, maybe he should change his mind about
doing this activity.

"Uhh... Then tell Nin what to do next."

"What kind of mood does Nin want Phi to draw Nin in? Try expressing it with your face..." The
tall figure wearing rimless glasses replied in a flat voice that sounded similar to an order. But in
fact, Charan is giving Kanin more options.

When drawing a face, it is important to show expressions that convey the model's appearance,
personality, or emotions to the painter.

That's why Charan wanted to know what facial expression Kanin would show him and what kind of
feelings the young man wanted him to know.

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"Nin..." Nervousness was the first thing he felt. The young man remained silent, lowering his
head as he looked at his lap. Kanin continued to think and let time pass until he had a clear
answer in his head, before deciding to raise his head again. Then, his eyes looked at the person
standing above him, with a look in his eyes that suddenly made the person who saw it tremble.

"..."

"If Nin wants Phi to draw a person in love... what does Phi think Nin should look like... and if the
person Nin likes is standing in front of Nin... what kind of emotions should Nin show?" The
question sounded as if the young man was confused. But Kanin's voice was too loud for anyone
who heard it to understand otherwise.

"..."

"If Nin asks a third question now... is that okay?" While his interlocutor remained silent, Kanin
didn't want to wait for the other party to answer. The young man decided to stand tall before
advancing toward Charan. He approached the person in front of him.

Closer than before.

"..."

"Does Phi like Nin?... like... as much as Nin likes Phi?"

Two pairs of eyes stared at each other amid the soft sound of the rain. The closer Kanin came, the
more Charan could see the glimmer of sincerity in his round eyes.

A slender palm grasped the thick hand of the person in front of him, tucked it under his
bathrobe, and pressed it against his left breast. The warm touch further increased the
pounding of his heart, which had been beating so fast it felt like it was bouncing off his chest.

"Nin's not joking... Nin's heart beats like that because of Phi... Does Phi understand?"

"..."

"Because Nin likes Phi... she likes... she likes Phi so much, that Nin can't stand it anymore..."

Large, round eyes stared at the tall man standing in front of the clear glass, which was covered
in water droplets. Charan was stunned and couldn't say a word. At that moment, the sound of
the rain outside had no effect on Charan, because Kanin's heartbeat pounded beneath his soft,
white chest, causing his mind and brain to become completely blurred.

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The young man stood still. His sharp eyes stared deeply into a pair of beautiful ones. His strong fingertips
touched the smooth surface of her skin and pressed against it, as if he wanted to feel the heart that was
beating rapidly because of him.

Obviously, if the courage to act without fear is Kanin's appeal.

And of course, that was one of the reasons that made Charan... fall in love.

Although that was only a small part of the many other reasons, it was enough for Charan to
give in and admit the feelings he had in his heart.

Something between them is no longer just a task...

"Phi likes Nin too..."

"..."

"Phi likes it... really likes it, until Phi can't hold it in anymore." The feeling she couldn't suppress
spread throughout the room and made it seem as if the air they breathed was laced with a
sweet scent.

Charan didn't know the reason why he felt like he was floating above the ground.

Was it because she was happy about the love confession she had just received, or because she had the
courage to face her own feelings and decided to say them?

They acknowledged and accepted each other's feelings, as if they were free to love each other...

"Then don't ever run away again... If we like each other, let's be clear about that... Nin won't run
away again either..." Kanin spoke slowly, but his voice sounded heavier with every word he
said.

The slender figure took a step back before doing what Charan hadn't expected. A slender hand
touched the knot tying the bathrobe she wore, before untying it and letting the white robe covering
her noble body fall to the cold floor.

The white skin, not covered by a single thread, was illuminated by the light and made the young
nobleman look even more charming. Kanin sighed softly. Her soft chest moved up and down in an
irregular rhythm, the result of nervousness and embarrassment at what she had decided to do.

The young nobleman had made his decision. Tonight he would let go of everything: duties,
responsibilities, titles, self-esteem, or anything that stood between them.

Kanin will give up and let him go. And he hoped Charan wouldn't reject him.

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"Nin..." Charan swallowed a large mouthful of saliva. He couldn't say anything other than to let
the young man explain what was on his mind.

"Phi doesn't have to do anything for Nin tonight... Just be yourself. Whatever Phi feels, thinks,
and wants, then do it... don't try to fight it."

"..."

"Don't put Nin higher... we're equals." Kanin grabbed Charan's tightly clenched hand and
pressed it gently against his cheek. He rubbed his cheek back and forth before placing a kiss in
the middle of his thick palm, causing Charan to inhale sharply.

"That's what Nin wants..."

"Nin wants to see Phi go crazy, right?" Charan gritted his teeth and asked. His palms had never
trembled like this before. The young man tried his best to suppress the burning sensation in
his heart, but Kanin flatly refused to cooperate.

The man of royal blood approached him and used both hands to embrace Charan's body. She
bowed her head before resting it against his strong chest and listening to his heartbeat to
reaffirm her feelings.

Now, Kanin no longer cared about the status between them. It didn't matter whether the destination
before him was hell or heaven, as long as they were together... he was willing to accept anything.

"Phi can be whatever Phi wants. Phi can be as crazy as Phi wants, Nin can accept anything... as long
as we're together and understand each other, Nin won't... ah." The end of her sentence turned into
a kiss.

Charan took advantage of the brief moment Kanin looked at him and pulled the slender figure closer
before pressing his warm lips into a firm kiss.

It was a passionate kiss that came unexpectedly. Charan didn't use his tongue, but the way he
grabbed Kanin's lower lip and sucked on it passionately made the smaller man's body tremble.

Clear water droplets gathered at the corners of her beautiful mouth. The sound of a passionate
kiss echoed for a long time, making it difficult for the two people's emotions, which had drifted
too far apart, to return. Brushes, palettes, pencils, and drawing paper become useless objects
when the touch of the person in front of them sends them flying.

It took Charan more than a minute to loosen his grip and raise his head. Then, the young man leaned his
handsome face closer, pressed his forehead down, and let the rimless glasses on his face fall off the end
of his nose.

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"If Nin doesn't stop Phi now... then Phi won't be able to stop later." He muttered like a lion
giving its delicious prey its last chance to survive. He told himself he was willing to give up and
let the young man go, though in reality the fire inside his body still burned, and he felt like he
was going to die.

"..."

"If Nin isn't ready... Phi will..."

"Who will tell Phi to stop?... and who's to say Nin isn't ready yet?" This time Kanin was impolite
by interrupting and not waiting for Charan to finish what he was saying. The young man pulled
Charan's hands from his cheeks and placed them on his waist, before then pulling the man's
hips together with his own. He then said a few words, which sounded like a knife cutting
through his last line of patience.

"..."

"Nin is here now... because Nin wants to be yours."

"..."

"Nin won't stop... then Phi shouldn't stop either, ah..." Kanin's words were cut off as her body
was grabbed and seated on Charan's strong lap. Her soft white skin, which wasn't covered by a
single thread, felt warm as her entire body was embraced by strong arms and her slender back
was pulled back until it was pressed against Charan's strong chest.

Her little heart beat uncontrollably as she leaned her face to the left of the room and looked at
the large mirror that reflected her entire body.

His pale face felt so hot that he protested. But before he could, his body was already dragged
away by the person behind him, who seemed to have lost his mind.

"Phi Ran, Nin...ahh." The tip of her nose moved behind his ear. Charan inhaled the scent of her
clean body and smelled the same soap she used. But for some reason, the feeling he received
was completely different.

On Kanin's body, the soap felt fragrant and sweet... and strangely very tempting...

"Beautiful..." he murmured softly, expressing his thoughts. Charan turned Kanin into a
masterpiece as his warm palms caressed her soft body before moving down to explore her
white abdomen. He grabbed the young man's waist and made the man who had always acted
bravely tremble and shake uncontrollably.

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"Mmm... ah." Kanin bit her lower lip and lifted her sweet face. Her slender palm landed on the
chair's armrest in search of a grip, when she felt a sudden sensation as Charan began to move
his hand.

Charan used one hand to passionately satisfy Kanin. Meanwhile, his other hand moved
upward, then touched the young man's Pathum Flower with a light touch, making him gasp.

Kanin closed his eyes, raised his head, and groaned. His feelings of wanting to lead and control
had been completely erased. Now, the young noble realized that he could never defeat Charan
if he was serious.

Today was the same as when that man defeated him in a fencing match. He hasn't changed at
all.

The warm palm accelerated its movements, further awakening the desire of the person on his
lap. Kanin let out a sweet moan as the tip of her pale core was now filled with clear droplets of
water. So much flowed out that it overflowed, some even spilling onto the floor of the painting
room. But that didn't make Charan think about stopping.

"Ah..."

"Open your eyes." The tone that sounded like a command made Kanin's passion increase even
more. His heart pounded with joy... because this time, Charan dared to give him an order.

"Mmm... Fi." He opened his eyes and his cheeks immediately flushed in embarrassment, when
the man grabbed his face and turned him sideways to look at himself in the mirror which
reflected his passion-flushed skin, his watery eyes, his slightly parted lips and his messy hair. All
of this made Kanin feel as if he was looking at a stranger he didn't recognize.

"Yeah?"

"Phi... ah ah..." The more she looked, the more she felt that Kanin was so beautiful that her hips
moved unconsciously. Kanin held Charan's strong arm with one hand, while with the other she
tightly gripped the armrest of the expensive chair.

"Phi wants Nin to see what Phi sees. Phi wants Nin to know how beautiful she is." Charan is like
a sleepwalker. But in reality, he was now fully conscious. He stimulated it by pressing the tip of
the young man's core several times, until the person on his lap gasped and his body trembled
violently.

"Ah... Nin, ah... Nin still... Nin doesn't want to finish it yet." In the past, Kanin thought he was a
very patient person. But for some reason, in this situation, his body is having different
thoughts.

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Fortunately, Charan wasn't cruel in rejecting his request. He allowed the man on his lap to rest
and catch his breath, having fully understood the meaning of the young man's statement.

Kanin didn't want to finish it with his fingers... but he wanted something more than that.

"!" The slender figure, who had just rested and caught her breath for a few minutes, opened her
eyes wide as Charan picked her up and carried her in a bridal pose. The man left the sofa and
immediately walked toward the arched door in the corner of the room, without giving any
explanation other than a brief sentence.

"Let's go to Phi's room." It's a simple phrase, but it has a high level of destructive power. Kanin
looked into Charan's eyes, filled with desire that left the young man speechless, and he hid his face
in the man's strong chest. Seeing Kanin blushing with embarrassment, Charan couldn't help but
laugh and looked at him fondly.

The tall figure led the thin man behind the door of the painting room, which was connected to the
bedroom. Charan placed the young man on the king-size bed before removing his clothes.

Beautiful muscles were displayed before his eyes. Kanin bit his lower lip and stared for a few
seconds before the man leaned over him and made their skin touch.

Charan kissed his partner again, before reaching out to open the drawer next to the bed and
taking out lubricating gel and a packet of silver paper.

Kanin didn't ask because he knew that having such equipment was commonplace for most people.
But when he thought that Charan had it and had prepared it for someone, he involuntarily frowned.

"This is a gift from the state. Every house receives it." Charan whispered softly near Kanin's ear
and kissed him lovingly. He didn't let the young man think too much. His warm lips leaned
down to kiss the center of Kanin's forehead, as he released the liquid gel into his palm.

Taking advantage of the moment when the young man was about to open his mouth to protest that he
wasn't thinking about anything, Charan lowered his head to bite the white man's lower lip, before
spreading the young man's white legs as wide as he could.

"Ah..." Kanin's brain felt muzzy and his lips let out a sweet moan, as Charan used his fingers to
gently press against the small entrance. The noble youth's body was now pink and looked so
adorable that Charan had to do his best to restrain himself from rushing forward and greedily
devouring the youth.

Although it hadn't happened yet... but in his mind, Charan seemed to be able to see the sky, even though
he had never gone up and touched it once.

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The aristocratic man calmly stroked the white man's back. He inserted a finger and pressed it
slowly. The softness and warmth he felt were no different from the stimulation that made the
tall man almost impatient to wait.

His sharp eyes stared at the white figure, who raised his hands to cover his face in
embarrassment. Kanin looked flushed and moaned softly, making the fire inside Charan's body
burn even brighter.

The more he saw Kanin trying to hide his feelings, the more he wanted to excite the young man. Thinking
quickly, Charan pulled out his finger before lowering his head and placing himself in front of the young
man's lips with a meaningful smile at the corner of his mouth.

"Nin... Nin, let go of your hand. Let Phi see your face," he whispered softly, gently moving her
slender hand away from her pretty face. His eyes glanced at the two cheeks of the person in the
bed, which were blushing sweetly.

Kanin lay down and pressed her lips together tightly. Her body trembled with desire, but she still let
Charan look at her until he was satisfied.

The young man felt embarrassed and uncomfortable, but still filled with curiosity, when the
man on top of him slowly lowered his head and placed soft kisses all over his chest. The kiss
ended with the man's warm lips sucking on the tip of Kanin's breast.

"Ah..." Kanin's scream erupted as he tried to contain his stiff body when he felt the man's hot
tongue touching and dancing on the tip of his breast, as if deliberately teasing him.

The touch began lightly, then hardened, and continued to change to the point of becoming
unpredictable. Kanin tried to remain aware of every touch Charan gave him. But at one point,
his originally strong consciousness was suddenly shaken.

Charan was no longer on top. The young man gently removed his tongue from the top of the
young man's brightly colored Pathum flower, moving it all over his body. The man seemed like
an explorer, not letting Kanin's skin escape his touch. Each touch was done carefully and
meticulously, making Kanin's little heart beat even faster.

"What should Phi be doing here?" she whispered in a sly voice. The man's handsome face
paused between Kanin's thighs, raised his head, and looked at her as he asked. The man took
her white legs and lifted them onto his shoulders. Those terrifying movements were nothing
compared to Charan's actions.

The sharp tip of his nose moves from the inside of her leg and rises to her knee. The tip of
Charan's nose sniffed and kissed the inside of her thigh, prompting Kanin to immediately say
what he wanted.

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"Ah... Lame..." Charan smiled at his response. He liked it when Kanin stated his wishes directly.
But most of all, he loved seeing the look of surprise on the young man's face when he did
something beyond what the young man expected.

"Lick... here?" The seductive lion grabbed her soft, white hips and lifted her off the bed. The
moment the man buried his face in her sweet canal coincided with Kanin reaching out with her
slender hand and gently pushing Charan's head away in surprise.

"Wait... not there."

"Nin told Phi to lick it."

"Nin means legs... just legs."

"But Phi wants to curry favor here." He said directly, making no attempt to hide his desires. Charan
pressed his lips against the warm canal and used his hot tongue to tease the outer lips of the small
canal. He licked, sucked, and inserted his finger until he made the young man moan and groan
sweetly.

Kanin bit her lower lip to vent her passion. The moist gel and her saliva hydrated her outer lips
and kept her love canal open. This helped Charan increase the number of fingers, from one to
two, and from two to three, with ease.

"Ah! Aahhh, ah...aahhh..."

"..."

"No, not there," he said, tears in his eyes. Kanin dug his nails into the dark sheets. The sensation of heat
and cold made it difficult for the young man to explain what he was experiencing and feeling.

"Why not?"

"This..." he felt panic, like someone nearly drowning in sexual attraction. It was very torturous, but it
also made him happy. Kanin gasped and took a deep breath, before finally realizing he should have
done something.

"Yes?" When she saw the sly glint in his sharp eyes, she finally realized he'd been teasing her.
Kanin took her assessment to heart. The young man pushed at his broad shoulders as he
ordered Charan to stop his teasing actions.

"That's enough."

"Nin..." The thick eyebrows on her handsome face arched slightly. Charan stopped and looked
at the man in white whose expression had changed. He did nothing and just stared at her
silently.

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"Nin wants Phi in... get him in now." The young man chose the same method of retaliation.
Charan had already driven him mad... So Kanin intended to make the man feel the same.

The thin man spread his legs wide and invited the tall, shy-faced man. His actions contrasted
completely with his flushed face. Kanin, his lips pursed, tilted his head and looked away, but the
encouragement he gave him was too strong.

"I'm going crazy." Charan cursed hoarsely when he saw Kanin lying down and spreading his
legs. He ruffled his hair and then brushed it back to reduce his nervousness.

The condom wrapped in silver foil, which was lying next to the white body, was quickly torn off
and put on. Kanin's repeated body odor and gentle touches awakened his dark side, as he
accidentally imagined the warmth inside the young man's body.

Charan held his breath and suppressed the growing passion within him, before using one hand
to lift Kanin's slender legs and placing the tip of her core at the entrance to his brightly colored
love canal.

"Ugh... don't make fun of Nin."

"Phi isn't teasing... if Phi doesn't do this, Nin will feel bad." It was true that Charan wanted the
young man to get used to the size of his core, so he tried to remain calm. This was because he
didn't want his first time, only to be controlled by lust and passion.

He wanted to pay more attention. But despite what he'd said, Kanin really didn't want to
cooperate.

"Nin, it's okay... put it in... please." because she wanted to feel his touch inside her immediately, so
she begged and pleaded. Kanin moved her body towards the man's core, which was at the bottom.

Then his lips moved to gently kiss the tip of Charan's chin.

Her pleading and inviting voice shattered Charan's patience.

Charan immediately inserted his core into Kanin's body. The heat pressed intensely, causing his
eyes to darken and his brows to furrow. The noble young man gritted his teeth, and tears filled
his eyes. The feeling of unease and discomfort made him pause for a moment.

"Ugh..." Kanin tried to relax. He let Charan thrust deeply, until finally their bodies met and
pressed together. It was then that Charan seemed to have forgotten all his intentions.

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"Nin... Phi..." Charan gulped and pushed Kanin down onto the bed. He waited until the young
man could adjust before beginning their game of true love...

The man's core penetrated deep into the hot channel, and the sensation he felt made all his
previous intentions and desires disappear like a gust of wind. The tall man's lips kissed the
slender shoulders before moving up to the noble young man's neck.

"Ah ah ah." Happiness washed over them both like huge, rolling waves. Kanin opened his
mouth, moaning and groaning as her hips moved and rocked, stirring the stimulation and
tingling sensation that sent him soaring.

Tears of joy rolled down her soft cheeks. Charan then wiped them with the tip of his nose as he
asked in a low voice. Contrary to the force of his movements, the expensive bed shook and
swayed back and forth.

"Hurts?"

"No...ahh, Nin..." The young man shook his tear-stained face. Kanin sobbed, but it wasn't
caused by sadness at all. The tips of her short, thin nails ran down his strong forearms and dug
into his skin. Instead of feeling pain, Charan stuck out his tongue to lick Kanin's lips with
satisfaction and pleasure.

"So what?"

"Ugh... Phi Ran."

"Say." That semi-commanding tone sounded again. Charan groaned softly in his throat as he felt the
warm channel of love and the young man's gentle reaction to his actions. He leaned down and
buried himself in the curve of her white neck before accelerating his movements. The response of
the person beneath his body made his movements more intense than before.

"Happy, ugh... ahh... happy." Kanin's mind felt blurry, as if someone had pushed him into an
abyss and then thrown him continuously up into the sky. This made him float for a moment, as
if he had seen the pearly gates. Their eyes stared at each other, as if recognizing the hidden
desire within.

"Then Phi will make more noise..."

"Ah... Phi Ran." The sound of skin and flesh colliding echoed throughout Charan's bedroom. Kanin
raised her hips in reaction to her desire and arousal. Her consciousness and thoughts were
currently out of control. The feeling of joy and happiness was so extraordinary that it overflowed
and filled her chest, almost suffocating her because she forgot to breathe.

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"Air."

"Ah..." Her red lips parted slightly to let in air. Kanin took a deep breath. Her sweet love tube
wrapped around and squeezed Charan's core tightly, causing the man inside her to let out a
low moan.

"Good boy." As he praised him, Charan lightly bit his slender shoulder. Kanin twitched, his
whole body trembling. And as his body grew increasingly tense, he curled his toes as he
hugged the person in front of him tightly.

"Ahhh..." Kanin's eyes filled with tears as his body released and released a thick, cloudy white
liquid. His nails accidentally dug into Charan's back. The young man buried his face in the
broad shoulders, his small mouth slightly open as he let out a satisfied moan deep in his
throat.

The tall man pressed against Kanin one last time. He grasped the tip of the young man's chin
and tilted his head up to receive his passionate kiss. Then he gritted his teeth until they bled,
his hips pressing and thrusting deeply.

Charan quickened his pace and buried himself inside her sweet body one last time, before moving in and
releasing every drop of her juices inside Kanin's body. Her sharp eyes looked down at the young man lying
motionless beneath her body.

The young man leaned down to kiss Kanin's temple and gently caressed the face of the one he loved, before
regretfully withdrawing. This prompted the young man, who had almost no energy left, to ask.

"Is that enough?" Kanin's face turned red. His slender body was panting, and his mind was
completely blank. He was sleepy because he was tired.

But a few seconds later, her senses immediately came back to life, when her ears heard a
whisper... along with the sound of a new condom pack being opened.

"Not yet."

"Don't say... Phi Ran."

"We're just getting started."

.......

In the middle of the night, it was freezing in Emmaly because of the rain. Petai, wearing a
bathrobe, sat on the sofa in a half-sitting, half-lying position, staring at the door, waiting for
someone.

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The clock on the wall of the Watcharatpong family's small mansion indicated that it was already
night. But the Defense Minister's son was still not asleep.

The reason was because he had just received a message from Ramil that the man was on his way to
his house. What an arrogant man. It was currently raining... didn't he know how dangerous it was?

The scent of the scented candles didn't help the white man's mind relax. Petai stood up and
paced for a while, until he heard familiar footsteps and opened the door to greet the man.

"Why did you come down?" Because this part of the mansion is separate from the main
building, Phethai chose to live here. Therefore, they needn't feel afraid if someone sees
behavior that seems unnatural and out of character.

"Why did you come in the middle of the night?" The owner of the place avoided answering the
first question, asking again. Petai saw that Ramil's hair and broad shoulders were soaked by
the rain. Then he raised his slender palm to help wipe away the moisture.

"Can't I come at midnight?"

"If I said no, would you listen?" The conversation sounded like an argument. But they knew it wasn't.
Ramil entered the mansion and bowed his head to let the young man in front of him comb his hair.

"Dad isn't around." Actually, the man didn't need to tell Petai, because he'd already guessed. If
Rachata were there, then Ramil wouldn't show up here for no reason.

"You're soaked. I'll get you a change of clothes." They're always like that, they like to talk about
different things and topics, but they still clash. Petai disappeared to prepare new clothes, so
only Ramil remained in the mansion's main hall.

The young nobleman sat and waited, but his sharp eyes then spotted a new painting by the
window. And that brought his full attention to the painting.

A painting of red camellias... Ramil was sure he'd never seen it before. In the lower right corner
of the painting was a date, and that convinced him the artwork had been created today.

"I've prepared some warm water for you. Go take a shower." A familiar voice called out, bringing the tall
man out of his thoughts. Ramil didn't ask about the painting and simply turned his head to answer the
owner of the house in a calm, normal voice.

"Have you bathed?"

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"Not yet."

"Let's take a shower together."

"..." At a glance, Ramil saw the hesitation in his eyes. Petai looked at him as if weighing his
feelings. This caused the noble young man to gently remind him of the person looking at him.

"I'm just taking a shower." Petai didn't reject or avoid the invitation. He didn't need to feel
embarrassed, because they'd already bathed together before. So this isn't anything new for them.

The scent of roses wafting through the candles lit around them helped to relax the
atmosphere. Ramil sat back, his warm palm caressing the white arm of someone much thinner
than him.

The tub wasn't large, so their warm skin could stick together. Petai leaned back and closed his
eyes as he let Ramil do as he pleased, not thinking of engaging in conversation with the man.

"Are you going to Morpheus?" It took the young nobleman a moment before he finally decided
to ask. Ramil whispered before leaning his face against her slender shoulder, waiting for an
answer.

"Um." Petai didn't hide it like usual. Because of that, Ramil knew he shouldn't keep pushing
him. He knew... but what he couldn't stop was the feeling of jealousy that was now growing
stronger and stronger in his chest.

So strong that he felt he had to do something. Something... that wasn't your usual fight.

"Next time, if you want to learn to paint there, I'll go with you." Once his mind had finished processing
the limits of what he could say, the young nobleman held back no longer.

"You don't like painting, Ramil." The white man knew this. He once asked if Ramil was
interested... of course, the answer was no. The man was no hypocrite and was sharper than an
axe.

"I won't paint, I'll watch you." He replied as he tightly gripped Petai's waist. The young man
flinched slightly as someone started acting too much. Warm lips kissed behind his ear, making
the fine hairs on his body stand up.

"Ah, you..."

"Mmm?" A moan against her neck came in response. The man continued to touch and bite her
white skin. It was so hot that Petai had to make a nonsensical threat.

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"My skin will scratch."

"Umm..."

"I thought you said you were just going to take a shower?" He continued asking questions even though
he knew Ramil's personality better than anyone. Petai could feel the man smirking and felt annoyed
because his body was starting to get aroused. He then ran through several sentences in his head.

A fox will never be as docile as a domestic dog.

"Do you really just want to take a shower? I'll let you choose."

"..."

"Choose."

Cunning animals are very good at seduction. But perhaps they are actually wild rabbits, willing
to be crushed and played with.

.................

The morning sun had long since risen above the horizon. At times like this, perhaps most
people were still asleep and drifting off into dreams, but not the leader of the Phitakdeva
family.

Charan woke up almost an hour early. Although he had done some energy-sapping physical activity last night,
it didn't make him feel tired. In fact, he felt refreshed and happy.

So happy that it's hard to explain.

Then, her sharp eyes shifted to look at the handsome face of the man she had been pestering
all night. Her pretty face, swollen and redder-than-usual lips, soft and well-groomed eyelashes,
messy hair, her curled-up sleeping position, and the curves of her body made Charan grit his
teeth when he saw her.

He had taken on too much and it didn't seem right to be selfish again.

At this point, he could only restrain himself, even though it was difficult to do so. Charan stood up and
turned around to grab the cleaning equipment he used last night. He changed the water before
returning to the white man.

A clean cloth, moistened with warm water, is wrung dry and ready for use. Charan carefully
wiped the body of the person in bed. However, shortly after doing this, the person, who was
fast asleep, opened his eyes and woke up.

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"Good morning." Charan greets first. The reason is that Kanin still seems sleepy. When the
young man regained consciousness, he looked around, before the soft skin of his cheeks
gradually turned red.

"Good morning... ah." Her double-lidded eyes widened. Kanin felt embarrassed because his
voice was a little hoarse this morning. Realizing the cause of this, he felt like burying himself in
the ground and running away.

Moaning like that... How could his voice not be hoarse?

"Phi will cleanse Nin's body." Charan was kind enough to remain silent and not disturb her. But
his ears also turned red, as did the young man in front of him. His thick palms held a clean
cloth soaked in warm water, carefully wiping the young man's body.

Kanin didn't refuse the man's help because he wanted to spend more time with Charan. And
the other, more important reason is that his body feels very sore and aching. Honestly, no
matter how many hours I practice fencing, it has never caused me so much pain.

"Thank you," Kanin said softly, looking at the man. Charan used his warm fingers to smooth the
tips of the hair sticking out from the surface of the young nobleman's cheeks. A sweet, gentle
feeling enveloped them both.

Kanin thought about getting up a little later and intended to spend some time on the large bed
in Charan's bedroom. But when she saw the man's face, along with the light scratches his nails
left on her back and her strong arms, memories of the previous night's scene suddenly flashed
through her mind. It was as if someone had buried her previous memories.

He didn't even know when he fell asleep...

'Phi Ran, Nin... can't take it anymore... Ahhh.'

'Hmm...a little more'

He spoke softly... but his actions were completely contrary, to the point that her mind clouded.
Charan is dangerous...very dangerous. What had he been thinking? Why did he have to kiss
her? And why...

"Nin's face is red. Is Nin sick?" Perhaps it was because Kanin's facial expression seemed strange
that Charan's attention was drawn to it. The noble young man cleared his throat slightly before
beginning to ask what he was curious about.

"No... Nin just wanted to ask something, just ask, nothing more." There really wasn't any
particular purpose, because Kanin understood that this kind of thing was normal.

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"Ask it."

"Last night... was Phi's first time?" The conversation, which was more serious than before,
accelerated the reaction of the person lying down. The young man immediately got up and sat
up. He saw Charan, whose ears seemed red, slightly avert his gaze as he answered the
question.

"Umm... is there anything Nin doesn't like? Nin can tell Phi." Her serious, caring gaze, like when
she was holding a brush, seemed very adorable. Kanin shook her head and murmured her
feelings softly.

"No... it was fine, very fine, really very fine, until Nin... felt unsure." The slender figure hesitated.
He opened his mouth and closed it again, as if forming words. But he was a little slower than
Charan. The man was intelligent enough to understand what Kanin meant.

"Sometimes people do things right the first time."

"..." It was a simple sentence, but it answered the question about Charan most clearly. Kanin
remained silent. He nodded, blankly, as the person in front of him explained a little further.

"There's a lot to learn these days."

"That's how it is."

"What's wrong with Nin?... Nin was fine last night too." This time it was Kanin's turn. Her cheeks
were flushed, her soft lips slightly pursed, as she concentrated on thinking about her answer.

"When Nin was in England, Nin did it." Kanin didn't want to lie and hide the truth. Although her
past relationships were never serious, that doesn't mean she's never done it, not even once.

"..." His eyebrows furrowed. Although Charan told himself he was a fairly rational type of person, his
handsome face darkened, not knowing the exact cause.

"Nin once dated an older man. Nin met him at a party, so..." Did Kanin mean the woman was
older? Did they date for a long time? Do you really like her? All sorts of things that were on
Charan's mind were seen through his eyes.

"..."

"Nin hasn't contacted him in a long time. We parted on good terms, and that was many years
ago. So Phi doesn't need to think about it too much, okay?" Kanin

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He also cares about Charan's feelings. His slender palm reached out to hold Charan's strong
hand, to help eliminate distractions and calm the man's mind.

"It's okay, Phi knows that's a thing of the past."

"Umm... but Nin's present and future are yours." He knows Kanin is very cute. But Charan
wanted to ask the young man to stop being cute for a moment. The main reason was because
he made his heart work hard.

So strong that sometimes I couldn't control it...

Kanin's words and actions were so adorable that Charan couldn't bear it. The man reached out
and cupped her soft cheek before rewarding her with a soft kiss on the corner of her pretty
lips.

A pair of eyes gazed at each other as a beautiful face moved toward a pretty face. Although it
only provides a little pressure, it seems to generate quite a bit of attraction between the two.

The sweet feeling still hung strong around them. As they gazed at each other closely, Charan's mind
raced with thoughts of what to say.

But before he could say what was on his mind, a voice from the real world brought him out of his
sweet dream.

Boom, Boom

"Lord Charan." A knock on the door made the Phitakdeva clan leader stop. Charan knew very
well that if his steward, Narong, didn't have anything important to do, then the man would
never seem to bother him at a time like this.

The tall figure reluctantly withdrew from the sweetness he longed to savor again. The man took a
deep breath and got out of bed. He then went to open the bedroom door to inquire about his
butler's intentions, without waiting for the answer he would receive in return.

"What's up, head waiter?"

"The Great Lord of Life has ordered you to find him immediately."

.........

The leader of the Phitakdeva family didn't know the reason for his sudden summons like this.
Charan is usually good at analyzing. But this time, he really didn't know. His mind kept spinning
during the journey from his mansion to the palace.

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Kanin wasn't allowed to attend, so they had to go their separate ways without further
conversation. Charan met the Great Lord of Life in a tea room. The room seemed familiar, but
at that moment the atmosphere felt different from usual.

Perhaps because during all this time, Charan had never done anything to break the rules or
hidden anything from Thipbovorn. But this time, he felt as if he were hiding something behind
his back.

"..."

"Sit," the old man's permission came after Charan bowed to pay his respects to the country's
supreme leader. The table in front of him was empty without a single cup of tea. There weren't
even plates of cakes and sweets, nor jars of almond cookies as usual.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"Did Kanin go to Morpheus to study art?" Thipboborn wasted no time. The Great Lord of Life
immediately asked the first question, making everyone who heard it feel hot and cold.

"That's right, Your Majesty... because there was a storm last night, so I asked the Young Prince
to spend the night at the Phitakdeva mansion. I apologize because..." Charan tried to
apologize, but someone else immediately interrupted him without waiting for him to finish his
words.

"Is there anything you're worried about lately, Charan?" An open-ended question made the
young man stop and think. Charan is now unsure of Thipbovorn's true goals and desires in this
conversation.

"Nothing, Your Majesty." The situation is very normal these days. Probably because they were
practicing fencing inside the heavily guarded palace.

But if Charan had to recount a situation that seemed completely random, it would probably be
when he and Kanin traveled to talk to Jirat.

And a stranger, with an odd way of walking through the crowd. The man reminded Charan of
one of the criminals he met when he fled and took the young prince to live in Thailand. So he
asked Vetis to investigate.

"Actually?"

"Yes, Your Majesty... actually... Your Majesty, are you ill?" Charan initially intended to tell this.
However, as he noticed something seemed different about the Great Lord of Life, he decided to
change the subject.

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"Just a little... Charan." The Great Lord of Life coughed. His wrinkled palm rose to rub his chest,
and his breath slid out slightly. The old man seemed exhausted, even just speaking his name.

That's weird.

"Should I call the Royal Doctor?"

"It's okay. I'm fine."

"I..."

"Grandfather will have someone warm the swallowtail bird's nest. After eating it and resting for
a while, Grandfather will be better. Charan needn't worry. Grandfather has more important
things to tell you..." the Great Lord of Life refused his help. The old man gulped as he closed his
eyes for a moment, before opening them again and looking deep into Charan's eyes, causing
his body to momentarily forget how to breathe.

"It seems that when Grandpa isn't feeling well, someone has changed."

"..."

"Grandpa doesn't want to interfere too much. It's just that the atmosphere in the palace feels
different recently."

"Your Highness means..."

"Grandpa just wants to make sure Charan remains the same person Grandpa knows."

"I'm still the same person," Charan replied softly. His eyes unconsciously glanced down at his
lap. The young man's behavior made the onlookers squint. Although his body weakened with
age, the old man's eyes remained as sharp as ever.

"If you're still the same person, then Grandfather answered clearly... you and Kanin like each
other, don't you?" Charan was sure Thipbovorn had known this for a long time, but he
preferred not to say it out loud. In this country, of the people involved with Asawadevathin, no
one was brave enough to avoid the gaze of the enormous tiger.

"Yes, Your Majesty." The young man didn't waste much time thinking. He raised his head and answered
without hesitation. Charan made eye contact with the person in front of him to hear what the old man
had to say and find out what he had prepared.

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"Grandfather won't stand in your way. But Grandfather wants you to be aware of the fact
that..." Charan looked down at the wrinkled hands that had raised him since childhood.
Thipbovorn raised his hand to signal someone in the room. Not long after, two servants
entered with two cups of tea, before placing them in front of Charan.

"..." The young man looked closely at the maid, who was pouring tea into the two cups. The subtle
aroma of the beverage clearly indicated the type of tea in each cup.

Usually, when attending private meetings in this room, Charan had to prepare tea at home to
wait for the old man's orders.

If the elder drinks Oolong tea, it means he has orders to perform tasks.

And if you drink chamomile tea, it means that you were only asked to accompany him in conversation, to
relieve loneliness.

But this time, the tea served in front of him was a gift prepared by the Great Lord of Life himself.
Currently, in front of Charan, there are chamomile tea and Earl Grey tea to choose from.

Previously, Earl Grey tea was an order to bring someone from England.

So this time it definitely refers to the same person.

Earl Grey tea is Kanin...

"Kanin cannot leave Asawadevathin because he must be the successor of the family."

"..."

"And if that's the case... when you choose to side with Kanin, that means you can't leave
Phitakdeva." Everything the Great Lord of Life says is true. As someone born into a noble
family, he had responsibilities and duties he couldn't shirk.

Until now, Thipbovorn has never interfered with Charan's life choices. The country's Supreme
Leader had only entrusted him with one mission, and of course, he had completed it well.

At the end of the competition, Charan will be free, unbound by anything, just as he always dreamed.

She wanted to get away from Phitakdeva, away from her mother's work and duties... so she could avoid
bad memories of her mother.

But loving Kanin... makes Charan's life plans go awry.

"..."

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"Grandfather never intended to keep you. But this time, Grandfather must remind you directly.
If you want to be with Kanin, then you must strive not to leave Phitakdeva." Charan, almost
thirty, knows his life will never be easy. The feeling of heaviness was like being hit by a rock, as
if a huge lump had fallen on top of him, forcing people in his position to bear a burden that
made him feel suffocated.

"..."

"But if you decide to leave, leave everything here."

"..." Charan looked awkwardly at the two teacups in front of him. The enormous pressure that was
produced was too much for him. While he was thinking, his thick palms were tightly clenched. The
young man remained silent and waited to hear the last words from the person in front of him,
before the other party stood up from the sofa.

"You don't need to rush into a decision now, Charan. We still have plenty of time until the
competition is over. But when you choose later, you must be prepared to accept all the
consequences."

Thipboborn is right. If Kanin becomes the heir to the throne, then he can't be an ordinary
person either...

'Nin promises to protect Phi as Phi protects Nin... no more Asawadevathin, no more Phitakdeva. Only
Charan and Kanin... Did Phi understand what Nin said?'

Kanin's words that night were still deeply rooted in Charan's heart. But this time, several
questions arose that he didn't dare to speak. Among them... if it weren't for Asawadevathin and
Phitakdeva.

Will it really be just Charan and Kanin?

...............

Even though it was currently the rainy season, Kanin's room in Dawin Palace felt hot, as if
someone had placed a pile of bonfires on top of it. The air conditioner was turned on to help
reduce the temperature in the room, and the curtains were drawn to prevent sunlight from
entering. However, the sunlight could still pass through the curtains and shine on the young
nobleman's handsome face.

Kanin sat motionless on the sofa in the middle of the room and ordered Chakri to open the
curtains, not wanting the atmosphere in the room to become too gloomy. His eyes were
currently fixed on the door, as he waited for someone else to enter his room.

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Kanin couldn't imagine why Grandpa had called Charan. At first, he thought it must be
something very important that Grandpa had to call the man to see him suddenly. However,
Chakri said things like this happened often, so Kanin's anxiety eased slightly.

Charan was probably used to it, so his expression didn't seem surprised. But the young nobleman felt a
little hot and cold, because he didn't know whether Thipbovorn would say anything about him or not.

When he left Phitakdeva's mansion, he was with Charan!

His grandfather's closest bodyguard, Wirun... must have reported this. For God's sake!

The young man on the sofa frowned as a huge knot appeared in his mind. Kanin bit his lip and
sighed. He looked so worried that it made the fat butler who had just entered feel
uncomfortable, and he had to ask him.

"Your Majesty, is there something troubling you?" Kanin regained consciousness as soon as he heard Chakri's
voice. The young man blinked and took a small breath before answering.

"Nothing... Has Charan not returned yet?" Curiosity gnaws and devours the heart of the one waiting. He
wanted to know if they would ask Charan anything. And if they did... what would Charan say?

Kanin's mind kept imagining the situation where Charan was being interrogated by his
grandfather about staying in the man's house all night. He imagined Charan being washed and
cleaned.

But this time, the man may not escape Grandpa's notice.

You can ask Charan about kisses. What if the guy answers that his first kiss... was her?

Ah... how much dowry should be prepared for the Phitakdeva family?

If they get married, do they have to announce it in the newspaper? Or get married in secret?

They had to talk about it first... but were they officially in a relationship? ...

Well, what does it matter if their status is official or not? For the Emmalys, kisses are as important as
death. Therefore, whether they're officially dating or not doesn't matter at all... because they already
have each other.

A cute face that appears tense, then changes to look as sweet as a lollipop. At one point she
sighed as if burdened with worry, but at another she smiled sweetly.

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An aura of happiness floated around the room, so much so that the butler who saw it couldn't
help but smile at it.

Chakri let the young nobleman sink into his own thoughts until a soft knock called him. The
young butler then left the daydreaming person to open the door for someone other than the
person they had just questioned.

"The Young Prince is waiting for Khun Charan." The name of the person he was waiting for
made Kanin immediately straighten up. He glanced behind the butler closest to him and
noticed that Charan's expression didn't seem too normal.

"Thank you... I'm sorry, but I'd like to speak with the Young Prince alone." Charan said in a
deep, calm voice as he entered the room. For a moment, his sharp eyes looked worried, before
he turned to Chakri.

"All right... then I'll be back at lunchtime." The young man of royal blood didn't know what
expression Chakri's face was. But judging by the way he bowed and walked away, Kanin
thought the fat butler had no qualms about leaving Charan alone with him when asked.

Charan's strong hand immediately turned the key as soon as the door closed. Kanin watched
the man scan the room, as if looking for something out of the ordinary. Seeing this, Kanin
immediately stood up from the sofa and walked over to Charan, then took his strong hand and
held it.

"What's wrong? What did Grandpa say to you?" Kanin took Charan's hand and led him to sit on the
sofa. She secretly wondered if Charan would face the questions she had imagined. Because the man
kept a straight face, but she could sense the tension. If one weren't observant enough, then one
wouldn't be able to pick up on any kind of emotional undercurrent around him.

But the response Kanin received was a nod.

"There's nothing... it's just a normal job."

"Aah..." a frustrated voice groaned. Kanin frowned slightly before repeating his question.

"..."

"Is Phi sure Grandfather didn't call to scold Phi?" P'Ran's face looked tense. Kanin deliberately
called out the man's name, leaving Charan a little speechless. No matter how hard the man
tried to control his emotions, Kanin could see that Charan didn't seem normal.

Perhaps this call was nothing more than a 'workload', as the man said.

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"Phi isn't meant to be scolded... or yelled at. Believe me." Charan hastened to explain, perhaps
because he was afraid Kanin would feel uncomfortable. But in reality, Kanin didn't feel that way
at all. He only felt worried because he saw Charan's face, which seemed tense.

But if he said no, she would believe him. Kanin didn't want to question Charan too much. That's not good,
because it can make the man distance himself. That's why he didn't want Charan to feel uncomfortable.

"Okay... now Nin feels relieved... Nin was worried that Phi would get scolded."

"..."

"But actually, Nin isn't a child at all. Nin can sleep anywhere... especially in the house of the
person Nin likes, right?" Kanin murmured and ended her words with a sweet smile that made
the person who suddenly felt jealous, frown.

"That means, if Nin likes someone, then Nin will sleep in that person's house." There was a
hidden meaning to that phrase. There was a hint of dissatisfaction on Charan's face, though
she remained calm. The man's words sounded like he was mocking her, but Kanin could see a
hint of jealousy in his facial expression.

"So what?... What if Nin likes to stay at that person's house?... Does Phi know who he is? His name is
Charan... he's a very famous painter and he's also the head of a famous family." ...His name is
Phitakdeva. Nin is no joke, that guy is really strong..." Kanin spoke as if she had a thousand tongues.
She wanted to please him, and of course, the smile on the corner of her lips was a reward for his
cute attitude.

"..."

"He said he would take care of Kanin, protect Kanin, be responsible and loyal to Asawadevatin... that's what he
said... but Nin didn't want him to do that. Together like this, it's more than enough."

Charan let Kanin continue talking nonstop before noticing the white man staring at him. Her
bright eyes and cute behavior when she was curious were truly so adorable that they made
Charan want to grab her and hug her to his chest.

This time it felt good and painful at the same time. It felt like eating food that was sweet at first
but tasted bitter at the end.

Kanin's joking remark truly pierced his heart. The oath he had once sworn to Asawadevatin
reminded him of what the Great Lord of Life had said to him just now.

"Grandfather never intended to keep you. But this time, Grandfather must remind you directly. If
you want to be with Kanin, then you must strive not to leave Phitakdeva."

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"But if you decide to leave, leave everything here."

Phitakdeva is the name he wants to leave behind. But without Phitakdeva... it would be impossible for him to be at
Kanin's side.

Charan remained silent for a moment, maintaining eye contact with the small kitten, who
looked at him curiously. The soft scent of her hair invited him to move on, before his warm lips
gently kissed the temple of his crush. Then he wrapped his arms around her waist, hugged her,
and for a moment buried his face in her slender shoulders.

"Is there anything Nin can do to lighten Phi's load? Phi doesn't need to tell her the details if Phi feels
uncomfortable. But if Phi wants to talk about it another day, Phi can always call Nin. Nin is always
ready." Kanin seemed to pick up on her feelings, because the young man's tone had changed. He
was no longer joking, but sounded encouraging and comforting.

The soft voice that reached his ears, accompanied by the slender hand gently stroking his back,
helped lighten the burden Charan carried on his shoulders.

Perhaps choosing to remain Phitakdeva isn't so bad. If he remained the family leader, he could
maintain his relationship.

Even if that meant I would feel pain sometimes, but it was worth it to have Kanin.

Because Kanin is his whole world...

Then his lips formed a deep smile.

"Just having Nin near Phi makes it feel like all of Phi's burdens have become lighter..." Charan
pulled away and looked at the white man's face. His lips smiled deeply, as his thick hands
stroked the hair covering the young man's forehead. He lightly kissed the tip of his eyebrow,
before moving to his round eyes. Charan then reached down to lift Kanin's chin and lifted his
face to look at him closely.

"So, what if Nin were around Phi more often?... Starting tonight... We'll sleep together and
cuddle. Nin... ah." Charan knew that not waiting for someone to finish their sentence was rude.
But since Kanin was too cute, he could no longer resist lifting her chin and placing a deep kiss
on her red lips.

It was as if there was a pull that made him unable to retreat, so that even though he was
currently in Kanin's room in the middle of the day, Charan couldn't control his own actions.

Their warm lips kissed each other longingly. Then, his warm tongue was sent to every area of
her small oral cavity to savor and suck every drop of her sweet flavor.
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Furthermore, when he heard a faint moan, which sounded like a small protest from her soft
throat, it made him even more reluctant to stop his actions. Charan tilted his head to get the
right angle as he sucked and tugged at the small petals on her lips, then dragged the tip of his
tongue across the young white man's palate until he shuddered.

"Ugh... ahh..." Captivated by the young white man's lips, Charan continued sucking and crushing them
until he felt like he was almost melting. The more he touched Kanin's body, the more he couldn't stop
thinking about what happened last night.

It was funny how stressed and anxious he'd been a few moments ago, but only Kanin's sweet,
playful words and caring attitude could make Charan forget for a moment the things weighing
on his mind. He might even kiss the young man with all his heart.

"How are we going to live together? Does Nin want Phi to come up to Nin's room?" Charan
whispered and asked near her red lips, before moving his face to the side of her small ear,
biting the tip and ending it with a kiss, which then caused a giggle from Kanin.

"Can Phi do it...?" The white man was so mischievous. His tone sounded provocative and
seductive as he looked at him. Charan then closed his eyes, because he knew for sure that
Kanin was ready to open the window, so he could enter his room at any moment.

"Phi was just joking."

"Doesn't Phi want to sleep while holding Nin?" Kanin asked in a low, pleading voice, as if he
knew just what to do to make Charan suffer.

"Phi wants to... but if we're going to sleep together cuddling, it won't end with just a cuddle..."
Charan replied softly. He sighed as he rubbed his face with his hands, thinking about how
much he wanted to lay Kanin down on the couch and kiss him all over. "Unfortunately... I can't
be here."

"What if... somewhere else?..." Charan hadn't even said the reason why it wasn't appropriate
before someone interrupted him. His sharp eyes fixed on the corners of Kanin's raised lips. Her
cute face looked cunning, like that of a kitten plotting to take over the world.

"..." Charan remained silent, waiting for what Kanin would say next. And of course, the next
sentence didn't disappoint him at all.

"If Nin wants to go back to art school... is that okay?"

.........

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In the afternoon, the second floor of Dawin Palace was bathed in sunlight, illuminating the entire
corridor. Perhaps because the architect who designed it on this floor paid special attention to the
window glass, making it resemble the sky in famous painters' paintings.

Kanin, who normally didn't come to see his father when the sun set, was surprised when he saw this
place for the first time.

If he didn't come to the garden to greet him, the other party would usually come to the center of
the palace. Several days had passed since he came here to ask his father to take him to art school.
Then the boy thought he should meet the middle-aged man. Because after all, Tarin can be
considered the person who has contributed to him and Charan understanding each other as they
do now.

Kanin paused for a moment to look at a painting by a famous painter hanging on the wall. The
central hall of Prince Tarin's residence resembled a grand art gallery. His father kept many
paintings, and many of them were probably ancient and priceless.

If you compare it to what he brought today, it's like comparing it to dust... but even so, Kanin still
wants to bring a painting he painted himself, to show his father.

In fact, he went to art school after finishing fencing, under the guise of wanting to relieve
stress. Although 'learning art' had a hidden meaning, it didn't mean Kanin had no intention of
learning anything... he even gave Charan intense guidance...

On a chair, on the bed, on... oh, never mind, even in the bathroom. Kanin was determined. He
really studied Charan's anatomy, until he could remember it in his heart.

No matter how tired he was, when he woke up, he still had to take Charan's hand to teach him
how to paint his father's face.

Since you said you went to art school to study, then there must be some works you have to
show to the people who have supported you, right?

The young nobleman chuckled secretly in his heart. He knew that learning to paint a few times wouldn't
make his work look beautiful. But at least Charan didn't consider painting to be bad.

His current painting looked much more human than his painting during the first practice.

"Kanin... have you been waiting for Dad for a long time?" A call from someone who was waiting caused
Kanin to shift his gaze from the valuable paintings in front of him to the person who had just arrived,
along with the three people following him.

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"No, Nin just arrived." The young man greeted and answered in a soft voice. His handsome face
lifted to meet his father's eyes first, before sitting down as the middle-aged man waved his
hand inviting her to sit.

"How were your art lessons? Will they help you relax from the stress of fencing practice?" They
had last talked about studying art, so it wasn't strange that his father asked about it. Kanin
noticed a large canvas next to his nearest butler, which was covered with a blue velvet cloth, so
that his father couldn't see what he was trying to show.

"That was a great help... that's why Nin wanted to repay my father for taking Nin to art school that
day." The noble young man nodded as a signal to the fat butler to bring the painting he had painted
closer. Chakri, who had been paying attention to his teacher, saw the signal. Therefore, he quickly
took the painting and placed it near the noble young man.

"Hmm?... Return kindness? That's not necessary. Dad is happy because we're closer." The young
man saw his father raise his eyebrows slightly as his hand touched the large frame of the canvas.

"This is the picture Nin drew for Dad..."

"Do I see it?"

"Yes... Nin painted it himself for Dad." He nodded once and then quickly removed the velvet
cloth covering the painting. Kanin grabbed the canvas frame and turned to show his father his
painting skills. But then the room fell silent for a moment.

"..." Tarin immediately swallowed back the many questions he wanted to say after seeing the image
that appeared.

The eyes in the painting look a little dull and painted... blurry... no, they seem to be slightly
colored. And the outline of his face, which seemed average-sized and decorated with a smile,
seemed a little terrifying...

If Tarin were to analyze, he thought Kanin might be referring to an angel who was expelled... that
angel might have a grudge against someone in heaven. That's why the young man used colors that
seemed serious and gloomy when painting that face, so that it looked terrifying just by smiling.

This is how Tarin summed it up.

But what angel did Kanin paint? ... Why does the painting look so strange?

"Nin painted Dad." As if hearing the question in his head, Kanin replied with a wide smile.
Meanwhile, the father looked so shocked he couldn't control his facial expression.

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"Dad?"

"This is a picture of Dad." The young man's expression changed slightly after seeing her
surprised expression. But as soon as Tarin realized what he had done, the middle-aged man
coughed softly to ease the confusion that had arisen, discovering that the image in this
painting was actually...

Not an angel who was cast out in revenge...

But the painting of his face.

"Oh, so this is my father's picture..." Just as Tarin thought that maybe he had accidentally
smiled and made his face look scary, so that it was etched into the young man's memory, Kanin
spoke in a low voice and caused the concentration that the boy was trying to muster, the
father, to immediately break down.

"The painting isn't pretty, is it?... but Nin meant it when she made it... but if Dad doesn't like it...
then... Chief Butler... can you take this painting and keep it?"

"No... wait a moment..." Tarin took Kanin's hand and nodded slightly to the chief servant closest
to his son, to return him to his place.

"I..."

"Well... Dad thinks it's fine." Tarin coughed lightly. Middle-aged men like him didn't like lying to
anyone. Whatever he thinks is good, he'll say it's good. But if necessary, for now, he'll change it.

Whatever Kanin gave him, then everything was fine... everything.

"Dad, don't fool Nin... let Nin paint it again."

"If Nin wants to paint it again, then Nin can paint it. But Father wants to ask for this painting...
because this is the first gift Nin... gave Father." Tarin smiled gently at the young man sitting
next to him. Then he reached up to gently stroke his son's hair.

"..."

"Very good."

"Then... Nin will paint more." Kanin's words made Tarin feel like a tree that had been given
pure, cold water.

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So happy, more than anything in her life... like when she first saw her son's face when he was born.

Tarin was happy to be closer to his only son than before and that their father-son relationship
was improving. It made him feel as if he had inhaled the fragrance of spring flowers.

Everything that had happened recently made him feel good about the art teacher, who had
been involved in many things in his son's life.

I knew that Kanin felt happy when he was around Charan.

Tarin was happy... when he saw his son he felt happy too.

"Hmm... Father will entrust Charan to you." Tarin is referring to art lessons, but the young man
seems to interpret them differently.

"So today... after Nin finishes practicing, Nin will go to art school... and paint a new picture for
Dad."

"Okay, Dad will wait and see."

"Then if you'll excuse me, Nin..." Kanin said as he straightened. The young man handed the
canvas frame to the nearest butler, Tarin, who was standing not far away, taking his hand. The
pretty face then turned to give her father a big smile before leaving with her nearest butler.

"Prince Kanin's painting... What should I do with this?" As soon as the Young Prince left, the
nearest butler, Tarin, who was holding a large canvas, asked the owner of the room.

Tarin stared at the painting. The middle-aged man laughed heartily and good-humoredly
before giving an order that caused a small commotion in the central hall.

"Have someone come and take down the picture that's at the top of the stairs... call a frame maker...
and ask him to make the most expensive gilt frame... I'll frame my son's picture... and put it in the
most prominent place."

............

At the end of the evening, the atmosphere in Pucha's palace felt gloomy due to the continuous
rain that had fallen throughout the afternoon. The low air pressure made the air around the
place feel chilly. This made the servants, who were doing their jobs, reluctant to make jokes,
lest their laughter disturb the ears of the palace master.

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At that moment, in the dark office, the echo of fingertips tapping on the long, expensive
wooden table could be heard. The man currently sitting in the large chair looked very serious.
The tapping sound grew louder and faster, before stopping as someone opened the door. He
then entered and bowed to pay his respects.

"How are you doing, Sivakorn?" The cold voice sent shivers down the spines of those who heard it. But even so,
the owner of that name remained calm.

"Prince Kanin has been training very hard as His Majesty predicted... not playing as the rumors
say... it's just that we don't know who the coach is... it can't be investigated. Everything is kept
secret."

What Siwakorn reported greatly upset the people who heard it. Rachata took a deep breath and
tried to control her emotions before tapping her fingertips on the wooden table in front of her
again.

Things have been going badly since this morning... after Vasin came to visit with a basket of
swallow nests from Minanakarin Island, as usual.

Maintaining a relationship with her politically neutral older cousin is something Rachata has
always done. Although this wasn't her habit, as they had helped each other, it prevented others
from thinking too deeply about the reasons why she was willing to meet P'Wasin, especially the
motives behind it.

For example... what benefits would I get from a weak Minanakarin?

Whenever they talked about trivial things, Rachata felt very happy. Vasin is a person who doesn't
think badly of anyone.

But he felt annoyed because the man always acted like a weak coward in front of the
Asavadevathin people. That's why he always took the time to talk to his older cousin.

Phi Vasin is a person who always finds things to talk about.

Like today, for example. The man continued talking nonsense before moving on to talk about
his daily life... but then the other party talked about the heir Asavadevathin, and that
immediately caused Rachata's emotions to change.

'Phi had just brought a swallow's nest to her uncle... and she ran into Kanin that day. ... He was
sweating as if he had trained hard. Unlike all those bad rumors... This year's Asavadevathin
seems quite terrifying... What about Ramil?' Vasin's smile today when talking about Kanin
seemed as if he truly admired the young man. But what he said did not satisfy the people who
heard him at all.

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'No matter how much that kid trains, he still won't be able to beat Ramil... Phi can see how
good Ramil is at getting a team... if there's anyone to fear, perhaps it's Eva's team?' Because
their relationship is quite close, when they're together, Rachata can talk casually with her
cousin without fear. At that moment, the owner of Puchaka Palace simply chuckled. The reason
was because at that moment he truly felt that way.

Eva is scarier than Kanin. That's why she didn't pay much attention to the boy. But her older
cousin's next sentence made Rachata change her mind...

'Isn't it really scary? ... We all know that... Ramil had to lose a lot of money because Kanin
announced he would buy the team Puchongpisut was targeting... and that raised the prices for
the athletes. But in the end, Kanin didn't buy it...'

'What does Phi mean? The people Puchongpisut bought right now are the athletes we've
trained... and that kid...'

'Oh, Phi thought we were thinking the same thing. I'm sorry, it's possible Phi is wrong... Phi is
just analyzing it from an outsider's perspective... just think of it as a joke. But haven't you
thought about the reason why Kanin attacked the Puchongpisut village, but in the end just let
them go, as if he had planned it all along?'

' ... '

'Why does Kanin want to do that? If you don't want Ramil to lose in this competition... and even
though Ramil won, the victory he earned came at a high price. And that leaves Ramil almost
completely out of the competition...'

' ... '

'If the result is a tie during the competition... then Kanin can win immediately... because among
the three teams, he has the most money... on top of that, he even has the sponsorship of
Prince Calvin... Thirty percent? That's a percentage to evaluate management abilities, isn't it? ...
and Kanin is the only person who will get the maximum score here.'

' ... '

'And don't you think our nephew is scary, Rachata? Phi really admires Kanin... because even
though he grew up elsewhere, he also has the ability to plan like the Great Lord of Life at this
moment...'

Phi Wasin's enthusiastic tone as she spoke of Kanin still lingers in Rachata's ears to this day.
Even though hours had passed, she still couldn't get that crazy story out of her head.

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In the end, he had to call Siwakorn to investigate. Rachata waited for a response to the
information she'd just learned. But in the end, Siwakorn's report was the same as all the stories
Wasin had told.

He underestimated the boy named Kanin too much...

At first, he thought Kanin was just a naughty boy who would buy athletes without a second thought,
because he had just come into possession of a lot of money for the first time. Perhaps he was
careless and couldn't manage money at all. At that moment, Rachata smiled brightly and said there
was no way Ramil would let the boy step on his head... But this time, after thinking it over carefully,
something seemed wrong.

What she heard today made Rachata completely re-analyze Kanin.

She had to make the urgent decision to intervene... despite knowing that her only son wouldn't
like to hear it, but Rachata had no choice.

The competition was almost here. And he didn't want to suffer a second defeat in his life.

No matter how... this time, he must win.

Puchongpisut should be the winner

"Go and find out where Kanin's been lately... what he's been doing... and with whom... find a
time when he's alone... and settle it." Rachata ordered firmly. His deep voice was filled with
killing intent. His dark eyes were filled with resentment and anger that clouded his mind to
such an extent that he felt no shame in doing dirty deeds.

"But these days, Prince Kanin rarely travels alone... Charan is always following him." Siwakorn
said what he saw, that it was very difficult to find Prince Kanin alone.

"If you can't tell when he's alone, then you have to find a way to... lure him alone."

"..."

"Prepare the people, Siwakorn... there's no need to kill him... but don't let him enter the field on the day
of the competition."

................

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Chapter 37: Worry

Phitakdeva's mansion seemed serene in the morning, with a warm breeze blowing from the
north. The maids seemed to be doing their work as usual, except for Narong, the butler closest
to Charan, who was currently seen quickening his steps and walking hurriedly with a tense face
and without greeting anyone.

The middle-aged man's behavior seemed different from his daily habits. In the long, slightly
uphill corridor, Narong was half-walking and half-running, impatiently holding a brown paper
envelope. He walked to the mansion's master bedroom and knocked several times before
opening the door.

Charan, who was inside, didn't seem to notice who had opened the door to enter the room.
Narong's employer, currently wearing black satin pajamas, was sitting at the table with his legs
and arms crossed. The man placed his cell phone on top of a stack of books and focused all his
concentration and attention on the person on the phone screen, who was on a video call with
him.

Laughter was heard in the private chamber of the leader of the Phitakdeva family. But the voice
didn't come from his master, for its tone sounded quite high-pitched. Narong had heard that
voice so often lately that it felt familiar.

The voice of the young prince Asawadevathin

[...Prince Calvin said he would come tomorrow and watch us practice... that guy always shows up
unannounced... he comes and just sits there watching us practice without saying anything... sometimes
Nin doesn't know what's going on, what he's thinking about] Narong walked in and stood in a corner of
the room.

To maintain etiquette, he deliberately chose an angle that made him invisible to the Young Prince.
Another reason was that he didn't want the owner of the room to feel uncomfortable seeing him.

"What time did he say he would come?"

[Probably around ten]

"Why did you come early?"

[I don't know, he said he wanted to see Nin. Nin suspects he secretly likes Nin]

"..." The person on the phone didn't seem to think much about what he said. But Narong's
master had already tensed his face. The middle-aged man secretly looked at the face of the
person who was his master.

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Charan turned his face to the side and didn't say a word until the person on the phone asked.

[P'Ran... Phi frowns... what's wrong?]

"It's nothing, Phi is fine."

[What a facial expression... could Phi be, uh... jealous?]

"..." Narong's employer fell silent again. But this time Charan turned to look at the person on
the phone and sighed softly.

[Why is Phi keeping silent? ...forgive Nin for saying that Calvin might like Nin... that was really
reckless. But Nin just thought, why does he come often and suddenly sponsor us? ...most likely
he likes Nin or someone on the team.]

"Nin doesn't need to apologize. If she likes Nin, there's nothing wrong with that. Phi isn't angry
with Nin... Phi is just trying to control Phi's feelings." At the end of that sentence, Charan's voice
sounded a little calmer. Narong, who heard him, decided to secretly look over. The butler
thought it wouldn't be good for him to say anything while his master was expressing his
emotions in this way.

[Why does Phi have to manage Phi's feelings? ... Phi doesn't need to be like that. Although
Calvin is a Prince and might like Nin... But only Phi is the one that Nin likes. So Phi doesn't need
to worry... just say everything Phi feels, okay?] The young prince Asawadevathin's voice
sounded very sweet. So it wasn't surprising that the expression on Narong's master's face
changed from a frown to a broad smile when he heard those comforting words.

"Umm... actually, Phi is jealous... really jealous if someone likes Nin."

[That's right, that's great... go on, Khun Charan... tell me, how jealous is Khun?]

"Phi is jealous... Phi doesn't want me to be near Nin... if she says she's coming, tell Phi... Phi will
accompany Nin... Phi doesn't like it when you two are alone."

[Very well... thank you for telling Nin. Nin is very happy... Ang-Ang is so cute that Nin gets lost
and can't find a way out.]

"..." The young master, who had been looked after by the middle-aged butler since childhood,
showed a facial expression that was truly embarrassed and awkward. His handsome face seemed
flushed. Narong was certain he didn't see anything wrong with him. Although he was old, he still
had good eyes and could see clearly.

[Nin wants to kiss Phi's cheek now, what should Nin do?] The young prince continued teasing
until Charan blushed even more. But even so, the middle-aged butler

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He saw his teacher clear his throat, before reaching out to pick up the phone and hold it.

"Umm... then come and kiss Phi... will Deuk-deuk come to see Phi this afternoon?" The face of the
person speaking seemed to be smiling. The fog of jealousy that had appeared just a moment ago
had now disappeared with just the Young Prince's sweet words.

Thinking about it, the middle-aged butler couldn't help but smile. How could Prince Kanin make
such a rigid person like Charan become like this? ...perhaps because of the power of love.

Narong laughed softly in her throat. Her hands, wrinkled with age, tightly gripped the brown
envelope lying next to her body. Perhaps the order of priorities isn't necessary if the person
she's waiting for has a good and happy life and is currently enjoying time with the person she
loves.

Narong would stand and wait silently in a corner of the room.

[Nin is waiting for Chakri to come and tell her about her father's schedule. If Dad doesn't have
an event, then Nin will ask Dad to take him to the art school... uh... but just now Nin said that
Nin wants to kiss Ung Ung now, not this afternoon...] The voice on the other end of the phone
was initially soft, before turning a little high-pitched and making it sound both sly and
seductive.

"Hmm... What does Deuk want Phi to do?"

[Just do the usual, when Ang Ran tells Nin to sleep... put the cell phone near Ang-Ang's cheek]
When the person on the phone gave an order, Narong's employer immediately obeyed.

"Like this?" The deep voice sounded nervous. Charan awkwardly pressed the phone against his
cheek.

[Muaahh] Seeing Charan holding the phone against his cheek made the middle-aged butler,
who had endured the bitter sweetness of life for many years, feel embarrassed. And the loud
kissing sound that came from the other end of the phone embarrassed her even more. The
middle-aged man, who was standing in a corner of the room, could only press his lips tightly
together, as he watched two people hopelessly in love.

At that moment, Narong could only think that he might as well sneak out first. Then come back
later, when the employer had finished the video call. It was better than standing in a corner
and waiting like that.

"The other cheek too." The handsome man said as he smiled broadly. Prince Deuk's Ang-Ang
Ran then moved the phone and placed it on his other cheek. At that moment,

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Narong could no longer bear the sweet taste that was eating him alive. So he took advantage of the
moment the Young Prince gave him a second kiss to slip away.

[Of course, how could Nin just kiss a cheek... Ah... hello, Khun Narong] and his desire to quietly
slip away had to end like this, when the person on the other end of the phone greeted him.

The master of the room immediately turned to him. This caused Narong to avoid his master's
gaze, who looked at him with a surprised expression, as if asking how long he had been there.
The middle-aged butler took a step back and remained silent, before apologizing to Charan
and Kanin in a low voice.

"Uhh... sorry if I bothered you."

"Umm... okay... is there anything important?" Charan cleared his throat, slightly embarrassed. He
felt as if there was something stuck in his throat. His face burned as if someone had just shoved
something hot against his face. But he still tried to look calm, as if everything that had happened
was normal to him.

"Yes, sir," the butler replied, showing the envelope in his hand. And only then did the head of
the Phitakdeva family know something was wrong. What Narong was holding must have been
very important to make his butler rush into his room.

As he had previously instructed, if there was anything urgent, Narong could enter and leave
Charan's room if the door wasn't locked. That was his order. And his trusted person, who was
loyal to him, had done his job well all this time.

[Ah... then please, Phi, talk to Khun Narong. Nin will also go talk to Chakri. Nin will send a message
after receiving the schedule.] It seems that Kanin is aware of the situation that is happening. The
young man nodded towards the butler standing next to Charan, before winking at him, as he
usually did when he wanted to express that he understood and that it was fine.

"Okay... see you later then." Charan sighed. It was a shame their conversation had to stop, but
right now there were other things that were far more important.

After Kanin hung up the phone, Charan cleared his throat once more to focus, before turning
his chair toward the person holding both hands in front of him. His sharp eyes stared at his
butler, as he waited to hear the middle-aged man give a report.

"They sent you a letter. It was sealed... so I didn't dare read it. I thought it would be best to
bring it here so you can read it yourself." The brown envelope was placed in front of Charan, as
if Narong wanted to say that it was too risky for him to read the contents.

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Charan would usually let his butler handle everything. Therefore, he gave Narong the authority
to open and read general letters, because the middle-aged man had many domestic matters to
handle.

But this time, Narong said he couldn't read it...

"You can go... If there's anything, I'll call you later." Narong took a step back and left the room
immediately after receiving the order.

As soon as the door closed, Charan immediately took out and read the letter from the brown envelope.
His sharp eyes scanned the contents of the letter, which was printed in Emmaly letters. The first part of
the letter talks only about water. There are many words that seem to swear and curse. The letters
seemed to fit together without spaces, making it almost difficult to understand.

But when you read halfway through the letter, the true content is revealed. Hidden amidst
those curses and insults is the true meaning.

'Asawadevathin's wealth, which makes him superior, doesn't come from gold. But that's
because the Great Lord of Life currently uses dirty methods, taking advantage of other people's
trust and sending worms to other cities. Furthermore, he took other people's best things and
kept them as personal possessions. Thipboworn brings goods from other cities to sell.

People from the Phitakdeva family also joined in. It wouldn't be surprising if someone were to say that
this family was the service dogs of the bad guys.

If you don't want to be a bad person who supports bad things, come to the Northern Garbage
Factory tonight at 1:30 and see for yourself...

Or, if the misfortune of another city and the exposure of Asawadevathin's crimes isn't enough
to convince you, then consider going there to find clues about your mother's death.

The Great Lord of Life is currently involved in your mother's death and the suffering that has
befallen others... I hope you still think about your mother a little... and are not manipulated by
Asawadevathin. Remember, you are an orphan, not the grandson of that cunning man.

Inside the master bedroom of the Phitakdeva mansion, which had once been filled with
laughter, silence now reigned. Even the sound of the room's owner's breathing seemed to
disappear for a moment.

Charan remained silent as he read the letter to the end. A sharp pain shot straight to the center
of his head. The young man suddenly felt a heaviness on the left side of his brain, and his eye
socket hurt so much that he had to use his fingers to gently massage it, helping to relieve the
suddenly tense muscles in his eyes.

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He remained in that position for almost ten minutes before deciding to pick up the phone and
call someone he believed was capable enough to help prove this madness.

Rrrrrrrrr

The sound of the phone ringing was heard before Charan could make a call. The name
appeared on the phone screen, prompting the young man to quickly answer the call. Because
the person who called him was the same person he wanted to call in the first place.

"Vetis, I was just about to call you," the leader of the Phitakdeva family said in a firm voice. The tense
atmosphere surrounding him was no different from that of the person on the other end of the phone,
who answered in a serious tone.

[Hmm, did you see the email I sent you? ...that's why you called, right?]

"Email?"

[About the person you asked me to investigate. The person whose Achilles tendon was
severed... I received their medical information and sent it to your email... haven't you seen it
yet?] The person on the other end of the phone sounded surprised. Hearing this, Charan
quickly opened his laptop to look at the information Vetis was talking about.

"I didn't call you because I wanted to talk about this." His sharp eyes scanned the information
Vetis had sent. But this wasn't the time to read it carefully. Because something more important
awaited him right now.

[So why did you call me?] Vetis asked. Perhaps because she was curious about why Charan
seemed to be paying more attention to something else, compared to the information she had
been trying to investigate for several weeks.

Charan sighed, his concern clear. He slid his hand to his temple before speaking in short
sentences so Vetis could sort through what was truth and what was deception.

"I'm going to your house... I'll go and see for myself," Vetis said briefly, before hanging up the
phone. When the room returned to silence, confusion attacked him, causing Charan to take a
deep breath to ease the burden on his mind.

Then his sharp eyes turned to look at the letter.

At that moment, he needed someone to help him think... because everything he had just
learned was too much to analyze alone.

............

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Inside the office, which was on the second floor of Phitakdeva's mansion, silence reigned. The
atmosphere in the room was very gloomy, even though sunlight shone through the curtains.
However, the warmth wasn't enough to calm the thoughts and feelings of the people in the
room.

Charan gave the letter he'd received to Vetis to read as soon as the man arrived. Vetis scanned
it and read it carefully and quickly before reaching the important part of the letter.

The young detective silently looked at his best friend's face to assess his feelings. After a while,
he returned the letter to the room's owner before asking.

"Do you know who sent this letter?" Vetis frowned, what looked like a large knot in the middle of his
forehead. The atmosphere surrounding him now was no different from when Charan first read the
letter.

"Not yet... I asked Khun Narong to check the security cameras and found a teenager who had
sent the letter. I sent my trusted person to go look for him... but the kid didn't know anything
and said that. He was just paid to deliver the letter." Charan told him what he had done shortly
after calling Vetis. He had instructed Narong to investigate who sent the letter, but the results
were exactly the same as what he had told his friend.

Currently, he still couldn't think or estimate the possibility of the person who did it. The criminal
himself seemed very cautious about catching him in time. Although he had tried to extract
information from the teenager, the current situation was like squeezing blood from a crab. The
teenager who had been paid still claimed he didn't know anything.

The teenager said the person who paid him didn't reveal his identity at all. The person only
communicated by placing paper and money at the meeting place.

"So, what are you going to do next?" Vetis asked, although he could already guess from his friend's
expression. That's why Charan could only sigh for the umpteenth time today. Because now he only
had one thing on his mind: he wanted the answer right now.

"I have to go." Charan referred to a waste factory in the north, which was the meeting location
according to the letter. He wanted to prove whether Asawadevathin and the Phitakdeva people
had really done what they were accused of—if it was true.

Although it was only a little, he was further motivated by the news of his mother's death...

The questions that had been trapped in his mind returned like waves. The vision of his
mother's lifeless body being carried home in the rain at night still lingered in his eyes.

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Charan still remembers the terrible incident that day. The resounding sound of thunder
mingled with the sound of his cries as he called his mother at the hospital.

All those sounds still echoed in his ears. Memories of the past never fade. Little Charan cried
himself unconscious, woke up, and tried to believe it was all just a dream. He hoped it was all
just a bad dream.

But unfortunately, it really happened... His mother was the only happiness Charan had left, as
his father died of leukemia.

Charan realizes that he lives for his mother after losing his father.

But fate plays a trick on humans.

In the end, nothing remained of the Phitakdeva family but him. Everything that happens in his life
makes Charan afraid of even feeling love.

He was afraid of losing, afraid of closing his eyes when it rained, afraid of sleeping because the
nightmare would return and stab him in the heart, making him wake up and cry again.

"I'll go with you." The voices of other people in the room brought Charan out of his reverie.
Vetis spoke in a serious tone, and this made Charan feel grateful, because he had a friend who
was willing to share his joys and sorrows with him in every situation.

But Charan was worried about Vetis's safety. So he decided to shake his head and refuse, and
then arranged for him to be somewhere else. Because he knew his friend's character well. If
Charan didn't keep Vetis away, then his friend wouldn't listen to him.

"You don't need to leave... stay here and watch over Pitakdeva's people. It's best if you serve as
backup..."

"All right... stay here and get ready... tell me what time you're leaving... I'll investigate that
teenager. See you later..." Vetis said as she stood up. She then reached out and lightly
squeezed Charan's shoulder before nodding and leaving.

The room fell silent again, but the burning heat in his heart remained. Curiosity prompted the
young man to open the laptop at his side and immediately search for the location of the
meeting place.

But before he could read the information on the laptop screen, his cell phone buzzed, signaling
a text from someone. It was a message from Kanin saying he'd be coming to see him this
afternoon and would be here in a few minutes.

The tall man let out a warm sigh. Charan hid everything in a drawer... even though his heart
didn't want to hide it, he had no other choice.

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Kanin must not know anything about this... at all.

...........................

Charan tries to appear normal, but his brain is doing just the opposite. His thoughts are
currently divided into several parts: tonight's trip, his mother, Kanin...

The young man tried to suppress and control his emotions and stress, so they wouldn't manifest.
Kanin was currently sitting on the sofa in the middle of the room. The young man's eyes were fixed
on the television screen. The two simply sat in silence, without engaging in any special activities or
conversations, like a normal couple spending a relaxing vacation together.

Kanin told him he'd asked Prince Tarin and the Great Lord of Life for permission to study art
here. But in fact, people who aren't good at using the brush only use it as an excuse to cover up
their true purpose.

And Kanin's purpose in coming here was not to hold a brush, but because he wanted to spend time
together outside the palace, unobserved by anyone.

Phitakdeva Mansion feels more comfortable, not stiff and narrow like Dawin Palace... the
windows have ears and the doors are hollow, is a short definition that can describe the place
very well.

Honestly, Charan felt happy that Kanin had come to meet him. But his mind kept thinking
about the letter. The strange thing he had just received and all his plans for tonight made the
Phitakdeva family leader's emotions more unstable than ever.

"Is Phi hungry?" The voice of the person next to him brought the tall man out of his thoughts. Charan
raised his eyebrows, not hearing well. Then the young man had to repeat his question.

"Hmm?"

"Nin asked, 'Is Phi hungry?' Nin brought some cakes from the palace. Here." Charan was
handed a medium-sized cake box, beautifully designed. Kanin gave him a sweet smile before
opening the lid of the cake box and revealing soft-textured cakes, cut into small pieces, neatly
arranged in a row.

"Marble cake."

"Umm, does Phi want to try it?" The fragrant aroma of chocolate reached his nose. Charan
looked from the cake in his hand to Kanin's face several times. Finally, seeing the glimmer of
goodwill in the young man's eyes, he agreed to bring him the cake.

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"Mmm." The young man nodded. Kanin then took the soft cake and brought it to Charan's
warm lips. He didn't let Charan do anything but sit and chew the sweet, soft cake.

"Does it taste good?"

"It's delicious," he replied, lifting his thick palm to gently rub the back of the young man's neck.
Kanin smiled widely at the warm touch, before giving Charan two more pieces of cake. Once
finished, the young man closed the cake box, before walking over and snuggling into Charan's side,
making the older man laugh.

"Why is Deuk... so spoiled today?" Being around Kanin made his confused and stressed
thoughts subside a little. Kanin's familiar scent and warm touch helped ease Charan's various
uncomfortable feelings.

"Nin acts normal. But he looks tempting, what can I do?" the cute-faced man murmured. Kanin
looked very adorable in Charan's eyes. The young man came closer before finding a
comfortable sitting position to watch the movie, resting his head on Charan's shoulder, while
his slender arms wrapped around the tall man's waist. And Charan did the same.

He raised his arms and hugged the smaller man tightly. Kanin felt like a furry kitten, lying on
his chest. The young man slid his arms around his body. But it wasn't a touch meant to seduce
him at all.

It's more like a feeling of calm and relaxation...

"Phi Ran... Can Nin sleep here tonight?" The noble young man's question made Charan freeze. It wasn't
that he didn't want to spend the night together or sleep with her in his arms, but there was an important
mission Charan had to complete. Because of this, he couldn't fulfill Kanin's wish.

"Tonight ..."

"But if that makes Phi uncomfortable, that's fine. Nin is fine." Kanin's face was still decorated
with a smile. Charan looked the young man in the eyes and tried to find any irritation or
disappointment. But he found nothing but sincerity.

Charan instinctively sensed something was wrong. But he couldn't find the source, until then.
Kanin walked away and handed him a box of cookies with a phrase that sounded ordinary, but
had some hidden meaning that made Charan think.

"Sweet food can help relieve stress... Nin will leave it for Phi."

"..." The young man brought the cake box closer to him. Charan remained silent because he finally
understood the reason why he felt Kanin was acting so cute today.

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Kanin could see that he was stressed, but he didn't want to interfere. The young man chose to keep his
distance to make Charan feel more comfortable.

Kanin has always been like this... ever since he realized Charan was afraid of the rain, and also
after the Great Lord of Life summoned him the other day. The young man had never been
stubborn or forced him to talk. Kanin prefers to support him and stay by his side so he feels
more comfortable.

"Then Nin goes home first."

"Nin... Phi is sorry." His thick hand reached out to hold the young man. Charan feels guilty... partly
because he doesn't want Kanin to think he has a secret or is hiding something from her, Charan
doesn't want to be like that at all.

"Nin is not angry with Phi."

"Is Nin worried about Phi?" In the past, Charan was a down-to-earth person who could control
his emotions well. But the truth is, not many people around him care enough and pay enough
attention to him. That's why he decided to keep most of his problems to himself.

Because Charan is used to living alone. That's why he is like that.

"Nin likes Phi. If Nin doesn't care about Phi, who else should Nin care about?" The young man's
words made his heart feel warm. It felt like a cool breeze was blowing to cool his hot heart.
Charan realized that he was no longer alone like before.

Because there was Kanin who was always worried about him and was always willing to be by his
side... The young man's eyes seemed to convince him that he would never leave him or let him face
any problem alone.

"..."

"But it's okay if Phi doesn't want to tell Nin anything right now. Nin can wait," Kanin assured Charan,
as usual. And it was because of all these actions that Charan finally decided to talk about this
important topic.

This time Charan agrees to say it, partly because he knew it wouldn't upset Kanin's heart, no
matter what his life choices.

"..."

"Phi received a strange letter. About... The Great Lord of Life." Charan didn't want to hide it any
longer. He pursed his lips slightly before getting up and walking to his room, then returned with a
letter from a mysterious person he had just received this morning.

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"That?"

"Open it and read it." The leader of the Phitakdeva family didn't think to give any further explanation. He knew that if Kanin
read the entire contents of the letter, the young man would be able to understand everything for himself.

Kanin didn't ask any more questions. His double-lidded eyes lowered to read every word of the
letter he had just received. His brows slowly furrowed as he read the contents of the letter from
beginning to end.

The fact that every human being has good and bad sides is a truth that Kanin does not want to
deny, but... if everything this letter says is true, then Thipbovorn can be put into the evil and
immoral category...

The old man brought misery to other cities and was involved in the death of Charan's mother.

Thinking about this, Kanin felt something strange tickling his chest. He was new to the Great
Lord of Life, but he respected the blood ties between them. Besides, Charan had known him for
a long time. The man certainly felt a sense of attachment that was too difficult to explain.

A feeling of attachment to the people who raised him since childhood... and also to people who
may be involved in his family problems.

"Is Phi okay?" Her small, slender hand reached for his warm palm. His eyes looked concerned as he
asked the question. Kanin knows that for Charan, the subject of his mother is the most sensitive
thing in his life. So it's no surprise that Charan seems to be thinking more.

"Phi wants to prove it." The tall man couldn't lie, saying he could handle this problem without
feeling anything. Charan's facial expression seemed depressed. Meanwhile, Kanin could
already guess what the person in front of him was thinking and also what his next step would
be.

"Is Phi going to go?" The location had been determined and marked very clearly, so the man
would definitely do it.

"Um."

"Is this the reason why Phi won't let Nin sleep here?"

"Correct."

"Nin wants to come with Phi." Kanin didn't think to persuade the man. Because he understood
Charan's feelings well. But he wouldn't let the man go alone without seeking help. He couldn't
allow that to happen.

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"Too dangerous, Phi no..."

"No, anything else is acceptable. But in this case, Nin won't let Phi leave alone."

"No, Phi is worried. What if something happens to Nin?" Charan's voice grew darker. But Kanin
himself is currently in the same condition.

"What's wrong with Nin? Doesn't Nin have the right to worry about Phi?"

Kanin stared at Charan without blinking. The look in his eyes showed how scared and worried
he was about the person in front of him.

"..."

"If Phi left without Nin knowing what Phi was doing, wouldn't Phi think about how Nin would feel
waiting without knowing anything?"

"..." Charan remained silent and couldn't argue. Because deep down in his heart, the young
man understood Kanin's feelings better than anyone. With the people we love, worry can be
overwhelming...

"Nin won't stop Phi, but can Nin come with Phi? Nin won't be a burden to Phi..."

"..."

"Please consider Nin's request as that of someone who is very concerned and cares about Phi."

.....................

The capital and suburban areas of Emmaly were larger than Kanin thought. There were still
many other places he had never visited. One example was this place, which he didn't expect to
like.

A large open-air waste disposal facility, which is also a Final Disposal Site (FDS). Charan tells
Kanin that Emmaly has three garbage collection points. Most city residents wouldn't normally
set foot in this place.

The first reason was because they had no need to come here, and the second reason was because it was not
easy for anyone to enter this place.

The clock read past midnight. Both Charan and Kanin were currently dressed in head-to-toe
black camouflage suits. They parked their car quite far away and had to walk to the meeting
place.

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Kanin's body wasn't as weak as the older man thought. The young man was able to follow
Charan quickly and not act like a burden. Perhaps because his body was better trained to
survive than before.

"From here, we'll enter through the side door." Charan wasn't very familiar with this place. He relied on
the map he'd studied this afternoon, as well as his memories of having visited this place before. The
young man didn't want to put Kanin in danger, so he opted for the second exit.

"Why isn't there a guard?" the young man whispered, as they seemed able to easily break into
the open space of the factory area. The midnight silence awakened both of their senses.

"Because that person is too confident." The head of the Phitakdeva family considered several
possibilities. If the letter's content is true, this must have taken quite a while, occurring at least
twenty years ago.

Long enough for the perpetrator to be overlooked and difficult to catch.

"Can Nin climb it?" In front of Kanin is a fairly tall building. On the left side of the building,
there's a locked iron door connected to a staircase that looks like it hasn't been used for a long
time. Charan uses his skills to open the lock.

However, because the building had been abandoned for so long, there was no maintenance.
Some steps on the staircase were missing, so they had to take turns climbing them. According
to the plan, they would climb and hide on a rooftop not far from the meeting place. So they
could wait and see when the letter sender arrived.

Kanin didn't respond but decided to demonstrate. The young man used all his strength to
climb the ladder. Although Kanin wasn't as skilled and agile as Charan, who was a professional,
his skills were better than the tall man expected.

Charan acts as a backup. He helps and takes care of Kanin so that the young man doesn't feel too
overwhelmed. The young man chooses to lend a hand only when necessary.

There's a blind spot above the current roof. Charan and Kanin hid and waited for a while, but
found no signs of living creatures appearing there.

The waste factory was closed, and there was no one around. The surrounding area was so
quiet that Kanin couldn't help but ask.

"What if no one comes?"

"That would be better." Yes, because if no one comes, Charan will be sure the letter's contents are
fake. And if that's the case, then there won't be any problem.

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His watch showed it was almost 1:30 a.m., the meeting time. In preparation, Charan double-
checked his binoculars, which had recording capabilities, while speaking with the Narong
people one last time, in case anything went wrong with his plan.

Charan has a backup plan for security. He'd prepared a group of guards who would
immediately remove Kanin from here if anything went wrong.

"Those binoculars..."

"It can record images and videos." Charan explained to the young man. Kanin nodded. The
young man was silent for a moment before murmuring again and asking.

"The stored evidence... what will Phi do?" If Thipokbowon is guilty, what will Charan do? What path will he
choose? Even if the man knew everything was true today, it wouldn't be easy for him to do anything.

They know exactly what they're up against.

"Phi... I don't know yet." Charan's voice sounded soft. His face looked pale and his eyes looked
empty. Charan has always been a methodical and rational person in his life. But this time, for the
first time, he showed doubt.

"No matter what happens, Nin will always be by Phi's side. Phi knows that, right?" In the
darkness of the night, there were no stars or moon to illuminate it. Kanin reached out and took
Charan's hand tightly, as if to say she would stay here and not go anywhere. The tip of her
slender little finger gently caressed the back of Charan's hand. Her sweet, warm actions made
the tall man decide to do something.

"Thank you," she said, touching the tip of her nose to the side of the thin man's temple. They
smiled softly at each other, hugging each other even more tightly, offering comfort and
warmth.

"Ah, right... this should help." Kanin, who seemed to have remembered something, reached into his
pocket and took out what he always carried with him, before handing it to Charan with a soft smile.

Candy... Charan remembers that this was Kanin's favorite brand. They each ate a candy and let
the sweet taste ease the tension in their hearts.

Another five minutes before 1:30, the surrounding atmosphere, which had previously been
completely silent, now began to change. Charan and Kanin immediately became alert when
they heard the sound of tires spinning on the road. At least five cars were seen lined up side by
side.

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Kanin was stunned by what he saw. He didn't have binoculars, but the situation before him
clearly showed that the letter wasn't lying.

Several people got out of a medium-sized truck. They were very strict and careful so that no
one could see what they were carrying. Then the people lined up behind the three cars in the
middle.

If Charan's guess wasn't wrong, then three of the five cars were definitely used to transport
pearls, diamonds, and precious stones. The main reason is that the cars in front and behind
look different from the other three cars in the middle.

The delivery of the goods didn't take as long as Charan thought. Everything happened and was over so
quickly, before the place returned to silence, as if nothing had happened.

The cold wind from Emmaly hit his skin. Kanin pursed his lips as he pondered everything on his
mind.

"Let's go back." Charan put the binoculars back in his backpack. He waited a moment before
turning around and nodding to the person next to him. They spent quite a while walking along
the path they had previously taken.

Kanin gasped slightly. The young man used the back of his hand to wipe the sweat from his
temples as he ran behind Charan, who was leading the way. He frowned slightly and slowed his
pace when he saw a jeep parked on the corner not far away.

They're still in the area of the waste factory. Charan vividly remembers that when he arrived
there, the car was still gone.

That means if there's a car... there must be someone.

The young man standing nearby raised his eyebrows and didn't ask anything. But he noticed Charan's strange
reaction and understood the situation. The side door was no longer safe, and they had to resort to a backup
plan.

"Can Nin climb walls?" The whispered voice sounded full of concern. Kanin nodded without
hesitation and accepted Charan's help. Although it was a little difficult at first, he was
eventually able to climb to the top without a scratch.

The top of the wall was quite high off the ground. The young nobleman gulped silently when
he realized what would happen next.

It wasn't difficult to climb up, but jumping down was a different matter.

"..."

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"Phi will go down and wait for Nin. Jump, don't be afraid." The older man whispered
reassuringly. Charan jumped first, and the sound as he landed on the grass next to the factory
was quite loud.

Kanin took a deep breath. He didn't hesitate and was ready to leap after Charan. But it seemed fate wasn't on
their side when the thing they were worried about actually happened.

"What's that sound?" Loud footsteps were heard approaching, telling him there was a group of
people heading his way. Kanin decided to jump, with Charan already preparing to catch him
below.

Thick palms embraced the young man as he sank back onto the grass. Charan then sent a sign
to Kanin to tell him that he should now keep his voice as low as possible.

Behind the high walls of the factory, the footsteps of two people could be heard approaching. According
to the map, five meters from where they were hiding, there was a small door connected to where they
were currently hiding.

If they get caught, then they're done for...

"Look over there." Kanin felt his throat go dry and his heart race when he heard one of the
people command.

"Yes, sir." One of the two people was heard separating. Kanin could guess what was going
through Charan's mind as the man pushed him down so he couldn't move.

Their current location was an open road. Running away seemed dangerous. Therefore, choosing to hide here
and wait to confront that person when he appeared seemed the best solution.

If there was only one person... Kanin was sure Charan would be able to handle him.

They hid behind piles of old wood and iron barrels. The tremendous pressure seemed to
multiply in their chests. The two continued in silence, preparing to make a difficult decision.

Kanin and Charan were sure that one of the two people would definitely come toward them. Charan
took out an important weapon and handed it to Kanin. The young nobleman pulled out a small
pistol with a black barrel, intended for self-defense.

'Shoot only from close range... and if Nin feels the distance isn't safe enough, then run
immediately. There will be people from Vetis and Phitakdeva waiting for Nin.

There was no time to think further. Kanin felt depressed by the chaos that had befallen him. This made it
difficult for him to predict what would happen next.

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Charan signaled Kanin to hide and wait for him. The tall figure had to fight his way out to
confront one of the people following them. He had the advantage of physicality and agility, but
the other party also had quite good skills.

Kanin looked at the gun in his hand and thought for a moment before making a decision. It
wasn't too difficult to do, as he had already practiced basic shooting skills.

The young man stood up and tried to emerge from his hiding place to help the tall man. His
slender hand tightly gripped the pitch-black weapon and raised it to point at the other party.
But at the same time as he did so, the dim light from the factory shone in half of his opponent's
face. And immediately, Kanin's entire consciousness seemed to scatter in various directions.

Her eyes widened. Her heart tightened until it hurt in her chest.

His face immediately turned pale and he looked as if he had lost blood, when he discovered the
fact that... the person he was pointing his gun at right now... was the person who was always
on his mind, the person who made his heart continue to wait and wait for the day they would
meet.

"P...father."

Tattanai...it really is Tattanai

Chapter 38: Protecting

"P...father."

The broken voice of the call and the light on the young man's face made Tattanai, who was
throwing his fist, stop immediately.

In the darkness, he could only see a hazy shadow. But when he caught a glimpse of the face of the
person who had called him, his sharp eyes immediately opened wide, and his hands immediately
fell limply to his sides.

"Nin..."

It really is Kanin. In that case...

Tattanai immediately guessed that the person who was fighting with him just now was none
other than the person he had entrusted Kanin's care to.

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"Khun Charan..." While both parties still looked shocked and confused, Tattanai was the first to
quickly notice the situation around him. Remembering that there was still someone else left,
the middle-aged man turned around to search for a blind spot. He then brought the people he
had just met to hide them in a safe place.

This area is next to the factory and is surrounded by large, old machines that have been
abandoned and turned into trash. Aside from that, this area is also surrounded by large, shady
trees, making it ideal for hiding.

Tattanai took advantage of the moment to send a message to his subordinates that he had
found the intruder and was pursuing him. He deliberately diverted others in the opposite
direction. Fortunately, that person trusted him so much that he agreed to obey orders without
a second thought.

Amid the silence, the three tried to regain their senses. Tattanai's sharp gaze then turned to
Kanin, who continued to stare at him. His throat felt dry and choked, as if it were filled with
dust. Kanin had mixed feelings about the truth he knew about Tattanai.

A candy wrapper... fell next to the wall. It was the same brand he always bought for his
adopted son. The skilled ex-bodyguard was pretty sure no one in Emmaly sold this brand of
candy. Or if they did, they had to order it from abroad.

At one point, Tattanai, who hadn't expected Kanin to bring the silver candy wrapper, was
relieved that Kanin hadn't dropped it somewhere else. Because if that happens, the person he
loves more than his own life will be in danger.

But deep down, he wished he could give that candy to Kanin again... even though he knew the
percentage chance was zero.

Because he wanted to see his son's face one more time.

The cool wind blew slowly. Charan remained silent and didn't say a word, even though his face
seemed deep in thought. Meanwhile, Kanin seemed to have a little difficulty breathing due to
the confusion he felt.

"Nin..."

"He's really Daddy, isn't he?... Tattanai... right, right?" Her whispered voice sounded shaky. In the
dim moonlight, Tattanai could see her son's body trembling.

The eyes that had once looked at him with admiration and affection now filled with tears.
Kanin's face looked confused, and his expression showed he had many questions he wanted to
ask. But no words came out, and he could only sob uncontrollably.

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"Yes," Tattanai sighed softly. He admitted it easily after seeing the look in his son's eyes, which
seemed disappointed, confused, and a million other feelings he couldn't express.

"Dad's still alive... sob... Dad's safe." Kanin choked back her pathetic-sounding sobs. Her small,
slender legs drew her body closer before she reached out and gently touched Tattanai's arm,
as if she feared it was all just a dream.

"Yes... Papa is still alive... Papa is safe." The middle-aged man lightly touched the back of
Kanin's white hand, confirming that he was still alive. Tattanai forced a smile at the young man
in front of him, causing the tears his son was trying to hold back to flow freely.

Her pretty face was covered in tears. Her eyes, which had initially been filled with confusion,
suddenly turned sad. Tattanai let Kanin cry, while Charan, standing not far from the two,
turned his face away as if he didn't want to see the sadness.

"If Father is still alive... sob... then why... why has Father never contacted Nin before?" Her tone
sounded like a complaint. The tears flowing from Kanin felt like an acidic liquid that soaked into
the minds of the people who looked at him.

"..."

"Nin waited for Father in the third tree... Nin waited there all night... Nin didn't expect anything. Nin
only hoped that Father would survive and return to Nin... but in the end, Father didn't."

"..." The middle-aged man said nothing. He could only sit still and swallow what was left in his
heart. Tattanai didn't know how to explain this to the young man in front of him. In the end, he
could only let Kanin pour out his whole heart.

"Dad, do you know what Nin had to go through? Do you know that Nin... doesn't have anyone here? Nin... why
didn't you come see Nin?... Dad, can you tell me something? Why, Father..."

"..."

"If Nin hadn't met Father here... we would never have met in our lives, right?" Kanin said with
tears in his eyes. The young man's eyes looked somber, mixed with anger and regret.

"I'm sorry, Father... but Nin has to return to her true family... Nin has a family waiting for Nin."
Tattanai knew his words sounded cruel and heartless, but it was the truth.

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Kanin shook his head as he withdrew his hand. The young man took a step back, and Tattanai had
to follow. The middle-aged man tried to explain what he meant, but his son kept shaking his head,
as if he didn't want to accept what he was saying.

"Family? A real family?... For 20 years, Nin only had one father... aren't 20 years enough to make
Nin a paternal family?"

"..."

"Father doesn't think Nin is important at all?" Perhaps it was because Tattanai decided to use the
painful truth to explain to the young man that Kanin ended up having those thoughts.

But in truth, the middle-aged man didn't even dare open his mouth to deny it and say he
thought otherwise. Tattanai didn't dare say he loved him... loved the boy he had cared for and
raised since childhood... more than Kanin thought.

Although he is not related by blood, he is not worthy of standing by this child's side as a
father... he has no claim to Kanin's identity, but the love Tattanai gave to the young man is no
lie at all.

"Nin is very important... very important to Father... but Nin has to fulfill her duties... that's why,
for the moment, Father can't contact Nin."

"Duties?... Responsibilities?... Yes, Nin is willing to compete because Nin hopes that if Dad is still
alive, Dad will see Nin on TV... Nin thinks that if Dad sees it... Dad will immediately contact Nin.
Or if Dad is in trouble, at least Dad will find a way to tell Nin so that Nin knows... so that Nin can
feel at ease."

"..."

"And what's this? Dad's still alive... Dad's safe. But Dad didn't think to contact Nin... Dad didn't
think to do it at all."

"..."

"Isn't it because of this crazy competition that my father is like this?... even though Nin has
always trusted my father." Heart-rending sobs followed the end of the sentence.

"I'm sorry, Dad..."

"Why did Father do this? Do you know how much pain Nin feels?... How sad and regretful Nin
is?... Every time Nin misses her father... Nin can only hope. Nin can only continue to hope."
Because hope is what makes Kanin feel unbearable pain.

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"..." Tattanai could only look away. Kanin cried so hard he could barely stand. This made Charan
unable to bear to look at him any longer. The man took a step before reaching out and taking
his slender hand, as if trying to calm Kanin.

"Did Father raise Nin only as a tool for competition?... Did Father intend to send Nin back with
them?... Did Father intend to continue acting like this?... When we were together, did Nin mean
nothing to us?" father?"

"Dad, I'm sorry." Tattanai kept repeating the same words. The middle-aged man's eyes were
hot. His heart felt sore and tight that it was hard to put into words.

"Did father ever love Nin before? Did father love Nin as Nin loved father?... Did father think of
Nin as father's daughter?... sobbing... like Nin... who thought of father as Nin's father!" Kanin
cried. He was devastated and heartbroken. Though his voice was low and hoarse, it was filled
with pain.

Tattanai's heart nearly broke upon hearing that. What Kanin said wasn't what he'd intended.
Tattanai had never considered Kanin a tool.

Not once...

In fact, he had sworn to Asawadevathin to care for and look after Kanin with all his heart. But after
caring for Kanin... it turned out that his whole heart had been given to this child without reservation.

Kanin is the person you want to protect.

"That's not all, Nin... Nin, listen to Father." Tatdanai wanted to clear up that misunderstanding.
The middle-aged man extended his hand, but Kanin didn't approach him, as he always did
when he was little.

Every time he reached out his hand, little Kanin always ran into his arms.

Kanin is an easy child to understand. Although he's a bit stubborn, he never stays angry for
long. But this time Kanin simply stood still and let his tears continue to flow. The young man no
longer approached him as he had before.

"Sob sob."

"Nin... if Father stays with Nin... Nin will be in danger. If Father goes to see Nin... we may never
be able to be together again." When Kanin didn't approach him, Tattanai explained, walking
directly up to the boy.

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"Danger? Danger of what?..." Kanin shook his head as he wept, rejecting the reason that
sounded absurd.

When Tattanai heard the question, tears sprang to her eyes. The frustration she'd felt since
she'd set foot in Emmaly and could only see Kanin from afar returned, saddening her heart.

"From someone who wanted to kill his father..."

"That?"

"Father doesn't know. Father doesn't know who holds a grudge against him. That's why Father has
to stay here and wait while he observes the situation... to keep Nin safe..."

"Safe?... And Father thinks that if Nin isn't with Father, then Nin will be safe?"

"Yes... and now Nin is safe." Tattanai looked at Kanin with a smile. Tears filled her eyes, "Father
has been watching Nin since the first day Nin was announced as heir. All the news was about
Nin... but Father couldn't reach Nin..."

"..."

"Father is worried... but Nin has someone here who will take care of Nin. If Nin stays with
Asawadevathin, Nin will be safe... After the competition is over, then Father can go see Nin."
Tattanai really didn't know who wanted to kill him. Without any information, he could only stay
here and do as he was told while waiting for the right moment.

For Kanin's safety, he couldn't really see the child. Although he really wanted to meet her.

"So how can Father be sure that Nin is safe? Who told Father that Nin was safe? Who told
Father to wait? Father, tell Nin who it is..." Kanin stopped crying and held back his sobs. The
young man used his hand to wipe the tears from his eyes.

Tattanai's persistence made Kanin feel like something strange was happening. The information
seemed like puzzle pieces that didn't fit together. That's really strange.

Although his brain wasn't currently in a suitable condition for an assessment, Kanin could see
that Tattanai wasn't lying. He knew his father felt confused, sad, and remorseful about what
had happened. His father's feelings were as devastated as his own.

In his father's always cautious eyes, he could see fear when he spoke of the danger that might befall
him. But at the same time, his father seemed confident that he would be safe under
Asawadevathin's supervision.

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But who could give his father such certainty? Who could say he'd be safe if they didn't meet? ...

"You'll take care of yourself... so we can meet again someday." In the past, Tatdanai was never
afraid of death. But now, the former bodyguard has changed.

"..."

"This is important because Father doesn't want to be a burden to Nin. Father doesn't want to confuse Nin
further. Does Nin understand?"

"I don't know who told you the Young Prince was safe. But what I can say is that the
information isn't true." Charan interrupts the conversation, causing Tattanai to stop.

"What do you mean? Is there still someone following them to harm my son? Khun Charan... please
explain."

"Not long ago, someone was stalking us again... I remember that person, because I fought him
when he came to attack Nin before we entered Emmaly. That person appeared on the scene...
at Jirat's house."

"What? P'Ran... what does Phi mean?... that villain, when did he appear?" This time it was Kanin who
suddenly turned to look at the person beside him with a confused look.

The new information he received caused the young man to begin replaying memories in his brain.
Kanin blinked and tried to process the images from the past.

"I saw a man walking with a limp. Although I didn't see his face, I recognized him. So I asked
Vetis to investigate. Aside from that, there's still a lot I don't know... I still don't have clear
information about the people we met when we arrived at Emmaly Train Station. And one of the
people we arrested had committed suicide using poison."

"Using poison to commit suicide? How did that person Khun Charan do it? Did he use the
method of implanting the poison in his teeth? Or did he drink it right in front of you?" Tattanai
put aside his sadness for a moment, as the story he heard now was different from what he had
heard before. And most importantly, this matter is related to Kanin's safety.

"The poison was implanted in his teeth. When I interrogated him... one of them committed
suicide by biting the capsule embedded in his teeth." Charan narrowed his eyes at the older
man, who seemed concerned for Kanin's safety. Although the middle-aged man had long since
left his post as a bodyguard, Tattanai's question clearly showed that the man was familiar with
this method.

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"Today, suicide using poison is illegal... but in the past, Royal Guards had the right to use this
method to protect their master's secrets. This way, they could die carrying those secrets with
them..."

"..."

"But this thing hasn't been used for a long time... for almost forty years."

"..."

"Therefore, the criminal must have been a guard in the service of one of the royal families. And
that person should be quite old." At the end of his words, Tattanai suddenly fell silent. The
suspicion that one of the criminals was a bodyguard for one of the royal families was
something Charan always secretly pondered. But he still couldn't find any clear evidence.

"In that case..."

"Phi Danai... Phi! Are you this way?!" A loud shout was heard from afar, halting the
conversation. Tattanai turned to follow the source of the voice, before crouching and slipping
into the bushes in front of him, to show him the way.

"There's no time... they'll be here soon. You two use this detour. About 300 meters ahead, you'll
find another path off the main road. Keep ducking, I'll lure them out," Tattanai whispered in a
hurried tone.

The tall figure pushed Kanin's back, bending him over. However, before crawling through the hole
in the bushes, the young man turned around and looked at the person behind him. His pair of
double-lidded eyes looked sad.

"Father..." When their eyes met, they embraced. Tattanai gently stroked Kanin's little head
before saying a few words that made Kanin cry again. But this time, the tears weren't from
sadness.

"Dad loves Nin. Be careful... take good care of Nin... and then Dad will contact Khun Charan.
After the competition is over... Dad promises to go see Nin."

"Nin will wait... Papa... Nin loves Papa." Kanin nodded at his broad shoulders. The boy wrapped
his arms around Tattanai's back to absorb his warmth for a few seconds, before reluctantly
moving away from his father's embrace and crawling into the grass.

Charan followed the white man. When he confirmed that Kanin was creeping through the bushes,
he turned and nodded once regarding Tattanai. Although many questions arose in his mind, he
ultimately decided to keep them.

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At that moment, I didn't know who I could trust... neither true friends nor eternal enemies.

And for Charan, there is no one he can trust except Kanin.

.............

Tonight, in Pitakdeva's mansion, the stars were clearer than ever. The dark, lightless sky
seemed filled with twinkling stars, as stunning as a collection of jewels.

The young nobleman was seen standing on the balcony, looking up as he let the cool breeze
blow over him. The slender figure raised his arms and hugged himself.

Her slender palm gently rubbed his forearm. The cool temperature made him shiver slightly.
He was beginning to get used to Emmaly's climate, until he almost forgot how he had to
endure the cold in London.

"Use a blanket, Nin will get sick." A deep voice sounded in his ears, accompanied by the warmth of a large
blanket. Charan wrapped it around Kanin's slender body, hugging him from behind, causing the dreamy
young man to look away.

"Thank you... Mmm." he said softly. Kanin leaned against his broad chest and let Charan, who
was hugging him, give him a sweet kiss. The man's soft touch as he kissed his lips slowly made
Kanin feel warm in his heart.

All disturbing thoughts were instantly erased with a gentle touch. Then the young man turned
to his lover. With both hands, he wrapped his arms around Charan's neck and pulled the man
closer for a deeper kiss.

The young nobleman tilted his head and opened his lips slightly, inviting the man in front of
him to enter and taste the inside of her lips to his liking. She slid her tongue across his lips,
surprising him with her enthusiasm.

Kanin closed his eyes and continued kissing Charan until he almost fainted from running out of
breath. Charan, noticing this, pulled away and kissed his forehead gently. The care and
gentleness shown by the man in front of him brought a smile to the young man's handsome
face.

"Do you feel better yet?"

"Why... did Phi kiss Nin?"

"Phi saw that Nin looked sad."

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"So that's why Phi kissed Nin?"

"Does that make Nin feel better?"

"Not yet... not yet... P'Ran hugs Nin." Kanin buried her face in Charan's broad chest. The man
was wearing the satin pajamas he always wore. This caused Kanin's soft cheeks to rub against
the strong muscles of his chest, nothing getting in the way.

"Good boy." Charan praised as he kissed the top of Kanin's head. The touch he received wasn't the
usual teasing touch they usually get when they're together. The touch is more like a comforting and
soothing act.

"Today is truly difficult," the noble young man said in a subdued voice. Kanin tightened his embrace to ease the
weariness of everything that had happened, absorbing the warmth of the man in his arms.

This was really too much for both of them. Mysterious letter, his father...

"Is Nin still angry with him?"

"Angry...sad, but happy." Although they didn't name anyone, they knew exactly who they were talking
about.

Kanin is still angry with Tatdanai because his father never contacted him. But when he heard
what his father said, his heart weakened. Because his father said he wanted to save his life and
wait for the day they could meet... even though Kanin said how angry he was, deep down he
was happy because they still had a chance to meet...

"Look on the bright side. At least Tattanai is okay... and will see Nin once she's safe."

"But where my father is... how can that reassure Nin?" Kanin didn't know how involved his
father was with shipping goods.

This time, Kanin felt worried. There were many things he thought about and wanted to know.
Kanin wanted to find a way to ask the Great Lord of Life if the man knew about this. But right
now, his confidence was wavering...

"..."

Kanin didn't know what was right and what was wrong. Or maybe he'd been lied to all this
time. Whenever he asked about his father, the Great Lord of Life always said he was still
searching with all his might.

Thipboborn regretted not being able to find her father. To calm her down, the man promised
to do his best. But today, she met her father.

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His belief in the words of the Great Lord of Life was shattered... on the one hand, he didn't want to
believe it. But the evidence he found completely shook his confidence.

But deep in Kanin's heart, there's still a little room to stand up for someone who's been his
family for months...

Thipboworn may or may not have been involved in the fraud.

Nothing can be trusted unless there is solid evidence to support it.

"Right now we have to keep this matter a secret. Nin mustn't tell anyone that Nin has met with
Tattanai... Nin understands the situation, right?"

"I don't understand..." The young man pulled away from Charan's embrace. His double-lidded eyes
looked at his lover's face with the same worried expression.

Kanin knew Charan was feeling uneasy about something. That's why he couldn't tell anyone about meeting
Tattanai today. Even though he had many doubts in his mind, he couldn't bring them up. Because he didn't
want the secret about him and Charan going to the waste factory to get out.

The situation was too dangerous when they couldn't trust anyone.

"There's one more thing Nin needs to know..." The tall man let his words hang in the air.
Charan sighed as Kanin asked.

"About the criminal... the one Phi told Dad about when we were at the factory, right?"

"Phi saw that person when we were at Jay's house. Phi thought it must be the same person who
attacked us and continued on to Thailand."

"Because of the way he walks?" Kanin was smart enough to follow Charan's thoughts and put it
all together himself. Charan's handsome face looked tense as he continued to explain.

"Yeah... Phi thinks it's the same person. And probably from the same group that attacked us the first
day we arrived at Emmaly... they still haven't given up."

"So, the people who died from poisoning?"

"Yes, it's cyanide." Charan kept searching for information about cyanide. Because his instinct told him the
poison could give him important information. That's why he kept looking, even though it wasn't as easy
as he thought.

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"Ah... Nin learned about this from detective cartoons... Paul really likes watching them." The
noble youth laughed, before sighing as he thought of his blond friend, who was very fond of
Asian detective comics. But not long after, that cute face seemed tense again. "That poison is
so powerful... perhaps few people would dare to put it in their mouths like that. That person is
truly very loyal."

"..."

"By the way, P;Ran... there's nothing like that in Phi's mouth, right?"

"Nothing. As Tattanai said, no one does it anymore. After all, it's a secret passed down from
generation to generation."

"Phi meant..."

"Only those who have sworn an oath can do so. And that person must be a bodyguard who has
served for a long time." Charan was thinking about this. He suddenly remembered it after
hearing Tattanai's words. He had read several textbooks on this subject in the mansion's
library, which had been passed down through generations.

Leader Phitakdeva's expression seemed calm. At that moment, he didn't seem surprised by
what Tattanai said. The reason was because he already knew the sacred ritual for those who
had volunteered to become loyal servants.

In the past, someone close to the royal family had to "do something" to show their loyalty. But back then,
I didn't know what that was.

These things were kept secret only from those who were guards of the royal family. Charan
was not allowed to know about this because he served as the family's leader only temporarily.

"What if we investigate the drug trafficking area to find the source of production?"

"It's not difficult to find the trading location as well as the source of production... what's difficult is
verifying the list of people conducting the trade. That's why... Phi has sent people to investigate,
including Vetis... but it's not easy."

"And the clues we have don't lead to anyone..."

"Does Phi think the person who wants to kill Nin is a member of the royal family?" the man in
white muttered after a long period of contemplation. At first, Kanin wasn't really sure if there
was a member of the royal family who wanted to get rid of him.

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But the information about the cyanide seemed to have narrowed the possibilities... if it weren't one
of the four royal families in Emmaly, then those people wouldn't be willing to do such a thing.

"Yes... definitely someone who directly benefited from Nin's death."

"..."

"Or someone who would benefit if the Great Lord of Life lost his power..." Charan murmured
softly, as if he were talking to himself, rather than to his lover. A pair of handsome, slender
eyebrows seemed to be slightly furrowed as the atmosphere suddenly became more awkward.

"Then the whole family gets suspicious. But Nin will act normally... Nin will keep an eye on
those people. After all, Nin knows now."

"Umm... Phi really intended for Nin to do that." Since Kanin had said what he was thinking,
Charan felt reassured seeing that the young man was thinking the same thing. "While Phi
searches for that person, Nin has to be careful... Now we know the criminal is closer than we
thought. So don't stray too far from Phi... Don't go to places where Phi might." "I don't see
Nin... I can't protect Nin."

"Yeah."

"There are only a few days left until the day of the match, so Nin has to be more careful,"
Charan's thick palm caressed Kanin's soft cheek. This sweet action brought a smile to his lover's
face.

"Yes, Nin won't leave Phi's sight. Nin won't go anywhere... I promise." Kanin raised his pinky finger
in front of Charan. Although the atmosphere was still tense, the smiles on everyone's faces seemed
to be the only bright spot in the midst of this ridiculous story.

"Phi's really worried about Nin... Nin knows, right?" Charan ignored the pinky finger sticking out
in front of him. He decided to take his lover's body in his arms before burying his face in her
white neck and letting Kanin's soft fragrance help soothe his unease.

"Nin knows, Nin will be very careful."

"Thank you." Charan thanks him because Kanin said he will take care of himself and be careful.

For him right now... Kanin is the only thing that matters in his life. The only one he wants to care for and
protect.

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Sharp eyes looked at a beautiful face. In the next few hours, the first light of a new day will
arrive.

Both the problems related to the Great Lord of Life and those of Tattanai, he would hide before
he could find the person who deliberately wanted to separate him from Asawadevathin.

And that person seems to have more or less succeeded...

If the embezzlement accusation is true, the young man's heart aches as if it were being cut with
a sharp object, feeling disappointed in the person he once admired and respected.

Furthermore, the allegations that The Great Lord of Life may have been involved in his
mother's death... could also be true.

A meeting of the royal family was held on Friday afternoon at Dawin Palace, attended by each
of the leaders of the Asawadevathin, Puchongpisut, Menanakarin, and, most recently,
Twichmeta families.

However, this time their meeting was not held in the dining room, but in a large, domed, open
room normally used as a riding area for the royal family. Inside the dome, seating has been
provided for the family leaders, allowing them to enjoy an exotic view unlike the flower
gardens they are accustomed to.

"It's good to have a cup of tea outside once in a while," said leader Emmaly in a hoarse voice.
Thipbovorn hasn't looked well lately. Perhaps it's because of age that his body isn't as strong as
it used to be.

"This was Phi Wasin's idea." Tarin praised the people who had chosen the location. Leader
Menanakarin responded by bowing his head respectfully to the oldest man in the group.
Meanwhile, Thipboborn offered heartfelt praise.

"You always know what's in a guy's heart."

"I want Uncle to go outside and get some fresh air," Wasin said. At the same time, Rachata saw an
opportunity to interrupt.

"How is Uncle's health?" This question arose at the same time as the red-clad servants came to
bring dessert for the members of the royal family.

A bowl of fruit ice cream was served to each family leader, except for Thipbovorn. Because his
physical condition prevented him from eating cold food, he was given a plate of warm
swallow's nest instead.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"He's better. Now the guy is recovering."

"If you need help from Puchongpisut, you can always let me know." The leader of a region highly
advanced in the medical field said this as a formality. And Thipbovorn responded by saying thank
you.

"Thank you all very much... Chana, is there anything you'd like to say?" As always, the talkative
Twichmeta leader hadn't said anything since earlier. But as the man sat silently staring at him,
High Lord Emmaly decided to ask.

"I think you shouldn't work too hard. If possible, you should find time to relax. Your health is
the most important thing."

"I agree with Chana. Uncle shouldn't overdo his job." As the eldest nephew, Wasin supports
Twichmeta because he wants Thipbovorn to relax more. On the other hand, Rachata, who saw
an opportunity again, hurriedly joined in to help facilitate his goal.

"How about this?... The qualifying matches are coming up. In less than a week. How about we
have a party first?"

"..."

"At least it can help ease tension between the children and also strengthen their relationships.
Aside from that... we can also have time to relax," said the head of the Puchongpisut family as
he explained the benefits of holding a party, so his relatives would agree with his suggestion.

For Tarin's part, he really didn't agree because he didn't want to cause trouble. As for Wasin, he
considered Thipbovorn a priority, but he saw that having a party wasn't a bad thing. And last
but not least was Chana, who, as always, had no opinion. Therefore, the party with the most
authority ultimately makes the decision.

"Hmm, the last party before the competition is good too. Tarin, get someone to take care of
it..."

"As the person who proposed this, can I help, uncle?" Rachata offered again, and Thipbovorn
agreed.

"Okay, don't forget to tell the children." Not wanting to offend the older man, who had given
his permission, Rachata immediately nodded in acceptance of the order. She then plastered a
smile on her face and finished her words, looking at the current atmosphere in the equestrian
arena with a feeling of happiness.

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"Don't worry, uncle. The kids seem to get along well. I'm sure they'll enjoy having a party
together."

The young people seemed to get along well and be kind to one another... that was what was
visible to those observing from afar. But the real situation didn't come close to those words.
Well, maybe a little.

Eva, Ramil, and Kanin team up for activities together. They agreed to hold a three-round
horseback riding competition in the countryside, to determine who won and who lost, after
spending some time riding the horses.

In the past, Eva and Ramil's riding skills could be considered on par with God-level riding. But in
this match, Eva was the victor. Meanwhile, Ramil and Kanin crossed the finish line fairly close
together, but it was difficult to see who was superior between the two.

The young noblewoman riding on horseback looked back at her two close relatives, who were
also her friends, before sighing. Eva smiled and shook her head slightly at what had just
happened.

To be honest, instead of feeling happy about this victory, he felt more sympathy for the two
relatives.

Neither Ramil nor Kanin were focused on the game at all.

Both showed signs of restlessness and frustration as their two closest companions, Petai and
Charan, disappeared from the barrier almost simultaneously.

Just look, even a person as hungry for victory as Ramil doesn't care about the match at all.

"It's great that we can all ride horses together," the only girl in the group pretended to start a
conversation after the three of them dismounted their beloved horses.

"Umm, you're still as cool as ever." Ramil handed the reins to the horse's keeper. When he
answered Eva, his words seemed to have been systematically arranged. As he spoke, his eyes
searched for someone near him. The same was true of Kanin.

"Thank you... Phi Kanin, did Phi have fun?"

"Umm, fun...nice." Eva almost laughed at the young noble's behavior. Kanin seemed like
someone lost and confused by the circumstances surrounding him. Fortunately, she managed
to suppress her laughter in time, before averting her gaze when she saw two people, who were
positioned as her closest companions, walking back toward the dance floor. At the same time,
Ramil spoke a few words in a low voice.

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"I'm thirsty, I'll go get some water."

"I'm thirsty too. I'll be right back." Kanin, who seemed to have regained consciousness, spoke hurriedly.
Eva saw Petai and Charan returning with drinks in hand. Because of this, the noble young woman didn't
want to interfere with her cousin's wishes.

"Please, Eva will have tea with the grown-ups." As someone without a partner, he prefers to step aside
and join another group at the edge of the arena.

Ramil took advantage of the moment the young woman left to immediately walk toward Petai. Because he and
Kanin were moving together in such a hurry, the two ended up colliding with each other in the middle of the
field.

Kanin looked at him with an unhappy expression. At the same time, Ramil counterattacked with his words.

"This is my path. Don't get in the way."

"There are no names written here." Kanin deliberately pushed Ramil, but was pushed back so
hard that he almost fell.

"Irritating." Ramil hissed through his teeth. But Kanin didn't care. Currently, his eyes were
focused on only one person, namely Charan.

"Can we stop pushing each other and separate them first?" It was a temporary truce. Ramil
turned to look at the white man, who nodded at her, before his handsome face turned sullen.

"What are you talking about? Break them up?"

"Correct."

"Okay, then we need to separate them... wait here, I'll take care of it." The taller man gave a
brief order. Ramil was about to walk away, but Kanin held up a hand in front of him to stop
him.

"Hey, are you going to run like that? You look like an angry dog. It doesn't seem artistic at all."

"Who's the dog?!" Those annoying words made his cousin's anger explode. Ramil bared his
fangs and tried to scold Kanin, but Kanin pulled the brake lever first with a phrase that had an
emotional impact.

"Is our debate more important than Petai?"

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"You're great, aren't you? Go and separate your own man," Ramil whispered as he clenched his
jaw tightly and looked at Charan and Petai, who were still busy chatting, unaware of the deadly
aura coming from the other side.

"My way is more artistic and better than yours."

"Very well. Then go and take care of it." The young nobleman of the Puchongpisut family wanted to know
what methods someone like Kanin Asawadevathin would use to separate Charan and Phethai.

Is this an art form? For Ramil, this method doesn't have to be complicated at all. Just walk
around, take it apart, and you're done.

"Do you think that by putting on a facial expression like that, you can just walk over to separate
them and then be done with it?" The shorter man's sharp words made the taller man freeze.
The young nobleman, who came from a family bearing the symbol of the snake, frowned.

"How could you... guess what I had in mind?" Ramil's handsome face looked firm and sharp.
Kanin sighed loudly. As a person who was good at observing, he could of course see this
clearly.

"Be confident. Why do you seem anxious and impatient? Is it because you don't really have it?"

"Kanin!" Ramil didn't let him finish and shouted at him in frustration. The young man's
emotions and expressions made the demon inside Kanin think of something evil, and he
ordered him to stab his number one enemy in the heart, seeing his weakness.

"Isn't that so?... you love him... but your love is one-sided. Poor man."

"..."

"Come here and I'll teach you. Pay close attention." Kanin said, pointing at himself with his
thumb, making Ramil even more annoyed. The taller man cursed internally in frustration, but
ultimately decided to let Kanin take the lead this time.

Ramil's eyes fell on his cousin, who was walking toward the two people who were talking. He
followed him slowly and looked from behind.

In front of him stood a young man from a family with a horse symbol. He reached out and
pulled the shirt off a man Ramil didn't like. The young man tugged the man's shirt with a gentle
pull, causing the other party to turn toward him.

"Phi Ran." Is that soft, pleading voice called a witty attitude? ... Ramil, who was following behind, thought about
that in his mind.

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"Sir." But it was effective... Ramil saw that Charan immediately stopped his conversation with
Petai, as soon as Kanin called him.

"Nin is hurt."

"Does it hurt a lot?" The man immediately rushed over when the other party showed signs of
abnormality... It seemed that this couple didn't use any real vocabulary when they spoke to each
other. This can be seen from the general words that just came out of the mouth of a rigid man like
the leader of the Phitakdeva family.

"It hurts a lot. The rope tying the horse was too tight." Ramil's eyebrows seemed to twitch
when he discovered Kanin's other side. He was pretty sure he'd never heard the young man
use a voice like that.

I had only ever heard his voice sound a little stiff and raspy before. But this time his voice sounded strange and very
sweet.

You are a cunning bastard

"Should I call the Royal Doctor, Your Majesty?" Petai, who had just been observing, said to the man
pretending to be weak, causing the young man to divert his attention.

"It's okay, just a little, but now... Khun Petai doesn't have any other activities, right? Oh, right...
Ramil, he's looking for someone to race horses outside the arena..."

"..."

"Is it okay if I trouble you to compete in my place? My hand hurts, and right now I might not be
able to continue riding." Kanin lied and made a sad face, but it looked realistic enough. His face
looked grim, weak, helpless, and pitiful, which made Charan stay away from Petai. Kanin then
turned to point at his cousin who had come to take a closer look, and made Ramil roll his eyes.

Kanin was very annoying... but this time he would let it go.

The young nobleman of the Puchongpisut family stood with his arms crossed. His lips were
pursed as he stared at Petai, who also looked at him, narrowing his eyes as if observing his
reaction. But that only lasted a few seconds before the young man turned around and politely
accepted the golden horse's orders.

"If that is Your Majesty's will, then I will obey." In fact, Petai had no right to refuse.

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"Then please... don't keep him waiting." Kanin finished his words with an innocent smile. The
two-eyed man secretly glanced at Ramil and quickly winked. This temporary ceasefire
agreement takes effect from now on.

"Then I take my leave." Petai bowed his head respectfully before turning and walking away. The
handsome man didn't smile, but he didn't frown either, and he seemed calm, like someone
who had no feelings.

Kanin stared at Petai's back until the man stopped beside Ramil. When he saw his noble cousin
nod respectfully, Kanin nodded in response.

His double-lidded eyes continued to stare at the backs of the two people as they turned and
walked away. Kanin waited until Ramil and Petai left the dance floor together before smiling
contentedly.

"Planning what?"

"Separating... Hey, no, Nin... Nin's hand really hurts. Besides, the air is really hot right now, too.
Nin doesn't want to go horseback riding." The young man almost answered honestly before
hastily covering his mouth and trying to change the subject.

Kanin blinked and quickly bent down to examine his wrist. But even so, this didn't go unnoticed
by Charan.

"Does it hurt a lot?"

"At first. But when Phi asked, I felt less pain." Charan laughed out loud at the soft-spoken man's
words. He shook his head slightly, before grabbing the young man's small hand to look at his
reddened fingers. His hand seemed to be in a lot of pain when he said, "But maybe it won't
hurt that much." Because the Kanin he knew wasn't a weak person.

"Is there anything Phi can do for Nin?" When he finished checking and was sure Kanin had no
other injuries besides his hands, Charan asked a question.

Charan could see that Kanin wasn't happy to see him chatting with Petai. The young white man had
done it once before, and his face showed jealousy. He didn't seem to want anyone else near his
man.

Charan understands why he is like that too...

Jealousy... because she doesn't want anyone else to get close to her man.

"Nin wants to go back to the room while Phi carries him on her back."

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"Nin's hand hurts, but Nin wants Phi to carry him on his back?... Eh." The answer he received
was a little unexpected, making the people who heard it laugh. His sharp eyes stared at the
young man in front of him. The gleam in Kanin's eyes seemed to sparkle and look cunning.

"Phi can't?..."

"Nin thinks Phi will say no to Nin?"

"Of course not."

"Then get on." Petting Kanin isn't difficult for Charan. The young man turned around and turned his back
to Kanin before squatting down on one knee. When he turned and smiled at him, the young man
naturally came over and climbed onto his back.

"Nin is very happy... to be able to ride... Phi Ran again." A seductive whisper sounded in his ear.
Charan heard it and smiled. The young man straightened before squeezing the young man's thighs,
which were wrapped around his body, even tighter.

"Nin's abilities are extraordinary... to be able to make Phi feel like that."

"Phi's ability to please Nin is also amazing."

"Hahaha." The cheerful response further improved Charan's mood. The young man believed
Kanin was very clever in what he said. Kanin is good at acting, and also... good at seducing him
until he can only go with the flow.

And now he dared to play with the words he used to say in bed. How could I refuse him?

"Because Nin is so clever... Can Nin kiss Phi as a gift?... Nin misses... Nin hasn't kissed Phi today.
Doesn't Phi feel the same?" Charan froze. His long, slender legs, which were walking leisurely,
suddenly stopped.

Luckily, at that moment, Kanin was lying face up, far from the stables. Furthermore, the path
ahead wasn't patrolled by guards, so no one could hear what the young prince was saying to
his nearby companion.

Charan understood his feelings. He missed the young white man too. But the place they were
currently in didn't allow him to answer that question. He was afraid that if someone heard him,
that person would look at Kanin in a bad light.

"Can... Nin be quiet?"

"What if Nin kisses Phi now? Or does Phi want to go back to the racetrack?" he threatened in a flippant
tone. Charan tried to ignore the question, but ultimately couldn't. The young man quickened his steps.

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to quickly get to the room and tried to answer Kanin's question right then and there.

"Phi Ran... Nin's words, consider them as an invitation."

"No... Phi... if Nin kisses Phi now, then Phi will return the favor tenfold." When cornered, the
leader of the Phitakdeva family replied in a dark voice. The young man tried to calm himself as
he led the little man to the front of the room.

As he was about to reach out and open the door, Charan suddenly froze as he felt the soft
touch of warm lips on the back of his neck.

"Muaah... that's not a terrifying threat." Kanin deliberately made a kissing sound that sounded
quite loud. The young man being carried by Charan jumped and stood gracefully on the
ground.

Kanin turned around and stopped in front of him. The dark brown eyes he often looked into, and
which Charan really liked, now seemed to shine as if he wanted to challenge his threat.

"..."

"Why are you silent?... Doesn't Phi Ran like Nin's kisses?" Charan took a deep breath. The young
man didn't reply, but instead turned around and opened the door. He took advantage of the
moment when the slender figure was about to pass by him to grab her small wrist and pull her
to follow him.

His sharp eyes scanned the surroundings. When Charan saw that there was no one else in the
room, he closed the door, moved his arms around the smaller man's waist, and pulled him
close.

"It's not that Phi doesn't like it... and Phi already warned Nin not to do it..." The young man whispered
near the tiny lips of the young man in front of him. He stared steadily at the man in his arms, who now
seemed to be smiling happily.

"So, what will this mischievous young man get in return?" Kanin wasn't the least bit afraid of his
gaze. She even dared to stand on tiptoe and touch the tip of her nose along his jaw, as if to test
the limits of his patience.

What will this mischievous young man receive in return?

"Ah..." Charan laughed. He didn't answer Kanin's question, but instead hugged him around the waist and
led him to the sofa, cuddling him and serving him well in return for his mischievous attitude that
deliberately provoked him.

.......................

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The wind ruffled his hair as Ramil galloped briskly behind the person occupying his closest
friend's position. Petai was riding down the track at high speed, causing Ramil to speed up his
horse as well.

A graceful figure who is always interesting to watch in every action, makes Ramil think that God
must really love Petai to give him such a beautiful and attractive appearance.

His versatile abilities not only made Petai a high-ranking aristocrat, but also made him look
different. Ramil was still trying to find the answer when he finally realized the young man had
stopped, so he stopped as well, as if his body had grown accustomed to... following him.

"Why did you stop? I still don't know who lost and who won." Ramil asked, as Petai suddenly
slowed his horse and stopped. He directed his dark-colored horse to stand next to his close
friend's light-brown horse before raising his eyebrows.

"Why would you want to compete? When you really don't want to." The answer told Ramil that Petai
had been paying attention to Kanin from the beginning and obeyed his orders only because he
didn't want to go against the flow. Her light-colored hair fluttered in the wind as they rode their
horses along the road unhurriedly.

Ramil took a deep breath and relaxed his tense shoulders as he looked around and saw that there was no one
in the area other than the two of them. The noble young man stared at the clouds above him before stealing a
glance at the sweet face beside him.

Ramil pondered something in his mind. After a while, he decided to ask something he didn't know
the answer to yet... something he didn't even know what kind of answer he expected.

"Tai..."

"..."

"Do you like someone?" he hesitated to ask. Ramil noticed the silence. It was so quiet that the
sound of his breathing, coming and going regularly, seemed unnatural.

"Why do you ask?" It was quite a while before the white man finally asked a question. Petai
forced his horse to stop moving as if trying to concentrate.

"I just wanted to know," he replied, sounding like a fist hitting the ground. But it wasn't because he
didn't care. Ramil had no better response. Because what he just said was what he truly thought.

The clock kept ticking, the wind blew, the trees and grass swayed for a long time... until finally
someone was willing to answer the question.

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"I stopped thinking about love a long time ago."

"..."

"Since I decided to be yours."

The heart in his left chest, which Ramil thought was strong, began to tremble. The young
nobleman hesitated, feeling happy... his heart was happy. Or it's almost the same feeling... just
similar.

Ramil then wonders... if Petai hasn't thought about love for a long time.

So something between them... what could it be called?

.................

The final party before the competition has arrived. Today, Kanin wore a blue velvet suit and looked
quite formal. However, only family members and close relatives are invited to the party.

However, Chakri had whispered to her that there would be around 10 reporters present at the
event to interview the three competing royal families. Therefore, Kanin's clothing must be
prepared with great care.

For the sake of an attractive and memorable image, just as the Chief Butler had said. Kanin
then looked at himself in the mirror one last time, before returning his gaze to the cell phone
screen nearby.

The young man sighed sadly. He wanted to contact Tatdanai. But since it was forbidden, all he
could do was think about it. The sound of a knock on the door then woke the young man from
daydreaming, who quickly erased what was on his mind.

Kanin smiled slightly when he saw who was walking toward him. Charan was wearing a dark suit, not
much different from his own. Seeing this, the young man couldn't help but mock him.

"It makes us look like we're wearing a couple's outfit."

"Just a coincidence," Charan said. But he couldn't deny that their clothes looked good together. Even
the colors and patterns were similar.

"It seems we have the same heart and mind." The young nobleman tried to act as cheerful as
ever. Kanin intended to step forward, but when Charan noticed something unusual, the young
man asked.

"Is Nin okay?"

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"Um..."

"Is Nin nervous about the interview later?"

"Nin... does Nin's face look tense?" he asked a little hesitantly. Kanin thinks he's good at
controlling his emotions. He didn't know how he could have made a mistake until someone
noticed.

"Eyes." Charan explained as if he could read his mind. Kanin was silent for a moment before
laughing out loud as he realized that Charan was no different from him. Because they were so
concerned for each other, their feelings were connected... Therefore, not even the slightest
change could be hidden.

"Nin misses Dad..." Kanin's voice was a little softer when he said this. His double-lidded eyes
tried to look normal at first, but gradually became gloomy.

"Be patient. There are only a few days left," Charan said, referring to the competition schedule. As
Tatdanai said, once the competition was over, Kanin had the opportunity to meet his father, who
came from a different lineage.

"So, about that... What will Phi do next?" Kanin refers to the letter Charan received earlier. The
white man was still wondering why the letter was sent to Charan.

"After the competition, the Great Lord of Life will be busy with the transfer of power process.
During that time, Phi will try to find relevant documents. Phi believes the people who sent the
letter want Phi to do something."

"..."

"For example, to look for evidence." It's possible that the anonymous person who sent the letter
only had the information, but couldn't access Asawadevathin's interior as well as they could. Charan
has no intention of helping anyone; he just wants to uncover the truth.

The young man saw that this could be an instigation... the other party might want to use him as
a tool to destroy Asawadevathin. Aside from that, it's possible that the mastermind behind the
letter was involved with the people sent to kill him and Kanin.

There was no reason to justify why the other party was only relaying all that information now...
If the person had good intentions, why didn't he tell her in the first place? ...before there were
rumors about a romantic relationship between her and the Young Prince of Asawadevathin.

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And regarding the matter of his mother's death that cannot yet be proven, to get there he
needed a moment to uncover the truth after everyone was busy with the transition of power
process.

At first, Charan thought about doing it secretly. But as the competition approached, while he
waited for the truth to be proven, he had no choice but to prepare for more important things
first.

"If there's anything Nin can help with, let me know. Phi knows, right?"

"There's one thing Phi wants Nin to help her with."

"Yes?" Charan's serious tone made Kanin more alert than before. The young man waited to
hear him, before smiling at the amused response he received.

"Please don't be too cute."

"That's difficult." They both laughed. The initially somber atmosphere dissolved with the smiles
they exchanged. Then the two decided to forget about the conversation from a moment ago.
When Chakri knocked on the door, Kanin let Charan help him check his appearance once more
before heading to the venue where the party was being held, which was located inside Dawin
Palace.

...........

The hustle and bustle of the people around him made Kanin realize that upper-class people
might not be as good at organizing normal parties as the general public.

What he initially thought was just a small, ordinary party turned out to be much more lavish
than Kanin expected. Perhaps part of the reason was Rachata, who volunteered to help her
father manage the party.

Aside from that, this group also received help from two other families, Menanakarin and
Twichmeta, who also came forward to help, so that the Asawadevathin people would not have to
expend as much energy as before.

"Thank you all very much. Especially to Prince Rachata, who helped organize this party." Said
the voice that still sounded strong even as it grew. The Great Lord of Life expressed his thanks
after using a gold-plated bell to signal everyone at the dining table to pay attention.

"It's an honor for me, Uncle." The first table at the front of the stage was for the elders.
Meanwhile, next to it were the seats for the three heirs of the royal family.

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A little further away was the table of the high-ranking Guards, who had the honor of sharing
the table with two people designated as close companions, namely Charan and Petai.

"The competition will be held in three days, so eat and drink to your heart's content. Think of
today as a holiday." Since there was no official opening ceremony, Thipbovorn took advantage
of this moment to begin dinner.

Kanin secretly observed the movements of everyone present at the party. He scanned the
room before settling on Charan's face.

When he looked at the man, he saw the head of the Phitakdeva family looking at the Great Lord of Life.

But his eyes didn't seem as admiring as usual. Today, Charan's eyes were filled with doubt and
suspicion.

Then the banquet began, while music played and delicious, carefully prepared dishes were
arranged in neat rows, like oysters fresh from the sea. Menanakarin sent the expensive foods
from the southern waters.

The atmosphere around them was busy, but Ramil felt bored. He continued to stare at Petai's desk
and sighed quietly in frustration. Given his position and status, the young man had no right to share
a table with him. This was something that bothered the young nobleman quite a bit.

Kanin himself probably didn't feel much different from him. It was clear from the way his
double-lidded eyes narrowed and kept secretly glancing at Charan... he didn't know which
bastard... he'd already set the table so that both people were sitting at the same table.

Ramil, who could only stand still and stare at him, felt the need to get up and drag Petai home.
The young man felt angry in his heart. But since he had learned to control his emotions, he
could do nothing but raise the wine glass in his hand and drink from it to soothe the burning
sensation in his chest.

"Then your eyes will cross." When he could do nothing more, he turned to his cousin at the
same table. Ramil's annoyed remark made Kanin, who was staring at Charan, turn to look at
him.

"Who are you talking about? Yourself?" They both bit their buttocks. Kanin seemed to have
focused his attention on the food in front of him. It tasted delicious, but unfortunately, his
mind couldn't concentrate on the food at the moment, as it should.

"Why don't you get up and ask him to sit with you?"

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"Why? Can't you do it yourself? You have to ask someone else to do it."

"Enough with you two," Eva, the only woman at the table, interrupted after glancing back and
forth between her two arguing cousins. Kanin's slender hand, which was about to put a piece
of Grade A beef in her mouth, froze. Meanwhile, Ramil immediately fell silent.

"You're so kind to others. Don't you have anyone you like, Eva?" It took her a while to regain
consciousness. At that important moment, Ramil didn't seem too surprised, even though the
daughter of the Twichmeta family spoke as if she already knew everything.

Ramil didn't want to hide it and knew the girl was intelligent. But they've taken the initiative not to
interfere in each other's personal problems. So, whether Eva knows it or not, it's not a big deal.

"I'm only 20 years old." The girl's reply made the two young nobles frown. Kanin was about to
open his mouth to argue. But at the same time, Ramil said something, which happened to be
the exact thing he'd been thinking.

"Are 20-year-olds not allowed to love someone?"

"I haven't planned it yet."

"This...maybe love isn't something that can be planned in advance."

"..."

"You may be used to controlling your lifestyle. But love doesn't choose people, times, or places.
Before you know it, you may feel it."

Kanin thought this might be the first time he'd agreed with Ramil without any arguments. What
the tall man said was true. This is evident from the stories he himself encountered and
experienced.

Love is something that really comes unexpectedly.

....................

"The news agency has arrived and has requested an interview with the three Princes and
Princess. Get ready. We need to set up a line." A voice from one of the party organizers, who
had just passed by the table, caught Charan's attention.

The young man placed a soft drink on the table when, out of the corner of his eye, he saw
Kanin being asked to leave his seat and stand on the main stage in preparation for the
interview.

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"Lord Charan, excuse me for a moment." The long, slender legs, which were about to head
toward the person he loved, stopped when one of the Servants, whose hair was tied back in a
bun, called out to him while pointing toward the central table in front of the stage. The servant
said a few words, forcing the head of the Phitakdeva family to turn his attention away from
Kanin.

"Yeah?"

"Prince Rachata has ordered you to approach his table." It was an order he couldn't refuse.
Charan looked at Kanin and somehow sensed something a little different. But since he had no
right to refuse orders, he could only nod before walking behind the young woman whose hair
was tied back in a bun.

Charan headed over to Rachata's table, while Petai, seeing him, raised his eyebrows slightly in
surprise at what he had just heard. Petai crossed his legs and arms as he thought about something.

Why did Prince Rachata call Charan to meet him? What's the reason?

Most nobles or aristocrats who called Charan to meet with them usually wanted to ask him to
create works of art for them. But with Rachata, who neither liked nor cared about such things,
there was no way he would call her to talk about it. So why...

Petai knows this because he's been with this family for a long time. Rachata doesn't like
collecting art, unless it's valuables or medical equipment... really weird.

The chatter around them was still loud. In the middle of the large stage, Eva can be seen
conducting an interview. Meanwhile, Kanin, who was waiting in line for the next person, was
standing below the stage, in a corner of the banquet area. Not far from there, the party
organizers were seen organizing the queue.

Ten reporters were seen asking questions to the people on the stage. Ramil sighed in
boredom, having been asked to wait here. So currently, he's the only one at the table.

The young man banged his hand back and forth on the table. After finishing his third glass of wine,
the impatient man counted from one to ten in his heart before rising from his chair because he
couldn't bear to wait any longer.

He intended to stay with Kanin while waiting for the interview. He'd do it quickly and concisely,
so he could immediately take Petai home.

This party is too boring...

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"Where are you going, Your Majesty?" Siwakorn, who hadn't known when he stood up from his desk,
suddenly appeared in front of him, causing Ramil to stop immediately.

"Waiting in line for the interview." After saying that, he intended to take a step further, but the
other party didn't allow it. Siwakorn blocked his path and insisted that he not do so, as one of
the party organizers had done earlier.

"You'd better wait here, Your Majesty. The area is cramped and not very comfortable."

"..." Ramil fell silent and frowned, before agreeing to step back and sit down. But after a few
moments, he stood up again.

"Your honor..."

"I'm going to the bathroom, Siwakorn. Don't follow me," the noble young man interrupted before
walking quickly away from the party. At this point, the music was still playing loudly, creating a pleasant
atmosphere.

Kanin pursed his lips and made eye contact with Charan. He sighed silently before turning back
to Eva. It seemed the interview wasn't over yet.

"Prince Kanin... Your Majesty." The voice of the same organizing official, approaching
respectfully. Kanin temporarily shifted his gaze from Charan, returning his attention to the
person he was speaking to in front of him.

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty. Could you stay here? The press wants to take photographs of Her
Majesty."

"Fine." Kanin was a little surprised because there were more than ten reporters present. But he still nodded
and agreed to cooperate.

The young nobleman stood in the required position, flashing a businesslike smile at the camera in
front of him. At the same time, the glare from the cameras of several reporters, who were taking
turns taking photographs of him, momentarily blurred his vision.

The frantic sound of reporters on stage interviewing Eva could be heard in the distance as
Kanin tried to open her eyes toward the camera's glare. But she ultimately decided to close her
eyes for a moment before her ears seemed to pick up the sound of something vibrating.

Kanin frowned before finally realizing something was wrong. It was then that he heard Eva's
voice shouting from the crowd around him, as if there had been great chaos. Many voices were
heard, and one of them was... Charan.

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"Nin, be careful!" Kanin's danger instincts screamed a warning. But unfortunately, before he
could react, the large, heavy decorative pillar fell onto the position where Asavadevathin's sole
heir stood.

Charan's eyes widened. His heart tightened and beat rapidly, as if an invisible hand were
pressing on it. The leader of the Phitakdeva family rushed forward at the same time as Petai,
who was close behind. But it seemed too late.

"Kanín!" The pain, which he thought would definitely be very great, made the owner of that
name close his eyes to prepare for the impact.

His brain told him to dodge it, but his body froze.

He couldn't move when the large pole fell. But just when he thought the pole was going to hit
him, someone saved him by pushing his body hard.

Bam!

Kanin was pushed to the ground and narrowly escaped death. But his right arm was injured
and hurt so much that his eyes filled with tears. The deafening voices of the people around him
continued to ring out.

The young man slowly opened his eyes and finally saw someone.

Someone he never expected would appear to help him in a critical situation like this.

"Are you OK?!"

"Ra... Ramil."

The person who had saved him... was Ramil.

Chapter 39: Errors that need to be corrected

Ramil was stunned by what had happened. His sharp, eagle eyes stared at his number one
enemy, who was being led away amidst the chaos of the party. The young man froze, and all
the noise that had reached his ears seemed to disappear. But the sharp pain in his upper arm
kept him conscious.

This can't be a coincidence... no way.

A voice in his head echoed. His cautious instinct made Ramil unable to trust anyone. The noble
young man began to walk, and after a while he stood as still as a statue. He walked.

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among the crowd of people who were busy giving testimony to the police who had arrived to
reinforce security at the scene.

A crowd gathered to ask him questions. But Ramil signaled everyone to step back. The young
man scanned the room, searching for someone... the only person he wanted at that moment.

Petai

"Ramil, are you... okay?" It felt like raindrops hitting the dry earth in the dry season when he
heard the anxious voice of someone familiar. The person grabbed his strong arm. His beautiful
face looked worried, as it always showed.

"It's okay... Petai..." Ramil didn't panic. However, the young man felt so confused that he now
wanted to lean on him. He spoke the man's name before swallowing the important question in
his throat.

"What did you say?... Do you want to see a doctor?" Petai seemed to realize he had been silent
for a long time. The young man came forward to check, his expression one of concern. This
made him unable to suppress his feelings of self-pity.

"No, you know..." was all the young nobleman could say. Ramil struggled to control his
trembling body. His strong hand grabbed Phethai's thin arm and half-dragged him out
together.

In the midst of a seemingly chaotic crowd, Ramil ignored the person attempting to physically
examine him. He decided to take Phethai's hand to a hidden spot. After a while, the man in
white began to open the topic of conversation.

"Ramil, you..."

"Did you see anything unusual at the party earlier?... before the pillar fell on Kanin? Did you see
it?" the young noble whispered in a low voice. This reaction made the person in his close
friend's position unable to speak for a moment.

"..." Petai fell silent. But perhaps because they had known each other for so long, Ramil could read almost
everything, just by looking at the white man's facial expression and uncomfortable eyes.

The handsome man didn't need to say anything. Because the suspicion that had been echoing in Ramil's
mind seemed to have been completely confirmed.

"Can you tell me? Don't make me feel more disgusted with myself." At that moment, he felt
blind and lost, so he couldn't think of anything except begging the one person he could trust to
tell him what he knew.

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"Why do you say that?" Petai seemed quite surprised to find himself showing his weak side. The
young man's slender hand reached out and touched Ramil's broad shoulder, rubbing it gently.

"I saw you looking at Charan..." His strong hand rose and he rubbed his face. What he saw when Petai
looked at Charan caught his attention. But it helped him see some unusual things that shouldn't have
happened.

His father called Charan to meet him. He felt it was very strange. Normally, they don't want
anything to do with the leader of the Phitakdeva family.

"It wasn't Phi Charan I saw, but Prince Rachata... because I thought it was strange that your father would
call for him." Petai was probably thinking the same thing. The young man looked down at the ground
below him. He acted as if something was bothering him, but he didn't want to talk about it.

For nearly a minute, the handsome man remained silent. Ramil watched those beautiful eyes
blink several times and seemed to tremble. Petai's every reaction answered almost all the
questions in his head, without the man having to say or explain the things he wanted to
confirm.

"You know... Dad did this." Ramil didn't want to answer. He understood Phethai's position. The
young man had sworn to be part of Puchongpisut, so he couldn't say much.

Even if he knew something, he could only keep it all in his mouth.

"..." Petai looked Ramil in the eye as if he wanted to say something. But in the end, he decided to
remain silent, letting the tension build and press on Ramil's brain, making it almost impossible for
the young nobleman to stand.

He didn't know what reason had led his father to make such a decision.

Rachata will be charged with attempted murder... her father will be a criminal

Why didn't his father believe him? Is it because Ramil's skills aren't good enough? Was it
because he had no chance of winning? Is that why his father didn't believe him?

He wants to achieve victory so that his father can achieve power, glory, and a great name. But
what his father did was exactly the opposite...

"If it's difficult for you, then there's no need to say anything... I'll take care of this matter." Ramil
took Petai's silence as an obvious answer. He closed his eyes and let his weakness reveal itself.
After a while, he opened his eyes again, his feelings and mood changed.

No matter what happens... he won't allow his father to use dirty methods like this.

However, victory and power that begin with fraud and evil will never succeed.

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............

As soon as he returned to Pucha Palace, Ramil first headed straight for his father's private
office. There were fewer guards than usual at the door. However, one of them was Siwakorn,
who, as always, stood faithfully in front of the door while holding his hand.

"Prince Ramil... I beg you, please don't come in now." Siwakorn said as he raised his hand to
block the door. He was worried that Prince Ramil's actions would upset his master internally, so
he did his best to prevent it.

"Retreat." The atmosphere around them felt cold and oppressive. Ramil didn't think to listen to
Sivakorn. That's why he used all his strength to push the body in front of him.

"Your honor."

"Move, Siwakorn."

"Prince Rachata has ordered me not to allow anyone..." Siwakorn was too good at acting like a
loyal servant. Ramil thought he had acted quite calmly. But the emotions he tried to suppress
exploded when he saw Siwakorn, who didn't seem to listen to any of his orders.

"As one of your masters, would you disobey my orders?" At that moment, the young nobleman no longer
cared about manners and shouted loudly.

Ramil deliberately used a firm command that made Siwakorn freeze. He emphasized and made
everyone aware that he was the second-in-command in that place after the family leader.

If you do not obey his orders, it can also be considered a betrayal of Puchongpisut.

"I'm sorry... Your Majesty..." Siwakorn was a little surprised. But it only took him a moment to
understand what Ramil meant. Therefore, the Royal Guard and close companion of Prince Rachata,
he reluctantly lowered his hands and retreated.

Without further delay, Ramil opened the door. The noble young man walked firmly toward the
person sitting in a large work chair with his back to him. Rachata, who heard the sound of the
door opening, tried to turn around and scold the person who had dared to enter when she had
given orders that no one was to disturb her.

"I told you not to come in!... Ramil." His father's eyes widened. And his voice, which began as a
shout, then became softer as he spoke his only son's name.

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Rachata's expression, filled with confusion and concern, couldn't escape Ramil's sharp eyes. His
face felt hot, because he knew very well that when his father was like this... not as aggressive as
usual, it was clear that...

Rachata is afraid... of something

"Why did Father do that?" The second most powerful person in the Puchongpisut family lowered his
voice and asked a heated question, making his father start to look uncomfortable. Although his
father tried to appear strict, this time Ramil could clearly sense that something was not normal.

"What? What have I done?"

"Today's incident... Father did it, didn't he?" Ramil, who had been trying to suppress his
emotions for a long time, finally cried out as he clenched his fists. Feelings of disappointment
over what his father had done hit him like a raging sea storm.

"What's wrong with you, huh?!... You came in without asking and then screamed like a madman... Didn't you
think about what would happen if someone else came in and heard it?" her father said as he turned to look at
the door. And when Rachata saw that the door was still closed, she decided to get up from her chair and walk
over to Ramil at the table.

Ramil looked at Rachata's face. He could see that this time his father was trying to use body
language to intimidate him. His father wanted him to stop this whole conversation. But at that
moment, he didn't feel afraid at all.

"Does it have to go to the point of hurting other people?... Father dares to go this far, don't you have
anything else to worry about other than your own desires?!"

"Speak clearly, Ramil... what did I do? Tell me, what have I done?"

"Does Dad still dare to pretend?"

"How dare you accuse me like that!"

"Father, do you think I wouldn't know? I'm not stupid... to the point of not realizing it. Today's
incident, if I hadn't saved Kanin, Father would have become a murderer..."

Pass!

"..." His handsome face jerked to one side from the force of the slap. The young man remained
silent for a long moment until he saw his father's toes move slightly. So he straightened his
head again and stared at his father without blinking.

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"Are you crazy?... Have you talked enough?"

"..."

"Yes! Today's incident, I did it... I would do anything to make you win... but you came back and
scolded me like that!" Rachata finally told her the truth.

This confession sent his only son, whose face was bleeding from a severe slap, into shock.
Ramil then slowly regained consciousness and told what he believed to be the truth.

"Didn't I tell my father not to interfere with the competition? ... In the past, my father was
always busy taking care of my life. I never interfered because I respected my father. I wanted to
be as good and great as my father. I really wanted my father to accept and acknowledge my
abilities. That's why I always asked my father not to interfere with this competition."

"..."

"So what's this?...Father, why did you do this without telling me?" Ramil was speechless. He didn't
understand. How could everything change like this?

"And have you ever made me believe it?... If I hadn't secretly bought off those athletes, you
would still be stupidly chasing after Kanin now... Even though I had prepared and arranged
everything for you, but when you found out, you actually paid me back until I almost exhausted
your entire budget. You only care about that absurd justice! You really want to lose to him,
don't you? You really want to lose to that Phitakdeva!"

"..."

"Fool... if I don't do this, do you think you can still win?... even stupid Wasin can still see Kanin's
game!"

"What does Uncle Wasin have to do with this matter?"

"Wasin reminded me that your money management is problematic... if Kanin ties with you in
the next match, he will immediately be declared the winner... even that fool who knelt beneath
Asawadevathin's feet could see that Kanin was playing you. He manipulated you into spending
so much money on buying athletes... And you don't even know it. So how can I trust you?!"

"I understand if you don't believe me. But does it have to go so far as to kill someone?... Do you want him
to have a father who's a murderer?!" The young man screamed until the veins on his temples bulged.
Ramil's eyes, which normally looked down on other people with arrogance, now seemed to be brimming
with tears.

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"I didn't plan it this far in advance... I didn't want him to die... otherwise, I wouldn't have to worry like
this!" Rachata was stunned when she saw the disappointed expression on her son's face. It seemed to
bring him back to consciousness. At the end of the sentence, the family leader yelled loudly. The middle-
aged man could no longer calm down, having realized that his plan was more serious than he thought.

"What do you mean, father?"

"I did it for you. I intended for someone to trip over his legs or knock him down, so that Kanin
would have difficulty using his legs... my people are the servants who wander around the
place... but that damned pole, it wasn't me who made it!... That's not me!" The tallest leader of
the family who bore the snake symbol took a deep breath.

Rachata tried to control her body, which was shaking with worry. Her strong hands pounded on
the table until a loud bang was heard throughout the room. And the truth Ramil had just
discovered made the young nobleman gasp in shock.

"So who did it?...Father, tell me who."

"I don't know... Everyone who organized the party was arrested and investigated... we'll find
out soon."

"Will we find out soon? What do you think we'll find out soon?!... Do you think the person
behind all this will reveal themselves? Since he did this at a party under my father's authority...
It means he deliberately wanted to trap and frame him, Father! This incident has gotten much
worse. From an idea that was initially just to play a trick on him, it has now turned into an
assassination attempt.

Half of Ramil was relieved to know that his father had no intention of hurting Kanin to death.
But the other half was filled with sadness and shame.

It doesn't matter who does it. That person already knew things would turn out this way.

This was planned...

That person deliberately used his father as a tool.

"..."

"I will correct this mistake... I will confess and surrender the rights to the competition...
Puchongpisut will not participate in the competition for the title of Great Lord of Life this time. We
will prove that what happened was not our intention and that it was not us who did it." Ramil turned
around. Both legs were trembling unsteadily.

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The young nobleman felt cold and numb all over his body. Even though his father reached out
and grabbed his arm, Ramil still couldn't feel the warmth of the palm he used to affectionately
caress his shoulder.

"Enough! I can handle this... Ramil! Don't do that!" The only son of the Puchongpisut family
slowly turned to his father. The father's face looked both confused and helpless. His eyes
seemed shaky, and the shoulders that had once seemed strong now seemed to hang limply.

Ramil looked up. The hands that lay beside him were clenched tightly. He closed his eyes and
let the sadness in his heart flow down his cheeks. Before confessing a sin he didn't commit,
Ramil decided to leave his last words for his father to reflect on.

All the feelings kept in his heart.

"Don't do anything else... please... trust me... just once."

"..."

"Don't make me feel more ashamed for having a father like you... Your Majesty."

.......

After the chaos, the interview and the party ended quickly. The royal physician from Dawin
City's First Hospital was invited to the palace. Meanwhile, those involved in the party, including
the event supervisor hired by the Puchongpisut family, were strictly investigated.

Tarin and Thipbovorn ordered people to search the scene to investigate whether the incident was
really just an accident or if someone planned it.

Ramil himself has undergone a physical examination. Meanwhile, at the same time, Rachata was
furious, and the leader of the Puchongpisut family was furious because he was worried about his
son. And that makes the tense atmosphere even more somber.

'Uncle doesn't think I did it, does he? Uncle could see that Ramil was also almost hurt. If he fails, it's
not just Asawadevathin who will be killed, but Puchongpisut will also experience the same thing.'

Charan didn't want to wait any longer to hear anyone's excuses. Once he arrived at Kanin's room, he
didn't think about leaving the young man until the Royal Doctor arrived and asked him to wait outside.

His handsome face looked worried. Although Kanin kept telling him he was fine, he still felt very
depressed and worried about the young man.

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All sorts of thoughts flashed through his head. Especially after seeing the young man's face, with
the bracelet on his right shoulder, Charan felt even more guilty about what had happened. If he
hadn't left Kanin alone, none of this would have happened.

"The doctor said Nin had to use this bandage on Nin's arm," the young man said softly. His pretty
face seemed to smile as if to calm him down. Kanin looked at him with worried eyes. This made it
difficult for anyone who saw him to differentiate which of the two was injured in this incident.

"Phi, I'm sorry," Charan took a moment to recover his vocal cords. The man approached the bed and
raised his hand as if to touch the body of the injured person. But in the end, his hand remained
suspended in the air.

Charan is afraid of hurting Kanin. That's why he didn't dare touch the person he loved.

"Why are you sorry Phi?"

"Phi said that Phi would protect Nin. But Phi..."

"It's not Phi Ran's fault, it's an accident. No one wants something like this to happen," Kanin then
approached the young man, grasping his warm palm and pulling him towards him. Meanwhile,
Charan continues to blame himself.

The young man still remembered the events of that time very well. If it weren't for Ramil's help,
Kanin might have been more injured than this.

"But Phi can't help Nin at all."

"Nin's fine. And having Phi here can help Nin recover from her fear..."

"..."

"Please give Nin a hug." Kanin extended his good hand and opened his arms to embrace the
older man. The anguished expression on Charan's face didn't diminish at all. The man thought
of all sorts of bad things that could happen to the young nobleman. Though it seems Kanin
didn't suffer much from his injuries.

"Is Nin afraid?" Because he said that, as his close friend, Charan would look after him, so Kanin
didn't have to sleep alone tonight. Then, Chakri offered to ask someone to prepare an extra
bed for him before he went to rest.

Charan sat on the same bed as Kanin. They didn't mind the extra bed Chakri had prepared. The
reason was because it wasn't needed. He didn't know how many times they'd slept together...
so what was the point of separating their beds now?

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But since they didn't want to offend the young head steward, they let the man show his good
intentions.

"Scared, worried, but not to the point of shock." Kanin's strength in noticing and accepting his
own feelings has never changed. The noble young man didn't lie to himself about the many
worries on his mind. But since he had already decided to face them, he didn't think about
wasting any more time.

If this accident really wasn't an ordinary accident, it meant someone deliberately wanted to
injure him to stop the competition. Or worse, something too dangerous for him to control.
Kanin suspected the person hiding in the dark corner wouldn't give up on his wish.

He would take this moment to tell the assassins that all their plans hadn't worked at all. One
reason is that Kanin isn't injured, and the competition won't stop. When in a state of
emergency, someone will make mistakes and things won't go as planned. Apply a little
pressure, and then the person will reveal who they are. Everyone just needs to wait for the
right moment to force them to perform under pressure.

"If Nin is going to do that, then Phi will support him completely." Charan's words were like
drops of water that made him feel relieved. When Kanin felt restless and uneasy, at least he
had this man by his side.

"Thank you." Kanin smiled sincerely. The young man then invited his lover to sleep. The slender
figure gently patted the bed, asking for someone to climb in and sleep beside her. But just as
Charan was about to lie down, he stopped and got up again, due to the sound of a knock from
the servant at the door.

"What is it?" Charan asked, while Kanin sat back and frowned as he looked at the door
curiously.

"I apologize, Your Majesty. Prince Ramil has come..."

"Ramil?" The words of the maid in charge of guarding the door made the young nobleman
repeat the newcomer's name. Kanin frowned, wondering why the man had come here so late
at night.

Hasn't he returned to his palace yet?

"If Nin doesn't want to see him, that's fine. Phi will go outside and talk to him." Charan must
have seen his thoughtful, hesitant expression, so he volunteered to take charge. The tall figure
prepared to get out of bed, but the younger man held his arm back. The handsome young man
shook his head slightly before pulling Charan close and whispering softly.

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"Ramil came in immediately after the incident, and that suggests there must be something wrong... can
you come in so we can find out?"

"Good." Charan was silent for a moment before nodding. The tall figure left the room and
disappeared for a few moments, causing Kanin to stand and want to follow. But the person he
was waiting for encouraged him to go back inside.

"Prince Ramil has arrived." Because Charan wouldn't allow the outside servants to follow him, he
had to handle everything himself, when there was no one responsible for calling out the young
nobleman's name.

The young prince of Asawadevathin narrowed his eyes and looked at his cousin, who was still wearing the
same clothes she had been wearing before the incident. The man entered with a dignified expression, which
seemed at odds with his handsome, tired face.

Those two pairs of eyes, which normally seemed arrogant, now seemed empty. The tip of her
nose was red, and faint traces of tears could still be clearly seen.

"I came... to apologize." Before he could ask the reason the man had come here, Ramil had
already fallen in front of him. The tall figure who always stood with his head held high with
confidence now knelt on the ground beneath him, causing Kanin to feel a little surprised.

The man showed no sign of hesitation. He showed that what he did had been carefully thought
out... a self-loving nobleman like that man would never bow to anyone unless it was a matter of
life or death.

"Apologize for what?... Weren't you the one who saved me?" Kanin hesitated to tell the man to
stand up. Although doing this allowed him to suppress others, he never intended to make
anyone grovel under his feet. But even so, this moment could be considered a good
opportunity to ask the questions on his mind, without having to go out and find the answers
himself.

He decided to go with the flow.

"I'm sorry because... what happened today was my father's doing." When the young man admitted everything in a
low voice, Kanin immediately turned his head to look at Charan.

The heart in his chest was beating so fast it almost bounced. The young man hadn't expected the answer he
was looking for to come to him so easily.

A pair of double-lidded eyes stared at the person still kneeling in front of him. Ramil didn't even
raise his head to look at him. The man's demeanor seemed to reveal the regret and guilt in his
heart.

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However, not knowing what the man would do next, the noble young man from the Crested
Family decided to remain silent and let Ramil say what he wanted to admit.

"Because my father hurt you... then I'll pay for it."

"..."

"I will relinquish my rights... Puchongpisut will not participate in the contest for the title of
Great Lord of Life." Ramil's firm words made Kanin freeze. But it was only for a moment, before
his double-lidded eyes narrowed to discover if the man had any hidden agenda.

"Do you mean your father wants to kill me?"

"No... my father wouldn't do that."

"Your father wouldn't do that? But would he deliberately let that pole fall on me?" Kanin asked
in an uncertain tone. What if he fails? Or didn't Ramil come to save him? Is he still alive and
breathing now?

Kanin didn't even know what he was feeling or how to deal with his emotions at the time. After
learning that one of the members of the Puchongpisut family was thinking of killing him, the
person who had saved his life was from that family.

"There's a truth you must know." Ramil slowly stood up, looking at him with eyes that still
showed traces of tears.

"..."

"My father wouldn't do that... I admit that my father did plan to hurt you. But what he planned was
only to hurt you, not kill you."

"With that pillar?" The eyebrows of those who heard him furrowed. Kanin tried to argue
further, but Ramil didn't. He made no room for that.

"No, the waiter at the party... Father intended for the waiter to trip you over your leg to make
you fall or push you so you have a little accident, so the pain would make it difficult for you to
move during the game."

"And you want me to believe that?"

"I didn't come here to ask you to trust me. But I came to take responsibility for my father's
actions." He said in a flat voice. There wasn't the slightest waver in Ramil's expression. His
sharp eyes remained calm, causing the white-skinned man to ask several questions that had
arisen in his mind.

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"So why are you responsible if your father did it? Shouldn't you be looking for the person
responsible for the crime? Why give up your rights when you want to win so badly?" Yes, she
didn't know what kind of person Ramil was. The man was arrogant and had attacked her from
the first day they met.

The man was cynical, unfriendly, and often displayed a threatening attitude. If I had to classify
the man, I would put Ramil in the category of victory-hungry rivals.

To come out of nowhere and say he'd give up his rights just because his father had done this to
him was, frankly, a little odd. Kanin thought blood must be thicker than water. Aside from that,
Ramil is also somewhat similar to his father.

Maybe this is part of the plan...

"Victory obtained through cheating doesn't suit me. I have more pride and honor than that." When he
thought about the man's possible reasons, Ramil explained everything in a single sentence.

A phrase that clearly expressed the man's point of view and way of thinking.

Ramil is the kind of person who's hungry for victory. But with Rachata, it's different... because he doesn't
think about doing tricks outside the rules.

"By the way, you seem like a very nice person." The young man blinked and then laughed out
loud. Surprisingly, Ramil's arrogant words made Kanin feel quite relieved.

Even though they had never been intimate before and got along well, the other party's expression of
regret had helped the young man of royal blood understand him more.

Kanin admitted that at first he felt awkward because he didn't know what his cousin, who was once
his enemy, was thinking and suddenly came and admitted all his father's mistakes in front of him.

However, after seeing the man's arrogance, Kanin wasn't surprised. Ramil is a person of
integrity with his words. He considers justice to be the fundamental principle, unlike Rachata.

"That's all I wanted to say. Then I'll go... I have to prepare a press conference about renouncing
my rights. Then I'll find the real culprit to punish him." Ramil said, finishing his sudden
confession. Kanin remained silent as he stared at the man's broad back. He processed
something in his mind before deciding to restrain his cousin.

"Wait... don't go yet."

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"..." The thick palm that was about to open the door stopped. Ramil turned around, his sharp
eyes showing no expression of satisfaction at being called and stopped by her. If someone
deliberately made a confession to play a trick and appear good, then it probably wouldn't come
across like this.

"Before you go, there's something I want to ask."

"That?"

"I swear to answer honestly." Kanin glanced out of the corner of his eye at Charan, who was
also looking at him, as if considering the next situation.

"Tell me... I don't have much time."

"How does your family look after and protect their subordinates?... Why do they let bodyguards
with injured legs work at that party? I saw one of them. Is he a Puchongpisut person?" Kanin
asked in a calm voice. But he was actually lying.

There were no bodyguards at the party with injured legs. But Kanin just wanted to see the
other party's reaction to connect the clues to the criminal who had attacked him earlier, and
also to the person who had injured his arm today.

He couldn't help but think that Puchongpisut might be the real culprit. The story Charan had
once told about the royal guard who had injured his leg still stuck in his head. So Kanin thought
he should try asking, because perhaps this was the only way to get closer to the truth.

"When did my family allow a bodyguard with a sore leg to take over?... that's impossible. Let
alone doing important work, even though he's still working as a bodyguard... we don't hire
people who are physically imperfect." Frowning, Ramil took out his cell phone and pressed the
button to enter the system. He opened a screen containing the latest information on the
guards before handing it to Kanin.

The man felt annoyed because he thought what Kanin was asking... made no sense.

"It's probably the old bodyguard... Khun Charan, check if that person is here." Kanin took his
cell phone and gave it to Charan to check, who immediately understood upon hearing what he
said.

The tall figure quickly picked up the cell phone to check it, as Kanin requested. His eyes
scanned the phone screen carefully, while Ramil sighed as he looked at his watch.

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"If you want to see the list of old Guards, select and press the Old Guards record. Press the icon
above," Ramil said as he stepped forward and waited while crossing his arms in front of his
chest.

"..." Kanin remained silent as he waited for someone, who was a close friend, to verify the
information. Then he secretly observed his cousin's expression and realized that Ramil didn't
seem nervous or worried at all.

Although there was a hint of annoyance in his voice at being accused of bringing a bodyguard
with a sore leg to do such an important job, the tall man didn't urge Charan to check it out
quickly. There was no aura of someone trying to cover up their mistakes.

The man simply seemed impatient, afraid of not being able to handle his affairs in a timely manner. But his
sharp eyes remained calm and unwavering, just as they had been when he had first entered and confessed the
whole truth to her.

His character is clear, temperamental, and straightforward. I couldn't even imagine what the man would be like
if he were deceived or lied to.

"I didn't find a familiar face on that person," Charan said, turning around with a serious face, before
returning the cell phone to its owner. He then stepped back and bowed to the noble young man from the
opposite family.

"Are you satisfied?... then I'll come back..."

"Not yet" After Charan confirmed to him that Puchongpisut is not harboring any suspicious
individuals and was probably not involved in sending someone to kill him, Kanin then spoke to
take Ramil back into custody with a changed attitude.

"I still haven't thanked you for saving me."

"..."

"Thank you, thank you so much." Sincere thanks were expressed. Kanin truly wanted to thank
Ramil. But deep down in his heart, he couldn't deny that there might be other intentions
hidden within that man.

"If you don't help someone who may be suffering before your eyes... how can you qualify as a
leader?" the man shrugged in response. Ramil still maintains his line of thought.

Ramil always acts arrogantly, but he adheres to goodness and justice. His morals were so high
that it was no surprise that the man had a habit of putting himself above others.

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Part of the reason may be that he believes he's never done anything wrong to anyone, whether in front
of or behind their back. And people like that are better friends than enemies.

"You don't look anything like your father... If Uncle were like you, then Uncle wouldn't have allowed
someone he didn't know to lead him on and trap him." Kanin meant that if the man's father had the
same morals... then there wouldn't have been an incident that caused Ramil to have to come and
kneel before him like this.

"..."

"Imagine if your father hadn't played such a trick on you... right now we'd probably all be
training for the game that's coming up in the next few days."

"..."

"You really are a good person. You're also a tough opponent. And if I have to get rid of
someone, then I'll get rid of someone as tough and terrifying as you."

Kanin took the opportunity to express his admiration while breathing fire into Ramil's chest. He
didn't want to divide anyone, but he needed to find allies.

"..." Ramil's expression wasn't much different from her prediction. The man looked dazed and
speechless, as if he were trying to process and utilize his thoughts.

"If that's the case, will you still give up your rights? What if the real goal isn't just me, but also
getting rid of you?... If that person tries to push you out of the competition and you give up
your rights, that means they've achieved their goals."

"What do you mean?"

"So... think about it, who will benefit if I get hurt and you give up your rights?" When Ramil was
proven not to be the culprit, Kanin deliberately crushed the man's guilt and used it as strength
to revive the battle and bring the man before him to join his side.

He deliberately gave several clues to help Ramil think. One reason was because he realized the
man was quite moral.

That means the man will use all the information he's given, plus all the stories he knows, to
help him get his mind off the people he believes couldn't have committed the crime.

Kanin believes Ramil knows more about these people than he does. Combined with his straightforward
nature, the information coming out of this man's mouth can be trusted.

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"Eva and Uncle Chana are not like that."

"I haven't said who it is... why did you think of denying Eve first?" Kanin smiled slightly, not the
smile of someone mocking. But rather a satisfied smile as he got closer to the truth.

"Because Eva and Uncle Chana don't get along with my father... they have disagreements and haven't spoken
to each other for a long time. It's impossible for them to work together."

"So, who talks to your father often?... Definitely not my father." Ramil was silent for a moment.
His forehead seemed to furrow as he pondered something.

"There was one person who always came to see my father... Someone who could analyze your game...
That person told my father that I was stupid... for following you in everything... for being willing to pay
almost every cent to beat you... and even though I managed to beat the athlete I wanted, it was not a
victory I should be proud of."

"..."

"But if that person was the perpetrator, they had no reason to do this. Because no matter who
wins this competition, they won't get any benefits... Because they don't have an heir."

"You're talking about..."

"Uncle Wasin," the name of someone who didn't benefit from this competition, came out of
Ramil's mouth. Seeing the man remain silent made Kanin even more determined to continue
asking questions.

"And is Uncle Wasin close to Uncle Chana?"

"I don't know about that. All I know is that of the Eva people who will be competing in the competition,
half of them are from Minanakarin."

At this point, Kanin seemed to be starting to figure things out. And the things in his head,
which were like puzzle pieces, slowly began to fall into place.

Although Ramil said that person had no motive, but what if he collaborated with Twichmeta?

Or if no one could win the title... if no heir could win the competition, what would be the
judging criteria?

Who will be the next Great Lord of Life? ... Will Minanakarin own the rights?

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"Then you shouldn't trust Eva either..." Kanin concluded, who wouldn't stop doubting anyone until
he knew the truth. And now, Eva is one of those people who should be suspected, who shouldn't be
discarded or trusted.

"What do you really mean?" The man, who was raised to be always alert with every step he
took, narrowed his eyes because he didn't understand. Ramil still wasn't on anyone's side.
Kanin could see that the man still didn't consider him an ally.

But the noble young man was certain... bringing someone like that to the same side as him wasn't too difficult
a thing to do.

The main factor is the enemy. If they had the same objectives, then a ceasefire seemed
possible.

"I want you to keep competing."

"Because?"

"Don't you want to know who's behind all this? Don't you want to know who made this happen?
Who ruined the competition you planned? What if those people weren't just trying to get rid of
me?"

This intriguing and edifying sentence suddenly changed Ramil's mind. Kanin was sure the man
had never thought of that and only thought of it after hearing all of his opinions.

"..."

"Think carefully. Aside from your father losing his right to be the Great Lord of Life, there is
another, worse possibility... your father could be sentenced to death for treason... if we cannot
discover who the true perpetrator is."

"My father didn't do that... although he wanted power, but he... he wasn't that bad."

"That's why... that's why you have to keep competing. We need to work together to find evidence.
You don't want someone else to pull your nose off, do you?"

"..."

"Ramil Puchongpisut would never want to be a stupid pawn in someone's chess game, right?"

As someone once said, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Currently, both he and Ramil were
in danger. So it would be best if the two worked together. As the saying goes, kill two birds with
one stone.

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Kanin thought this game had been designed and planned by someone. Perhaps... it's not just about
eliminating contestants. But there could be something bigger than that.

Today's events—the encounter with his father at the dump, the secret of Charan's mother's
death, and Ramil's father's betrayal, which makes him the prime suspect in his assault case...

Kanin is pretty sure everything is connected...

Seeing that Ramil was silent, Kanin turned to look at the leader of the Phitakdeva family, who
had been standing silently beside him. The man nodded slightly to him, confirming that he
agreed with all of his choices.

"I don't want to be a stupid pawn in someone else's chess game." Ramil's response didn't
disappoint those waiting for his answer. Kanin smiled and welcomed the new ally joining his
side. Although the two are often annoyed with each other.

"Did you finally agree?"

"Uh, yeah."

"Then let's make...Ramen."

"What?" The strange nickname made the listener frown. Kanin laughed. The more complicated
the man's facial expression, the more he wanted to mock him.

"Ramil, Ramen... Khun Ramen, let's work together."

"..."

"Why? Are you upset? Oh... I'm scared." Kanin laughed. Then he smiled and decided not to let
the other party sink into too much suffering and stress.

After all, they were friends now. And as a friend, he should help her cope with her emotions,
right?

"...Hey you... Kanaa." This time, Ramil didn't show his anger. He paused for a moment before
sighing softly in response.

"What did you call me?"

"Kanaa, why... are you upset?" The young nobleman laughed heartily. Kanin decided not to
reply and simply smiled with a face that seemed a little sorry for himself.

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Ramil seemed to be trying to appear normal. But deep down, he still felt deeply worried. The man's
gesture made Kanin decide to extend his hand in front of him.

The man made little eye contact. But eventually, he reached out to gently grasp and shake
Kanin's hand, as if signaling a temporary truce. They then exchanged a few more words before
Ramil said his goodbyes and left.

"I'm upset, but at least this deal lets me call you Ramen."

"Whatever, call it what you want."

"After this, someone will ask me about my arm injury and ask for your opinion on the
competition..."

"I'll confirm the match date as scheduled," the only son of the Puchongpisut family promised.
Then the man ended the conversation and left immediately. Perhaps because there was an
important issue he needed to address.

In the dormitory at that time, there were only Kanin and Charan as before.

The wounded man sighed. His shoulders, which had been tense when facing other people, now
relaxed as he turned his head and made eye contact with the person next to him, who had been
staring at him for a long time.

"Phi Ran, Nin did the right thing, right?"

"Nin did well," Charan replied, placing his fingertips on Kanin's soft cheeks and stroking them
gently. He didn't say whether it was right or wrong, because he wasn't a judge. But he knew
Kanin's true intentions.

Hence, Charan did not think of discussing the means used by the young man...

"Nin will not delay the competition. Nin will not play anyone's game."

"Phi knows."

It was all a plan to trick the criminal into ruining his own game... if the perpetrator's desire was
to end the competition, then this could further provoke the person behind the shadows to
reveal themselves quickly.

A bit risky, but at least it might help identify the culprit more quickly.

"After all this is over, no matter what happens, Phi will still be by Nin's side. It doesn't matter if
Nin wins or loses."

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"..."

"Let's finish this game."

Chapter 40: Smart

Inside Dawin Palace, across from the Young Prince's private floor, his father's chest was
currently burning with the fires of anger. After Prince Tarin ordered his own men to investigate
and discover who was behind the incident that befell his beloved son, he rampaged through
the palace gardens.

The main reason is because he doesn't believe the claims and words of his younger cousin,
Rachata. But until he finds proof, he'll still have to wait a while to confirm the truth. In the end,
the middle-aged man had to return to his own room with sadness and depression in his heart,
because there was nothing else he could do.

What happened to Kanin left Tarin unable to sleep. The head of the Asawadevathin family is
currently in bed, feeling depressed. Anxiety hit him as much as fear...

Today's events have influenced Tarin's fear of the past... events from twenty years ago and
memories he'll never forget resurface and leave the middle-aged man's mind reeling...

At that moment... little Kanin had just been born, and the people of Emmaly clapped to
welcome the newest member of the royal family. Gifts were sent from all over the world to his
son as a sign of respect. Every minute of Tarin's life was filled with joy, until one day his wife
asked permission to return home and visit her home village, which was in another city.

Tarin didn't know it would be their last moment together, as father and son.

He, Khun Nita and Kanin

'What are you going Tarin? Are you sure you still want to go even without me?'

Tarin remembers the day he approached and hugged his beloved wife from behind. That morning,
Nita was scheduled to return home with her first child, as her in-laws wanted their first grandchild
to undergo the culturally appropriate gift-giving ritual.

However, his return schedule coincided with a special meeting with the Minanakarin area.
Therefore, Tarin was unable to follow his wife's wishes. He could only escort his wife and son
from the palace in this manner.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

'Of course. Why do you, Tarin, follow me everywhere? You, Tarin, aren't you working? Tarin,
you're a regional leader now. Don't act like a child.' For some reason, despite complaining a
million times, Tarin still smiled. He liked it when his wife scolded him for being too attached to
his wife and son. But that's because he truly loves them both.

I really loved them so much, I didn't know how I would live without them both.

'Well, I don't want to be away from you and our son... just being apart for a few hours without
seeing your faces already makes me miserable. Especially now that you're going back to your
hometown for three days... how am I supposed to sleep?'

'Tarin, you're so ridiculous, Tarin. I suspect one day Tarin will sue me and our son,' his wife
complained, not seriously. Then Nita giggled a little as she led him by the hand to the nursery,
which was right next to the wall of their bedroom.

His wife bent down and carefully picked up the chubby baby before handing it to him. Little
Kanin, whose face resembled his father-in-law's, smiled sweetly as he looked into his biological
father's face.

'Kanin, look at your father. Dad doesn't want to work... Dad wants to follow us. Doesn't my father
deserve to be scolded?' Khun Nita said with a smile on her face. She leaned forward and kissed the
little boy. And only after that did little Kanin raise his head.

'Ah ah'

'What? Why? Tarin, do you like this, Kanin? What are you doing, Tarin? Are you scolding Dad? ...
Don't get angry, Dad, Dad just doesn't want to be away from you and Mom... Wait a day or two.
Can't I go with you?' At the end of the sentence, Tarin didn't ask his son, but turned to his wife and
asked. Then Nita lifted Kanin from her arms, hugged him, and leaned against him.

'We can't. We have to leave immediately. It's no good if we keep my parents waiting... Tarin,
you also have an urgent meeting with Phi Wasin. Please do your job well... Don't forget to help
Phi Wasin speak at this meeting.'

'....'

'By the way, poor Phi Wasin. Tarin and Nanakarin will have almost nothing left because of the
auction to build the express train...if Tarin doesn't help good people like Phi Wasin, he might think
briefly'

'I'll talk to Dad... you don't have to worry.' Tarin understood his wife's concerns. Khun Nita is a
very good person. She truly cared about the well-being of many people. That's why he couldn't
help but sympathize with the people of Menanakarin.

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Phi Wasin came today to request an urgent meeting with him, despite his father's expressed
refusal to help Menanakarin.

'If only Phi Wasin hadn't gone with Rachata, things wouldn't have ended this way.'

'We'd better stop talking about other people, Nita...' Tarin gently chided his wife. He lovingly
stroked the hair on her soft cheek. This time, the man didn't want his wife to appear stressed in
front of the child.

He wanted his son to see only the smiles on his parents' faces. He didn't want Kanin to face the
pressure he had experienced throughout his life.

Pressure from his father...

Throughout his life, Tarin never chose his own path in life. Until one day, he decided to choose
Khun Nita as his father. Although his father initially disagreed and tried to find someone else to
replace him, when his beloved wife became pregnant with a child, his father eventually agreed.

'Good. I won't say any more about that... Ah. It's almost time. Tarin, you'll take me to the car, right?'

"Of course, let's go." Tarin hugged his wife, who was carrying a baby, to her chest and walked
her to the waiting group. Tarin said goodbye to the two people he loved and watched the
mother and daughter in the car slowly drive away, never thinking this would be the last time
they would smile at each other...

Nita and Kanin died in the incident.

Tarin didn't even get a chance to see them both for the last time...

When he learned of the murder, Tarin ran out of the conference room, not knowing the
address. He was no longer interested in finding a way to help Phi Wasin, even though he had
promised his wife. At that moment, Tarin's mind was not with his body. He could only pray that
someone would tell him that the news he heard wasn't true.

But in the end, his prayers went unanswered. When he arrived at his residence, Tarin found
something that truly broke his heart.

He found Nita's lifeless body covered in blood. He had been shot in vital parts shortly before his
arrival. Meanwhile, several guards reported that another group of guards, which included Tattanai
and the then head of the Phitakdeva family, had been able to take the young prince away.

Tarin immediately followed up on this. He ordered all parties to conduct a search. And about
two hours later, the local police called to report that a car had exploded and overturned in the
rain, just outside the city, on a new road.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

The voice on the phone reported that the car was still on fire. Not far away, the body of Chita,
the woman who was the head of the Phitakdeva family at the time, was found. It must have
bounced out of the car, while inside were the bodies of an adult man and a baby, so badly
burned they were difficult to recognize.

Just hearing that made Tarin go crazy.

His last shred of hope was consumed before his eyes. He lost everything in a matter of hours.
His beloved wife, his only son, his most trusted friend, including the family leader who had just
sworn allegiance to Asawadevathin.

The sadness and regret at that moment were too much for Tarin. His head felt like it had been
electrocuted, his body couldn't move, his ears couldn't hear anything, and his eyes were
blurred with tears.

The last thing Tarin saw was his father walking toward him with Phi Wasin, before all
consciousness disappeared completely. He was unconscious for nearly three days... but
thankfully, he woke up in time to take his wife and child to their final resting place.

Tarin never cried again. She went on with her life to find out who had committed this heinous
act. Every day, Tarin lives to find the culprit and punish them for breaking her heart.

But it seems like he's always one step slower than someone else...

Whenever there was a lead to track these people down, they always died less than an hour before
he arrived. His bodyguards reported that these people didn't swallow poison and always ended up
with their throats slit until they died...

This continued continuously, until news arrived of the capture of the rebels who had gathered
near the port of Menanakarin.

In that incident, Phi Wasin himself captured the rebels. Among them were many high-ranking
guards. There were so many people from each region that he couldn't even distinguish who the
central figure behind these people was. But all the evidence and motives prove that these people
are the ones who caused him to lose his family.

When he was about to make an arrest, Phi Wasin had to fight the group until he was barely able to
survive. But in the end, he was able to kill them before reporting the matter to the Great Lord of
Life.

What the leader Menanakarin did demonstrated his loyalty to his father. As a result,
negotiations to provide financial assistance to Menanakarin went smoothly.

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The issues discussed in the past are considered resolved... No one talks about railway concessions
anymore, because the Great Lord of Life has no intention of building a connecting line. The reason
is that he fears that if every area is easily accessible, it will be difficult to control.

Tarin lives with revenge. Although he caught the perpetrator, it didn't restore his happiness.
He's lost it since his wife and son died. This feeling of loss numbed his heart, so he chose to
reject everyone who tried to get close to him.

Fortunately, although his father introduced him to many descendants of famous families, he
didn't force his son to accept anyone as his new wife. From then on, his father never spoke of
the family succession again.

Living without a wife and children means he has no one left to care for except his own father. Tarin resolves to
be the best son he can be. And as he continued to grieve for the deaths of two people he loved, Tarin decided
to isolate himself from everything.

He lives alone, unaware that his only son is still alive...

and that they would meet again twenty years later.

Kanin is still alive... and his son has returned in good health and with a brilliant brain.

The more they met and talked, the more he missed someone who had died. Kanin is very similar to
the Khun Nita in his memory: cheerful, mischievous, intelligent, and kind.

All of this made Tarin feel happy and sad at the same time. She's happy that her son is growing well.
But at the same time, she felt sad because she didn't have the chance to see her son grow up.

That's why Tarin tries to redeem himself by not forcing Kanin too much. And as for Kanin, who
has to compete. Actually, he didn't really agree with that.

If Kanin doesn't want to compete, he can refuse. But although he wanted to say something like that, he
sadly couldn't. Tarin even had to wait a month before he worked up the courage to speak to his only son,
whom he hadn't seen in twenty years.

And recently they've started getting closer. Tarin wants to spend more time with his son. He
thought that once Kanin was under Asawadevathin's wing, the boy would be safe.

When the competition is over, he intends to take Kanin on a trip to a distant place and spend time
together to learn about his son. Even though Kanin didn't win the competition, it didn't matter. He
just wants Kanin to return to him so they can live together as father and son, without having to
think about other people.

But things don't seem to be that easy.

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Although he knew that on the way back his son would be in trouble because he was attacked by a gang
of criminals, Tarin did not think of doing anything because he believed in the promise of the Great Lord
of Life that he would protect his grandson well from any trouble.

Her father probably didn't want to see her disappear from the palace anymore because he was obsessed with
revenge, or searching for the culprit, as he had been before. But what happened today made him realize how
insecure his son was.

What happened to Kanin showed that his beloved son was still in danger. Kanin's life isn't as
safe as he thought.

The boy remains the target of several people. Perhaps the same person who carried out the attack
twenty years ago. In the past, Emmaly had always been peaceful when there was no sign of the
Asawadevathin heir.

But when Kanin returns to reveal who he is, he returns.

Kanin's existence may be contrary to the interests of someone who thinks he will be the next
Great Lord of Life.

But who? ...

Rachata... is the prime suspect.

She had suspected her cousin from the start. But since there was no clear evidence, there wasn't much
she could do. Rachata's character is a power-hungry person. Aside from that, she's also made it clear that
she doesn't want anyone to interfere with her quest to the throne. That's why she continues to pressure
her other niece, Eva.

Using gender as an excuse that the girl was unqualified, in order to pave the way for Ramil, her
only son, to take him to the highest pinnacle of power.

But this time it won't be like before. Tarin didn't want to sit back and wait for his son to be
attacked a second time. Therefore, he gave orders to secretly search for evidence of Rachata's
guilt.

Tarin is sure that Rachata won't stop here...

A long time passed, as Tarin, unable to sleep, continued to think about the past. Before he
knew it, the sky outside had gradually turned a pale orange.

Tarin finally decided not to sleep when he saw the sun appear over the horizon. Then, the
middle-aged man got out of bed and took a shower to clear his head.

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Tarin, who was so lost in his thoughts, came out of the bathroom, before his eyes saw a dark
shadow moving across the room.

Even though it was just a look, it made Tarin run to the drawer next to the bed, open it and take
out a gun to protect himself, then hold it in his hand.

Who... Who managed to break security to get into this area?

The leader of the Asawadevathin clan removed the safety on the gun in his hand, before silently
walking to the place where he saw a black shadow in the corner of the locker room.

Tarin took advantage of the moment when the intruder hadn't moved yet. He pointed the gun at his head and
pressed the tip of the barrel to signal to the intruder that he was armed with a weapon ready to blow his head
off with the pull of the trigger.

The heart in his chest was beating so fast it was forcing the blood in his body to pump rapidly.
His strong hand pressed against the tip of the gun barrel, forcing the intruder to lower his head
and raise his hands, which were originally at his sides, above his head.

"Who are you? Who sent you?" Tarin didn't know who or what the intruder's purpose was. What
he did know was that the intruder could easily carry out the deed. Fortunately, the light switch
was nearby, so he could remove a hand and press it to bring light into the dark room.

"..."

"I asked you who you are?!"

"Greetings to Your Majesty... It's me." Less than a split second after shouting, the intruder
turned around, still holding both hands in surrender. The familiar face he hadn't seen in twenty
years made Tarin's eyes widen.

"Tattanai... Danai."

"That's right. It's me, Prince Tarin."

"Why did you just come back?" Tarin immediately dropped his weapon as soon as he heard the
familiar call. And finally, he knew who the person was who had dared to invade the royal
palace.

That person was Tattanai, a former Guard and old acquaintance, who knew the escape routes and
hiding places of this palace very well. Excited, he moved to examine the person in front of him. His
strong hands ran over the large body of the man who had once been his close friend, feeling
confused and happy at the same time.

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"I returned a long time ago, Your Majesty... I returned with the Young Prince, but I couldn't come to
inform him."

"What's wrong? Have you been to see Dad? Dad is always looking for Danai, but he can't find
you at all." The feeling of happiness that his old friend had returned left Tarin speechless. But
even though his heart was filled with happiness, his eyes could still see the changes in the
facial expressions of the people in front of him at a glance.

"Did His Majesty the Great Lord of Life say that?" Tattanai asked in a low voice. His eyes seemed
to darken, and his facial expression darkened.

"Yeah... Dad said Danai couldn't be found... or maybe Danai had died while helping Kanin."
Seeing the expression on his interlocutor's face, Tarin deliberately spoke a little longer.

This time he didn't even see the happy expression on his former confidant's face. On the contrary, when
he heard Thipboborn talking about him, the man showed obvious discomfort.

It was like he had something on his mind, but he couldn't say it.

"Is that so?"

"Why does your facial expression look like that?... Is there something I don't know?" Tarin narrowed his
eyes as he began to realize this oddity.

Why didn't this brilliant former Royal Guard show his loyalty by reporting to his master after
returning to his home country? Why did he seem upset even though his master had been earnestly
searching for him?

"I'm not sure how much I can say."

"Twenty years apart, I've become a different person to Danai now, haven't I?" Tarin sighed.

"Don't say that. Your Highness has never been anyone else... I am only loyal to Your Highness." The
man's face looked surprised. Tattanai then knelt down to show his loyalty through his body
language.

"So why didn't you tell me in the past?... Why didn't you tell me that Danai and Kanin were still
alive?... Why did you tell me through someone else?..."

"..."

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"I had given up before, because I thought the bodies I burned with my own hands were the
bodies of my wife, my children, Chita and Danai, who were my closest friends... Danai, do you
know how much I suffered? ...at that time I had no one... who else... no one at all." Tarin looked
down at the person on the ground below him, who seemed to show nothing but regret.

Tatdanai himself must have endured a lot of sadness. So why did he still refuse to tell her what
was on his mind?

"..."

"Can you tell me what happened? How did you survive? So why can't you return to the palace?"
During the conversation, Tarin began to realize the strangeness of the phrases his close friend
was saying.

He knew Danai was an honest person, who wouldn't say anything that might cause trouble for his
master. However, seeing Kanin's affection for this man made Tarin believe that if it concerned
Kanin, Tattanai would tell him everything that was on his mind.

Because Tattanai really loves Kanin... just like him.

"If you know something but don't say it... Our son will be in danger... Danai heard the news too,
right? About Kanin being injured. That's why you came here to see me... and you're not going
to see my father." Seeing Tattanai remain silent, Tarin pressed further. The nobleman
deliberately used the words "our son" to remind the man of the person he loved.

"You're right, Your Majesty..." Tarin heard a sigh. As expected, upon hearing those words, the
former Royal Guards raised their heads to look at him. Tattanai's eyes filled with frustration. In the
end, he agreed to tell everything without thinking of hiding it any longer.

"..."

"Twenty years ago, at the time of the assassination, the Guards were divided into two groups.
The first was tasked with protecting Khun Nita, who was shot and seriously wounded, while the
second was tasked with escorting Prince Kanin away from the confrontation."

"..."

"I was ordered to get into the car and take the Young Prince away. Actually, there were four people in the
car... me, Khun Chita, the leader of Phitakdeva... the other royal guards... and the Young Prince."

"..."

584
Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"We had been away from pursuit for a while. Then I received a personal phone call from the
Great Lord of Life... His Majesty ordered me to take the Young Prince to flee in another
direction and ask the leader of Phitakdeva and those Royal Guards to continue the journey."

"..."

"After we separated, I hid in the woods by the side of the road until someone came to pick me
up... That night, I received paperwork regarding my name change and proof that I was married
and had a child, as well as a plane ticket to England... along with orders to disappear and keep
quiet until contacted."

"That means... my father knew about this from the beginning." Tarin froze. What he'd just
heard was definitely true. Because a man like Tattanai would never lie.

"That's right, Your Majesty..."

"So why didn't Dad tell me?... why did Dad make me think the burned body..." was Danai. Tarin
swallowed the last sentence. She began to wonder, of the many things she already knew, how
many of them were true.

"Perhaps the Great Lord of Life wants the Young Prince to survive. That's why His Majesty
planned that..." Tatdanai still seemed optimistic. Unlike Tarin, who shook his head and looked
bitter.

"Even so, my father should have told me and not let me burn the bodies of people I don't
know... two bodies, a man and a baby, who were unrecognizable due to severe burns... and
only Chita was the only village whose bodies could still be identified." Tarin took another
breath, remembering the past.

Everyone was certain that Kanin was dead, as the body of the leader of the Phitakdeva family
was nearby as confirmation.

"..." The person in front of him fell silent. Perhaps because he saw that Tarin was thinking about
something, the man didn't dare say anything.

The descendant of the Great Lord of Life who was currently on the throne then removed the
sad feelings from his head before choosing to ask the question he was curious about again.

"So why did you come to see me now?"

"Because I cannot find the Great Lord of Life."

"Because?"

585
Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"The Great Lord of Life has ordered me not to show myself..."

"That? ..."

"His Majesty saved me during the incident of the Young Prince's attack in London. When Khun
Charan brought the Young Prince back to Emmaly... he said, if I appear, then the Young Prince
would be in danger. The Great Lord of Life has given me the task of managing the warehouse.
Furthermore, His Majesty also ordered me to wait until the competition is over, only then can I
go meet the Young Prince."

"What storage facility?" Tarin was curious about what she heard. Meanwhile, Tattanai seemed
surprised to hear the question.

"The warehouse... to store Her Majesty's belongings."

"What's in the store?" he continued. When he saw Tattanai trying to avoid his question, Tarin
continued to press the man.

"A collection of jewels... from another city. I only just learned of the place... but I couldn't avoid
this task because being there was my only chance to meet the Young Prince again." Tattanai's
facial expression didn't look good as he was forced to tell his master's secret, despite being
ordered to keep his mouth shut.

"..." Tarin's eyes widened as everything became clear. He felt as if an electric current flowed
through his body, and sweat appeared on the middle of his back.

Several things flashed through his head. But what stood out most in his mind at this moment
was that... apparently, he had no idea what kind of person his father really was.

He thought he knew everything about his father, but it turned out he didn't know anything.

Storing other people's jewelry in such a warehouse. Even he, like his son, wasn't informed...
Couldn't this be considered fraud?

"That's all I know. I tried to be patient and wait for the day I could meet the Young Prince
again... but a few days ago the Young Prince went to the warehouse with Khun Charan. I had a
chance to meet them, and we talked for a while... After that, Prince Kanin... was injured."
Tattanai's words were cut off. Silence enveloped the two of them.

One person is drowning in sadness, while the other is drowning in the abyss of questions about what
they knew in the past. Tarin felt like he was going to drown. He couldn't breathe and felt suffocated, like
someone who had accidentally committed suicide.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"It wasn't Danai's fault... not at all." Tarin knew what his former confidant was thinking. He
reached out, squeezed the big man's shoulder, and shook his head. Both he and Tattanai felt
sad about what had happened to their only son. As someone who hadn't raised Kanin, he still
felt very worried, especially Tattanai, who had cared for him for over twenty years...

It definitely felt like her heart was breaking.

"But the Young Prince was injured... I came here because I wanted to know if he was okay or not."

"Kanin is fine, only his arm was injured. Luckily, Ramil came to save him... otherwise, he could
have been more seriously injured."

"It must be them... the people who tried to kill the Young Prince twenty years ago... and are still
attacking him now."

"What do you mean?" New information continues to flow. Even though his head was aching,
Tarin still wanted to hear everything from his former bodyguard.

"When I met the Young Prince that day... Khun Charan told me there were still people following
him. He said the person who did it was probably a high-ranking Guard, because that person
tried to commit suicide by biting poison into his teeth..."

"How is it possible...?" Tarin muttered. His mind wandered for a moment before returning to
normal. His sharp eyes looked worriedly at his former confidant.

"..."

"Tattanai probably doesn't know... After Danai left, there was a rebellion incident... Phi Wasin
was the one who defeated and captured them. We executed many senior guards... Anyone who
joined the rebellion will be executed. As for them, if you don't participate, you have to register
to have the poison removed from your body. There's no way anyone could use that method to
commit suicide."

"Could it be... there are still some people who have escaped His Majesty's eyes?" Tattanai began
to tense up. An invisible pressure began to build up. The fact that he had just found out made
him even more worried about Kanin.

"It's impossible... because I've investigated everything... I can't release those people because they
hurt my son." Tarin was certain he'd eliminated them all 20 years ago and hadn't left anyone
behind.

"What if... there was someone helping those people? What if the person who attacked the
Young Prince wasn't actually eliminated?... If so, who is the person you suspect the most?"

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

When this important question was asked, Tarin, of course, had the answer in mind. A vision of
someone pleading with the Great Lord of Life to trust him and that he had not harmed his noble
grandson, Kanin, appeared in his head.

"I suspect Rachata. I suspect Puchongpisut."

"Your Majesty..." Tatdanai nodded before bowing to her master, to whom she had sworn loyalty.
"Then may I ask permission to investigate the truth regarding this matter?... Please give me an
order. I will uncover the truth for you and give that person the punishment they deserve."

"Yes... I allow it," Tarin ordered without a second thought. The middle-aged man moved away
from that hidden corner, before turning off the lights as a signal for the other party to act as
carefully as possible.

Tattanai disappeared from there as soon as he received the order. The owner of the room
turned and walked to his favorite chair, then sat down, feeling tired. What happened today was
too much for him to bear...

The information he'd just learned made him unable to trust anyone, as all the pieces came
together in a single picture. Tarin realizes that to protect the precious treasure Nita has left
behind, he must move without his father's knowledge.

In the past, although he seemed unconcerned about others, he was still aware of it. He knew
his father wanted to keep his power out of anyone's reach. But he just realized the reason why
his father wanted to keep Tattanai away from Kanin like this...

It was probably because of his desire to control Kanin and related to the treasure in the Vault that
Tattanai said...

The reason so many regulations were issued to prevent all cities from trading freely was
because many things were kept secret.

Tarin never thought his father would be such a callous person. If everything was as he thought,
then that's why the Great Lord of Life hid his son's whereabouts for twenty years.

In addition to not telling Kanin that Tattanai was still alive nearby, perhaps because he wanted to
make use of his only son to maintain the position of Great Lord of Life for Asawadevathin...

Even if we are forced to separate our families... as you said before.

His father didn't seem to think of anyone... except himself.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

...............

This morning, Dawin Palace seemed busier than ever when an unexpected incident occurred
with the Young Prince, the only grandson of the Great Lord of Life. The incident caused the
servants and chief butlers, subjected to physical examinations twice as strict as before, to enter
and leave the palace.

No matter who or what position they held, if they wanted to pass through the palace's main
gate, they had to report and be searched. Even Chakri, who was Prince Kanin's closest steward.

The fat man had to wait in line for a long time for a physical examination. By the time he finished, it
was almost past the Young Prince's breakfast time.

"Your Majesty... I apologize for being late... oh." As soon as the large door opened, Chakri froze.
Because the scene in front of him was completely different from the image in his head.

The butler reasoned that even though he was late, the young prince must still be asleep. It's
impossible for someone who's sick to get up early and train like they used to. But it turns out
not everything is as he thought.

Currently, Prince Kanin's private room was filled with team members, including Prince Calvin
Lee, who was sitting next to Khun Charan.

"I'm very thirsty. May I have some orange juice, butler?" Chakri pushed the food cart near the
person who asked for orange juice. The young butler absentmindedly poured some juice into a
glass, and before he could give it to him, the young prince had already taken the glass and
drank it all in one go. But because he was wearing a bracelet, he had difficulty returning the
glass of orange juice to the head waiter.

"How did everyone get here?" Chakri took the crystal goblet from his master and placed it on
the table, as was his custom. He scanned the people sitting together on the sofa and thought
about how it took him quite a while to enter the royal palace. So, what time did these people
come? And why did they all seem to be sitting so relaxed?

"I rode a motorcycle with Vetis... Mira took a taxi to the front of the palace and asked a golf cart
to pick her up... Prince Calvin came with Jay... while Charan left the Prince's bedroom because
he was sleeping here. Khun Chakri should know about that matter," Itthi said mockingly.

"Oh, that's... no... I mean, what are you all doing here? And why are you here so early? His
Majesty didn't tell me anything." At the end of the sentence, Chakri turned around and spoke in
a complaining tone to his master. The Young Prince simply chuckled as he shrugged.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"This is a secret meeting... I called them myself last night and asked them to come early so I
wouldn't have to wait in line for the physical exam for too long... Besides, if I told Chakri, it
wouldn't be a secret anymore."

"Oh... the whole team is coming, right? Then, if you'll excuse me... I have to make drinks."
Chakri counted the number of attendees on her hands, while she considered whether or not to
serve more snacks. But normally these people don't touch food while they're in meetings or
training.

"Add one more person, Chakri... guests will be coming soon."

"Guest?... who, Your Majesty?"

But before he could finish thinking about who the new guest was, a loud knock suddenly sounded at the
door. It was as if the person at the front of the room wanted to announce to the world that he was so
angry he almost crushed something in his hand.

Bam, bam, bam!

"Let's talk now! Kanin! I told you to come out and talk!" Shouts echoed from the third floor to
the eighth floor, causing Chakri to tremble in fear. The face of the young, fat butler paled.
Unlike the room's owner, who turned around to grab a glass of orange juice and drank it
casually.

"..."

Bam, bam, bam!

"Come out now and speak! No matter what, I will never delay the competition! Kanin, come out!"

"Err... aren't we going to open the door for Prince Ramil?... and just let him scream like that?...
his voice might be loud enough to disturb the Great Lord of Life's ears." when I heard the voice
and recognized it. Chakri immediately asked his master with a frightened expression.

Knowing that the Great Lord of Life was sitting in his private office upstairs made Chakri feel
worried. But the Young Prince didn't seem to mind that at all.

His teacher simply turned to Charan, who was sitting next to him. Without saying a word, the
tall man suddenly stood up from the sofa.

Chakri stared at Charan's back as he walked toward the door. The tall man opened the door
and slowly opened it. Behind the door, a familiar face stood with an angry look.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"Tell Kanin to come out and speak with me," Prince Ramil said in a dark voice. Though it wasn't
a shout like before, the voice he used was loud enough for the other Servants on this floor to
hear.

"Prince Kanin still needs to recover. Today, His Majesty's friends came to visit... His Majesty
doesn't feel comfortable receiving guests. I ask Prince Ramil to return first." Chakri nodded. He
appreciated Charan's intelligence in telling the temperamental person to go home today.

The fat butler was worried that the Prince of the Puchongpisut family's storm of anger would explode
and destroy everything. The first reason is because he doesn't know how to handle it. And second,
because he didn't want the Young Prince to worry. That's why he was relieved to see Charan trying to
handle everything.

"Do you dare disobey my orders?"

"I dare not."

"If you don't dare, step back. Don't get in the way."

Bam!

The fat butler frowned. Chakri felt that luck was not on his side. Not even Charan himself could
hinder Prince Ramil. The prince of the family with the serpent symbol burst into the young
prince's room and slammed the door so hard that the building almost cracked. The man took a
step forward and then stood with his arms crossed. Meanwhile, Charan, who was behind him,
closed the door.

What's this, Khun Charan? You must keep Prince Ramil away from Prince Kanin's room and not
let him in easily, and then close the door!

"Ooh, the spotlights are so big." Prince Kanin himself didn't seem to know what cold and heat were. The
young man in white showed no signs of surprise.

She slowly stood up from the sofa, holding her arm, which was wearing a bracelet, with her uninjured
hand. Her pretty face looked sly.

He smiled brightly, as if he was happy to see Prince Ramil paying him an honorary visit like this.

"The lamp can be bigger than this. Try it."

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"Even bigger? Okay, go ahead... Let's highlight Jay, our musical actor, so he can see how big he
is." Chakri turned around, his eyes following the movements of Prince Kanin's hands until he
actually felt dizzy.

At first, he looked at Prince Ramil, who received praise from Prince Kanin. After a while, he
turned to Jay when he heard Prince Kanin say something strange.

Jay himself, instead of being surprised, stood up to greet the young prince of the opposing
family.

"Hmm... so this vase... can I throw it away?"

"Prince Ramil, what will you do with the vase?" Chakri turned to Prince Ramil, who had approached
the vase. He feared that the Prince of the Puchongpisut family would actually do what he said.

"Is that vase antique, Chakri? Is it very expensive?" Prince Kanin had no sympathy for a chief
steward like him. The man crossed his arms and asked in a calm voice, as if it wouldn't matter if his
temperamental cousin got up and knocked over the vase, even though it was antique.

"No, it's just a display item, not an antique. It's worth less than a hundred thousand." Under
pressure from the round-eyed young man, Chakri was forced to answer, though he felt reluctant.

The young chief butler sighed again and again. The people sitting on the sofa, including
Charan, who walked to the young prince's side, did nothing to stop him.

"Hey, there are hundreds of vases in my room. Some even cost ten million... but there are only a few
in your room, and they don't even cost a hundred thousand?"

"Whatever you say. Besides, I'm not interested in antiques. But if you throw them away, you'll have
to pay for them. I'll have someone fetch the money." Prince Kanin replied as if he didn't care. His
small shoulders, which weren't wearing bracelets, were raised, as if he were letting the other party
do as they wished.

"Well, then I can throw it away."

"Just throw it away. What are you waiting for? You're rich, aren't you? Why? Scared?"

"In that case, that's fine."

Praanggg!

Nooooooooooooooo

Why did you come here throwing vases?

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

Why don't we talk about that first?!!!!!!!!

The fat man fell to his knees. He almost shouted what was on his mind when the vase, which cost
less than one hundred thousand dollars, fell to the floor and shattered before his eyes. He almost
cried. But it seemed the two members of the royal family didn't care at all. Just as he was about to
reach out to sweep up the broken pieces of the vase, the two young princes began shouting at each
other again.

"Ramil, what are you doing? Huh? Are you crazy?!"

"I could be even crazier. Just you wait and see!"

However, despite shouting at each other, they didn't show the slightest movement toward
violence. They both stood still with their arms crossed and shouted at each other. It was as if
they were in a race to see who could shout the loudest, and...

Prang, prang, prang!

The serving platter near Prince Ramil's hand was thrown to the floor and shattered. The sound
was so loud that the servants standing guard at the door of the room heard it. They then asked
with great concern.

"Khun Charan! Khun Charan, how are things inside?"

"It's okay, I can handle it. Prince Ramil is calmer."

"That's not right!" Chakri raised her hands and lowered her head. Her eyes, which were behind
her glasses frames, widened. Her whole body trembled in shock at what had just happened.

He wanted to run and open the door to ask someone for help. But he was caught and detained by the
leader of the Phitakdeva family, who was a close friend of the Prince. Then he turned his head and saw
everyone, except the two Princes, looking at him with sympathetic eyes.

"That's enough. Look at your butler. His face is as pale as a boiled chicken."

"Yes, that's enough. It takes a lot of people to clean up this mess. Poor... I'm sorry for scaring you,
Chakri," said the Young Prince. Then they walked together and lightly squeezed each other's shoulders.
Seeing this made Chakri feel even more confused.

"I don't think you should have planned for me to make a fuss in the first place." The person
who had just cleared all the dishes turned to complain to the person in the same position as
him.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

The raging storm in Prince Kanin's private chambers seemed to have calmed easily. Chakri
didn't know if he should thank Prince Ramil when the man reprimanded Prince Kanin, the
room's owner.

He still doesn't understand...

Prince Ramil's expression was completely calm, as if the previous tantrum had never
happened. The tall figure avoided the broken glass on the floor and sat cross-legged on the
empty sofa next to Prince Calvin. The man acted as if he were a guest in this place. Each action
made Chakri more and more confused until he could barely keep his mouth shut.

"If you don't do this, other people will wonder why you came to my room when all my team
members were present."

"There isn't much time. Let's talk now, so I can get back to you soon. By now someone will
definitely start asking questions."

"Okay, then go ahead." Prince Kanin was with the team members. They all showed the same
facial expression and didn't seem surprised at all when they saw Prince Ramil, who was their
opponent, suddenly appear, shout, and destroy things.

Kanin was seen walking toward a secret room normally used for meetings with team members.
The young head waiter decided to seize the moment and ran over to ask a question to dispel
his doubts.

"What's up with all this, Prince Kanin? I'm really confused."

"Oh... Didn't I tell you we'll have another guest?" Chakri was confused by what Kanin said. But the
Young Prince answered the question in a serious tone.

His double-lidded eyes narrowed, and he nodded to his temperamental cousin, who was
walking behind him. He then signaled for the butler to follow.

"..."

"Here he is... Ramil. Our other guest."

Huh? ... What?!!

.......................

Chapter 41: Planning

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

The daytime sky above Dawin Palace was covered with dark clouds. The weather outside, which
was hot and stifling, felt different from the inside of the secret meeting room, where the
temperature was freezing due to the two air conditioners.

At this moment, the faces of all the team members in the room looked serious, except for
Kanin, who was sitting in the chairman's chair. The young man's handsome face seemed calm.
The reason everyone was suddenly asked to come today was because they were needed to
help analyze the preparatory plan for what was about to happen.

"If what Prince Ramil said is true, that Puchongpisut is just a scapegoat, then this competition is
no longer a simple title fight. It has become a civil war." Prince Calvin, who had remained silent
for a long time, commented after hearing everything from Ramil.

The arrogant man explained everything he knew from beginning to end, with easy-to-understand
explanations. Ramil's father was indeed planning something, but he never thought anyone would
take charge of the plans he had made. For a moment, everyone in the room tensed, realizing that
everything that was happening was too big for them to handle.

Along with Kanin's analysis, it makes everyone aware of their current status, which is not just
that of a fencing athlete vying for the title of Great Lord of Life. However, they have become
one of the Guard teams, whose job is to prevent interference from unseen hands.

Kanin couldn't predict how everyone would react or whether they would all agree. But the fact
that he was injured at a party under Puchongpisut's supervision is as worrying as the huge
black hole in the city center.

Everyone knew that, deep down, Kanin hoped everyone could see... that this wasn't just an
ordinary competition of wins and losses.

But this could lead to a rebellion.

"Can Prince Calvin's country help us with anything? If what you say is true?" Kanin didn't waste any time.
He immediately asked what he had in mind. And the answer wasn't much different from what he
expected.

"I can't help or interfere too much. If I do something reckless, it will affect my position in my
country..." Calvin said with a calm expression on his face.

"..."

"If they send someone to help with the preparations, no matter who wins or loses, it won't be good
for me. Furthermore, I could be considered to have interfered in another country's internal affairs."

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"What's wrong with the Phitakdeva people? Why aren't you coming to help? Isn't Phitakdeva an
old Imperial Guard family? Oh, I forgot. The leader is incompetent. People won't believe what
you say." Ramil asked. His eyes glared at the person sitting next to Kanin.

The harsh words of the Prince of the Puchongpisut family changed the tense atmosphere in the
blink of an eye. The sound of laughter and giggles grew louder, causing the leader of the
Pitakdeva family to cough softly. Kanin smiled for a moment, before her pretty face turned
serious again.

The fact that Ramil could speak like that was further proof that the man didn't know the ins and
outs of his team. A person who isn't interested in investigating other people's backgrounds and
sees himself as the center of attention, yet dares to be honest and admit his father's mistakes
in front of his enemies—then this type of person can be considered either overconfident or
very honest.

But at least there are no tricks... unlike someone who seems reserved, but actually keeps
everyone informed while waiting for the big moment.

Therefore, only two possibilities remain... namely, Menanakarin and Twichtmeta.

The reason for Twitchmeta... is probably because the father couldn't bear to see his only
daughter defeated. Because Eva seems desperately trying to prove her worth as a
representative of women, who can do anything just like men.

Kanin doesn't know Uncle Chana. Every time they met, the man didn't seem dangerous. But
this time, he couldn't be trusted.

Meanwhile, Menanakarin... if it's true that the perpetrator was Uncle Wasin... then what was his
motive?

"I don't want Phitakdeva's people to get involved in this matter. So I might not be able to help."
While he was thinking about something, Charan's voice suddenly rang in his ears. Kanin
frowned when he saw his cousin's face, who still seemed to want to suppress his subordinates.

"Why? Phitakdeva is so useless. So, what is said about the country being the sun to Phitakdeva,
is that a lie?" Ramil said with a smile. The atmosphere in the room became tense again, but no
one dared to say anything.

Kanin was about to open his mouth to argue with his cousin. But the word "sun" left the young man
speechless. He frowned as he thought about what Ramil had said.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

He remembers what he heard from Chakri. At first, he didn't believe the man. But then the
butler said he was the sun of the man. Honestly, at first, he thought it was just a fancy word
chosen by the other party to impress his boss. But then the memory overlapped with the time
he met Uncle Wasin.

Now Kanin is increasingly convinced that the word has a certain meaning for the Emmaly
people.

"Uncle is relieved that Charan has joined Kanin's team. Charan is as good as his mother. Maybe
he can help you a little..."

"..."

"Anyway, Asawadevathin is the sun for Menanakarin. So, if there's anything you can help me
with... let me know. Uncle is on Kanin's team."

It wasn't just a flattering word. If the words mean the speaker sees himself as a sunflower gazing at
its sun, then it can be interpreted that he will be loyal to someone he considers his master.

From a superior's perspective, when he became the sun of Chakri, Kanin learned that he had to take
care of his sunflowers. He must respect and care for the people who have served him.

So what about Menanakarin? ...what kind of treatment did he receive as a person who made
Asawadevathin his sun?

"That's not so... Phitakdeva still regards the country as his sun. It's just that the problem is quite
complicated... Phitakdeva is one of the training units of the Guard that protects Emmaly.
Therefore, they will directly serve the Great Lord of Life in everything. ...even the people who
obtained that position did so incorrectly..." Charan was silent for a moment, then spoke,
expressing what was on his mind.

The simple meaning is that Phitakdeva cannot interfere in internal affairs. Because they don't
know who the next Great Lord of Life will be. No matter who eventually becomes the Great
Lord of Life in some way, Phitakdeva will continue to protect him...

It's no wonder then that P'Ran doesn't want to get too involved in his family's affairs unless
necessary.

"So you don't take anyone's side? And you just choose the side that wins?"

"Your Majesty misunderstood. I didn't choose the winning side. Although my current position is that
of the leader of Phitakdeva, I am no longer affiliated with any family..." The brown lips were in no
hurry to explain.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

His piercing eyes looked at the person he was speaking to before turning to Kanin. Charan
paused his gaze, as if to convey the sincerity he intended to offer to a person.

"..."

"Because for Charan, his sun... is only Prince Kanin."

Kanin's eyes widened like goose eggs. The heart in his chest was beating fast. He knew those
words weren't a sweet expression of love. But when he heard them from someone he liked, his
white face immediately turned red.

Her uninjured hand reached out to grasp the strong one beneath the table and squeezed it tightly
to let him know how grateful she was. Kanin smiled until her eyes narrowed. But she didn't reply
because she was on guard duty, and the topic of conversation this time was very serious.

But Kanin wanted Charan to know the feeling that made his heart clench. For a moment, the
atmosphere seemed to fill with sweetness before disappearing.

"Where's the spittoon? Head cleaner, get the spittoon." In this place, the only person who
seemed the most worried was probably Ramil. His cousin stared at his pale face before turning
left and right to ask for a spittoon.

"Why do you need it, Your Majesty?" Chakri asked as he picked up a small empty trash can and
handed it to the man.

"Disgusting! I'm going to throw up!" Ramil quickly responded as he glared at him. The man
made a loud noise and pretended to vomit up his stomach contents. His excessive attitude
made Kanin roll his eyes.

Seriously. Is this a serious conversation right now, and do you still have time to play like this?

"I think the Prince knows this better than anyone. Neither Phitakdeva's people nor anyone else
can be used. Otherwise, you would have brought Petai to today's meeting." It seemed that
what Charan said truly intrigued the audience. That's why Ramil immediately fell silent. The tall
man frowned before turning to the other side as if to show that this time he was giving up.
Then the discussion returned to the main topic.

"I don't know who the perpetrator is. All I know is that they may have infiltrated the event.
There's a chance they were insiders." The atmosphere in the room grew tense again. But Kanin
didn't think of letting go of that strong slap, not even for a minute.

Charan himself is no different. The older man ran his thumb over the back of Kanin's hand, which
was lying under the table. Sometimes, if the opportunity presented itself, he would give it a

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A kind smile. As if trying to whisper in his heart to let Kanin know that this man would always
be by his side.

"So Nong Nin, what do you think caused the criminal to attack Nong Nin like that?" Itthi asked
on behalf of everyone in the room. The question made Kanin sigh wearily.

"As we discussed, there are two suspicious families... but as far as I can tell, currently only
Twichtmeta has a motive..."

"..."

"I think there's a chance Uncle Chana wants Eva to win this competition. Because there was
previously controversy over the fact that Eva was a woman. Initially, Eva wasn't eligible to
compete... Maybe Uncle Chana wanted Eva to prove herself."

"But if Eva wins, that means Uncle Chana has to become the Great Lord of Life... and as far as I
know, people like Uncle Chana don't want to become the Great Lord of Life." Ramil interrupted
because he really didn't agree with Kanin's opinion.

"..."

"This is not like Uncle Chana who likes to travel and take photos. Uncle Chana likes to spend
days in a darkroom washing film... sometimes Uncle goes to another country and disappears
for months, before returning again. His wife and son could barely recognize his face. Uncle
Chana loves technological progress and does not like being confined... Why would someone
who loves freedom like this, put himself in a prison called the Royal Palace?

Ramil has an advantage in analysis because he knows these people better than Kanin. He
provides all the information needed to provide clues for others to conduct further analysis.

"People can always change. Sometimes power feels sweet and pleasurable. Or could it be...
because he loves technology so much that he spends all his wealth? Maybe he secretly thirsts
for money and power... if he takes over state power, then he'll probably get a bigger budget,"
Kanin said.

The white man deliberately infused his words with prejudice. He wanted his people to be able
to analyze more naturally.

"That's even more impossible. Prince Kanin..." Here he was, Prince Calvin Lee, the person who
knew the truth, raised his hand for permission to explain. And as the team leader, Kanin
gestured to the man to tell him what he knew.

"..."

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"I can say that because my country is one of the parties that contracted Twichtmeta to manage
our country's database storage technology. Aside from that, my company is also a middleman
that distributes aircraft manufactured by Twichtmeta."

"..."

"Therefore, the problem of budgetary constraints must be eliminated. Although Twichtmeta's

current assets are not as large as Asawadevathin's, Twichtmeta has received research funding
from many countries... it rarely uses its own funds for research. This gives Twichtmeta a
reputation as a city that places greater emphasis on research than on government
administration." Prince Calvin Lee's words sounded very forceful.

Kanin looked at Ramil, who nodded. Many heads coming together to think... it's a very good thing,
as Charan said. This time, the noble young man expressed his gratitude toward the man in his
heart.

If Charan hadn't given him the idea to gather everyone today, he would definitely have been in the
dark and figured things out on his own, based on the little information he had on hand.

"It's no wonder you don't know. Since you've only been here for a few months... Everything Prince Calvin said is
true. That's why I think it's impossible for Uncle Chana to be the culprit... Besides, I already told you that Uncle
Chana wasn't suitable for my father... therefore, it would be impossible for him to cooperate with my father."
Finishing his sentence, Ramil lowered his volume.

After this delicate subject was raised again, a glimmer of vengeance could be seen in the eyes
of this young man of royal blood, who came from a family bearing the symbol of the serpent.
His strong palms were clenched so tightly that onlookers feared the man's nails would pierce
their skin.

Yes. ...you mustn't forget the person who manipulated Prince Rachata...

"By the way, your father didn't like me from the start, did he?" What Ramil said made Kanin think
about skipping the next step to something else. So he opened a new topic.

He remembered talking to Uncle Rachata one day. It was the day he accidentally met the
others because he had to go to dance practice. But the middle-aged man didn't speak well,
wasn't friendly, and even found him incompetent.

"Yes, my father doesn't like you because he thinks your family has been playing tricks on you.
My father believes your family is plotting to hide you, so that you can train first and surpass the
others. And then rush into a competition for the title of Great Lord of Life, so that others can't
follow you." What Ramil said wasn't far from what he expected, and it wasn't entirely wrong
either.
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"I can say that because my country is one of the parties that contracted Twichtmeta to manage
our country's database storage technology. Aside from that, my company is also a middleman
that distributes aircraft manufactured by Twichtmeta."

"..."

"Therefore, the problem of budgetary constraints must be eliminated. Although Twichtmeta's

current assets are not as large as Asawadevathin's, Twichtmeta has received research funding
from many countries... it rarely uses its own funds for research. This gives Twichtmeta a
reputation as a city that places greater emphasis on research than on government
administration." Prince Calvin Lee's words sounded very forceful.

Kanin looked at Ramil, who nodded. Many heads coming together to think... it's a very good thing,
as Charan said. This time, the noble young man expressed his gratitude toward the man in his
heart.

If Charan hadn't given him the idea to gather everyone today, he would definitely have been in the
dark and figured things out on his own, based on the little information he had on hand.

"It's no wonder you don't know. Since you've only been here for a few months... Everything Prince Calvin said is
true. That's why I think it's impossible for Uncle Chana to be the culprit... Besides, I already told you that Uncle
Chana wasn't suitable for my father... therefore, it would be impossible for him to cooperate with my father."
Finishing his sentence, Ramil lowered his volume.

After this delicate subject was raised again, a glimmer of vengeance could be seen in the eyes
of this young man of royal blood, who came from a family bearing the symbol of the serpent.
His strong palms were clenched so tightly that onlookers feared the man's nails would pierce
their skin.

Yes. ...they mustn't forget the person who manipulated Prince Rachata...

"By the way, your father didn't like me from the start, did he?" What Ramil said made Kanin think
about skipping the next step to something else. So he opened a new topic.

He remembered talking to Uncle Rachata one day. It was the day he accidentally met the
others because he had to go to dance practice. But the middle-aged man didn't speak well,
wasn't friendly, and even found him incompetent.

"Yes, my father doesn't like you because he thinks your family has been playing tricks on you.
My father believes your family is plotting to hide you, so that you can train first and surpass the
others. And then rush into a competition for the title of Great Lord of Life, so that others can't
follow you." What Ramil said wasn't far from what he expected, and it wasn't entirely wrong
either.
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If one were to ask how long Kanin had been preparing and training before everyone else, then
one could say that he had spent most of his life training.

The question he always asked himself was why he had to practice more than anyone else? Like fencing,
languages, music, and economics.

All these questions were answered when their feet touched Emmaly's soil.

"Is that all? If your father believes his son is so capable, why should he be afraid of me?" Kanin
dismissed that thought and got straight to the point. The dark brown eyes of the handsome young
man looked at his cousin.

"I don't know about that. I wasn't afraid of you in the first place. Not even afraid at all. But Father..."
Ramil frowned slightly, as if he was thinking about something in his mind.

Ramil's hesitation in answering made Kanin think of something.

"You may not like someone on first meeting. There are several types of 'dislike,' such as disliking
someone because they're a competitor, disliking them because they've been treated badly, and
disliking them because they remind you of bad things." "I don't like them because the people
around them don't like them. So, what do you think is the reason your father doesn't like me?"

"..."

"Khun Jay, normally when an actor accepts a role assigned to him and acts accordingly, do they
need something to allow them to delve deeper into the character?" When Ramil didn't respond,
Kanin turned to ask a strange question to the only person working as an actor on his team. This
action raised questions in the hearts and minds of everyone, including Charan.

"Please, let me explain this to the Prince. For an actor to adapt to the role assigned to him, he
needs imagination, thoughts, and feelings related to that character. In order to then be able to
delve deeper into it."

"And if you can't get into character at all, what will help you?"

"The environment, Your Majesty... the environment will be able to help you adapt." Amidst the
confusion over what the young actor was saying, the man representing the Puchongpisut
family suddenly spoke in a stiff voice.

"If there's something you want to say, just say it. There's no need to beat around the bush."

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"Your father doesn't seem to like me because my appearance makes you seem incompetent. Someone
may have made him feel that way. And not for a short time, but perhaps for a long time."

"Hey?"

"Just think, what could be the reason why a noble like your father dislikes me and even has to hurt
me?... If your father doesn't defend his honor and dignity, then you won't have any either." Kanin
said, referring to the saying that the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.

From the start, if Prince Rachata was someone who liked to secretly bite and stab others
around him, then Ramil probably also had the same traits. But the young man's actions proved
it all.

Rachata's children believe honor and dignity are paramount. Rachata herself should be no
different. Unless there is an environment that makes her feel inferior, making her fear losing
her dignity and unable to accept defeat.

Even to the point of having to resort to dirty methods. And of course, this doesn't happen just
for a short time...

I suspected this must have been ingrained for quite some time.

"You mean someone whispered in my father's ear a long time ago and suspected that person
had been planning to use my father as a pawn all along?"

"You're very smart, Ramil... right. What I mean is, as someone about to compete, it's natural for
you to be afraid of me. But why would someone as strong as your father be afraid of a young
man who has nothing... like me?"

"..."

"A person like Uncle Rachata, if he looked at me the way he looks at Eva, then he wouldn't have to
lower himself to do this, right?"

"..."

"Unless someone is blaring his ears from the start... and this person must be someone who is
allowed to say whatever he wants. Therefore, this person must be someone of equal standing
to your father."

"Uncle Wasin... impossible, that guy... he's not smart." Without thinking, Ramil suddenly called out a
name. And the name of the third person who appeared made Kanin laugh out loud.

Based on information leaked from the mouth of Puchongpisut's heir, Kanin became convinced
that he and Ramil had the same thoughts.

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The only person allowed to say whatever he wanted... was Uncle Wasin.

"Who said I wasn't smart?" Kanin raised his eyebrows. His double-lidded eyes looked at Ramil,
who looked confused.

"My father always said that an uncle's brain is weak."

"Weak brain? So tell me, what kind of weak brain can tell your father that his son is stupid?"
Kanin brought up yesterday's story. The words Ramil had said to him were still deeply
embedded in his brain.

"..."

"What kind of person with a weak brain could read the tactics I used against you and say you
have a bigger weakness than me?"

"..."

"Just so you know, people with weak brains will never be able to see the tactics I play against
you, until the winner is decided."

"..."

"Or even if his brain is really weak, that means he must have experienced something like this
himself, because he's participated in competitions like this. That's why he can see through the
tactics I'm playing... or actually Uncle Wasin has never had a weak brain... but he was forced to
show everyone that his brain was weak, due to the pressure of the environment..." Kanin's eyes
narrowed when he saw his cousin's interesting reaction. Ramil was suddenly stunned and
looked as if he had just remembered something.

The outcome of the match between him and Ramil couldn't immediately decide who would win.
Outsiders might think he could lose, though the rules state that the budget is included in the
evaluation.

But the points are only 30%.

So why does Uncle Wasin seem so confident that he will defeat Ramil? ... Or maybe he wasn't
really confident, but was simply trying to get Rachata and Ramil to think in that direction.

"His environment forced him to be like this... maybe. Because in the past, Menanakarin wasn't
as poor as it is now... Father used to say that in the past, Menanakarin was a prosperous city
with pearls, swallows' nests, and a sea area rich in important food sources."

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After a moment of silence, Ramil shared new information. The vengeful look in his eyes grew
ever more intense.

"..."

"But Menanakarin's condition worsened due to natural disasters and Uncle Wasin's wrong
decisions... When his condition worsened, my grandfather helped support him by asking the
kingdom to restore Menanakarin's condition, including a loan of money. Then Menanakarin
decided to build a high-speed train..."

"..."

"At that time, everyone thought that Menanakarin should join Asawadevathin or Twichtmeta. But in
the end, Uncle came to join my father... Menanakarin and Asawadevathin had trouble for a while,
because Uncle Wasin insisted on building it... My father said that my uncle did that because he
wanted to have his own trade route... so he wouldn't have to rely on Asawadevathin to control
transportation, thus reducing the cost of transporting seafood to the country."

"But in the end, Uncle didn't do it, right?... Because as far as I remember, my teacher never
talked about this." Kanin tried to remember, but couldn't recall where Emmaly had a high-
speed train. So he asked, and Ramil nodded.

"Yes, Uncle didn't do it... because Minanakarin didn't have the money. Before building, the capital
asked us to sign a concession contract... which stipulated that the line to be built had to have an
origin and a destination, to the 5 main cities of Emmaly. Apart from that, the contract also said that
the builder would only have the concession for 20 years, and after that everything should belong to
the state... That's why my father didn't want to continue."

"..."

"At that time, the Great Lord of Life also asked Menanakarin for money for the loan he had
granted... The king did not charge interest, but asked the uncle to repay all the loans within 5
years... Where could Menanakarin get the money? Repay it? If the uncle wants to borrow
money from foreign parties, he must first obtain approval from the central bank and use his
land as collateral..."

"..."

"As a partner, my father has prepared funds to build a train line only from Puchongpisut, the
capital, to Menanakarin, and will provide a loan to help cover Menanakarin's debts. But
unfortunately, my father cannot do so."

"And after that, what?"

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"I remember my father once saying that Uncle Wasin finally went to see Prince Tarin to ask
him... about extending the debt payments. Aside from that, Uncle also requested that talks be
held again with the Great Lord of Life... But it seems the negotiations are still ongoing... You
and your mother... were killed first."

"Ah..." He had actually read about this in the old news. But when he heard it with his own ears,
Kanin couldn't help but shudder.

The person next to him seemed to be able to understand his feelings. His grip became so
strong that Kanin had to turn away and quietly say that he was fine.

At first, he thought the tall man would seem more relaxed. But the opposite happened. His
sharp eyes narrowed as he stared at his lap. Kanin noticed strange symptoms in the person
next to him. He could sense the regret in his eyes. The young man shifted his gaze to Charan's
face until Ramil spoke again.

"And so it was, in the end my uncle didn't build it... and just let it go. My father then withdrew
from the high-speed rail project and never got involved in it again."

"So, will Menanakarin be able to repay his debt to the Great Lord of Life?" Fortunately, Kanin
was able to regulate his mood quickly, so he was able to quickly get out of his sadness.

"Yes... I don't know how. Because in the end Menanakarin was able to pay off his debt... but I still don't
see the region's economy improving," Ramil answered the question as if he didn't care. But that actually
made Kanin able to connect him with something.

"Perhaps local taxes were raised to pay off debts... that's why the people in that region are
experiencing poverty... isn't that right, Khun Mira?" The young nobleman turned to someone
who had been silent this entire time. The only woman in the room looked at him and gave a
stiff smile in response.

"That's right, Your Highness... very poor. Even to use electricity, we have to generate it ourselves..." The
young man still remembered well what Mira said when she invited the girl to join the team.

Before speaking with her, Kanin had studied the background of his potential team member and
discovered that the young woman was a little more unique than the other members. She came from
a poor village where she couldn't fence because the equipment was too expensive for ordinary
people to afford.

The people of Menanakarin truly live in poverty.

So it's only natural... if the economy doesn't improve. The region was then isolated, and the lives of its
residents became even worse.

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But if Menanakarin regarded Asawadevathin as his sun, then why did Asawadevathin allow the
region under his control to suffer... both oppression and poverty...

It shouldn't be difficult to build and restore such a large territory.

"Then the possible motive is poverty. Let's think about it in a simple way. Uncle Wasin has
experienced a situation like this. Only under different circumstances... Uncle was pressured to
repay the loan to the Great Lord of Life within 5 years before the high-"A high-speed train was
built and a contract that seemed unfair... How much money would it take to build a line to five
cities? It wouldn't be strange if your father decided to back out and not continue with it."

"..."

"So, I can understand what kind of logic Uncle is thinking... His intentions are clear because he
said he doesn't want to be controlled by Asawadevathin... that's why he joined your father."
Kanin felt as if he were playing an observer character in an investigative series.

He tried to find the reason. And the more he dug, the more he found. But deep down in his
heart, there was still something bothering him. Kanin had a feeling this might also be related to
the Great Lord of Life's storage warehouse.

But for now, he chose to remain silent. Because if he spoke out, it could have a negative impact on
himself.

"If it was true that Uncle did all that, then why didn't he do it from the beginning? Why did he have
to wait until the competition?... And why did he have to do that to my father?" While he was thinking
about something in his mind, Ramil's question brought Kanin back to his senses.

The young man sighed, because that was what he'd been analyzing all night. He wanted to prepare an answer that
would make it easier for Ramil to understand everything.

"Why did he treat your father like that? Because your father is the perfect person to be a shield for
him. A person who likes to put himself above others and has very high self-confidence would never
think that the person behind him, beneath him, would come and bite him."

"..."

"Aside from that, he must be afraid that if you can make your father have power, then your
father could take what he wants... So he has to get rid of your father first by using him as a
tool."

"..."

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"As for the question of why he didn't do it in the first place... then I want to ask you again. Why
are you allowed to enter Dawin Palace now?... Isn't it because of the Great Lord of Life title
competition?" Based on the Iron Rule, no one could enter and leave the capital freely except
during the Great Lord of Life title competition and the coronation ceremony of the new Great
Lord of Life... even the funeral ceremony of the previous Great Lord of Life had to be held in his
hometown.

"..."

"It's only this competition that allows all members of the royal family to enter and exit the royal
palace freely... Furthermore, this competition also brings together everyone who usually lives in
different places... If you have to fight 4 against 1 with other people, which would you choose? Fight
one on one until the others gang up and bite you? Or you can unite everyone and defeat them all at
once."

"..."

"You'll choose the second path, won't you?... Take advantage of the competitive moment to gather
everyone, then borrow other people's hands to get rid of all your opponents at once. And now it's as
easy as putting a peeled banana in your mouth."

"..." Ramil fell silent. The eyes of the man who used to always seem arrogant now seemed to
tremble. His every gesture showed that he agreed with Kanin's irrefutable ideas.

The conference room fell silent again. Kanin closed his eyes. The more information he analyzed,
the more clearly he could see what game he was playing.

The young man remembered a few months ago when he was practicing fencing with his father.
The words of warning his father had spoken now sounded stronger, as if to reaffirm how useful
Tattanai's teachings were at that moment.

'Dad trained you in fencing, and it's a game with limits where you have to finish within a certain
time. So what should Nin consider?'

"Obey the rules and defeat your opponent within the time limit."

'That's right, then... if you wanted to defeat a superior opponent in a certain time... but still had
to obey the rules, what would you do?'

'There are two ways. The first is to practice reading your opponent's moves, finding their
weaknesses, and then overcoming them. The second way... is to make the opponent commit a
foul... and then we'll win.'

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'But we can't do that in any sport. If we intentionally break the rules during the game, we
become cheaters.'

'But we can do it outside of game time... right, right?'

"That's right, you can do it outside of match time... therefore, you must be careful, be alert, pay
attention to your weaknesses, see who your true target is, do what, for whom, why, because in
life, we cannot know who will play outside the rules. A little carelessness can lead to losses."

'...'

'Don't forget that there can only be one winner in every game. You have to figure out who's
playing and how to play it. And you also shouldn't forget that in this world, humans have
different characteristics. Aside from that, there are still many people who are willing to break
the rules to win. Because they believe it's easier to do that than simply compete.'

What his father taught him allowed him to read situations very clearly. Although at first he didn't
understand the intentions of the people who had done this terrible thing, after receiving enough
information, he was able to begin to answer more questions.

Kanin compiles the information he knows today and analyzes it so others can see it
immediately.

"If Twichtmeta is behind all this... it means he wants to use this moment to eliminate all
opponents and make Eva the victor. There will be no bloodshed, because this competition will
be held within the rules." The rule is that if the heir of any city wins, the father will immediately
become the new High Lord of Life.

"..."

"But if it wasn't them... If it was Menanakarin who was actually behind all this, that means Uncle
Wasin had planned everything carefully. And he was deliberately playing both ways, outside
the rules and within them..."

"..."

"What do you think will happen... if the Great Lord of Life is forced to step down and not a
single heir wins?... that means the position of Great Lord of Life will be vacant for a while,
right?... and if something happens to Kanin, then it's likely that the leaders Asawadevathin and
Twichtmeta will refuse to become the Great Lord of Life. Meanwhile, Prince Rachata, who
seems enthusiastic about this position has been accused of attacking the royal family... in the
end, whose position will this belong to?"

"..."
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"It definitely belongs to the eldest nephew, Uncle Wasin, right?" Kanin scanned the room.
Everyone nodded in agreement with what he said, with no one arguing.

"..."

"Although there is no heir in the competition... but the opinion of other people who see that
Uncle Wasin is a person worthy of being the Great Lord of Life is what Menanakarin wants."

"..."

"It's about being a legitimate Great Lord of Life."

Everything fits together perfectly, even sending people to attack him, slandering Prince
Rachata, and turning Prince Chana into a suspect... all of this is to make the real culprit invisible
to anyone's eyes...

Until the time comes... that person will then seem to have everything he wants.

Without having to lose anything

But Kanin will never allow that to happen...

"So we're not going to let that affect us... We're going to play a fair game, win or lose. A clear
result that day would be better... That's our plan."

"..."

"After this, we will devise a covert plan to catch the culprit."

...............

Toward evening, the atmosphere in young Prince Asawadevathin's bedroom felt cool and
comfortable. This was unlike outside, where raindrops fell and hit the windowpane.

The entire sky turned red, as if a great storm were brewing. A flash of lightning could be seen
flashing across the sky. But the weather outside didn't bother the person sitting at the table at
all.

Although the meeting had ended several hours ago, Charan still hadn't stopped thinking about
what Kanin had assumed. While waiting for the bathroom owner, Charan decided to grab his
iPad and check his email.

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The information on Charan's iPad made the young man feel even more uneasy. Because what
was in the email was a recording of a conversation between Vetis's subordinates and
Minanakarin's people...

A month ago, after returning from Jay Jirat's house, he asked Vetit to continue investigating the
crippled man, not forgetting the man who committed suicide using poison the day he brought
Kanin back to Emmaly.

Until now, Vetis continued to send him interesting information. His close friend gradually
investigated the cyanide trade in Emmaly. He found that three towns were making regular
purchases. However, cyanide use in all three towns—Asawadevathin, Puchongpisut, and
Twichtmeta—is legal, and the purpose of the cyanide can be verified.

Only Menanakarin did not trade in this poison... but even so, Charan did not remain silent and
still ordered Vetis to keep an eye on him.

Until a Vetis spy infiltrated the local community a few days ago and informed him of a new
lead.

In the past, Menanakarin was the only region allowed to open countless gold shops, before it
finally collapsed due to natural disasters that devastated the region's economy. There are many
gold shops in a peaceful state, but they all remain open even without customers. Therefore,
Vetis's spies disguised themselves as middlemen to purchase metal-plating equipment,
specifically cyanide. It turns out that each shop contains enough of this substance to resell
several kilograms.

This information makes Charan feel uncomfortable.

In fact, it was impossible for a gold shop whose business was slow to have enough of this
poisonous substance to resell as much as customers wanted. Some shops have been closed for
10 years, but they can still sell this substance in quantities of several kilograms with a five-year
expiration date.

That means Menanakarin probably smuggled this poison from abroad and used those gold
shops as storage... otherwise, this substance would definitely be approaching its expiration
date. But they sell new stuff here, and they don't seem to have any old stuff.

Maybe the old item has fallen into disuse... and they keep accumulating new ones.

The more he connects with the information he learns from Tattanai, the more convinced Charan
becomes that someone is secretly trying to generate power behind a mask of kindness.

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And if everything Kanin assumed was true, then the people who attacked Kanin were Prince
Wasin's men...

If that was the case, then they had to be careful with Prince Wasin.

He believed Kanin's judgment. The young man was known as a person with keen observations.
What's more, when there were no prejudices to cloud his judgment, the young man could even see
things more clearly.

There are many unanswered questions. However, it seems that Kanin's idea may bring him closer to
something that's etched in his mind and that he's never touched.

If the real culprit was Prince Wasin, it was very likely that the person who leaked the
information to him and raised suspicions that the Great Lord of Life was involved with his
mother's death was the same person.

If that's the case... then what exactly was Wasin's intention?

Do you want Phitakdeva to be on the opposite side of Asawadevathin?

Or did he deliberately want to confuse your mind? ...

Charan sighed. The young man closed his eyes and leaned back on the sofa, feeling tired. He
let himself get lost in his thoughts for so long that he lost track of time. Charan opened his eyes
again when he felt someone's mint breath blowing on his cheek.

"Oh, why did Phi open her eyes? Even though Nin just wanted to steal a kiss." The chatter made the
person who had just opened their eyes laugh out loud. The young man adjusted his mood and grabbed
the slender young man, who was standing with his head bowed and intending to 'steal a kiss on his
cheek,' and sat on his lap.

"Kiss Phi when Phi opens her eyes."

"If Phi opens her eyes, it won't be a surprise anymore," the young white man complained. Kanin,
who was wearing a bathrobe, wrapped a hand around Charan's neck. Her slender body trembled,
causing Charan to immediately carry the young man onto his lap and put him on the bed, before
turning around to grab the air conditioning remote and turn it off so the temperature in the room
would rise to the correct level.

"Phi told me it was cold outside and raining... but Nin still turned on the air conditioning." Her
voice was firm but not serious. Charan, in his pajamas, sat next to the handsome young man
and smiled without him noticing.

"Nin likes the cold... it feels good."

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"Nin could get sick."

"It's okay if it hurts, so Ang Ang can take care of Deuk-deuk."

"Did Deuk forget that Deuk has to compete the day after tomorrow?... Deuk himself said that Deuk
wouldn't postpone the match." Charan lightly pinched the stubborn young man's nose and reminded him
that it was Kanin himself who had insisted on not delaying the competition.

The young man also planned for his team to do what he said, step by step. Charan seemed to have a bad
feeling about it, so he began to fear that Kanin was planning too many things and making him turn back
into the strange person who seemed to be crazy about him.

"Yes... but Nin doesn't get sick easily."

"Although Nin doesn't get sick easily, Nin must take good care of herself... that's why Nin must
sleep and rest a lot so that her arm can recover quickly."

"Nin doesn't want to sleep yet... Nin wants to talk to Phi." Kanin reached out and touched her
elbow. Charan, who was about to turn off the lights, stopped and turned to her. His thick
eyebrows furrowed slightly as his eyes looked at the young man with a dubious look.

"Nin has talked a lot today, isn't Nin tired?"

"What? Did Phi just say that Nin talks too much?"

"Isn't that true?"

"Right..." Kanin pursed his lips. The young man shifted slightly before looking at him with a
gentle gaze. "But... won't Phi like Nin if Nin talks too much?"

The sweet, pleading gaze of the person beside him made Charan forget all the depressed
feelings he'd felt before. His strong hand rose to gently stroke her little head, before lovingly
ruffling her hair.

"No. Phi's just worried that Nin has a sore throat."

"Oh, talking won't hurt Nin's throat at all... Nin woke up and moaned all night... but Nin's throat
still..." The next thing Kanin knew, Charan covered his small lips with his hand. The man felt a
heat spread throughout his body. It was embarrassing how his body burned like this just by
hearing a soft voice mocking him.

"Don't you have to say bad things like that?... you're naughty."

"What's so naughty, Ang Ang?... Nin is telling the truth."

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"Golf club." Charan shook his head, but his words weren't serious. He pushed the white man
onto the bed before covering his chest with the blanket. Then he lay on his side and looked at
the young man with a gentle gaze.

Kanin's small lips and cute face made Charan, who was looking at him, unable to help but move
toward her. His lips then placed a soft kiss on her small temple, filled with love.

Charan looked into the eyes of the person lying beside him. The slender young man stirred and
snuggled into his arms. Kanin was silent for a few moments before suddenly speaking in a muffled
voice.

"P'Ran, isn't Phi afraid of the rain?" Perhaps it was because the sound of rain outside was
louder than before, which made Kanin feel worried. The young man hugging him raised his
head. His double-lidded eyes showed signs of worry.

"Phi still doesn't like him. But now Phi has Nin... so Phi doesn't feel anything," he answered
honestly. Having Kanin by his side, in his painful moments, felt better than being alone. The
closer Charan stood, the closer he touched and inhaled Kanin's scent, the more comfortable
and calm he felt.

I don't know when he started being able to live with the rain... Looking back, every time Charan felt
stronger than before, it was a moment when Kanin was always by his side. It could be said that this
change was brought about by Kanin as the main variable.

"When Nin is stressed or worried, Nin feels happy to have Phi... like Nin said, it's truly lucky that
we were born to be together." Kanin smiled widely. That sweet smile made Charan's heart feel
as if he had cold water that could calm his mind.

"Umm..." The man nodded, before moaning as he moved his hand to passionately touch
Kanin's white cheek.

"Without Phi... Nin would have been lost... and thanks to Phi too, Nin was still able to do
everything right until now. Nin is still here thanks to Phi..." The young man's soft voice along
with the words he just said made the man smile.

She's happy to have Kanin by her side. She was overjoyed when she heard Kanin say how lucky
they were to have each other. It felt like her previous life had been in vain... The path that was
once dark had now become bright again.

"Phi is the same."

"Nin knows, because Nin is the sun of Phi." The young man moved closer than before, until he could
smell the fragrant shampoo, when the tip of his nose touched the soft, clean hair. The young man's lips

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They smiled seductively and their eyes seemed to sparkle as they uttered the phrase that
tickled her heart.

"Is Nin flirting with Phi?"

"It's not a joke. Someone named Charan said it himself," the Speaker said with an innocent
expression. Kanin wanted to step back and move a little further away, because he wanted to see
Charan's face more clearly.

But Charan didn't allow that to happen. When the white youth's body retreated, he
immediately grabbed her slender waist and hugged her back. He then deliberately used the tip
of his nose to gently touch the tip of Kanin's nose.

"Yes, Nin is Phi's sun." Charan whispered softly. He deliberately paused for a moment, because
he wanted to look into Kanin's dark brown eyes, which were also looking at him seriously. "Nin
makes Phi feel lucky... to have Nin here."

"It's so sweet. If Ramil hears it, he'll probably throw up again." Kanin laughed softly. The young
man buried his face in Charan's chest, listening to the sound of his heartbeat.

"Don't pay attention to him."

"Wow, Khun Charan has leveled up. Don't you care about him? That guy is Prince Ramil
Puchongpisut."

"Phi doesn't care about other people anymore. Whoever it is... Now Phi only wants to focus on Nin."
Charan really thinks so. The more he looked at Kanin's injured arm, the more his heart ached.

Throughout his life, he was born to protect others as his duty. But the person he truly wanted
to protect actually got lost from his sight and was injured.

It's really useless...

"Don't make that face. We'd better change the subject... after all this chaos is over, how about we go
somewhere?" Kanin seemed to be able to pick up on her feelings. The young man moved his hand
to touch her face and prompted her to change the subject.

"Where does Nin want to go?" Charan whispered as he leaned down and lovingly kissed Kanin's
forehead. One of his strong palms cupped Kanin's hair, which was just beginning to grow, and
then he gently stroked it behind his ear.

"Shall we go back to our starting point?"

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"English?" His smile appeared as a memory flowed through his mind like water. Charan
remembers three months ago. At that time, the person in his arms often argued furiously with
him.

And look at him now... lying there holding her, as if he were trying to test her patience every
day.

"Umm, England..." Kanin murmured, then fell silent. The young man's every movement was
visible in Charan's eyes.

"Do you miss home?"

"Nin misses his old life." The man in white laughed softly to himself. In the blink of an eye, his
originally bright eyes suddenly seemed dull.

"Wherever Nin wants to go, Phi will take Nin there..." Charan said, honest with what he said. The
man thought Kanin would need someone by his side. And, of course, he needed the young man too.

"All right, then let's sleep. Look at this, Nin has the strength to fight." Kanin flexes his muscles.
The young man acted mischievously again. His small chin then landed on Charan's strong chest
as he held out his arms, before speaking in a pleading voice, "P'Ran must help Nin... not give in
to anyone... show the people that Nin was right to choose Phi."

The match to determine the winner is still ongoing. In reality, Kanin didn't want to show off
Charan's fencing skills, which are still a secret.

If this was a normal situation, Charan didn't want to show it to anyone either, because he didn't want to
worry about the family succession. But this time is different.

Charan is happy to show it to the others because Kanin needs it.

"Phi will do it... so will Nin. If Nin can't compete, then Nin shouldn't try." Charan looked at the
cloth band on the young man's arm. Kanin's dark brown eyes followed his gaze before raising
his head and smiling.

"Phi doesn't need to worry. Nin won't force himself because he has a killer move."

"What's that?" The sly expression of the young man in his arms made Charan laugh. Kanin
looked as if he had a backup plan. He seemed so confident that Charan wondered if the young
man still had some secret strategy he hadn't told him about.

"Kiss Nin on the cheek and Nin will whisper it to Phi."

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Chapter 42: Competition

The most important day in Emmaly's history has arrived. Sadly, Kanin's injury hasn't improved
since that day. But the young man of royal blood still appeared on the competition field
alongside his team members.

Team leader Asawadevathin's recently removed right shoulder brace has drawn much criticism.
Some say Kanin is arrogant. Others think the youngster will use this as an excuse to avoid
embarrassment when he loses later.

Many people offered different opinions, but Kanin didn't care. He let the kids have fun guessing
the situation, without arguing or explaining anything.

Thipbovorn and all the heads of the royal family gathered in that place. This is a rarely seen
sight. In the middle seat is the Great Lord of Life. Then there is Wasin, Chana, Rachata, who still
had to be escorted because he was a suspect, and Tarin, who was at the end of the chair.

Kanin stood next to Ramil and Eva. His double-lidded eyes scanned the crowd surrounding
them. His heart was filled with unstoppable nervousness.

The young nobleman took a deep breath and looked at the people rising to greet him. He thought
that, no matter what the situation, this time he wouldn't act rashly.

Because today he came to tear someone's mask off. Whoever it is, he must reveal who that person
really is.

"How's your arm, P'Kanin?" The daughter of the Twichtmeta family approached her cousin
moments before the opening ceremony began. Inside the stadium, it's divided into several
zones, including one for the general public, one for journalists from national and international
media outlets, one for royals like Prince Calvin Lee and Ministers of State, and also an area in
the middle reserved only for members of the royal family.

"I'm fine. It's like I have a new arm," he said jokingly, as always, because he didn't want to
arouse suspicion. Kanin raised his hand and waved it for Eva to see. At the same time, Ramil
joined the conversation with his usual annoying words.

"Nin."

"Don't you have anything fun to show me?"

"I'm telling you, I won't shake your hand."

"I didn't ask you to do it," Kanin replied immediately, smiling defiantly.
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"Eh, that's fine then." The son of the Puchongpisut family raised his head. Ramil acted as if he
were very confident. However, behind his sneer and indifferent appearance, who would have
thought it was all just an act?

Today's plan is to play the game as naturally as possible. Kanin and Ramil still have to act like
rivals, even against Eva.

Although Eva and Prince Chana had been eliminated from the list of suspects, Kanin still
couldn't believe it. That day, after completing the planning meeting with Ramil, they agreed to
monitor Eva while they worked together to find the suspect.

"Don't fight. Let's get to work... let's go." Perhaps because she didn't want a small war to break
out, Eva was quick to intervene. The girl interrupted the conversation before turning around
and leaving.

Kanin nodded and watched the back of the slender figure walking briskly, preparing to wait for
the opening ceremony on the stage. After making sure the girl wasn't looking at him, Kanin
turned to speak again to the person next to him.

"Ramíl..."

"What?" The young nobleman stopped dead in his tracks. Ramil, who was about to follow Eva,
turned slightly and raised his eyebrows. He waited to hear what the person his age had to say.

"If you see something strange, don't forget to send a signal."

"You too..." is the sign of four fingers together and the pinky finger pointing at the ground. This sign is
used to notify others when you notice something wrong.

Because there was a lottery to choose who would compete first, Kanin planned to have teams
that had not yet competed in case an emergency occurred.

But if the lottery results indicate that the two must compete first in the first round, then he'll
send Chakri and Vetis around the competition arena, including asking Prince Calvin to be near
the seating area for members of the royal family.

Although Calvin had said he couldn't bring his men to help, at least his presence here could be
considered as additional help and strength.

"You go first, I'll follow," Kanin told his rival cousin. Ramil made a sound in his throat in
response before his long legs quickly moved toward where they were going to prepare.

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Kanin turned his gaze back to the area around him. The large stadium where the competition was
held was packed with people. The ground floor was filled with journalists and match officials. Up
front, there was a large screen in the middle of the field. The seats in the stands were filled with
people from villages around Emmaly.

He tried to calm himself by taking a deep breath and then slowly relaxing. Even though he tried to
act as if he wasn't afraid of anything, deep down, Kanin was still praying for the success of today's
plan.

"Come on, the opening ceremony and lottery will be held soon," a whisper from Charan
brought Kanin's mind back into focus. He nodded before joining the other royal family heirs.

Thipboworn's inaugural address as the most powerful man in the country sounded like a
ringing in his ears. Kanin told himself to concentrate, while at the same time his eyes secretly
scanned the surroundings.

The situation seemed normal, and the leaders of all the families were present. After the Great
Lord of Life finished discussing the important agenda, the next sequence of events was to
announce the rules of the competition.

"The rules of the fencing matches will follow the rules of Emmaly. The first round will determine
the winning team that will compete in the final round based on the number of people
remaining. Each team can plan a strategy in a duel against anyone. But a fencer is only allowed
to defeat no more than three opponents, before having to be replaced."

This information was something everyone on the team already knew. Kanin let the sounds
around him enter his ear. But at that moment, he felt a little uneasy because he was the target
of so many people's gazes.

"If the match ends in a tie, the two competing players will not be allowed to compete again
against another player. And the team declared qualified for the final round must have the
family heir as one of the remaining players. Otherwise, the contest will be considered
canceled."

The flashes of cameras from several news agencies immediately focused on the three heirs of
the royal family. The light was so bright it seemed as if it left no room to breathe. Kanin looked
at his two cousins, Eva and Ramil, who seemed more accustomed to dealing with the press
than he was.

He wasn't born or raised here. No matter how hard he tries to be a nobleman wearing formal clothes and
a royal crown, Kanin still can't change the fact that he was born... and raised as a commoner.

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The faces of his two cousins looked calm and dignified. It seemed very fitting for someone
who grew up as a noble. Kanin pursed his lips because he felt a little uneasy. This was what the
young man tried to do to overcome his own mental problems.

In the midst of a large crowd, the feeling of being helpless and lost was something Kanin
couldn't control in his unstable mental state. It only lasted for a moment, but then his eyes met
someone's gaze.

And the feeling of helplessness and loss I felt at that moment disappeared in the blink of an
eye.

The person looking at him was Charan. Although they didn't have a conversation, seeing him here made
her feel much better.

Kanin admits that in the past, he felt that knowing his origins was a bad thing. From the first
day he discovered the truth... he had to endure many moments of loss.

Family, freedom, time, and life. She felt like nothing good would happen in this situation. But
meeting Charan changed her mind...

At least in misfortune... there is Charan, who can be considered the only lucky one Kanin
encounters.

"Next, the names of the families who will qualify for the finals without participating in the
preliminary round will be drawn..." The sound of a band in the background accompanied the
presenter's voice, calling Kanin to come to his senses with the situation in front of him.

"The family that will advance to the finals is..." The atmosphere around him seemed to weigh on his
heart. The man of royal blood began to pray silently. If this time... God was willing to be kind to him,
then Kanin requested that Asawadevathin be the name of the family called. Because he wanted to
observe Uncle Wasin's reaction with his own eyes.

"Puchongpisut!!

It seemed as if the gods in heaven and earth were deliberately trying to play a trick on him.
Kanin took a deep breath when his prayer went unanswered. At the same time, deafening
screams were heard from the people supporting the family bearing the serpent symbol.

The sound of the band's drums playing signaled that the real time of competition had begun...

...........

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"You still remember the order of the matches, right? We'll compete according to the plan we've
established from the beginning." After donning the armor, Kanin immediately approached his
team. Everyone on the team, who was currently holding a metal mask next to their body,
immediately saluted the team leader before turning their attention to the Young Prince's
words.

"..."

"The rule is to eliminate all opponents. Defeat and eliminate. And don't leave anyone behind. Try
not to tie, because that's the same as elimination... The game time is 6 minutes, and you must score
5 points before being declared the winner, or whoever scores the most points will be declared the
winner." Kanin repeated the rules of the competition with his team members. Because this
competition is more special than other competitions, there are special rules that are not the same
as in other places. "But the next round is different. Because the heirs have to compete against each
other, do you remember the rules?"

Everyone on the team nodded at the same time, including Charan.

The first round is a competition to showcase the team's potential and skills. This round can be
considered a normal match, where the team leader plans a strategy for winning. However, this
is different from the final round, where the team leader must organize their team members to
leave the heir as the last player to showcase the strength of each royal family.

"Okay, let's cheer a little, to let off some steam." Kanin placed his uninjured hand in the center,
and the rest of the team did the same, placing their hands on top of each other before cheering
loudly. This is done to build mentality and encourage team members to be more confident.

Journalists from all news agencies are now focusing on the teams on both sides. The camera
lens immediately focused on Team Asawadevathin, which appeared compact and strong,
before turning to Team Twichtmeta. Princess Eva was seen arriving alone at the arena to
prepare for the match.

The big screen image shows the personal story of the Twitchtmeta Princess. Shortly after, the
story of the Asawadevathin contestants appeared. Each of them was unknown in the industry.
However, this truly caught the attention of netizens.

'Hmm, no wonder his face looks so familiar. Apparently, Prince Kanin's first player on his team
was Itthi Ittikorn Mahannop, heir to Emmaly's only private arms dealer.'

'I heard you own a pub? But there were a lot of different comments, which suddenly became
controversial.'

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'Does owning a pub mean you can't do other jobs? I told you it was impossible for Prince Kanin
to choose just anyone to be a member of his team, but no one ever believed it. Try to find out
for yourself. Ittikorn used to join a team abroad, but he quit to stay in Bangkok and stayed
there for a long time.'

'So this match is interesting. I'm on Khun Itthi's side.'

'I'm still on Princess Eva's side. Although Khun Itthi once joined a foreign team, but... he
couldn't defeat Princess Eva.'

'Hey, it's illegal to gamble here... Mr. Police. There are people here gambling.'

The social media comments flowed like a waterfall. Once everyone began investigating Itthi's
identity, other team members were also mentioned, such as:

'Jay Jirat, an actor who used to be the junior team's number one player.'

'Yes, of course, Mira, the waitress who likes to compete in underground competitions... How
about you bet on her? I guarantee you'll be rich.'

In fact, he himself was widely discussed and many old clips that Paul had posted on social
media were circulating, which were then cut into short clips.

"Prince Kanin, umm, rarely socializes there."

'Then there's Khun Charan... I don't know why he brought an artist to join the team.'

Kanin read the last comment and suddenly laughed softly, until Charan had to come closer. The
man raised an eyebrow and looked at him curiously, until Kanin decided to show him his cell phone.
The confusion on that handsome face suddenly turned to laughter.

"They said Phi shouldn't join Nin's team."

"It really doesn't seem right."

"Suitable or not, we'll know later." Kanin shrugged. Charan laughed softly to himself. The two
exchanged a few more sentences before Chakri walked over.

The young steward continued his work very well. The man informed him that both teams were
ready and asked him to leave his private locker room and head to the side of the field.

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A pair of double-lidded eyes narrowed and stared directly at the two people in the arena. Both
Eva and Itthi were currently wearing electric score counters on their bodies. The two then
immediately clashed in the On Guard position.

When the signal sounds, the person who opens the attack first without letting the others react is
Eva. This caused Itthi to run back. The young man continued to retreat until he was almost at the
Piste line before turning around and performing a Riposte, causing the daughter of the Tavitmeta
family to change her movements from attacking to defending.

During the 6 minutes of the match, Eva scored first, before Itthi responded and ended the
match in a tie.

The score was in line with what Kanin had predicted from the start. He deliberately let Itthi
open the match first, to see how much Eva had prepared. If he's lucky, he'll be able to get rid of
Eva simply by using Itthi. However, Eva's skills seem to be far superior to those of her team.
Itthi, who had just returned, seemed more tired than usual.

"Jay, continue." Kanin turned to the person who had been preparing for a long time. The young
actor nodded before standing up. At a glance, the young nobleman saw his team members
looking at the stands, so he followed their gaze. When he saw who Jirat was looking at, a faint
smile appeared on the corner of his lips.

Jay looks at Calvin...

It seems these two people have a special relationship. Kanin was very sure, because the two of
them... were staring at each other.

So he wasn't worried that Calvin wasn't giving him any help...

The question of why neighboring countries were willing to provide support was finally
answered. Since his first meeting with Calvin, where the man declared he would support his
team, Kanin continued to wonder about the man's motives.

After seeing this, Kanin immediately refocused. His dark brown eyes narrowed as he analyzed
the situation in front of him. He remained silent for a moment before turning his head to
whisper to the person next to him.

"What does Ang Ang think of the other teams?" Kanin whispered to Charan as they both saw
Eva walking toward the edge of the competition arena. The girl seemed a little distracted
before choosing someone to face Jirat.

"Either he can't trust other people... or maybe it's his team that can't be trusted." The tall man's
analysis made Kanin nod. His double-lidded eyes narrowed as he thought about it. Kanin
agrees with Charan on everything.

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"Nin thinks Eva doesn't trust her team." In the first match against Itthi, he wasn't so sure, because
Eva didn't show much attitude. But the second time around, Kanin was pretty sure that what he
thought was right.

Before the match, Eva rarely joined her own team. Unlike him, he was surrounded by his team
members until the last minute, before sending Itthi to compete.

Because of the iron mask covering her face, Kanin couldn't read Eva's thoughts. However,
based on the ranking of the fencers participating in the competition, he was able to predict that
Eva's team was experiencing some problems.

"The game has begun." When the match signal sounded, Kanin, who was still daydreaming,
had Charan remind him about the second match. The noble young man put aside everything
else on his mind and decided to focus on the match at hand.

Although Jirat's Attack movement is quite good, Eva's men can always parry. The Minanakarin
girl then quickly responded, resulting in her taking first place.

The first few minutes of the match looked like it was going to be a good one. But Eva's men
moved slowly, getting slower and slower... until they managed to get Jirat to score five points
first and win the match this time.

As a result, the competition has become increasingly fierce. When Eva's team decided to switch
players, this time the girl chose the only man on her team to compete. The man was from
Asawadevathin, but he was recruited by Eva's team. Meanwhile, Asawadevathin sent Charan to
the match arena.

"This person looks very familiar... isn't he the person Chakri showed me once?" Kanin turned to
whisper to the fat butler beside him when he saw who would be competing next. In fact, Kanin
had seen the man's face in Eva's team information and wanted to say something. But he
couldn't remember, and that made the words catch on his lips.

"That's right, Your Majesty... he used to be one of the choices sent to you by the Great Lord of Life...
this person is very good, and he's also a university friend of Khun Charan." As Kanin spoke to the
chief servant closest to him at the side of the arena, Charan turned his gaze to the person in front of
him.

The college friend who was his opponent today looked at him in disbelief. His eyes seemed to
sparkle with amusement as he watched himself spar with Charan. However, his demeanor still
seemed polite.

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"I never thought I'd see you here... training against me." The person in front of him was his college
friend. Charan remembers very well how much the other party disliked him.

Perhaps because of his position as leader of the Phitakdeva family. A person who obtains this
position must be equipped with national-level martial arts skills and fencing abilities, along with
other skills that are not inferior to anyone else's. However, it turns out that the current leader,
Charan, has proven himself inferior in every way.

That's why someone as talented as that man was always compared to Charan. Because that
man was one of his favorite fencers when he was in college.

"Nice to see you again," Charan said. Although he wasn't happy at all, since the other party was
showing courtesy, he needed to show the same.

"Even though we're college friends, I can't be lenient." Others raised the issue confidently.
Although he spoke as if he showed sympathy for Charan, his eyes seemed mocking.

"So?"

"Sorry if I have to embarrass you... But I can't expect to lose because we're on opposite sides today."
The smile that appeared on his opponent's face didn't frighten Charan in the least. On the contrary,
the more the other party underestimated him, the greater his chances of being able to win without
having to exhaust himself.

"Then... I should apologize as well." That was all the leader of the Phitakdeva family said before
returning to his On Guard position. While the other party continued moving slowly and acted
like an actor walking down the red carpet.

Make him proud... because Charan doesn't care what this guy thinks.

Charan laughed deeply. His black eyes stared fixedly at his opponent. And as soon as the match
signal sounds, Charan's sword is thrown first and he scores using the Right of Way, which is an
advantage for the player who makes the first attack.

The incident caused a stir on social media, sending Charan Phitakdeva's name to the top of the
search query list in less than an hour. Almost every thread discussing the Lord of Life's favorite
artists is ablaze.

Everyone is eager to share their opinions about Charan's previously undisclosed abilities. Only
the Asavadevathin team stood there smiling with satisfaction. Because they were the first to
know the secret.

Charan is known as a dead tree to Prince Kanin's team. When the young man appeared in the
arena, many predicted it would be an easy victory for his opponent. However, it turned out that
the man who was in the position of a close friend was able to score high,

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to the point that Tavitmeta's players, who kept trying to touch, were unable to score points in
the last minute to catch up with him.

As the match raged on, several people were seen starting to stir. Many people left the stands
and walked away, even though the match wasn't over yet and there was less than half left. And
all this was witnessed by the eyes of a fat steward.

Although Chakri isn't good at swordsmanship, his eyesight is very good. With just a glance, he could
tell which areas were empty. Perhaps it was a blessing for someone born a steward like him.

Her round eyes scanned him. After seeing what was abnormal, she quickly turned her head to send
a signal to Vetis, who was watching not far from where she was, to send a message indicating the
coordinates so Vetis's people could follow him and take measures to prevent what had happened.
She feared for her master.

The match continued, as Charan emerged victorious from the competition arena. Mira
immediately prepared to replace the man. But before she could do so, the only girl on the team
was stopped by Prince Kanin. His team leader shook his head and ordered her not to compete
next. Because the Prince himself would be competing.

"Why doesn't Nin let Mira go down to the arena?" Charan asked as he stepped forward to
intercept him. The tall figure, who had just removed his metal mask, stared at Kanin with blank
eyes.

"Nin wants to prove something. P'Ran, please watch this match. We'll talk later." Kanin just said
that, then put on his mask and walked in Mira's place. The slender figure in white looked ready,
but his hand holding the saber seemed unsteady.

Something Kanin wanted to prove came from the three matches he observed earlier, which made
him see several abnormal things.

Kanin thought that the members of the Twichtmeta team... who were from Meenanakarin, seemed
as if they were trying to do something strange, like trying to give in...

I hope it's not what he thinks.

The young nobleman continued to think until the match signal sounded. Kanin launched an attack
at his opponent using his still-sore arm. Of course, the movements weren't perfect. And he
deliberately made it clear to everyone.

But it seemed like his opponent was resisting scoring, even though Kanin deliberately exposed
every opening. And the match, in turn, became a Riposte match.

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Kanin was certain something was wrong. Many things were going through his mind. As his
hand moved to meet his opponent's attack, he felt certain that Eva's team was doing what he
thought. The young noble then feigned weakness and lost his rhythm to perform a parry,
allowing Eva's side to score a point.

Currently, social media may be talking about your arm, which still hurts.

When the score counter sounded, Kanin secretly glanced at Eva's team. He saw the flat
expressions on the faces of the people in Meenanakarin's area. Their facial expressions looked
bad... as if they weren't happy with the points they had earned.

It seems they don't want Eva to advance to the final round...

Thoughts swirled in his head, causing Kanin to barely hear the signal for the match to restart.
Although he was already in the On Guard position, he only realized it when his opponent
launched an attack.

At that moment, Kanin instinctively parried. But his opponent stopped, giving him a chance to
score.

His opponent's actions made the suspicion in his mind clear that Eva was actually the victim.
Everything returns to yesterday's assumption... that Prince Chana and Eva were not the
perpetrators...

So now the villain is probably trying to get rid of Eva by having her people make Twichtmeta
lose...

So that no one wins...

Kanin's heart leaped when he discovered the truth, rendering him unable to delay any longer. In the
end, the young nobleman rushed to take advantage of the gap opened by his opponent,
performing a swift attack and earning a higher score than his opponent. He then traded turns again
with Mira, who was standing at the edge of the arena, resulting in a victory that did not make him
very happy.

"Eva's people are trying to make their team lose... Nin thinks that way, right?" Charan asked
once Kanin returned. The young man nodded without a second thought.

Even Charan could see this anomaly. So how could Eve not see it too?

"Yeah... Nin tried to act weak and open a gap, but that guy didn't attack to score. What was the
reason?... even the same thing happened to Jay. At first, it was like his opponent was trying to
attack Jay... but when the score was higher than Jay, he let Jay win."

"So Nin has to find a way to tell Princess Eva..."

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"Nin will find a way to tell her." Kanin agrees with Charan. As he spoke, he saw the grim
expression on his only cousin's face.

Now their team has won three out of five games, so they don't really need to continue the game.
The people seemed to have achieved their goal, as their expressions seemed relieved. Unlike Eva,
the team leader, who seemed a little frustrated.

"Wait and see Mira's match... if they keep doing what they did to Nin, then it'll be clear who the
villain is." Kanin turned his gaze to the only girl on his team, who turned to salute the referee,
before taking the On Guard position and swinging his sword at the sound of the match signal.

In the final round, almost no one was excited about the match. The members of Team
Asawadevathin had defeated everyone, including Mira. Despite the young woman's brilliance,
she barely showed off her skills. Her opponent acted like a scarecrow.

No matter which way he moved, he hadn't lunged or parried, so almost everyone could say
with one voice that Eva's team hadn't come to win, as the team leader had predicted.

Mira finally wins with a high score over her opponent. But the girl wasn't feeling happy at all.
She returned with a grumpy face and approached the team leader, before saying a few words
that made Kanin very angry.

"They gave in on purpose, Your Majesty."

Kanin clenched his fists tightly. His eyes fell on Eva, who seemed to be trying to maintain an
expression. He knew Eva was a fair player. So it's only natural that he felt he couldn't accept it.
Therefore, behind the flat mask the girl wore, her heart must be filled with feelings of injustice.

His mind raced as the match results were announced, along with which teams would advance to the
next round. Kanin then took advantage of the moment when everyone was walking toward the
dugout to walk alongside Eva as she returned to her seat in the main stand, because there was no
point in being here anymore.

"Can I talk to you, Eva?"

"P'Kanin?... What's wrong?" Her cousin turned to look at him. The girl frowned when she saw her
older cousin grabbing her wrist and trying to pull her in another direction.

"There's something I need to talk about... It's important. We can't talk about it here."

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"Can't we talk about it here?" Eva repeated those words. Her sweet face seemed to be filled with
doubt.

"Yes... about the game now."

"..."

"About your team member deliberately giving up."

.................

"Team Asavadevathin has qualified for the final round, Your Majesty." The Servant's
announcement, which carried a message for Ramil, made the man raise his eyebrows slightly
in surprise. Twichtmeta defeated?

"How was Eva's defeat? Was it a close call or a total loss?" Ramil couldn't help but ask.

"Total defeat, Your Majesty."

How can it be...

The Puchongpsut team was isolated in the waiting room, so they couldn't see the situation
outside. But learning the winning family's results was enough to shock them.

Although he knew Kanin was good at planning, from what he saw with his own eyes on the day
of the team meeting, he didn't see anyone good enough to beat Eva's team.

Ramil believes in his team's ability and resilience. Therefore, Asawadevathin definitely won't
win again this time.

"Let's go and get ready." Despite having many doubts, Ramil didn't think about wasting time.
He told his team members as he stood up and grabbed his fencing gear to prepare.

Ramil told himself it was very important to finish the match as quickly as possible. Whether it's
Twichtmeta or Asawadevathin, today's victory must belong to Puchongpisut.

Although her father is still accused of attacking Kanin, it's an accusation that has yet to be
proven. So now he still has a claim to the royal family's throne.

He wanted his father to see and admit with his own eyes how hard he had tried.

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At least, though his father might not become the Great Lord of Life... but his father would know that
his son could stand on his own two feet without having to rely on underhanded methods like his
father did.

"Why does your face look worried?" he asked his close friend, after noticing the depressed
expression of the person next to him. He rarely saw Phethai in a white athletic uniform, which
was no different from him. Her face, which seemed a little prettier than most men's, was clearly
clouded with anxiety.

"..."

"Are you afraid of losing?"

"You want to win this." Ramil smiled slightly at the response he received. He knows Petai very well... The son of
the Minister of Defense doesn't like to compete with anyone without winning.

But everything the man did was for him... I mean, because of his responsibility and status as a
close friend, Phethai had to do it.

"Yes, I want to win," Ramil replied.

"..."

"But that doesn't mean you can't lose," he said, explaining so the white person next to him
would understand. Ramil took advantage of the moment he was about to enter the stadium for
a few seconds, when no one else was looking, to grab his close friend's slender wrist and hug
him tightly. With his warm breath, he whispered a few words to help Petai ease the tension.

"..."

"We just have to do it together as best we can."

After whispering, they walked toward the competition field. Ramil let go of her hand and returned to his
original self, a dignified, stern-looking young man of royal blood. He is the only son of the Puchongpisut
family, and is always feared by anyone who sees him.

The match to determine the winning family proceeded without an opening ceremony. Ramil
didn't move, sitting in the heir's seat at the edge of the arena. He chose to stand opposite
Kanin and watch his team's first match.

Kanin seemed calm, and his nervousness seemed to have subsided considerably after the first half
of the match. With a straight face, Ramil looked at the opposing player, Jirat, who had been sent out
by Asawadevathin as the weakest player on his team.

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It's true that the Puchongpisut team's fencers are among the best in the country. However,
there's one thing every team must confront and cannot avoid: the uneven skill level of each
player.

But despite this, Ramil remains confident that his team members will win the first match. The
starting gun sounded, and the Puchongpisut team immediately opted to attack. Meanwhile,
the Asavadevathin camp survived. Five minutes quickly passed, and the result of the first match
made the young nobleman frown.

Jirat... doesn't have many extraordinary skills. But his movement and speed on defense were
very interesting. It seems Asawadevathin's team intends to use a defensive approach to
achieve a draw, rather than attacking to score and win.

For both teams, a draw equals a loss. But Kanin didn't seem to be in trouble. In fact, it seemed
as if he had deliberately positioned the piece that way from the start.

"I'll go down." A whisper came from his nearby teammate. Ramil knew what Petai was thinking. When the
opposing team thinks about defending, Puchongpisut will play an attacking game. Scoring points and
closing out the game quickly will be considered an advantage.

And, of course, sending the Defense Minister's son to the arena was the smartest decision.
After all, many people were well aware of Petai Watcharatpong's reputation.

The young man possessed an unparalleled level of skill. His tall, slender body, holding his
sword in a ready position. And not even five minutes after the match signal had sounded,
Asawadevathin's team had lost two of its members in a row.

The score displayed on the screen is from zero to five. Itthi and Mira didn't even have a chance
to score when they played against Petai.

Both were defeated in a way that made it unnecessary for others to question or argue. The son
of the Watcharatpong family managed to turn things around, so that Puchongpisut was in a
superior position. Currently, Asawadevathin has lost three members of his team. Meanwhile,
Ramil's team lost only one person.

"Don't be afraid." Although the sound of conversation was loud around him, it still couldn't
drown out the comforting words of the person beside him. Charan leaned down and whispered
into Kanin's ear. The man in white turned around and smiled gently in response.

"Nin isn't afraid at all." Kanin wasn't lying. He was never afraid of losing. Part of the reason was
because he trusted Charan. Though his attitude, which seemed unconcerned about his team's
vulnerabilities, has drawn public criticism, even from journalists.

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"Trust Phi," Charan said before taking his iron mask and putting it on. The tall, dignified figure
entered the arena, before stopping in front of the Minister of Defense's son and raising his Saber
sword in the On Guard position.

For Petai, the match with Itthi and Mira just now felt like a warm-up. And the real match... is
just beginning.

Finally, he will compete with Charan...

Although they were close, he never saw the fangs and claws the man had been hiding. Today
he would discover just how sharp these two things were.

The sound of the game starting again was heard. This time, Asawadevathin's team didn't make
any defensive moves like the first two teams.

Charan immediately opened the attack, while Petai attempted a lunge to score.

The two Sabre swords moved in tandem with each other. They took turns attacking and
parrying until the score was tied. Puchongpisut got the first point, before Asawadevathin
responded. The two players' scores continued to chase each other.

In the past, Petai had always wondered about this person's abilities. But now he could conclude
that Charan Phitakdeva's abilities far exceeded his expectations.

The match has entered the sixth minute. Petai was aiming to score the fifth in the final minute
by performing a Riposte. But, being too impatient, he missed a crucial opportunity. Seeing this,
Charan immediately parried and followed up with a Counter Riposte to score and win in an
instant.

Applause erupted from the audience when it was announced that Asawadevathin had defeated
Puchongpisut. Although four against five wasn't a bad result at all, Petai didn't feel that way.

The spectators around the arena might have seen this match as a fierce one. But as someone
competing... Petai could sense that Charan was being kind to him.

The man seemed to be at an all-time high. The skills he displayed were like those of a master
handling an apprentice. At this moment, Petai sensed that Charan was intent on saving his
reputation...

And this assumption, by the Watcharatpong family son, was immediately proven correct after
Puchongpisut sent two other professional athletes to compete and were defeated in just six
minutes. The score left Ramil speechless.

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Six to zero... According to the rules, Charan has lost the right to compete, but now... the match
situation is considered very dangerous, because Puchongpisut and Asawadevathin are tied.

Therefore, they needed to determine the winning family... based on the final match between
the two heirs.

Tarin's face looked serious, as did Rachata's. Both seemed focused on the situation on the
competition field. At the same time, the Great Lord of Life kept coughing and covering his
mouth. His old face looked tired, but his eyes were still sharp like an eagle watching its prey.

Meanwhile, Wasin, who was standing next to him, was looking down at the people below, when the
sound of the audience suddenly became louder than before, as Kanin appeared with something
different.

'Wait a minute... Prince Kanin is holding the sword with his left hand?'

'Are you left-handed?'

'How can this be?'

Thipboborn smiled, seeing that there was still hope for victory. The old man's eyes stared at his
family's heir for a few moments, before slowly losing sight of him as he began to feel dizzy.

In the middle of the match, Kanin secretly signaled to Ramil after Salute the Man. He used
several agreed-upon signal moves, then remained in the On Guard position for a few
moments, so Ramil could look at him, before sending the signal again.

A sign... saying they had to finish the game as quickly as possible.

Kanin already knows who the perpetrator is. When this competition is over, he will reveal Wasin's
crimes and interference to the other families. He would tear off the man's mask and expose him to
everyone. Then that man... can't commit any more crimes.

"On Guard, Pret, Allez"

When the referee's signal was heard, Kanin didn't delay any longer. The young man stepped
forward, gracefully raising his sword to open the attack, and revealed to his opponent a secret... one
he had never revealed to anyone.

Yes... Kanin is good at fencing, both with his right hand... and with his left hand.

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Frantic sounds could be heard from all directions. Ramil himself was shocked, but he managed
to control his thoughts and the situation. For a split second, the young nobleman returned his
attention to the match.

Ramil was able to parry and avoid the lunge of the Asawadevathin team. The long legs of the
son of the Puchongpisut family retreated to avoid the speed of Kanin's saber tip.

However, when he decided to make a riposte, Kanin moved faster and immediately performed
a Parru, then followed up with a Counter Riposte. The tip of his sword touched Ramil's arm. As
a result, the sound of a point counter was heard.

Asawadevathin leads the scoreboard first... one to zero.

The speed of his movement was recorded by a live camera. The images, played in slow motion
on the big screen, showed that although he used his left hand, this didn't stop the young prince
Asawadevathin from competing.

Kanin and Ramil returned to their respective positions. In the second half, after the game signal
sounded again, this time Puchongpisut was the first to open the attack. Ramil used his speed to
lunge, but Kanin managed to parry in time.

In the next moment, both sides used the tip of their swords to launch an attack, producing a
touch on their opponent's body. As a result, a signal was heard... from the score counter, and
the lights on the screen lit up simultaneously on both sides.

So in this round, both of them got points.

Asawadevathin is two points behind, while Phuchongpisut is one point behind.

In the next round, Ramil used his speed to attack first again. Puchongpisut used the tip of his
sword to attack and lunge. Kanin then retreated. However, because Asawadevathin was at a
physical disadvantage, the score calculation screen showed that the family with the snake
symbol had again received points.

The match between the two families was intense, drawing enthusiasm and loud applause from
the crowd, especially from the Puchongpisut fans' seating area.

With time running out, as Ramil took his On Guard stance, Kanin gripped the Saber tightly in
his slender palm. He took a deep breath and focused. Kanin intended to close out the match in
this round.

"On Guard, Pret, Allez"

After the referee's command was heard, Asawadevathin and Puchongpisut immediately
stepped forward. The tips of their swords met. Kanin performed a parry in the

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attack launched by Ramil, and immediately made a riposte to end the match. But just as he was
about to raise his sword to touch Ramil's shoulder... suddenly a loud sound was heard.

A voice that seemed to remind Kanin... that he could be miscalculating human evil.

Pop!

The sound of gunfire halted all movement. Both Kanin and Ramil froze when they heard that
voice. People in all directions, including those in the stadium, immediately ran away in panic.
Amid the confusion, Tarin's loud voice seemed to announce... that a great disaster had struck
Emmaly.

"Protect His Majesty!"

Chapter 43: The Truth Revealed

"Protect His Majesty!" At the end of Tarin's shout, a great chaos ensued. Kanin also took many
blows until finally Charan rushed in, grabbed her slender wrist, ripped off her mask, and nimbly
threw it aside as they both fled.

"Keep your head down!" Out of the corner of Kanin's eye, he quickly spotted his cousins Ramil
and Petai instinctively approaching. Ithhi, Mira, and Jay were immediately protected by Calvin's
bodyguards.

Most other royal families have backup guards to protect them. Except for people from the
countryside like them. Kanin didn't even know where the sound of the gun had come from.
Before he could open his mouth to ask anything, he simultaneously heard gunshots the next
minute.

Boom! Boom!

Charan cursed and roared orders. Being outside was very dangerous; Asawadevathin's guards
arrived soon. The Phitakdeva clan leader gripped the young prince's hand tightly.

"This way, Khun Charan." One of the guards handed Charan a weapon to hold. Kanin himself
acted no differently. Those sharp eyes scanned quickly, trying to read the situation. The
intruders were covering their faces, just like the attackers they had faced in the past.

Damn bastard...

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"Divide the force into two groups. The first group leads the way to clear the area. The other
group fires and blocks the intruders." Charan's goal was to get Kanin out of this dome, so he
quickly gave the order. As he was about to raise his weapon, one of the supporters fell from the
stands.

"Good!"

"Don't stay where you are, stay close to me!" It's not wise to remain still as a target. Kanin nodded and
hurried after Charan. The young royal family was escorted through a special passageway. It was an exit
attached to the side of Dawin Palace.

Kanin's brain processed this sudden situation, thinking hard. In truth, the young nobleman had
expected something to happen today. But he hadn't expected them to dare to cause
destruction too great to control.

Kanin used to think that Uncle Wasin wouldn't dare do anything reckless and lose the trust of
other countries, but now he has to think again. Who would have thought that someone in the
shadows would dare to cause such an outrageous riot in the capital? This proves that Wasin's
goal is definitely not just to destroy the Party. But there's probably something he wants more
than that.

'After the game, during that time, The Great Lord of Life was busy with the delegates, shifting
positions, as if they were trying to find documents or something. I thought someone was
informing him about something. And I want to do something.'

'....'

'How to search for documents'

What document are you looking for?

"P'Ran, documents," Kanin said as they crossed into the Dawin Palace area. The crowd had
been attacked and blocked, so this area was considered safe for the time being.

"It's too risky," Charan himself thought, but he didn't want to take Kanin anywhere near the
danger. Now there are only two main options.

First, someone must take Kanin to escape the palace, and Charan trusts Tarin and the other
members of the royal family can do it for mutual safety. Second, go to the Great Lord of Life's
office because Thipbovorn will definitely go there.

Maybe including... the people who caused all this.

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If Kanin escapes, he may lose the chance to catch the perpetrator, or even to learn the whole
truth. But if Charan has to choose, he must first take her Nong away. The leader of the
Phitakdeva clan had sworn an oath. No matter what, he would never let his lover leave him
again.

"Khun Charan, let's first take the young prince to hide in the palace. Currently, the exit on the
left wing of the palace is no longer safe." One of Asawadevathin's bodyguards quickly ran over
while reporting the surrounding situation. There's no other option now.

Charan had to take Kanin back to the palace. They ran down the road. The area still seemed
deserted, perhaps because the intruders were detained just outside the palace grounds.

"We have to hide somewhere..." Kanin trailed off. When his gaze caught sight of a group of people
running in the opposite direction, Ramil looked exhausted. His burning emotions were clearly visible
in his eyes. They distanced themselves and used their gaze to peer at each other intently.

"You're okay, aren't you?" Ramil asked first. The tall man looked around. The other party was
dressed in white armor, with messy hair and a face full of anger. All of this was because Ramil
himself had just escaped a gunshot wound that nearly killed him.

"I almost died... but I survived," Kanin replied jokingly. His slender hand rose to wipe away the
sweat. But the listener didn't agree. Ramil suddenly grew angry and impatient.

"In conclusion, the perpetrator was either Uncle Wasin or Uncle Chana... Was it really Uncle
Chana? At the time of the incident, I didn't see Uncle Chana there... Damn it, I didn't think either
of them could do it." Ramil's harsh words made the audience pause for a moment. After all,
Ramil had been careful enough to observe Uncle Chana according to his plan. When the young
noble went out to save himself, Kanin didn't pay much attention to Uncle Chana.

But not because Uncle Chana is the real villain.

It's because....

"The culprit wasn't Uncle Chana... Uncle Chana disappeared because he went to prepare his men to
come here..."

What Kanin said made the other two newcomers freeze. No wonder Ramil didn't understand what
was going on, because the other party only believed what they saw with their own eyes.

"Why not? Eve lost, she can do something like this..."

"Eva didn't lose because her team couldn't fight... But Eva lost because she was stabbed in the
back by her own team, Ramil." Kanin replied. He didn't expect Ramil to understand.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

immediately the situation because the other party was not watching the game, but Kanin wanted
Ramil to suppress his anger and listen carefully.

"What do you mean?"

"While competing with Eva, my team and I noticed something strange. The people on Eva's
team who came from Menanakarin deliberately lost in a row... After the match ended, I
immediately went to meet Eva."

"..."

"Eva was also surprised to hear that... so I told her everything we talked about the other day...
At that time Uncle Chana was there and heard it too... Then Uncle Chana went and prepared
some reinforcements for us. "At first, I thought they wouldn't dare to commit violence and
would take action after the game was over. But I underestimated them too much... I really
didn't think they would take action like this immediately." Kanin's words shattered all of Ramil's
assumptions. The white man's actions made him feel bad because he had misinterpreted the
situation. The feeling was as if he was one step slower than Kanin.

"Because they thought I'd lose to you... so they dared to do this. If Asawadevathin still has the
next challenge to the Great Lord of Life... they can't accept it." Ramil replied softly. His
optimistic attitude diminished drastically. It was time to accept the fact that even in this round,
although the result was a tie, the points budget still lost to Kanin.

No matter how you look at it, Phuchongpisut won't win...

"Because they didn't want Asawadevathin to get this position... So they ruined everything... You
mean it, don't you?" Kanin touched his heart at his cousin's words. The white man's eyes
widened as if he were thinking of something again.

"Yes... because if it were me, I'd ruin everything, even kill the people I hate." Ramil was right
when he said the perpetrator didn't just want to hurt Kanin like before. But this time, they
intend to destroy everything, leaving everything in ruins as an attempt at revenge.

Her double eyelids captured the tense atmosphere surrounding the palace grounds, where
people outside the palace grounds were busy running around. Most of them were important
people in this country.

Some of them were ordinary people, yet they wielded enormous power in the country. He saw
the guards, the nobles, even himself, struggling to escape the deadly hunt.

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But trying to escape from a confined space in this situation isn't easy. Kanin knew Uncle Wasin
had prepared well, but because his pace was a step slower than the other side's, Kanin had no
support that could help him.

Kanin blamed himself for underestimating his uncle and causing everyone to fall into this situation. He
hadn't expected someone like the Menanakarin clan leader to be so bold.

But there was one thing Kanin might have forgotten. The definition of desperate dog probably
best described the current situation... He could only hope that Prince Chana's manpower would
be sufficient to overcome this disaster. Because Kanin himself still had something more
important to deal with.

"Everyone is safe." The third-person voice made Kanin and Ramil turn around. Eva joins the
group with Prince Calvin, Jirat, Itthi, and ends with Mira and the bodyguard Twichmetha at her
side.

"They've blocked all the entrances. What do we do now?" The foreign royal family reported
what had happened. Calvin was also affected, but the other party had already guessed. So he
prepared enough people to protect themselves. Everyone was still in a state of disbelief at a
situation no one could explain.

"I called Dad ten minutes ago... Dad said he was on his way to get help. Let's go somewhere
safer and wait for Dad's help." Twichmetha's daughter said what everyone in the area should
do. Because there's nothing they can do except find a way around this mess.

When some people on their side were still in a state of confusion, the intruder knew how to
escape this situation, identified their weaknesses, and deliberately created a truly devastating
situation. Confronting them is not a wise choice.

"All right, if we stay together, then we'll become targets. It's best for us to try and survive first."
As if sensing the direction of the conversation, Ramil immediately grabbed his nearby
companion's arm before signaling a group of his own guards and heading to the second floor
of the mansion to find a protective area.

"Mr. Calvin lent me his bodyguards." With an uncertain expression on her face, Eva turned to
one of her friends when it was time to part ways. Having too many bodyguards would make
this escape effort ineffective. Calvin's bodyguards were numerous, but still not enough to fully
protect everyone.

"..."

"Khun Mira, you'd better come with me."

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"But..." The young waiter hesitated a little, but the eyes and voice of the noble lady's words
were strong enough that he didn't dare refuse.

"Believe me. Going with so many people would be too dangerous... Come with me, Twichmetha will
protect you." Charan saw Mira hesitate for a moment before deciding to accept the young noble's help.
The young man turned to make eye contact with a nearby friend. Charan seemed to be in a hurry, so Itthi
spoke immediately.

"Don't worry, I'll go with Prince Calvin and Jay." The famous pub owner was well aware of the
situation. Living with Kanin and Ran currently carries greater risks. Therefore, it's best for them
to separate temporarily for mutual safety.

"I'll leave them to you." Kanin turned to Calvin, before they all scattered in different directions.
Well, there weren't many exits inside Dawin Palace, and they had no other way out.

Charan and Kanin agree that the only place they should go now... is Thipbovorn's office.

On the north side of Dawin Palace, there was a small commotion. The Great Lord of Life
seemed very hasty and impatient. But he tried to keep his facial expression as gentle as
possible, as if he was used to it every time something bad happened.

Thipboborn used his brain to process the situation. The old man cursed himself a thousand
times in his heart, because he knew he had made a huge mistake.

Holding power for so long led him to look down on other families. He was rebellious and knew
the situation better than he should. This was all his fault and his carelessness, because he felt
superior to others for so long, which brought disaster to the Asawadevathin clan.

Thipboborn still didn't know who the person in the shadows was this time. But he was fairly
certain their goal wasn't just to thwart the party. This action was outrageous. Too reckless and
terrifying, they were braver than the Lord of Emmally had thought and guessed before.

"Come this way." Wirun's voice sounded hurried and not as calm as usual. Tarin had separated
and ordered the guards to find a way to get him out of here. But Thipboborn has bigger
problems he can't put aside.

Business documents and many more documents that shouldn't be left behind when there are
intruders like this. It's too risky.

"Wait a minute, I have to get back to the office." The announcement from the country's highest authority
confused the guards. But since they were lower in rank, they had no right to ask questions. Wirun must
protect Thipbovorn and do everything according to the wishes of this country's leader.

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"Keep an eye on things"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The Great Lord of Life didn't explain anything to those around him, trying to understand the
old man's behavior. He disappeared into the office and ordered Wirun to stand guard at the
front. Someone hurriedly headed toward the safe hidden behind a bookshelf in the corner of
the room. Gradually move some necessary documents into a bag that can be locked with a
code.

"Why hasn't Grandfather left yet?" Someone's voice came from behind, causing Thipbovorn to
freeze. The old man was stunned for a moment, then turned to someone of the same lineage.

"Kanin..."

"What's Grandfather doing?" He never felt any doubt or suspicion in the past, or even now. Charan
might have thought Thipbovorn was the same person if all the evidence hadn't been gathered in
front of him, and he didn't even want to believe it one bit.

"It's so important that Grandfather can't just leave it behind, right? Is it a document about
trading valuables from other clans?" Kanin didn't want to turn around at that moment. The
younger person seemed to have hit the target, and that allowed Charan to notice for the first
time the abnormality in the face of the person who was always in a good mood. The person
who raised him.

"Wait, Grandpa will explain later. We've wasted a lot of time. Let's go. Grandpa will have
someone take us out of here for our safety," the old man interrupted calmly. Thipbovorn
walked past his two grandsons toward an expensive teakwood door. He hadn't had time to
open the door to bring them out when his steps were stopped by a single sentence.

"That document... Regarding the delivery of the cargo that night, right, Grandpa?"

Kanin played the game more intelligently and ingeniously than Charan imagined. In the eyes of the
leader of the Phitakdeva family, arguing with Thipbovorn was a serious situation. They had to uncover
what others were trying to hide.

"How did Kanin and Charan find out about this?" A loud, strained voice came from someone
who had always been good at maintaining his expression. Thipboworn had thought of many
plans in his head to control and maintain the palace he had painstakingly built, but it seemed it
was too late to correct these mistakes.

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"It doesn't matter where it comes from. What matters is the truth." Although he was concerned about the
external situation, Kanin was more interested in unearthing information in the hands of the Great Lord of
Life.

Did he want to understand the reason why his grandfather had betrayed him and had to oppress
Meenakarin to the point of driving him mad like that?

Is it just because you want to keep everything organized?

Or was it because he was greedy all along...?

"Actually, Grandfather wants to take care of Asawadevathin." Thipboborn sighed. "Grandfather did everything
for Asawadevathin."

"Do everything for the clan?... So grandfather needs to tear down others and betray others like
this?" It was because Kanin had seen everything, that he could say this. Kanin simply
understood all the kindness the other party offered him through his grandfather's words "do
everything possible so the clan protects Asawadevathin."

All for Asawadhevathin...

It had nothing to do with Kanin being the only grandson... he himself was probably just used as
a tool for Thipbovorn to save Asawadevathin.

"That's something Grandfather needs to do... Grandfather wants Kanin and Charan to
understand Grandfather." Thipboborn had a serious expression on his face. The old man
gripped the documents in his hands tightly. "That is the duty of the clan leader... Grandfather
cannot allow others to be above our clan."

"What's with Grandpa saying he couldn't find Tattanai... But in reality, Grandpa hid Dad and
wouldn't let him see me... Is that something that needs to be done?" Kanin took that moment
to ask what had been stuck in his mind all this time. He turned to look at Charan who was
beside him. The tall man's eyes simply flickered.

There was an instant silence. Even the Great Lord of Life's breath in front of Kanin was so soft
he could barely hear it. His double eyelids fell silent, waiting for the elder's declaration.

He knew that power struggles, even abuse of them, were wrong. Of course, feelings of
disappointment and regret will arise. However, the final topic Kanin raised is different.

Kanin admitted that he didn't want what he was asking to be true... Deep in his heart, Kanin still
had a small fragment of the feeling of wanting to believe the person who once said that 'they
are family' once again.

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So please...

Please deny it

"There are people who want to destroy the Asawadevathin clan. Grandfather will explain when we leave here."
Aside from not denying it, the noble grandfather chose to shift his gaze in another direction. This action makes
it clear to the audience that their prayers are in vain.

Kanin took a deep breath. He looked into the eyes of the noble and supreme leader of the country with
conflicting emotions that were too difficult to control.

"Grandpa can explain everything here... because I'm sick of Grandpa's false words of concern."

"..."

"Is it true that Grandfather didn't plan everything? Hiding my father from the very beginning,
deliberately fabricating lies that you haven't been able to find my father, letting me stay here
day after day to be a pawn in Grandfather's game... So I can survive and compete for Father
Tarin's power and maintain the position of Great Lord of Life for the Asawadevathin clan?

"..."

"Grandpa didn't do that, did he?" Kanin asked weakly. Despite knowing he had to end the
conversation as quickly as possible, he still stalled for time so he could negotiate and asked
about all the things he'd never heard of before.

Initially, Kanin thought this might simply be another plot by supporters seeking to defame
Thipbovorn. But now everything seems clear.

Ever since he met his father in the warehouse, Kanin knew something was strange. Tattanai
became the supervisor of the Great Lord of Life's warehouse, standing there silently watching
Kanin, even giving his own life for fear that Kanin might get hurt...

All this was to make Kanin believe he had no one left. So he had to rely helplessly on the Great
Lord of Life.

Just because Grandpa wants to control him... wants to turn Kanin into a caged bird... does
Grandpa have to do so much?

His vision in front of him was suddenly blocked by overflowing tears. Kanin clenched his fists tightly. He
didn't know how to vent this frustration. The more the other party doesn't say anything, the clearer the
answer to all the stories that have happened will be.

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Kanin wanted to yell at the other party—was it fun to betray him like this? But before he could
say a word, the tightly closed bedroom door suddenly opened, revealing a newcomer with a
cold smile on his face.

The other party seemed to have heard everything. His rather thin palms clapped. He laughed
heartily and bitterly... as if he were watching a comedy drama.

"I really didn't think one could fall off the game board. That's why I was able to see such a
stunning sight." Heavy footsteps approached. The person was wearing formal clothes with the
symbol of Meenanakarin City emblazoned on his chest while displaying a warm smile. Wasin
greeted everyone in this place, including the Great Lord of Life, who was gritting his teeth and
shouting other people's names in annoyance.

"Wasin," Thipbovorn said, a familiar name. The old man's previously calm and balanced
expression now showed a trembling expression toward the Meenakarin clan leader who always
handed over many valuable chests.

"Are you surprised, man? Don't you wonder how I got in..."

"..."

"The dog he kept in front of your office is dead, and other people won't be able to recognize its
corpse... Maybe it's normal for Uncle to throw other people away to keep everything for
himself. Maybe it's a habit His Majesty has always done, so I can use it too, right?"

"You..."

"Why don't you answer my nephew Kanin? About how you always abandon everyone loyal to
you... Everything Kanin guessed is true..."

"..."

"Even regarding Ms. Charan's death... you ordered them to kill her with your own mouth."

...........

The lower floor of Dawin Palace was packed with people. Now the main building was beginning
to fall silent, as several supporters had scattered around. The atmosphere inside was tense.
Even if I looked in all directions, there was only a foreigner dressed in black standing with a
pistol in front of the door, leaving no trace of the bodyguards guarding the gate as usual.

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Therefore, anyone secretly entering the corridor had to be much more careful. A battle-ready
man in protective armor took aim at the nearest man in black.

The other party was staring out the window. Seeing an opportunity, Tattanai quickened his
pace and stopped behind the man. He immediately attacked the other party's death spot, his
thick palm slashing at the opponent's throat until the person died, then immediately ordered
the people behind him to continue with their plan.

Everything... these are orders and reinforcements from Prince Tarin. The clan leader issued the
order to find the Young Prince and Charan as quickly as possible. Therefore, Tattanai
volunteered to undertake this task himself.

His slender legs continued walking silently down the long corridor ahead. His sharp eyes were
like a hawk's as they scanned the room. He and the reinforcements provided by Prince Tarin
had already taken on more than half of the criminals. However, it seemed there were so many
people on the opposite side that they couldn't fight them head-on.

The situation remains worrisome. As long as they don't know exactly who the intruder is and
haven't found Prince Kanin and Charan, they can't do anything reckless in the palace area.

But before that, Tattanai had noticed something unusual about Prince Wasin. Therefore, he
intended to secretly follow and observe the other party, the person who was behaving
strangely. He hoped to gain important clues while doing so.

And he got a clue when everyone fled during the chaos. In critical life-threatening situations,
humans generally always run for survival, but Prince Wasin's reaction was a little strange.

The person didn't seem fazed by the incident. He also walked toward an armed group in a remote area
with a serious face, and it seemed that the person who stepped toward Wasin was the leader of all this
chaos.

The other party bowed respectfully to the Meenakarin leader before they all finally walked
toward Dawin Palace. Not even the rebels thought of touching Prince Wasin.

Now everything is clear...

The situation before him was so clear that he immediately left that place. He hurried to report what
he saw to Prince Tarin. They connected what he saw with the clues he had in hand, in addition to the
incident Charan had told him about.

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The man with the lame leg who always tries to hurt Kanin, if all of them combine into one,
Tattanai's protective instincts are even more pleading for this not to happen to Kanin again.

When permission was granted, Tattanai requested a group of Prince Tarin's bodyguards. He
carefully planned the cleanup of the area. Fortunately, the master's bodyguards had good
intelligence. Therefore, he was able to arrange everything in a short time.

Danai managed to save almost all of the hostages. The middle-aged man couldn't guess where Kanin and
Charan were in the palace at that moment. Danai only knew that she had to deploy reinforcements to
search for them both.

Following his experience, Tattanai decided to go to the center of Dawin Palace... the Office of the Great Lord of
Life. He was able to guess the whole story, and fortunately, everything he calculated turned out to be accurate.

He saw Prince Wasin in the upper hall. As Tattanai followed him, he saw the other party
ordering his retinue to fight with several of Danai's close guards along with the Great Lord of
Life's personal guards, who were only a handful in his eyes.

Many people, including Wirun, were dragged from the main office door, leaving the limping
man and Prince Wasin who were about to open the door to the room. It seemed the other
party had prepared so well that they could do everything without a second thought.

Tattanai then deliberately waited until he was sure they were both unconscious. He relied on
the right timing to order someone to contact Prince Tarin and inform him who the perpetrator
was before he quietly slipped away.

In the large office space, divided into two sections, Tattanai knew best where a good hiding
place was. He intended to stay and observe who was in the room and set up an ambush. But a
familiar voice came from deeper within the office. This made the middle-aged man feel uneasy.

"What's with Grandpa saying he couldn't find Tattanai... But in reality, Grandpa hid Dad and
wouldn't let him see me... Is that something that should be done?"

"There are people who want to destroy the Asawadevathin clan. Grandfather will explain it to you when we leave
here."

"Grandpa can explain everything here... because I'm sick of Grandpa's false words of concern."

"..."

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"Grandfather didn't plan everything, did he? Hiding my father from the very beginning,
deliberately fabricating lies that you haven't been able to find my father, letting me stay here
day after day to be a pawn in Grandfather's game... so that I can survive to compete for Father
Tarin's power and maintain the position of Great Lord of Life for the Asawadevathin clan?

"..."

"Grandpa didn't do that, did he?"

What Kanin said truly touched the listener's heart. Tattanai realized it again and gripped the
weapon in his hand so tightly that his entire arm trembled.

But before he could hear the response from the master Tattanai had admired all his life, a third
person appeared in the middle of the conversation. Instantly, Tattanai heard thunderous
applause.

This was followed by Prince Wasin's voice murmuring something to the Great Lord of Life. All
his words were so strange and difficult to understand. Before Danai could regain
consciousness, she realized that the next sentence was even more penetrating.

"Why didn't you answer my nephew Kanin? That you always abandoned all those who were loyal to
you... that everything Kanin assumed was true... Even regarding Lady Charan's death... you ordered
them to kill her with your own mouth."

"..."

"You ordered Tattanai to take Kanin away and then sent Phitakdeva's men to kill the master,
the clan leader, and his driver. You even gave orders to burn the father and son who were
villagers in that area until not a single face remained to be seen..."

"..."

"His Majesty has given the order to set the scene. I think his idea is very good. So now, why
don't you dare admit your own behavior?"

Tattanai was stunned. Every memory returned to the scene where he fled from the bullets,
obediently carrying a baby.

One of the drivers was a close friend. And the other was the noble lady of the then Chief of the
Phithakdeva clan... Chita.

Mrs. Charan...

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That day, he received a message urging him to escape. Phithakdeva's men in the area were
ordered to take him and the young prince. That night, Tattanai immediately received a ticket to
leave for England. Although he didn't want to abandon the other two friends who were
suffering and sharing happiness together... in the end, he had to give in.

Because at that moment, he believed another Phitakdeva clan bodyguard who said he would go as
reinforcements to protect Chita and the driver. Well, in the end, Tattanai couldn't save anyone.

In the past, Tattanai said that until her last breath, Chita died with dignity. She just had to flee
with the Little Young Master without any honor. Although both had to sacrifice their lives, this
was done to protect the clan's heir. She had no right to defy the order and should do nothing
but flee like a rat.

But now what he heard was not like that...

Is what Prince Wasin said true? The order to separate from Kanin, the order to wait aimlessly,
the story that deceived him that the child was in danger, even including the story of the driver
and Chita, Charan's mother, who were told to die... Even though they were people who had the
same chance of survival as him.

Now he wasn't as stupid as he used to be... he immediately understood that everyone was
being used as a tool.

The Great Lord of Life used his loyalty to wipe them all out in cold blood.

Is it really like that?...

"Shut up, Wasin!" A loud, tense voice echoed throughout the room. The calm that had been
maintained was suddenly shattered. As quickly as possible, the cannon of a paralyzed man
behind the Meenanakarin leader immediately turned toward Thipbovorn.

- Was it raining that day, Charan? ...but even though it was raining... Even though the entire car
wasn't burned, why were the people in it so charred? -And why was your mother thrown to the
side of the road when the car hit a tree... Why didn't the body bounce off the windshield and
end up in front of the car... why are Tattanai and Kanin still alive? Even though according to
reports, the two people had been burned alive... Isn't this the question you've always been
looking for an answer to? Wasin wasn't bothered by the shouting at all. The head of the
Meenakarin family continued talking casually even though the atmosphere around him was
very tense.

Wasin's narrow eyes caught sight of Charan, who was looking at a higher-ranking person. Just
looking at Charan's confused eyes, a victorious smile appeared on the person's face,
determined to move forward. Wasin wanted to open up the remaining sediments and wounds
in Charan's heart.

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The reason Charan couldn't trust his own clan members, the reason he couldn't legally accept
the position of clan leader, was because he felt his mother's death was very strange.

The Phitakdeva clan leader's lips were dry at this point. Charan felt like a stupid chess piece
about to be annihilated.

He made a mistake... by not trying to find out because he believed in the words of the Great
Lord of Life. He simply believed in the words of the people who reached out to help him in
difficult times. When nothing was left, this person... offered help, cared for, and respected his
mother like a hero...

It helps rid his clan of all its thorns. But what Charan received was only a lie... only a great
tragedy he had witnessed... Those sharp eyes trembled as he thought of the next story, and his
whole body seemed to go numb.

"Charan... grandfather..."

"Put the gun down or I'll shoot you in the head." Charan no longer listened to Thipbovorn's words.
He tried to regain his wits as he squealed through gritted teeth and raised his gun without fear of
the other person. The handsome face was steadfast, while Wasin still smiled at the corner of his
mouth, as if satisfied.

"You're going to shoot me... Why? You're going to shoot me just because I told you the truth about
your mother?" Thoughtful, well-prepared people seem to have no fear whatsoever. The tall man
walked toward the gun, extending his hand in an inviting gesture.

"..."

"Or you'll shoot me because you don't want to accept the fact that the person who raised you right
was lying... right? He's also the person who killed your mother."

"Stop..." Charan knew Kanin was close. His voice sounded strangely shaky. His once strong
heart, unwavering in the face of anything that squeezed it, trembled. Now even the palm of his
hand holding the barrel of the gun was shaking like never before.

Neither of them knew what Wasin's sentence meant. Only Thipbovorn's expression grew even
more surprised when he heard the response from someone who had always considered him
superior.

"..."

"Thipbovorn killed your mother, just because he didn't want anyone to know about Kanin's
whereabouts. His Majesty killed someone as loyal as your mother to make Kanin's death as
realistic as possible... You can't accept that, can you?"

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The Lord of Meenakarin smiled. The information he had tried to suppress for months was
made public today. Kanin saw doom and terror before him. In that moment, the young prince
Asawadevathin realized that he... had miscalculated his opponent.

"..."

"In the end... you ended up loving the child who caused your mother's death..."

"..."

"Because Kanin survived, he caused your mother to die... This is the truth."

Yes, Wasin doesn't want to be the Great Lord of Life. He wanted destruction and pain for all of them
separately. This is what the other side really wants...

.................

Chapter 44: Destruction

"Because Kanin survived, it caused your mother to die... This is the truth." The end of the sentence
spoken by the ruler of the Meenanakarin country caused the entire room to fall into a state of
silence. Charan's eyes widened and his entire body froze. His hand, holding the gun and pointing it
at the speaker, trembled slightly, but he didn't lose his attention.

Kanin held it tightly in Kanin's slender palm. He wanted to scream and scold someone who was his
blood uncle. The young man assumed this was Wasin's plan—to clean up Wasin's image—but his
instincts were conflicting.

When he scanned his grandfather's movements, he was shocked; anxiety was clearly visible on
the old man's face, which had always been flat and calm in Kinin's memory. His movements
made the young nobleman's thin legs weaken.

Discomfort coursed through his body. Kanin looked back at Wasin, trying to find reasons to
support his assumption that Wasin's words were nothing but lies. The most embarrassing
thing was that he... had just discovered the truth.

The other party didn't even show the slightest attitude of someone who seemed to be
deliberately lying to survive. On the other hand, a person like Thipbovorn, who should be stable
and unconcerned by the situation, seemed to be shaking with anger.

"Why are you doing this? I want to know why you're doing this!" His voice sounded harsh and
raspy. Since entering Dawin's palace, Kanin had never heard Thipboborn speak to anyone.

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in that tone of voice. This was the first time the young man had seen someone who was always smiling,
and his anger seemed uncontrollable.

"Why am I doing this? Because I want to see you all destroyed before my eyes!" Wasin repeated
those words before shouting at the old man with the same force. The face that used to always look
friendly and full of smiles had now changed. His laughter sounded as if he wanted to mock
everyone present.

Kanin's ears rang. He couldn't think of anything at this moment. The situation before him was
bigger than he could handle. Not even Charan had expected it... Leader Meenakarin, the
person Thipbovorn trusted the most, now stood up with a disgusting smile.

The large figure moved slowly, walked, and then stopped in front of the barrel of Charan's gun,
unafraid of being shot.

Kanin believed that if these were normal times, Charan would handle it without hesitation but... now he
was having difficulty controlling his breathing.

"..."

"I want all of you destroyed like my life. Nothing remains... not even self-respect, let alone the
people I love!" The shout made Charan react; the young man clenched the gun in his hand,
even though his mind had no intention of doing anything. This was different from the other
parties who were Wasin's subordinates. That person was pointing the gun at the Great Lord of
Life who was standing not far away without hesitation.

Heat enveloped Kanin amidst this tension. Confident of the situation, he pulled out his cell
phone and dialed the number that had been set up for emergency calls... Chakri.

The young man hoped the other party would answer the call and bring help here now because
the situation before him wasn't so good. Charan was the most worrying. The other party
seemed to be affected by Wasin's words to the point where he barely had any sanity left.
Meanwhile, Thipbovorn was held at gunpoint by Wasin's men, making it difficult for him to
move.

"Why are you doing this? Even though your uncle has always been good to you." Leader
Emmali's voice was filled with anger. Wasin simply laughed as if she'd heard a joke.

"Has Uncle really been good to me all this time? Making me a pawn to cover up what
Asawadevathin did, letting me take all your rottenness in everything even though you've
suppressed my city until nothing remains. Is that what Uncle calls good?" ?" hurtful. As a result
of his anger, Wasin accidentally took a step forward, unafraid of the gun pointed at himself. As
a result, people who carry guns like Charan need to pull the trigger a little. The tip of the barrel
inevitably landed on the other party's chest.

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"Didn't Uncle deceive the state of Menanakarin for your benefit!... When it went bankrupt, you came and
acted as a helper!... but the hand behind Uncle's back was holding a dagger. Uncle was good at making
things difficult for other people. At that time, Uncle pretended to offer help... but your help only benefits
you. If you didn't have the intention of taking every state into your own hands, would my life be like
this?... Although I used to respect you greatly... I was loyal to you, I raised you as my sunshine... but you
betrayed me..." Wasin's voice trailed off. Kanin saw a drop of hatred in the other party's eyes.

"..."

"You killed me alive! Me along with my people!... And you don't even realize in the slightest that
the order you gave has hurt other people... Like the people who lost their loved ones because
of your greed, right?" Do you realize the consequences of what you've done? Have you ever
thought of paying attention to anyone but yourself? At that moment, no one thought of
stopping Wasin. The Meenanakarin leader burst out amidst the silence. Not even Thipboborn
dared to move.

"..."

Tear-filled eyes spilled out the hatred in her heart toward the person she once considered her
sunshine. This time, Wasin's saliva trickled down her throat before she turned to look at Kanin, who
was standing some distance away.

"You know, I was the one who tried to kill you." Kanin's eyes widened. His entire body trembled
when he heard what Wasin said. The young man quickly took his hand out of the communicator in
his pocket. But he didn't withdraw his hand because he didn't want to arouse suspicion. He paused
for a moment before using his wits and calmly beginning to negotiate with the person in front of
him.

"Did I do something to Uncle?... What did I do wrong?... We didn't even know each other before."

"Yes, you didn't do anything wrong, but it was your grandfather, your grandfather who made me want to kill you."

"..."

"He killed my wife," the phrase, which came with hatred in his eyes, made Kanin's heart
weaken. Thipbovorn remained silent as Wasin vented all the frustration he had bottled up in
his heart for the past few decades.

"..."

"Just because my wife found out about Asawadevathin smuggling goods from other states... He
killed my wife... her body was tied to the concrete and drowned... even in her womb... was my
child!" The pain was conveyed by the tears that fell. Kanin raised his head.

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hand to cover his mouth. He didn't expect someone he had respected for so long to be so cruel
and vicious.

"..."

"I want you to die. Let that grandfather of yours feel what I went through. I thought he would
regret it in time... But no, this bastard doesn't regret it one bit and even pretends to hide... the
fact that he killed three mothers. Another sin to make me believe that Asawadevathin has no
heir."

"Stop talking now!" Thipboworn was about to rush at Wasin like crazy. But before he could get
there, the men on the other side blocked him, and Wasin laughed happily in his throat.

"Why? Can't you bear to hear it? I'll reveal everything I know. I know who you killed so your
grandson could survive until now. It's time for you to learn the fact that the person pointing a
gun at you now, "Was once a loyal Asawadhevathin like me. But he was separated from his
newborn son several years ago, the boy was killed and burned to hide Kanin. At that moment,
he decided to turn against Asawadevathin."

"...." Shocked by what he heard before, Kanin was even more shocked by the brutality he heard now.
The young man didn't know what was true and what wasn't. But judging from Wasin's expression,
more than half of what the other party said seemed to be true.

The image of killing three mothers at once is something Kanin's mind can't shake. The
recounting of the story that had happened made the young nobleman's heart break. Wasin's
words clearly confirmed that his existence caused the deaths of many innocent people.

Kanin couldn't think any longer. Charan himself had the same expression as Thipbovorn, barely
able to blink. His chest seemed to heave as he tried to regain consciousness.

"The person who swallowed poison and committed suicide was the younger brother of the
driver who died in the incident... That person was also from Asawadevathin. Your brother
worked for you, but in the end his life was taken according to His Highness Uncle's orders.
Meanwhile, Phitakdeva is just Asawadevathin's service dog..." Wasin looked at the other party
while showing a sad smile as if he felt sorry for all the lives of his loved ones who had to die at
the hands of Thipbovorn.

The smile sent to Charan, who was holding a gun to his chest, was filled with cynicism and...
misguided feelings.

"You yourself knew in your heart when you refused to reveal how capable you were, and also when you
refused to accept the position of leader of Phitakdeva. It was as if you did not want to be under anyone's
authority. You did not know that. I do not want to be like your own mother, but now you are not

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different from her. When Thipboworn does a little good, you think you've become someone
important.

"..."

"Don't you wonder why only your own mother was respected after that incident?... Why did a
cunning old man like Thipboworn raise you like a prince born in the palace? Furthermore, he
allowed you to learn whatever you wanted to learn. Are you? True, do you really think people
like him do it only out of good intentions?

"..."

"People seem to have ordered your mother's assassination to protect Kanin." The phrase Kanin and
Charan least wanted to hear came out.

"It's not true..." Kanin muttered as if unaware. But Wasin didn't stop.

"He raised you and considered you his grandson. He gave you life because he wanted you to be his
accomplice... Now, are your eyes open?" These mocking words caused great pain to the listener.
Charan wants to protect the person he loves, but now the young man's feelings are just as
devastated.

"Is that true... what Uncle said?" Kanin wasn't sure what kind of answer he wanted to hear. If
Thipboworn goes against Wasin's words now, will Kanin be able to believe him?

A pair of beautiful eyes filled with tears. Kanin was hurt, praying it was all just a lie... If
Thipbovorn was defending himself... maybe he was selfish enough to try to listen and believe
him for once.

"Kanin... Grandpa didn't mean that."

"Didn't you say so? That means... you did it but didn't mean for it to end that way, or did you do it all by
accident? If you wanted to defend yourself, you could say... that these things weren't true." Kanin's voice
trembled, the pronoun 'you' conveying a rather clear sense of distance. This unsettled Thipbohorn even
more.

"Grandpa feels guilty, but... but Kanin has to survive... Grandpa has no other choice."

"I'd rather die than..." If he lived to know the fact that he would be used as a tool, Kanin
thought he would let him die as he should. It was still better than having to know the fact that
he... was the cause of the suffering of the people around him.

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The boy looked into the eyes of the person affected by Thipbovorn's actions. The hateful look
from the man with the broken leg, as well as Wasin's satisfied gaze, revealed the whole truth of
the uncle's story. Even Charan's blank stare...

It was so empty that Kanin feared he would never be able to reach out and touch the other person's
heart again...

"Kanin cannot die... Asawadevathin must..."

"Stop making excuses! Don't say you did it for someone else. What you did... not for
Asawadevathin, not for anyone else... you did it for yourself!" Kanin could no longer hold back
his tears. Clear drops of water began to fall. A scorching heat ran down his cheeks.

The pain of knowing everything today turned into regret that the owner of that small body could no
longer suppress. It's true what his father once said...

Some games take a long time to play. If it's a long-term game, then Kanin is just one of the
pawns on the board so Grandpa can rise above everyone else. He was there to cover up the old
man's misdeeds.

Family, a lover, dignity, or even life are not things Kanin is entitled to. Happiness that passes
quickly, as well as the joy of returning home because there is still someone in the family who
cares for him.

He realized that Grandpa... really cared about him, but it was all lies.

Kanin himself already knew how great Wasin's pain was.

The doubts he had previously had about why these criminals were only acting now had
disappeared. Kanin understood very well why Wasin was thinking of acting now.

This is because the other party cannot freely enter and leave Dawin Palace without an
important ceremony... Only at this time can the other party enter and leave the palace without
breaking the rules.

Wasin had planned everything. The leader of Meenanakarin wants to end everything here... He doesn't want to take
the throne.

The other side's only desire is to destroy Thipbovorn... and perhaps a destruction so grave as to
want to eradicate everyone in this place.

Like a suicide bomber ready to die at any moment, Wasin didn't want anyone to escape this
event.

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No one will escape from here... If Kanin doesn't decide to do something now

"Did you think you were safe after preventing others from entering the palace? That bird's nest
I always sent you to eat, I poisoned it... Then, you became so ill that you had to rush to perform
a ceremony to claim the title." "From the Great Lord of Life. That's because you trust someone
like me... Thipboworn is simply an idiot... You are no smarter than anyone." Wasin wanted
satisfaction. The Meenanakarin leader continued to stare at the old man who stood silently
behind Charan. The gleam in Thipbowornn's eyes trembled. His hands twisted tightly until his
body trembled.

The person who once thought he was smarter than everyone else fell into a big hole because
he ignored the small chess pieces on the game board.

"Let's end this, Thipbovorn..." said the leader of the Meenanakarin clan. The situation in front of
him suddenly reversed in just a split second due to a single decision. This caused the four
people who heard him to freeze.

Wasin signaled to the cripple at his side to give him a weapon. As Kanin regained his last bit of
consciousness, his eyes met those of his lover. He trusted in the short time... to attack Wasin
and instinctively ordered Charan to turn the muzzle of his weapon and change direction toward
the inert man.

Boom!

A precise shot fired at the attacker's weapon until it ricocheted in the other direction. Charan then shifted
the weapon into his own hand and pointed it at the inert man. At the same time, someone appeared
from his hiding place.

"Please stop doing this."

"Father..."

"Surrender." Tattanai, who had been waiting for the right moment to appear, approached while
pointing his gun at Wasin's body.

Previously, the middle-aged man didn't dare act rashly. Most importantly, he wanted to collect
and record audio evidence for use in court, so he had to buy time for Wasin to confess all his
sins. He was afraid that Kanin was in danger, so he didn't dare be careless.

"You two are very close. Service dogs." Wasin laughed until his body buckled. His expression was
like that of someone who had lost his mind. And that scared Kanin. The young man took a step
back, but because he underestimated Wasin, he made a mistake.

"Ah!"

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"Nin!"

"Enough! Drop your weapons! If you don't want Kanin to die!" The madman suddenly stood up and
managed to lock Kanin's neck. He used a pocket pistol to point at Kanin's temple. Everything
happened faster than Tattanai and Charan expected.

Kanin fought, but Wasin showed no signs of letting his guard down. Becoming a forgotten
person and an abandoned clan, they forget one truth: Wasin is the leader of a state with
unbeatable fighting skills.

"I'll let you choose. Finally, it's time for you to choose Charan, finish Thipboworn with your own
hands... Or let me finish Kanin?" This difficult choice made Charan think hard. He thought for a
moment. But when he saw Wasin press the tip of the weapon to the temple of the person he
loved, Charan's head burned as if it had been scorched by fire.

"I'll do it." There's no better alternative. To save Kanin's life, Charan must do it.

Tattanai's throat was dry. At that moment, the gun in his hand was almost useless, as he
himself didn't dare pull the trigger. Because if he's reckless, Kanin's life is in danger.

"Good... finish off Thipboborn." Wasin smiled before giving a strict order to the person who had
no choice but to obey.

"No, P'Ran... No, don't listen, don't do it!"

"Shut your mouth!" Wasin squeezed Kanin's throat even tighter than before. But the little boy
wasn't at all interested in the guns pointed at him. The boy froze and sent eye signals back and
forth toward his lover.

It wasn't as if he was worried about Thipboborn's life. But he knew Charan had decided to do
what Wasin said to help Kanin survive again. At the end of this story, even though there is a
chance of survival, Charan must be punished like a prisoner convicted of premeditated murder.

A pair of beautiful eyes filled with tears. The two stared into each other's eyes before a sudden
memory surfaced, spreading the pain in their chests. It spread like a deadly poison.

"I'm... serious. I used to wonder why I was born. If I didn't exist, other people wouldn't have to
suffer, there'd be no need to sacrifice. You'd have your own life. Father would stay in the palace
and live his life however he wanted... I can't even tell myself that the fact that I'm alive now is a
good thing, can I?

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"Well, I'm glad you're here..."

"..."

"It's good that we met."

Hot tears rolled down Kanin's cheeks. The more he looked at Charan, the more he didn't dare say whether, up
until now... they could still use the words 'whether they knew each other or not' between them.

"Grandpa, apologize... Grandpa has no excuse... Everything around Grandpa shows that what
Grandpa did was right... forgive Grandpa." No one knows whether the apology came from
Thipbovorn's heart or not. But the stuttering voice made him even more pathetic. His eyes
were clouded with age, especially when he looked shakily at the other party who had raised the
gun in his hand.

Relationship, Trust, Respect, and Love... At this moment, he's completely destroyed. Charan
squeezed the weapon in his hand until it was tight. The feeling in his chest was so twisted that
his brain nearly exploded.

"All right, it's time to pay him back for what he did to your mother. Charan, shoot."

Wasin's words were no different from those of "the serpent in the Garden of Eden." Charan
embraces his human side and wants to leave all these luxuries behind. He tried to take a step
toward the truth and follow his own mind's desires for once.

Charan knows he'll be punished... after doing this, but what else can he do? Wasn't revenge for
his mother's death his main desire in life?

The tip of his hot finger moves to the trigger position. A moment of decision. Someone's
pleading voice made Charan's conscience reconsider things with himself.

"P'Ran..."

"Your Majesty misunderstood. I didn't choose the winning side. Although I am the deputy leader of the
Phitakdeva clan, I don't belong to any family..."

"..."

"Because of the sun of Charan... only the young Prince Kanin."

Some of the words he'd spoken came back to him, and pain rose in his throat. The young man, with tears
streaming down his face, came back to his senses. He looked at the person who was the sunshine of his life.
They looked into each other's eyes... before the true answer flashed through Charan's mind and became
increasingly clear.

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His goal in life is not revenge, but not wanting to make Kanin sad is what Charan always
wanted.

The sad scene of Thipbowon's final moments is a sweet story for Wasin. The leader of the
Meenanakarin clan was so focused that he accidentally dropped the barrel of his gun. He didn't
know that this resulted in Kanin, who stared at Charan, having the opportunity to turn the
game.

"Oops!" Kanin decided to twist the wrist of the person behind him and pushed him in the other
direction. Wasin's painful scream was heard, before the other party released Kanin from his grasp
and swung forcefully to the other side. As a result, the young nobleman was immediately knocked
out of the attacker's position.

Boom!

When a skirmish broke out, Thipbovorn moved away from the crowd, while Charan approached
Kanin and embraced the young man. Tattanai made a split-second decision, pulled the trigger,
and fired a bullet into the air that penetrated the Meenanakarin clan leader's upper arm,
preventing him from attacking.

Kanin stared at the dark red blood oozing from the noble uncle's arm. Suddenly, another shot
rang out as Wasin returned fire. As a result, the Meenanakarin leader abandoned all attention.

Boom!

This time, it wasn't Tattanai's doing. But it was the work of one of the guards who had just
entered the room. They were a rescue team led by Chakri and Tarin. Their close butler and
biological father immediately rushed to Kanin as soon as he saw him.

"Are you a little sick?... I'm sorry Dad's late."

"No...nothing, just surprising." Everything happened so fast that Kanin felt like his brain
couldn't process anything. He was forced to turn around so they could check his body for
injuries. And when the newcomer was sure Kanin wasn't hurt, Tarin's face relaxed.

"Let's get out of here," said the father, who immediately turned to signal the guards to clear
the area and deal with the criminals. The rest were ordered to assist the Great Lord of Life, who
was crouching in another corner.

"Hold meetings, make statements before all states... Anyone who conspires with Wasin will be
punished with full force." The voice of the Great Lord of Life sounded, causing

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everyone looked up. At this, Thipboborn looked angry. When those cloudy eyes looked at
Kanin, Thipbovorn immediately looked away.

Kanin secretly looked at Tarin's face. He also saw his biological father looking at the Great Lord
of Life. However, the other party's face was cold, and there was a hint of disappointment mixed
in his eyes, just like Tattanai's.

It's over... it's all over.

Even their respect and love were completely destroyed.

The hidden double eyelids looked at Charan. His lover's face now seemed calm. But his sharp
eyes were filled with a different vibe.

Charan has a lot to deal with. So does Kanin. Today's story is too heavy for anyone to accept.
The fact that Kanin has caused many people to be separated from their loved ones cannot be
changed.

He indirectly took the life of an innocent person, including the mother of someone who loved him with all
her heart....

Her slender palm was about to reach out to touch Charan's strong arm, intending to comfort him,
but she didn't dare to do so because she didn't know what Charan would think of her in the future.

Can we still love each other like before?... Kanin doesn't know anything.

"Hey, be careful!" A voice from one of the bodyguards made everyone turn their heads. Before
he could organize his thoughts, Wasin suddenly realized that everyone didn't have enough
strength to fight him, mustering his last bit of strength. Wasin grabbed the gun of one of the
guards beside him without hesitation and shot the Great Lord of Life.

Boom!

A bullet pierced Thipbovorn's chest. The Great Lord of Life hadn't even hit the ground when the
nearest guard immediately lunged to grab him.

"Father!" Tarin trembled as he watched the leader of the Meenanakarin family fire the weapon without
hesitation. Wasin raised a cold smile, his eyes filled with hatred as he stared at his enemy.

His trembling hand pointed the gun at his own temple. Wasin had already silently decided as
he spoke the last sentence before committing a scandalous act that not everyone could
imagine.

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"..."

"Then see you in hell... Your Highness, Uncle."

Boom!

..................

Chapter 45: Too Much Love Until It Hurts

"Phi Kanin... Are you hurt?"

"What's wrong? Is anyone hurt?... Answer Kanin!" Amid the chaos of the crowd, Kanin sat
silently, letting Eva, who was standing nearby, ask questions while his body was still shaking.
Meanwhile, Ramil managed to wake Kanin with a loud shout. People from his team began to
approach him to look after him and ask him what had happened. But since Kanin couldn't
speak, he didn't respond in the end.

The previous violent incidents continue. Wasin, the leader of the Meenanakarin clan, deliberately
killed the Great Lord of Life and himself in revenge. The bullet took the breath away from the royal
uncle before his eyes.

As for Thipbovorn... his vital signs were still present, albeit weak, prompting the medical team
to quickly transport the injured man to the hospital. Charan's bodyguards took Kanin with
them and escaped outside. He remained silent as the other party left.

'Nin is safe here'

Charan didn't let Kanin follow him. When the tall man left, many people surrounded Kanin. Amid the
chaos surrounding him, there was a medical officer behind Kanin, waiting for orders. Some of them
walked with the police not far behind.

Furthermore, journalists from various news agencies were gathered near the palace entrance. He and
other police officers attempted to intervene to prevent the people outside from rioting.

The incident was too violent to hide from the public. This time, the entire royal family was
invited to wait in armored vehicles. To get to a safe place, Kanin tried to find Charan, frantically
searching for his relative's back, but the shadow didn't even appear in the slightest.

"Why didn't Pee Ran show up?" Kanin asked Chakri, who had just closed the door and sat next
to the passenger seat. The young royal could sense his own wavering tone, but he still
desperately tried to control his weakened state.

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"Khun Charan must stay and work as the head of His Majesty's Phithakdeva clan," the fat young
butler replied, before turning to speak to the driver, who was also a bodyguard.

Currently, Twichmetha City Guards were flanking the young Prince's car to protect him. Kanin's
eyes scanned once more before meeting the gaze of the person he'd been searching for.

Charan was there... so busy giving orders to Phitakdeva's men that he didn't even have time to
continue meeting Kanin's gaze. It seemed as if the two were gradually being separated further
and further by the human walls surrounding them... From all sides.

Its distance to the eyes was not that great... but in terms of feeling, one could say that its
distance was quite terrifying.

"I want to wait..." Kanin said to the listener. As a result, the car of the young royal family of the
Asavadhevathin clan became the only car that didn't move like other cars.

"What is it?" Tarin, who saw his son's car silently, walked over from another spot and felt so
worried that he had to get out of his own car and walk over to Kanin's car. The middle-aged
man raised his eyebrows at Kanin's nearby butler, who got out of the car to pay his respects
and opened the door for the clan chief.

"Mr. Kanin wishes to wait. Your Majesty."

"I want to wait for P'Ran."

"Let's go to the hospital first. You need to check your body, and Charan... he wants you to check
your body thoroughly, he wants it that way." Tarin sighed. The leader of the Asawadhevathin
country signaled the butler to close the door before reaching out and gently stroking his only son's
neck.

"Will he... come later?" Kanin asked softly. The expression on his face seemed worried about
the answer he would get.

"First you have to finish your task, and then you'll follow her." Then the father turned to tell the
driver to leave. A firm order from someone stronger than the Little Prince made the driver
immediately start the car.

'P'Ran is busy, see you later'

Kanin read Charan's message, who seemed busy chatting with someone else and didn't seem to
have any intention of turning around until the last minute. The carriage carrying the nobles

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from the palace he moved away and the people who were busy slowly raised their heads and looked at
each other.

Even though the car window film was completely black and the interior was not visible, Kanin
was pretty sure Charan was staring at him, because Charan's eyes were filled with confusion,
sadness, and anger that made the young man's heart ache. It was as if an invisible hand was
grasping his heart.

Kanin shed tears because he knew something was wrong at this moment...

If the situation were the same as before, if her feelings were still the same... Would someone
like Charan leave her alone at a time like this... Wouldn't he be there for her now? But why is he
acting like this now?

His thin lips pressed together tightly, trying to suppress the lump in his throat and swallow it.
Kanin didn't dare search for an answer. He was tired, so he returned to his original position. His
pale face stared out the window. His double eyelids drooped in opposite directions instead of
meeting Chakri's gaze. The man seemed to be looking at him with concern.

"I mean it. I used to wonder why I was born. If I don't exist, then others don't have to suffer,
there's no need to sacrifice. You'll have your own life. My father will stay in the palace and live
his life however he wants... I can't even tell myself that the fact that I'm alive now is a good
thing, can I?

"Well, I'm glad you're here..."

"..."

"It's good that we met."

Perhaps Charan had already decided the answer. Even though he didn't want to be by her side like he
had before.

"Hah..." Her slender palms rose to cover her face as she sobbed. Kanin heard Tharin's voice
asking, but he couldn't raise his face to answer. The only thing left to do... is to let those hot
tears fall.

Kanin was hurt and couldn't do anything... He couldn't think of anything anymore. He didn't dare hope
that Charan would forgive him. Kanin didn't even dare think about being with his lover again like before.

Even in his mind, Kanin knew it was inappropriate... The fact that Charan's mother had to die to
protect him truly hurt him deeply.

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Kanin was so shaken he vomited. The once brave and fearless boy is gone. What remains are
people who have experienced both physical and mental trauma. The warmth of Tarin's father
tried to envelop him, pulling the young man tightly into his arms.

Leaving the weak to hide and cry in despair, even those cries were very sad for Kanin, who
heard his own cries. But Tarin couldn't stop the boy's feelings. Besides, Kanin seems to have
reverted to a child who has lost his identity.

Without knowing the future, without knowing... anything.

Kanin only knows... that no matter what happens, Charan's heart has changed... But Kanin will continue
to love and wish good things for Charan, and that will never change.

Dusk was falling over Dawin Palace. Dark red clouds covered the entire celestial space.
Rumbling sounds and flashes of light indicated that a storm was approaching soon, but the
bad weather didn't bother the people sitting outside gazing at the scenery in the slightest.

Kanin let the sound of the television in the living room dissipate the silence without bothering
to listen. He let the silence envelop him as he continued to stare aimlessly outside. Even his
eyes weren't focused on anything.

"--The first news agency. The only source that published an analysis of the events in Emmali
was the Asia Times news agency. There was an analysis that referred to the reign of the Great
Lord of Life Thipbovorn, which means--"

The voice of a reporter reporting the news rang in Kanin's ears, news after news. After leaving,
he stayed in a safe house to wait for security. Three days after the Dawin Palace opened, the
main palace had returned to normal.

The palace council immediately held a meeting to determine the country's next direction.
During this time, lords from every part of the city actively participated in the discussions. Even
the leader of Puchongpisut, now facing attempted murder charges, couldn't help but get
involved. Because now the current state leader, Grand Lord Thipbovorn, has become an
incompetent person.

Grandpa was paralyzed...

The last bullet Wasin fired was fired into the middle of his grandfather's back, right in his spine.
As a result, his life was saved. But the old man couldn't speak or move as he wished.

A murderous act, like a knife hidden for nearly thirty years, is revealed. Old cases were
submitted to a new ruling by the Royal Senate. When it was ordered to investigate the matter
further, many more problems, both small and large, were discovered.

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What Thipabovorn did wasn't just a misappropriation of property, but he also tried to intervene to
prevent other cities from becoming better than his own. As a result, many people were affected by
this thirst for power.

Several pieces of evidence clearly show that Thipbovorn deliberately distorted the terms of the
intercity contract by carrying on a terrible story for a long time... Only because he wanted to try
to maintain the power of the Asawadevatin clan.

Or maybe he just wanted to hide his wrongdoings.

The old man was punished by being dismissed from his position. The council decided that the former High
Lord of Life would be detained in the most brutal place in Emmaly for two months. Other people are forbidden
to see him. Who can visit besides the person in charge?

The room used as Thipbovorn's detention center after his sentencing was a clean, white room,
odorless, quiet, windowless, with white doors and white equipment. The uniforms of the food
delivery workers and the nurses who come to help both day and night are all white.

The lights used in the room are bright white fluorescent lights, so the prisoners can't even see
their own reflections. And they won't turn off for even a minute to keep the prisoner's brain
alert at all times.

It was a place that Thipbovorn himself ordered to be built. The place was used to torture
traitors who betrayed or were enemies of Aswadevathin. A law has been drafted in Emmali to
allow the operation of this cruel facility despite its inhuman principles.

It was mental cruelty, the old man himself said... This place was created to keep them trapped
in their own minds. Now he realizes what he did to other people.

This brutality was the beginning of the suffering Thipboborn would endure. The former Emmaly leader
endured feelings of emptiness and sadness. He didn't know when it was night, and he didn't know when
it was day. Time and time again, time flowed on, unstoppable.

Emmaly compares her swords to the law. If those who wield power and justice intentionally
offend others, this is no longer sacred enough to be respected.

Unfortunately... if it falls into the hands of people who crave power, then there is no sanctity; all
that remains is a dangerous tool for society. We must remember and be aware that whether
we are at the top or the bottom of a country, a person's worth... is measured by their actions,
not by fame or honor, not even by unjustly acquired greatness.

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When the country's leader becomes disabled, the nobles and the people demand that a new
Great Lord of Life be elected immediately. But not all of the city's other leaders agree with the
old ways. Therefore, they decided to protect the kingdom together in a transparent manner so
as not to cause other incidents that would raise doubts in the future.

Of course, Kanin and his cousins, Eva and Ramil, were also present at the meeting. They also
felt it was unfair for a single clan to have the right to rule the entire country without being
supervised by other cities, as before. They offered a new way for Emmali: to upload all
information on transactions between cities, as well as the budget spent in that city, to an online
platform for everyone to consult, and even the citizens are no exception.

No one at the meeting objected. Tech clan leaders like Twichmetha even volunteered to create
platforms for uploading data. As for Aswadevathin, he didn't want to be blamed for the
previous king's mistakes and swore on his life by proving his worth by having the Comptroller
General's Office examine all his assets and allowing other parties to confiscate properties
previously stolen by Asawadevathin. He became a facilitator for all parties without interfering in
the affairs of the central treasury.

In the end, on Puchongphisut's behalf, Ratchata confessed all his sins and agreed to enter the royal
prison. He renounced his title of prince and apologized to everyone for being part of this atrocious
affair. As a result, the position of the country's new ruler naturally fell into the hands of Ramil. His
cousin, who had always been an accomplice of Kanin, was now one of Emmali's busiest heads of
state, because in addition to having to work in the department that reviewed the assets and
accounts of each state before uploading them to the platform created by Twichmetha. However, all
the work had to be passed on to his father three months before Ratchata assumed command.

As for the leader of Meenanakarin... Uncle Wasin was declared dead instantly on the spot. As a
result, the only maritime nation in Emmali was leaderless. Meanwhile, the palace council
elected new leaders. Because Wasin had no heir to continue the clan throne.

In Meenanakarin State, people were affected and had to flee and receive compensation. The
other three states are providing assistance in all areas, including food, employment, living
conditions, education, healthcare, and transportation.

Although it was already late and many families were divided... But in the end, many families still
decided to return and settle again in this beach area.

It took years for Emmaly's country to recover.

Large wounds can be returned to their original shape.

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But Charan and Kanin's feelings... He doesn't know how long it will take to return them.

Over the past few days, Kanin had seen Charan's face quite often. But among them, no one dared to
say anything about what had happened... Kanin admitted he was afraid of the answer.

Those hidden double eyelids silently stared at the dandelion painting on the bedroom wall.
Many uncontrollable emotions had been gnawing at his heart since the great event that
happened that day, and this continued until now. The young nobleman still couldn't face his
own life.

Emmaly's government and political situation seem to be moving in a better direction than before. After
the meeting, the clan-to-clan agreement was almost 100% successful. Although it hasn't improved
completely, everything has changed. In this new form, no one is objecting or protesting in any way.

As a person of noble birth, Kanin thought that all history was coming to an end. Those who
commit crimes are gradually punished for their crimes.

Everything's going in the right direction. But if something's wrong... it must be her relationship with Charan, which
seems distorted and shapeless.

Since the big incident that day, there has been a huge gap in their relationship that can't be
seen with the naked eye. But it's hidden deep within the mind.

Kanin isn't brave enough to talk about their relationship and future decisions, and he knows
Charan is the same...

Their love story hasn't even begun yet. But they're already at a crossroads that's almost cut off.
A crossroads Kanin can only think about again and again. And he can only pray for the path he
chooses...

This is not the end of this relationship.

The story of the past they learn brings back many unsettling feelings for Kanin. He didn't want to
think about it, though. Although he tried to forget, he couldn't change the truth about the cause of
Charan's mother's death.

Knowing his past made Kanin too ashamed to dare make demands in the future. Charan didn't
speak. The other party still acted towards him as usual, but they both knew that wasn't the
case.

Wasin and Thipbovorn's actions caused deep wounds to both of them. And it's too difficult to
overcome easily. It's like a bad story from a past life.

Because we really care. Because we love each other too much to easily ignore those things.

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Kanin had to fight the ill feelings in his heart... He didn't want to hate himself. But the words of
that day still haunted him until they became a festering wound in his heart. Allowing this to
persist will only cause pain.

The young royal is seeking treatment. Kanin didn't intend to force himself or be stubborn. He didn't want
to pretend he didn't see the problem he knew so well in his heart.

She loved Charan... It was unconditional love. It was a love too pure to be possessed by selfish
desires, even though Charan's mind was still in a weak state.

"Did this not-so-hot tea help you relax?" Because he was too busy thinking about various
things, Kanin didn't even hear the sound of Tattanai's feet.

The father he had lived with for a long time sat on the velvet sofa opposite him. He nodded at
the teacup that had been left out for a long time to dissipate the heat.

"Father..."

"What are you thinking?" That familiar, calm voice didn't even calm the turmoil in his heart. But
seeing Tattanai's face made the distraction disappear a bit. He returned his attention to the
present moment. Kanin glanced briefly at Chakri; concern was clear in the butler's eyes, and he
felt guilty again.

He knew that these past few days had caused others to worry about him. However, because
the sadness was so great and he couldn't contain it, Kanin didn't know what to do. When it
came to Charan, he wasn't a good person at suppressing his emotions.

"Nin is thinking about... many things."

"Are you thinking about what to do next?" Although Tattanai was only an adoptive father, he was the one
who raised him with his own hands. Because of this, Kanin didn't dare lie and say he wasn't thinking
about anything. Their eyes stared at each other for a moment, and it was as if he could see their inner
thoughts and understand everything clearly.

"..."

"Tell Father, what does Kanin want?" Both the phrase and the gentle tone made Kanin's eyelids
feel hot. The young man remained silent, recalling things in his mind that had kept him from
thinking clearly for several days. Finally, he was willing to express his opinion so the other
person could hear it.

"Nin wants to return to our house," he said, but it was he who felt doubt and fear. Kanin looked
back at Chakri. The skilled butler looked surprised.

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The owner of the small lips was tightly pressed together. Kanin knows this decision will have a
rather large impact on many people. But one thing is always true. And that had been the case
from the beginning... Namely, he had no intention of becoming a prince.

The life of an ordinary person... is the right choice.

"So... what's Nin worried about? Your father?" Tattanai's question was a hundred and eight
thousand words running through Kanin's head. He doesn't know if he'll ever be able to let go of his
mask, or the title attributed to him, or his real father's feelings... or his own relationship with
Charan.

"Nin... Nin is worried about Tarin's father." In the end, she decided to say something that was on her
mind. She lowered her head, put down her teacup, and let the unease spread. Meanwhile, Tattanai
smiled slightly.

"If that's the case..."

"Don't worry, Dad, Kanin." The third person in this conversation appeared just in time. Tarin
immediately sat down at the table and called Kanin, who immediately raised his head and looked
the old man in the eye.

"..."

"We've both discussed it. Whatever is best for our son, we won't complicate his decision going
forward. We want him to live his life the way he wants."

"Have you discussed it?"

"Umm, we've both discussed it." The head of the Asawadevathin family nodded, confirming that it
was a mutual agreement as biological father and stepfather. Tarin fully understands Kanin's
attachment to Tattanai. Therefore, he didn't intend to be cruel and rob his son of his happiness.

Kanin should not suffer more than this, whether for his family or his life.

"We want Nin to have the life she wants. And I want you to know that everything that happened in the
past wasn't your fault."

"..." It was like an important key that unlocked Kanin's mind. The young man's eyes filled with
tears before he allowed his weakness to reappear.

"Whatever happens, happens. It was caused by other people's decisions, it's not your fault at
all, Kanin." The smiles and reassuring voices of the two parents were like a magic medicine that
healed the worst wounds in Kanin's heart.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"Anyone can go astray. No matter who you are, don't repent. We won't punish people who
haven't done anything wrong. You can also say you're the one who's been affected."

Tarin reminded Kanin, who nodded slowly. Tattanai also reached out to stroke his adopted
son's head. Make the youngest smile through tears.

"Thank you." Those words meant a lot to Kanin's heart. Although Charan's problem wasn't
resolved, Tattanai and Tarin's love helped ease the guilt in Kanin's heart a little.

"Why, thank you? Your life is entirely Nin's. It's been Nin's since you were born," Tarin said with a
smile. He loves Kanin with all his heart, even though he wasn't the one who raised and cared for
him from childhood as he should have.

"Nin's very lucky," the young man said, smiling as he wept. Both Tattana and Tarin raised their
eyebrows and looked at each other with confused looks.

"Mmmm, you mean..."

"Nin has two great parents." That flattering remark wasn't an exaggeration at all. The soft
laughter of the three people gathered in the Dawin Palace living room seemed warmer than
before, especially after going through such difficult times since that day.

Kanin wiped away his tears and stood up from his chair, hugging his biological father, a father
who raised him with great love. Someone's sobs could be heard from a corner of the room.

"Chakri, why are you crying?" It was Tarin who looked up and asked the fat butler. The man
took out a handkerchief and wiped his eyes, face, and nose, while sobbing.

"I... I'm glad the Little Prince is a little happier. But I can't help feeling sad too." He just thought that they
wouldn't be able to see each other often. Chakri couldn't contain his disappointment. He himself wanted
the young man to have his own life. But he couldn't deny that deep down there was still a sadness he
needed to overcome.

"Nin will come back to visit everyone frequently. Nin will call Father every day. May I call
Chakri?" At the end of the sentence, Nin turned to speak to the nearby butler, who seemed
increasingly excited. Kanin left Tarin and Tattanai, then went to affectionately hug and comfort
the crying person.

"Ha..."

"Nin will send you plane tickets. Can Dad let Chakri visit you from time to time?"

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The young nobleman asked Tarin a question, causing his father to chuckle.

"My father will allow him to go on vacation as a special case. Or if he visits me... my father will take him with
me." The permission from the current Supreme Leader of the clan was like a shower of nectar that helped
rekindle Chakri's wandering spirit.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Chakri immediately thanked the person in such a high position. The
young butler wiped away his tears. It was a sight that made Kanin secretly smile a little.

"Kanin"

"Yes," he answered Tarin's call. Kanin returned to his seat at the table before a question from
his father stopped him in his tracks.

"You go. Don't say a word. But please, at least tell the people here." Tarin's soft voice spoke
with the look in Tattanai's eyes, making Kanin believe that the two had most likely paid
attention to his relationship with Charan. Although Tarin's words didn't directly mention the
other party's name.

"..." Kanin remained silent but realized what Tarin was trying to say.

"The thing is, if you don't fix it, you'll never get over it, Nin." It was true what her father said; sometimes
he had to draw pus from the wound. He faced the pain so the invisible wounds between them wouldn't
spread further...

.........

The rainy season in Emmaly is about to end. The wind blows, bringing a cool mist that indicates
the arrival of cold weather. Charan Pithakdeva walks along the long path. His right hand, which
was not injured, held two white tulips close to his chest.

On both sides of the road are the tombs of noble families. Her slender legs walked unhurriedly
and stopped her in front of the black fence that separated the Pithakdeva clan's area.

The atmosphere is quiet and calm. Charan stood in front of his mother's grave next to his
father's. The silence makes a person feel very empty.

The tall man paid close attention to the names engraved on the tombstone. Charan placed the
two bouquets in his hands on his parents' graves before stepping back and remaining silent
and calm.

The surrounding environment was free of disturbances and noise. The atmosphere was calm,
completely contrary to Charan's inner feelings. After the chaotic incident

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happened, the young man only needed a few days to recover from his injuries and returned to working
hard as usual.

Charan makes every minute count as he has many important things to attend to.

'Pithakdeva is a service dog'

To correct these accusations, Charan needs to eradicate the parasite. Anyone who commits crimes
or supports illicit acts will be handed over to the law for action.

Managing a clan system is serious business. But what's even harder than that... is dealing with
the emotions in your mind.

Charan wants to put the past behind him. But it hurts too much to tell myself to move on.

The sound of footsteps behind him broke the silence. Charan staggered slightly before stopping
when he saw the face of the person in his mind waiting outside the fence.

"Nin..." Charan didn't seem surprised, nor did he question her knowledge of Kanin's whereabouts.
Because earlier, he was the one who sent a message informing the other party of her whereabouts. But
what was unexpected was that Kanin appeared here with a bouquet of white tulips in his hands.

"May I come in?" Charan's questions were answered in standard language. The older man
walked quickly to the black door blocking it and opened it to allow the younger man to enter
his clan's resting place.

Each party smiled faintly. Kanin immediately placed a wreath on the graves of Charan's father
and mother. When he finished, he stepped back to show respect.

The young nobleman bowed silently, reluctant to straighten, and remained silent. They both let
time pass. Several minutes passed until Kanin finally said a few words to break the silence.

"Can I talk to you?" Both pairs of eyes widened as they waited for an answer, Charan himself
only nodding in response. The young man's expression gradually became more relaxed than
before.

Together they walked along the path. Charan and Kanin headed to a nearby park. A bench near the
water in a hidden corner, out of sight, was the perfect spot.

The clock read 5 o'clock, cold air blew against Kanin's skin, and in front of Kanin was a large sun
that was slowly sinking, moving away and disappearing behind the clouds.

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"How's the scar? Does it still hurt?" He opened the conversation with concern. Kanin had had the
opportunity to care for Charan in the early days.

But the older man was adamant that he would not continue with the treatment, so the young
man had to give in and do just that.

"Not anymore... How is Nin in the palace?"

"The situation is stable."

"Are you tired?" A familiar voice came from the pair of eyes now gently looking at him. Charan's
view of Kanin remains the same as before. They still have love and good wishes for each other.

"Should Nin be the one asking if you're tired?" The two stared at each other in the setting sun.
If there was anything else that could be added to this feeling... It seemed the pain he'd hidden
inside was the answer.

Pain they had not prepared themselves for in the first place.

The awkward silence was something neither Kanin nor Charan wanted. The pain in the center of his
chest, as if an invisible hand were pressing on it, was clearly visible. They stared at the water before
Charan murmured what was on his mind under his breath.

"Excuse me." Surprisingly, Charan didn't even explain anything. However, Kanin truly
understood the apology. The young nobleman's eyes were heated. The young man's small
head shook slightly as he raised his voice to keep it from trembling.

"It's not your fault... It's not your fault at all."

"That... isn't Nin's fault either." Charan reached out and touched Kanin's warm cheek. He didn't
do it just to make Kanin feel better. But he really meant it. Kanin couldn't choose his birth, and
he knows nothing about the past.

"Nin..." Only half the words were out, Kanin had to stop and let his sobs fall again. Her egg-
shaped eyelids closed, and she leaned her head toward him. He felt the warmth of her hot
palms. Their conversations of the past few months came back to haunt him, making him feel
even more hurt than before.

'...I can't even tell myself that the fact that I'm alive now is a good thing, can I?

'Well, I'm glad you're here...'

'...'

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"I'm glad we met"

Those words haunted him endlessly... Kanin knew Charan was a good enough person to not
blame him. But the fact that he was one of the reasons the other party lost their only family
couldn't be changed.

He knew Charan understood. But that doesn't mean he doesn't feel sad. Kanin does too. If it
were someone else's business, the boy could probably try to let it go.

But when it came to himself, Kanin didn't even dare think about it... Kanin wasn't even sure if
Charan still thought the same. Their meeting might still go well. Is that true?

"Nin, what exactly do you want to tell me?" Charan opened his eyes. Since ancient times, the
other party has always been able to read each other's thoughts perfectly. And this time will
likely be no different.

They both know that taking time for themselves... is the most important thing.

"Nin... will return to England..." A simple phrase I'd thought about saying hundreds of times
proved to be very difficult when I actually had to say it. Especially in front of people who hold
sway over her heart.

Charan didn't reply. The owner of that tall, elegant body remained silent, even though the
feelings in his heart were as chaotic as a storm. Although Charan accepted his feelings, he
always put the needs of the younger ones first. He knew in his heart that Kanin never wanted
to be here.

But when it came time to hear the truth from her mouth, the pain overflowed beyond anything
I could have ever imagined.

"Is this really a good decision for Nin?" It took a long time to find her vocal cords. They stared at
each other as they slowly took one last look under the light of the sky.

"Yes." Kanin wants to take Charan, but his heart is broken. He was sure that if those bad things didn't
happen, the young nobleman would have more courage to do whatever he wanted.

But with the problems he already knew about, it was too much for him to ask him to come... he shouldn't ask
anything more of Leader Phitakdeva.

Because in the past... Kanin always received everything, attention, protection, honesty... everything. He
asks too many questions.

"..."

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"Nin loves you." Perhaps that was the only thing Kanin could honestly say. He didn't want Charan to
misinterpret that Kanin didn't love him and think he was trying to escape.

But I love you so much... I love you so much that I don't want to be the one who hurts you.

"I only love you." No one knew how deep the pain in Kanin's heart was. They both knew the
love they had for each other. And since Kanin knew it well, Kanin was sad.

I'm sorry things between us ended this way...

"Nin knows... Nin can wait for Phi." Kanin has no plans to let go of this relationship. He only stepped
back to give Charan some time for himself.

"..."

"How long can I wait? Nin won't give up, Nin will wait... But if one day Phi is sure she doesn't
want to stay with Nin, then Nin just wants Phi to come and tell Nin... Nin can understand." He
said he could understand, trying to smile as widely as possible, but the view in front of him was
blurry. The boy tried to keep his voice from trembling. But that's hard to do.

"Don't cry." Comforting words sounded as a palm touched his pale cheek. Kanin looked into
Charan's eyes, the last rays of sunlight shining on his handsome face, reflecting the tall man's
tears, which were just as wet.

"Fi, don't cry."

"I cried because Nin cried."

"Sob..." Kanin didn't want to cry. He wanted to be strong so Charan would know he was strong.
But Kanin couldn't control himself like he thought. The heavy feeling suddenly felt too painful
to bear. Finally, the young nobleman was able to let out a soft sob.

"Sob..." Charan's gentleness never changed. His warm lips moved to kiss the skin of Kanin's
warm, damp cheek, the tip of his sharp, gently stretched nose able to dry Kanin's tears.

Her small palms clenched until her nails scratched her own flesh. The more kindness she
received from Charan, the more Kanin felt guilty because he had become something bad in her
life. She only hopes that time can help them both overcome the wounds in their hearts one
day...

"Nin wants to ask something..." The owner of the small body raised his eyes and looked at the
older man. His sharp eyes seemed to be mixed with sadness, making his heart ache.

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hurt even more. Kanin pursed his lips and took a deep breath before mustering what little strength
he had left to say.

"Yeah?"

"If Nin turns around... P'Ran, don't call Nin... Don't call Nin at all." Because Kanin was stubborn and
couldn't let go of Charan as he should. Kanin didn't want to get angry, and he didn't want to get his
hopes up... He would give himself time until the sky above was no longer dark and clear again.

Her small body flung itself into the arms of the person in front of her. She closed her eyes to absorb
every warmth, every touch. Remembering that split second. For the first time, she wished the sun would
set later...

Kanin didn't want to ask for much, now he just wanted to hug the person as long as possible.

Chapter 46 - Across the Sky, By Your Side

On the other side of the sky, beside you, late storms bring cold winds through the open
windows. The morning sky was gloomy and dull. The heavy rain fell slowly like someone's tears.

Someone who is currently still lying in bed, letting time pass.

Charan was lost in thought, the man in satin looked at the atmosphere outside. A loud boom
echoed across the sky. But it could no longer influence the listener's mind.

Charan's body responded only to his familiarity, completely contrary to the feelings in his mind.
In his heart, he no longer felt fear of the sky and the rain, because at this moment, the only
thing that made him feel more worried and scared.

It's Kanin's departure...

"If Nin turns around... Nin, don't call Nin... Don't call Nin at all."

Those sad whispers still echo in my ears even after days have passed. Not only did they lose
touch, they sometimes texted each other, so he always knew how the younger boy was doing.

Charan knows Kanin is now on the other side of the world. But sometimes he felt like he could still hear
the voice of the other side that used to speak and cuddle up to him.

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In his silence, he heard the sound of joyful laughter carried by the wind. When he turned around, he found only
emptiness. A emptiness that confirmed Kanin no longer exists in this area...

Her lover's scent still lingered everywhere. It was embedded deep in the clothes he left behind,
in the pillow Kanin used to use, in the blanket that used to cover their bodies when they slept
side by side.

And those beautiful memories cannot be erased.

Everything makes Charan nostalgic. Just thinking about it was torture for him.

Charan pulled the blanket and hugged her. The faint scent of someone who had traveled far away wafted
through. He missed the owner of the thin lips who used to smile brightly.

He missed the man who never gave up on anyone, missed the trusting eyes that suddenly
turned sad just because he wanted the two of them to have time for themselves. Kanin wanted
him to accept what had happened, especially when the young man looked at him as clearly and
firmly as ever.

Charan knew he needed time... Though he himself didn't know how long that period would last.
Charan doesn't know how to deal with it all, but Kanin is still kind enough to keep his distance...
so Charan can manage on his own.

He needed to take care of his unfinished business and clean up the last few things to get rid of
everything.

Charan didn't tell anyone where he planned to go. He kept this intention to himself and began the
process in secret. Then he waited for the right moment...

To find the root cause of everything... More precisely, the person who caused you misfortune
throughout your life.

"Khun"

"..."

"Khun."

"Yes," Narong's voice woke the person in the bed from his earlier reverie. He slowly sat up and
turned around to pick up his glasses and put them on.

The young owner of Phitakdeva Mansion looked directly at the butler nearest him. His eyes
held hope for good news regarding the matter he had requested from the Imperial Council a
few days ago.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

"Just now, the Royal Palace Council contacted me. Regarding your request for a special visit
from His Majesty Thipbovorn... the Council approved it." Narong's statement was very simple.
But it caused a lot of discomfort in the master bedroom as soon as the other party finished
speaking.

Narong looked at the calm face of the man still sitting on the bed. In recent days, his master
had been unable to eat or sleep. Many bad feelings plagued the young man's life. As a result,
his once strong body grew increasingly thinner. The master's eyes, once calm, now seemed
sluggish and tired. And the butler knew exactly what caused it.

Even Charan had been waiting for this day. But in reality, Narong's employer only wanted to
see that person. Given the choice, no one would want to be a victim of such a terrible event.

But the hearts of victims need healing. There are many ways people can deal with PTSD. As
someone who has been by Charan's side since he was a child, Narong thought his teacher had
been through most of it.

All that remains is to face the things that cause great pain.

With people who once had a relationship and trust... This is difficult to overcome easily,
especially if you refuse to cut off all remaining issues.

Therefore, if there is an order, Narong tries to execute it as quickly as possible. However, the
request submitted by the employer must go through several stages of verification. It's not easy
to have to wait patiently, especially without knowing for sure.

But the long-awaited fate has finally arrived... It's time for Charan to face and unravel the knot
in his heart.

"Then... Please, Khun Narong, prepare a white uniform for me..." Narong nodded and accepted the
order. He thought about what his master should wear to visit a prisoner who had once been the
greatest man in the country.

At first, the middle-aged man intended to carefully select the best clothes for his lover. But the
next sentence made Narong change his mind, because he could immediately understand the
other party's intentions.

"I want something that isn't too special."

"..."

"Because I'll only use it once... then I'll throw it away."

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The interior of the building where the special prisoners are held is white. The surrounding
environment seems peaceful due to the humidity and low temperatures because there are no
windows for ventilation.

The first smell that appeared was a musty odor mixed with a strong scent of alcohol. As a
result, people walking down the long, seemingly endless hallway had to cover their noses with
their hands.

Charan stopped dead in his tracks when the officer in front of him stopped. The prison officer
walked in another direction before extending his hand to invite him in. In front of the Phitakdeva
clan leader was a special cell. A large white door separates people from the outside world and from
those who have been punished.

"You only have five minutes to visit... Please come in, Khun Charan."

"Thank you," Charan said gratefully as the officer unlocked the door and opened it wide.
Barefoot, he carefully stepped inside. Those sharp eyes then looked around.

Inside this room, everything is white and has a large surface area. Inside, there was nothing
but a one-meter-high bed on which lay the motionless body of an old man.

Boom!

The soft sound of the door closing caused the person sleeping in the bed to slowly open his
eyes. As soon as his straw-colored eyes focused, he saw the new person standing there, and his
eyes immediately widened in surprise.

"I pay my respects, Your Majesty..." Charan said, seeing the surprised expression of the person
in the white bed. Currently, Thipbovorn has no ability to communicate other than moving his
eyes. Therefore, the young man had to approach him to convey what he had prepared to say to
that person today.

"..."

"I won't be long, Your Majesty... I intended to come here to answer the question Your Majesty
asked." Seeing the suspicion in those eyes, Charan immediately opened his mouth and spoke. The
young man decided not to hesitate. He was still using the same royal vocabulary as before.
However, the statement he made bore no respect.

"..."

"Remember? The question you asked before the day of the competition... What will I choose? Between Love, Kanin
and remaining Phitakdeva or choosing freedom and leaving everything behind?" The young man looked at the

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person in bed blinking. His reaction lets Charan know that the other party still remembers
everything just like Charan.

Memories returned to the day he was summoned to an audience after first confessing his love
for Kanin. Charan still remembers his wet palms as he spoke to Thipbovorn that day. At that
moment, worry, dissatisfaction, and anxiety struck him so much that he didn't dare tell Kanin
the truth.

For fear that the person you love will think too much and worry.

"Grandfather won't stand in your way. But Grandfather wants you to be aware of the fact that...
Kanin can't leave Asawadevathin, because he must be the successor to the family. And if that's the
case... when you choose to be by Kanin's side, that means you can't leave Phitakdeva.

"..."

"Grandfather never intended to keep you. But this time, Grandfather must remind you directly. If you want to
be with Kanin, then you must force yourself not to leave Phitakdeva. But if you choose to leave, then leave
everything here."

"..."

"You don't need to rush into a decision now, Charan. We still have plenty of time until the
competition is over. But when you choose later, you must be prepared to accept all the
consequences."

Love and freedom

There's no way to reconcile those two things. Because he is Charan Pithakdeva, a loyal service dog who,
according to everyone, is always there to protect, nurture, look after, and be loyal to Asawadevathin
forever.

Charan often wondered why his love for Kanin had to depend on Asawadevathin. He never
understood why someone with an important role like Thipbovorn had to try to chain him down.

Contrary to what others say, he will understand and support Charan forever like a grandson.

The old man's actions made Charan question whether he was truly given the power to decide
things for himself or not, but after learning the whole truth, the young man was convinced it
was true... In the past, Charan didn't have the power to make his own decisions.

It's all just an illusion

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When the truth hits him in the face, Charan realizes the truth: He himself was merely a vessel
for what happened to his mother so that Thipboborn would feel less guilty.

Charan is simply a knight on the board that his opponent can swing and jump in any direction
to protect the king's position. He's merely a variable... to help maintain the stability of the
power, to act as an anchor in the mind so that Kanin doesn't flee.

Charan Phitakdeva never really accepted love and sincerity.

All this time, he had never been human in Thipbovorn's eyes.

"His Majesty is well aware that I would not dare disobey orders... Because I have feelings of
gratitude toward the person who raised me."

"..."

"You are well aware that the bond between Kanin and me will prevent me from leaving."

"..."

"You already know the answer. But you keep asking me which one I should choose. His Majesty
has taken advantage of my feelings." His sharp, eagle-like eyes looked pityingly at the old
man's figure. Even though his body couldn't move, Thipbovorn's eyes stared at him with
bloodshot eyes.

"Uh..." The groan from the person in the bed made Charan feel as if a hard stone was stuck in
his throat. The discomfort felt like something was about to explode. The more he watched the
other party trying to communicate, the harder it became to get his voice out. This made Charan
recall painful times in the past.

Not to mention the pain Kanin had to experience. How devastated would that child be? Let
alone being blamed for causing the deaths of all of Charan's parents.

In fact... It was all caused by the greed of one person.

"Therefore, I came here to give you an answer... After this, there will be no more things stuck
between us." Charan took a deep breath. He straightened, pressing his eyes to look at the
other party below him.

"..."

"Today I know what to choose and throw away."

"..."

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"The one I chose to leave behind... was His Majesty."

A sadness that became part of his identity during nearly thirty years of wandering. Loneliness
in life, coupled with suffering, will send him into the hearts of others. A young man conveys his
feelings through his eyes. A drop of water rolled down his cheek. His face was hot, his jaw so
clenched that his temples contracted.

Thipbovorn's red eyes opened wide, and his pupils dilated. It took almost a minute before his
wrinkled eyelids blinked slowly. His gray eyelashes were wet with tears. Although he couldn't
speak, Charan could tell just by looking at them what the other party wanted to say.

It is a word of forgiveness.

It was a sincere apology from someone Charan once respected. People to whom everything
had been given without conditions. The people he once respected realized that what Charan
received was just a lie.

But Charan came here instead of wanting to forgive anyone...

He finally came clean about his feelings. Then he couldn't accept that apology anymore.

Charan decided to reject Thipbovorn's apology using body language. The young man moved
away from the bed. He raised his hand to the left side of his chest before bowing in the
traditional Emmali greeting.

"Time's up, I want to say goodbye."

"..."

"Long live Your Majesty," the young man said, following the usual palace customs. Before
bidding farewell as a lesser person and blessing the other party for a long life.

As usual, the meaning of that statement is exactly that... Whenever Charan wishes blessings to
Thipbovorn, Charan hopes that the other party will live a long life because he has become a
shade tree for him and a benefactor who fertilizes his life.

However, the blessing this time has a different meaning.

The young man wanted the other party to live a long time.

"..."

"To... be trapped in torment forever."

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.............

The atmosphere in the house where Kanin lived from childhood to adulthood is still as warm as
ever. Kanin stared at Tattanai, who was wearing an apron and walking around the adequately
sized kitchen, with a feeling he couldn't explain to anyone.

The clock on the wall read that it was after ten. He got up late today. This was all because he
was busy cleaning his room yesterday. Kanin walked over and sat at the dining table, his hand
on his chin, staring at his father until the person busy at the stove turned around to greet him.

"Did Nin sleep well last night?"

"Uh, I think I slept better last night than I have in months." The boy's smile spread across his face. But the
answer seemed like a lie.

Kanin couldn't sleep. She missed Charan. But she couldn't do anything but allow herself to feel this
longing.

Although I wake up to listen to songs and do other fun activities, it's all about making as much
time as possible, but in the end, the longing is still there.

"My father truly hopes Nin can sleep well," the middle-aged man said as if he knew. Tattanai
placed a plate of English-style food in front of Kanin. Before turning around, he took a cup from
the shelf and poured fresh milk into it as a mixture.

This simple meal... is a menu that Kanin likes.

"I really miss Dad's cooking," he said, biting into a piece of bread without having to sit and
compose himself too much. In fact, the bread tastes normal. But what Kanin perhaps misses is
the long-lost atmosphere.

"Where are you going today?" A glass of black coffee and a slice of bread is Tattanai's choice.
The middle-aged man took off his apron and hung it up, before immediately sitting in a chair
while sipping his coffee.

"I'm going to meet Paul. I promised to meet him at the park." It had been three days since
Kanin had returned there, and Paul had called him every day since the first day he arrived.

The only problem is that he travels to various places on weekends with his father. And I just got
back to London today. So you can just schedule a date.

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"It's good for you to go outside and get some fresh air," Tattanai said, intending to suggest to his
son that he go outside to play and find other activities. Sometimes he prefers Kanin to go outside,
the main reason being to reduce Kanin's sad eyes.

Tattanai can know and also understand the mood of his only son. Kanin loves Charan very much. Because
he loves her so much, he is willing to give her the freedom to make decisions.

Kanin used a fork to skewer the sausage on the plate, then put it in his mouth and chewed
hard. Old memories resurfaced in his mind. In the past, he often fought with his father over
food.

The reason is that Tattanai likes to cook Emmali's meals, even though he prefers Western food.
But his father always makes him practice eating time-consuming dishes like Khao Soi...

Her slender hand was about to bring the last piece of crispy bacon to her mouth and stopped when she
remembered khao soi... it used to be a dish Kanin hated immensely. That's why, when she was with
Emmali, she always avoided these foods to free her mind from thinking about her father.

But now, when you think about Khao Soi's menu, it makes you think of the face of someone who
once spent time in another province eating khao soi with boiled beef...

"What would you like for dinner?" This question arose as Kanin lifted the warm milk from the glass and
drank it. Without needing to think, his brain quickly processed and ordered an answer. The young man
spoke about the menu he had engraved in his mind, confusing Tattanai.

"Khao Soi with Braised Beef"

"Nin doesn't like khao soi?"

"It's been a long time since I've eaten that... We'll talk later, Dad." Kanin quickly cut the
conversation short. Kanin knew in his heart that Tattanai's mind was now hard at work. He
knew everything, but he had no intention of stopping.

The boy was overcome with grief and had to stay in an area far from Charan so as not to hurt
the man.

The air outside the house was so cold that Kanin had to pull his clothes together. The person of royal
blood walked down the hall. Kanin clicked on a message. Paul replied that he would be at the park in a
few minutes. At the same time, he turned to look back at his conversation with the person who filled his
mind and heart.

Kanin's last message this morning reported where he went and what he did today. As for Charan,
he said he was going to sleep a few hours ago.

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A warm breath wafted from his body, and Kanin immediately put his cell phone back in his
pocket. The park is crowded during the day on cold days.

Kanin wasn't in a hurry and simply walked while taking in the relaxing atmosphere. He
absorbed the gentle scent of the leaves and grass floating in the breeze. This is the life of an
ordinary person... Strangely, it makes one feel empty in their chest. Kanin raised a smile at the
corner of his mouth as he recalled the story of the past few months.

He was surrounded by bodyguards and servants, he had a high rank and position, he even had Charan...
It all seemed like a dream.

Kanin felt as if he'd woken up from a very long dream. There were sad moments and happy
moments mixed in... But whatever happens, he'll never be able to forget it.

"Hey!" The other party's greeting caused Kanin, who was waiting, to turn around. He saw his blond friend
appear nearby before throwing himself into the other's arms with all his might.

"Are you okay?" Kanin hugged him back and said hello. Paul's appearance is still the same; he
hasn't changed much. Maybe it's just his hairstyle that looks a little strange. But overall, he was
still the energetic person he always was.

"I should be the one asking that question. I heard the news and was shocked!! One night I was
fast asleep and woke up to find a friend who had turned into a prince. You told me you went
abroad for a while, but instead he appeared as a prince."

"Long story."

"How cruel, you didn't even contact me," Paul complained, but he didn't seem too serious. That
person acted as if he just wanted to complain so Kanin would listen. But Nin didn't take it seriously;
he thought Paul just wanted to know the truth.

"For your safety, not for me, but for you." This may be one of the reasons why Kanin was able
to remain with Paul as his close friend for so long.

The good thing about the other side was that Paul wasn't the type to ask questions about things.

It was clear that Nin was uncomfortable talking about this, so Paul asked a question.

Showing more concern

"Is everything okay now?"

"I think so," Kanin didn't reply at all. They walked along the riverbank. They made small talk
before stopping at the brown bench.

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"Oh, so how's that cute guy doing?" After exchanging a few life stories, Paul then opened a new
topic of conversation that made Kanin pause for a moment.

"He's just... handsome as always."

"Ha, what the heck? What kind of person is he?... His beauty is unreal!" For a split second, Paul
looked a little confused by her words. But the next minute, he laughed and nodded.

"..." Kanin smiled slightly, not knowing what kind of expression she had accidentally shown.
Before Nin realized it, her close friend suddenly stood up, looking at Kanin with an enthusiastic
expression.

"Hey, do you want some ice cream? I'll get it and treat you like a welcome here." Paul pointed to an ice
cream shop not far away. Kanin looked at him before nodding in response.

"Oh, okay."

"What ice cream should I get? Like always?" Paul's question got Kanin thinking. Some bodies
fell silent as certain memories returned.

Is that lemon-flavored ice cream...?

"Next time, orange ice cream."

"Hey?"

"I like orange ice cream rather than coffee ice cream."

"I will remember it"

His thin lips smiled, a faint smile like a drunk's. It was true that Kanin liked eating lemon-
flavored ice cream. In the end, he decided to go with the flavor he was missing. This is more
than just a matter of personal feelings.

"Let's see the menu."

That's because Kanin hopes... At least this small action will help ease her feelings towards
Charan a little...

..........

The warmth of the heater makes Kanin's room feel comfortable. The sun had set several hours
earlier, and he was about to enter the dining room.

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From midday until night, Kanin spent most of his time with his close friend Paul. Once
everything was over, he returned to the table for dinner with his father.

Tattanai's khao soi recipe for braised beef tastes delicious, but it's still a bit different from Jirat's
home cooking. Kanin spent the afternoon at the table talking with his father, then there was a
phone call from Tarin, and he ended up with Chakri, the young butler who always intervened
whenever Tarin called him.

She sat up in bed and stared at the chat screen, which still hadn't received a reply from the
owner of her heart. Chran had been missing since his last message a few hours ago.

The time in England is 9:00 PM, while in Emmali it seems like it's afternoon... Charan should
have woken up long ago, but... why hasn't he greeted Kanin yet?

Kanin thought he might be busy. Charan might be overwhelmed and have a lot of work to do.
But why... couldn't he take the time to reply? He should be able to do this, right?

P'Ran had never disappeared like this before.

Kanin's cute, sad face looks as if there are good and evil spirits fighting inside him. On the one
hand, he wanted to send a message first. But on the other hand, he shouldn't push P'Ran.

Kanin wandered around the dormitory to pass the time. He went to read the group chat room with Ramil
and Eva. Kanin chatted a bit with the two, but they didn't seem as cheerful as usual. Kanin felt his physical
and mental energy diminish. The cold atmosphere outside made him feel even more uncomfortable.
There was a heater in the room, though.

The clock on the nightstand read ten o'clock at night. Kanin let out a deep sigh before lying
down in bed. He decided to send Charan a text telling him he missed him. But in the end, he
didn't receive the usual reply.

Kanin's eyes looked sad, and he placed the phone screen on his chest. He stared at the ceiling
for a moment until he felt a vibration on his communication device. He instantly stood up.

The briefly shining eyes vanished. Her eyes looked up and saw the name of the person making
the video call. It wasn't the person in her heart as she had expected, but rather a call from her
cousin, the new leader of the Phuchongphisut family.

"What is it?"

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(What's wrong?) Her handsome, firm face still looked as charming as ever. Kanin raised his eyebrows
while Ramil narrowed her eyes and looked at him suspiciously.

"That?"

(Your face looks like you miss Charan.) His words tickle your heart without a hint of pretense.
The corners of his mouth twitched upward, but this time Kanin wasn't in the mood to argue.

"Um," he gave a resigned acknowledgment that caused the other end of the line to pause for a
moment. Ramil sighed, not entirely amused, so he spoke in a serious tone.

(If you think about it, call him)

"..."

(Do you want me to contact him for you?)

"How?" His young cousin's volunteering caused Kanin to refocus his gaze. The owner of the
white body raised his eyebrows before tilting his head as he asked.

(I'll send someone to bring it to you.)

"You're a dictator! Do you always use this method 'on him'?" Kanin's words provoked a strange
and confused reaction from Ramil.

(...)

"Don't tell me..." Seeing the way Ramil kept looking behind the camera, Kanin could guess. This time
it was his turn to express guilt and take revenge on the other party.

(Silence, Kale.) The voice and use of language softened clearly. Kanin narrowed his eyes slightly,
mimicking Ramil's expression when he spoke and gave him orders earlier.

"Let me look behind the camera, Ramen."

(Mind your own business) Although he kept his mouth shut, he finally agreed to show his
camera to the only son of the Minister of Defense of one of the great clans. He was sleeping in
the bed of a young noble like Ramil.

Doing so much, looking from Mars, I know you like it... but your pride is through the roof.

"Did you send someone to take him?"

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(I brought it myself... It seems like he's not feeling well. You don't need to know everything.) The
camera now pans to show Ramil's sullen face. The other party spoke in a low voice, causing Kanin to
sigh.

"If so, when will he find out?"

(I'll take care of myself. Should you complain on the phone?)

"Listen, act as you wish... be careful or you'll lose him," Kanin warned from the back of his mind.
For a moment, he was sure he could see the trembling in Ramil's sharp eyes. But that only
happened for a split second before it disappeared.

(What's the problem? Do you want me to help you with your problem?) The other party
deliberately changed the subject. Ramil volunteered, while Kanin shook his head and ignored
the offer.

"No need... I'll wait."

(If you just wait, what will happen? Just call.)

"No, I don't want to bother you." The response from the person in England had an effect
elsewhere.

The other side of the phone screen shook its head. Ramil sighed and cursed.

This made Kanin think about his answer.

(This is very important, Kanin).

"I..." Kanin tried to respond a little, but something happened. The person on the other end of
the phone seemed unable to sit still. Ramil hurriedly whispered to Kanin until he could figure
out for himself what had happened.

(Petai, wake up... That's all for now. If there's anything I can help you with, just call me.) Ramil
said briefly to Kanin in a hoarse voice. Before the phone screen showed the young cousin's
voice line, Kanin was pretty sure that... he had never heard the other party use that tone with
anyone.

(Shhh, go to sleep... stay here... it's okay)

The call ended, and Kanin's phone screen returned to Charan's chat room as usual. Hadn't he
read or responded? Kanin dared to press the call button.

The call waiting sound rang repeatedly. The noble young man pursed his lips as he waited for a
long time. Until the call ended, everything around him returned to normal.
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silence as usual. Kanin's beautiful eyes looked sensual as he stared at the English bracelet she
wore.

'The destination is far away, but we'll meet anyway.'

Destiny... Even if we live in different parts of the sky, we can definitely meet.

The more he looked at it, the more he felt. The more Kanin thought about it, the more it hurt.

Kanin wanted to scream, so he ran away and hid under the blanket before letting his tears fall
slowly, he felt lost and scared. I'm afraid that if Phi doesn't want to continue her relationship
with me, what should I do?

He really wants to do everything right. As he said, "Can he let go of Charan?" Can he do that?

His tears flowed. Kanin let his emotions flow along with his thoughts. He cried until his eyes
swelled and he fell asleep, who knows how long ago.

But he regained consciousness when he heard heavy footsteps, someone stepping on the
hallway outside the room. In the dim light, Kanin's inner senses awakened.

He listened, and sure enough, it was 2 a.m. What was certain was that it wasn't the sound of
Tattanai's footsteps.

Is there anyone else in the house?

The blood in his face suddenly cooled. As quick as lightning, Kanin stood up and slid out of the
wide bed. He moved to hide behind the door. Keep hiding like that...

Until someone came and opened the door. Kanin, who had been waiting for the right moment,
leaped and threw himself at him, then locked the intruder's neck. However, the party
responded with agility and speed.

Kanin was struck in the blink of an eye, and the world turned upside down. He was at a
disadvantage. The boy tried to defend himself, but one word from the person above him
caused all the great power that had once existed to diminish, leaving nothing.

"Nin... it's me."

Kanin's eyes opened at the soft, familiar sound and smell. His dark brown eyes focused on the
intruder's beautiful face, unblinking. Before he could finally regain his composure, a flash of
tears appeared, blurring the clarity of the smile he longed for.

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"P'Ran?... Am I dreaming?" Kanin asked as if he were dazed. She stood up, turned around, and
hugged him, letting his strong hands cup her head and rub it until it rested easily on her broad
shoulders. Kanin didn't want to believe that all of this was real.

Kanin fears this is just a dream. He was afraid that if he woke up... All the images that seemed
real at the time would disappear.

"You're not dreaming... Phi is here to see Nin." Someone revealed the truth with a warm touch
to his temple. Kanin let Charan do this. Several minutes passed before they were finally able to
break away and look at each other.

Her slender palm caressed the warm skin of Charan's cheek. His handsome face looked tired,
as if he hadn't slept in days. The dark circles under his eyes were so dark that Kanin couldn't
help but feel worried for his lover.

Feeling that warmth made me know this wasn't a dream.

P'Ran came here... he really came to see me.

Tears of joy flowed. Repressed feelings of longing showed through their weakness. Kanin
embraced the person in front of him with all his love. This time, the young man buried his face
in Charan's broad chest, rubbing and crying shamelessly like a child.

"Phi disappeared... she disappeared all day. Phi disappeared until Nin thought Phi didn't want
to talk to Nin anymore... Ugh." Kanin never told anyone about his fears. But those things still
tormented his heart. A small palm grasped the hem of the tall man's shirt. He expressed his
needs clearly... He didn't want this person to disappear anywhere again.

"I'm sorry... I'm sorry" Charan tightened his embrace and replied with a shaky voice... The short
time they were apart made the once strong people, now realize... how boring life was without
Kanin.

A world without sun... How can I go on living?

If there is no sunlight to guide the way, Charan is just a stupid tree waiting for the day it dies.

"..."

"The reason I disappeared was because Phi was on the plane. Besides, Tattanai said Nin was with
Paul... I didn't want to upset you. Phi wanted Nin to spend as much time with you as possible."

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friends. I also rushed to take care of everything." Charan wants his Nong to know that he is not
happy either. Charan does not want to leave Kanin for long.

This may seem a bit excessive. But the most important thing... Kanin stayed away from him. Charan
knew deep down that wasn't what he wanted.

However, due to the severity of the problem at hand, as well as his responsibilities... let alone the
clan lineage he carries, this still prevents him from being able to immediately do whatever he wants.

"Phi should have at least contacted me... Phi knows, Nin...ah." He didn't have time to finish his sentence
when the older man picked him up and put him on the large bed.

Warm palms moved to grasp the young man's hands before pulling them down to rest on his
own cheeks. Those piercing gazes made the hearts of those who saw them tremble.

"To surprise you," Charan turned and kissed her palm softly, his sharp eyes staring longingly at
the person sitting on the bed. He was ready to say the words and express what he felt in his
heart: "I miss you."

The warm feeling surrounded them both again. Kanin didn't hesitate, hugged Charan until he sat on the
ground. The boy pressed his forehead against the older man's. He let the tears flow without thinking
about wiping them away.

The reason is because this time... The reason is not because of regret.

"Nin, I miss Phi too... I really miss you. I'm glad Phi came."

Charan hugged the small body, rubbing the soft back with comfort. The young man let the
person in his heart sob softly, holding and comforting him like that, without a thought of
stopping him.

Kanin no longer needs to force himself to become strong. As long as they're together... Charan wants the
other to feel what he wants to feel. This is just as he wanted. Do what Charan wants to do. There's no
need to force your own heart... No more forcing or doing anything for anyone.

He simply waited... until the other party gradually stopped crying and calmed down. In this
freezing London weather, the moonlight shone through the window. Their gazes met closely.

"I've taken care of everything I need to take care of in Emmali... Phi won't disappear again."
Charan pulled away and whispered words that were no different than a promise. He let his
lover listen to his expressed feelings until the other's expression improved.

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"It's true?"

"Yeah, Phi won't be leaving Nin's side anymore. You know... without Nin, I can barely eat anything... I keep
thinking about Nin." Charan's confession isn't an exaggeration. Everything is clearly visible to the naked eye.

"Nin doesn't eat much either... I'm just thinking about us being together."

"..."

"Before that incident happened... Nin had made a list of many places to visit and eat with Phi. I was
thinking about going on vacation together." Her voice trembled at the end of the sentence. Kanin
thought about the list of new restaurants she'd made, along with the itinerary they usually talked
about. Of course, before something bad happened and he had to part from her.

"Then let's go eat at every restaurant Nin wants to go to. Let's go wherever Nin wants. Let's
take a trip together like we talked about before, okay?"

"Does P'Ran have time?" he asked curiously. Kanin believed Charan still had a lot of work to do.
So he didn't dare force his trip.

"Phi has time... well, Phi has stepped down from my position as clan leader. Phi is now a
freelancer... I can go anywhere at any time as long as I have Nin with me."

"Resign?" Kanin's eyes widened, his voice accidentally sounding surprised. He hadn't expected that
the matter Charan had said "everything has been resolved" would mean the resignation or
reinstatement of the leader of the Phitakdeva Clan.

"Yes." The older man nodded with a smile before beginning to explain to his lover. "Actually,
Phi didn't want to be in this position. From the beginning, Phi thought this was only a
temporary position. The last task assigned to Phi was to bring Little Prince Asawadevathin back
to his place..."

"..."

"The Great Lord of Life had promised me and allowed me to step down from the leadership position
and let me paint if I could complete the mission. But once I did, Phi still couldn't stop... Because
there were people who asked me to stay. He asked me if Phi wanted me to compete, if 'Yes' I would
compete... Phi thought it would end there, but why not? That guy asked me to stay with him. Be
responsible for him... Because I was the one who brought him to Emmali."

"Well, at that time I didn't have anyone," Kanin laughed softly. His two pairs of eyes narrowed
in an adorable expression. It made people who looked at him seem like they were

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They couldn't help but reach out and stroke her hair gently. Touching her little ears
affectionately.

"Yeah... He said he didn't have anyone else. There was only one person in his life at that point... so
Phi decided to stay because that person was important to me too."

"..."

"He came and made me feel better. He came in and made me smile bigger, happier. No more nightmares or
having to stand alone in the rain. Things that used to be scary aren't anymore when he's by my side. That's why
Phi didn't think about going anywhere because she wanted to be near him... but now he's not there. Not in his
position," Charan explained at length. Then there was silence. Charan could see that the young man's
expression seemed as if he wanted to ask something.

"And about Grandfather's actions... Isn't Phi angry?" Kanin avoided speaking of this in detail, so
all that came out were small murmurs, not even daring to raise his head to look the tall man in
the eyes.

"I'm angry... disappointed and sad," Charan admitted honestly, his piercing eyes looking very
sad. When he talked about things, he tried to forget.

"So... Phi still wants to be with Nin?" Kanin's voice sounded soft. Her pretty face lowered until
her chin almost touched her own chest, a sad expression radiating from it. Her expression
seemed very worried.

"Nin... listen to me."

"..."

"Nin wasn't wrong, from the beginning nothing happened to you... I admit that at first Phi
couldn't control her feelings. But when we parted, Phi realized how bad it was not to have Nin
by my side." ... I asked myself over and over again if I still want to be with Nin again... and
there's only one answer in my heart. That is, Yes. To stay by Nin's side until I grow old."

"..."

"Although I won't forgive the person who hurt my mother, I've also decided to live in the
present... I don't want to lose Nin." Charan reflected and realized that his existence in this world
isn't important. It was the same as Kanin, who had always been by his side.

Now the most important thing in this young man's life is no longer loyalty and living for others. The
only person he loves now and always is Kanin. There is only one Kanin in this world.

"P'Ran..."

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"Nin is my gift, and she will be my future. You are everything in my life... I love Nin." Charan
showed all his sincerity to Kanin standing in front of him. The young man's words made those
who heard them unable to hold back their tears. Kanin cried again... But this time, Charan
didn't wait to kiss her and immediately gently wiped her tears away.

"Nin loves you as much as I can. Nin... Nin doesn't want to lose you either."

"I'm not going anywhere... let's go back together."

"Oh, we'll be together until we're old." Kanin smiled through the tears, the first smile in days he
could muster from the depths of his heart.

"Yes, let's stay by each other's side until we're old... I promise."

..............

The Fencing Club isn't as busy at night as it is during the day. Only a few people remain
practicing on the field. Some of them sit and watch the competition between other friends who
participated in the audition program. Some people split off and practice alone.

Meanwhile, Kanin led his lover out of sight and into another room. This time, he didn't want
anyone to come in and disturb the fencing match between him and Charan.

After Charan came to meet them last night, they took the time to talk and understand each
other. Each group took turns telling stories they had experienced over several different days.

The two spent the night together in the room for a long time before deciding to go for a walk.
It was Kanin who decided to ask the old man to go there.

The Fencing Association, where they met.

When he arrived, Charan invited Kanin to sit in the audience seat where he had first sat, facing
the young man. The young man explained his feelings when he had the opportunity to look
directly into Kanin's face. He recalled feeling the young man's sharp tongue.

And of course at that moment Kanin felt annoyed with him.

Each side had a deep history when they sat down and talked. They enjoy watching other people play
sports. Before they knew it, several hours had passed. Before they knew it, they had reached the
opposite point. They have the same opinion on almost everything. But when it came to the subject
of dinner, they didn't come to the same conclusion.

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From spectator to duel. Each side refuses to give up their food menu just to please the other.
Kanin was the one who suggested that Charan duel with him to find a mutually beneficial
solution.

The condition is that each menu item must be confirmed in advance. And the losing party must
accept what the winning party offers. Charan keeps making deliberate mistakes. If this can't be
called an intentional defeat, what should you call it?

"Ang Ang.... I'll win if you play like this," Kanin shouted when the other side explained that he
wanted a fair match. His white hands lifted the iron mask off his face, before he walked over
with his mouth agape to find the person on the other side still smiling, unfazed by the
complaints.

"I don't think you can win."

"But this isn't fair... We agreed to eat whatever the winner wants. If not, then what's the point
of competing if you just give up?"

"Nin, aren't you happy that Phi gave up on you?" Charan laughed. He removed his metal mask
and gloves. He reached out to grab Kanin's white hand. He held it tightly and then led the other
party to a corner of the room.

"Right," Kanin pursed his lips at the question. The young man reached out to help his lover
remove the protective gear from his body. Charan carefully showered him with tenderness and
attention.

"So, what should I do to make Nin feel satisfied?" the tall figure asked in a gentle voice after
removing Kanin's soft armor. Her beautiful face smiled fondly at the sullen expression of a
person who didn't want to accept her own victory.

"Let's duel again."

"I don't want to duel anymore. If you do, you'll lose and be stubborn... I'd rather take you out to eat
something you want, Deuk-Deuk."

"You always lure me with food. If I gain weight, I won't be able to walk at all. I'll carry you
everywhere and break your back." Kanin snorted. The young man crossed his arms over his chest
and looked away. It was so hot that the big man, who had just finished taking off his clothes, had to
run over and hug her from behind.

"Are you in a bad mood now?"

"Whatever," Charan laughed at that. The young man looked around. When he was sure there was no one
else in the room except him and Kanin, the young man decided to turn the young man's body so they
were facing each other.

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Kanin saw that expression. He saw Charan's tense face and remembered the first time they had
exchanged words. The white person's face slowly turned red, so adorable and cute that...
Charan couldn't help it; he wanted to tease him some more.

"I apologize for offending you, Your Majesty. But I'm flying through the sky here with my main
objective being Your Majesty," Charan said jokingly, using words he had long spoken to the
other party. He still remembered very well that he had spoken that day because he wanted the
other party to realize his role as the young prince of Asawadevathin.

That day Kanin was so stubborn.

"Don't worry for too long... Next time, at any moment, I'll surrender again. Because I never
thought of defeating Your Highness." But today is not like yesterday. He only said it because he
wanted to improve his lover's mood. And Charan wants Kanin to understand more clearly his
main objective in returning to his side.

"..."

"There is love between us... I hope Your Majesty understands..."

"P'Ran..." His body was thrown towards the older man. When he heard that, Kanin's eyes
widened and he laughed. He never expected Charan to make a joke like this now. It's funny,
but...

"Because?"

"Very well," the young man whispered, laughing until his eyes crinkled. Charan himself acts
differently. The two people's laughter sounded loud, combined with Charan pulling the small
man into his arms and asking him to come back in a laughing tone.

"You don't like it? I thought you did."

"Whatever Phi does... Nin likes it." Her sweet words invite a smile from the listener. Charan raised
his eyebrows at the question he knew the answer to in his heart.

"It's true?"

"Oh, I love you, I love this man so much," she whispered sweetly, not unlike what Charan expected.
Kanin is cute. He was so cute that Charan thought he should do something about it.

The young man came so close to the white person that there was barely enough room for air to
flow between them. The two fell silent after the warm words ended.

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Next Prince / Magic and Star Translations

Two pairs of eyes met, filled with love. Masses of cold air blew in from outside, but they no
longer felt the cold.

Because at this moment their warm breaths were exchanging, the change in temperature
being shared harmoniously from one person to another...

Warm lips moved slowly toward each other, kissing longingly. Kanin's gentle touch was the
only thing that emphasized Charan's survival.

Charan knew he had made the right decision.

Kanin is the only reason for his existence.

Previously... Charan had wearily complained about the fate of heaven and earth that cruelly
took away the people he loved, but now he has made a new promise to the gods.

If the gods don't take away this love, Charan promises that he will never again think of blaming the evil
past.

From now on...he will live to protect and care for Kanin with all his heart and will not allow
anyone to make his sun go out...

There is no need for Phitakdeva. There is no need for Asawadevatin.

Charan will love and stand by Kanin because fate has brought them together across the sky...

- End -

.....................

Important

Now that the story is finished, I'll just tell you that it's been a while since the last pdf, and even though
times are difficult, I continue to bring you these projects with love and dedication, so that you can enjoy
reading these stories and feel all the emotions. If you want to contact me, I'm on Wattpad as@
CloudSky24and on FB asDolcepioggia SahaphapWith several spoilers and things, and I keep posting
here and there, see you in the next reading

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