Chapter 3.1

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Volume 2- Starting Point

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Chapter 2 (Part2)

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Chapter 3 (Part 2)

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Warning: Volume 2’s translation is Hot Garbage!

I will be retranslating some of the book in 2023

1

The light of the sun, which seemed to burn through everything, was scorching hot, and the dry hot wind blew incessantly. Aran’s black eyes however were just the opposite of the temperature.

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Aran was standing motionless on the second-floor railing looking down at the wide open garden with a stoic face. 

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He was now a 22-year-old man. Although he was still remarkably beautiful, more so than anyone, he now only ever showed an expression face, with all emotion carefully hidden away.
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Unlike the people here, he had white skin like porcelain, black hair and eyes like the night sky, red lips, and sharp lines on the nose and chin. He was so uniquely beautiful that Cain had been worried about him for a long time.
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He was now tall and slender and had a strong physique, and he was also popular among the young women in the palace. Although it was not only women, there were also many men who were targeting him from time to time. However, Aran never paid a single glance to anyone. 
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At some point, the attention became too much and he began to cover his face with a hooded cloth mask that covers everything from his nose down. His attire was also black, just like his teacher Jar. Despite his seemingly flawless features, Aran was reluctant to reveal his face. There was no interaction with people if it could be avoided, and no matter how many words he spoke, it was never really like a proper conversation.

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Even though he was difficult to approach because of his taciturn nature, there were always many people who admired him from the bottom of their hearts. 
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Though he had a beautiful appearance, there was no one other than Jar who could surpass his swordsmanship. It wasn’t just like that. As the territorial disputes inside and outside the empire continued, wars were inevitable. Aran began participating in the wars at the age of 16. 
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As time passed, he began to become infamous as a killer who was ruthless with his opponents. No one dared to approach him on the battlefield, where you would inevitably be killed if you encountered him. Every time he held a sword in his hand, rumors abounded about the corpses scattered around him. Stories like cruel sagas circulated countless times. Of course, it is safe to say that the rumors and stories were true to some extent. Jar, who was actually by his side, often teases him about them. 
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Aran’s black eyes gleamed for an instant. He had been lost in thought and stood motionless as the procession entered the city gates, back from afar. The fingertips clasping his arms moved gingerly. He swallowed a lump down his dry throat as the tension inside rose unconsciously. 
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The procession of soldiers who were returning from the battlefield with the sounds of victory was getting closer and closer. Loud shouts spread from all directions. After another victory in a territorial dispute, Cain rode a black steed at the front of the procession and waved to the cheering crowd. He hadn’t seen his face for three months. 
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Cain, who is called a natural war god, again led the troops to victory. He entered the castle without a single word, with a more dignified appearance than ever. At any other time, Aran would have also followed with Jar on horseback behind Cain. But now, Jar followed him alone as Aran was waiting behind for him here. 
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It was a point of dissatisfaction for Aran. For three entire months, he was left here alone. There was nothing he could do about it because he was put on probation by Cain. Nevertheless, Cain easily defeated his enemies as always. Aran didn’t want Cain to get hurt, nor did he want the war to be lost because of his absence, but he also wanted to be missed in the battle, but he wasn’t. 
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Aran bit his lip with regret as the procession drew closer. Cain, who arrived in front of the castle, jumped off his horse and quickly walked to the front door. Aran turned back and hid. He didn’t want to be noticed by anyone. Of course, he didn’t want to be noticed by Cain either, even more so since he was on house arrest. Cain looked around as if looking for something in particular, but soon Empress Leia ran out and opened her arms toward him.
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Now in her late twenties, Empress Leia was still beautiful just like the first time he saw her. She was graceful and dignified like an empress should be, with a small build that evoked a protective instinct. However, since returning to the castle after spending a long time away on the battlefield, Cain completely ignored the Empress and ran out to meet Aran. 
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They seemed like they were a close couple, but the reality was a little different. Leia was like a pawn. It was decided that she would be a fiancée to him when she was young, and quite a few years ago she came to this land to become the empress. 
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She was the daughter of the most influential Prince of the North, who was not yet a part of the Empire. The engagement was part of a pact with Cain. The Northern Prince intended to prevent Cain from attacking his land, and Cain intended to block him from going against the empire by joining together with other powers, or instigating tribes. 
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It was a contract marriage, but since Cain and the Northern Princes have different positions, it was more accurate to view her as a tribute or a hostage supported by Cain. However, Leia, who came here when she was young, loved Cain, and Cain regarded her as precious. There were many concubines, but no one was raised to a position close to an empress or senior rank concubine, except her. Although Cain loved her, there was nothing that gave her the power as an official empress. Whether intentional or not, the fact that they didn’t have any children was also a secret problem. 
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In some ways, Leia could be considered pitiful, but she seemed to be content with reality. Perhaps because she had a generous personality and no greed at all. It was as if being able to protect Cain as an empress was enough..foolishtranslationss.wordpress.com

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2

Cain and Leia entered the castle as a happy couple, rejoicing after meeting after a long absence. Aran took a short breath as he entered the castle and hid behind the railing and looked down at them indifferently. It was because his heart had become heavy like an illness. 
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Cain, who had just arrived, was going to be very busy so Aran planned to sneak out to his dorm. With all of the hustle and bustle in the castle to welcome the emperor who was returning home from victory, he wouldn’t have time to meet with him right now. Aran walked stealthily down the hallway on the second floor. 
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“Aran!” 
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However, contrary to Aran’s expectations, his name was being shouted by the emperor. Aran was startled and stopped walking. Cain was calling him loud enough to make the whole castle resonate. 
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Aran was walking on the second floor so there was no way Cain, who had just entered the castle, had found him so easily. Of course, Aran couldn’t see Cain either. Nevertheless, just as if Cain had actually found him, he automatically turned towards the sound of Cain’s voice, calling his name.
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“Aran! Where’s that guy hiding?!” 
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The people around him carried on as if he wasn’t shouting loudly throughout the castle. Aran furrowed his straight brow. He knew the man was stubborn and that he would not stop screaming until he appeared. Aran had no choice but to move quickly down the stairs and finally meet him. Cain was crossing the hall on the first floor and Aran politely knelt in front of him. 
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“… you found me.” 
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The most noticeable difference in Aran from when first met Cain as a child and now, is probably the way he speaks. After arriving in the empire’s capital, he realized that he was no longer a prince of a country, but a soldier serving in the empire. Cain approached Aran, who politely greeted him. Then Aran stood up and Cain hugged his shoulders without hesitation.
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“You’re like a sweet little kid. Even though it’s only been three months since we’ve seen each other, didn’t you even think of seeing me until I found you?”
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The smell of Cain, mixed with the odor of sweat from him as he traveled, stimulated the tip of Aran’s nose. Aran, who had been inhaling the incense that he was making, felt his heart throb the same as it did from a long ago until now. He stopped breathing for a moment. Then he carefully stepped back and kept his distance. It seemed like he couldn’t stand it anymore. 
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“Because I’m on probation-.” 
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He managed to steady his voice and answered, but without noticing, Cain came closer and put his mouth on his ear, and whispered lightly.

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“Hey, are you sulking?” 
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Suddenly Cain’s damp breath touched his ears, and Aran shrugged stiffening his shoulders, but Cain just smiled charismatically. 
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“It was something I had no choice but to do.” 
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“…..I know.” 
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“I also felt uncomfortable because I left you behind.” 
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Cain’s friendly voice made his heart accelerate involuntarily. Although he kept his stony expression, inside, he felt as though he was floating on a drifting sea.

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

However, when the murmuring began to be heard from those around them, Aran finally snapped back to reality. They weren’t alone, Cain’s servants were all around them here. Among them was Leia, Cain’s only consort. What the hell was he doing in front of them? It seemed as though he had briefly lost his mind after being reunited with Cain.
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“Cain, you must be busy, so please call on me later.” 
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Aran quickly bowed and retreated. He had seen Cain’s face the way he wanted to and now it was time to step back. However, contrary to his expectations, Cain furrowed his brow and grabbed Aran’s wrist. A short moan escaped him as Cain strode forward without saying a word to the ministers or Leia, and pulled him by the wrist. Aran had no choice but to follow him. He was walking so fast as though he was trying to run away from everyone. 
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His wrist was clasping tightly and Cain was not letting go. The people left behind in the hall let out loud noises behind them. Some of them called to Cain, but he just dragged Aran and headed off as if he couldn’t hear anything. 
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Cain, who had been walking without looking back as if fleeing, finally stopped at his office. As soon as he entered the room the silence circling inside the tightly closed space made Aran’s eardrums hum. Aran let out a low sigh and pulled back the wrist that had been held roughly by Cain. 
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“What is the Emperor doing when there are-!” 
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“Why are you getting angry? You’re avoiding me, don’t you think that’s upsetting?” 
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Cain skillfully cut off Aran’s nagging. Because of that, Aran, who was speechless, had no choice but to let out a long sigh. 
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“Jar even says that you must be careful when there are a lot of people around. What is this? You’re doing this as soon as you come back?” 
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“What should I be careful about in my own castle?” 
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“There is nothing good about having another bizarre rumor floating around like last time.”
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Although Cain had the title of emperor, he was free-spirited. He had a laid-back personality and was rarely angry. The people gravitated to Cain because he was always cheerful and had a consistent smile. However, this harmless appearance was just a facade, his true nature was not benign or friendly. 
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This was especially the case with the emperor. He laughed like a carefree man, but he always had clear likes and dislikes. The distinction between public and private was like a sword, and he was cold-hearted in everything. This is especially true in human relationships. He didn’t trust others easily, and he never showed any special friendliness to anyone from the beginning to the end. 
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The only people Cain spoke openly with was his father Chateau, Jar, and Aran. But with Aran, it was a different attitude than when he was dealing with Chateau and Jar. With Aran, he showed an extraordinary affection and intimacy that is never given to anyone else, even to Empress Leia. 
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The problem was that it became fodder for bizarre rumors. Soon after Aran’s arrival, it was rumored that Aran was not just his subordinate, but that he was Cain’s son who had been born elsewhere. It was an absurd rumor, but Cain laughed like crazy when he heard it, and he enjoyed it instead of worrying. 
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‘No matter how viral I am, the ability to have children at the age of 12 is too much. Isn’t that right, Jar?’ Cain joked but Aran remembered that Jar didn’t answer the question, instead had a smile on his face that said ‘maybe not’. Thanks to that Aran realized anew, that Cain’s promiscuity with women started at a very young age. 
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“What rumors? Rumors that you are my son?” Cain asked, closing his eyes like he was having fun.
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Even if Cain had been playing lose since he was young, there would be no way that he would have gotten a woman pregnant at the age of 12, so it was nonsense. However, now that Aran was no longer a child, instead, there were other rumors slowly circulating. It was a rumor that was too embarrassing to even recall. 
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“There are many more others now, than just that.”
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“Come on, don’t. I haven’t seen you for a long time, you should pretend to welcome me.” 
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Cain had never put much stock into rumors or anything like that. But Aran couldn’t stand to listen to such things, even if Cain didn’t pay attention, he did. Cain just smiled and spread his arms around Aran as if he were being foolish. 
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“Where is my welcome….” 
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Aran, unable to hide his feelings, drew his eyebrows together. Aran always respected him but when he is alone with Cain he would often forget that he is the emperor and would just say what he was thinking. Maybe it was because Cain was too casual with him that Aran would relax, and let his guard down. Cain liked Aran that way. There were many times when the daring kid acted too aloof, and would always just say he was good or fine. Cain wanted to know what was inside….. 
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“Show me your face. I haven’t seen you in three months, but you don’t even show your face properly?” 
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As usual, Cain was diligent in pulling down the cloth that was covering Aran’s face. The mask that had been covering his face from the bottom of his nose down, was removed and the cool air reached over his nose and lips. Cain’s smell stimulated the tip of his nose again, and Aran lowered his gaze. 
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“I think you’ve gotten more beautiful while I was away. It’s a big deal that you’re only getting prettier day by day.” 
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Cain scratched his chin, examining Aran’s delicate features as if appreciating a porcelain doll. His expression was half worried and half dissatisfied. 
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“What should I do if you cover up with something like this? It doesn’t solve any of the problems.” 
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He was grumbling while twitching his tongue. Suddenly he felt thirsty, so he approached the table and poured water and drank it. Aran silently followed the movement of his Adam’s apple every time he drank the water. 
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“It’s time to stop worrying about me.” 
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When Aran calmly said those words and looked away, Cain put down his glass of water, and his dark silver-gray gaze clung to Aran’s cheeks. 
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“I’ve been worried about you all the last decade! Every time something happened to you, was surprised, reassured, and worried over and over again.” 
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“Nothing has ever happened.” 
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“What ‘nothing’ never happened!? It happened last time too!” 
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Cain raised his voice in aggravation then took another drink of water. Even the sound of swallowing water rang loudly through the room.

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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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4

Then, as if he could not stand the tension, Cain exploded. 
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“I had to leave you.” 
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Cain expressed dissatisfaction like a grumpy child. ‘How can I be without you… ‘ He utters faintly to himself as he swallowed the words.
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Aran just stood there silently. Exactly a week before Cain’s departure, he was banned from participating in the battle and sentenced to house arrest. Aran was a member of the Emperor’s Guard, therefore he shared the guard’s quarters with other soldiers. It was something that Cain was always displeased with. No matter how hard he tried to force him to live in the palace close to him, he wouldn’t listen. Instead, Aran stayed in the guard’s dormitory. 
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He was 12 when he first started sharing the dormitories with the soldiers, and unpleasant things happened countless times. There were some who confessed their affection, as well as petty molestations, and there were others who tried to attack him recklessly, so it was not unreasonable for Cain to want him to move. 
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However, on the other hand, being an Imperial guard was a coveted position. Most of the guards would not risk a scandal by behaving inappropriately so Aran had endured so far without any major problems. 
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Of course, Aran had the reputation of being a ‘black devil’ so none of them had the guts to try to touch him easily. This was especially true after several cases where hands had been cut off at the wrists after touching him. There were fewer molestations than before, but then something happened. 
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It was the week before they were to leave for the battlefield. It was done by three guards, who usually had the emperor’s favor. However, they felt that they were better than others, and regarded Aran as a thorn in their eyes. They snuck into Aran’s room in the middle of the night and attempted to gang rape him, with his limbs bound. 
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Aran was sleeping when suddenly his mouth was blocked, he opened her eyes in surprise but the bad situation had already started. One was sitting on top of him undressing, and the other was holding his arms by the side of his head. Next to the bed, another guy was covering Aran’s mouth, with his dark red genitals exposed. And the last one was standing by the door keeping watch, squealing, and watching what they were doing. They all reeked of alcohol. 
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The eyes of these wild beasts reflected in the darkness were terrifying. He felt nauseous as his pants were torn off, revealing his genitals. Hands rubbed all over him and his thighs were spread apart. The sound of laughter and chattering amongst them sounded vacuous to Aran, like tinnitus. The rest of his clothes were torn off while they were drooling. They began to rub his naked body, which had quickly turned white, as they pleased. 
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There was one of them who bit Aran’s neck and chest as if he couldn’t hold back. Hot breath was spread here and there, as they rubbed their hard swollen genitals while touching Aran’s groin. 
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It was so hard to believe that he thought he might still be dreaming. Aran, who was frozen for a moment didn’t move. Rather than resisting, he was lying on his back without moving, giving himself up to those who attacked him. He didn’t even moan or scream. It looked to the attackers like it was going to be a bit of a letdown. 
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For a long time, he stared at the ceiling with wide-open eyes, listening to all kinds of obscenities that flowed into his ears. It wasn’t that he lost his mind, rather, he was just waiting for the right time. The man thought that he couldn’t move from the shock, and let go of one arm that was being held in order to rub his genitals., or maybe they thought that he would not be able to escape from the situation. Either way, they were three soldiers of the ‘Imperial Guard’ holding him down, they were not ordinary men. However, Aran silently dropped one arm under the bed and grabbed the dagger that he usually wore around his waist.
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He had put it on the inside of the bed, invisible from the outside when he was sleeping. It was the old dagger that Cain gave him when he was a boy. Aran grabbed the handle of the dagger with all his might, then opened his eyes. Even in the dark, the sharpened dagger flashed. 
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When he came back to himself, the ones that had attacked him were scattered around the room in unrecognizable shapes. The whole room was painted red with blood, and the smell of blood was so intense to the point that it was difficult to breathe. 
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Aran was also covered in red blood from head to toe. After a while, Jar and a member of the Guards arrived. It was because Aran grabbed the dagger and started wielding it, that the guy who was standing watch got terrified and ran away to get help. Jar was at a loss for words when he found Aran sitting alone in the midst of all that blood. He groaned lowly when he saw the corpses of the three dead guards that were unidentifiable. It was a moment when he realized that the nickname ‘Black Devil’ was not given for nothing.
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‘With Cain,…I hope you don’t tell him more than necessary.’ Those were the first words Aran said as he sat in the bloody room with a blank face. Jar let out a short sigh as if he was embarrassed. There was no way that such an incident would be covered up, especially since Aran’s work would certainly reach Cain’s ears. Just as expected, news spread before less than half a day had passed. Cain found out even sooner than that. 
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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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5

Aran was in the bathtub taking a bath to wash off all the blood. Cain opened the bathroom door and entered with an angry face. 
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“Aran!” 
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He strode in calling his name, livid. Aran, who had been soaking in the bathtub nonchalantly, looked up. Cain’s overwhelming anger was apparent, so Aran kept his mouth shut. It was rare for Cain to show such anger, so he was embarrassed. 
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“Move from the dorms right now. It’s an order! If you don’t listen to me this time, I’ll force you to move.” 
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Cain came up to Aran, who was sitting on his knees in the bathtub, and yelled out what he had to say. Suddenly he stopped talking and frowned. Aran noticed that Cain’s gaze was lodged in the nape of his neck, and he raised his hand and touched his neck where he was looking. Cain moved his hands away and wandered around the nape of his neck instead. These were the marks left by the men who tried to assault him. 
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Because of his white skin, the marks show a lot more. Cain stared at the imprinted marks with a complex gaze. The rough and clunky fingertips, that tell the fact that he has lived without taking the sword from his hand, move slowly along the marks left on his skin. A tingling sensation arose, and Aran had to shrug his shoulders. 
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“Son of a bitch….!” 
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Aran’s eyes widened at the sudden swearing that came out of nowhere. Cain, who has a laid-back personality, and rarely gets angry about anything, spits out vulgar swear words. 
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“It’s alight… I’m fine.”
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Aran responded in a vague tone. He only stroked the nape of his neck with his fingertips, but he choked as if it was tightened there. 
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“I won’t listen to refusals anymore. Move into the castle.”
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Maybe it was because Cain made him reveal his feelings if only briefly,  that Aran didn’t have the strength to refuse the first real command he gave. 
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Aran was aware things could happen, but it was also true that he was caught off guard. Of course, he was angry enough to see red, but he was unable to control his anger. 
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He cut off their genitals, cut out their tongues, and plucked out their eyeballs, all while they were still alive, but his anger didn’t go away. When he entered the bathroom covered in blood and realized that there was dried semen they had spilled on his stomach and face, he felt like his eyes were turning black again. 
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Whether it was out of anger or resentment, his legs loosened and he sank into the bathtub filled with water and couldn’t get up before now. His mind was confused. 
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“Are there any injuries?” 
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Cain asked in a voice mixed with sighs. Aran kept his mouth shut and nodded. Then Cain’s large hand stroked the hair that came down to the waist. His eyes were closed as he gently stroked his wet hair back, and caresses him. The sound of dripping water drifted over the quiet bathroom. 
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It was like going back to when they first met a long time ago. Even then, he stroked his hair this way. 
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“Don’t let this happen again.”
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Cain’s low-pitched voice rang in his ears. Aran raised his hand and wipe his face, it was a voice that made his eyes grow cold for some reason. However, all the feelings of resentment, sadness, and injustice were washed away with a single word of comfort. It was strange…foolishtranslationss.wordpress.com

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6

After that, the punishment was quickly imposed. It was a heinous crime for several guards to sneak into the comrade soldier’s room and attempt gang rape, so the mangled bodies of the three dead were thrown outside the castle, and warnings were issued throughout the guard’s ranks. For the week before the war, the atmosphere was so gloomy that it was intolerable. 
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Behind the scenes, they were saying that there were four abandoned bodies, not three. Aran didn’t know why the four bodies were mentioned, but the rumors spreading did. 
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The man who reported the killings, and incidentally was also watching his comrades assault Aran, had disappeared since that day but no one was paying much attention ahead of the war. 
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Although Aran was a victim, he was unable to avoid probation because of excessively damaging the bodies. However, it was not Cain who decided on probation. It was Cain’s father Chateau that somehow involved himself in this matter. It was his absolute decision that forced Cain to leave Aran behind. He was sentenced to house arrest and had to miss the battle. 
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It had been over three months since he was separated from Cain. It was the first time he had been away from him since they met, so he felt empty and missed him desperately. He didn’t know why he felt that way but for Aran, it was a very long time. 
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“Come here.”
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It was soft reverberating words that woke him up, as thoughts were swirling in his head. Cain, who was sitting on a large desk with his hips draped over the edge, held out his hand. Aran moved mechanically and stood in front of him. Then, he rested his forehead on his shoulder. 
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-“From now on, no matter what happens, stay by my side.” 
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“… It was an order from above.” 
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-“I know. It was his executive order. This is the only time he’s done such a thing as pass that nonsensical order.” 

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Cain grumbled like a child. His complaints weren’t wrong. It was Aran’s wish to always be by his side too. 
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“Don’t leave my side.” 
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“…. ….” 
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“It felt very ugly.” 

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Cain whispered as if he was confessing. Aran’s already unstable heart began to beat as if it were about to burst. It was not good. Alarm bells went off in his mind. Even though he knew Cain’s feelings for him were completely different from his, his heart deceived by these sweet whispers started beating quickly again. Although he knew it was absurd, it was still not easy to control. 
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“You should rest, you’ve only just arrived.”
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Aran gently dropped Cain, who was resting his forehead on his shoulder. But Cain stubbornly refused to raise his head and instead, he just pulled Aran’s waist with all his might. 
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“I’m in need of a break. In the evening I have to go to the banquet anyway. So give me a little rest.” 
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Aran almost asked him why he was resting in such an uncomfortable position, but he thought better of it. Instead, he let out a short sigh and shut his mouth. He tried to move him but he could already hear the colorful even breathing sounds and he knew he must be tired. He’d rather Cain rested in his spacious and comfortable bed but he knew that he was stubborn. Aran sighed in succession but couldn’t bring himself to move. 
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He just stood motionless looking down at Cain who had fallen asleep with his head resting on his shoulder as if being punished. Tangled dark brown hair, a face that looks flawless even though it was messy after not being washed for a few days, and a thick body scent that stimulates the tip of his nose. 
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Aran, who was looking at Cain so clearly that his eyes were dizzy, unconsciously raised his hand and tried to wrap it around his shoulder. But as soon as his fingertips touched the ragged clothes, he trembled and clenched his fists without realizing it. He closed his eyes tightly without touching him. He took a long breath and thought to himself that this moment seemed like a much more difficult and painful punishment than the three months of nameless probation. 

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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Chapter 2 (Part2)

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Chapter 3 (Part 2)

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