Stephen shook his head, his expression calm and assured. "Don't worry, I know exactly what I'm doing." His golden robe fluttered gracefully, complementing the dark robe of his companion. They stood like two celestial beings, as if untouched by time, at the very edge of the universe. The maids who passed by couldn't help but steal glances, their curiosity piqued by the striking duo. Sensing the attention they were drawing, Stephen motioned for Daniel to follow him to his chambers.
Aaron nodded, his thoughts tangled with uncertainty. He couldn't shake the feeling that the man before him wasn't quite the same as the Stephen he had always known. As the crown prince, Stephen's relationship with Jon, the son of a powerful minister, should have been diplomatic, even protective—after all, with the looming threat from the other princes vying for the throne, caution was essential. Yet Stephen didn't seem to be concerned with Jon at all. Instead, he chose to stand by Daniel, leaving Jon to face his fate alone. Aaron's mind raced with questions, yet, strangely, despite the confusion, his heart quickened. There was something about Stephen's quiet action, his disregard for political maneuvering, that stirred something warm within him. Maybe it wasn't just strategy that guided Stephen's steps, but something deeper, something more... personal.
Stephen also felt he was capricious but noticing Aaron, he felt it was worth everything. He said, waving his hands and looking casual, "No one is important right now when I'm with my long-distance friend. And you will go away again."
He sighed, "I don't want to let you go. Still, it's okay, I also want to join the military. Maybe this time I will come. All these teachings, why do you think I'm taking from General Sam." He waved and dismissed all the servants.
Stephen gestured to the seat across from him with a calm smile. "Take a seat," he said softly, then turned his attention to the tea set before him. His movements were smooth and practiced, as if brewing tea was as natural to him as breathing. The way he handled the delicate porcelain, the careful pour of the water, the graceful twirl of the tea leaves—it was all so precise, so elegant. Aaron watched closely, his brow furrowing. If he recalled correctly, Stephen had never shown any particular talent for tea. In fact, tea brewing was never even mentioned in the whole plot.
Unable to hide his curiosity, Aaron asked, "You can make tea? This is a surprise."
Stephen glanced up, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I sometimes do," he replied, his voice light and unbothered.
But Aaron wasn't convinced. The movements were far too graceful, too confident to have been learned recently. No, this was something cultivated over years. He suppressed his doubts and didn't press further, letting the moment pass without comment.
As Stephen poured the tea with an almost meditative focus, the art of tea brewing seemed to come alive in his hands. The way he measured the leaves, the angle of the pour, the careful infusion of time and heat—it was clear he had mastered not just the technique, but the spirit of the ancient practice. It was a ritual, a dance of patience and perfection. Aaron watched, entranced by the scene.
Stephen looked at him with a knowing smile, as if he could sense Aaron's quiet admiration. "You don't have to worry about the war," Aaron said, his tone more serious now, the edge of concern creeping in. "We, the Generals, can handle it. You're the crown prince—your place is at the palace, not in the heat of battle. This is prime time, after all." He paused, his voice softening. "I would feel more at ease if you stayed behind."
Stephen's lips curled into a small, genuine smile, and for a moment, his face softened with a hint of warmth. "You worry too much," he said, his laughter rich with sincerity. "I know what I'm doing. There's no need for concern. And as for my cousin... he can't take my throne."
He lifted his own cup, savoring the delicate aroma of the tea before offering it to Aaron. "Have some. It will calm your nerves," he added with a reassuring nod.
Aaron hesitated for a moment, but the sincerity in Stephen's voice was undeniable. He accepted the cup, letting the fragrant tea fill his senses, feeling a calm he hadn't realized he needed. Perhaps, just maybe, Stephen knew exactly what he was doing after all.
Aaron took the cup in his hands, the warmth of the tea spreading through his palms, and let out a soft sigh. His thoughts swirled as he gazed at Stephen, a man who was so different from the prince he remembered. Stephen should have been close to Jon, should have cared for him more—after all, they had shared a bond in the past. But now, he was distant, even indifferent, choosing to ignore Jon and yet treating Aaron with an odd familiarity. It didn't make sense. Aaron's curiosity deepened despite the confusion, pulling him in against his better judgment.
He couldn't help himself. Quietly, almost instinctively, he contacted his system. "Find out where this soul came from, and who he really is," he whispered, his voice tinged with both suspicion and intrigue.
The system responded in its usual monotone voice. "As you wish, host. It was my oversight not to detect this earlier. Initiating search now."
Aaron leaned back slightly, taking a sip of the tea. The taste was extraordinary—far more refreshing and complex than any tea he had ever had. It carried a depth that seemed to linger on his palate, a fragrant blend he couldn't quite place but found oddly familiar. His eyes softened in surprise as he spoke, half to himself and half to Stephen, "I don't think I'll ever be able to drink any other tea now. This one is… unlike anything I've had. It's so fragrant, so perfect. I regret not having more, but at the same time, I know I can't."
Stephen's lips quirked into a knowing smile, a slight chuckle escaping him. There was something almost nostalgic about Aaron's words. "Don't worry," he said with a gentle, teasing tone. "If you come back to me, you'll always have this tea."
If you can't live without it, I'd happily accompany you to the border to bring you more. He paused for a moment, the weight of his own unspoken thoughts settling in his chest. A flicker of melancholy crossed his eyes, and he laughed quietly, almost bitterly. If only it were that simple. But the words remained locked in his mind, the deeper meaning left unsaid.
Aaron furrowed his brow, studying Stephen for a moment. Despite the subtle hints of melancholy, Stephen's demeanor remained composed and almost effortless. The smile he gave, though small, was genuine, and it made Aaron pause. He took another sip of tea, savoring its lingering fragrance, but kept his thoughts to himself. There was something about Stephen—a feeling he couldn't quite place—that reminded him of something familiar, something he had seen before. It nagged at him, but he didn't push it. Not yet.
He almost reached for his system, but a flicker of hesitation stopped him. There was something off about it—a strange sense of distrust he couldn't ignore. So, instead, he simply let the moment pass, leaning into the quiet comfort of their shared silence.
They stood there on the balcony for a while, the soft breeze stirring the air, before Aaron eventually let out a light laugh. The two of them chatted aimlessly, the conversation flowing with ease. Stephen's presence, though enigmatic, had a calming effect. It was strangely pleasant. Time seemed to slip by unnoticed.
As the evening wore on, Aaron made his way back to his own mansion, the weight of the day settling in. He couldn't help but feel a bit of confusion, mixed with a touch of sweetness. There were no oddities, no out-of-character moments from Stephen to throw him off balance. The way Daniel had reacted earlier was unusual, but it seemed to be reserved only for Stephen. It was strange, yes, but there was a certain warmth to it that he couldn't quite deny.
Aaron smiled to himself, the oddness of it all still lingering in the back of his mind, but for now, he let it go. Something about this whole situation felt more intriguing with every passing moment.
As Daniel's carriage disappeared from view, Stephen let out a soft, amused chuckle. The sound was unexpectedly carefree, filling the air with a warmth that startled the shadow guards who had been silently watching over them. They were used to the cold, detached prince, but this laughter—genuine and without the usual distance—was a rarity. Stephen's smile faded into contemplation as he thought to himself, You've changed so much, it's hard to see the person I once knew. Are you still the Daniel from the plot, or have you become something else entirely?
He looked toward the retreating carriage and considered the subtle differences. For example, Daniel would never have opened up the way you did. You're nothing like the one in the story.
Turning inward, Stephen's voice was cold as he addressed his system, "Don't you think it's time for you to explain things to me?"
A mechanical, almost delicate voice responded, "He is another player. Your path is separate from his. Your mission is to remain the Crown Prince and uncover the secrets of the Palace, while his task is to fulfill the original owner's wishes. Because of the good relationship I share with his system, I can provide this information. But don't expect too much, host."
Stephen's expression softened, a mixture of curiosity and suspicion bubbling within him. The game was changing, and it seemed he had only begun to understand the rules.
Stephen's voice was cool, almost detached, as he replied, "Why shouldn't I expect anything? Isn't this all part of the plan? Isn't this exactly what you want?"
The system fell silent, caught off guard. "..." It knew better than to hide anything from him.
A quiet laugh echoed in Stephen's mind. How could such a coincidence exist? He wasn't a fool, not someone who could be easily manipulated by unseen hands. I'll play along, but I'm no naïve pawn.
But despite his calm, there was a burning curiosity inside him. What was the purpose of this meeting? Why did Daniel feel so familiar, like something—or someone—he had known before? Those eyes, filled with cold violence and an unquenchable thirst for war, sent a shiver through his very soul. But there was more to them, wasn't there? Behind that intensity, there was something else. Affection. The softness of his words, the gentleness in his gaze—it was undeniable. It mirrored his own feelings.
Yet the question lingered: Why?
In a single day, Stephen had been thrown into an emotional whirlwind, all because of this one person. If he didn't feel the need to uncover the truth, then who would?
On the other hand, Aaron also has the same thought. " How is it possible? System did you not say completing the main mission, I can jump out of this world? But now why is there an additional mission."
"I don't know, it is all due to the higher-up, I don't have any say in this matter."
Aaron is angry because aside from the main mission, he also has to do a side mission. But the problem is not because of the mission, but the person with whom he has to do it. It is Stephan. Stephan now is also a mission taker.
The system said, "Please adjust this arrangement. It has nothing to do with me. The higher-ups are the ones to decide this."
Aaron humps coldly, "So, everything is planned. Do you think it's very easy to fool me? System comes out here right now. I will kill you."
"System is out of service."
Aaron sat on his king-size bed, his mind racing as he tried to piece together the changes happening around him. It all started with the appearance of this substitute Stephan and myself, he thought. His system, still a newbie, should have known this. So, the other party must be aware of it too. The thought made him feel oddly self-conscious. After their interaction today, he couldn't help but feel embarrassed. What would it be like to face Stephan again in a month? The idea made his cheeks warm.
The plot was clearly shifting, but what bothered him more than the changes to the story was the strange, almost magnetic pull he felt when he looked at Stephan. What was that feeling? It was unsettling. How could he focus on the side mission with Stephan by his side? The thrum of unease still lingered in his chest, as if something big had shifted in a single day, though nothing overt had actually happened. Yet, his mind kept returning to him. Why couldn't he stop thinking about Stephan?
He tossed and turned for a while, trying to make sense of it all, but eventually, he sighed, settling his thoughts. I'll figure it out when I see him again, he thought, exhaustion slowly pulling him under. Everything feels so jumbled now, but maybe it'll make sense soon. With that, he closed his eyes, hoping for clarity when he woke.
Unlike Aaron, Stephen found himself unable to sleep at all. The memory of Aaron's smile, the sound of his laughter, and the way his eyes sparkled—those moments replayed in his mind over and over. When Aaron laughed, his long eyelashes fluttered gently, and it struck something deep within Stephen, stirring feelings he couldn't quite explain. The grace in Aaron's movements, the warmth in his gaze directed toward him—it all left a mark on Stephen's cold heart. He found himself longing to see him again, unable to shake the yearning.
The next morning, as Aaron prepared to leave for the border with his army, Stephan came to bid him farewell. It should have been the king himself, but instead, it was Stephan standing before him. Aaron although, thought of embarrassment, but at this moment nothing seemed to outweigh his sorrow. A strange, unexpected ache pierced his chest. The feeling was foreign, something he had never experienced before, and it left him with a heaviness that he couldn't ignore.
The armies were lined up, sitting proudly on their horses, while the palace officials and Stephan stood behind, ready to send them off. The formal greetings had been exchanged, and everything was in place for departure.
Aaron's gaze lingered on the Crown Prince, his golden robe shimmering in the morning light. Stephen looked every bit the majestic figure he was, his nobility almost radiating from him. Aaron's heart ached with a sudden, overwhelming desire. He couldn't leave without saying something—without doing something. The longing inside him swelled, impossible to ignore.
Without thinking, he leapt down from his black horse and, before anyone could react, wrapped his arms around Stephan in a tight embrace. The action stunned everyone around them, leaving the crowd frozen in place. Aaron, too, was surprised by his own boldness, but a part of him didn't regret it. He was ready to face whatever consequences came, even if it meant being pushed away or slapped.
For a moment, Stephan stood frozen, his eyes wide in surprise. But then, to Aaron's relief, Stephan slowly returned the hug, his own laugh escaping. He had wanted this, too. If not for the circumstances, if not for his duty, Stephan would have taken the initiative long ago. It was just a matter of who would give in to their emotions first.
They stood there, locked in the embrace for what felt like an eternity, the crowd around them frozen in stunned silence. Aaron's eyes were slightly red, as if he was fighting against an overwhelming emotion. His voice, soft and filled with quiet longing, broke the stillness, "I will come back soon, okay?" His words hung in the air, an unspoken plea for reassurance, Wait for me, okay?
A familiar, unsettling feeling stirred in Stephan's chest. He felt as if he had heard those words before, and they caused his heart to race. He gripped Aaron's shoulder, solid and unyielding as metal, his voice steady but tinged with something deeper, "I will be waiting for you. You promise me. Don't forget this."
In that moment, both of them thought the same thing, though neither spoke it aloud: It felt as if they had shared this moment before, and yet, one of them was never truly present afterward.
The sight of their exchange left the onlookers speechless, unsure of what to think or say. Daniel, a figure of the battlefield, was also Stephan's companion, someone he had grown up with. Their bond was natural, their closeness undeniable. Yet, the intimacy of the moment still felt like something far more significant.
Aaron forced a faint smile before turning away, leaving without a second glance. Stephan watched his retreating figure, his heart heavy with an unfamiliar sense of worry. Why am I so worried? he wondered, his mind racing. Daniel won't face any real danger until the final battle. So why am I so unsettled? He sighed, the confusion weighing on him as he struggled to understand the storm brewing in his chest.
The large army galloped tirelessly from city to city, pushing forward day and night, resting only for meals as Aaron led them to the borderline. Once they arrived, he allowed the troops a few days of rest, but, as anticipated, an attack came soon after. Thankfully, they were well-prepared, handling the situation with remarkable speed. The casualties were minimal, and the city was secured once more. Aaron, ever vigilant, didn't stop there—he took every precaution, ordering a protective wall around the city, with their border tents positioned outside, fortifying their position.
Late one night, he walked alone, looking up at the starry sky. The stars seemed to whisper the secrets of his fate, twinkling as though guiding him through the unknown. He couldn't help but wish for a moment of peace, wishing he could see Stephan again. But it seemed impossible for now, and a frustrating frown settled on his face.
He couldn't calm his restless heart when it came to Stephan. It felt as though the other man was deeply important to him—maybe even more than he realized. Last time, Stephan said he would be waiting. Did that mean he felt the same way? Aaron's mind raced with questions. Was Stephan also thinking of him? Did he feel what Aaron was feeling?
Endless questions swirled in his mind as he stood there, alone in the silence of the night.
Jerry, who had been sent to check on him, hesitated before speaking. He had noticed the General hadn't had much appetite since they left the capital. "General, is the food not to your liking?" he asked, though he knew it was merely a way to start a conversation—after all, the General wasn't picky.
Aaron, lost in his thoughts, responded with a distracted, distant gaze. "No, it was good," he muttered, but his mind was clearly elsewhere.
Jerry hesitated, then took a deep breath. "General, do you... miss the Crown Prince?"
The moment the words left his mouth, Jerry regretted them, fearing he'd said something he shouldn't. He braced for the usual reprimand, but none came. After a long, tense silence, Jerry cautiously peeked up to see the General deep in thought.
Before Jerry could leave, apologizing quietly, Aaron's voice broke the stillness. "If I said I missed him... would I just go back to him?"
The words were soft, almost whispered, as if Aaron hadn't meant for anyone to hear them. Jerry froze, feeling as though he had overheard something deeply personal. Without a word, he silently retreated, leaving the General to his thoughts.
The moment lingered in the air, unspoken yet heavy, as Aaron's restless heart continued to ponder the questions he could not answer.
After several days of longing and restless nights, Aaron was finally able to return to the capital. On his journey back, he made a detour to visit the Jenal outbreak. The monsoon rains had grown heavier, and the city was unstable. The people needed to be relocated for their safety. The dam, which could collapse at any moment, required urgent repairs, but if they attempted to fix it now, everything would be in vain. Aaron wrote to both the king and General Sam, informing them of the dire situation and decide