New Hope
1901 Words
As Prince Yoshimura spoke, Bei Yong couldn't help but slowly grinned despite the misfortune those villages and towns experienced. Serves them right. Plus offering a job amidst poverty is a good move after all. Seeing the frown of the guard beside Prince Yoshimura made him happier, thinking the report was not in their favor. In the next moment, however, he couldn't even lift the corners of his lift one bit as his eyes grew wider and wider in shock.
“The ladies, upon return, had lost their spirits or decided to end their life. Not to mention there was no paying job waiting for them, they were forced to be a part of the Prime Minister’s harem, Not only the daughters but even beautiful wives, ruining their life and dignity. That includes the wives of his soldiers who left to fight on behalf of his wishes,” Yoshimura whistled. “Well, I guess that the Prime Minister really doesn't discriminate, does he?”
He stared at Bei Yong as the latter turned white as paper, as if his soul completely left his body.
“The Prime Minister’s actions to lure everyone to trust him would only work at the beginning. But it will ruin not just the economy and livelihood but other things that make the country revolve. Aside from that, he never resolve the racial discrimination. At first, they will avoid the mixed bloods. Soon, because the could not feed their families, they will turn to hate, then prejudice, lastly, violence or voice out their will to change while suppressing the people they hate. Doesn’t it sound familiar?”
Chunan, who was quiet all along, suddenly spoke. “Prejudice only causes more misunderstanding. If you want things to get better, we should understand that we’re all humans who have similar wants and needs. If we could accept the differences and give equal opportunity, then everything will slowly get better. Racial discrimination will just repeat itself if no one decided to stop it in the first place.”
“Impossible. DO you think I will believe you?!” Bei Yong shouted.
“Who are you? How important are you for me to get out of my way to get your favor?” Yoshimura stood up, the aura he exudes was suffocating, as if there were not enough space for the three of them. “I only pity you. Being blinded by simple matters. Now, I believe the Little Prince can handle governing your country. He even had broader insight than you and that envoy.”
Anger and embarrassment clouded Bei Yong’s judgment. He swiftly slid his hand on the side of his leg, pulling a blade. He flick his leg in Yoshimura's direction.
But who was Yoshimura? He was not some ordinary Prince who played around, bathing in golds and silver. He was someone who led and won a battle against a fleet attack when he was fifteen.
A mere trick could not even startle him. In an instant, the blade was already struck back at Bei Yong’s leg, thrusted deep on his flesh. He did not even see what happened with his eyes. But Chunan clearly saw it.
As they walked out of the tent, Prince Yoshimura ordered the soldiers outside to take Bei Yong away.
The night was quiet but they could not enjoy this short calmness. Three places still needed their help.
Chunan hesitated for a while before he finally decided to ask when they were far from people.
“Your Highness, was that part of the reason why you helped us?”
Yoshimura glanced at him, “No. If it was me, I would have completely destroyed your country. Then no one would dare discriminate against anyone. My mother***, my father suffered a lot when he was still in Great Lang. But the person who helped him escape...I can’t deny that I owe him our lives.” Maybe it was because a connection between them had opened, the Second Prince talked more than usual. “It was not easy, either. Even at the palace, father suffered and struggled after he became a concubine. The King loved him, but he already took a queen back then and my father was a foreigner. How could he give him a secured position. Either way, his body became weak after he gave birth to me. I did not know why. Anyway, to protect him, I can’t stay in the center of attention. If father was still alive, it was not former General Saikyu nor not just the two of you who would become bait in this war. I can only imagine my father silently suffering once again.”
Chunan remembered some rumors about the Second Prince around the first year he arrived in Kumoshima. During that war five years ago, even if the news about his victory spread back like wildfire then, people mocked him for taking credits. But he just let them think he’s a fake, even fanning the rumor about him.
Why would someone want to discredit himself?
Prince Yoshimura was also thinking the same thing. People thought he lost the King’s favors because of it. Except for the Inner Minister, no one knew the truth. But it was necessary. Back then, if he could protect his father, he would do everything he could, even if he won’t gain glory for himself.
Even so, Prince Yoshimura did not bear a deep grudge. Despite his effort to hide the truth in the shadow of the arrogant Prince he portrayed.
He glanced at Chunan. If he would choose who he wanted to support between the two Princes, he would go with this person beside him. But the blood ties in the Great Lang were strong. Even if the Alpha born turned out to be a vile person, people would still follow it blindly. The current Crown Prince is good but what about the future generation?
By the time it happened, the common people’s blood ties would be thinner than it was now. A new line of people would be born, a revolution would arise and a new generation would govern. Anyway, it was something left for the future to see.
Prince Yoshimura increased his pace as they approached the stable. They still needed to return. The views and rights they were fighting for right now was still on one step away from them.
“Let’s go.”
When Luminous returned, the food was already well-prepared. He forked a piece of pork cutlet and shoved it into his mouth. He saw Chraen smiled while looking at him.
“You,” he started, beaming at the other, "You really can cook.”
Chraen chuckled, “Not really. I only knew how to please those two people with this. Let’s eat?”
No one spoke while eating. However, Luminous can feel Chraen’s gazes. Though he was not uncomfortable about it, he also couldn't help but worry.
He looked up from his food and asked, “Are you worried about something?”
“I’ll tell you after we finish the meal.”
This piqued Luminous’ curiosity. However, he did not expect what Chraen did after the meal.
“This should be the right way or I remembered it wrong?”
It was already their second dead end.
Luminous stared at Chraen’s back as the other person struggled to find their way around the maze garden. He believed wholeheartedly that the Chraen who came to him the other day and this one were two different people.
However, he had no plans of telling him what actually happened right away. He needed to be careful when dealing with these things. Careful not to trigger anything that might endanger Chraen’s life.
Just as he was about to follow Chraen, the other person called him, “Luminous, don’t you think this wall was unusually too thick?”
Luminous pressed his left hand on the wall for support but just as his palm touched it, the area they were holding on to suddenly sunk. Startled, they heard a faint rumbling of unknown machineries. But before they could even look at it, a female’s voice suddenly called for Chraen’s name.
Chraen became stiff all of a sudden, eyes blanked.
Luminous looked at him worriedly. “What happened? Are you alright?”
It took him a few seconds before he finally moved. He slowly stood up, his voice seemed gentler and finer than usual. His eyes curved as he smiled at Luminous, “Let’s go. I’m afraid Mother will get angry if she sees us here.”
Without waiting for Luminous’ answer, Chraen pulled him out of the maze easily. Luminous frowned. Something was wrong with the other’s actions.
The elevated, almost shrieking voice of the woman made Luminous’ frown grow deeper.
“Chraen! Chraen, how dare you bring someone in my garden?! Get out as soon as possible!”
“Mother, we’re almost there, wait a bit.”
As they stepped out of the maze, a crisp slap greeted Chraen’s face.
Luminous pulled him back but he was late to see Celeste’s actions.
“Chraen!” Luminous held and observed the other’s face. Chraen’s cheeks started to turn red.
Celeste turned at him in hysteria, “Who are you?! This kid has no friends. Did you trick him to get in here?!”
Chraen turned his head and looked at Celeste without letting go of the person in front of him. “Madam, don’t you recognize me? I am Luminous Zofel Madrozja. We’ve met before,” he said, clenched teeth. He really did not like her. And now, she abused her step son? Does Mr. Visterdja know about it? Did he really just let her hurt Chraen?
Celeste’s eyes widened. She did not recognize Noctis’ nephew. Trying to save her face, she smiled, “A-ah, it is Young Master Zofel. I’m sorry. Did I startle you? I always tell this kid not to bring people in the maze. Because the maze was rarely maintained. There are areas that need repair.”
Luminous just stared at her. Yes, what she said made sense, but there were too many flaws in her reasons. He looked at Chraen. For some reason, the latter’s eyes downcasted, not even saying a single word. He looked worried and scared. “It doesn’t matter. May I have some ice cubes? I'll take care of Chraen.”
Celeste’s eyes narrowed, “You don’t need to worry about this child.” She tried to pull Chraen but Luminous blocked between them.
“Madam, I’ll bring him to his room. We still need to plan for the school festival.”
Luminous put his arms on Chraen’s shoulder, “Let’s go.” He did not wait for the other’s reply. He led the other into the house to look for Damian.
“Madam sent Mr. Damian to bring the documents Master Bazyli left behind.”
“Then could you tell me where Chraen's room is?”
“Please follow me.”
On the way, Luminous saw a huge family portrait with both Celeste and Chraen on it. Both were smiling as if both had a good relationship with each other. He sighed. Luminous did not mean to interfere with their family affair, but how could he ignore what happened earlier?
“Damn, and here I thought you had a good relationship with your mom.”
Luminous brought him to the
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