Magnate's Blood Crown

Twelve

The Kirdpan house was abuzz with preparations to welcome their guests. Fah, as usual, was in her room, having Noi do her hair. Lawan and Hiran were overseeing the servants as they prepared the meal and other arrangements. Nuea and Arak were helping Nanon get ready, while Chalerm was talking to his brother.

"Nanon," Chalerm called out, "I'm asking for the fifth time. What has you so cheered up? Share with me."

Nanon had been quiet since the day he left Dew in the market. He had asked Dew not to come unless he had an answer. But a week later, when a servant from the Thirat house came to inform them about the Thirat family's visit, Nanon couldn't contain his happiness.

"I'm just happy. Can't I be?" He shrugged.

"Of course you can. And you should look that cheerful today when they arrive too. But I just wish to know the cause. Is it Mr. Thirat?" Chalerm teased.

"Oh, Master has been smiling since yesterday," Arak added.

"I think now that the wedding is going to be finalized, our Fourth Master will be able to live his dreams," Nuea remarked.

"I am a little sad though," Chalerm said, making everyone turn to him. "Brother Yao and Lek are always away, and now you too will go to Mueang. I will be all lonely."

Nanon got up and immediately pulled Chalerm into a hug. "Come with me to Mueang."

"Are you out of your mind?" Chalerm chuckled. "Mr. Dew might be understanding of your wild ideas, but his family will be in shock if they hear you. Listen, be on your best behavior today, okay?" Chalerm pulled back and said, holding Nanon by his shoulders.

Nanon smiled and nodded. "Of course."

"Fourth Master..." Por walked in the door. "They have arrived. Madam Lawan has asked you to come downstairs with Third Master."

Nanon and Chalerm followed Por downstairs and paused as they sensed the tense atmosphere in the room.

Nanon bowed to Dew's parents, who were frowning at him. "Greetings, Uncle, Aunt. I hope you are in good health."

Sunan Thirat, Dew's father, turned grim and looked away. Yupa, Dew's mother, turned to Lawan. "So, you are saying that you are aware of the rumors?" she asked.

Nanon frowned, his eyes darting to Dew. He had thought the misunderstanding was cleared. Dew did not meet his gaze, instead looking down at the floor. Chalerm stepped forward and held Nanon by his shoulder.

Lawan's face was stern as she replied, "We stay in Narathiwat. Of course, we hear when people around us talk."

"Then why haven't you done anything about it?" Yupa asked.

"They are just rumors," Lawan said, making Nanon gape at his mother. "Why should I do anything about it?"

Sunan gritted his teeth. "We have a reputation."

"Ours is better than yours," Hiran scoffed.

Nanon still looked at his parents in disbelief.

"After these rumors circulate more, no reputation will remain," Mew, Dew's younger omega sibling, spoke with a grimace, looking at Nanon.

"Ahem..." Dew cleared his throat, making his family turn to him once.

Yupa sighed. She gestured for her husband and Mew to keep quiet. "See, we are not against the wedding. In fact, we want this wedding to go through without any issues. So here is what we should do."

Dew, who was still silently standing, remained silent.

Yupa got up and walked closer to Nanon. "You will have to be disciplined to be our son-in-law. You have to stop behaving recklessly."