The Next Prince, Chapter 24 pg4
The Next Prince, Chapter 24 pg4
And hold on a moment. Who said they’re not taking care of each other?
They just don't get close, that doesn't mean we don't take care of him at all... “Are you not working now?”
“Don't change the subject. I'm complaining, or... you two getting separated, did the Sovereign-King interfere or something?”
“...”
“Are you the Zone Protector?”
Charan wanted to know when Itti would stop talking. He saw the other side, making a big eye gesture as if pitying each other, and said, ‘Sovereign zones, what a meaningless thing. But most importantly... it annoys me quite a bit.’
“I didn't... start with me. There are overlapping threads.” At first, Charan intended to refuse the differences, but there were important overlapping threads that had to be cut because the conversation partner was waiting.
“How about this, Vetis?” The end of the line is another close friend Charan trusts. Growing up together, including himself, they often rely on professional services from Vetis.
“I don't think it's difficult for me to search for the information you need. But if you want a complete history of people who sought treatment for ankle injuries at various hospitals in every city, it may take some time.” A professional shadow investigator of few words, this front friend has an unremarkable background.
But the truth is that Vetis works as a shadow investigator, working only for individuals and requiring heavy expenses. The other side had to invest heavily to accept.
In this case, Charan contacted Vetis because he didn't want Sovereign-King to know that he still hadn't let go of Khanin, and he didn't, as Itti said.
It's not that he doesn't care, but there's only a distant way to care for himself. It's a car that requires more money than necessary, but that's it...
Charan is not worried about money.
“I understand that, but I don't want anyone to know too much.”
[Don't worry, I'll handle it myself.]
“Thank you very much.”
[Would it be better if we change ‘thank you’ to ‘get me a drink’?]
At the end of the line, the tempter beckons with a tantalizing voice. Charan knows well that the tempter doesn't actually want him to indulge, but rather speaks to entice those who are easily swayed to step out and let loose more than necessary.
“Where?”
[Tonight, at two in the morning, at the same place.]
Charan is not a stranger to late-night outings, but he doesn't necessarily lack any experiences. The young man strides into one of the top entertainment venues in the country, momentarily capturing the attention of numerous employees and people, who surround and care for him.
“I reserved a table.” He chooses to convey his wants with a short sentence to a male waiter, instead of engaging in lengthy conversations with others who attempt to make an acquaintance.
Being an intimate acquaintance of the Sovereign-King with a grand last name, it makes Charan reluctant to frequent entertainment establishments at night, not because he worries about his appearance being compromised, but simply because he feels weary of being stared at and desires to get to known by others more than being looked upon.
“This way, Charan.” The male employee seems to know his role well, extending his hand to lead him to the VIP zone adjacent to the bar.
Charan settles himself in a single anxious breath, and the person he longs to meet emerges.
Vetis, a 28-year-old young man, dressed in a dark shirt and with a honeycolored complexion. He has light brown hair and wears glasses, appearing seemingly polished and harmless upon first glance.
Contradicting reality completely.
“Hey there.” The other party greets him with a cheerful voice while taking a seat. In Vetis's hand, he holds two drinks, which bear a slight resemblance to each other.
“You made me come here again.”
“You must know the reason, right?” Vetis teases and hands Charan a reddish-brown drink, a clear sign indicating the main reason why he had to venture into the bustling heart of the city to drink.
A tall woman stands behind the long bar table, clad in a tight-fitting black outfit that showcases her curves when she moves her body. Her hair is tied up in a ponytail, giving her a sharp and captivating look when she reaches for cocktail ingredients, but it doesn't make her appearance seem intimidating.
Conversely, the surrounding atmosphere makes it hard to look away.
“What's so captivating about her...” Charan asks, as this isn't the first time Vetis has come to drink here. The other party can be considered a regular customer of this bar, and the main purpose is the woman with light-colored hair.
“Mira is beautiful, intelligent, and her knack for conversation uplifts my mood. Most importantly... She's unlike anyone else.” Vethit voices his thoughts. In his mind, he raises his glass as an invitation for his close friend to join in.
Charan lifts his cocktail glass, containing Campari, Vermouth, and Gin in equal proportions, creating the distinct flavor of Negroni. His attentive gaze falls upon the sophisticated lady mentioned by his close friend, before he leans in to respond to the conversation.
“So, huh?” But it's a way of continuing the conversation that makes someone listen, forcing them to look up with tired eyes and the indifferent nature of close friends. Charan is like this, introverted, never seen him enthusiastic about anyone or anything other than work and responsibilities. “Didn't feel like asking if there's a difference.”
“Not interested.”
“I forgot, you're only interested in the things that matter to you.”
“...The words that came out of Vetis's mouth without thinking caused Charan to pause for a split second, someone who never cared about anything other than a little gossip to distract himself.
“But I want you to know, Mira is not just good at mixing drinks, I've sparred with her, there was an agreement that if I won, I would ask her out for dinner, but that's it, I lost embarrassingly...”
“So?” Now Charan seems more interested in participating in the conversation. He contemplates about people he doesn't want to think about and then turns his attention to the stories from his close friend's mouth.
Vetis and Charan talk about trivial matters. Even at almost 4 AM, the head of the Phitakthewa family began to feel something abnormal.
Charan thinks he's being watched by someone... The spirits tell him that these pairs of eyes are different, and they give off a different feeling every time.
Who is it...
If you're someone who wants to engage in conversation and get to know each other, why just keep observing...
“Wait, I'll be back.” Because of a cramp, he made a decision to find an answer. Charan placed the glass, a 'Negroni', that he had barely sipped on the table. He stood up and let Vetis continue drinking in the dim light. Meanwhile, he walked towards the restroom at the back of the cafe instead of the VIP zone.
The reason was important as he wanted to lull the peeping person into following him. Charan's footsteps were slow and deliberate, not rushing, until he reached a secluded corner. The head of the Phitakthewa family turned to deal with a mysterious person who followed closely, arousing suspicion.
Comments
Post a Comment