The Next Prince, Chapter 11 pg2
The Next Prince, Chapter 11 pg2
“I know that, but I will use the right of the winner to maintain your safety...”
“...”
“From now on, I order you to cooperate in every hiding and escape from those people until we reach a safe zone.”
Charan did not force Khanin to return directly to Emmaly as the requested favor seemed almost pointless...
“How long will it be until you feel safe?”
“Until we enter the territory of Emmaly.”
In the park, people pass by and give curious glances as Khanin sits in a corner on a bench, gazing up at the big clouds in the sky. He feels like he's a bird trapped in a cage with no way out.
For almost two full days now, Charan hasn't allowed him to go anywhere, causing Khanin to become restless. Being cooped up in a small room, constantly checking the news, waiting for updates about his father and feeling indifferent towards Paul's attempts to contact him, has left him very nervous.
There is no news of any crimes on the website, everything seems normal. Khanin looks at the people passing by; a couple in love, a mother pushing a stroller with her baby, everyone living their happy lives so differently from him at this moment.
His heavy breathing is accompanied by the useless gadget in his pocket.
When Khanin had to sever communication with his close friend, just to ensure Paul's safety, he could only send a message saying that he urgently needed to take care of something.
After enduring more than thirty hours in the stuffy room, someone eventually relented and allowed him to step outside and breathe fresh air. But that was all... Charan only took him to a park near the hotel, not even one kilometer away.
The important thing is that he's not allowed to wander too far from sight...
“Which of these two do you want to eat?” The tall man returns from a small food stall not too far away, holding two large sandwiches in his hand. Charan offers them to him, as he has done before, but this time the younger boy shows no enthusiasm.
“... “ Khanin remains indifferent. To be honest, he just doesn't feel hungry at all.
“If you don't eat, you'll have no energy... right?” The young man adds to the end of his sentence until he hears a response. Charan pauses, not ready to give up yet.
“If you know, then choose one.”
“I don't want to eat this one.”
“Then what do you want to eat?”
“... “ There's no answer for this question... or maybe there is, but Charan probably won't be able to find it.
“Are you bored of food?”
“Not really.”
“...?”
“I want to eat my father's homemade food.” It was a momentary reaction of the person in front, who seemed to be still for a while. Khanin seemed to hear a slight exhalation before someone uttered a sentence that raised the atmosphere.
I understand that you may feel frustrated and uncomfortable with the sudden change in your life, but I want you to adapt. That's all.”
“You're not me, so you can say whatever you want.” Khanin interjected.
“Everyone has their own path in life.”
The young man's narrow eyebrows twitched. Khanin turned to look at Charan before letting out a low sigh, indicating an unstable emotional state for a moment.
“But it's a path that I didn't choose.”
“If you don't want to return for the competition, at least agree to my request.”
“...”
“You are under my protection. Return to Emmaly and tell Sovereign-King yourself that you will give up your rights.”
“Do I have any other choice then? I lost to you in bet. I have no right to choose anything anymore.” The young man didn't hold back his frustration at all.
Khanin glanced towards the wide open space in front of him until he saw someone walking away from them and turned back to look.
The broad back of a tall figure gradually moved further away. The softlipped owner of the fair-skinned body. Khanin thought to himself... Charan might have started to get tired of him...
Who would want to constantly deal with the unpredictable mood swings of another person? The other side must be quite annoyed.
Khanin chuckled hoarsely, his friend by his side feeling worse than before. His disappointment in fate made him want to disappear from this place, but that thought was quickly suppressed. When the majestic figure of someone else who had disappeared for a moment returned, accompanied by something that made the onlookers relatively surprised.
Here is the translation to English:
“What?” Khanin asked, even though he knew what it was.
“Ice cream.” the older person answered with a name. Khanin raised an eyebrow and tilted his head with a doubtful expression to let the other person know that he still didn't understand.
“I know, but why ask?”
“Just in case eating something sweet will help you... feel better.” Khanin hesitated, not expecting to receive this kind of answer.
The two-layered eyes avoided the ice cream cup and looked back at the face of the person who was much older than him, whom he found difficult to read.
After a brief hesitation, he reached out his hand to accept it. Khanin opened the cup and used the spoon to taste the flavor. The cool air and sweetness spread in his mouth, seemingly helping the young man relax and reduce his stress, but it couldn't compare to what the tall guy would say next. “I'm sorry if I rushed you too much.”
“...”
“... “ The spoon that was scooping the soft and slightly bitter flavor of coffee paused at Khanin's lips. He glanced at Charan, waiting for the other person to speak.
“But I want you to understand... my duty is to protect you.” That conviction had never changed. Khanin saw the confident look in his sharp eyes, which led the young man to realize the true nature of this guy, who is responsible for protecting him, is the most important thing for Charan.
“...”
You may not trust me yet, but believe that if you stay with me now, you will be safe.” This warm and gentle feeling in his heart shouldn't have happened at all. During times of weakness and loneliness, having someone standing by your side has an impact on the feelings of the person who receives it.
The younger boy's thin hand and gaze returned to focus on the taste of the sweet pastry in his hand. Khanin didn't say anything until a long pause before whispering something softly.
“Next time, get me an orange-flavored ice cream.”
“Hm?”
“I like orange-flavored ice cream more than coffee.” The speaker didn't explain anything else, just held up an empty cup of ice cream for others to see. Charan stopped talking and one of the teachers seemed to understand. Finally, Khanin agreed to let it go...
“The marquis will remember.”
“How did you think of bringing me out today?” The younger person asked, wanting to know but not expecting the answer they received. It made the temperature around them that had been chilly seem warmer to the eyes...
“Because I'm confident I can take care of you, no matter what happens. Just being close to me like this is enough.”
In addition, it also made the bitter taste of coffee on the tongue have a hint of another flavor mixed in, almost as if it had been altered in some way...
TBC.
Ice cream that can be bitter but still sweet.
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