Chapter 4.2

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Volume 2 – Crisis

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Sexually Explicit Chapter

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1

“You said that came here after shooting Taejeok-rune in the shoulder?” 
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“… Who else would say that?” 
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Cain, who was clearly letting Ryugen’s chatter go in one ear and out of the other up to that point, averted his eyes. 
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“When you shoot, aim for the heart! What does hitting the shoulder accomplish? I give up!” 
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Just like always, Ryugen spewed indignation mixed with awkward respect. His heartless, nagging way of speaking, was getting even worse. Cain was still the Emperor after all! It definitely seemed that Ryugen was more upset that Cain didn’t kill Taejeok-rune, than any real concern for him being injured. Although he was using respectful words, his tone and context were not the way one should speak to an emperor. Although even though they didn’t have a good relationship, Cain and Ryugen had known each other for a long time before Cain ascended the throne, perhaps that’s why there didn’t seem to be any real sign of displeasure.
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After hearing a noise, Aran turned his gaze to the window. it was a particularly nice day with blue azure skies. The white clouds floating in the deep blue sky were as beautiful as a painting, but Aran was looking at the scene with indifference. 
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He suddenly remembered the last week when Cain was wandering close to death. Cain was in a sick bed for a whole week, unable to open his eyes properly. Although he was given medical care on the way back to the capital, there were three wounds that were quite deep, and the treatment was difficult. 
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As soon as he arrived back in the capital, he developed a fever and he collapsed. Aran’s reason was blown away. Regardless of who ordered him, he wouldn’t leave the bedside of the unconscious Cain. He stayed beside the bed as if keeping a vigil. He stayed up all night, waiting for him to wake up. He couldn’t sleep and he had no appetite. Even if it was only for a moment, he wanted to see Cain’s cheerful smile. Thinking about it like that, he couldn’t help but want to see him even more. 
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It was around dawn, on the third that Cain had been unconscious. While holding Cain’s feverish hand, Aran anxiously looked at his pale complexion, when suddenly Cain clenched his throat and let out a low moan. It was a small faint sound, but it was clearly audible in a dark space where there had been only silence. 
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“…… Cain?”
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Aran hadn’t been able to sleep even a wink, but with that sound, he suddenly opened his exhausted eyes. At the sound, he thought ‘Are you awake now? Are you really awake?’. 
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He couldn’t believe it, so he looked at Cain who was sleeping like a corpse. He looked at him again, and again. That was then that Cain’s fingers twitched, and he frowned. He let out another low moan along with a short sigh. Aran got up, stroked his still-burning face, and called out his name. Cain looked around with blurry eyes, as if he wasn’t sure what he heard, or as though he wasn’t fully conscious. But finally, he recognized Aran and gave a faint smile. 
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“Aran, my boy…” called Cain with a cracked voice.

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The fact that Cain finally woke up after so long dizzying week made Aran feel half crazy, it was amazing! At the faint sounds coming from him, Aran reflexively hugged him and buried his face in his neck. Aran’s shoulders trembled intermittently from how at the surprising event, he was thrilled. His heart was pounding in his chest so hard that he almost had a convulsion. 
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“Cain… Cain……”
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As soon as he called his name, Cain’s placed his hand on his trembling shoulder. His hands continued softly as though he were consoling Aran’s weeping. Aran still couldn’t lift his face that was buried in the nape of his neck. His shoulders continued to tremble. It was impossible to convey the feeling of relief that came from Cain finally waking after wandering so close to death. 
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2

“Show me your face.”
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Cain smiled faintly as he stroked his long black hair. Aran slowly raised his head. He was clinging to him without knowing what to do. He felt like he had returned to being a child again, just like when he first met Cain so many years ago.
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“……You’re a mess.”
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He wrapped his warm hand around Aran’s cheek and clicked his tongue. While Cain was unconscious, Aran almost completely stopped eating and drinking, so he looked terrible. Cain scolded him harshly as he stroked Aran’s cheeks which were so thin that their hollowness could be seen clearly, even in the dark. 
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Aran couldn’t manage to say even one single word. He wanted to ask him about his body, to see if was in pain or had any discomfort but his tongue couldn’t seem to move, it was as if it had turned to stone. Instead, he just bit his lips and stared at him again and again. 
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“You were so worried about me that you damage your own pretty face…… It’s awful, but also makes me happy.” 
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“Cain……”
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“Or am I just having a pleasant dream right now?” Cain muttered as he laughed bitterly. 
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He wanted to ask him, ‘if it was a dream, was it a good dream?’, he wanted to let him know that if things went wrong, he would have died. However, he was still so choked up that he couldn’t get any words out, so he just shook his head instead. 
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Cain was once again stroking Aran’s hair. He continued to be frustrated because he wasn’t able to speak yet. Even in the dark, he could see the silver-gray eyes shine clearly as they steadily stared at him. 
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Aran’s pounding heart began to throb for a different reason, it was a painfully-sweet sensation. 
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“You are so wonderful, I want to kiss you right now… If this is a dream, then it’s possible isn’t it?” Muttered Cain to himself, with a little laugh. 
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Aran’s shoulders stiffened at the sudden remark. He was so amazed that he was breathless. It was only natural because he never dreamed that Cain Richen would say such a thing. His pounding heart was beating like it was going to explode and his fingertips were trembling slightly. 
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“Are you really serious? …..Do you seriously want to kiss me?” 

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“Of course! I’ve always thought about it. Your red lips are so luscious that I’ve always wanted to taste them. It’s hard to suppress the impulse that constantly arises, it’s difficult.”
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Cain spoke the words that pierced Aran’s heart in a calm low voice. As Aran listened to his confession, he couldn’t bear it any longer and he closed his mouth and bowed his head. Cain’s lips which had become dry and chapped from the unrelenting heat were swallowed under Aran’s red lips. 
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The truth was that Aran had never kissed before, and he didn’t exactly know what to do. However, the moment Cain said he wanted to kiss him, he lost control. The person he’d been in love with for such a long time wanted to kiss him, how could he pretend not to know? Even if he thought it was a dream it was still fine. It didn’t matter if Cain was just excited and talking nonsense. Whatever the reason was, Aran just wanted to taste his lips. 
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He hurriedly pressed their lips together, but his inexperience showed. The action of licking Cain’s dry lips with the tip of his tongue was clumsy. Nevertheless, the hot sensation of his lips was stimulating enough to make his head spin. 
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Cain was in such a state of disbelief at the sudden kiss, that he didn’t even close his eyes. Then, as if coming to, a low deep moan erupted from the base of his throat. Then he brought his hand to the back of Aran’s head and grabbed him by his hair with his large hand. He pulled him tight as he opened his hungry mouth wide to devour his lips like he would eat him alive. 
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Aghh- a gasping sound escaped in a short breath from Aran’s lips. The force he used to grab him wasn’t like someone recovering in a sickbed, he felt suffocated by the strength he used to pull him tight. Cain blatantly dug his tongue deep between Aran’s tight lips without surrendering an inch, turning Aran’s clumsily amateur kiss into a skillful one. He was left breathless in an instant, nothing was left untouched as Cain licked Aran’s red lips, his straight teeth, the roof of his mouth, and sucked his tongue as though he would devour it. 
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He was like a hungry predator licking up even the smallest drop of saliva that flowed from his gaping mouth. An intense sensation that he had never even imagined spread from the tip of his tongue throughout his whole body. Aran’s arms and shoulders trembled like aspen trees, as he clutched the hem of the blanket with his eyes closed. 
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“Ah, haa…… !” 
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As their heavy breathing intertwined, it was so intense and impatient that it was impossible to distinguish whose breath belonged to whom. Their tongues entangled like a snake as Aran’s tongue was sucked mercilessly. it was strange to have him stir around inside his mouth, yet it filled his head with ecstasy. In the midst of the excitement, without realizing it, he hugged Cain’s shoulders and let out a weeping sound. Then Cain, whose back was touching the bed, turned over and pressed Aran’s body beneath him.

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

Aran was so distracted by the continuous kissing that did not even notice that he was now lying in a receiving position on the bed. He just wrapped his arms tightly around Cain’s neck and opened his mouth to greet him passionately. It was all still too hard to believe. He couldn’t believe it even as they intertwined their tongues violently and as he swallowed their mixed saliva down his throat. As if reading his doubts, Cain, who had been holding the side of his face in his tight grip while stirring his mouth greedily, suddenly stopped moving and raised his head. 
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“Damn it, this greed is endless!”
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After muttering those incomprehensible words, he lowered his head again and kissed him. This time it was not only his lips, but also his cheeks, earlobes, chin, and the nape of the neck. A dizzying electric current ran from his lips down to the rest of his body, causing his shoulders and back to shudder.
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“Cain… Cain……”

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He called out his name instinctively. Cain tenaciously licked the nape of his neck, then he lowered his hand and ripped open the closure that was fasted over his chest. Aran flesh was now exposed and Cain immediately bowed his head and slid his tongue over his collarbone and chest. Cain’s hot breath slowly moved downwards. Aran trembled slightly, but couldn’t stop him. No, he didn’t even try, even when the seams of his clothes were stretched out to the point of tearing. All he could do was hold his breath momentarily. 
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Cain gently rubbed his chest, which was exposed now that he was half naked, with the Palm of his hand. Every time his rough palm roamed over his flat chest, the small bumps that were swept under it, stood taller and sharper. It was a strange sensation, sometimes it tickled, and sometimes it caused him to twitch and tremble. Cain was staring at him as he gasped for breath, then he suddenly opened his mouth and lightly bit his erect nipple with his teeth.
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“Ah”
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An unstoppable moan escaped him. Aran was startled by the involuntarily sound he had made, he covered his mouth with his hand and closed his eyes tightly. It felt like all of the nerves all over his body were vibrating sharply. He was powerless to resist as Cain bite and sucked his breasts and nipples, he was unable to lift even a fingertip.
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Then Cain slid his knee between Aran’s thighs and spread his legs apart as he dug his weight in between them. Suddenly Aran felt a feeling of something heavy on the inside of his thigh. Aran raised his eyes in amazement at the terrifying size. His mind automatically flashed back to a long-forgotten memory of Cain naked. His flawless body was made up of strong muscles, and his penis size intimidated him even when he was young. Even though he saw it when it was flaccid, his eyes still widened in surprise, so he couldn’t even guess at the size of the penis rubbing between his legs now that it was erect. 
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He couldn’t help but feel afraid, so he pulled back instinctively. Cain grabbed Aran’s waist tightly and pulled him back down once again. Then he kissed and stuck on his tongue like a hungry beast. It was like being caught in a trap from which there was no escape. While Aran was gasping for breath he was being pressed down by Cain’s heavy upper body, as Cain greedily sucked his tongue while rubbing his chest with his palms. As he moved his pelvis, his engorged erection stood up and rubbed the inside of his thigh. This gesture was so lewd! They were like a beast that had let go of reason.
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As the blood rushed to Aran’s groin he cried out. He couldn’t withstand the excessive stimulation caused by friction, as his erect penis rubbed between his and Cain’s stomachs as Cain hugged him tight. As Aran wrapped his arms around Cain’s neck he moaned and sobbed. He called out ‘Cain, Cain’, like he knew no and other words. As he called his name over and over again, Cain just sucked on Aran’s tongue and shook his waist like a starving man. 
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“Cain no, don’t move! Ah, ah! No more, uh, uh-!”
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His pupils were fully dilated, and he cried out as he patted his shoulder. He couldn’t bear it any longer. Cain was holding him tight enough that someone might think that he would break him. At the same time as he felt he could no longer bear it and was unable to hold back, his lower belly become hot and wet as he ejaculated. Then he stopped moving.
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“Ha-!”
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He wasn’t the only one who couldn’t stand it any longer, as a hot sticky feeling spread on the inside his thigh. Cain, who had been holding him tight up until then, breathed out a short hot breath. Aran felt of sensation of weakness after he came, along with a sense of clarity. Aran closed his eyes and stretched his arms. His breathing was so rough that it made his heart pound. 

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

Cain was laying on top of Aran’s chest without moving as though he’d just fallen asleep. It was then that it occurred to Aran that Cain was still sick and that he’d just woken up after spending a week fading and out of consciousness.  

“Cain?”

He put his lips to Cain’s ear and whispered his name. But Cain’s eyes still remained closed, and he didn’t answer. Then a chill ran down his spine. He patted Cain’s shoulder and called again, but he still didn’t answer. He carefully pushed Cain’s limp body to the side and managed to get out of bed.

It was then that he felt something wet on his hands, and he lift them up to look at them. Although Aran and Cain both had a wet mess on their clothes below their waists from ejaculating earlier, the wetness on his hands was not from that. The color was so dark that even in the moonlight coming in from the large window, he could still tell what it was. Then, the familiar smell of blood pricked his nose. 

When he looked at Cain, who was still asleep on the bed, he could see that his back was dyed dark. The bandages that were wrapped around his shoulder and arm were stained red with blood because his stitches tore, and his wound reopened. Just moments before Cain had been kissing and sucking his lips and chest while grinding against him excitedly, but now he was deathly pale. 

“Oh my god….”

Aran stared blankly at Cain, who was lying on his stomach. He was unable to lower his blood-stained hands, but then he turned and ran across the room. The front of his clothes was opened and his chest could be seen. His stomach and thighs were glistening wet because he and Cain had ejaculated on them, but he didn’t even notice that. He just swung the door open like a crazy person and cried out for help. After that, Cain was unconscious for two more days. After two days, he managed to open his eyes and found Aran. He looked even more scruffy by that time. And just as if everything that had happened that night had been a dream, Cain couldn’t remember anything. 

Could it have really been a dream? Did he dream all that because he wanted him too much? Aran remembered back to that night for a moment. Then he closed his eyes and let out a short breath. Maybe it was a good thing Cain didn’t remember. That kind of relationship was only Aran’s wish in the first place. 

A long ago, Cain had said how much he hated sodomy. So much so, that Aran wonders how he managed to do it with Ryugen. He was a person who didn’t even like to think about men having sex together. Knowing this better than anyone else, Aran had managed to conceal the feelings that he held in his heart this whole time. He managed to never reveal a clue. 

Aran could never even be a concubine, much less anything else. So all he could hope for was to be an escort and stay close to him that way. He had to find contentment with that alone. However, Aran’s feelings for Cain only grew as time passed, and the desire to touch and kiss him only grew more prevalent. 

So maybe that’s why he did it. He wanted to kiss him, and hold him in his arms, even if it was only once. It was so difficult to contain his greed that he embraced him as soon as he reached out his hand. But Cain’s fever re-emerged and he fell ill again, and completely forgot what had happened that night.

At first, he felt sad and disappointed, but upon further consideration, maybe it was for the best. If Cain had mistaken him for someone else that night and kissed him because he thought he was a woman, then that would make things too difficult. When Aran thought back on that night, Cain never actually called him by name. He never made any personal reference to him at all. He constantly called Cain’s name as he clung to him, but Cain never called Aran’s name. 

It was only now that he began to comprehend the possibility that maybe Cain didn’t lust for him at all. Seriously, when he thought about it, there’s no way Cain could have lusted for him, a man. Aran felt immense disappointment as he swallowed a sigh. He still had mixed feelings about it. It’s now extremely hard for him to hide his feelings for Cain. He was anxious to taste the sweetness of his lips again. As Cain said that day, ‘this greed was endless’! He didn’t know what he should do, or how to rid himself of his feelings and desires.  

“Hmm-.”

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

Ryugen put his fist to the corner of his mouth and coughed as though he was so immersed in thought and forgetting that there were people near him. Aran opened his eyes, and for a moment the question ‘why’ almost escaped him, then it was swallowed back down his throat. The atmosphere in the room was strange. Cain and Ryugen were both staring without speaking, but each had a different expression. Ryugen was supporting his chin on his hand while looking at Cain in a strange way, and Cain was……. 
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“Umm, what can be said about this situation other than, it exudes a colorful atmosphere?” 
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Cain had been glaring at Aran as though he were about to eat him, but at Ryugen’s playful remark he turned his head to look at him. The look was an obvious warning for him to stop, but Ryugen just kept on blabbering indifferently.   ~
“What happened to him to cause such a change in him? It’s like when a kid becomes a man, isn’t it?”
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Cain’s forehead furrowed even more harshly in response to the question that was asked with a smile. Cain’s usual smile was nowhere to be found and Aran couldn’t figure out what the exact cause of his dissatisfaction was.  
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“Come on.” 
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Aran had no choice but to get up and stand in front of Cain. Then Cain grabbed his wrist and frowned as he looked at Aran. Then he said something odd.  

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“I guess you didn’t go out while I was unconscious?” 
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Aran was disturbed by Cain’s words and his tone became sharp.
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“Where would I have gone when you were near death?” 
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Then Cain’s expression softened, and his lips had a slight smile. 
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“Yeah, of course.” 
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“If you don’t have anything else to say to me I would like to leave. You have Ryugen, and a lot of other things need to be taken care of as well, so I don’t need to be here.”
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Aran said while squinting his eyes in the direction of Cain’s desk which was piled high with a mountain of papers on it. But Cain just continued holding on to his wrist while rubbing the inside of it with his thumb.  
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“Wait, I have something I want to say to you. Ryugen, you’ve already said everything, so just leave. I don’t want to hear any more of your nagging.
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Cain held on to Aran’s wrist as he gestured for Ryugen to leave. Ryugen let out a short sigh and shook his head as he stood up.
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“As you wish your Majesty, I didn’t plan on staying that long anyway.”  
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Ryugen gave an exaggerated bow. Then he suddenly stopped in front of Aran as though he had just thought of something. 
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“Pretty little prince, you look as though you haven’t been satisfied. Just to let you know, I can satisfy you any way you want.” 
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“Ryugen!” 
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Cain shouted from behind Aran, as Aran just stood there silently with a seemingly blank expression. 
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“What!? I’m not talking about his Majesty Cain. After all, the Prince is a person too, and he needs to relieve his accumulated desires as well.”
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“Shut up and get out!”
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“As you wish.”
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Ryugen smiled at Cain’s angry tone. He turned around and just before he opened the door to go outside, he winked at Aran and muttered, ‘If you change your mind, you can call on me’. 
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Finally, Cain raised his voice. 

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Clearly, he said all that to provoke Cain. However, even after Ryugen left, it took a long time before Cain could suppress his anger. The spacious office was quickly enveloped in silence. Aran stood next to Cain like a warrior and waited for him to speak. Aran already knew what Cain was going to say. 
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“Sit down, I have something to say.” 
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After a while, Cain, finally let go of his wrist and tapped the chair next to him. A single sigh disturbed the stillness that had filled the office. Aran sat down in the chair next to him without saying a word. Cain’s question was exactly what he expected 
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“You’re Jung, the third prince of Kajang? ….Why did you hide it?” 
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“What good would have come from it being known?” 
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“Even so, you should have told me!” 
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“Is my identity important? I am simply your escort, Aran.”
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Cain’s eyes narrowed at Aran, who calmly continued. 
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“Nothing has changed, has it? What is the difference between the noble child who lost his family, and Prince Jung of Kajang? What’s changed?” 
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“Aran!” 
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When Cain raised his voice, Aran shut his mouth. He didn’t want to share this story. It was something he never wanted to talk about. After all, it’s all in the past, isn’t it? It’s all over now.
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“I don’t know what your thinking, but If you don’t feel like talking right now we can put it off until later.” 
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Cain muttered like a sigh and leaned back on the soft chair. It was just what Aran had hoped for. As Aran got up from his seat, Cain spoke again.
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“Just one more question.” 
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Suddenly Cain grabbed his wrist again stopping Aran from taking a step. Aran looked down at him silently. 
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“That bastard……  is it true, that he tried to do something by force?” 
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Aran turned around to look at Cain. It was a difficult question to answer directly, and instead, he took a deep breath. He didn’t think he would ask such a question, it was definitely surprising. 
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“Yes, it’s true.” 
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But the worries didn’t last long.
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“Uh huh -….” 
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As usual, Cain furrowed his brow and responded in a simple indifferent tone. Aran opened his mouth but instead of being able to speak, his lips just twitched.  
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“He kissed me forcefully, then he said he was going to make me his lover. Before I escaped I stabbed him, that’s why he only has one eye.” 
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His sullen voice was terribly cold. Cain ground his teeth and the crease in between his brows deepened. ‘You should have hit the heart’ he muttered in a low voice through his clenched jaw. Aran looked down at Cain, who was grieving because of what had happened a long time ago. Suddenly he clutched his chest as the pain rose in his heart. 
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The kiss he shared with Cain while Cain was high on medication and half dreaming, was completely different from what Taejeok-rune did when he was young. Taejeok-rune forced his mouth open and forcefully stuck his tongue inside it. 
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Their kiss wasn’t like that. Their kiss was soft and careful, but their tongues intertwined fiercely with strength, as they sucked each other’s lips and swallowed their mixed saliva…. it was sickly sweet and stimulating to the point of causing goosebumps.  
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As he unconsciously recalled their kisses, after Cain had completely forgotten it, made Aran chew his lips and turn his head. 
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“If you don’t have any more questions to ask, I’ll go.” 
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He was worried. It was difficult to hold in the wave of emotions that had already risen to the limit. Cain let go of his wrist. Then Aran ran across the room as if running away. This was dangerous. Really dangerous! 
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“Tonight, im are going to go outside the palace.” 
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He was unable get a hold of his pounding heart, he was unable to turn his head to announce it. He just needed to get away from Cain for a while. If he didn’t, he felt like he might die from this suffocating feeling.  
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“I told you not to go out.” 
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A low-pitched voice pierced him from behind like a dagger. Aran held the doorknob in his hand, still not turning his head around. He was holding it so tightly that he could see the bones on the back of his hand as the skin turned white. 
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“One month of probation ended yesterday.” 
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“Aran!” 
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“I’m just letting you know in advance because I know you might get angry again if I left without telling you. I’ll see you tomorrow.” 
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Aran fired it out quickly, then left without even closing the door. He could hear a rough noise behind his back but he did not stop walking. Cain, Cain! As he ran down the hallway he called out his name under his breath. It was as if there were a huge boulder placed on his chest.

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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6

The time passed by quietly. Cain vowed to immediately change his stance if he noticed any sign of movement from Taejeokrune or the Northern Prince, but they had shown no significant movement so far.

Although it was quiet, it felt as though something there wriggling just beneath their feet. The tension in Palace in Shâtteun, felt like they were on the eve of a great storm just waiting for it to land.

Because of Cain’s extraordinary physical strength, he was recovering rapidly and had been looking for Chateau more and more these days. In addition to that, Jar’s had been steadily growing the army. Aran was also busy helping Jar and training the soldiers, so he hadn’t really had time to see properly see Cain. 

After completing his duties in the palace during the day, in the evening Aran would leave the palace and wander around the city looking for the person who resembled Shaw. It left no time left to breathe, let alone think about Cain. It was rather a good thing, and he would fall asleep as soon as he entered his room. 

Unfortunately, it was not easy to find the person who resembled Shaw. It had been over a month since he saw him, and the city was huge, there were just too many people. Because it was a trading city, there were merchants coming and going everywhere. It made it especially hard to find a single person in the sea of faces.  

Any clues leading to Shaw’s whereabouts were lost after a few days. Although Aran was exhausted from his busy work days and searching for Shaw at night, he wouldn’t give up. He went out every single evening to find him!

Even with a face full of exhaustion, wandering around the city had become a part of his everyday routine. It was the same this evening. It was a night with a strong wind blowing, so Aran pulled the mask he always wore up high to the corner of his eye. Usually, the mask would make him stand out, but because of the sandstorm, most people had their faces covered so Aran blended right in. 

However, he really didn’t know where to go. His hope of finding the person who looked like Shaw was gradually fading. With so many people wearing masks, it made it that much harder to recognize anyone’s face. As Aran was looking around thoughtlessly, it occurred to him that it might be better to go home early today.  

Suddenly, Aran noticed a man across the street carrying a load on his shoulders. He had short black hair down to his ears, and white skin in comparison to the people of this region. He was walking straightforwardly without hesitation even with the sandstorm blowing, and he looked just like Shaw.  

Aran’s eyes narrowed on the man who looked like Shaw as his legs began moving on their own to follow him. It was clear, it was Shaw, he looked just like him! Aran’s heart began to pound and then sank again. It may not be Shaw, he may just be someone who looks like him, but regardless of that, just looking like Shaw was enough to make Aran’s heart pound and his hands sweat enough to make them wet.

Aran had been so engrossed for a moment that he didn’t know what to do. Then he started running as quickly as he could towards the man’s back who was about to move away. The evening streets were relatively quiet so chasing after him was not as difficult as last time. But as the distance gradually narrowed, the man hurriedly turned the corner, into an alley. Aran couldn’t control his nervous heart. He followed him into the alley without looking around,  it was at that moment that… 

Whoosh-

…a sword flew at him at such a speed that it could not be seen, it could have certainly been an instantaneous death. At the same moment that he registered the unexpected attack and turned around, a knife flew to the spot where he was standing and smashed into the wall. 

The sudden attack in the dark alley made Aran nervous. His opponent was dressed in black and had a hat on his head, with a black cloth hung under it so he couldn’t see the attacker’s face. Aran quickly drew his sword and blocked the subsequent attacks. Blue flames flew from the intersecting blades, making a sharp sound. 

“Who are you!?” 

Aran exclaimed as he managed to block the sword that moved lightly but very powerfully. The movement of the sword showed a skill that couldn’t be mistaken as an amateur. He never dreamed that he would encounter such a skilled swordsman outside the palace walls. Hopefully, he had not fallen into someone’s trap. If so, he couldn’t let him live. 

He was calm and thought rationally while blocking the onslaught of attacks. Up until now, he had only been blocking the attacks from the stranger. Now he twisted his sword away, and swung the sword in the opposite direction, when the attack changed, the man took a step back. 

It was a movement so agile that it was nearly invisible. The stranger was truly a man of remarkable talent. Other than Jar, there was only a handful of swordsmen of this caliber, so Aran was on high alert. If he made a mistake he may end up having to decapitate this person before he even learns who he is. 

But on the other hand, his heart was beating fast, it was true that it was exhilarating to swing his sword around with him. It was exciting to face an opponent that could actually block his sword instead of being slaughtered by it, it had his blood running hot. Aran’s black eyes slowly began to flash with madness while staring at his opponent.

Whenever this happens Cain would always click his tongue and take his sword away, but now Cain isn’t here to stop him. Aran twisted the sword and drew a semicircle. The man’s movements were sharp. Aran’s sword was lighter and faster than his, but the man was still blocking his sword.

 Clang- Clang- Kang-

Every time the blades crossed, the excitement increased. While crossing swords with the man, Aran thought to himself that it was really fun. Then suddenly the cloth covering the man’s face was blown away by the wind. At that moment, the man’s face was fully exposed. White skin, a sharp jawline, stubbornly closed lips, and a sharp nose.

“…… Shaw?” 

Aran muttered softly, lost in his mind. He had been so intrigued by the man’s swordsmanship that he forgot his purpose. He finally came to and focused on the fact that he was chasing after a man who resembled Shaw. Now he fully realized that the man in front of him was in fact, Shaw!

Aran’s sword faltered, and then that’s when he was attacked. Although Aran managed to block with his sword, the force of the blow pushed his body backward until his back touched the wall. Aran’s breath became heavy as the crossed blades approached the tip of his nose. 

“Who are you?” 

Uttered the man, who drove Aran up to the wall with great force, in low voice. Aran’s eyes gradually widened in dismay. It was completely confirmed after hearing the man’s calm, quiet voice. It was the same voice that had quietly called out his name so long ago. Aran’s fingertips were trembling as he recalled the man he had never forgotten. 

Drip– 

His tears bagan falling automatically. As if In response to Aran’s sudden reaction, the man slowly removed his sword.

In an instant, another strong wind swept over the alley. Aran frowned at the sandstorm as he slowly lowered the mask covering his face. The man’s expression froze, his face had a hardened expression and his eyes opened wide. The man who was looking at him with his mouth ajar, he then licked his pale blue lips.

“Prince Jung?” 

Shaw asked in a muffled voice. Aran nodded his head vigorously to Shaw who finally recognized him. 

“Yes…it’s me. I was waiting for you, Shaw.” 

‘Oh my God, this can’t be happening‘ Shaw moaned in a low voice. He reached out for Aran, but instead, he bit his lip without daring to touch him or take his hand away. His throat was choked and he couldn’t say anything as stared at Aran. Aran’s face was dripping with tears as he slowly raised his hand. He wanted to touch him, to check to see if it was really Shaw he was seeing or a fantasy.

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 was around that time that he noticed that they were not alone in the alleyway. Aran raised his head nervously at the unusual energy he felt coming from the people who had just entered this alleyway that was not normally unused.

Shaw hurriedly hugged Aran, and fixed his sword, pointing behind them. But neither Shaw nor Aran could move anymore. One of the black-clad people, who suddenly approached without a word, had already pointed their swords at the nape of Shaw’s neck. A suffocating stillness resided along with the bone-chilling tension in the air.
~
“…What is this-.” 
~

Aran’s eyes widened at the unexpected sight of the blade is aimed at Shaw, as though it were about to cut his throat. His blood cooled for an instant. Even in that situation, Shaw clenched his teeth and gave strength to the arm that was holding Aran. To Aran, it was an attitude that clearly showed his willingness to protect him from getting hurt. 
~
“Fall back.” 
~
At that moment, Aran was about to shout at the person in black who was aiming the sword at Shaw, to drop it. Then suddenly there was a person approaching with a heavy gait along and a faint voice. Fortunately, he knew him well. He knew it so well that he even felt embarrassed……
~
“Cain!” 
~
Aran shouted with a rigid expression on his face. Jar put down the sword on the nape of Shaw’s neck when he heard Cain’s command. If he had moved a little, his skin would have split. 
~
“Stop!” 
~
“Did you not hear me? I should have told you to knell.” 
~
Cain said coldly, as though he had not heard Aran. As Aran clenched his jaw and stared at him, Shaw asked, ‘Prince?’.  It was a fight that he did not understand.
~
“His Majesty, the Emperor of the Empire. Lower your sword and bow your head!” 
~
Jar added coldly. Aran nodded to Shaw, who looked at Aran with bewilderment in his eyes. Shaw let out a sigh of relief and slowly lowered his sword. It was surprising to see the emperor appearing in person. 
~
“Come over here, Aran.” 
~
At the same time, Cain reached out and grabbed Aran’s arm, pulling him tightly. Aran, who was held by Shaw, was pulled by such a strong force that he was taken toward Cain in an instant. 
~
“What the hell is going on? No, how did you get out here? Your injuries haven’t healed yet… .”
~
“I was curious about who you are looking for.” 
~
“Cain-.” 
~
“Aren’t you going to introduce us?” 
~
Cain asked at once, cutting off Aran’s words. Aran was unable to hide his embarrassment as he looked back at the Shaw nervously, biting his lip. 
~
“He…… This is Shaw, he used to be my bodyguard.” 
~
“He was your bodyguard?” 
~
“He’s also my benefactor, who saved me from Taejeokrune when I was young.” 
~
After trying to calm down the emotions that were running high, Shaw bowed his head and greeted Cain. However, Cain showed nothing but displeasure. His mood seems to have gotten worse than it was even a little while ago. 
~
“So you’re his savior, I almost made a mistake with a great person.” 
~
“… …” 
~
“Even so, I have no intention of missing out on the little bird I cherish now.”
~

Cain, who was talking to himself coolly, faced Aran with an unfamiliar expression.  Aran didn’t really know what he meant by what he said. Perhaps Cain noticed Aran’s thoughts because he suddenly raised the corners of his mouth and gently stroked Aran’s back. 
~
“Well anyway, you’ve finally found the person you were so desperately searching for, so you’d better go back and talk with him properly, right? 
~
“What…?” 
~
“I’ve never invited any aristocrats in person like this, so I hope he knows that it’s an honor.” 
~
Aran stared at Cain, who calmly said he would invite Shaw but with a face that was not pleased at all. However, he didn’t have the guts to reject the emperor’s order. It’s clear that he’d force him if he said no, so he had no choice but to follow him silently. 
~
“Shaw, it would be better to go into the palace so we can talk.”

~
Cain’s reluctance brought Aran’s anger to boil, but he held out his hand to Shaw while maintaining his composure. The quick-witted and wise Shaw, quietly followed Aran, calming his excitement after a decade. Cain, Jar, Aran, and Shaw headed to the palace in a heavy atmosphere. 

---

8

Aran thought that there would be nagging as soon as he returned to the palace with Cain. But contrary to that, Cain left Aran and Shaw alone and went straight to his office with Jar.  
~
“The attendant will guide you through the room, so you can rest comfortably.” 
~
Aran had looked at Cain for a moment with puzzled eyes, as Cain turned his body so that he completely overshadowed Shaw, intimidating him. But that was all he did. After that, Aran was left to relax and talk with Shaw. But Aran was still a bit concerned about Cain’s unexpected reaction. He had followed him out of the castle as though Aran had stepped over him, and left without saying a word. It was disturbing.
~
“I had no idea that you were in the Imperial Palace.” 
~
Shaw, who was walking down the hallway following the servant, said slowly. Only then did Aran shake loose his thoughts of Cain, and look back at Shaw. 
~
“Yeah.” 
~
He tried to calm his anxiety and nervousness and smiled brightly at Shaw.
~
“I knew there must have been a reason why I couldn’t find you, in spite of so much searching.” 
~
“You searched…. for me?” 
~
“Didn’t I promise to come to find you?” 
~
Shaw, who risked his life to protect him, asked calmly. Aran had no way to express his overwhelming emotions, so he just nodded his head. 
~
“Still, I’m a little relieved. Fortunately, you’ve been able to live so carefree. I was always worried that you might have suffered.”
~
“Contrary to your concerns, even though I was chased out of my country, I was taken pity upon.” 
~
“Prince…….” 
~
“I learned a lot thanks to you.” 
~
From Jar, he learned swordsmanship, from a wise man named Chateau, he learned various knowledge, and from Cain, he learned the aspect of a king who ruled the country. Aran, who was muttering a soliloquy, let out a sullen disappointed laugh. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that he owed Cain a lot. 
~
“Anyway, I’d like to hear your story. I’ve always wondered how you’ve lived all this time.” 
~
“Unfortunately, I was hurt very badly at that time.” 
~
It was around the time Shaw quietly began to speak, that the servant who was leading them stopped and opened the door to Shaw’s apartment. When Aran heard that Shaw was injured he looked at him startled. He then followed the servant into the room first. 
~
Like the rooms in the palace, this place was spacious and cozy. Shaw looked around the room, which looked completely different from those in Kajang. Aran, who is now accustomed to being there, calmly sat down on the chair while the servant quietly left the room. Then the room was quiet. 
~
Aran quickly put aside the thought of Cain that had popped into mind on their own and brought out the words that had been buried for so long. 
~
“I thought it might be that you weren’t able to stop them. I was worried that you might have died.”
~
“I couldn’t go straight to The Prince because I couldn’t walk for several months. It always breaks my heart when I think back on those days. Thinking of leaving the little prince alone in that rough forest….” 
~

“Don’t think that way. If it weren’t for you I would have died like a dog.” 
~
Aran shook his head as he looked at Shaw. Then he noticed a long scar made by a knife under Shaw’s neck. He couldn’t see it in detail because it was covered by the top of his clothes, but he could guess that it was a pretty bad wound just by looking at the tip of it. When he brought his fingertips to the tip of the deep scar, Shaw withdrew slightly and grabbed Aran’s hand. 
~
“It’s not something The Prince should be concerned about. Besides, am I not standing in front of you like this.” 
~
“Shaw……”
~
“Since the Prince is safe, that is enough.” 
~
Shaw comforted him with a calm tone, it was as if nothing had changed from before. He was a person who had not really changed at all, except for the fact that his age could be seen on his youthful face. Even the atmosphere, and the way he treated Aran hadn’t changed that much. Aran felt like he was back in his childhood. 
~
Aran briefly recalled his childhood that he had completely forgotten. He shook his head as he looked around at the tea and snacks laid out on the table. Then he sat Shaw down and tried to pour the tea in front of him. Then Shaw quickly took it away and filled the teacup first. 
~
“Even if it’s a long time, I can not be served by The Prince.” 
~
Aran smiled mischievously at him, and he gave a light smile back. It’s been a long time since Aran met someone with a smile like this. Shaw calmly poured the tea. 
~
“Shaw, tell me about you.” 
~
“I don’t know where to start or what to say.” 
~
“Just say everything. How have you been living up to now?” 
~
It sounded like a child’s pestering, but Shaw nodded with a friendly face. He slowly opened his mouth. He told many stories in his calm voice. However, he avoided anything to do with Taejeokrune or Kajang. They were topics he didn’t want to bring up after a long time apart, so he was just told small stories instead. He told stories of the big and small towns he’d been, to and the people living in them. 
~
Aran closed his eyes as he leaned against the table, feeling at ease. Aran suddenly fell asleep while holding Shaw’s rough hands. It seemed that he was exhausted from his nightly searches, looking for the person who looked like Shaw. 
~
”……Precisely…… It’s like when I was young, and you used to tell me funny stories and then I would lie down with my head on your lap.” 
~
Aran had been muttering like that just before he dozed off. Then Shaw, who had had his head bowed while looking closely at him, replied kindly, ‘That’s right.’ Aran finally calmed down and closed his eyes. It had been a really long time since he fell asleep peacefully next to someone. 

---

9

It was dark in the room where there were only a few candles flickering. When the wind blew in from the window the candles flickered, and the dim shadows in the room followed along as if dancing. 
~
In the midst of this, Shaw was sitting idly on the bed. His sleeping master was laying on the bed exhaling evenly,  as he sat next to him, looking down on him endlessly. There was a lot of affection in the hand that brushed away the disheveled hair of his master, who had grown up wonderfully. 
~
There were many sleepless nights spent worrying about how his young master had to make it through this rough world alone. He worried that he might have gotten lost in the forest and was attacked by beasts.

Nevertheless, the strange certainty that he was alive never disappeared, so he wandered around looking for him for such a long time. He was grateful to have met him in a much better state, than that which he’d always feared.
~
Without realizing it tears escaped Shaw’s eyes, as he wiped his wet eyes with the back of his hand, he stole another look at Aran. It was a night that was very hard to fall asleep even though he was worn out and exhausted. It was probably because he was overwhelmed with emotion at meeting Aran at last.

It was around the time when he was immersed in his thoughts while listening to Aran’s breathing that there was a click, and the sound of the door opening. 
~
The person who opened the door without any hesitation and entered without knocking on the door was the same person who had brought him to this palace. Shaw reflexively touched the hilt of the sword that was placed beside him. Then he suddenly remembered that he was the emperor of the country, and stood up and bowed his head. 
~
“… You’re still here.” 
~
Said the Emperor who was striding in, in a displeased tone. He may have uttered a small swear word as well. Anyway, he came closer, glanced at Aran who was sleeping quietly, and then turned his gaze to Shaw. There was a clear light of hostility in the sharp silver eyes. 
~
“You’re the benefactor who saved Aran from Taejeok-rune’s  hand?” 
~ 
Cain asked Shaw in a monotonous tone. There was a hint of irritation in his tone of voice. However, unlike him, Shaw was surprised by the name Aran. Aran was definitely Jung’s childhood nickname. It was a strange name to hear because Shaw had not heard that name used in a long time. But it felt very awkward for the Emperor to call Jung, Aran. 
~
“… That’s right.” 
~
Shaw, who was very nervous and wary, answered quietly hoping that the young master who is sleeping soundly next to him, wouldn’t wake up to a sudden commotion. 
~
“I let him go because he said he was going to find you, but…….” 
~
The emperor frowned and opened his mouth, then spoke in a low voice. 
~
“I really don’t think it was worth it.” 
~
As he was just thinking it over, in an instant the life poured out of him all at once. Shaw clenched his jaw. It made him want to step back instinctively. 
~
“Are you going to kill me because he found me like this?”
~
His words were muffled as if he was talking to himself, but in a quiet room, it was loud enough to be clearly understood. Shaw had heard that the Emperor of the Empire got along well with the common people and that he was a good person.
~
Shaw looked up at him with cold, sunken eyes. His lifeless silver-gray eyes were terrifying. It felt like he ran into the path of a wild beast. But he couldn’t back down, he have no intention of giving his life in vain after finding the master after all this time.  
~
“If I did, then the boy wouldn’t leave me alone ” 
~
Cain muttered slowly as he was contemplating what to do. Shaw was unable to hide his tension and swallowed down his dry throat.
~

“Anyway, I want you to keep in mind that your life is in my hands.” 

~
Cain said in a cold tone. Only then did Shaw realize that he wasn’t going to kill him right now. But he could tell without even asking him, that he literally meant he would take his life with his own hands. 
~
“If you dare to try to take what’s mine, I will get rid of you without anyone knowing. You better keep that in mind.” 
~
“What…….” 
~
Shaw asked, confused, but Cain turned his gaze away from Shaw as though he’d completely lost interest. Then there was Aran, who was sleeping well without waking up in this situation. As soon as he put Aran in his sight, his frosty eyes seemed to melt a little, and then his unpleasant aura flowed away. 
~
“He’s not the kind of guy who sleeps so defenselessly like that even in front of me.” 
~
Cain grunted as he hugged Aran carefully in both arms in the blanket. He looked down at Aran as he held him in both arms with a friendly face. He looked like a completely different person than he was just a moment ago. 
~
“Heed my warning. I think the prince of your country is already dead. I don’t know what you were thinking by coming here, but I won’t kill you gently if you shake his heart by pulling some stupid tricks.” 
~
Cain said coldly while looking down at Aran, then he stared at the Shaw again. Then without a sound, he quickly left the room. A black-clad man followed after him and finally the door closed. Standing there as if frozen, Shaw lost all his energy and sat down on the bed. 
~
“What the hell is this…….”
~
If Aran had been in front of him he might have shook him by the shoulders and asked “What the hell did you do to the emperor?”. 
~
However, Aran, whom the emperor had already taken with him was not here, and only the large disorganized bed on which he had been lying was left. 
~
Shaw let out a soft sigh. It seems that something unexpected has happened. 

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