The Next Prince, Chapter 27 pg5
The Next Prince, Chapter 27 pg5
Charan was wholeheartedly willing to help Khanin because he felt a sense of guilt and wanted to assist the young man's emotions.
Just like how Khanin cared about Charan's feelings... They were evenly matched.
“But it's a bit too much... what grandfather said. If you accept this offer, it's not just about not having a girlfriend, but you will be involved with Nin. I think
I underestimated it... I apologize.”
“And who else needs to be involved in this matter?”
“Me... and you...”
“Wow, why did you let yourself be gossiped about like that?” The tall figure raised an eyebrow in a mild question, intending for the young man to reflect on it again.
“Well... you said you wouldn't draw your sword against others, so stubbornly... and I wanted you to be with me. So, I had to resort to this method.”
“This method?”
“I can't protect you from being gossiped about. Because somehow, others are already talking about us this much.”
“...”
“But believe me. At least. I can keep your secret, I promise no one will know. I'll keep your secret to myself. Because now, we are a team.”
What is the thing that holds the shattered heart of a grown person so tightly?
Charan has asked questions and sought answers many times, but his answers have never escaped the words ‘burden’ and ‘responsibility.’
It's drastically different from this time. Khanin smiled a little. Then Charan responded, saying that it meant a lot to him to have someone understand and try to protect each other, something he had never received from anyone before.
And it holds emotional value, impacting the heart in a more intense way than Charan himself could have imagined...
“Oh, the same team, huh... In that case, can you tell me what the duties of a close confidant are?”
It's no different from permission and acceptance in status... Khanin revealed a wide smile, before smoothly continuing the conversation.
“Let's start by grabbing a snack together, shall we?” The sound of people talking in a funny manner.
Khanin looked up as they descended the grand staircase of the palace, the young boy not rushing. He silently smiled to himself as he glanced at a few people following closely behind.
They used to argue at this very spot, some pretending to be indifferent and cool, refusing each other in every possible way. And now, look at them, they have changed into completely different people.
Khanin felt like if this were a game, he would be the victorious one.
Ah... alright. If we don't count the injuries caused by possessive pronouns and such...
“Sigh, what a laughable situation...” Because he saw someone younger, he couldn't help but crack a smile. Charan refrained from asking out of curiosity.
“What do you want to be called?” Abruptly halting as they reached the entrance of the living room. Khanin frowned, feeling slightly awkward and flustered with the changed and alternating pronouns.
When Charan replaced himself with ‘Phii’ but then shifted back when they were apart, Khanin didn't like it.
“This area is vast. It wouldn't be appropriate if anyone overheard.” Whispers from the surrounding people.
Khanin held back, determined to argue back, but got interrupted by a third person appearing first. Their natural conversation had to come to an end.
“Who is it...”
“Khanin, Charan.” They were siblings, the only two in the royal family who respected and smiled at each other. Evaa, wearing an outfit that looked somewhat mismatched, with tousled hair tied in a ponytail, deviating from the gentle and elegant image she had in her royal attire from the previous night.
“Evaa.”
“Shall we go have dessert together?” The young woman still maintained her familiar friendship, extending a smile to Charan, inviting Khanin to make a decision.
“Sure...” Khanin replied, for one part because he had previously declined Evaa several times, and for another part because it was the intention of the young prince from the start.
Khanin took the lead and stopped in front of the sitting room with a balcony overlooking the garden. He graciously opened the door, allowing only one young woman to step into the area designated for snacks and rest.
“Thank you very much.” Her genuinely sweet voice was pleasant to listen to.
Charan and Evaa's two attendants were about to move and stand guard in a corner, but Khanin refused to let it be that way.
“Where are you going? Take a seat.” Khanin's command caused the tall figure to pause.
Charan hesitated to directly address the young lady in front of him, causing Khanin to speak up.
“...”
“Sits straight.” He clapped his hands on the empty seat next to him to indicate a position.
Charan hesitated to sit, for an important reason: the vacant seat at the table was not only for Khanin. However, considering their current positions and responsibilities, it would be best to reject the idea. Let that go.
“Please have a seat, Charan. It's enjoyable to have a conversation with multiple people.” Evaa was skilled at creating a smooth atmosphere. She smiled friendly, gestured, and gave permission to Charan.
“May I request permission.” The senior's words, accompanied by a respectful gesture, followed the hierarchical protocol. Charan sat down, maintaining his composure and posture, befitting the high-class upbringing he had received.
The noble servants served the vacant plates and cups. In front of them, there were various pastries and sweets displayed. They conversed about trivial matters. Then, at just the right moment, one of the ladies brought up a topic that clearly affected the listeners' reactions.
“Indeed, we didn't get a chance to talk about it last night...”
“...”
Regarding the criticism of the dancing pair. Khanin was not aware of the details but knew very well that it was being talked about. He couldn't guess what Evaa's opinion on the matter would be... Same goes for Ramil.
“That was an excellent performance. Very regal.”
The young lady's words kept Khanin slightly perplexed. He raised an eyebrow, as she seemed not to care about his and Charan's dancing, instead choosing to mention the open show.
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