Volume 2- Starting Point
1
“Oh, but did the old man make you do anything?”
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As he was walking down the hallway, Aran recalled what had happened a while ago. Cain, who had fallen asleep with his forehead on Aran’s shoulder, asked like he remembered it as soon as he awoke. He blinked his eyes at the sudden question and remembered the time when he was under house arrest. He was ordered to be in Chateau’s custody and he mainly just helped him with his work, nothing else came to mind.
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“No, he never had me do anything special.”
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“Nothing?”
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“Yes.”
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“Damn old devil. What’s your plan? What were you thinking?.”
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Kicking his tongue, he stood up from his seat. Cain, who was scattering his thick, bushy hair, returned to his usual self after falling asleep from exhaustion.
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“It would be better to wash and rest.”
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Even though he was over 30, he had the same physical strength, but no matter how well he looked, he had just finished the war and had traveled a long way. Even if Chateau had taken care of official business during his absence, there would be a mountain of work he had to see to. Not to mention there was a banquet waiting for him tonight.
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It was time to step out of the office. Cain’s calm voice followed behind him.
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“You must attend the banquet.”
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Aran stopped walking and stared at him.
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“…..I don’t like attending such events.”
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Aran was probably the only person in the whole country who could proudly defy Cain’s orders. However, as if familiar with Aran’s blunt refusals, or as if he had expected it, Cain spoke up.
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“What don’t you like? I told you to stay by my side.”
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“Jar will escort you and stay by your side.”
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“Aran.”
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“I’m not interested in banquets.”
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It’s been like that ever since he was young. He didn’t like any gatherings, including banquets. When Jar was absent he had no choice but to stay by his side, but when Jar was present, he never attended. He didn’t like people, and he hated seeing them flirt or having them flirt with him. In addition, it was really disgusting to see people’s curious gazes directed at him. So, regardless of it being his job to protect Cain, he didn’t like it, and he didn’t want to attend the banquet.
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Even if there was no Jar at all, there was nothing to worry about because he knew well that Cain’s secret forces were scattered all over the place. Their presence was only to present Jar and Aran as visible shadows.
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Of course, he knew it was his privilege to defy Cain’s orders, just as he knew it was only his privilege, and he knew this was the perfect time to take advantage of that fact.
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“You come off like an uninteresting and high-handed guy.”
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The murmurs continued as he left the office, but he did not look back. Aran left Cain’s office and headed to Chateau’s private palace. Unlike the main palace, which is always crowded with people on the move, only the sound of one’s own footsteps echoed in the hallway of the separate palace. It was a place where there was always a quiet atmosphere.
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2
Listening to the silence indifferently, Aran tried to shake his disturbed heart. He didn’t feel like he could do it by will alone… Instead of walking down the hallway, he looked up at the sky. It was a late afternoon and the sun was getting longer. Even the sky and the atmosphere were quiet here. There were a limited amount of guests here, there were many attendants but they passed by quickly. This place had an atmosphere that closely resembled Chateau, the owner of the detached palace, and he liked that.
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By now the main palace will be bustling with the preparations for the banquet but here, it remains like another world. For today and the next week or so, there will be plenty of noisy festival activities, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to stay here without going out at all. Even though it was just in name, he was still in probation, so it was a good excuse. In fact, in a sense, Chateau was a more sympathetic person than Cain. As an older man, he had extensive knowledge that made him a wise, and thanks to that Aran learned a lot from being with him.
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He always had a normal life, and he was reticent and calm without being lazy. He’s very different from Cain, who is a dominant but good-natured person, but sometimes acts in a detached, cold-hearted way. If Cain was a typical uninhabited man, Chateau was a literary man.
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After Chateau instructions him to visit whenever he wanted to read the book, Aran always visited his private palace when he was exhausted. Even if he didn’t talk to him, he would just sit quietly reading a book, or drinking the tea he occasionally offered. It became Aran’s only hobby, and Chateau gladly welcomed Aran. It was Chateau who issued the order of incarceration, but he allowed Aran to rest in his private palace, and did not even mention it. He was truly an incomprehensible person.
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Aran entered the private palace without a sound and headed towards the largest study. After knocking on the door lightly, he pushed the heavy door, and the unusual scenery caught his eye immediately. Countless books were piled up on bookshelves, on the floor, and on the large table. In the middle, on the sunny desk, Chateau was buried in a pile of books. His white hair roughly tied behind his back, he was wearing comfortable attire, and thick spectacles on his face. He was preoccupied with something, as usual, so Aran entered the room quietly and with stealth.
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Aran was looking at Chateau, who didn’t even know that someone had entered. He quietly sat in another seat. He choose not to say hello, because he didn’t know if it would cause a disturbance. Aran half-buried himself in the soft chair and that he read in a few days ago, then found the book from before and opened it. Fortunately, the book was interesting and he was quickly absorbed in it.
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“I didn’t even know you came.”
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It was around the time he was finishing a book that Chateau finally spoke to him. When he saw him approaching, he stood up from his seat and greeted him, beckoning him to sit down again.
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With a skinny physique, modest attire, and a gentle smile, he was an ordinary middle-aged man that wouldn’t be assumed to be the emperor’s father. He took the cup of tea he made and held it in front of Aran. Although it was an absurd situation where the emperor’s father, served him tea like a servant, Aran took the cup calmly. Collecting and brewing all kinds of tea was also one of his hobbies, so he was accustomed to occasionally giving out his own tea to drink. ..foolishtranslationss.wordpress.com
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“I didn’t say hello because you were so absorbed in the book.”
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“Okay.”
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Aran spoke politely, and Chateau nodded as if indifferent and sat down. He was the only person Aran truly respected and admired. It was only natural for Aran to respect him because he had a passion for studies, a gentle personality, and a humble attitude despite being the first emperor of the empire. Also, when he was with him, it felt like he was with his father. Although his father, the previous king of Kajang, was a kind man, he did not make his children feel paternal love.
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It may have been even more so because the rules and manners of the palace were rather strict compared to this place. Aran, who had grown up knowing his father, but not knowing his father, used to feel his father vicariously when he saw Chateau. In particular, he may have felt more filial because Chateau was the age of Aran’s father, rather than Cain. It wasn’t like Cain was hesitant to express affection, a word of kindness, his eyes, and facial expressions were enough, but not paternal.
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3
“I heard that the boy is back.”
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“… That’s right.”
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“I’m glad he came back safely.”
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Aran nodded his head at the soft whispering voice. Chateau called Cain ‘the boy’, and he was the only one who could call him that. It was awkward for Chateau, who looked younger than his gray hair, to call the thirty-four-year-old Cain a ‘child’, but his father was his father. Of course, it was true that no matter how much he was a father, he should not call the emperor ‘the boy’. But Chateau always disregarded rules and discipline, and his tone remained an open secret.
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“It will be noisy again.”
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“Because the banquet is about to begin.”
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“Now that we have won, it is the Emperor’s job to hold a banquet to congratulate the soldiers for their hard work, so there is nothing we can do about it.”
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Chateau spoke calmly and drank the tea with an elegant hand gesture. Following him, Aran also put his mouth on the cup. The fragrant smell of the moderately cooled tea calmed the emotions that were still floating around like remnants.
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“Are you going to miss the banquet again this time?”
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Chateau asked him quietly. When Aran answered succinctly, ‘Yes’, he nodded as if he knew that. Chateau was also famous for not attending banquets. As someone who likes to immerse himself in books in a quiet study, it was natural that noisy banquets did not fit his personality. He was very similar to Aran in that respect, so whenever there was a banquet, he would often avoid it by coming here.
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“That’s why you ran away again.”
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He teased him, but with a faint smile. Aran didn’t know what to say, so he delayed his answer.
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“You have been a mature child since childhood. I couldn’t help but be surprised at the maturity of your taste, the way you spoke, and the way you acted. You were an unusual kid. Even now you are only twenty-two, but you are more courageous than Cain who is over thirty.”
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“Am I?”
“Yes, but since you’re young, it wouldn’t hurt to enjoy more, in moderation.”
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Aran raised his eyes while drinking tea because Chateau’s words, which seemed to be said as if they were nothing, were unexpected. He did not expect Chateau, who is notorious for not enjoying banquets more than anyone else, to give such advice.
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“I’m not forcing you to do something you don’t like, but as you eat and drink, your emotions tend to loosen. You’re good, but the problem is that you’re trying to hold on to your feelings too much.”
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Aran tilted his head as he faced Chateau, he had barely understood the words. He still only showed an implied smile.
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“But today, even if you don’t like it, you might have to attend.”
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As if Chateau had murmured a prophecy, there was a loud knock on the door, and Chateau whispered ‘look’ and then ordered them to come in. When he ran out of words, the servant quietly opened the door and came in to greet him.
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“What’s going on?”
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“Your Majesty is urgently looking for Aran.”
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“… Aran?”
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“Yes. He ordered me to find him right away and bring him back.”
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The servant’s face was reddened as if he had come in a hurry. The moment he heard Cain’s message, Aran frowned, realizing that he was trying to make him attend the banquet.
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“How must he have been trampled on by his very own eyes, since leaving a pretty child like you alone.”
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As if piercing through Aran’s heart, Chateau said it as if to comfort him.
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“What do you mean?“
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He’s been away for a long time, so he must be keen to see you. It must be because it was the first time Cain has been away from you for such a long time since he found you.”
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“…….”
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“Banquets are inevitable, and he will always be the focus, he’s probably just anxious because you are not by his side. You know what you should do.”
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Chateau turned towards Aran with a pitiful gaze. Complaints lingered on the tip of his tongue. Today, he was just relaxing while reading a book and was going to go to sleep early, but his plans are irreparably messed up.
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Although he was happy to see Cain after a long time, the banquet was another matter. The reason was simple, in a banquet hall overflowing with upbeat music and dancers, everyone gets drunk and loose, and Cain is no different. It wasn’t just that he was drunk, his personality actually becomes a little difficult. But what to do? The emperor of the empire is Cain, and he was nothing more than his subordinate. If he ask him to come right away, he has to go. Aran let out a small sigh and raised his heavy body.
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“See you next time.”
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“Have a good day and come back again.”
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4
Aran stepped outside, leaving Chateau smiling softly behind. The sun had already set and the sky had turned black. Although it is quite far from the main palace, loud noises could be heard from afar. Seeing the splendid appearance of the brightly lit main palace, Aran forced himself to move forward with heavy steps.
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The banquet hall was full of people. The variety of food that had been placed in front of the long table was enough to make one’s eyes widen, and the smell of alcohol filling the spacious hall was enough to get one drunk just by breathing. The upbeat music and the half-naked dancers made the atmosphere ripen, and the men who were already drunk so that their faces were red, set their eyes on the dancers.
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Thinking that a banquet was not a good enough reason to tolerate this, Aran walked to Cain at the very back of the banquet hall. Cain sat half-tilted in a large plush chair with a strikingly beautiful woman beside him almost naked. No matter how much he drinks, his eyes always look a little glassy and his face always looks a little red. It’s surprising, he’s the type of person who doesn’t even know if he drank unless he pours a keg. Perhaps today he felt a little strange. As soon as he entered the palace, the people around him carried on without paying attention to him, and so did the person who pretends not to notice he entered the banquet. As he approached Cain, he did not know what caused the change of heart.
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At first glance, he was drunk, and still sipping on a glass full of alcohol.
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“Did you call?”
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“Aran! Are you here now?”
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Cain spoke calmly and smiled warmly and held out his hand. But Aran stood like a general and looked at him indifferently. It was unpleasant to be forced to stand, but it was even more unpleasant to see Cain disheveled and drunk.
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“I feel like I am being hated.”
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He looked at Cain who was grumbling and then turned his gaze to the woman who was rubbing her half-naked body on his chest. As one of the dancers, it seemed like she was trying to get Cain’s attention somehow. When he shots at her with a gaze like a sharp blade, the dancer stiffened her shoulders. Cain became cognizant of the woman just then, gently removed her shoulder, and motioned for her to leave. Although embarrassed, the dancer had no choice but to back away.
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“I’m not telling you to laugh, but there’s nothing here to stare at so terribly.”
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When the woman disappeared, there was an awkward atmosphere unbefitting the banquet hall and the upper seats where Cain and the Aran remained. But Cain, who was drunk, muttered as if he didn’t notice, putting the glass to his lips.
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“I was forced to come to a place I didn’t want to go, it isn’t a good feeling.”
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The tone of speech became sharp. Then Cain let out a long sigh.
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“Aran, I also make an effort to do whatever you want whenever it’s possible.”
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“The way I want?”
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“I know better than anyone that you hate events like this. But what can I do, I can’t stand being away anymore.”
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He smiled faintly as he let out a soliloquy.
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“You always bother me.”
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Aran furrowed his eyebrows, anyone who heard him would know he was serious. As Aran was about to sit quietly, Cain raised his glass again and drank. He wondered if he should stop him from drinking for a while, but he still kept his mouth shut. Isn’t this the time to celebrate victory anyway? It would not matter if he drank and got drunk today. Of course, when the alcohol is done, he’ll call the girls to deal with the cravings he’s been building up all along. Aran, who had been envisioning the same situation in his head every time, shook his head.
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“… How about Leia?”
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Aran suddenly remembered Cain’s only companion. Although Leia has a quiet personality, she is usually seen sitting next to Cain at banquets, but she hasn’t been seen at all today. Jar hasn’t been seen today as well. He was surprised at the fact that Jar was not with Cain, even more so than Leia. What happened to the shadow that stayed by Cain’s side no matter what?
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“She went in first because she was tired. I specifically asked Jar to escort her.” Cain responded bluntly as he tilted his glass. Jar’s nagging was annoying, to be sure. He nodded as if he knew it to be true.
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Then Cain glanced up at Aran. The moment he met the mysterious silver-gray gaze, Cain grabbed his wrist and pulled him tighter. Aran, who had been standing defenseless, was unwittingly dragged and collapsed on his lap.
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“What!?”
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“Since you’ve already come, I want you to be by my side.”
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He hurriedly raised my upper body, which had been leaning against Cain’s generous chest, and stared at him as he threw out that nonsensical joke. The smell of alcohol flowing from him was pervasive. It was as if he had been pickled, his smell was everywhere, and even his breath had changed to the smell of alcohol.
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“Do I look like the dancer that was with you a while ago?”
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“No, you are much more beautiful. That dancer could never look as good as you.”
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“You’re talking nonsense.”
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A harsh word came out from the tip of Aran’s lips as he was grinding his teeth. If the ministers saw it, there would be trouble, but Cain just closed his eyes and tilted his head closer as if he was having fun.
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“Child, don’t disregard the truth of others like that.”
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A low voice rang sweetly. Aran didn’t like listening to him when he was drunk like this. When Cain gets drunk he has a tendency to flirt with people around him, but it was especially bad with Aran. And every time he listened to his words, Aran was the only one who felt overwhelmed.
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All of a sudden, Cain wrapped his arms around his waist and hugged him tightly. He did it without regard for those onlookers all around them. Locked in his arms, Aran eyes widened in surprise. He usually shows his special affection, but not like this. Today was a really strange day. Even though it had been a while since they were together, it was like…….
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“… I will never leave you again.”
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Aran took a deep breath as he looked down at Cain’s broad shoulders, who murmured in an indistinct voice. Aran’s heart was beating hard. He knew already that he shouldn’t be swayed by such things.
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“You look really drunk.”
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He gently lifted his head as he pushed Cain’s shoulder with his trembling hand.
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“Maybe.”
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“Still, I have no intention of accepting your alcohol-induced playfulness.”
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”…… He looks like a cold guy.”
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Cain smiled playfully and tilted his head. He closed his eyes and even without eye contact, he still looked like a mischievous devil. Apparently, he fell for his pranks again. Aran frowned and tried to stand up but Cain grabbed his waist and stopped his movement.
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“There be wrinkles on your fine forehead.”
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Cain whispered languidly as he raised his crude hand and rubbed the folds on Aran’s forehead. Slow fingertips move over his forehead. It was a warm, friendly touch. Aran sighed and lowered his gaze as his eyelashes trembled slightly. Then Cain’s finger that was rubbing his forehead, passed down his forehead and moved down his nose, drawing a line.
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The hand that reached the tip of his nose stopped and his thumb moved as if it is about to touch the seal on the top of the lips. Strangely, the back of his neck was itchy. It was difficult to avoid it or to utter the words to stop. He couldn’t do anything. It was like being caught in an invisible trap, it was like time had stopped for a while. As the foolish thought came to mind, Cain stretched out his hands like someone who had just woken up from a dream. In an instant, the feeling of heat roaming over the lips disappeared.
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“I’m going to get going, I must have drank too much.”
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Cain jumped to his feet, and Aran had no choice but to follow him. As always, the banquet hall was noisy, and the drunkards looked at them and muttered, but they couldn’t hear them at all.
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5
Aran moved his head mechanically as if he had just woken up from a daydream. As he stepped out of the palace, a cold wind blew. The temperature difference between day and night is quite noticeable here, so no matter how hot the day is, the temperature drops severely and it’s cold at night.
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However, after being in the stuffy banquet hall, it felt refreshing when they came out. Cain was walking through the central garden at a steady pace, not like a drunk person at all. Just by looking at his back, one would doubt whether he was actually drunk.
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The scale of the central garden in front of the main palace is enormous. The fountain stretching from the front of the main palace was the pinnacle of splendor, and in the garden on both sides of the fountain, all kinds of flowers grew in different colors. If you go a little further out, there are trees and some pavilions in between. The garden where the moonlight falls were especially beautiful. In between, Cain was walking carelessly. Aran followed him silently without looking back for a long time.
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Aran, who was walking without talking, suddenly recalled a memory of when he first came here. Cain said he would become stronger and have more territory. There was great confidence emanating from his shiny silver-gray eyes. He said that all the neighboring princes around him would come under him, and his low voice was full of conviction. Cain projected a wonderful feeling, and as a child, he admired him for it. He wanted to grow up to be like that one day. He also wanted to be the person he needed.
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Cain said it like a joke, but just like those mischievous words, Aran also wanted to be his only subordinate. After 10 years, Cain had accomplished almost all of the things that he said he would with such confidence. The empire is now more powerful than anywhere else, his territory has already exceeded that of Kajang ten times over, and he has a military force that is hard to surpass. He even requested to become a member of the empire.
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Most of the territories that were not yet a part of the Empire, were small tribal kingdoms. However, the prince of the north, who hosted the largest and most fertile land among them all, stubbornly insisted on an autonomous rule and refused to join the empire. Even though the Northern Prince’s daughter became the first concubine of the empire, the prince stubbornly refused.
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If the prince of the north simply came under Cain and became a member of the empire, Leia would naturally be promoted from Consort to Empress. In addition, the Northern Prince would be able to enjoy immense power within the Empire through his daughter, the Empress. Cain waited patiently and has never given up. Since most of the Empire’s territory was a dry desert, it was natural that the fertile northern land was coveted.
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Of course, it was not impossible to win if a war was declared and they invaded the smaller kingdoms all around. But it was also true that starting such a large-scale war in a country that had just been stabilized and the military had finally been prepared, would be costly. So Cain waited and waited. He was waiting for a peace treaty with the North, holding Leia as a hostage.
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“If the prince of the North becomes a member of the empire, everything you want will be accomplished.”
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Aran whispered softly as he followed Cain. His voice was faint because the thoughts that had been running through his head were leaking out unconsciously. Cain seemed to understand that and turned around.
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“Perhaps.”
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“Leia would do well if she became the Empress.”
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Why did he bring this up? Cain looked at Aran curiously, he had never brought up such a thing before.
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“Actually, it doesn’t matter who the Empress is, but it would be better if it was a woman with a deep background and profound thoughts, that would be helpful to me. In that respect, Leia is not bad.”
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“… …”
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“But why are you talking about that all of a sudden?”
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At the sudden change in his eyes, Aran shook his head briefly, but he couldn’t come up with an appropriate answer. It was true that he had impulsively brought up what was floating around in his head.
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“Do you really like Leia?”
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Cain asked with a calm and cool expression, Aran was puzzled. As his lowered voice dispersed with the cool breeze, Aran blinked and stared at Cain.
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“Am I not the Emperor?”
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It was such an absurd question that it took him a while to understand. However, Cain was facing Aran with a cold expression. He couldn’t understand, if this was a joke what was the meaning in it? He let out a troubled breath.
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“Or maybe a woman like Leia is your taste.”
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“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear such nonsense.”
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“Sometimes you seem to care about her quite a lot.”
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“Cain!”
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Without realizing it, his voice rose. He didn’t understand what was going on in his head to make such thoughts possible. The atmosphere was as cold as the night wind, and it pervaded their entangled gazes. It was as if time had stopped.
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Soon Cain laughed out loud, it was a disappointing laugh.
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“Oh my God, what were you thinking? A savvy guy like you can’t do that.”
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Cain, who was shaking his shoulders like it was fun, looked at Aran with hazy eyes, unlike a while ago when he was drunk. At some point, the smile on his lips had disappeared.
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“Even if that’s the case, Leia can’t do it.”
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“I want you to stop thinking nonsense like that. I think I’m getting really angry.”
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Cain shrugged at Aran, who was genuinely angry, it meant he was done. However, Cain’s attitude and tone of voice made his heartache. How could he have doubts like that?
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“Aran what about the girl you like? Come to think of it, even though you’re already twenty-two, you’re always been by Jar’s side with a sword, and it seems that you seldom even think about meeting a woman. Do you have any desire?”
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Cain took a step closer to Aran, who was showing his displeasure and asked another question. Aran’s irritated forehead was wrinkled again.
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“I heard that women wanted to become close to you, but you were too cold and were afraid to speak.”
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It was difficult to tell if he was joking or being serious. The low bass sounded quite light, but the silver-gray eyes looking straight at Aran was as sharp as a sword.
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“It’s none of your business.”
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Aran said coldly, keeping his eyes straight on him. Cain didn’t back down.
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“Then, have you ever had a woman without me knowing?”
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“If you’re drunk, you’d better go in and get some rest.”
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He let out a long sigh. Cain shook his head and smiled faintly.
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“Or is it a woman you have in mind?”
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He didn’t know what Cain’s intentions were, or why he kept asking these questions. The tip of his lips was curled up gently, but the silver-gray eyes that contained him were so sharp, as though they might reveal ferocious teeth at any moment and bite his neck. Aran clicked his tongue at the incongruity.
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“Cain, is this the only thing you have to say to me?”
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“It was just a thought that came to my mind. It’s been a while since you turned twenty, but I don’t think it makes sense for you to still be a virgin.”
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“I’m sorry. If you’ll excuse me I’ll go in first.”
~
No matter how drunk he was, Aran couldn’t stand it any longer and turned around.
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6
“If you want, I’ll give you a woman in the castle. It doesn’t matter if they’re one of the concubines.”
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A single word from behind mixed in the wind felt like it grabbed him by the back of his neck. Aran slowly turned his eyes to Cain. In the middle of the blue moonlight garden, Cain was arrogantly looking at him with his arms crossed.
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“What do you think, are you interested?”
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A very seductive voice tickled his ear.
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“All the women in my palace are beautiful.”
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As he said, there were already many concubines in his palace. The position of the empress was vacant, and although there was only one consort, there were countless concubines. It was because nobles and princes sent women with excellent beauty to him.
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In fact, Cain is far from celibate, but it is a long way away from love. The women who were sent to him as concubines naturally went into the inner palace. They were a part of the gifts and offerings sent as an inducement or to flatter the emperor, and so he had to keep them one by one.
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The nobles secretly hoped that Cain would be enraptured by one of them, but unfortunately Cain had never fallen for any of them. After holding them a couple of times, it was over. Some women he didn’t even lay with at all. Even so, since they had already entered the emperor’s harem, they could not leave the inner palace without Cain’s order, and Cain didn’t meet women casually either.
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Even if the nobles or princes who were sent to him had tried to contact them, it was by no means easy. The reason Cain banned their communication was simple. The first reason was to prevent nobles and princes from taking political advantage of women by using them as gifts.
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This meant that the number of nobles offering women to Cain has decreased significantly in recent years. It was made clear that he will receive a gift, but that it will not result in their schemes coming to fruition. Rumors were circulating that the frustration of the concubines in the inner palace was getting louder day by day. Would he just give away one of those concubines? It was a spectacle and Aran was stunned, and he was at a loss for words.
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“Do you really want me to embrace your woman?”
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Aran was staring at Cain with emotionless eyes as he licked his lips, which seemed to be sticking together.
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“If you really want to, I’ll let you.”
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What else won’t you do? Aran thought indifferently. Until now, the inner palace was a place where no one other than Cain could set foot in. Aran was well aware of the rumors about the beauties there. Although he had no experience yet, he thought it would be okay if he felt this way.
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“So, where do I go? I can’t enter the inner palace, so are you sending her to my room? Or will you also provide us with a secret place?”
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“………”
~
“Would you like it to be one, or should it at least be two or three, right?”
~
The quick-fired question is so sharp that it almost cuts the ear of the target. It was the same with the black eyes.
~
“Just the one…..in another room.”
~
It was Cain’s hoarse voice that finally broke into the quiet garden. Cain realized that he had said something wrong, and sighed with a puzzled face.
~
“I was wrong.”
~
The monarch who does not apologize to anyone easily admitted to his mistake and apologized. Aran looked at him intently with a look of amazement.
~
“It’s my fault. So get angry.”
~
Then he apologized again, this time like he really hated Aran being angry at him. Cain showed impatience as his dark hair was ruffled by the wind. Aran looked at him again and again without blinking. He just wanted to ask him why he antagonized him like this.
~
“If Jar saw you…… there would have been a storm of nagging.”
~
“If I told you that your anger is scarier than his nagging, would you believe me?”
~
No way, he replied only inwardly. Cain took a step closer with a light smile. He approached close enough that he could reach out his hand and touch him. The smell of alcohol had faded from him and instead the body scent that lifted Aran’s heart was flowing. The irritating scent that made him want to get angry mixed with the smell of alcohol that hadn’t completely gone away yet. It made him feel even more confused.
~
“….I don’t believe it.”
~
Aran bit his lip. He felt like shouting not to mess with him like this. If he treats him like something special, unlike anyone else, and if he casually says things to him that he never says to anyone else, the heart that Aran has been desperately holding in more than a dozen times a day, will be shaken again.
~
So he wanted to yell at him to stop. No matter how much Cain says nonsense that he never says to other people, no matter how much he behaves inconspicuously, he knows that Cain’s heart is different from his own, so all he can do is hold his breath, and suppress his beating heart.
~
“I don’t believe it.” Aran muttered faintly as if blaming himself.
~
“Okay.”
~
Cain laughed, with a sincere face and just smiled as if embarrassed or in trouble. But before Aran knew what he was thinking, he bowed his head in front of Aran’s nose and whispered softly.
~
“How about this? As an apology, would you let me give you a tour of the city tomorrow?”
~
It was an unexpected suggestion. Cain was obviously the one who made the mistake, but Aran didn’t know that he would ask to visit the city.
~
“I have seen enough of the city.”
~
“l am doing this because I want to see it. The two of us who have been away from each other for a long time, I want to look back at you leisurely.”
~
As if whispering a push, his sweet whispering voice reaches Aran’s earlobe and cheek. Aran closed his eyes. His heart was beating painfully without stopping.
” … If you wish.”
~
Rejection was not an option, Cain was the emperor. If Cain wants something, no matter how much he doesn’t want to, he will eventually acquiesce.
~
“Then we’ll see each other tomorrow.”
~
Cain, unaware of his heart-wrenching feelings, closed his eyes in satisfaction.
~
“Can I go back now?”
~
“Okay. So you were forced to come here and see my face again, but if I try to hold on to you, I think I will be really hated, so what can I do?”
~
He muttered with regret, reaching out a large, crude hand and stroking Aran’s head. His attitude towards him is still that of a twelve-year-old child, it has not changed. Aran turned his head to avoid his touch. Holding back the desire to shout that he is no longer the child as like when he first met him.
~
“I hope you have a good time.”
~
The night is long and the banquet is just the beginning. It was worth it, but Aran turned and headed to the castle as if he had not heard anything. He could feel his gaze following him from behind. However, he never looked back and just headed straight for the castle, while worrying that he wouldn’t be able to sleep easily tonight.
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Foolish Translations 
Awww I feel like Cain is falling already ❤ I hope the date is beautiful ❤
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THANK YOUUU SO MUCH FOR THE UPDATE!!! I CAN FEEL
🦋🦋🦋 IN MY STOMACH. CAN’T WAIT FOR CAIN & ARAN’S CITY DATE ^^
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