Chapter 8.4 ☀️

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Volume 3 – Clash (激突)

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1

“What are you thinking so deeply about?” 

A low voice came from behind Aran, who was looking at the large snow-covered courtyard. Turning around, Cain was approaching. 

“Well, there must be a lot to think about.” 

As always, he is dressed comfortably. It was also a unique outfit that could not be found in Kajang. He pulled his thick coat up to his chin as though he were weak against the cold. In doing that, one couldn’t see the clothes he was wearing, but because he was infinitely frugal and easygoing, they were not fit for the position of Emperor. 

What was unlike an Emperor was not only his clothes but also his tangled short hair. He opened the door as he looked at Cain, whose appearance was both self-indulgent, and in a way, free-spirited. 

“I’m on my way back from seeing Ryugen.” 

Aran caught the gaze of the person he’d been looking at. 

“Is there any improvement?” 

“He hasn’t woken up yet, but they said that he was fortunate, he will get through this crisis, and his life will be saved.” 

“That’s a relief.” 

Aran let out a small sigh. Ryugen had been lying unconscious for over 15 days. The doctors who first looked at him said that they couldn’t make any guarantees. They did not dare to say that he would die soon in front of the Prince because it was tantamount to a death sentence. However, when he heard the news that the crisis would soon pass and that Ryugen would survive, he felt like a stone that had weighed heavily on his heart had been lifted a bit. 

“He did say he wasn’t going to die like that.” 

“He did.” 

“Even though he’ll wake up, he won’t be able to move like he used to.” 

At his last remark, Aran opened his eyes wide in surprise. What will happen to a person whose occupation is an assassin but who can no longer wield a sword? Of course, Ryugen had once boasted could eat and play for the rest of his life because of all the money he’d earned, but how would he live after putting away the sword he held over a lifetime? It would be a great shock to suddenly be unable to move like before. 

“He’s going to become the Prince of the Northern Lands anyway, so what does it matter whether or not he can wield a sword? After all, what he wanted from the beginning was a stable life, so he should be fine.” 

Muttered Cain in an insignificant manner, and shrugged. But Aran, on the other hand, looked up even more puzzled. He heard it before but he didn’t pay attention to it, however, this time he did because he was told ‘The Northern Lands’. 

“What do you mean, ‘The Northern Lands‘?” 

“I’m going to give him control. No matter who it is, a Prince is needed to run the lands in the north.” 

“Did you promise him this?” 

“Well, yes. Besides, this time he played his role, so I can’t help but give it to him. This is the price I had to pay for saving you.” 

He furrowed his brow, and he smiled bitterly. Aran, who looked at Cain from afar, let out a small sigh. He was grateful that the situation worked out, but he did not know what to do. Now Ryugen had become the benefactor who saved his life. 

“I don’t know what to do about him.” 

As Aran murmured, Cain lightly brushed his chin upward and met his gaze. When he looked at him, he saw his image reflected in Cain’s silver-gray eyes. 

“I’ve given him what he really wants, so you don’t have to do anything.” 

“It cannot be.” 

“Do you not know how valuable the Northern Lands are? Instead, you do what I want. Then it will be even.” 

Cain smiled languidly raising the corners of his mouth. Aran, who had been holding him in his eyes felt even more devastated. It was thanks to his help that the war against Taejeokrune ended so easily. Even more so, he will now have to reward Ryugen for helping him. 

From the beginning until now, he had received too much from Cain, and now his heart was heavy. He felt like he owed him so much, that he couldn’t even figure out how much he owed, much less how to repay the debt. Of course, he wanted to give him anything he wanted, but some things are not realistic right now, so it was even more difficult. 

“… Cain.” 

Aran raised his hand and placed it on Cain’s chest. It was a strong chest that always became his shield. 

“Thank you. I am sincerely grateful to you.” 

“Aha, that sounds like you’re saying that you will reward me now.” 

Cain said playfully and ran his hand through Aran’s long hair. He looked happy as he wrapped his fingers around his jet-black hair, fluttering in the cold wind. But Aran couldn’t just be happy. 

“What do you want?” 

He asked calmly, trying to ignore his rapidly beating heart, as Cain wrapped his arms around his shoulders. 

“You already know, don’t you?” 

His low-pitched tone pierced his chest. Aran closed his eyes for a moment. Even though it was cold, he felt as though he were standing in the middle of Cain’s lands, under the scorching sun, and he leaned on his arms and tried to smell his scent. 

“Even if I don’t say it, you already know.” 

Cain’s low voice lingered sweetly in his ears. Aran bit his lip. In fact, as he said, he knew what this man wanted now and what he had been hoping for better than anyone. He wanted him to return with him to the Empire. He wanted him there. He said it before he left, and when he followed him, he made it clear. 

“Cain, l……” 

He seriously wanted to go back with Cain too. His wish to strike down Taejeokrune and save Won had been realized, so he knew it was right to do so. However, it was too much for now. The country was in chaos, and as a Prince, he knew he couldn’t follow Cain. 

After this war, everything was a mess. There were a lot of things that had to be rearranged. This was especially true because Taejeokrune, who had no particular interest in politics, only war, entrusted his work to bureaucrats who only revealed money. 

Of course, even if there was Won, the Queen’s progeny, he was not yet an adult, he was a child left on his own and he was unable to bear all these heavy burdens. Moreover, he did not ask in detail what had happened between him and Taejeokrune, but he can not leave Won, who was very heartbroken by this incident, alone. He also wanted to stay by the side of his flesh and blood that he had finally recovered after such a long time, to cherish, and to care for him a little bit more. 

“I want to give you anything you want.” 

Still resting his forehead on his shoulder, Aran whispered. He was sincere. He wanted to do everything he could for Cain, who took care of him and gave him strength so far. He could give him everything he wanted. 

“But……” 

“Aran.” 

Cain stopped his shaking voice. He asked as though he couldn’t trust in the low-pitched beating in his chest. 

“Anything I want, eh?” 

“Yes, anything.” 

“In the future, forever?” 

Aran raised his gaze at his question. And he nodded his head at him, who was looking at him seriously. Cain made a strange expression and let out a low voice. It was a look of some sort of perplexity. 

“You mean you’re going to give me everything, from head to toe?” 

“If you wish. I’ll give you anything you want. From now until the day I die, I will give you everything.” 

As he continues to speak calmly, Cain became more and more puzzled. It was a hard thing to believe. Aran raised his hand and wrapped it around Cain’s chin and looked at him with a straight gaze. 

“However, I hope you will wait for me, just for now.” 

“How much time now, huh?” 

“Please wait until everything is sorted out here and Won becomes an adult and can inherit the throne properly.” 

Aran hurriedly whispered and grabbed his collar. He was holding on to Cain as though begging him not to leave, he begged by clutching Cain’s clothes. 

“If you do that, I will give you everything I have, everything I am.” 

Cain, who was listening to his urgent proposal, kept his mouth shut. He just stood there like a General and stared at Aran without moving even a fingertip. Aran became nervous at his unexpected reaction. 

Aran couldn’t let go of the hem of Cain’s clothes that he was still clutching at, as he waited for a reply. His heart was pounding in suspense. Then Cain, who had been staring at Aran for a long time, let out a low sigh and ruffled his short, disheveled hair. 

“Oh, this is for Won?” 

The sound of Cain’s sighs scattered over his head, and the hand holding the hem of his clothes trembled involuntarily. He couldn’t relax the grip of his hand, as though he would disappear if he did. He was well aware that he was being a selfish person, who was asking Cain to only look at his circumstances, nevertheless, it was a request he couldn’t let go of. 

He couldn’t let go of him. Now, he really couldn’t live without Cain. 

“Don’t make such an anxious face.” 

“… …” 

‘It doesn’t suit you.” 

Cain, who whispered quietly, suddenly hugged Aran’s back. His hand that wrapped around his waist and stroked his long hair was infinitely tender. Aran also hugged his back. The chest he hugged without dropping an inch was warm as always. 

“Aran, even if you don’t say it, you are mine, and I can assure you that I will never let go of you in the future.” 

He glanced at the white breath spreading through the air, then suddenly laughed out loud. 

“It would be good to hear. But you need to tell me yourself.” 

“… Cain.” 

“So, are you promising to come to me if I wait a little bit, even if you don’t tell me you’re mine?” 

Aran answered the question as if he was trying to confirm it again, emphasizing ‘I promise’. Cain then bent down and placed his lips lightly on Aran’s. A soft, wet sound resounded. The kiss he received after such a long time was sweet, but it didn’t last long. Aran looked up at him with excited eyes, feeling sorry for his lips when Cain stopped after only sucking his lower lip. 

“Prince.” 

But at that moment, he heard a voice calling him from behind, and Aran’s shoulders stiffened. Aran, who belatedly realized that he was behaving as though he were embarrassed, because they were in broad daylight, and in a place where people could easily come and go, brushed his excited face and turned his head. 

Shaw was standing neatly, waiting for him. Seeing him with one arm immobilized and bandages wrapped around the shoulder that was cut by a sword, Aran’s heart, which had been slightly excited, subsided. 

“What’s going on?” 

Aran released the hem of Cain’s clothes that he was still holding, let out a short sigh, and walked over to Shaw. 

“Jiyul and Prince Won are waiting for you.” 

“…Okay.” 

Looking back, it seems that Shaw said he would come around this time. As he turned his gaze to Cain,  who was still standing behind him, Aran lamented to himself that he was incapable of thinking properly when he was with Cain. As for what Cain was thinking, his deeply sunken eyes and gaze were intertwined. 

He tried to say something, but in the end, nothing came out. He simply said his farewells and then walked along to Shaw. He felt Cain’s gaze reaching behind his back. However, Aran did not look back until he entered the palace. It felt like he would stop walking if their eyes became entangled again, so he just couldn’t look back.

If you’re reading this anywhere other than FoolishtranslationsS.wordpress.com, it was stolen from the translator’s website. Reading this anywhere other than the translator’s website ensures that the translator may never translate any other works. Thank you.

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2

“Are you alright?” 

As they were walking down the hallway, Shaw suddenly asked him a question. At the sound of his calm voice, Aran woke up from his thoughts and tilted his head. He didn’t realize it, but he guessed that his face must have looked worried by the look of concern on Shaw’s face as he examined him.  

“… I’m alright.” 

Aran answered as indifferently as possible instead, focusing on Shaw’s arm. The swordsman was not as young as he used to be, but he thought it would be okay if he didn’t use his arm too much for a while. But looking at his arms still tied, he felt sad. 

“How about your arm?” 

“This isn’t a problem.” 

“Thank god, I’m really happy. If you were seriously injured, it would have been heartbreaking.” 

Shaw walked behind him and for a moment he was silent. Then, as though he had suddenly remembered something, he spoke.

“I heard that Ryugen is getting better little by little.” 

“I just heard that from Cain, too.” 

“That’s very fortunate.” 

Aran nodded at his words. The sound of their footsteps walking down the hallway was particularly loud. As Aran walked down the hall listening to the steady echoing sounds, the only things on his mind were things relating to Cain. The conversation he had with him a while ago left him without being able to form any conclusions. He made a suggestion, but Cain only asked if it was a promise. 

There had been no conclusion as to what to do next. The more he thought about it, the more anxious he became. Cain returning, and this situation in which he couldn’t easily follow him made Aran anxious. Furthermore, he would have to wait three years for Won to turn 20. He couldn’t tell Cain the exact time he would need, but at least that much time was needed. 

Would it really be possible to be apart for such a long time? 

To start with, Cain originally had no interest in men. Even if he was obsessed with him now, he might soon lose interest in him after three years of separation. He may start to look at women again. In particular, the Ministers of the Empire were very displeased with Cain’s not having an Empress, and it was clear that Cain would not be left alone by them. They would certainly try to find an Empress, someone who suits Cain somehow, but what else will they do about the situation? 

His heart was pounding as he tried to contemplate the scenarios that were coming to him one by one. It hurt so much that it was hard to breathe. 

“Prince?” 

“It’s nothing.” 

“Is it to do with Cain?” 

Shaw asked sharply, as Aran tried to put away his distorted expression and walk down the halls again, pretending to be okay. Finally, Aran stopped walking and stood tall. Then a low sigh was heard from behind him. 

“The prince seems to really like him” 

Shaw threw out unexpected words that he normally wouldn’t utter. Aran bit his lip without looking back at Shaw. It was natural that Shaw knew about this matter, but after hearing from this person, he didn’t have the courage to face him. 

“Are you worried that his feelings will grow weaker than the Prince’s?” 

“… Maybe.” 

Shaw laughed bitterly when Aran meekly acquiesced that he was concerned precisely about that. 

“I don’t know the details of what’s going on, but don’t worry about it.” 

“… …”

“He must be well aware of the Prince’s concerns.” 

Aran was grateful for his gentle whispering voice, he looked back at him and smiled despondently. He couldn’t allow himself to be so naive or foolish. 

“That would be nice.” 

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to follow Cain, he just knew that things were not going well here. He hoped that he would understand how sincerely he wanted to spend the rest of his life with him, but he had to wait until Won grew up, even though it was three years. So, he wanted to ask him to kindly wait. But he wasn’t sure he conveyed it properly. 

All that remained was Cain’s decision. All he could do was wait and hope that he would make an amicable decision. So he had to put it aside for now. With trembling trepidation in his heart, Aran straightened his back and headed towards Jiyul and Won.

If you’re reading this anywhere other than FoolishtranslationsS.wordpress.com, it was stolen from the translator’s website. Reading this anywhere other than the translator’s website ensures that the translator may never translate any other works. Thank you.

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3

Aran entered the darkened room and was startled. In the middle of an unlit room behind a table was a large figure slumped against the chair. Upon seeing Cain’s unexpected appearance, Aran grabbed his chest which seemed to have sunk, and slowly walked towards him. Cain had a habit of sitting quietly in the dark when he had a lot on his mind, and Aran didn’t want to disturb him. 

“Why are you sitting in the dark?” 

Aran approached him and lit the lamp on the table. Looking back at him through the dimly lit space, Aran saw him clearly as he sat with his face at an angle, supporting his chin, with his eyes closed. He had probably been drinking because there was a small empty bottle of alcohol on the table, and a light snack. Aran raised his hand to check the bottle he had emptied and then stood in front of him. 

“Cain.” 

He called out softly as he smoothed his short, messy, brown hair. He didn’t open his eyes as Aran ran his hand through his hair, wrapping strands around his fingers, as the hair escaped from them. He leaned over him, wondering if he was sleeping. 

Even with his eyes closed, the feeling of oppression he felt made his throat burn. When he gave his usually light smile, it felt less dangerous than it did now. With his eyes closed like they were now, he felt like he was facing a dangerous beast. 

Nevertheless, as he looked closely at him under the shimmering light, he realized anew that there wasn’t a single place on him that was not splendid. His sharp-edged nose, deep-set eyes, thick eyebrows, a straight forehead, a manly jawline that looked like it was sculpted with a chisel, and a shadow of stubble that is barely visible on it. When looking at all of that, it was a doubtlessly a very attractive face. 

Aran, who was carefully examining the strong-looking man, who was so unlike himself or the people of Kajang, he unconsciously reached out and touched his eyebrows with his fingertips. As he looked at him like this and touched him with his fingertips, he thought that he might fall in love with him again. That’s why his heart was racing. 

“… You’re staring so intensely, that now my skin feels like it’s burning. How can it even be touched?” 

Suddenly, his eyes narrowed and he muttered softly. Aran instantly snapped out of it. He even looked away like a child who’d been caught playing with dangerous objects without an adult’s knowledge. 

“Why didn’t you let me know if you were awake?” 

“I just woke up because you’re staring intently at me.” 

He raised the corners of his lips and wrapped his arms around Aran’s waist. 

“I’m not capable of sleeping when someone is staring at me so blatantly.” 

Aran, who was pulled to, and hugged by him, felt his cheeks heat up in embarrassment. He gently rubbed his cheek with his hand, then sighed as if he had given up, and touched Cain’s hair. 

“So, how is your brother?” 

But at his sudden question, Aran stopped moving his hand. He realized that things with Cain had not been settled yet. It wasn’t time to be happy yet. Aran remembered that he still had things to deal with and got up with regret. Then, he slowly released his hand that was wrapped in Cain’s hair and looked down. Deep eyes that didn’t even look drunk, looked up at him. 

“He’s a strong boy. He’s a little depressed right now, but he’ll be alright soon.” 

“Well, he looks exactly like the late King, from his appearance, the feel he gives off, his expressions, to his manner of speaking. So, the strength of his character should be similar as well.” 

In fact, Aran still hadn’t heard the details about what happened with Taejeokrune from Won. He didn’t have time for that, and he didn’t want to pry if Won didn’t want to tell him. What happened wouldn’t be a very good memory for Won. 

“Won, if that kid…” 

Muttered Cain, who had been thinking to himself for a moment. Aran wondered what he was thinking. However, he finally stopped talking and pulled the arm he had around Aran’s waist. Aran lost his balance and fell into a seated position on Cain’s thigh and grabbed his shoulder in embarrassment. 

“… Cain!” 

Without realizing it, his voice rose a bit. However, instead of answering, Cain hugged his waist with one hand and grabbed the back of his head with the other, pulled it back, and kissed his lips. His breath rushed like waves through his fine lips. As his breath and saliva mixed with the smell of alcohol, he somehow felt intoxicated. His mind quickly became hazy. Aran closed his eyes, unable to do anything about his body that seemed to want to collapse. 

Then a greedy kiss quickly followed, he felt sucked in, as though he were about to be devoured. Cain’s tongue seized the inside of his mouth, and every time it stirred, his extremities seemed to be drained of energy. As he leaned against Cain’s chest with his body, and his arms wrapped around his shoulders, a moan escaped from the bottom of his throat. 

“Uh-huh…” 

A soft tongue pushed in and scanned every corner of his mouth. As Cain licked the roof of his mouth and gums thoroughly, Aran’s hips trembled at his movements. He held his chin in his hand so that their wide-open mouths could overlap, because of this Aran couldn’t move and could only receive him. 

As the kiss continued on for a long time without stopping, he finally got short of breath and his chest trembled. Still, he moved his tongue as though it would never end, as wet sounds blatantly leaked from his mouth.

“Ah, ha…Cain, no more…” 

Finally, Aran grabbed Cain’s shoulder and lifted his head. It seemed like he would hyperventilate if they continued on anymore. Thump, thump. Aran was red-faced, and as he calmed his pounding heart and caught his breath, Cain smiled languidly. 

“I’m the one who drank alcohol, but you’re the one who looks drunk.” 

‘When are you going to get used to this?’ Cain murmured softly as he wiped the edges of Aran’s swollen lips with his finger. His face heated up again, but Cain pretended not to notice and raised his glass. However, when he saw the bottle was already empty, he smacked his lips and regretted it. Instead, he picked up the nuts that were next to the glass and playfully dropped them into his open mouth. 

“Tomorrow, both Jar and my soldiers are leaving for the Empire.” 

At that one word, Aran’s slightly pounding heart thumped and fell to his feet. Aran raised his head as he sat on his lap. Cain, who was still picking up the nut with his fingertips and repeatedly tapping them together and dropping them, turned his gaze toward Aran for a moment. 

“The military operations have been completed now, so it would be better to go as soon as possible.” 

“And you…, too?” 

The anxiety in his voice could not be hidden and flowed out. If he returned to the Empire like this, when would he see Cain again? Distant thoughts popped into his mind. And what will happen after that? Even though it was he who made that decision, he couldn’t help but feel heartbroken. 

“Well, I was thinking of staying here.” 

Cain, who had been silent for a moment as though lost in thought, gave an unexpected answer as he tapped and dropped the nuts. Aran’s eyes gradually widened. The hand that was holding his shoulder increased its strength. 

“…How?”

When Aran asked if he had heard him right, Cain stopped his mischievous fingers for a moment and looked at Aran with eyes that were suddenly serious. 

“My lover is begging me to wait, so it can’t be helped. If I can have you for the rest of my life, then I’ll have to put up with this for a few years.”

“Cain-……” 

“For the time being, I’ll just have to be a little busy, traveling long distances.” 

He mumbled indifferently as he shrugged his shoulders. Aran couldn’t close his half-opened mouth. Then Cain’s eyes suddenly lit up and he shoved a finger between Aran’s red lips. Aran tasted the salt from Cain’s fingertips, that came from him touching the salted nuts. Aran had to blink because of the wetness around his eyes.

“In return for you, I think I can do this much, yes?” 

“Whatever you want’. The sound that lingered on the tip of his tongue didn’t come out, so Aran just nodded instead of answering. Then, with a satisfied expression on his face, Cain pulled his finger out while stroking Aran’s smooth tongue. Then he licked the long string of saliva, and muttered in a smirking voice: ‘This is pretty good too.’ Aran wrapped his arms around his neck and hugged him with unbearable emotions. Then, a gentle hand stroked his back 

“What should I say?” 

He said thank you so many times, but nothing came to mind other than that. He also wondered how he would be able to repay such a large amount of debt in the future. 

“Well. What do you want me to hear?” 

He teased in a whisper. Aran, who had been biting his lip, overwhelmed with emotion, burst into laughter without realizing it at Cain’s persistent inquiry. 

“You’re not asking me that again because you don’t already know?” 

However, this time, instead of a curt answer, Aran spoke gently. Cain, who was hugging his waist, burst out laughing. 

“Oh wow, I think that you seem to be changing.” 

“I am? It seems to me that you have changed a lot too.” 

Looking at him these days, he often thought that he was not the Cain he knew. How did a selfish, stubborn man, who was kind but didn’t know how to love just one person, become a caring person who gives everything only to him? 

“Wasn’t I always like this?” 

Responded Cain with a smirk. 

“My head was always filled with your concerns, but you were the only one who didn’t know it.” 

“Is that true?” 

“Of course. I’m sure you’ve changed more than I have. Because I can’t even remember when you started walking around with such a radiant spirit.” 

Cain, who was biting his earlobe and licking his lips down to the nape of his neck, suddenly stood up, holding Aran’s ass in his hands. Aran wasn’t small so he reflexively wrapped his arms around Cain’s neck and clung to him as he was held. He also felt a dizzying vertigo and closed his eyes tightly. Cain’s intentions were clear as he strode to the bed. 

“Cain.” 

“First of all, let me taste you for a long time. I’ve been patient for too long, and I’m on the verge of going crazy.” 

A magnificent, low-pitched voice spoke out, making his back trembled. As he walked to the bed, Aran’s body shook as though he couldn’t stand it. And all of a sudden, Cain put Aran, who was in his arms, on the bed, and pressed him down. 

“Did I tell you the reward I wanted to receive from you?” 

“Not yet…….” 

“It’s a very simple dream, I want to be loved by you for the rest of my life.” 

He was already looking at Aran with the eyes of a carnivore, pressing heavily against him. His impatience was oppressive and cute at the same time……. as said before, it may be that he had changed. 

“I refuse to hear no.” 

“Oh God, Cain…….” 

Aran blushed. 

The embarrassment that flooded in made Aran unable to look straight at him, and he raised his hand and covered his eyes. But he couldn’t stop the reaction of his heart fluttering and beating fast. 

“Really, you have changed so much……. I can’t keep up.” 

He muttered, still unable to make eye contact. Finally, Cain removed the hand that was covering his eyes. Only then did Aran come face to face with Cain, who had moved in front of him and filled his sight. 

“It’s probably to do with someone.” 

Cain whispered happily and kissed his lips slowly. Aran closed his eyes again and gladly welcomed the sweet and tender kiss he offered. Then he wrapped his arms around Cain’s neck and whispered in a voice that only Cain could hear. 

“… me too.” 

 Cain quickly smiled brightly and kissed his lips loudly.

His heart seemed to melt at the gentle answer that followed. 

In Cain’s scorching heat and his scent that resembled the sun, he felt not only his heart but his whole body melt. He suddenly felt that tonight would be unusually long. But it will definitely be a joyous time. Thinking about that, Aran tenderly embraced his lover who was burrowing into his arms. 

If you’re reading this anywhere other than FoolishtranslationsS.wordpress.com, it was stolen from the translator’s website. Reading this anywhere other than the translator’s website ensures that the translator may never translate any other works. Thank you.

END OF CHAPTER 8 

ALL CHAPTERS ARE COMPLETE 

SIDE STORY (EPILOGUE) TO FOLLOW…

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