The Next Prince, Chapter 26 pg2
The Next Prince, Chapter 26 pg2
“You... you're so heartless, do you know that? You brought me here, left me behind, and disappeared... Have you ever thought about how I would be?”
Charan feels guilty, and because he thinks that way, he decides to have a conversation with the young lord to let him know. The clock's needle reaches one o'clock as the spotlight illuminates the stage again, and the person in contemplation appears with a grand piano in the background, emanating a bright sound.
The young man stands tall before freezing for a moment when the spotlights shine, and the people lost in thought suddenly burst into applause.
Khanin Atsawathewathin. Dressed in the same color as the musical instrument, he resembles a renowned painted image created by a master artist, composing a melody born from his nimble fingers, creating a pleasant listening experience.
The first note and the enchanting melody that captivated everyone's gaze, at that precise moment, as if spelled by magic.
Particularly Charan, the young man couldn't take his eyes off, until he felt his heart fluttering in an unfamiliar way.
The sweet and melancholic voice blended with the chosen love song. Khanin, who cleverly used Emmaly's most famous love song, which was known by everyone for its challenging vocals and interesting musical notes.
However, the grandeur of the introduction of Atsawathewathin, the Royal Heir, surpassed that. Because Khanin brought new interpretations to all the songs and compositions, singing in a unique style that stood out.
His gentle and charming demeanor, not to mention the majestic appearance of a singular royal heir, a combination that melted all flaws, invoked awe and admiration from the crowd.
“Absolutely splendid, Young-Lord Khanin.”
“Is it true that he was raised as a commoner?”
“Such a pure voice. His musical skills must be impressive to watch.”
Proving his worth beyond doubt. Khanin, a scion of the Atsawathewathin dynasty, managed to silence those who despised and harbored grudges against him.
Thunderous applause echoed throughout the hall as the performance of the young royal descendant concluded. Khanin stepped forward, paying utmost respect to Dhipabawon. Tarin followed suit. Then, he stood tall in the center of the stage, gazing serenely at everyone, receiving their adoration and respect.
“We are delighted to have everyone gathered here. We sincerely thank you for the applause and warm welcome as a fellow citizen of Emmaly, thank you to all who contributed to this event, and thank you to our neighboring countries who have traveled here. Thank you to those who have flown from afar. Thank you for being part of this memorable night. In the name of Atsawathewathin, we will hold everyone's kindness, and we will never forget.
Thank you.”
Khanin's concluding remarks softened, expressing his humility towards those who had shown him respect. The surrounding flashes illuminated Charan, feeling overwhelmed... No, it wasn't just Charan, but everyone in the hall, including Dhipabawon.
It was partly because of the lengthy sentence just now. Khanin didn't merely speak in Emmalyan, but each sentence changed, showcasing his communication skills for other foreign leaders to acknowledge.
Japanese for the representative from Japan, English, Chinese, and many more followed, leaving many in awe, except for Tarin, who revealed a subtle smile. While Charan himself couldn't take his eyes off.
Khanin handled various situations better than Charan thought. He admired that, but at the same time, felt a twinge of envy deep within his heart when their eyes briefly met.
Charan was confident that Khanin saw him. It was because the young man deliberately stood in a spot he knew Khanin had to look through, pausing a little when their eyes brushed past each other.
But that's it... just a momentary pause before passing by, as if not being close to each other, and it made Charan's chest feel warm, as if a large fire engulfed him.
The multiplying negative emotions intensified when the owner of the alabaster physique descended from the stage, accompanied by the SovereignKing to engage in a conversation with Prince of that city, this city's princess, and many others according to the protocol.
It was part of the duty... but Charan couldn't help but feel uneasy, unlike ever before.
“Prince Kalavin, the nephew should know.” Because standing not far from the conversation, Prince Kalavin who used to be, with an indifferent expression, never disrespectful towards anyone, seemed much more lively now.
“Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise, that song you sang was amazing. I loved it.”
With just one glance, Khanin could tell that those compliments came from the heart. So, he thanked them with a smile before they shook hands in a friendly manner.
“Thank you, I'm glad you liked it.”
The introductions seemed simple enough, but Charan looked at the two of them as if he saw a dangerous weapon about to destroy the world. The leader of the heavenly guardian clan, with a calm and intimidating face, became even more composed.
The young man felt an itch in his heart, unable to express his feelings in words. He thought to himself that no matter what happens, he will not wait any longer. Tonight, he must find a moment to approach Young-Lord Lek and have a conversation.
“I enjoy listening to music too. I've heard this song before, and you have an interesting way of singing it.”
“Thank you. I hope you, Kalavin, can remember the song in the way I sang it.” Khanin responded to the compliment with a smile, looking at Chakri with a twinkle in his eyes, partly because of what Chakri had said earlier.
The story of Prince Kalavin. Chakri mentioned that the other party was the main sponsor and a potential ally who could help him in the competition. However, Khanin didn't want to approach directly without layers of strategy.
The young man chose to talk about music instead of making a straightforward formal introduction, but in his last sentence, there was an implicit meaning.
Dhipabawon and Tarin had moved away, but Khanin still noticed a pair of eyes looking at him. In truth, being an important prince, being watched was normal.
However, those eyes were different. Khanin noticed Charan's gaze. The dark eyes of the young artist and renowned owner of the art school. A famous name that couldn't be ignored.
Unlike anyone else, Khanin tried not to care because the other party seemed unaffected and claimed that he wouldn't feel anything. That was a bluff. As soon as their eyes met, a lingering feeling in his heart that he thought would fade away expanded into an overwhelming desire to avoid looking at someone with a malicious heart.
However, deep down, Khanin couldn't deny that he still had a lingering curiosity. He wanted to know if Charan had taken his words to heart from their previous conversation.
Is it the same... that swirling feeling in his heart that he tried to find something to forget?
Just then, a waiter served a glass of wine. Khanin accepted it, confident that he saw... that gaze that seemed to want to communicate something from Charan. It looked restless... it seemed to convey more feelings than the past few days.
Khanin hated himself. Because deep down, he was waiting for an opportunity, but as mentioned, he was tired of chasing. Charan was different, unwilling to be pursued!
He wouldn't try anymore. He might just find a way to stimulate a reaction from someone.
Father once said that when someone speaks up or approaches a quiet party, that's when you should be cautious and it becomes scary. He will make Charan aware of how being evaluated feels.
The music from the orchestra informs the next sequence of Khanin's performance, prompting people to have an escape plan from the maze. Khanin steps into the center of the dance floor, following the rehearsed positions.
He sees Ramil, EvPetai, and even Charan himself stepping in, prepared in the same manner. People from all around move in and surround them.
Now, Khanin stands in the center of the dance floor. In front of him is a beautiful lady who resembles the daughter of a minister. On the other hand, someone makes a gesture to withdraw first. The young nobleman quickly bows and counts the other side according to tradition.
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