Chapter 3.3

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Volume 2 – Starting Point

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Chapter 3 (Part 2)

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Chapter 4 (Part1)

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1

Aran already knew it was a mistake to try to find Cain so early in the morning. There wasn’t any way that he would already be awake. He entered Cain’s room while contemplating his suggestion to go around the city today.  The moment he stepped into his bedroom Aran stopped walking and ground his teeth in aggravation.  

There on the bed was Cain, wearing nothing but a thin blanket over his lower body while sandwiched in between two naked women. Had Aran known beforehand that this was the scene awaiting him, he wouldn’t have bothered to come looking for him.

The dark-haired woman clinging to Cain’s right arm looked up at Aran with hazy eyes. Whether it be from sleepiness or alcohol, the woman’s vision seemed blurred but as her vision focused, she was instantly surprised and quickly pull the blanket to cover herself.  

Aran raised his hand and wiped his mouth. He decided it was best not to disturb this scene, after all, if Cain wakes up now this situation will just become more difficult. Aran glanced once more at the dazed woman who was staring vacuously, then at the attendants who were waiting behind him, he then turned and quickly left the room. 

Aran knew It was only natural for a hot-blooded man to embrace a woman after returning from a three-month war campaign. Cain was the emperor and a man who never hid his libido. Aran imagined him to be the kind of person who wouldn’t mind laying with dozens of women, instead of just two. Besides, this wasn’t the first time he’d seen this sort of thing. It was a scene he’d encountered several times already, but somehow he just never got used to it.

He felt irrationally angry as he recalled last night as Cain teasingly asked him if he was still a virgin. After asking such a thing, he goes off and does that. He said that he wanted to visit the city just the two of them, so Aran went to his room and fell asleep…

“Ahh!-.”

Aran, who was striding along the hallway, suddenly stopped in his tracks and clenched his fists. He felt a chill in his chest as though ice water was poured into it. This feeling of jealousy wasn’t funny. After realizing he was standing in the middle of the hallway motionless, he quickly moved his feet again. His mind was utterly confused. 

Hidden feelings that he had tried to suppress for so long seemed to have taken root, and began to rise above the surface. How did it get to this point? The more he thought about it, the more overwhelmed he felt.

Aran pulled up his mask, and hurriedly headed to the training grounds. His mind was filled with complicated thoughts and he felt the only thing that would calm him down would be to wield a sword. 

There was a throbbing pain in his heart. It was a pain he never wanted to admit to. He lost track of the hours he spent sweating in the training grounds. The other soldiers lost their energy one by one while trying to keep pace with him as he practiced nonstop. There was no soldier who could practice calmly next to him as he relentlessly pursued his craft all through the early morning. 

After Jar arrived Aran was able to swing his sword for a long time. He was unaware of the passing of time and only finished practicing when the hot sun fell overhead. By that time, his arms were trembling, and when he found it too difficult to hold the sword any longer, he threw it to the ground. The metal rolling on the ground sounded hollow. Beads of sweat dripped down the tip of his chin. 

As he moved, he swung his sword frantically, hoping that the feeling in his chest would be released. In the end, his arm was left throbbing but the feeling in his chest showed no sign of relief. When he couldn’t move anymore he went straight to the bathroom in the palace. 

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

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2

As soon as he entered the empty bathroom he poured cold water over his head. The cold water relieved his dizzy head a little. Aran let out a long sigh and threw off his wet clothes. As he was pouring cold water over his head yet again, the bathroom door was thrown wide open with a bang. 

“Aran!” 

The man who opened the bathroom door without knocking entered at once. Aran glanced away without showing any sign of surprise. He knew that there was only one person who could enter this place as he pleases. 

“What are you doing?”

Aran faced Cain as water dripped from his long ebony hair. The man who suddenly opened the door and shouted, stood far away as all momentum of looking at Aran coalesced with the scene before him. As Cain stared at him, his head tilted and he let out a short ‘Oh’ and rubbed his cheek. For some reason, he had a look of confusion on his face. 

“I guess I entered too abruptly.” 

“I’m glad you can see that.” 

Aran muttered in a snarky tone. He turned his back to Cain and poured water on himself one last time. As cold water was poured over his flawless body, he felt as though his brain had finally calmed down. But now the fever seemed to rise again under Cain’s gaze, who was standing by the doorway and staring at him without saying a word. Aran pretended not to notice as he grabbed a large towel and wrapped it around his waist. 

Meanwhile, Cain’s gaze was still transfixed on his body. His gaze moved from his broad shoulders, down his strong back to his narrow waist, across his raised buttocks to his legs wrapped in smooth muscles. Aran sighed briefly as he felt the gaze gradually intensify as Cain skimmed over his wet naked body. He felt a tiny bit of exasperation at the excitement he felt.  

“I forgot how pretty you’ve become……You’re so grown up now, child. There used to be a time when I could just lift you up.” 

Unsurprisingly, Cain sighed in regret as he recalled times from long ago. 

“Now, you’ve become a grown man.” 

“Did you not know?” Aran retorted bluntly and shook his wet hair. 

“I don’t know, I’ve seen you slaughtering enemies on the battlefield a lot.” 

“Is that the case?” 

“I’m new to this, but it really touched me to see that you’ve grown up. Are there any women you want to embrace?” 

Even though there were traces of cuts here and there, Cain smiled as he glanced over Aran’s innocent body. It was obvious that it was a joke, but sadly it caused the emotions it evoked in him to surge again. 

“Even so, I shouldn’t roll around without restraint like some people do.” 

The last comment revealed the unresolved issue. Cain scratched his chin in embarrassment. 

“I heard you came early. I didn’t show you a very good look so I rushed to find you……” 

Cain smiled clumsily as he remembered the reason why he came all the way here in a hurry. 

“I must have been drinking too much.” 

Aran just looked at him with indifferent eyes as he muttered excuses. But soon he turned his head and tied on his pants. 

“Haven’t seen me in a day or two, have you?”

Clearly, there was some unresolved issue just beneath the surface. Cain suddenly took a step closer, then he wrapped Aran’s waist-length hair in a towel to dry it. His shoulders stiffened reflexively and his senses became hyper-aware. He was so nervous that he could even feel the sensation of individual water droplets rolling down his bare back. However, it was unclear whether Cain noticed as he calmly patted his wet hair with a towel. 

“They said you destroyed all the equipment in the gym. I heard that the soldiers couldn’t practice today because they were scared of you. Apparently, you were full of life this morning.” 

“…….” 

“Do not be angry. I won’t roll around without restraint in the future.” 

Cain wiped Aran’s wet back with the towel like his servant.   ~
The gentle touch on his back, and the low voice in his ear, caused Aran to close his eyes. As Cain ran his fingers lightly over his shoulders to his back, Aran felt a moan almost escape and had to bite his lip to hold it back. 

“… It doesn’t matter who you’re with or what you do with them. You don’t even need to look at me.” 

He tried to say it casually but it was difficult to hide the fact that the words were laced with sharp thorns. Aran sighed as he lamented inwardly. 

“It’s strange to even have a conversation like this in the first place.” 

“You look really angry. I thought you would be, so I chased after you as soon as I heard about your morning visit.” 

Cain mumbled bluntly, apparently unable to gauge the speed of others. Aran turned and took a towel from his hand. 

“Is that so? But I have no reason to be angry, and I am not angry, so it’s okay to go about your business.” 

It was a moment when he turned around and speak coldly that Cain grabbed his arm and stopped him from running away. Aran knew that if he stayed a little longer like this, he wouldn’t be able to hide it. 

“No, there is something else, you said we’d tour the city together today.”

“I remember, that’s why I came to see you earlier, but you were in a deep sleep.” 

“Well I came to you in a hurry, so get ready we’re leaving now.” 

“It is already past noon.” 

“So? After all, there’s time left.” 

It was not the words of a person who had a mountain of work piled up after being away for a long time. Aran was unable to release the arm that was firmly held by him and he let out a long sigh. 

“Aran look at me, and don’t look away.” 

Murmured Cain slowly as he moved closer to Aran. His breath mingled with the moist air, and the moist air became even more humid, sticking heavily all around with every breath. The arm he was holding in his rough hand felt like it was burning. 

“It’s strange, there are times when I feel impulsive to see you. You’ll be doing things you normally do, but if you’re not by my side, if you disappear from my sight, I feel anxious again.” 

Cain tilted his head at an angle and made a troubled expression. It was an internal struggle that he couldn’t understand. Even now it was he who felt impulsive every time. He didn’t know what to do with the heat he felt at approaching him. 

“I’ll refrain from a promiscuous sex life in the future.” 

“Why all of a sudden?” 

“I told you yesterday, that you being angry with me is the scariest thing.” 

Cain shrugged, he looked like a sinner confessing his sins as he glanced at Aran. This was an even bigger problem. Aran couldn’t help but feel his heart flutter whenever Cain treats him like he’s a very special person…… 

“So, will you come out to the city with me?” 

It was a silly question. Even if he didn’t answer, Cain would take him anyway. Aran finally nodded his head. Cain smiled contentedly and straightened his back. It felt like he was playing right into his hands, but there was no one to complain to and he couldn’t admit that Cain was his weakness anyway. The only person he could control was himself. He had to stay out of the way, after all, Cain was the emperor of the empire, and he was consistent with his charismatic playboy persona. 

“I will be ready to leave soon.” 

Aran let out the words like a sigh. Only then did Cain step back with a satisfied smile. 

“Don’t make me wait too long.” 

Cain stepped back across the bathroom with his hands in his pockets, smiling as brightly as ever. It was the only Aran who had to hide his painful feelings. 

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

After finishing the preparations Cain waited for Aran. Aran raised his head as he approached him. He was dressed in the same manner as when they first met in the Forest of Evil Spirits. Aran laughed bitterly because the outfit that looked like an ordinary wanderer or rogue suited him so well. Occasionally he would go out dressed like that to Jar’s great dissatisfaction, but Cain never changed his ways. He was told they were going to visit the city, but seeing Cain dressed like that, he felt like he had lost again.
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 “Are you going out dressed like that again?” 
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“What’s wrong with my outfit, it seems to me that it’s your clothes that are inappropriate. Are you not aware of the heat?” 
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Cain clicked his tongue at Aran, who was wrapped in dark clothing from head to toe without giving any thought to his own attire. He approached with a shrug and walked onward. Aran silently followed him as he snuck out of the castle without saying a word to Jar. 
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The azure sky was clear without a single cloud. It was late in the afternoon and the warm sun was dazzlingly bright, but a cool dry wind swept the heat away. The walk felt leisurely because it was a nice day. The chaotic emotions from earlier in the day, that couldn’t be erased regardless of how much he swung his sword, seemed to have disappeared completely. 
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The two rode side by side on horseback in a leisurely manner through Shâtteun, the capital of the empire. The capital was a wonderful place where countless people lived together. It was famous as a trading city, and there were countless foreigners gathered from all over, to do business there. There was also a wide variety of foods available throughout the city. The streets were packed with a diversity of merchants of every kind. 
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There were pubs and inns all around where merchants could take a break, and the number of people buying and selling was endless. If you went further into the interior, the red light district was also a thriving sector. It was an unparalleled landscape of traders and merchants. The prosperous city was busy, and Cain liked to explore it. 

Cain once said, ‘When you look at the average citizen you can tell what a country is like. Whether the atmosphere was happy or difficult, the faces of the people living on the streets would tell you all there was to know’. As Aran rode through the streets, he looked back at the people and reflected on his words. Their appearance wasn’t bad. Each person was busy with their own lives but the atmosphere was lively and bright. Cain’s words meant that the people are making a good country to live in. 
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These thoughts led Aran to think about his own country. He hadn’t heard from anyone since he managed to escape 10 years ago. He tried to gather information from time to time, especially about Shaw, but it was not easy, especially because he was constantly participating in wars. 
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“I’m hungry. Shall we go get some food soon?” 
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Cain, who was riding next to him, asked as he looked around the area. Aran nodded his head, as he approached a crowded tavern he slipped off his horse. Cain tied the horses to the water trough and walked leisurely into the tavern. Aran always felt that when Cain was roughly dressed like this, he looked the most natural. So much so that the idea of being the Emperor who ruled this country would seem laughable. 
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“Oh wow, that looks delicious too.” 
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As soon as Cain entered the restaurant he began salivating as he stared at the food that others were eating. It was hard to tell that he was a person who could eat all kinds of delicacies at any time in the palace. The royal chef would shed tears if he could see him. Aran grabbed him by his shirt and sat down at the table. The interior was full of people so they sat at a narrow table on the side of the street. It wasn’t a bad location because they could watch the people passing by. Not long after being seated, an employee came and took their order. Cain ordered everything that looked good to him. Aran didn’t know how he would be able to eat that much food. 
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“You look so tense that you draw the attention of everyone around you. Try relaxing your shoulders a bit.” 
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Cain whispered as if to warn him and Aran glanced around. It wasn’t blatant, but the people around him were watching him without him realizing it. He was a remarkably beautiful man wearing black clothes, a long sword, and a dagger around his waist, it looked strange. Obviously, it wasn’t an average look. If he had known this would happen he wouldn’t have taken the mask off, but he was sure to attract attention either way. 
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“My escort is popular everywhere he goes, it’s a burden on me.” 
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Cain leaned forward bringing his face closer, as he teased him playfully. Silver-gray eyes filled his vision causing a strange sensation. 
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“I’m the one who’s burdened because you are so immature,” Aran said coldly lowering his gaze. 
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He recalled the sensation of not knowing what to do with his anxiously beating heart that he felt yesterday after Cain returned. Cain laughed wildly, the smile on his face was as bright and dazzling as the light of the sun is here. He felt an aching deep in his chest. It was as though he had a chronic disease that caused pain to reoccur, again and again. Just as his anxiety was reaching a boiling point, the tavern worker approached the table and laid down a pile of food in front of them. 
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“Does it look delicious to you?” 
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“Let’s see.” 
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Cain took the food without any hesitation and shoved it into his mouth. Anyone who saw him would think that he had been starved for at least three days instead of attending a fancy banquet just last night. 
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“I thought about this all the while on my way back from the battlefield. I thought, when I got back, I definitely wanted to take you to out to streets like this.”
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At those words and thoughts that had been grumbling inside Aran, stopped. 
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“Why?” 
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“Well, I missed you because you weren’t by my side. I wanted to eat normal food like this while walking around outside the palace, just like when I first met you when you were a boy.” 
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“… …” 
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“Sometimes I miss those moments. Like back when I first found you, when you seemed like you needed me so much.”
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“Look at you being sentimental.” 
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He felt a little embarrassed because he felt like that too sometimes, that’s why he lowered his gaze even more and spoke coldly. Cain opened his mouth and spoke in a low voice. 
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“Looking back it was a lot of fun. Maybe it’s because I haven’t been able to be with you that much since then…. It must have been a difficult time for you.”
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“… …?” 
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Aran was unable to answer the question so he put the glass of wine to his lips instead. It was a difficult time of course, but it was also a very happy thing to have met Cain. However, the reply of ‘Me too’ was still too hard to say. 
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“It’s a good question… I’ve been thinking about it for a long time too.” 
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His nervous mouth was frozen while trying to figure out what to say. Cain grabbed the food and held it in front of him. Aran realized that it meant ‘eat’ and blinked in embarrassment. 
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“I can eat-…” 
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“Just say ah and take it.” 
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Cain spoke the words with a light smile, but the coercion was obvious and impossible to refuse. Aran felt some tension, but what was the harm in tasting a bite of food? He stared at the piece of meat dangling in front of him and reluctantly opened his mouth halfway. 

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

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Suddenly, there was a loud noise coming from the street in front of the restaurant, as a man rolled over onto the ground. A wailing sound erupted here and there, as another large man jumped out and grabbed him by the neck. There was a loud banging noise as the fight gradually intensified. However, it was a common occurrence here. People just stood up from their seats and looked onwards shouting loudly, but no one stopped them. The already crowded street quickly became overcrowded. 
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Aran didn’t like what he saw and clicked his tongue lightly, shaking his head. Cain however was unfazed by the spectacle before him and just stared at them forgetting the conversation he had been having. The two giant men were so angry, and they didn’t even show any signs of abating, as if they would fight to the death. 
~
Their bodies had been entangled for a while, and they were rolling around the ground using their fists. Eventually, they rolled in Cain’s direction. It was still on the street side of the barrier, but it was also a place where you could get caught up in it if you got too close. But Cain never even considered leaving, he just sat calmly and looked at them. A moment later the entangled men crawled to the area next to Cain. 
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Kwajik—! 
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With a loud sound, the wooden frame which had been placed to indicate the boundary of the tavern was shattered. The men who were fighting stopped moving. The noises of people cheering disappeared in an instant. It was Aran, not the men, who broke the railing right next to Cain. It was shocking. The railing collapsed like paper with a single blow of his long sword. 
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“… Noisy.” 
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A cold voice made the whole area freeze. The head of the man who was fighting was right next to the blade, one more move and his ear might have been cut off.  
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Aran was a person who could swing a sword rapidly. The black eyes looking down on the man were like glass, and they reflected no emotion. Noticing that Aran was contemplating whether ot not to kill the man, Cain quietly opened his mouth.  ~
“Aran, that’s all you need to do.” 
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He slowly pulled his sword back as the man who had turned white, got up and ran away like he was escaping death. The onlookers who had been talking excitedly looked at Aran with a confused expression. Cain was the only person with a sad expression, as he sat with his arms folded without blinking an eye. 
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“It was an interesting sight.” Grumbled Cain.
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”Let’s go if you’ve finished eating.” 
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“I haven’t eaten at all.” Muttered Cain poking the leftovers.
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But he knew that his eating had slowed down almost completely, unlike at first when he ate like a glutton. Aran had lost his appetite too. 
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“The sun is already setting, so we should get going.” said Aran. 
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Cain looked at him pleadingly, as he took out a silver coin and threw it on the table. It was enough money to cover the cost of food and even the broken railing. When the tavern owner saw the coin his eyes flashed, and he bowed low. Aran ignored the bowing man and pulled Cain outside. Aran walked towards the tied horse and turned around with a short sigh. 
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“Are you worried that I might get hurt?” Asked Cain.  
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“If you got hurt I would have to listen to Jar’s nagging.” 
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“I’m not as weak as you think.” 
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Cain was smiling as if he was amused and a faint crack appeared in Aran’s stoic expression. That was a fact Aran knew well enough. He knew better than anyone how strong Cain was. He demonstrated it very well every time he took to the battlefield. It was obvious why people call him a natural war god.
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He was not someone who could lose even a single hair in a fight with idiots such as those two. But still, his heart sank, he was afraid they might run into Cain. He was afraid of the sun setting on him even a little. 
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“I guess it wasn’t that bad.” 
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As he was pondering what to say, Cain smiled and walked up to him.
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“I’m happy you thought of me even a bit, really.”
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Cain’s soft low-pitched voice brushed past Aran’s ears. Aran stood there staring at him as if possessed as Cain reached out and grabbed his cheek. The look he gave was infinitely kind. Aran stopped breathing briefly at the tickling sensation in his chest.
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“Cain, I …….” 
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He licked his lips involuntarily. He didn’t know what he was trying to say however, the situations and the emotions that have been plaguing him since the morning were very disturbing.
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“By the way, I wanted to watch you enjoy the meal I bought you, it’s a pity I couldn’t see it.” 
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Cain narrowed his eyes like a mischievous rogue. He moved his fingertips from his cheek and started gently rubbing over his lips. 

Most of the time he couldn’t tell if he was joking or being serious, and it was especially true now. No, it had to have been a joke, he was not the kind of person who would something like that to him, seriously. When he opened his eyes again they collided with sharp silver-gray eyes. 
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A chill instantly ran down his spine. Cain’s silver-gray eyes were displaying the blue flecks he had seen before. Aran looked at him as if possessed by deep sea blue, spreading in the middle of the silver-gray. He didn’t even realize that Cain’s fingertips were prowling over his lips and pressing down upon them. Cain was staring at him as if he had gone mad too. It was at that moment when he felt the gaze intensify, that he suddenly saw someone pass by over Cain’s shoulder. 
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He only saw the man for a fleeting moment. He was walking fast through the crowd and then disappeared as if he were an illusion. When Aran saw the man disappear from his sight he unconsciously pushed Cain’s shoulder back. 
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“Aran?” 
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Cain frowned like he’d been woken from a trance, but Aran couldn’t hear him calling out. It was like he’d seen a ghost, he moved instinctively without even blinking his eyes. It was an unmistakable familiar look. Black hair down past the ears, a neat yet stubborn chin, a sharp nose, and tightly pressed lips, the physique wasn’t overly impressive but it was obvious that it was accustomed to wielding a sword. 
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“……Shaw.” 
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The name melted on the tip of his tongue, it was a person that he has never once forgotten in the last ten years. It was a name that he had called out over and over again without forgetting. But, was it him? Aran had never been able to confirm whether he was alive or dead…… could it really be him?
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His fingertips were trembling, and not only his fingertips, but all of his extremities were trembling, he could not even move properly. It was as if a heavy stone had been placed on his chest. He wondered where he had gone. The man named Shaw, whom he can not forget even to this day. 
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“Aran?!” 
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Cain called to him again from behind. Aran’s slowly turned his head, his face was contorted into a figure Cain had never seen before. Cain’s eyes widened in surprise. But that was it. He turned his back on Cain and sprinted out. Aran ran out in the blink of an eye, running through the crowd nonstop. From a distance, the figure that looked like Shaw seemed to appear and disappear again and again. Cain’s anger rang in his ears, but Aran kept running without any regard for him. He felt compelled to do it.
~

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

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Bang!- The sound of the table being hit broke the silence. Cain showed his hot-headed temper without even trying to hide it. The tension in the room was palpable. Late at night when Aran to arrived back at the palace, he received a message saying that Cain was calling for him. He sighed as he entered his office which was already filled with an oppressive atmosphere.
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Although he entered the room knowing why he was there, he had to consciously calm his rapidly beating heart. This was the first time Cain had ever been so incredibly angry with him. If looks could kill Aran would have been a course. The cold look in Cain’s eyes was incredible. Aran had to force himself not to look away from those sad blue eyes. Cain spoke softly as came back to the table at a slow pace.
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“Tell me, where have you been, and what have you been doing?” 
~
Until that afternoon, Cain was a person who looked at him with wide-open eyes and a smile on his face, but now he was radiating cold like a poltergeist. Aran resisted the urge to rub his arms and instead bit his lower lip. 

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“Today you followed me today as my escort, but you left me alone and disappeared?” 

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“I’m sorry.” 
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“Tell me what’s going on.” 
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Cain approached him with a crumpling face, it was an unusual sight. Aran didn’t want to offend him, but he had no intention of talking about what happened. He couldn’t talk about Shaw. 
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“It’s been over ten years since I’ve had you at my side, a there’s never been a single time where ran away and left me. So tell me, why did you run away with a face that looked like you were about to cry, or did you intend to leave me behind? Tell me.” 
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A muffled voice pierced his ears, his throat was choked and his tongue was dry and unable to utter a word. 
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“Aren’t you even going to make an excuse?” 
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“… … “
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“Aran.” 
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As Aran was trying to remain silent, he suddenly called his name low voice. For some reason, his back tensed up so tight that it ached. Cain walked slowly, looking at him from head to toe with sharp piercing eyes. He looked like a beast with its prey in front of him. 
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After looking at Aran for a long time, Cain finally spoke.
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“Who was it?…. I’m asking who you saw that excited you to the point of abandoning me?” 
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“It’s personal, it has nothing to do with you.” 
~

“…Has nothing to do with me? Are you saying that it has nothing to do with me even though it has led to negligence?” 
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Cain had been staring at Aran worth sharp eyes, he tried to raise his voice but only managed a short sigh. Then he poured himself a glass of the red wine that was on the table and drank it like water. Aran narrowed his eyes at the sound of his throat rumbling, he was concerned about Cain drinking like that. 
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“So, did you find the person who upset you so much?” 
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Cain asked sullenly as he tossed the empty glass. Again, Aran did not answer. He didn’t know what to say. His mind went blank. 
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“Say it! Have you finally met him?” 
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He suddenly stretched out his arms and grabbed Aran’s chin and lifted it up. His eyes like ice seemed to freeze in the air. The icy silver-gray eyes were so cold that they seemed to freeze his whole body. They were dyed a dark color that Aran had never seen before. 
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“I don’t know what I’ll do if you don’t answer…” 
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The hand holding his chin grew stronger as if it would break his neck if he added much more force. 
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“So answer me.” 
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Even his muttering breath was cold. Aran licked his dry lips. Seeing Cain get angry with him hurt his heart rather than causing him fear. Maybe it was because he had never been hated by him. His eyes, expression, and his way of speaking to him all made his heart race. 
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“….. No.” 
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Aran barely spits out the faint word. At last, the angry eyes that looked as if they were about to eat him alive relaxed a little. The grip of the hand holding the chin is also slightly relaxed. 
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“I’m glad. If you had said you had met with him, I would have gone looking for him immediately.” 
~
In an instant, he stiffened at his words. Up until then, Aran had been patiently receiving his anger because he knew that he was in the wrong. A sudden surge of unbearable emotions overtook him and he raised his black eyes to face him. 
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“I clearly neglected my duty when I left you, but aren’t you overreacting by going looking for him?” 
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“Hearing you say that makes me even more curious. You showed a face for him that I’ve never seen before, shouldn’t I get something in return?”
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He furrowed his brow in response. No matter how wrong he was in his behavior, or how angry Cain was because of it, Aran couldn’t stand the way he was reacting at all. He clenched his fists and took a deep breath in. 
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“I will accept any punishment you see fit for my negligence, but I hope you do not mettle in my personal affairs, they have nothing to do with you.” 
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Aran tried to respond calmly but Cain responded by letting out a rough ‘Ha-’, as though he found his request absurd.  
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“That’s right….” 
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His tone clearly mirrored his mood. Blue veins popped out of his clenched fists. If he had been dealing with anyone else, his fists might have flown in unbearable anger. 
~
“If you want to do it that badly, I have no choice but to remove it from the equation. The punishment my father doled out three months ago so restrained that they were just hollow words.”
~
“…. ….” 
~
A ferocious voice filled with anger spat out his sentence.
~
“You’re sentenced to seven days imprisonment in your room. Don’t take even one step out of it. Also, you aren’t permitted to leave the palace for a month.” 
~
Aran shook his head. Cain showed no emotion then he tilted his head to face Aran. 
~
“I think that’s a very generous punishment.” 
~
He just stared at Cain as spoke indifferently, with cold eyes. If it was seven days of imprisonment, that was understandable, but a month’s confinement inside the palace was too much. It was obvious that he was trying to prevent him from trying to find the man who looked like Shaw. 
~
“Why not extend it to three months? Or a year?” 
~
”….No.” 
~
Aran was staring at him as if in refutation. He eventually bit his lip and shook his head. Aran guessed that the situation would worsen if he confronted Cain, who was too angry right now. It was unfair but he left the room anyway without responding. As soon as the door to the office closed, the sound of something breaking was heard through the closed door. Aran paused for a moment at the sound and sighed. He suddenly felt exhausted.
 ~
He passed through a quiet hallway with heavy steps that mirrored his heart. Cain was angrier than he had expected. He left Cain behind and chased after the man who looked like Shaw, but he never found him. The more he ruminated over it, the more his heart sank. He made Cain angry and he didn’t even find Shaw. 
~
His heart almost stopped when he saw a man who looked just like Shaw. Everything else left his mind completely and he felt compelled to run towards him, to the point that he had completely forgotten about Cain. Shaw was someone he had never forgotten even once in the last ten years, so it was worth it. He couldn’t miss an opportunity like that, even if it wasn’t Shaw, he had I’d like to check it out anyway. 
~
He searched through the bustling streets of Shatteun until the sun had completely set and darkness fell. A slender man with dark hair looked at him in amazement whenever he passed by, but it was all in vain. There was no one anywhere that looked like Shaw. It was as if he had fallen from the sky and disappeared. He wasn’t sure if he saw it wrong. He didn’t know if it was Shaw, or if it was someone other than him either. 
~
He felt a lingering regret, and he didn’t want to stop searching. His clothes were dirty and his hair was tangled. He wandered around until dust settled on his white face. Finally, when the sun set and darkness came, he had no choice but to stop.
~
Leaving behind Cain’s fiery anger, he washed up and went into his room, but all his thoughts were of Shaw. Even though he knew he could’ve been wrong, he could not let go of the little hope he had. As he ruminated, the only thing he wanted was to go out and look again, even now. 
~
Now he couldn’t go out for a month! He couldn’t help but feel nervous when he thought of Cain’s angry face, but one month was such a long time. In the meantime, he may disappear……. He grabbed his aching chest. His desire to leave the castle soared. However, Cain’s presence was too imposing and important to risk disobedience. Aran’s worries ran circles in his head. He laid his exhausted body on the bed. It was a hard day, it would be strange if he could close his eyes and fall asleep right away, if at all. 
~
A man who looked exactly like Shaw was passed by. He suddenly felt a longing as well as sadness and loneliness. The place where he had lived for 10 years, this country, this city, and even the palace seemed unfamiliar. He realized that he was just pretending to be a part of it when in fact it wasn’t really his. Aran let out a deep sigh and forced his eyes to close. He felt a foreboding that this feeling of utter confusion would not go away anytime soon.

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.

---

6

He had to stay in his room for seven days, without stepping out except for training, so he spent more than half of the day in the training grounds. Fortunately, he had moved to the palace a while ago, so he had plenty of books to read while walking around the spacious room. However, time moved by slowly. 
~
It was on the sixth day of his probation that Chateau came to visit. Aran’s eyes widened in surprise at his sudden appearance. He was a person who rarely leaves his palace for anything, yet he came to visit him.
~
“Sir Chateau?” 
~
“It’s been a long time, Aran.” 
~
Chateau came to the table where Aran was sitting with an unwavering smile. The servant who followed him placed hot tea and sweet refreshments on the table before them. The table where he was reading a book changed in an instant. 
~
“Sit down, the tea is getting cold.” 
~
“…… Yes.” 
~
Chateau was already seated, and at his suggestion, Aran sat down. He looked at the refreshments that the attendant had laid out. The servant carefully poured out the nicely scented tea, served the refreshments, and then left the room immediately. 
~
It was the first time Aran had seen Chateau anywhere other than his study, and now he had personally come to his room. 
~
“What brought you here?” 
~
While holding a warm teacup in his hand, Chateau shrugged his shoulders at the question, while trying to hide his anxiety.   
~
“I was concerned to hear that you were put on probation.” 
~
He said meaningfully and picked up a cookie sprinkled with sugar. Because Chateau was fond of sweets, the tea table was full of confectionaries and pastries. 
~
“Sometimes sweet treats make me feel better, try one.” 

~
Aran had no choice but to pick up one of the cookies he recommended and take a bite. The sweet-smelling, soft confectionery, melted as soon as it touched his mouth. He didn’t particularly like sweets, so he instinctively reached for the tea. 
~
“If he had eaten sweet treats more often, his personality wouldn’t have been so angular.” 
~
If he’s talking about an angular kid, it can only be Cain. Aran tried to Image Cain enjoying sweets……. he shook his head. No, for some reason he could not imagine it. Cain is a person who disliked sweets even more than himself. 
~
“In the past, my son had a very bad personality.”
~
As he silently listened to Chateau, he smiled bitterly remembering Cain’s temper towards him a while ago. But in all fairness, Cain’s usual personality wasn’t bad. Although there were times when he was selfish and self-indulgent, or too lax about things. Overall he is a really good person who always has a smile. 
~
“Before you came, when he was in his late teens or early twenties, he was so proud that no one couldn’t raise their heads properly in front of him. It was rumored that blood never dries out in the palace. It was worth it though. He suppressed all the problems I encountered while building the empire, by force.” 
~
“… Is that so?” 
~
“Well, after situations with the Empire stabilized and he grew older, and especially after you came, he has become very docile.” 
~
He recalled what Cain had once said a long time ago, that he was not a very good man. Aran didn’t know much about Cain’s life before they met, because he didn’t talk about his past. He wondered why Chateau was sharing such a story. Then, as if reading his thoughts, Chateau began speaking in a quiet voice. 
~
“A long time ago, I knew the late king of Kajang.” 
~
Aran stopped moving. He held the teacup as an even more unexpected topic emerged. 
~
“He was a man who could talk about anything, and he was very considerate of our diplomatic relations. At that time I was just forming an empire, so I needed his help. Then one day, I saw a little boy walking around the palace.” 
~
“… ….” 
~
“The child had clever eyes and walked around proudly, looking so pretty, like a beautiful little doll. I couldn’t take my eyes off the child for a long time. I was curious about the child, so I asked him who he was. He said that he was the third prince of Kajang-guk, far from the succession to the throne.” 
~
Aran’s fingertips became cold as he watched him calmly tell the story as if he were telling a fairy tale to a child. Aran grasped the warm teacup tightly. He was thirsty, but he couldn’t drink tea. 
~
“Isn’t that little prince you, Aran?” 
~
“……You have a very good memory.” 
~
Aran swallowed instinctively down his dry throat, without realizing it. No matter how much he tried, he couldn’t control his trembling gaze. 
~
“Of course I do but, once you’ve been seen Aran, you can’t be forgotten! There are very few children as pretty as you were, so you were even more memorable. I recognized you at first glance, the moment you first came here.” 
~
“Then why have you been silent until now?” 
~
He asked after he managed to calm his shaky emotions for a moment. Chateau smiled lightly. 
~
“I didn’t think you wanted it.” 
~
“And now?” 
~
Chateau put down his cup and made a ‘hmm-’ sound. Then he touched the sugar-coated cookie in front of him, staining it with his fingertips. 
~
“I heard that you were agitated when you saw someone…..Probably someone from Kajang?” 
~
Even without being told, he was already aware of the situation. Aran couldn’t even come up with an excuse. Aran gnashed his teeth, then he raised his eyes as if he had made up his mind. 
~
“Yes. That’s right.” 
~
Chateau nodded and then replied.
~
“I’m afraid that if you meet him, you will leave immediately for Kajang-guk. Cain must have had a come to that conclusion as well, and he’s probably angry about it.”
~
“I don’t understand.” 
~
Holding only the warm teacup in his hand, Aran still pondered what he was to Cain. He also wondered what Cain would do if he left him behind.

~
Aran paused at the question that came to his mind automatically. He could hardly get an answer to that question anytime soon. No! He and Cain must have different feelings for each other. Cain’s feelings aren’t the same as his own. The more he thought about it, the more convoluted his thinking became. 
~
“Aran, Cain needs you. You don’t realize it yet, but he depends heavily on you. If you suddenly disappear, who will take care of him?” 
~
“… Besides me, he has Jar and Leia.” 
~
“No, they lack something. There’s something that only you have, that supports him. But one day, when you meet up with your comrades, you’ll fly away like you’re on wings…… I’m afraid of what will come after that.” 
~
He finished speaking quickly, and let out a rare sigh. Chateau’s usual gentle smile had faded away and he had a worried look on his face, and he looked older than he remembered. 
~
“I’m not sure if it’s the person I’m looking for, and even if I did find him……. I can never go back.” 
~
Aran spoke the truth, he had already been away from Kajang for too long. Like a wound he carried in his heart, he couldn’t forget Shaw and his homeland, but now what did that matter? It was practically impossible. 
~
“Is that so?” 
~
Chateau smiled bitterly like a prophet who sees the future. Aran was at a loss for words, he looked confident that Aran would leave. He always saw what other people could not see, and he noticed the unpredictable. So, Aran always believed and followed what Chateau said, but he couldn’t understand him now. 
~
He just happened to see a person who resembled Shaw, and he just wanted to meet him… Was there really going to be any reason to leave this place? 
~
“It may be my pessimism, however, I fear that without those pillars that support, mentally, Cain will be lost.” 
~
“I wouldn’t dare to think that I could be that person.” 

As he spoke calmly, Chateau smiled inexplicably again. Before opening the door and leaving the room, Chateau said in a low voice.
~
“Yes, you are.” 
~
There was a vacuous silence left in the room. Aran, looking down at the sweet cookies and empty teacup he had left behind, sighed softly. His already complicated mind became uncontrollably dizzy.

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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7

~
It started unexpectedly with a single letter. The letter arrived shortly after Aran finished his probation, and it was enough to turn Cain, who was already in a bad mood, upside down. 
~
Kwajik- Cain’s eyes gleamed as he gripped the letter, after making the loud sound. It was easy to tell how angry he was without even asking. His face darkened and he was grinding his teeth. 
~
“Damn it! You dare play with me?!” 
~
Bang- He took a deep breath as he hit the table. A chill emanated from him as he walked around the room in long strides as if he couldn’t stand the anger in his head. 
~
“The ungrateful Northern Prince deceived me in the end.” 
~
Jar nor Aran could convey the right words to him. He was shaking while holding the crumpled letter. The wide space sank into cold as if there were a winter frost. The contents of the document were about the Northern Prince. 
~
The Northern Prince that occupied the largest and most fertile territory of the northern lands eventually came under Cain but refused to become a member of the empire. The letter was to inform Cain that he had no ties to Empire and that he and the other princes in the north, large and small, had formed an alliance. In addition, the letter he received had a strong message, that he would not hesitate to go to war if Cain did not agree to the terms. 
~
Cain was right to be angry. The prince of the north was a very greedy person. Even though Cain offered to make his daughter the Empress, with good conditions, he didn’t accept or decline Cain’s offer. He just strung him along until now. He just kept considering and considering, and reconsidering again. Now, he has abandoned his eldest daughter Leia, who was being held hostage and ended the relationship that had been dragging on for more than a decade, with a single blow.
~
It meant that they were busy creating an allied power behind the scenes while pretending to maintain peace. And it meant that the person who would suffer the most was Empress Leia. Abandoned by her father like this, it meant that Cain no longer needed her either. No matter how much Cain cared for the Empress, it was obvious that her position was in jeopardy. 
~
“What should I do with this ignorant person?” 
~
Cain approached the large window, the sunlight was shining brightly through it. He looked at the scenery outside for a long time, muttering to himself.
~
 There was still anger on his face, but his voice calmed down a little. 
~
“Should I attack right away and cut down every living thing, cut off the head of the prince and hang it in the castle?” 
~
“…. ….” 
~
“Or should I send an assassin to get rid of them without them knowing what’s coming?” 
~
Cain’s eyes lit up. Aran was confused by his angry tone. Instead of the Northern Prince giving his long-awaited answer, the prince revolted, and now, war is likely. Now things are uncertain with Leia, his only consort.
~
“Jar, alert the ministers. Gather them all by the afternoon,” said Cain, grinding his teeth. 
~
As soon as the order fell, Jar turned around and left the room. After the heavy door closed, Cain turned and looked at Aran. 
~
“I’m going to Chateau’s private palace, follow me.” 
~
Cain snapped his fingers as he strode across the room. Aran followed him silently without making eye contact. Ever since his probation, they had been in an emotional cold war. On the way to Chateau’s private palace, they just walked silently, immersed in their own thoughts.
~
The strange thing was, that after that incident, Cain took Aran wherever he went. He didn’t tolerate being away from him even for a moment. Although he showed his anger blatantly. From the time he awoke to he went to bed, Aran was within his sights. If Aran disappeared from his view for even a little while, he showed his poor mood without hiding it. It was something Aran didn’t understand, and the more he thought about it, the more he sighed.
~
Regardless of their personal issues, they still had to deal with the problems at hand. The Prince of the North had caused major upheaval, and the situation was tense, but just looking at Cain’s broad back reminded Aran of the frosty atmosphere between them. Aran followed him quietly, stopping as soon as they arrived in front of Chateau’s private palace.
~
“I will wait here until the conversation with Chateau is over.”
~
Unsurprisingly, Cain turned around with a puzzled expression on his face and narrowed his eyes. He had a look that said ‘why’, but he didn’t ask. He only showed a sign of disappointment. 
~
“My head hurts. I want to rest a little.” 
~
 ”…… Come in soon,” Cain said as he tilted his head. 
~
However, he did not insist on him following him in. Instead, he immediately turned and headed for Chateau’s study. Aran watched as he disappeared, and he was finally left completely alone. He sat down on the stairs in front of the main gate of the detached palace. 
~
Cain went to seek advice from Chateau, so it wasn’t imperative for him to be there. So rather than being caught between the father and son provoking each other, he wanted to close his eyes for a bit, while basking in the warm sun. It was also true that he had a headache because of the psychological warfare he was engaged in with Cain. The detached palace was a uniquely private place so was able to just rest. He leaned his back against a large pillar basking in the peaceful atmosphere. 
~
After seeing the person who resembled Shaw, he couldn’t sleep properly and his head was a mess. He was so tired that his eyes were burning and his head was pounding. He just wanted to rest for a while. He felt pity for Cain, who was embroiled in this serious situation, but he didn’t want to think about it now. The person resembling Shaw, the Northern Princes, Cain’s anger, even poor pathetic Leia, it was finally too much for Aran. Maybe it was because the sun was so warm, but soon the thoughts that had been running around his head began to drift away, one by one. Without realizing it, Aran fell asleep.
~
Aran raised his eyes slightly at the sensation of the bright sunlight being blocked from his eyes. Cain was standing there with his back to the sunlight, and he was looking down at him. His broad shoulders gave Aran shade and allowed him to feel a cool breeze.
~
“You look tired.” 
~
Aran blinked his eyes at Cain’s soft whispering voice, it was as though he couldn’t wake up from a daydream. It was his usual soft and friendly voice, that was so different from the cold voice, and the icy gaze he was using before coming here. 
~
“Cain.” 
~
Aran was half-asleep when he reflexively called out his name. Cain’s expression hardened, but then he sighed faintly, and he bent down coming closer to him. His face was darkened against the sunlight, as it came into view he was frowning slightly. Aran wanted to stretch out his hand and smooth out the wrinkles on his forehead, but he couldn’t move his hand easily because he was still caught in the hazy place between sleep and being awake. So all he managed to do, was to stare blankly at him. 
~
Then Cain reached out and grabbed Aran’s cheek. Upon feeling the warmth coming from his fingertips, Aran closed his eyes again and buried his face in his large hands, as Cain’s unique scent brushed the tip of his nose. Ttt, the click of his tongue was also faintly audible, he must have been having a pleasant dream. He thought, he shouldn’t stay daydreaming like this, he should wake up. If only it weren’t a pleasant dream, in which Cain gently stroked the cheek. 
~
“… I don’t even care.” 
~
A single sigh rang out softly as a warm hand gently caressed his cheek. He felt the sensation of a thump gently rubbing the area under his eye, tickling him. Aran furrowed his eyebrows slightly. Then the wet breath fell on his forehead. It was when then that he blinked, and narrowly opened his eyes, it was a strange sensation. Hot lips suddenly touched his forehead. The lips slid slowly down to his cheeks like softly falling feathers just as he was about to open his eyes to the light. It causes a suffocating tickling sensation. 
~
“…… Cain?” 
~
He quietly opened his eyes and looked up at him. Cain’s expression was complex, something similar to a smile, like embarrassment. 
~
“You have a strangely sweet smell, like something I smelled a long time ago.” 
~
He wasn’t sure if he was dreaming or whether this was reality. He was still far away, and in this situation, it was difficult to tell the difference. As soon as he looked at him, Cain sat next to him. Then he lightly pressed Aran’s head to his shoulder to rest. His head lay on his broad, hard shoulder. It was surprisingly comfortable and cozy. 
~
“I thought it was because you were a child, but you’ve grown up now, and you still smell as sweet.” 
~
Cain muttered softly, as he was about to lean back against the pillar. Aran was leaning his head against his shoulder when Cain gently pulled Aran into his arms and sighed once more. It was almost a waste of waking up in the warm sunlight just to be held in an even warmer embrace. Aran closed his hazy eyes again. Cain’s warm body temperature seemed to relieve his exhausted body. 
~
“If you’re tired, you should rest like this. I also need time to think.” Whispered Cain while hugging Aran’s shoulder as if speaking a spell. 
~
His spell seemed to be working. The desire to stay with him a little longer was strongly felt. It felt like all his worries and anxieties were gone. Feeling so warm, Aran leaned closer to him and fell asleep. He may have called his name again in the meantime, but Aran couldn’t answer.

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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8

A few days later, Leia moved to a small detached palace away from the main palace. Although she was not officially deposed from the position of the Empress, it was a big blow to her just by moving her residence. Now that everyone is aware that the North Prince has betrayed the Empire, there is no one to stand by her side. Aran couldn’t blame Cain, though. 
~
From the beginning, Leia was a hostage, and that was the reason for the arranged marriage. The one to blame was her father! He didn’t have to turn the relationship with Cain hostile. There were other terms of compromise, but he was greedy. Aran couldn’t hide the bitter feelings that he had felt for the past few days. 
~
But then, something even more surprising happened. Aran was walking down the hallway with Jar and Cain when one of the attendants suddenly approached and told Cain that someone was urgently seeking an audience with him. Cain’s face was very dark. He frowned at once because bad things seemed to be happening in succession these days. If he didn’t have to, he didn’t want to meet anyone right now. But then the servant spoke to him again in a low voice. Cain let out a low moan and went straight to the office. 
~
Jar wondered what else was going on, so he followed. Jar wore an unusual expression too. Finally, as soon as he stood in front of the engraved office door, Cain slammed the door open, with an irritated expression on his face. There in the middle of the spacious room, the unknown guest who had been sitting leisurely on a soft chair slowly stood up.
~
“… Ah, long time no see, Cain… I mean, Your Majesty.” 
~
The man greeted him with a bright smile and a ridiculously exaggerated attitude. Cain let out a low groan that seemed to say ‘ahh, this guy!’. 
~
“You still have a shadow? Jar, I used to feel sorry for not having you.” 
~
The man seemed to know Jar too, so he greeted him next. But Jar just stared at him with a face as hard as Cain’s. He didn’t reply to his greetings, it was obvious that he really hated the person sitting in front of him. Aran frowned slightly, the attitude was too cheeky and elated for a person who had an audience with the emperor. The man passed Cain and Jar and naturally looked at Aran. 
~
However, the moment he met the man’s eyes, Aran’s back became stiff. He felt an intense sense of incongruity. It was a strange feeling, he both recognized him, and didn’t, at the same time. It was the same for the man, then suddenly glared at Aran with his eyes wide open. His dark playful eyes, filled with mischief, reminded Aran who the man was. Cain walked up to Aran and blocked his gaze. Only then did the man come to his senses and turn to Cain. However, he didn’t hide his surprised expression. 
~
“Cain, please…, is this the kid from back then?” 
~
He pointed his finger at Aran and smiled brightly. The memories of that scene burst out in a flood. 
~
“…… Ryugen.” 
~
Without realizing it, Aran muttered his name. People that had been long forgotten in shadow, came to mind one by one like they were lit by a lantern. He remembered clearly…..
~
“Wow, it’s the gem from back then. But it’s become very well polished, hasn’t it? Isn’t it a rare, high-quality gem?!” 
~

“What did you come here for?” 
~
Cain, who did not have a good disposition at the moment, cut Ryugen off curtly. Ryugen glanced at Aran, who had Cain standing in front of him as if he blocking him. Ryugen sensed an unusual atmosphere, and then rolled his eyes and smiled. 
~
“Is that kid yours, Your Majesty Cain?” 
~
Instead of answering Cain, he asked that ridiculous question. Cain’s dark aura became even more distorted. It was intensely terrifying as if he would pull out his sword on the spot and cut him down. 
~
“Ryugen, I’ll give you back the words you said to me a long time ago. This is not your territory, it is my land, and you are in my palace. If you don’t want to die, shut up!” 
~
“You’re right. Of course, that’s correct. That’s why I’m being respectful, even if I’ve never done so before, and I don’t know if I’m doing it right.” 
~
Ryugen shrugged his shoulders, as he stared at him with a gloomy energy. Then, he quietly sat down again, crossed his legs as he put his hands together, and smiled softly. Aran didn’t know much about him, but he felt that nothing had changed from the past. He recalled the past when the two of them would growl at one another like they were about to kill each other, but then they would keep a certain distance from each other. Cain let out a small sigh and went to sit across from Ryugen, and Jar stood behind Cain. Aran, as usual, was about to stand next to Jar. 
~
“Aran, you come here and sit down.” 
~
Aran reflexively looked at Cain when he called. Cain frowned again and called Aran firmly. Aran reluctantly approached him and sat down, but Ryugen still stared at each movement with an unpleasant gaze. It seemed like an eternity that he stared at him with his unchanging, sticky eyes. Cain snapped his fingers, and Ryugen’s gaze turned to Cain at the sound.
~
“Turn your eyes away.” 
~
Cain gave the command coldly, and he clicked his tongue with a slightly absurd expression on his face. 
~
“Damn it, I can’t even look at him?” 
~
“No, you can’t even look at him.” 
~
“It’s not as if his face will wear it out, simply by looking.” 
~
“No.” 
~
“Okay, fine.” 
~
Ryugen grumbled and shrugged his shoulders as if it was insignificant. While those two argued like little children, Aran just had an indifferent look. Aran thought that Ryugen listening submissively was very out of character. 
~
“The person who’s making the request must kneel, so what can I do?” 
~
“Request?” 
~
Cain furrowed his brow. Ryugen smiled at him with a brazen expression that didn’t seem like someone asking for anything at all. 
~
“These days, you are having trouble because of the Northern Prince, Your Majesty, Cain Richen.” 
~
As soon as the words fell, Cain’s dark eyes glared at him as if to kill him.
~
“What if the fertile land you’ve been longing for, will be blown away.”
~ “What’s your game?” 
~
“You know, I have good information networks.” 
~
“And…?” 
~
“I can gather all the information you want.” Ryugen added, “Would that be useful?” 
~
Ryugen tone was a dizzying mess, it spoke to him having never been, or learning how to be respectful. That’s why he comes off so arrogant. However, Cain didn’t seem to care about his bizarre tone, he just stared at him unwaveringly. 
~
“So, what do you want?” 
~
When Cain asked, Ryugen lightly shrugged.
~
 “Simple.” 
~
Ryugen immediately wiped the smile from his lips, straightened his back, and leaned back on the chair. And he opened his mouth with a serious face that was completely different from before. 
~
“Cain, I am formally seeking asylum from you.” 
~
The whole room was enveloped in frozen stillness at his words, which were completely serious. There was complete silence, no one spoke for a long time as Cain and Ryugen stared at one another with complicated gazes. 

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 3 (Part 2)

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Chapter 4 (Part1)

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Shâtteun – So in all fairness, the name of this city isn’t Shâtteun, it should be translated as Shat, but there was a 0% chance I was going to name a great city Shat! So I just added the subject particle 은 (eun) to the end to make it sound like a proper noun in English, however, if you can read Korean this may sound stupid.