The Next Prince, Chapter 35 pg7
The Next Prince, Chapter 35 pg7
“And why does it have to be this painting?”
“I just like its meaning... both the good and the not-so-good. Camellia Tsubaki.”
“...”
“Warriors shouldn't plant camellia flowers by their house fences. It brings bad luck. While in the Western culture, presenting this flower to someone signifies bestowing luck upon them, but only to that person.”
In the past, Japanese warriors used to grow camellia flowers around their homes extensively. Because the way the petals of this flower fall is not just a slow scattering of pollen, but a sudden shedding of the entire bud, resembling being beheaded with a single sword. Thus, ancient warriors didn't particularly admire it, yet at the same time, it had a positive meaning as a parallel to a horizontal line.
“...” Charan stayed silent to reflect. Meanwhile, his gaze turned to the blood-red flowers contrasting against the dark indigo background on the rectangular picture frame.
“The complex meaning has two sides for two angles, just like people, don't you think?” This time, Petai's and Ben's gaze shifted from the painting to the person, who is an esteemed teacher. The serene and peaceful pair of eyes were subtly veiled by something, which Charan could clearly sense.
“I want to say something for sure.” All of this, they did it for that purpose - to discuss their inner selves. They used art as a guise, but deep down, they knew that there was something more important that needed to be communicated.
“You must know in your heart that not speaking doesn't mean not knowing. That in the past... you've given your hands to others all along, haven't you?” The fair-skinned house owner intentionally entered the topic directly without further evasion. He employed the strategy of speaking ordered words suited for this situation.
If you have any doubts, make them known in advance, hoping that the conversational partners will be willing to reveal the hidden secret, which is a basic method that has proven effective for negotiators through the ages. However, with the Phitakthewa Clan leader, everything seems to be not as easy as before.
“If it is, then so be it. If it's not, then so be it.” The answer remained veiled as before, but Petai no longer cared. He didn't need any affirmation, he just came to sympathize and give a warning.
“Guess you won't give a helping hand, and you won't care for the relationship with the teacher's disciples either. In competition, we stand on opposite sides.” The gaze clearly expressed the sentiment.
Charan, however, still had a serene smile on his face, his posture calm and composed, devoid of worry or tension. It was appropriate for a person of a difficult-to-read, uncontrollable nature, surpassing the ability to predict his thoughts.
“Just wanted to tell you this.”
“We all have our responsibilities.” Petai meant the matters that they, being members of each respective clan, were involved in. However, it seemed that Charan, who seemed to know a lot, had changed.
Responsibility or heart?” The voice grew louder as Petai stood up abruptly, the younger man halted for a split second before he could regain his composure and turn back to his seat, feeling a sharp pain.
“Ask yourself first. Why are you doing what you're doing?”
“Ha ha.” The sentence slipped out of his mouth, catching those around him off-guard.
They just stared at each other. It seemed that they sensed the arrival of a third person. Petai then adjusted his expression to appear calm and smiled.
It felt like they were just having a casual conversation, more ordinary than trying to create a cold war.
“Thank you for sacrificing your time to help teach today.”
Petai's official words let Charan know that someone else has entered the room. The young man turned towards the door and unexpectedly encountered a person who had appeared here.
Khanin... Who did he come with, and how did he arrive?
“Are you studying art? That sounds fun!” The cheerful and lively greeting from the young prince caused those of lower rank to bow down in respect.
“Young Prince Khanin.”
“Khun Petai, I didn't expect to meet you here.” This may be the first time they have had a conversation. Khanin's eyes met with the person who was taller before shifting his gaze towards a framed painting.
“Even Your Highness did not expect to encounter a monk here.”
“I came to find Phii Ran.” The pronouns and words felt natural, as if they were not intentional. However, Petai could sense that someone was making an effort, showing a clear standpoint, and it was quite an interesting behavior for him.
“...”
“I've heard that Khun Petai is a student of Phii Ran, and he seems very talented.” Khanin continued to engage in casual conversation while the minister's son remained reserved as usual.
“Thank you very much.”
“Did I disrupt your rhythm?”
“Your Highness, I am about to leave.” Because Petai somewhat knew Khanin's intention. He didn't want to be a hindrance.
Just as he was about to say that, he sensed the improved mood of someone else.
“Is that so?”
“Please take care, Your Highness.” He gracefully bowed, as he had been trained to do all his life. Petai smiled back, but couldn't resist teasing Charan, who liked to act mischievously.
“...”
“I am leaving, Phii Ran.” The familiar and intimate pronouns that Petai had never used with anyone stirred warm feelings in Khanin's chest. The minister's son had left, leaving only Charan and Khanin in the room.
“Why didn't you call me to tell me earlier?” It was the first sentence after they had let silence cover them for a while.
Khanin clenched his lips, took a deep breath, and silently encouraged himself before responding.
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