Chapter 2.2

Volume 1 – Cain Richen

Warning: Volume 1’s translation is Hot Garbage!

I will be retranslating the entire book in 2023

1

Aran had been ill for over a day since arriving. It was a fact that Cain had not been in a good mood since then. Aran heard that there were several reasons for that, as he was lying in bed unable to come to his senses due to the boiling fever.
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The first was that the Prince had put his young son into Cain’s room the next night instead of his daughter. Cain burst into anger and raised his voice, and the prince trembled and fell at his feet to apologize.
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It was also said, that the message that came from the capital was bad news. The news was so urgent that it was decided to leave for the capital right away. However, due to Aran’s poor condition, the departure was postponed to the next day. Cain who had become uncomfortable at this and that had turned cold.
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Aran closed his eyes and listened for the people to leave. The sun was already in the middle of the sky. Aran who was looking out the bright window to the distance slowly got out of bed. It was the first time he’d been so ill. The fever had barely gone, but his head was pounding. He had no energy left in his limbs, so it was difficult to even stand, but he didn’t care, he was just glad that he could move.
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Aran was uncomfortable. His body was damp and sticky from sweating while he was boiling with fever, so after drinking the water on the table, Aran open the door and went outside.
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One goal was to find Cain, and the other was to meet anyone so he could wash. Unfortunately, the castle was quiet. He could see a few attendants moving in a hurry from afar, but he couldn’t even speak before they disappeared. He thought for a while as to what to do, but it was too difficult to wander around freely because the castle was bigger than he thought.
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He thought it would be better to go back, and as he turned the curved hallway, he ran into Cain walking from the opposite side. There was a man like a shadow by his side, as though that were natural. Thinking he was lucky, Aran hurriedly walked toward him.
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Cain also seemed to be heading towards Aran’s room, and as he turned toward him, he raised his eyes. The moment their eyes met, Aran stopped walking without realizing it.
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Was this the same man who threatened him saying ‘he wouldn’t leave him alone if he woke him up in the morning’, not so long ago? Back then he was dressed so shabbily that he couldn’t be distinguished from a thief.
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Now he looked like a completely different person. He was so handsome that he couldn’t keep his mouth shut. He wore a white top coat made of luxurious material, that softly wrapped around his upper body, black pants, a black cloak that fell from his shoulders to his ankles, and leather shoes with a strange shape that went up to the knees.
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“…… Cain?”
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From the neat clothes, hair, and long swords and daggers around the waist, every single piece is overflowing with precious things. Just a few days ago, he was the one who was ridiculing Cain for being a rogue drifter. As he stood and looked at him, Cain quickly approached him with a frown on his face, as though there was something he didn’t like.
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“You, come here!”
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At Cain’s command, Aran came to his senses and took a step. However, Cain seemed to have no time to wait and he hurriedly lifted Aran and draped him over his shoulder like luggage.
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“Hey, what are you doing!? Let me go!”
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Aran screamed at the unexpected incident. As he was hung upside down, his face became hot and his cheeks burned bright red. He struggled and beat his back with his fists, to no avail.
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“Hey, I could see your pepper! “
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Aran suddenly stopped struggling like lightning at those words. He couldn’t understand what he was hearing, so he just blinked. But soon as he stretched out his arm, he saw that the clothes he was wearing were as thin as dragonfly wings. Even though it was crumpled, it was thin enough to show everything through, it was almost completely transparent.
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He had walked around the bright hallway like this….. it was only then that he understood what Cain was saying.
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As Aran was hung over Cain’s shoulder, he stopped moving and Cain asked a question as to whether he had calmed his anger.
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“What were you doing?

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“….I wanted to wash.”
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“Isn’t that how you met the other guys?”
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“No……..”
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“Okay then.”
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As Aran responded sullenly, Cain kicked the door leading to somewhere and it opened with a bang. The servants inside got in a frenzy because of Cain’s sudden appearance.
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“Everyone get out. Jar, you bring Aran new clothes.”
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At Cain’s shouting, the servants who were working all screamed and ran out of the room. Jar, who had been following them silently, also bowed his head lightly and immediately followed them outside. Cain got rid of everyone quickly as he sprinted across the room at a rapid pace.
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“It’s a shame you’re so ignorant.”
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“I’m sorry to have offended you. “
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“Other than that you don’t know what you did wrong?” Cain scolded him bluntly, but Aran had no excuses, so he chewed his lips.
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Meanwhile, Cain walked toward somewhere with angry steps. The crackling sound was too loud. Come to think of it, even though it was a rough and dry area, it was also full of moisture.
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It was a moment when Aran raised his head to find out where this place was. Cain through Aran, who he had been carrying on his shoulders as a burden, into a large bath. With the sound of a splash, Aran sank deep into the water. He woke up to what had happened in the blink of an eye.
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Aran, who was submerged in the water rushed out with a pale face. Cain stood in front of the bathtub, folded his arms, and looked down at Aran, who was completely drenched. Aran took a deep breath as he pulled clumps of his dripping thick black hair off his face.
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“What is this!?” His anger soared to the top of his head as he screamed.
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Cain abruptly bent down and grabbed the back of Aran’s neck with his large hand. Aran was speechless as Cain scowled, holding his thin neck in his hand, as his hair dripped streams of water.
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“If you want to be my subordinate you have to be alert anywhere and everywhere, and at all times”.
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Aran thought, ‘I had not decided yet whether or not to be your subordinate’, as he glared at Cain with his jet black eyes glistening. Cain was still looking at him with an angry glare as he approached Aran’s face with his own.
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“It’s not enough for you to be especially vigilant! I said you had a very conspicuous face, your face is bound to be your weakness! If you forget that, you will be in trouble.”
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“… …”
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“Never walk around defenseless!” Cain’s sunken eyes were chillingly cold.
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Aran eyes widened as he discovered a faint sky blue was mixing into his silver-gray eyes and was spreading. He could clearly see it because they were facing each other too closely. He felt enchanted by the color that was more beautiful than any other jewel.
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“Are you listening?”
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He furrowed his brows as he looked at Cain with a bewildered expression. Then Aran came to senses and nodded his head reflexively, though he didn’t really understand what he meant.
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“You don’t understand how astonishing you are yet.” Cain sighed as he muttered.
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The situation worried Aran a lot, it was as though he were scolding a child. Before this, he had never treated him as a child before, and he had no idea why he was doing it now.
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The door opened with a tick, tick, and Jar entered with his servant following behind him.
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“I brought the clothes you ordered.”
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“Put it aside.”
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Cain stood up, letting go of Aran’s neck which he had been clutching, as Aran continued soaking in the spacious bath.
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“Master, the prince is asking to see you.”
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As a Jar was speaking, Cain turned his back to Aran and cross the bathroom. He approached Jar and shared a few more words but Aran could not hear them. He sat immersed in the bathtub, and just followed Cain with his eyes as he walked away. Then Cain, who had been talking with Jar for a while, averted his eyes.

..foolishtranslationss.wordpress.com
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“I’m going to leave this place today, so if you have something to prepare, do it.”
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“Today?”
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“Yes.”
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Cain answered briefly and left the bathroom. Aran wondered if Jar, who was just like Cain’s shadow, would follow him, but only the servant followed Cain. Jar stayed and stood like a sergeant as he turned toward Aran.

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.

2

An uncomfortable silence drifted in the bathroom where only Jar and himself still remained. The bathroom was dead quiet except for the splashing of water that echoed emptily through the room as Aran moved.
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Jar and Aran did not open their mouth. It was more difficult than Aran could have imagined, to wash his body while pretending that he was doing nothing. Aran steadfastly washed his hair and body anyway. After leaving here today, it was impossible to know when he would be able to bathe in such luxury.
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Aran replayed the image of Cain’s jewel-like eyes that were glimmering as if well-polished opals had been placed in them. A silver-gray background with light blue…… it was such a mysterious color that it could never be forgotten.
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Suddenly, something flew quickly by, aimed at Aran’s neck. Aran awoke from his thoughts as the wind hit his neck. He opened his eyes and stared at the opponent. It was none other than Jar, who was pointing a longsword at him.
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He was astonished at how quickly and accurately he brought the blade to the nape of his neck so that his wet hair was cut slightly. He didn’t even feel it touch his skin, which was now cut, as red blood ran down the nape of his neck.
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“What are you doing?” Aran asked coldly, unwavering, in a way that showed a rare spirit for a 12-year-old boy.
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“I don’t know if you’re a fox or a lion cub. “
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“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but it’s not the right way, pointing a sword at someone who has no weapon, and no intention of fighting. Put it away.”
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A faint emotion briefly drifted over Jar’s unfeeling face as he looked at Aran. Then it disappeared as quickly as it came. He mumbled something to himself, and then immediately put his sword away as if nothing had happened. Aran glared at him as though he wanted to kill him. It was rude to swing a sword out of nowhere at someone who was bathing defenselessly.
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However, Jar seems to have no regrets at all. Aran stood up and wrapped his drenched body in a large towel. He pressed the nape of his wounded neck nervously as Jar approached him.
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“My name is Jarga. I will be your teacher now, by His Majesty’s command.”
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“What are you going to teach me?”
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Aran turn his eyes to him, as he continued pressing on the nape of his neck that was dripping blood. This person with no expression on his face is the teacher who will teach him from now on. He felt like he was out of breath. Aran could not decipher what the man was feeling, and Jar continued to speak indifferently.
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“Martial arts, swordsmanship, spearsmanship, and horsemanship will be the basic things that you should learn, and I will teach you other things that will help you live in the Empire as well.”
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“Empire……”
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He once heard Shaw talk of the vast lands in the West. They were consolidated by force, forming the Western Empire. It was an endlessly vast land, and all the kingdoms large and small were ruled by one man, The Emperor. Cain was that great emperor. As that realization took root in him, a chill ran down his spine, as Aran clutched the towel tightly.
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“Now time is short, let’s talk of simple things while we go out. If you are to be by his side, you should know things anyway.”
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Jar spoke cooly as he headed toward the door. Aran hurriedly changed his clothes and followed him. As he went out in the hallway as the dryness particular to this region stuck to him. It was as if the air itself felt stuffy like there was fine sand floating in it.
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“As you have seen upon coming here, this is a huge barren land. It’s called a desert because the climate is dry and water is always scarce. All of the lands are barren, there’s no fertile place, so it was a place where tribes lived apart from each other.”
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Aran glanced up at Jar as he walked straight, never once turning his gaze. He spoke in the same monotonous tone, and it was as dry as the air.
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“Chateau-nim, Cain’s father, gathered several tribes and built an Empire. It was his belief that if you put them all together into one great nation, it would be stronger than anyone, alone. After that, Cain ascended the throne and made the country even more powerful.”
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“Cain said he is not yet a full Emperor. What does that mean? “
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“It’s not the perfect Empire he wants, he was being humble, he is already the master of it.”
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In fact Jar’s brief explanation was difficult to understand. The Empire is an empire, though it is not yet as desired, and The Emperor is an emperor, but not a complete emperor.
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“Even though he built an Empire and ascended the throne, there are many tribes and Princes who resist Cain and have not joined the empire. They don’t want to change old traditions. Cain declared war on them, and it continues to be constant war.”
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“………”
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“It is done in order to expand the territory of the Empire, and to increase its national power.”
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In short, the empire was established, but it is not fully developed yet, it’s a very difficult situation. Aran nodded as he let it sink in.
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“This land is endlessly vast. It is evident when you add up all the small kingdoms that make up the empire you will have a territory ten times that of Kajang’s.
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“It’s not as simple as it sounds, so you use force.”
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“That is what am Empire does.”
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Aran, who was listening to Jar’s words was silent. He was remembering a small thing Cain once said. He said that he once borrowed Ryugen’s hand for dirty work. He did not understand what it meant then, but now he feels like he knows a bit more now.
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Growing up in a country that already had a stable framework, Aran could only vaguely understand Cain’s situation. It has been said, a country only has power when it has a large territory. The land was important, whether it was barren or fertile.
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“For now, I don’t have a lot of time to talk. We talk again in more detail after we arrived in the capital.”
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As Jar finished talking, they reached Aran’s door, as Jar turned to walk away he gave Aran a warning in a cold tone.
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“Please refrain from acting recklessly with Cain.”
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Aran watched him silently. The thought that he must be taught by this hard arrogant person made him uneasy. It was time to enter the room.
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“By the way, Cain is not as slick as it seems, you’d better be careful.”
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Upon hearing Jar’s quiet voice from behind, Aran turned his head. Jar, who was already standing in the hallway a step or two away, was looking at Aran with a calm subdued gaze.
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“Right now you’re cute because you’re young, but well…”
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He looked at Aran with an expression that made it hard to tell what he was thinking, but this time he turned his back without regret. Aran look at him for a moment and then entered the room. The room filled with quiet sunlight was warm with the afternoon’s heat.
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Knowing that there wasn’t anything to bring, Aran looked around the room to see if there was anything he was missing. Then, he quickly open his eyes and headed toward the bed. A single dagger was lying in the middle of the large bed where he had been unable to get up from for more than a day, due to his fever. It seemed that he could not let it out of his hand, even in the midst of a high fever.
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Aran grabbed the dagger with mixed feelings. Whether it was the sunlight or his own body temperature, a warm feeling drifted over the scabbard. He put it on his waist and left the room.

3

After lunch, Cain and his party got into the carriage prepared by the prince and headed to the capital. Just as when they entered the castle, The Prince and his family all followed out of the castle to see them off.
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Cain, leaving the Prince behind, sat Aran next to him as if it were natural. Jar, who knew how to lead, rode like the other soldiers leading the wagon and the men at the head. At this gesture, a fairly large herd of horses and carriages began to move.
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“The wound on your neck must have been Jar” muttered Cain indifferently as the wagons swayed.
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Aran looked back at him. He didn’t know how Cain knew, and Aran had no intention of divulging all the personal matters, so the two did not speak for a while, the Cain spoke first.
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“It’s going to be a long journey ahead, is your fever all gone?”
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Aran nodded.
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“Cain, I have a question for you.”
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“Asked me.” He had an attitude as though he was willing to listen or answer anything.
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” I heard that you’re an emperor, but I’m still confused. How can you go around alone like you do?”
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Aran found it hard to ask that question, although he had been wondering about it since they met. It was unfathomable that an emperor could wander around alone.
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“It doesn’t matter my father is still here.”
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“Do you mean that your father is still alive?”
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He felt strange asking the question. Cain was already emperor, yet his father was still alive. If so, shouldn’t Cain be a Prince instead? Why did Cain receive the title of the emperor when his father is still there? As if looking inside Aran’s head, Cain lifted his lips into a sideways smile.
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“My father was a prince who had the largest territory in this area. In order to make the country stronger, he established the Empire by uniting the scattered tribes and princes, but unfortunately, he was not worthy of becoming a king.”
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“Was it his personality?”
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“Is a scholar a suitable person? He is very smart and has excellent diplomatic skills, but he has no skills in politics or war”
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There was a constant war going on because of the princes who opposed the empire. However, because he wasn’t suited to waging war, he resigned his position as emperor, in lieu of his son.
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This was all very strange to Aran who was accustomed to the inheritance of the monarchy of Kajang. To him, Cain made a strange emperor, but his father must be even more strange. It was all very difficult to comprehend.
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“So, to put it simply, he finds it annoying, so he left it all to me. He just keeps doing his studies or reading his books, and keeps his life small.”
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Cain murmured dissatisfaction with his father, who abdicated his throne so easily. It was difficult for Aran to understand. Most of the people who become Kings of a country do not leave that position until they die. It was she talking to him, that he would pass on his position to his son, even though he was still alive. When he asked Cain if it was too difficult for him because he was old, Cain laughed out loud.
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“He’s only 17 years older than me. They said I was born prematurely because I was too precocious. Of course, you need a child to succeed you sooner or later… Anyway, he’s still very young. To the extent that other people see us as brothers, not father and son.”
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Aran was left with an uneasy feeling. He and his father had never had a relationship like Cain and his father. Aran’s father was a gentle and kind man. He always treated him with a benevolent smile every time he met him. Although Aran also respected him, it was accurate to say that it was a relationship closer to hero worship than a relationship between Father and Son.
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There’s never been a time when he was like an ordinary father. In addition to that, Aran had never even seen his mother’s face, and he had never received affection from either of his parents. They were many kind nannies and his friendly brothers, but they were like orphans without parents. It was because of that Aran found it strange to hear Cain talk about his father in a friendly tone, with affection.
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“You will see him soon, but he is a very unique type of person…”
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As Aran was ruminating on his father, Cain suddenly narrowed his brow and muttered.
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“My father is a man whose head is in the clouds, but his insides are difficult to gauge. He’s kind to most people, but nobody knows what he’ll do or how he’ll do it. You better be careful too. Oh, but there’s nothing to be nervous about.”
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“……..”
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“Anyway, his authority is so powerful that it doesn’t matter if he takes over my work when I’m away.”
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Cain stretched his body with a light smile on his face. Then he murmured ‘I’m tired’ that seemed to be it. It had been a while since the carriage departed, as it continued on Cain stared out the window with a blank expression, and a crooked posture. It was impossible to know where the overbearing figure that he had shown when he was in the princess’s castle disappeared to.
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Aran sat up straight and looked at Cain, and muttered faintly.
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“You seem to be rogueish by nature.”

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It was a sarcastic remark, but Cain still had a grin on his face and said ‘that’s it’. Then after a long yawn, he closed his eyes. Aran who had been looking at him with pitiful eyes immediately turned away and stared out the window.
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Still, a vast land stretched out without limit. How far would it be till they got to their destination? Aran, who was looking at the endless horizon, followed Cain and close his eyes. It felt like his head was going to fall off. Then, immediately, a hard shoulder supported his head. He dozed off with Cain’s warm body temperature on his cheeks, and the scent tickling the tip of his nose. Aran rub his cheeks in his sleep and sank beneath the surface of the unconsciousness.

4

“That is Shâtteun, the capital of the Empire.”
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Cain announced it with an excited voice. They had been running nonstop for nearly a fortnight in a carriage. Aran jumped up with a body droopy from exhaustion. The first thing he felt was relief at the fact that they had finally reached their destination. He was relieved that he would soon get off the carriage.
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Aran was full of curiosity at the Imperial capital, as he glanced out the window. It was already late, and the sun was setting, darkness was falling over the city. He resigned himself that he would not be able to see a full view of the capitol as he gently lifted the veil covering the small window. But contrary to his expectations the capital was bright.
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Aran couldn’t hide his wonder at the city that was as bright as broad daylight, with lights hanging everywhere. The huge City lit up with lights was so beautiful, Aran had never seen anything like it. He couldn’t think of words impressive enough to describe it. It was immense and full of life.
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Aran, who was clinging to the window and looking around as if in a frenzy, could not help but to admire everything. It was said that it had the meaning of the city’s name was ‘Garden of light’, it was such a fitting name! Even at night, it shines so brightly.
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What he saw most of the way here was the wasteland and the dry windy desert. How was such a huge city built in between? As he looked around frantically, he thought of countless questions, as the carriage entered the castle.

5

Tall and magnificent gates that covered the sky were opened, and they started down the road with no end in sight. Aran looked out the window again in amazement. Even what was inside the palace gates was huge, as was the royal castle. The Palace of Kajang-guk was nothing in comparison.
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It looked like another city within a city. Aran’s eyes widened at the side of the magnificent castle seen from afar. It was even more spectacular because of the lanterns illuminating the dimly-lit surrounding. There were countless small buildings, and the castle seem to be divided into several parts.
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The Carriage stopped in front of the largest and most gorgeous Castle among them. It seemed to be the main palace where Emperor Cain lived. The beautiful castle was captivating.
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“This is the capital of my country that my father ruled for a long time. When the Empire was formed it became the capital of the empire. It is even more beautiful when the sun is shining.”
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Cain spoke to Aran who was looking up at the building without realizing that the carriage had stopped. At that moment he woke up from his thoughts and turned to look at Cain, who open the door and got out, holding out his hand.
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Aran took his hand without hesitation and got out. I’m like the glow of the afternoon sun, the night was cool. Cain ran his crude hands through Aran’s long hair, scattering it.
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“Welcome”
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It was a strange feeling. Behind Cain’s back, his splendid castle was hung like a painting, and Cain’s silver-grey eyes were directed solely at him. His dark gaze tickled his chest, making him feel funny. He felt a bit embarrassed and wanted to avoid it, but somehow it was difficult to do so.
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He only lightly brushed his hair, but it felt like he was trapped and couldn’t move, so all he could do was just stare at him from afar. As the Emperor had arrived without a message, the palace was crowded and busy. Not long after, everyone in the castle ran out and fell to the floor and unison.
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Aran was nervous and shifted about at Cain’s immense majesty. It was the same with the last princes’ castle. But it was hard to come to terms with the disparity between the Cain he knew, and the Emperor of the Empire, and with the different atmosphere, it creates.
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Then, a beautiful woman with a small physique walked out of the crowd. She was a neat flower-like woman approaching with an elegant gait. She approached Cain without haste and knelt down and bowed.
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Cain, who was looking at her affectionately, held out his hands. Then the woman got up holding Cain’s hand and bowed her head shyly. Up close the woman was much more beautiful. She also had an unobtrusive posture and glamorous decorations also showed that she was of high status.
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Aran was confused, who was this? Cain turned to Aran as though he just remembered.
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“Let me introduce you, this is the child I brought with me, Aran.”
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He continued holding the woman’s hand affectionately. The woman with her dark brown, round eyes and curled pretty eyelashes, looked at Aran.
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“You are a cute child.”
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“This is my fiance, Leia.”
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Cain’s voice, who introduced the woman with a nice smile, weighed heavily on his shoulders. Aran didn’t even blink and just looked at him. For an instant, his head became empty and he could not continue to speak or act.
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Cain tilted his head slightly as if puzzled. Aran came back to his senses just then and hurriedly y bowed back to the woman and greeted her politely. Then his gaze fell to the floor where the woman’s skirt and fine shoes could be seen.
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Cain stood beside her like a crude god. Aran didn’t know what it was. He couldn’t figure out why his eyes were blurry. It must be irritated because the sight of Cain standing there so dirty and clunky, and unsuited for his status. He just looked at him endlessly without turning his eyes away.
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“Being a child from a neighboring country, the manners are a little different.”Cain’s voice mixed with laughter scattered in the wind.
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A woman’s soft voice followed. “It’s nice to meet you.”
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But nothing was heard, only the humming sound floating in his ears.
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“Kid, I have to go first, Jar will guide you through the castle. Rest well”
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He lightly stroked Aran’s bowed head and turned around without delay. At the sound of the steps moving away, Aran opened his eyes. The back of Cain walking side by side with the small woman, who appeared half his size, caught his eye.
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His heart was robbed for no reason. It just felt chilled, as if a bitter night wind had pierced his heart.
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“…… Cain”
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He whispered his name, but he didn’t turn his head back at his call. The Cain he met in ‘The Forest of Evil Spirits’ was now nowhere to be found. Gone was the Cain who ran into the lake with his clothes off, acting like a rogue or a thief. Aran exhaled a long breath, feeling sorry for the reality that finally came to him.
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A bitter and sorrowful sigh drifted down the dark sky. However, no matter how much you breathe deeply, the tingling feeling that spread over his heart never went away. Aran clenched his chest. He hopes that the unexplained pain would go away soon. However, contrary to his wishes, the feeling similar to the pain that started that day, that pierced like thorns into his heart, never disappeared.
~
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.