Volume 2 – Crisis
1
The reverberation of horse hooves running on the wide open plain, made the earth tremble. As they went further north, the desolate lands disappeared, and green grass and small trees began to appear sporadically. It was still barren land, so the passing villages didn’t look like much, but it certainly felt more fertile than the arid lands of the Southwest wasteland. The difference was clear as time went on.
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They had been riding hard on horseback through this vast wasteland for the past two days, and they already had hardened expressions. Since they were rushing to scout the northern lands, there was no way it there could be a good atmosphere. A reconnaissance squadron was formed a few days after Ryugen’s unexpected appearance. It was none other than Ryugen that stirred up Cain. He decided to wait and see how the Northern Prince will react for the time being.
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“What do you know about the Northern Prince,” Cain asked the asylum-seeking Ryugen, but he just he shrugged.
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“Don’t you think it’s strange that the Prince of North suddenly shows so much tenacity?”
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“How so?”
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“What if Taejeok-rune is behind this.”
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Cain raised an eyebrow at the unexpected name that popped up, he seemed a little suspicious. Aran also couldn’t help but stare at Ryugen. It was the name of someone who caused his nerves to stand on end just by hearing it. It was only natural that the already tense atmosphere became even more rigid.
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“… It sounds like he was right,” Cain muttered to himself.
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Ryugen clicked his tongue.
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“I assumed Chateau would have figured it out, but it’s still exhausting.”
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“He was only guessing.”
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Aran was shocked. Could it be that this had already come out on the day he visited Chateau? He turned his head to look at Cain, but he was deep in thought and he didn’t turn to see Aran. To be honest, it could be said that the Northern Princes’ cowardice, could have been bolstered by Taejeok-rune’s coaxing.
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“… What’s the rumor?”
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“It’s been said that he was encouraging him, by saying that they would be allied kingdoms. It’s been said that he promised trade between the two countries, and if necessary, that he would supply him with allied troops.”
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“Do you believe that?”
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“Taejeok-rune needs only to speak well. People who are dark inside and full of greed, are good at talking, right?”
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Ryugen mocked sarcastically. His tone of voice was sharp, and not like someone who had been a long-time acquaintance of Taejeok-rune’s.
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“Anyway, it seems The Prince’s greed for more wealth and power finally blinded him. Taejeok-rune is not aiming for a good diplomatic relationship or active trade.”
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Ryugen smiled coldly as leaned his chin on his hand, which was placed on the armrest. His deep-seated eyes darkened as they considered what was in his head. Aran didn’t know what happened with him, but Ryugen certainly had a very different presence than before. The bandit-like aura had disappeared as if had been washed away. Ryugen now gave off a gloomy impression and was treating Cain seriously. -..foolishtranslationss.wordpress.com
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“I understand, Taejeok-rune is a man of fierce greed, so Kajang’s alone would never have been enough.”
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He tapped his cheek with his fingertips and smiled.
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His desire to conquer is innate. It’s been ten years since he took over Kajang-guk, so how bored do you think he is now? After he swallows up the Northern Lands, it’s obvious that he will turn his sights to the realm of The Empire.”
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Ryugen said briefly, the juxtaposition of deep insight spoken in a banal way, mixed oddly. Cain rubbed his chin and was silent for a moment. The dark, silver-gray eyes were eerily cold. It was clear that Taejeok-rune touched something he shouldn’t have, he had gotten too greedy.
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“I have all the information, including that about the Northern Prince, and all about Taejeok-rune as it relates to this. As you may already know, I’ve worked with Taejeok-rune in the past.”
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Ryugen raised his hand and smiled bitterly then frowned once more. In other words, Ryugen contributed to Taejeok-rune’s rapid rise in power over the past decade.
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“…Everyone knows already,” Cain replied in a low voice.
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“I don’t lie about things, you probably already know that.”
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“I also know that your ‘truth’ depends on how much weight the meaning of the word occupies.”
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Then he wiped his chin, with a troubled expression. Aran looked at his fingertips indifferently, then he narrowed his eyes at a sudden memory. Even back then, he had long fine hands. Looking at his hands that were as smooth as his face, he didn’t seem at all like an assassin. Still, as he tilted his head with a bewitching smile, he was more reminiscent of a woman in a red light district, than an assassin.
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‘So, do you want to ask why I came all of a sudden Cain?”
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“If you have something to say, say it.”
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“Hmm……”
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2
Ryugen hesitated for a moment at the curt response.
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“The first reason is that I’ve liked you ever since.” Smiled Ryugen as he threw out a joke.
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Cain clicked his tongue in annoyance. At the same time, a memory that Aran had intentionally buried a long time ago, came to mind. It was the time he saw them having sex in the dark, just before dawn. It was inappropriate to think of that scene in this serious situation, but as soon as he did, he felt a pain in his heart and it was hard to breathe.
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At the same time, he felt an unfamiliar heat in his lower abdomen. It was hard to tell whether it was a fever filled with anger at the memories he’d forgotten, or an unfamiliar excitement similar to the one he felt as a boy. The fever that started in his lower abdomen quickly spread throughout his whole body, making him hot all the way up to the nape of his neck. Aran was bewildered inside, and he quickly raised his cool hand and rubbed the nape of his neck. At the same moment that he was at a loss for what to do about this uncontrollable heat, Ryugen began speaking again.
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“The second reason is because I also have Taejeok-rune as my enemy now.”
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Cain frowned at first.
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“What happened?”
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“It’s called ‘tosagupin’, I’ve been used up, and now I’m to be disposed of. I didn’t know I was going to get hit, but I got stabbed in the back anyway.”
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“You mean even the mercenaries were cut off?what the hell, how deeply were you involved in his business? I think it means that you weren’t just a mercenary. Cain’s sharp eyes were pinned to Ryugen. Although the expression and tone of voice were openly suspicious, Ryugen didn’t care, and just nodded as if he had anticipated Cain’s reaction.
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“As you said, I was too deeply involved in Taejeok-rune’s work for it to be considered simple mercenary work. Then, one of my henchmen betrayed me. Unbeknownst to me, he was attached to Taejeok-rune. Then, Taejeok-rune came with an army, and swept away all of my territory.”
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Although he was talking with a calm voice, the anger just underneath the surface could be seen.
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“When I far away killing on his behalf, Taejeok-rune invaded my land and annihilated everything I had.”
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“…….“
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“Isn’t that amazing? You can’t even imagine how I feel your Majesty. No matter how much I wanted to get out of there, this wasn’t the way I wanted it to happen. It’s not like I would have annihilated everyone in this way.”
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Ryugen, was sitting with his back straight and muttering without moving. He raised the corners of his mouth up in contrast to his cold eyes. He looked so gloomy that chills down Aran’s spine.
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“Taejeok-rune made one mistake though, he didn’t confirm whether I was alive or dead.”
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Ryugen laughed, but It was a ridicule that didn’t show even the slightest bit of emotion, as if he were wearing a mask.
“The people who annihilated the village, ambushed and attacked me and my underlings. But because I killed them all, there was no one alive to report to Taejeok-rune. Anyway, I owe him a huge debt, and it’s my credo to pay back as much as I have received.”
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Cain, who was silently listening to him, leaned back in his chair and clicked his tongue.
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“I understand your situation, but I can’t make a decision right away.”
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“If your Majesty is concern that I will to disturb the empire, I guarantee you it won’t happen.”
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Raising his hands, he still smiled like a painted mask. Cain raised his eyebrows, he had a troubled expression on his face. It’s like he didn’t know what to do.
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“It goes without saying, but I can pay my taxes too. I can also show you that I can be a good citizen. I have a lot of money, you know?”
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He added a snide remark and smiled as though he hadn’t been the one who was depressed. Aran thought he was good at hiding his feelings, but then again, he might just be someone who was unfathomable. Seeing Cain and Jar just staring coldly at him, Aran decided that he might be the ladder. Ryugen had been looking at Cain as though he was seeing something interesting, and he bent down and drew closer. ..foolishtranslationss.wordpress.com
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“Can I tell you one more thing?”
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“What?”
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At this point Aran thought that there could be no surprises, no matter what he said now.
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“Taejeok-rune is in the northern lands.”
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Aran, who was next to him, stiffened his shoulders like a stone statue. His fists were clenched tightly under his long sleeves and were trembling slightly, but no one noticed.
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3
As Aran rode his horse he recalled the events of the last few days, and he let out a low involuntarily sigh. Rather than his body feeling tired, the sequential events made his mind anxious. He had a foreboding feeling as though something bad was approaching without warning. Aran looked at Cain with an anxious expression, he felt an uneasy feeling like an invisible black mass slowly filling him, from his feet up. He was so nervous that he never smiled at all, while on his way there. It was not only Aran, but all the soldiers including Jar were the same.
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Aran was quietly looking at Cain, he felt his chest growing heavier for some reason, and he turned his head away again. It was gradually getting colder, and the weather was quite different from Shâtteun, where the warm wind always blows dry.
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“We should stop here.”
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It was late afternoon, around the time that the sun was about to start setting. Cain stopped talking, and about a dozen men following him halted and disembarked in unison. They moved in harmony and started to build a small camp. The land was already taking on a different shape from the land in the south.
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Cain had visited the Northern Prince with Leia a few times, but Aran had never come along. Every time before that, Aran always had something else to do, or Cain had ordered him to remain behind.
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There were green grasses and trees all around, and instead of a flat horizon, there were high and low hills gently rolling through the landscape. Even the air was different, it was cold and damp, and it reminded Aran of The Forest Evil Spirits, or Kajang.
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Aran followed Cain and Jar up as they silently climbed a slightly higher hill. It was only a short height, but as they climbed to the top, the green earth caught his eye. As Aran looked around the peaceful and prosperous land, he realized why Cain wanted this place so much. He wanted fertile land, not a desert or wasteland, but a land where trees and grass grow green.
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“Your Majesty, do you believe everything Ryugen said?”
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Jar suddenly asked Cain, who looked around with a deep gaze before answering.
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“I can’t say I believe him fully yet. But I know that Ryugen doesn’t always lie. Besides, it was quite embarrassing for him, so it wouldn’t all be a lie.”
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“Even so, I think you should be careful, he is an unreliable person.”
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Cain nodded his head at Jar’s cautious advice.
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“Of course, but as you know, in this world there are no permanent enemies or permanent allies. Someone I never suspected may stab me in the back, and someone that I had a bad relationship with, might hold my hand. It’s ironic, but isn’t that the world the way the world works? Odd things happen.”
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Aran listened silently to Cain’s words, he ground his teeth as he felt a chill wash over his chest. He didn’t know why, but hearing him say that neither enemies nor allies last forever, made his heart flutter. However, when he recalled Ryugen’s work, he seemed to have a clear understanding of what it meant. He suddenly remembered his anger at Ryugen and his gang, for helping Taejeok-rune, and decided to cut their throats. He still didn’t want to forgive him, he may never forgive him. However, he had a faint feeling that he would have to pretend not to know him until the day he died.
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“I didn’t know that one day I would be competing with Taejeok-rune for the Northern territories, and I didn’t know that one-day Ryugen would ask for asylum…”
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Cain muttered to himself as if in soliloquy. When he thought about it, he was bitter that Ryugen’s appearance made everyone so nervous. It may be even more difficult because he had made himself someone who couldn’t be thrown him away prematurely. Now that Cain was unable to dispose of Ryugen, he gave him a mansion and land on the outskirts of Shâtteun.
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Of course, guards were placed all around, making it a kind of comfortable prison. However, Ryugen was more than happy to bring his people, and he was definitely going to stay there for a while longer. As soon as he set up Ryugen’s living arrangements, Cain recruited scouts and left for the North.
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Everything was changing quickly. Aran was even afraid of what would happen in the future due to the constantly changing situations. Aran listened to Jar’s and Cain’s conversations while contemplating various thoughts. Jar finally finished speaking, lightly bowed his head to Cain, and went down the hill.
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4
“Aran, stay.”
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Cain summoned Aran who moved naturally to follow him back to where the soldiers set up the barracks. This time, Aran looked at him, wondering if he had anything left to say.
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“Talk to me.”
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Was there something else to say? As he quietly waited for him to speak, Cain let out a low sigh.
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“You used to talk so little, but these days you’ve become nearly mute.”
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“…….”
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“Are you saying you don’t want to talk to me?”
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Aran bowed his head, avoiding Cain’s gaze. According to Cain, his words have decreased significantly these days. It was true, that he was angry with Cain without realizing it, but he did not know exactly why he was angry with him. Just looking at him made me feel frustrated and angry.
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The problem was he had to find Shaw right away, but the period of a month had not passed so he couldn’t go out. The problems seemed to be stacking up against him in succession. There was also the matter of emotion, and seeing Cain made his heart feel like it was suffocating, especially when he was with Ryugen. It made him feel even more depressed. Seeing him brought back memories of that early morning that he had barely managed to forget.
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“Are you still angry about that?”
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Cain asked while taking a step closer, as Aran was pondering his dissatisfaction. He asked in a rather solemn tone, but his impatience was unconsciously seeping out. Aran raised his eyes, puzzled.
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“What do you mean?”
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“Your probation.”
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Aran looked up at Cain, unlike when Cain asked if he was angry. Cain was frowning as if he was angry. Aran then said, ‘Ah-‘ in an exasperated tone.
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“Isn’t that it? Then what are you mad at me for? What was the problem?”
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Cain tilted his head as if he didn’t know more. Aran bit his bottom lip. In truth, he must have been angry with Cain, and the reason was probably Ryugen.
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The realization caused an unpleasant feeling in his stomach. He didn’t even realize that the emotion he’d been feeling was in fact the narrow-minded emotion called ‘jealousy’. Suddenly, Aran stiffened his shoulders, even thinking about it felt absurd.
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Until now, even though Cain had held so many women, he had never felt jealousy in this way, it was crazy. For a long time, he wasn’t able to hold him in his heart. Now, every time he sees the people he’s intimate with, he feels jealous. When he thought about it, it made his stomach twist.
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“Aran.”
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Cain called out his name like a sigh. Aran was bewildered and he couldn’t speak right away. Then he suddenly woke up from his thoughts and turned to Cain.
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“When I’m angry, it’s because I’m anxious and scared.”
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“…….”
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“Talk to me,” Cain urged as if he could not wait any longer.
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Aran was confused by his feelings, and reluctantly he slowly open his mouth.
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“Do you remember the promise you made to me a while ago?”
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“Promise?”
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Cain raised his eyebrows at his words as if he didn’t understand. Cain was a man who could mess around with anyone, and Aran had no right to stop it. Nevertheless, he brought up the promise he made in passing.
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“A while ago, you promised me you would stop leading a promiscuous life.”
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He managed to speak the words after mustering a lot of courage. Aran admitted to himself that he was obviously blind with jealousy. He covered his face, which was flushed red with shame and embarrassment with his hand. Aran was never able to express his emotions, he always appeared stoic like a wax doll. When his eyes and cheeks were suddenly dyed red, Cain was taken aback for a moment.
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He stood stunned, staring at him as if from afar. As though he had encountered a completely unknown creature for the first time in his life. He looked at Aran again and again, without blinking. Then he let out a long breath and ruffled his dark hair.
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“Of course… I remember. And I can assure you that, surprisingly, I can restrain myself, but why did you bring that up? What are you thinking?”
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Cain asked a question like a sigh, as though he had lost all his energy for a moment. Then Aran, who was being a little more genuine, faced him without covering his reddened cheeks. He was still just as ashamed and embarrassed about speaking up, but there was no place to retreat now.
~
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5
“I wish you hadn’t had a relationship like that with Ryugen.”
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“What!?”
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“Now that Ryugen is in exile, you will see him more often than before, so what prevents you from getting closer?”
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“Aran! Stop talking nonsense.”
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He was just trying to convey what he wanted, to express his feelings without jealousy, but Cain stiffened like a warrior and suddenly shouted. Aran’s dark eyes trembled slightly.
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“I don’t know where the hell this is coming from.”
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Cain looked at Aran with a shocked expression.
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“I hope you don’t sleep with him again.”
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Aran didn’t know where the courage came from, he didn’t even realize he was going to say that. Seeing Cain pretending he didn’t know anything, made him want to cry, and he just spat it out without thought. But now that he was finished speaking, he thought he was too blunt, and he bowed his head like a guilty person.
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“Oh my God, you……”
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Cain’s face turned white as a ghost in an instant and then raised his hand to cover his mouth. He held out his other hand and muttered, ‘Wait a minute.’ Aran suddenly became uneasy at Cain’s appearance, he seemed genuinely shocked. It occurred to Aran that maybe he brought up something he shouldn’t have.
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“How… how, do you know about that?”
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Cain managed to ask, with a look of surprise far beyond bewilderment. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say, that it’s the first time Aran had seen Cain like that in the past decade. ..foolishtranslationss.wordpress.com
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“Because I saw it.”
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“What? You saw it?!”
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“I saw you having sex with Ryugen before we left the Forest of Evil Spirits.”
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Aran stated it so calmly and so precisely that he couldn’t get out of it. Now, trying to get away with it is of no use Cain thought to himself.
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“Oh my God, you saw it back then ……”
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Cain’s silver eyes, that were blurring behind his words, trembled anxiously. Cain put his hand on his forehead and let out a sigh, he never imagined that he would ever know.
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However, after embarrassing himself like this Aran had no intention of backing down.
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“You mean you won’t have that kind of relationship with Ryugen anymore?”
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“Of course. It was just…. Ah-……., Forget it. Just pretend you didn’t see it.”
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“Then is that a promise?”
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Cain was so embarrassed he spoke gibberish. Aran, who had softened a little, continued with his usual indifferent tone. It was a stubborn attitude as if he hadn’t been embarrassed till his face burned red. Cain looked at Aran as if it was ridiculous.
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“Now that I looking at you, you have tenacity.”
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“It seems like it.”
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When he answered quietly like that, Cain let out another sigh of disappointment. He looked drained, like all his stamina had evaporated in that short time.
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“But it was you, who spoke first.”
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“Yes, I know.”
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6
“I hated you having sex with Ryugen, even more than with other women.”
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The last thing he added, was not something he meant to say. However, it was the moment he witnessed Cain’s bewildered eyes change. He said he was tenacious, but the eyes looking at him went beyond tenacity, they were even sticky. He wanted to ask him why he was looking at him with those eyes? However, in an instant he was so thirsty that his throat burned, it was difficult to utter any sound.
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“You confuse me sometimes.”
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“Do I?”
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“I don’t know how far to take it.”
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Cain spat it out in frustration, but it was difficult for Aran to understand what he was trying to say. He watched as Cain ruffled his hair roughly and moaned briefly. Apparently, because of the revelation about Ryugen, he was still in shock.
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”… … Let’s stop”
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He concluded with a short and concise sentence. Cain turned around, revealing his complicated feelings. He walked away toward the other side of the hill, not on the side where they were making camp. Aran followed him silently, but he wanted to ask where he was going. The sky was dyed a wonderful shade of red, the evening had a cool wind, and there was the sound of the trees swaying.
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“If you keep going up ahead, there is a small river. After crossing it, you will come to the castle of the prince.”
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Cain, who had been walking for a while, explained in his usual calm voice, as though he’d calmed down again. Aran walked over to him. There was a wonderful view that made one forget all the conversation they had just had a moment ago.
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“Now that we’ve come all the way to the river, would you like to go fishing and make dinner?”
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Aran glared at Cain, who calmly wanted to go fishing while wearing two swords, rather than a fishing rod or net. But he just walked towards the river. Cain, who was striding along, seemed to be very happy. Aran hadn’t seen him like that lately, so he followed behind him as if possessed. After walking for a while, he could see a river flowing in front of him.
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It wasn’t very wide like a river, but the sound of the flowing water was quite loud. Judging from the deep blue color, it was quite deep. There were long grasses of unknown names growing around them. Cain drew out his sword and cut the grass and approached the waterside. As Aran got closer to the river, the smell of cool water filled his lungs. Shâtteun was a desert, it did not have this kind of scenery, even though there were man-made waterways.
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He felt nostalgic for the sound of water that he had not heard in a long time. He watched the blue river endlessly. Cain also stood quietly as if he had been joking when he said that they should go fishing. Maybe he just wanted to show him the view of the river. He enjoyed the sight of the river turning red with the setting of the sun, and completely forgot for a moment that he came here for reconnaissance.
It was around the time when he was looking at the quiet and beautiful surroundings, disconnected to the passing of time, that suddenly, the grass across the river shook strangely. It was too loud for a small animal passing by.
”…… Aran.”
Aran narrowed his eyes in wonder, Cain whispered softly first. It was a voice filled with tight tension, so different from the relaxed tone he’d had up until now. Aran reflexively stiffened his shoulders.
Across the river, which was not very wide, the population was clearly rising. One, two, the presence of several people, poured out like a flood at once. It was on the other side of the river where the bushes swayed. It was a moment where he nervously backed away without realizing it.
“Damn!”
Cain uttered a low swear word, and at the same time, a hissing sound was heard in his ears. Aran opened his eyes wide and grabbed Cain in surprise, as a horde of arrows came falling from the sky.
“Avoid them!”
Aran ran away from the river to avoid the rain of arrows. However, after running a few steps, Cain quickly grabbed Aran’s shoulder, and with a thump, his back fell to the ground. Cain covered Aran and held him in his arms. Arrows rained down on all sides of them and fell to the ground. A sound was heard as they hit the ground.
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7
There was a sound of a thud, and Cain’s body jumped up with the thudding sound. There was a series of low moans as he endured the pain in the back of his neck. Aran couldn’t even blink, his vision was obscured by Cain’s shoulder, and all he could see was darkness. The hand that grabbed Cain’s shoulder trembled slightly. Now, how did it happen? His head was confused.
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“Cain……”
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Aran, exhaled anxiously as he raised his shaky eyes. A long, thin arrow was sticking out of Cain’s shoulder. He felt like his heart had stopped. His mind went blank. Aran had become deathly pale in an instant. He raised his trembling arms and hugged his neck tight. It all happened in an instant.
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“The damn bastards……”
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Cain let out profanity in a low voice as he struggled to get up. Aran just stared at him, as sweat dripped down his forehead. He couldn’t wrap his mind around the events that unfolded. It happened in the blink of an eye, and it didn’t feel real. All he could do was look at him with wide eyes, he was unable to breathe properly.
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“Aran, breathe.”
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Cain muttered with a sigh and lightly patted Aran’s cheek to calm him. At that moment, Aran raised his eyes and took a deep breath, as he furrowed his eyebrows. Cain looked at Aran curiously. His eyes were red as if he was about to cry, Cain clicked his tongue and pulled him gently by the neck.
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“Where are you hurt? Are you okay?”
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Cain took a deep breath as he hid behind a long bush, and asked Aran if he was okay. But he still has an arrow stuck in his back and shoulder.
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“Ca, Cain…….”
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As soon as he stepped through the bushes, Aran looked at him with wide eyes. There were still arrows embedded in his shoulders, arms, and thighs, shaking intermittently. There were also red wounds where the arrows had passed through. His flanks are red with the damage his body had received. Aran hesitated, his hands were too shaky to even touch the arrows on his shoulders.
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He had been on the battlefield countless times and had seen many people wounded or killed, but he’d never lost it, and panicked like he was now. Cain was hurt. He was also shot with an arrow protecting him. When the unimaginable happens, there is nothing you can do. He felt like his heart was breaking, it felt like death. Cain was the one who was hurt, but he felt pain like it was him going through it all.
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Cain, Cain…… It seems that his mind kept calling his name. Then he tightened his jaw, and before the blood could dry, he lifted his hand and took the arrow without hesitation. There was the terrible sound of flesh being ripped apart, as blood and bits of flesh came out with the arrowheads. A painful groan resounded, but it was from Aran, not Cain. Aran watched as Cain grabbed another arrow and ripped it out without making a sound. Aran felt like his flesh was being ripped apart. His throat was choked.
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One, two, three, in an instant he pulled out an arrow covered in blood and threw it to the ground, as drops of sweat fell like rain from the tip of his chin. In a situation worse than a nightmare, Aran remained stiff with a pale face.
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“Aran, what are doing? Don’t get distracted, are they aiming their bows again?”
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At his calm words, Aran bit his pale lip and raised his head. He heard the faint sound of the bows being nocked on another side of the river, but the surroundings were still quiet. They needed to go out of the range of the arrows. They were lined up along the river, so they would need to head back a little further in order to get out of range. It was still difficult to hold onto reason, but he couldn’t afford to lose his grip again.
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There had been many times when Cain had been hurt in battle, and large and small scars littered his body. Every time there was a war, Cain always stood at the frontlines and commanded it, and every time Aran’s heart was in his throat, but even more so now. A scream that he could not expel was silently choked in the bottom of his throat.
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“Cain …….”
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He called his name in a shaky voice, then he hugged him to himself to support Cain’s weight. Cain looked like he was about to collapse. With his mind still on fire, he couldn’t think of anything else to do.
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“I’ve never seen these expressions before, and it’s nice to know there for me…… but right now you have to keep it together.”
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Even in the midst of this, and with no energy, Cain still mumbled playfully. Aran nodded and bit his lip. There was no time to rest, he had to protect Cain, and he wouldn’t let him hurt him anymore.
~
“By the way, what are they thinking? Why are they waiting?”
~
As Aran swore to himself, he started at them through the grass. He didn’t want to be driven into a corner like a wounded beast, so they did not move hastily. His throat burned from the growing tension. Who were these people? He never dreamed that they would be attacked while walking peacefully on the outskirts of the empire.
~
Thoughts swirled through his dizzying mind. Would it be better to turn around and run away now? But in Cain’s condition, it would be hard to escape effectively. It would be easy to be attacked once their position was exposed if they moved too hastily. It would be better to hide a little longer. If they don’t return soon, Jar will definitely come looking for them. Perhaps they have already set out to find them, until then they came, and they had to hold on.
~
Aran couldn’t help feeling embarrassed by the fact that the person he was supposed to protect, had been severely injured while protecting him. He embraced Cain’s bloody body as he clenched his fists. It was then on the other side of the river there was the sound of rustling coming from the bushes, as the bushes parted, people in black began to appear one by one. It was already dark, so the clothes made it even harder to see them clearly, but there seemed to be about a dozen or more people.
~
“… They are from Kajang,” Cain murmured, breathing heavily.
~
What he said seemed so unbelievable that Aran had to look at them carefully. Clearly, they looked completely different from the people here. Soldiers with dark hair and distinctive uniforms, wearing light leather armor. They were the soldiers of Kajang-guk, that he hadn’t seen in such a long time.
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.
8
“I thought that prey had appeared, but it seems that a big fish was caught instead.”
A man slowly appeared among the soldiers. It was doubtless that he was the reason the soldiers just aimed their arrows, and waited instead of firing. The man had dark hair that fell down to his shoulders and wore red armor, his physique was so impressive, that he stood out amongst the soldiers. He wore a black eyepatch over his left eye. As Aran was thoroughly examining the man’s appearance, he stopped breathing as his vision went dark.
“… Taejeok-rune.”
It was Cain who called the man’s name. At that name, the hand that was supporting Cain involuntarily tightened. Taejeok-rune was arrogantly staring at the opposite side river that they were hiding in, and the soldiers behind him were all aiming their bows. It was a dire situation. The water is deep, so they couldn’t cross right away, but could fire as many arrows as they wanted, and they’d already been hit once. Although Aran couldn’t count the exact number of bowmen hidden amongst the bushes, if they shot arrows randomly, they might get hit without even aiming.
“How long will he hide in the bushes without showing yourselves?”
Cain clenched his jaw at the sarcastic provocation. Aran grabbed his arm, but Cain got up immediately and faced Taejeok-rune. His back was stained red, and he was sweating profusely. Cain looked like he might collapse on the spot. Although he was unhappy about Cain stubbornly responding to Taejeok-rune’s provocation, Aran still stood firmly by his side. Even from afar, Taejeok-rune’s appearance was recognized. There was intense pain as if someone had grabbed his heart. He never dreamed that he would meet that man again in this way…
“Were you looking for me? It’s not too difficult for me to show you myself. When will you ever have the opportunity to look at me again?”
Cain responded with a smirk. His silver-gray eyes were as cold as ice. Taejeok-rune looked at Cain carefully and laughed out loud.
“Well hello. I was just out hunting, and I mistook you for a beast. But, what can I say, I caught the Emperor of the Empire?”
“It would be right to call it an honor.”
Cain smirked. Once again, Taejeok-rune’s loud laughter reverberated throughout the area.
“The first meeting has turned out to be a coincidence.”
“The Prince of North sent me a strange letter out of the blue, so I was on my way to visit him when something unexpected happened. I’m not feeling very well. How are you going to pay for making me suffer like this?”
Cain said, staring at his Taejeok-rune as if he was about to kill him, instead of like a man who barely managed to stand with Aran’s holding one arm, and a long sword in the other. However, Taejeok-rune just smiled with a relaxed attitude.
“For now I apologize, I never meant for you to get hurt.”
He muttered shamelessly and bowed his head lightly. He looked disgustingly pretentious.
“The Emperor came to visit the Prince of North all by himself. I’m sorry to have disturbed you, but there was news of smugglers passing through the village. The Prince was very worried, so I had no choice but to go out hunting to look around. I’m so sorry that it’s turned out like this.”
Listening to him spew nonsense made Aran’s heart swelled with anger. All he wanted to do was to run out and cut him down with his sword. He suppressed his anger as he gripped the hilt of his sword with all his might. Contrary to Taejeok-rune’s nonsense, they ran all the way here without ever passing through the villages, so how did he find out?
“Were you behind it?”
Cain must have thought the same thing as Aran, but instead of revealing it, he asked a different question in his low subdued voice.
“The Prince asked for help, as an allied country shouldn’t I respond?”
“Are you saying you will eventually make an enemy of me? Today is a day to decide.”
“Of you think that it’s a shame.”
Cain’s complexion hardened at his despicable reply, but his detestable words only continued.
“It’s late, so let me treat you with respect, your wounds look serious, but I can’t just let you go.”
Contrary to his words, his soldiers approached forward aiming their bows in unison. He began spouting profanity, it was clear he was unstable.
“As far I know the Emperor didn’t come here alone to play, I can’t delay any longer. I’d appreciate it if you’d quietly follow me, of course, the escort next to you as well.”
The tone Taejeok-rune used, made it obvious that it wasn’t a suggestion, and that if they didn’t immediately acquiesce, they would be fired upon again.
“As you can see I’m injured. It’s hard to cross the river, how are you going to take me in? Even a corpse would be hard to drag away.”
Cain said in an even more brazen way. Taejeok-rune laughed out loud again.
“The Emperor is a very interesting person, but don’t worry, it won’t happen. I like to talk to the living.”
Taejeok-rune was being very sarcastic. He looked at Aran, even though Aran couldn’t see his gaze close up, he still got goosebumps.
“Is very strange, the bodyguard’s limbs are intact while the commander’s so very injured.” ~
He looked at Cain’s injuries, then looked at Aran alternatively, he rubbed his chin in wonder. Aran stiffened his shoulders at his question. His heart began to palpitate with guilt.
“Is he incompetent or blind, if it was me I would have beheaded him on the spot, but you have a lenient heart.”
“So first you antagonize my subordinate Prince, now you want to antagonize my people as well?”
The strength in the arm holding Cain grew and he clicked his tongue at his words. However, while listening to Cain, Taejeok-rune turned around suddenly and made a strange expression as he stared at Aran. Then he jumped into the water as though he were going to walk over to the other side.
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.
9
Whether he forgot that the river was deep, or he intended to cross the river anyway, he walked until his thighs were completely submerged, and then he stopped walking and smiled.
~
“There’s a face I’ll never forget.”
~
Taejeok-rune shouted at Aran with wide-open eyes like he was seeing a ghost. Cain only glanced at him and turned to Aran. However, Aran was clenching his fists until the back of his hand turned white while shooting daggers at Taejeok-rune.
~
It was getting darker by the minute, so he did not think that Taejeok-rune would recognize him. Besides, when he last saw him, it wasn’t for very long, and he was only a 12-year-old child. Ten years had passed, and he had grown from a child to an adult. He thought he wouldn’t be able to recognize them even more……
~
“Now I see, it’s Prince Jung!”
Aran assumptions proved wrong.
“Oh my God, Prince Jung! The white skin that was so conspicuous has not changed at all!”
~
Contrary to Aran’s expectations, Taejeok-rune rolled his eyes, shouted, and laughed like a madman. For an instant Aran thought his body was trembling, but he realized that it was Cain’s brief convulsions as he leaned on him, he immediately clicked his tongue. Cain was staring at Taejeok-rune with a frown on his face. Cain stood stark still without even the slightest hint of agitation. As if he already knew everything about Aran’s identity, and past that he had failed to tell him about. Even so, his slight trembling made Aran realize that he was quite startled. Aran chewed his lip like he would tear them apart. He didn’t know that Taejeok-rune would reveal his identity, which had been kept concealed all this time. It was a mess.
“Ahahaha! Can there be such a windfall? I caught two rabbits in the same snare!”
As Aran stared at him silently, Taejeok-rune laughed out loud like he would shake the whole area. He walked around in the water like a crazy person, it was an indication of his excitement. Cain and Aran just stared at him without saying a word. Aran felt his heart would beat out of his chest.
“I searched all over the place to find you but who could have imagined that the reason I couldn’t find you was that you were in the Emperor’s hands!”
“…….”
“Indeed, as time passed your beauty has become more prominent. I have to say that even when you were so young, I lost my soul completely.”
The man who had been chatting for a while, blatantly flashed his eyes while sticking out his tongue and licking his lips. Aran reflexively took a step back at the lustful appearance. It reawakened terrible, unforgettable memories.
“I have been looking for you for a very long time. I could never forget how delicious your lips are.”
“… Shut up.”
“I promised that I would find you somehow. Shouldn’t I be compensated for the price of this eye?”
“Compensation? Are you so stupid that you haven’t realized that your left eye was small recompense for your actions? Even so, if you come near me with your dark heart, I’ll remove the other eyes as well, and hit your neck as a bonus.”
~
Aran spat out profanity at the memories of the past trauma that flashed through his mind. He didn’t know if he could hear him, but his voice was full of bitterness.
His cold tone froze the atmosphere, and Taejeok-rune narrowed his eyes in surprise. But soon his lips twisted up again.
“You still have a feisty temper. It’s a personality that makes a person desire to conquer you.”
“Listen to you being so rude. How dare you say such things to someone under my command.” Cain exclaimed impatiently.
Even the soldiers around them seemed to be startled by the sound of someone who had been seriously wounded. Where did such energy come from? Showing his blue eyes, Cain glared at Taejeokrun as if to kill him. It had been such a long time since Cain had been so angry, that Aran had to swallow his nonexistent saliva down his throat. Then Taejeok-rune turned his gaze away from Aran and looked at Cain gently.
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.
10
“How about doing this, Emperor Cain? Hand over that escort to me. To you, he’s just an escort, but to me, he’s a guy with whom I have a lot of resentment that needs to be resolved. If you do, I’ll let you go free. In addition, I give you my word that we can negotiate in a good way with the Prince of the North.”
~
“… … Negotiation?”
~
“It means that I will step back from this land.”
~
Taejeok-rune presented the biggest hand he held. It was clear that the offer was something no one expected. Cain shut his mouth and a heavy silence surrounded him. Only the sound of the flowing water demonstrated the passage of time.
~
“But if you reject my offer and refuse to hand over the bodyguard to me, I will draw the bow without hesitation. Of course, this time I guarantee that I can pierce your heart with precision.”
~
Taejeok-rune raised his hand as if to prove it was not a lie. At that small movement, the soldiers standing in a line behind him all aimed their bows at once. The sound of Cain grinding his teeth rang in his ears. His mind went blurry, and Aran closed his eyes tightly. Taejeok-rune was going to draw his bow and hit Cain’s heart. His fingertips gripping Cain trembled slightly.
~
“I’ll count to three, I’m not used to waiting. one…….”
~
He counted with a bored expression.
~
”… Cain, I will go.”
~
He wanted to protect Cain until Jar came. He couldn’t let him be hurt anymore, he wanted to tell him that with sincerity, but he had to keep his mouth shut. Cain’s expression screamed, ‘What!?’ it was as if Cain had asked in a sharp voice. Without saying anything more, he gave strength to the hand that was supporting Cain and embraced him. Then released his hand.
~
“He’s saying he will back off, and that he won’t intervene in the northern territories you wanted.”
~
“Aran!”
~
“I cannot let you die. I can save you, and it is the easiest way to get him out of this place.”
~
Aran spoke firmly shaking off Cain’s hand that was clutching his wrist and walked towards Taejeok-rune. Taejeok-rune looked at Aran and raised his lips in a smirk. It was the same as before, unchanging, gloomy, and creepy. He walked straight out, looking at him. Cain, who had been quiet like he was holding his breath, could be heard murmuring a low swear word. Then from behind him, Cain’s bloody arms reached out and grabbed the nape of his neck. Aran’s body shook violently.
~
“Damn you, where are you going!?”
~
His back became hot as he hugged him. One arm hugged him around the neck, and the other arm was wrapped around his waist, and he rested his head on his shoulder as if he were leaning on it. The heat transmitted and the breath on his neck felt made him stand still. His back was hot like it was burning.
~
“You are the same as before! Why do believe what he has to say?!”
~
When Ryugen asked for Aran, Cain refused with a single move. Aran looked back at him with a complicated expression. Cain may have been right, but right now he needed to buy time. Cain might die right here and now, Aran wanted to ask him why he was doing this. He wanted to shout it.
~
“Isn’t he just an ordinary escort? You should be able to let him go.”
~
On the other side of the river, Taejeok-rune was being sarcastic. Then Cain raised his head as he hugged Aran, and ground his teeth.
~
“Listen carefully Taejeok-rune, my escort belongs to me. I won’t pass him on to anyone. I wouldn’t allow someone like you to dare touch him”
~
“What… ?”
~
“I have no intention of listening to your nonsensical proposal, so go ahead and draw your bow if you can.”
~
Cain spoke firmly in a low voice.
~
“I could die, but I won’t give this guy up to you, it will never happen.”
~
At his last words, Aran felt his heart sinking. His mouth was agape in astonishment. Why did he say such absurd things? His heart was beating so fast like it would burst upon hearing his words. Cain was just leaning on his body, holding him tight without releasing his arms.
~
“You fool.”
~
Taejeok-rune’s angry voice mirrored the darkened atmosphere. The taunt bowstrings trembled like it was about to fly at any moment. Not only the bows but also the atmosphere around Taejeok-rune was like that. It felt like it was just one abrupt movement, and everything would break loose. He couldn’t even swallow down his dry throat. It was such a tense atmosphere, every minute and every second felt like a thousand years.
~
And then there was a rustling sound of grass being stepped on. Then ten soldiers appeared behind Cain, all pointing their bows in front of them, toward Taejeok-rune.
~
It was Cain’s secret force that approached without a sound or alerting their presence in any way. Jar was inconspicuous because he was wearing black clothes, he held his bow in front of himself like it were a part of him, and aimed precisely at the Taejeok-rune. Taejeok-rune, who had entered water deep enough to submerge his thighs, frowned at that moment. He seemed to have realized that he was within firing range. Jar was in close enough range to hit his heart with his eyes closed because Taejeok-rune had come forward into the river.
~
“Your late.”
~
“Sorry.”
~
Cain was still holding Aran tightly from behind and didn’t even look away as Jar replied calmly. A sigh of relief escaped Aran. He was so nervous that the hand holding the sword was drenched in sweat. Aran turned around and supported Cain.
~
“Taejeok-rune, I have no desire to escalate things right now.”
~
Cain exclaimed loudly as he moved to the back of the guards, who were still aiming their bows.
~
“However, it will be fair to say that I will return the humiliation I received.”
~
He murmured lowly, ‘Jar’. At the same time, the bow held in Jar’s hand bounced as an arrow flew out making a cruel sound as it pierced precisely through Taejeok-rune’s right shoulder. He let out a short scream and staggered backward before someone ran from behind and grabbed him, but he couldn’t draw his bow recklessly, but if he did Taejeok-rune would be the first to suffer. Taejeok-rune face distorted like a demon.
~
“It is not yet time for war. But the day will come when I come up against you again.”
~
“……I look forward to it.”
~
Taejeok-rune murmured as he grabbed the arrow that was embedded in his shoulder with his hand, and pulled it out. Then he shot Aran a look. His look hadn’t changed from before, his eyes were horribly cruel and dark, and looked as if giving him a warning. Aran looked back as if to say, ‘I will take you down, not Cain, I will defeat you myself.’
~
“Of course. I will make it worthwhile. Please, give my regards to the Prince as well.”
~
Cain said it as though it was insignificant, then he immediately turned around. Aran supported Cain as they moved from that place, Jar and the guards vigilantly covered their retreat until they crossed the hill, and then they all started moving along in unison with Cain.
~
Because they ran into Taejeok-rune before they were able to start reconnaissance, he had to run straight back to the capital, but he couldn’t complain. In a situation where they only had a few soldiers, if the prince brought out troops, they would be too outmanned to fight.
~
Carrying the feverish Cain in his arms, Aran had to ride with him on a horseback without a wagon. When they entered the small town, they found a doctor and gave first aid, but they could not stay long and had to run again. He hoped that they would arrive safely in the capital city and that Cain would be alright. Cain was half unconscious, leaning against Aran and breathing heavily.
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.
Foolish Translations 
Man Why not point to the head? And kill that guy damn it now poor Aran his cover, and now he has to deal with cain possible anger attack over him almost sacrificing himself
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oh my this is so intense!!! I wanna punch that Taejeok-rune!
Anw, thank youuuu so much for the update 🥰
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I know right. It’s starting to get good 🙂
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