The Next Prince, Chapter 27 pg4
The Next Prince, Chapter 27 pg4
“In that case, may I exercise my right to appoint with my approval,
Grandfather?”
A strong gust of tension fills the room. Charan's face clearly shows surprise, while the other party gazes back, their face seemingly revealing tails and wings emerging from their body.
“What do you mean by that?”
“Most people think that Khun Charan and I have a romantic relationship. If that's the case, why don't we use that news to our advantage?”
“...”
The room falls into a solemn silence. Khanin takes a deep breath before hastily explaining further.
“If we say the appointment was for an affectionate companion, Khun
Charan wouldn't need to reveal his sword-fighting abilities, right? I remember
Chakri said there was someone who did it like this before.”
Khanin was referring to the accepted rules, which have been recorded in Emmaly's history.
To the best of our knowledge, there have been instances of noble people that were appointed as affectionate companions. Although it may be scarce at times, they ultimately received consent from the country's leaders at that time.
“...”
“This way, I would have a bodyguard named Khun Charan. No one would doubt our outings together, and no one would suspect that Khun Charan has sword-fighting skills when planning something between the two of us. Let people interpret it themselves that I am someone who acts according to my own desires... In any case, those people won't have a way to know.”
“...”
“...”
“But I'll do it as a decoy, someone else who fits the criteria chosen by Grandfather.”
“What you mean is that you'll do everything as it should be, and then divert in another direction to find a way to defeat the opponent without letting the other party know what plans you have... Is that right?”
“Yes, I have read it before in ‘Three Kingdoms’. It's the strategy of using decoys.” The youngest person in this room smiles, as Khanin's eyes sparkle when he talks about his carefully planned strategy.
Dhipabawon smiled contentedly, pleased to know that his only grandson shared the same mindset... even in evading danger.
Therefore, the old man chose to keep the dilemma lingering in his mind, to return to focusing on the most important matters at hand, for now.
“If it's done that way, then Charan would be the one at a disadvantage.”
“Hmm...”
“Charan, if you assume this position, it means that Khanin's plan will eliminate the chance for you to experience love for many more years. Would you accept this offer?”
The Sovereign King's words widened the eyes of the person who had forgotten about this matter. Khanin clenched his lips, his mind filled with thoughts he hadn't anticipated.
That's true... if it's done like that, then Charan won't have a girlfriend.
If one day Charan develops feelings for someone... his role as the heir apparent would become an obstacle to the happiness of the other person, wouldn't it?
No, he wouldn't allow this situation to occur.
“If that's the case... we won't use this method anymore, Grandfather. We'll use a different approach...”
“Your Highness, I wholeheartedly support this.”
Khanin didn't have time to finish his sentence as someone standing still like a statue suddenly spoke.
The young prince quickly turned to look, feeling a slight surge in his throat, while the owner of the voice hesitantly responded to the proposal that felt as if it trapped him, preventing any further denial.
Charan agreed too easily, too easily as if he was just being invited to have a meal...
“That's not good. How will you do that? And what if someday you want to have a g-...”
“Your Highness, no one holds a place in my heart... and I believe there won't ever be someone.”
A laugh escaped from the old man's throat, causing everyone to compose themselves in silence. Khanin's charming face showed a hint of disappointment, unanticipated by himself.
No dialogue, no sound in the room, as if one could almost hear even the rustling of leaves outside swayed by the wind, Dhipabawon made a decisive decision on behalf of everyone.
“Alright... if that's the case, then we've reached a conclusion... agreed, I allow the appointment of Charan as the affectionate-companion of the heir apparent , and I will announce that my grandson, with my consent, has been appointed an affectionate companion.” Dhipabawon emphasized the weight of his words.
The corner of his eye, wrinkled with age, glanced at the one he had nurtured, resembling his grandson in appearance, before exhaling a profound sigh, adding with a soft voice, “Because regardless... Charan is wholeheartedly dedicated... it shouldn't cause any harm.”
“...”
“If there's nothing else, all of you should go and carry out your duties. I need some rest..” Dhipabawon paused, then turned to instruct Virun to send out the guests.
Khanin took the lead. Then he hesitated, looking for a familiar butler. But seeing no one, he understood that Chakri must have returned to wait in the bedroom.
The hallway now contained only the Phitakthewa clan leader and the young prince. Their eyes briefly avoided each other, before they decided to exchange greetings.
“You...”
Khanin reluctantly stopped in the long corridor on the second floor of the left-wing of the palace. The lingering tension from the recent events pushed him to turn back and find the person walking behind him.
“Hmm...”
“Thank you.” It took him a while to express his gratitude. He averted his gaze, surveying the area to make sure no one was listening to their normal conversation.
“About what?” Charan stopped frowning, still not fully understanding the purpose of this somewhat heartfelt thanks.
“Well... about today.” He straightforwardly admitted that Khanin wasn't very skilled at expressing such sincere gratitude.
It was difficult because the atmosphere around them made it overwhelming.
“...”
“Thank you for agreeing to cooperate with me. Thank you for coming back...” The young prince's eyes were sincere. Their beautiful gaze affected Charan's feelings, prompting the older man to quickly lower his eyes and look in another direction.
“I made a promise to do more than just my duties... and I must keep that promise.” He responded as if it was no big deal, but inside, it was conflicting.
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