“Al Riksha will soon set.”
These were the Guide’s words.
Those who hid themselves as shadows of darkness, raised their heads and looked into the dawn sky. They were part of an organization called The People of Mjab, and the Guide was one of them.
They exist in the slums beyond the borders of the Kemened Kingdom and have lived as the Kemened Royal Family’s dirtiest shadows for the longest time.
It was their responsibility to assassinate the Royal Family’s enemies, or to abort the King’s bastard in advance. In the seventh year of the war, their stealth has become the sharpest weapon of the Kemened Royal Family.
“Has the squadron Guide giving up?”
When someone asked a question, the Guide nodded.
“He did his job. He will die with no regrets in the arms of Al Riksha.”
No one reacted.
In the direction of their gaze, lying flat on the soil in the twilight, was the camp where Leshak was located.
After a while….
“I see something.”
…said the man with the spy glass held up to his eye.
With the exception of a few sentries, the camp slept in still darkness. Now it was lit up, and there was a commotion with people moving about.
“It is the pavilion of the Leshak Caliph.”
Oeal’s telescope showed as much as he wanted from a distance. He could see Leshak’s Guardian Knights entering the barracks, shouting out loud, he saw a man who looked like a doctor rushing to him, and even the commotion and the confusion it caused.
“The assassination appears to have taken place.”
“The body of the Leshak Caliph?”
“It cannot be verified.”
“That’s too bad, and what about The Blue Snake?”
“I can’t see. It doesn’t look like he escaped.”
“Okay.”
The Guide got up.
“Let’s withdraw.”
The decision was made so easily that even the People of Mjab had to ask.
“Aren’t you going to collect The Blue Snake?”
The Guide just cut him off and said.
“It’s impossible.”
He had no intention of helping Radan escape in the first place. It was fortunate that the concealed Blue Snake became the lover of the Leshak Caliph. Thanks to this, The People of Mjab were able to kill Leshak without any sacrifice.
It was also fortunate for him that the previous Squadron Guide had died. Now he would rule The People of Mjab, and live as the king of the underworld.
After the death of the Crown Prince Leshak, the war was sure to become even more radical. The Empire would continue to fight until it was exhausted and then finally collapse, but the five small countries would disappear from the continent first.
What would follow will be chaos, and chaos was the best place for the forces of darkness to reach out from. There was no need for a Blue Snake here.
His role must end with killing the Leshak Caliph. The Kemened Royal Family had no intention of giving the reward that was promised to the Blue Snake, and they already knew that if the betrayed Blue Snake opened his eyes on their ally, it would be a disaster!
Everything had to end here.
“We don’t know yet so we must check later. Let’s come back in a few days.”
At the same time, The Guide had an excuse to enter Leshak’s military camp again. All he had to do was pack a few clothes and put on the guise of a tailor and go in. In this way it would be possible to confirm the death of the Leshak Caliph without any suspicion.
“Of course.”
The People of Mjab disappeared as shadows.
If you’re reading this anywhere other than Foolishtranslationss.wordpress.com, it was stolen from the translator’s website. Reading this anywhere other than the translator’s website ensures that the translator may never translate any other works. Thank you.
“Radan , Radan!”
Radan rubbed his neck, he was unable to swallow the cold water that was trying to enter and spat it out.
“Oh…… (cough!)”
As he turned his head and coughed, a familiar hand pulled him closer and hugged him tightly. Fingers dug into his hair. Radan heard the name of God cited in his ear.
“Thank God. Damn, I thought you were dead!”
“Ah…….”
His pain in his throat became more acute at those words. Radan recalled the memory of Leshak strangling him while having a nightmare. It was a terrible memory. At that time, he knew something was wrong with Leshak. Radan raised his head in Leshak’s arms. A pale hand caressed Leshak’s arm.
“Y, Your Highness…… are ya, you, o, okay…….?”
Leshak grabbed Radan’s hand. His expression was rough. He had almost killed Radan with his own hands a while ago. A terrifying feeling that could not be described in words was swirling around inside him.
“I’m fine.”
Leshak felt those rushing emotions tightening their reins at Radan’s words. Why was Radan so worried about him? He almost killed him! Radan let out a long sigh of relief with his answer.
“I’m, r,r,……relieved”
Emotions that had been raging slowly subsided. The one who wasn’t alright was Radan. Every time he tried to talk, he started coughing. The doctor who had taken care of Radan so far, advised him to wrap his neck with a warm towel, saying that the neck muscles must have been injured.
There were the sounds of unfamiliar voices here and there, it seemed that several people were now in Leshak’s barracks. Radan didn’t know it, but there had been quite a commotion until he opened his eyes.
Karum did not hesitate to pour cold water to wake up the sleeping doctor. The doctor was suddenly struck by lightning and couldn’t come to his senses, and Karum almost dragged him to Leshak’s barracks.
The first commotion ended only when the doctor said that Radan had only briefly lost consciousness and would soon wake up. Nevertheless, the second commotion began when Radan showed no sign of waking up. Anyway, it worked out, fortunately.
The doctor made Radan a brew and he drank the sedative herb. The injured neck would gradually get better with time, but for now the priority was to manage his startled mind.
After taking the drug, he fell asleep again. Only after repeatedly checking that his breathing was even, the doctor was able to leave Leshak’s barracks.
“Your Majesty. Go to sleep now.”
These were the words Sidris said to Leshak, who was sitting at Radan’s bedside fiddling with his hair in an uncomfortable position.
“It is already dawn.”
“Leave it. I’ve gotten enough sleep.”
“Your Majesty.”
Leshak listened to those words with a frown on his forehead. The rough expression on his face didn’t seem to want to go back to normal yet. He fumbled through the air with his eyes, and spoke out abruptly.
“I had a strange dream.”
He was talking about the dream in which he accidentally strangled Radan.
“…… Did you?”
“It was a dream. I’ve been wallowing around on the battlefield for years and never had such a dream. At least…….”
“That can happen to anyone, My Lord.”
“Not everyone tries to kill someone who is next to them while they are sleeping.”
“Your Majesty,”
“How did I…… damn it.”
Leshak’s face twisted.
When he opened his eyes, he saw that he was holding Radan’s neck. Radan’s body sagged helplessly as he let out a choking sound. Leshak couldn’t believe what he had done, even while looking at the clear handprints on his white neck, he went crazy.
He didn’t even know how time had passed after that.
When the doctor said he was lucky he didn’t break his neck, it felt like the floor was sinking and him with it. He didn’t even want to think about what would have happened if Radan hadn’t woken up again.
“But it’s not funny that he was worried about me.”
“Your Majesty. It’s only natural. How can you compare your life to anyone else’s?”
“Is it? Yes, my people would think so. So this guy is like that too.”
Leshak straightened his twisted expression. He again became a strict prince and spoke to his men.
“So, you can stop digging up information behind Radan’s back. Don’t do it any more.”
Karum blinked as if he was wondering what it meant, and Sidris and Abadd gave each other an embarrassed expression.
“How did you know?”
“I heard you guys stopped by the pimp before you got on the horse. If that was the case, then it would be obvious.”
Abadd lowered his head with a confused expression.
“I’m sorry, Your Majesty. Punish me as you see fit. I will take it sweetly.”
“No, knowing that I left you to your own devices is the same as giving you instructions. This is my fault.”
It was a strange dream.
Everything that he had seen in my dreams felt real down to the last sensation. The most unforgettable was Radan, who devoured his heart. He wanted to forget those creepy and dazzling blue eyes. It seemed that it was his eyes, not his teeth, that had pierced his heart.
He wanted to forget, but he couldn’t.
– The Crown Prince of Ibeden Empire will die* from the serpent’s bite.
It was what the Seer said, but no one took it seriously. It was said that the Prophet was senile despite his young age.
However, he was bitten by a snake during the day today, and although he did not die, he dreamt that the snake had consumed his heart.
It would be a lie to say that nothing happened.
He also had a desire to dig up the thin link between the unknown assassin and Radan again. That is why he closed his eyes on the unauthorized actions of the two Guardian Knights for a while.
But Radan said he was glad Leshak was okay.
He had a nightmare, but Radan was glad that he’s okay. His innocent relief became a thorn for Leshak.
It was uncomfortable as if there were thorns in the sight of Radan, and the hands touching him. The cost of doubting Radan even for a short time, was so bitter.
“I’ve given up my doubts. I can command you to be like me, but don’t show your doubts in front of me.”
Abadd and Sidris bowed their heads.
“As you wish.”
Leshak’s gaze left them and returned to Radan.
“You may leave now.”
Abadd, Sidris, and Karum exchanged quick glances.
“One person will stay by your side, Your Majesty.”
“Not necessarily.”
“Then I will wait outside the barracks. Call me if you need anything.”
The whole camp, even where the three guardian knights disappeared to, became as quiet as before Radan fell asleep. Leshak did not lie down on the bed, instead he sat next to Radan and passed the rest of the dawn.
It was the first time he was afraid to sleep. And it was the first time he was so afraid for the existence of someone other than himself. It was the fear of the unknown, the supposition that this presence might disappear.
“I will not lose.”
Leshak intertwined his fingers with Radan’s sleeping fingers. Radan didn’t even move.
“I will not lose a second time.”
Leshak leaned over and placed his lips on the back of Radan’s hand as the dawn was slowly pushing the nightmare-stained night away.
If you’re reading this anywhere other than Foolishtranslationss.wordpress.com, it was stolen from the translator’s website. Reading this anywhere other than the translator’s website ensures that the translator may never translate any other works. Thank you.
It was weil past noon when Radan woke up. Because of his sore throat, Radan was forced to eat food he had never experienced before. It was a warm and thick meat soup, and it smelled very good.
When Radan hesitated, Leshak swore to God’s name that it was cooked with snake meat. Of course that was a lie, and what Radan tasted was a soup made from ground beef and potatoes.
Anyway, he could easily eat the hot food that didn’t require chewing. As he continued to take what Leshak coerced him to eat, that ‘one more bite‘ ended up emptying the entire bowl.
He found out that his body becomes very strange when he’s full. It was difficult to breathe, and his head was constantly heavy. He thought it might be because of the medicine he drank again after eating.
“Radan. Are you sleeping?”
“No…… Majesty.”
Radan and Leshak were basking in the sun on a small mound behind the barracks. As the sun warmed their skin, it seemed to melt his eyelids as well. As he let go of consciousness, his body kept leaning toward Leshak.
“You can sleep. I’ll lend you my shoulder.”
“No…… Before….. I slept a lot……”
“You seem half asleep already.”
Leshak tapped Radan’s shoulder like a joke. As Radan’s body leaned in the opposite direction, Leshak quickly reached out and pulled Radan’s body toward him.
Meanwhile, Radan was lying on Leshak’s lap.
“Just sleep.”
“No……”
It shouldn’t be like this.
Leshak ‘s thighs, which were being used as pillows, were tough and firm.
One thought was firmly embedded in the place like a reef, even as his senses were being submerged.
You have to run away. –
Come on, hurry. –
You must disappear from this person’s side before the Guide comes back. –
However, Leshak’s motions as he ruffled his hair were too soft. A hand that went down along his face line, lightly touched the bruise on the back of his neck. Radan reflexively grimaced, and Leshak didn’t miss it.
“Does it hurt a lot?”
”…….”
No.
“l almost killed you. Aren’t you scared?”
“…….“
No.
Radan had a poor understanding of the behavior of others. Leshak was only one of the handful of people he’d met. He didn’t know what could happen if Leshak had a nightmare, or that no matter how severe the nightmare was, he could never understand it.
Instead, what Radan understood was Leshak ‘s feeling towards him. He knew that he had no intention of killing him, so he wasn’t frightened.
He knew, so it was fine.
Instead of speaking, Radan leaned closer to his hand which was touching his face. He could hear Leshak muttering something, but there was no distance between them.
Some more time passed.
A wave of sleep gradually worn away Radan’s reefs. Meanwhile, Leshak was looking at Radan’s face, and tiredly asked.
“This blindfold…… Aren’t you uncomfortable?”
“……..”
His finger touched the string that tied the blindfold.
“You don’t have to wear it in front of me.”
“……. !”
Sleep ran away from him.
Radan’s upper body jumped up. Leshak, who had almost banged his chin on Radan’s head, pressed Radan’s shoulder.
“It’s okay, Radan. Why are you so startled?”
“N, no……it’s o, ok,…….it’s alright.”
“What do you mean okay?”
“That……. the c, cover is fine……. Don’t take it of…fff.”
Radan raised his body and pulled himself away from Leshak. Leshak looked at his empty hands, then gazed at him with an expression of annoyance.
“He told me not to look when you were washing your face. What’s the reason?”
”……..”
Radan inhaled nervously.
“Why can’t I look into your eyes? What kind of thing is that?”
Radan was desperate to find a lie. But sadly, he didn’t know how to lie. All he could do was hide the truth that he should not reveal the most.
“it’s u, ugly…….”
“Really?”
“Y, you can’t see it…….Th, They said na, never look…… so no…….”
“Who?”
“Lah, Laud…… ol, older brother…….”
“It’s scarred?”
“……Yes?”
“How bad is it if it’s a scar?”
“…….”
It was a question he hadn’t thought of. Radan shut his mouth, and Leshak pulled the blindfold knot.
“You don’t have to believe everything your family tells you. Even if it’s bad enough that you can’t see, that’s not a reason you have to cover your eyes. People who think it’s ugly shouldn’t look.”
“N, no!”
Radan pushed Leshak away.
He backed away and grabbed the blindfold tightly with both hands.
“It’s n, not okay, Majesty. It’s not possible.”
For the second time his hands were empty. The disappointment doubled. It seemed that Radan still needed a lot of time.
“……..It’s okay, I got it, I won’t try to force you to take it off.”
Radan bit his lip and nodded.
“Come on. Let’s finish sleeping.”
“………”
Radan hesitated to stand, and Leshak jumped up and grabbed him. Leshak forcibly laid him back on his lap and patted his back.
“If you don’t like it, I won’t do anything.”
“……. Yes, My Lord.”
“You can sleep more.”
“Yes, My Lord.”
Radan closed his eyes. The gestures that touched his back were as gentle and careful as before. Radan trusted Leshak. But believing in, and being anxious about someone are two different things.
The more he trusted him, the more it felt like someone was putting a hand into his stomach and squeezing his intestines.
There was no device for the blindfold. He needed an iron ball with a very heavy clasp.
Hurry …….you have to run away. –
It was cold and lonely inside the iron gate. But it was a place where he could protect Leshak from himself.
Radan bit down so as not to cry. However much affection he felt for Leshak’s hand on his back, his fear grew proportionately.
All of this will be lost when Leshak finds out that he’s the unknown assassin.
You have to run away! –
If he were inside the iron gate, he wouldn’t feel this fear. Because it was a place where there was nothing to protect.
If you’re reading this anywhere other than Foolishtranslationss.wordpress.com, it was stolen from the translator’s website. Reading this anywhere other than the translator’s website ensures that the translator may never translate any other works. Thank you.
“Al Riksha will soon set.”
These were the Guide’s words.
Those who hid themselves as shadows of darkness, raised their heads and looked into the dawn sky. They were part of an organization called The People of Mjab, and the Guide was one of them.
They exist in the slums beyond the borders of the Kemened Kingdom and have lived as the Kemened Royal Family’s dirtiest shadows for the longest time.
It was their responsibility to assassinate the Royal Family’s enemies, or to abort the King’s bastard in advance. In the seventh year of the war, their stealth has become the sharpest weapon of the Kemened Royal Family.
“Has the squadron Guide giving up?”
When someone asked a question, the Guide nodded.
“He did his job. He will die with no regrets in the arms of Al Riksha.”
No one reacted.
In the direction of their gaze, lying flat on the soil in the twilight, was the camp where Leshak was located.
After a while….
“I see something.”
…said the man with the spy glass held up to his eye.
With the exception of a few sentries, the camp slept in still darkness. Now it was lit up, and there was a commotion with people moving about.
“It is the pavilion of the Leshak Caliph.”
Oeal’s telescope showed as much as he wanted from a distance. He could see Leshak’s Guardian Knights entering the barracks, shouting out loud, he saw a man who looked like a doctor rushing to him, and even the commotion and the confusion it caused.
“The assassination appears to have taken place.”
“The body of the Leshak Caliph?”
“It cannot be verified.”
“That’s too bad, and what about The Blue Snake?”
“I can’t see. It doesn’t look like he escaped.”
“Okay.”
The Guide got up.
“Let’s withdraw.”
The decision was made so easily that even the People of Mjab had to ask.
“Aren’t you going to collect The Blue Snake?”
The Guide just cut him off and said.
“It’s impossible.”
He had no intention of helping Radan escape in the first place. It was fortunate that the concealed Blue Snake became the lover of the Leshak Caliph. Thanks to this, The People of Mjab were able to kill Leshak without any sacrifice.
It was also fortunate for him that the previous Squadron Guide had died. Now he would rule The People of Mjab, and live as the king of the underworld.
After the death of the Crown Prince Leshak, the war was sure to become even more radical. The Empire would continue to fight until it was exhausted and then finally collapse, but the five small countries would disappear from the continent first.
What would follow will be chaos, and chaos was the best place for the forces of darkness to reach out from. There was no need for a Blue Snake here.
His role must end with killing the Leshak Caliph. The Kemened Royal Family had no intention of giving the reward that was promised to the Blue Snake, and they already knew that if the betrayed Blue Snake opened his eyes on their ally, it would be a disaster!
Everything had to end here.
“We don’t know yet so we must check later. Let’s come back in a few days.”
At the same time, The Guide had an excuse to enter Leshak’s military camp again. All he had to do was pack a few clothes and put on the guise of a tailor and go in. In this way it would be possible to confirm the death of the Leshak Caliph without any suspicion.
“Of course.”
The People of Mjab disappeared as shadows.
If you’re reading this anywhere other than Foolishtranslationss.wordpress.com, it was stolen from the translator’s website. Reading this anywhere other than the translator’s website ensures that the translator may never translate any other works. Thank you.
“Radan , Radan!”
Radan rubbed his neck, he was unable to swallow the cold water that was trying to enter and spat it out.
“Oh…… (cough!)”
As he turned his head and coughed, a familiar hand pulled him closer and hugged him tightly. Fingers dug into his hair. Radan heard the name of God cited in his ear.
“Thank God. Damn, I thought you were dead!”
“Ah…….”
His pain in his throat became more acute at those words. Radan recalled the memory of Leshak strangling him while having a nightmare. It was a terrible memory. At that time, he knew something was wrong with Leshak. Radan raised his head in Leshak’s arms. A pale hand caressed Leshak’s arm.
“Y, Your Highness…… are ya, you, o, okay…….?”
Leshak grabbed Radan’s hand. His expression was rough. He had almost killed Radan with his own hands a while ago. A terrifying feeling that could not be described in words was swirling around inside him.
“I’m fine.”
Leshak felt those rushing emotions tightening their reins at Radan’s words. Why was Radan so worried about him? He almost killed him! Radan let out a long sigh of relief with his answer.
“I’m, r,r,……relieved”
Emotions that had been raging slowly subsided. The one who wasn’t alright was Radan. Every time he tried to talk, he started coughing. The doctor who had taken care of Radan so far, advised him to wrap his neck with a warm towel, saying that the neck muscles must have been injured.
There were the sounds of unfamiliar voices here and there, it seemed that several people were now in Leshak’s barracks. Radan didn’t know it, but there had been quite a commotion until he opened his eyes.
Karum did not hesitate to pour cold water to wake up the sleeping doctor. The doctor was suddenly struck by lightning and couldn’t come to his senses, and Karum almost dragged him to Leshak’s barracks.
The first commotion ended only when the doctor said that Radan had only briefly lost consciousness and would soon wake up. Nevertheless, the second commotion began when Radan showed no sign of waking up. Anyway, it worked out, fortunately.
The doctor made Radan a brew and he drank the sedative herb. The injured neck would gradually get better with time, but for now the priority was to manage his startled mind.
After taking the drug, he fell asleep again. Only after repeatedly checking that his breathing was even, the doctor was able to leave Leshak’s barracks.
“Your Majesty. Go to sleep now.”
These were the words Sidris said to Leshak, who was sitting at Radan’s bedside fiddling with his hair in an uncomfortable position.
“It is already dawn.”
“Leave it. I’ve gotten enough sleep.”
“Your Majesty.”
Leshak listened to those words with a frown on his forehead. The rough expression on his face didn’t seem to want to go back to normal yet. He fumbled through the air with his eyes, and spoke out abruptly.
“I had a strange dream.”
He was talking about the dream in which he accidentally strangled Radan.
“…… Did you?”
“It was a dream. I’ve been wallowing around on the battlefield for years and never had such a dream. At least…….”
“That can happen to anyone, My Lord.”
“Not everyone tries to kill someone who is next to them while they are sleeping.”
“Your Majesty,”
“How did I…… damn it.”
Leshak’s face twisted.
When he opened his eyes, he saw that he was holding Radan’s neck. Radan’s body sagged helplessly as he let out a choking sound. Leshak couldn’t believe what he had done, even while looking at the clear handprints on his white neck, he went crazy.
He didn’t even know how time had passed after that.
When the doctor said he was lucky he didn’t break his neck, it felt like the floor was sinking and him with it. He didn’t even want to think about what would have happened if Radan hadn’t woken up again.
“But it’s not funny that he was worried about me.”
“Your Majesty. It’s only natural. How can you compare your life to anyone else’s?”
“Is it? Yes, my people would think so. So this guy is like that too.”
Leshak straightened his twisted expression. He again became a strict prince and spoke to his men.
“So, you can stop digging up information behind Radan’s back. Don’t do it any more.”
Karum blinked as if he was wondering what it meant, and Sidris and Abadd gave each other an embarrassed expression.
“How did you know?”
“I heard you guys stopped by the pimp before you got on the horse. If that was the case, then it would be obvious.”
Abadd lowered his head with a confused expression.
“I’m sorry, Your Majesty. Punish me as you see fit. I will take it sweetly.”
“No, knowing that I left you to your own devices is the same as giving you instructions. This is my fault.”
It was a strange dream.
Everything that he had seen in my dreams felt real down to the last sensation. The most unforgettable was Radan, who devoured his heart. He wanted to forget those creepy and dazzling blue eyes. It seemed that it was his eyes, not his teeth, that had pierced his heart.
He wanted to forget, but he couldn’t.
– The Crown Prince of Ibeden Empire will die* from the serpent’s bite.
It was what the Seer said, but no one took it seriously. It was said that the Prophet was senile despite his young age.
However, he was bitten by a snake during the day today, and although he did not die, he dreamt that the snake had consumed his heart.
It would be a lie to say that nothing happened.
He also had a desire to dig up the thin link between the unknown assassin and Radan again. That is why he closed his eyes on the unauthorized actions of the two Guardian Knights for a while.
But Radan said he was glad Leshak was okay.
He had a nightmare, but Radan was glad that he’s okay. His innocent relief became a thorn for Leshak.
It was uncomfortable as if there were thorns in the sight of Radan, and the hands touching him. The cost of doubting Radan even for a short time, was so bitter.
“I’ve given up my doubts. I can command you to be like me, but don’t show your doubts in front of me.”
Abadd and Sidris bowed their heads.
“As you wish.”
Leshak’s gaze left them and returned to Radan.
“You may leave now.”
Abadd, Sidris, and Karum exchanged quick glances.
“One person will stay by your side, Your Majesty.”
“Not necessarily.”
“Then I will wait outside the barracks. Call me if you need anything.”
The whole camp, even where the three guardian knights disappeared to, became as quiet as before Radan fell asleep. Leshak did not lie down on the bed, instead he sat next to Radan and passed the rest of the dawn.
It was the first time he was afraid to sleep. And it was the first time he was so afraid for the existence of someone other than himself. It was the fear of the unknown, the supposition that this presence might disappear.
“I will not lose.”
Leshak intertwined his fingers with Radan’s sleeping fingers. Radan didn’t even move.
“I will not lose a second time.”
Leshak leaned over and placed his lips on the back of Radan’s hand as the dawn was slowly pushing the nightmare-stained night away.
If you’re reading this anywhere other than Foolishtranslationss.wordpress.com, it was stolen from the translator’s website. Reading this anywhere other than the translator’s website ensures that the translator may never translate any other works. Thank you.
It was weil past noon when Radan woke up. Because of his sore throat, Radan was forced to eat food he had never experienced before. It was a warm and thick meat soup, and it smelled very good.
When Radan hesitated, Leshak swore to God’s name that it was cooked with snake meat. Of course that was a lie, and what Radan tasted was a soup made from ground beef and potatoes.
Anyway, he could easily eat the hot food that didn’t require chewing. As he continued to take what Leshak coerced him to eat, that ‘one more bite‘ ended up emptying the entire bowl.
He found out that his body becomes very strange when he’s full. It was difficult to breathe, and his head was constantly heavy. He thought it might be because of the medicine he drank again after eating.
“Radan. Are you sleeping?”
“No…… Majesty.”
Radan and Leshak were basking in the sun on a small mound behind the barracks. As the sun warmed their skin, it seemed to melt his eyelids as well. As he let go of consciousness, his body kept leaning toward Leshak.
“You can sleep. I’ll lend you my shoulder.”
“No…… Before….. I slept a lot……”
“You seem half asleep already.”
Leshak tapped Radan’s shoulder like a joke. As Radan’s body leaned in the opposite direction, Leshak quickly reached out and pulled Radan’s body toward him.
Meanwhile, Radan was lying on Leshak’s lap.
“Just sleep.”
“No……”
It shouldn’t be like this.
Leshak ‘s thighs, which were being used as pillows, were tough and firm.
One thought was firmly embedded in the place like a reef, even as his senses were being submerged.
You have to run away. –
Come on, hurry. –
You must disappear from this person’s side before the Guide comes back. –
However, Leshak’s motions as he ruffled his hair were too soft. A hand that went down along his face line, lightly touched the bruise on the back of his neck. Radan reflexively grimaced, and Leshak didn’t miss it.
“Does it hurt a lot?”
”…….”
No.
“l almost killed you. Aren’t you scared?”
“…….“
No.
Radan had a poor understanding of the behavior of others. Leshak was only one of the handful of people he’d met. He didn’t know what could happen if Leshak had a nightmare, or that no matter how severe the nightmare was, he could never understand it.
Instead, what Radan understood was Leshak ‘s feeling towards him. He knew that he had no intention of killing him, so he wasn’t frightened.
He knew, so it was fine.
Instead of speaking, Radan leaned closer to his hand which was touching his face. He could hear Leshak muttering something, but there was no distance between them.
Some more time passed.
A wave of sleep gradually worn away Radan’s reefs. Meanwhile, Leshak was looking at Radan’s face, and tiredly asked.
“This blindfold…… Aren’t you uncomfortable?”
“……..”
His finger touched the string that tied the blindfold.
“You don’t have to wear it in front of me.”
“……. !”
Sleep ran away from him.
Radan’s upper body jumped up. Leshak, who had almost banged his chin on Radan’s head, pressed Radan’s shoulder.
“It’s okay, Radan. Why are you so startled?”
“N, no……it’s o, ok,…….it’s alright.”
“What do you mean okay?”
“That……. the c, cover is fine……. Don’t take it of…fff.”
Radan raised his body and pulled himself away from Leshak. Leshak looked at his empty hands, then gazed at him with an expression of annoyance.
“He told me not to look when you were washing your face. What’s the reason?”
”……..”
Radan inhaled nervously.
“Why can’t I look into your eyes? What kind of thing is that?”
Radan was desperate to find a lie. But sadly, he didn’t know how to lie. All he could do was hide the truth that he should not reveal the most.
“it’s u, ugly…….”
“Really?”
“Y, you can’t see it…….Th, They said na, never look…… so no…….”
“Who?”
“Lah, Laud…… ol, older brother…….”
“It’s scarred?”
“……Yes?”
“How bad is it if it’s a scar?”
“…….”
It was a question he hadn’t thought of. Radan shut his mouth, and Leshak pulled the blindfold knot.
“You don’t have to believe everything your family tells you. Even if it’s bad enough that you can’t see, that’s not a reason you have to cover your eyes. People who think it’s ugly shouldn’t look.”
“N, no!”
Radan pushed Leshak away.
He backed away and grabbed the blindfold tightly with both hands.
“It’s n, not okay, Majesty. It’s not possible.”
For the second time his hands were empty. The disappointment doubled. It seemed that Radan still needed a lot of time.
“……..It’s okay, I got it, I won’t try to force you to take it off.”
Radan bit his lip and nodded.
“Come on. Let’s finish sleeping.”
“………”
Radan hesitated to stand, and Leshak jumped up and grabbed him. Leshak forcibly laid him back on his lap and patted his back.
“If you don’t like it, I won’t do anything.”
“……. Yes, My Lord.”
“You can sleep more.”
“Yes, My Lord.”
Radan closed his eyes. The gestures that touched his back were as gentle and careful as before. Radan trusted Leshak. But believing in, and being anxious about someone are two different things.
The more he trusted him, the more it felt like someone was putting a hand into his stomach and squeezing his intestines.
There was no device for the blindfold. He needed an iron ball with a very heavy clasp.
Hurry …….you have to run away. –
It was cold and lonely inside the iron gate. But it was a place where he could protect Leshak from himself.
Radan bit down so as not to cry. However much affection he felt for Leshak’s hand on his back, his fear grew proportionately.
All of this will be lost when Leshak finds out that he’s the unknown assassin.
You have to run away! –
If he were inside the iron gate, he wouldn’t feel this fear. Because it was a place where there was nothing to protect.
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