The Next Prince

03 Earl Grey Tea

The image of a tall man with a calm expression and graceful demeanor, carefully placing the tip of his brush on the canvas, might be a common sight if the observer were a student from the top art school in the Kingdom of Emmaly. With a face as handsome as a sculpture, Charan Pitakdeva was easily recognized as the owner of the prestigious art school for the elite.

In addition to being the heir to an old noble family renowned for its artistic achievements, Charan had become the most sought-after artist in Emmaly. Wealthy patrons and many others desired to have him under their patronage, but they could only dream. They knew well that the current patron of Charan was none other than the king of Emmaly.

Being under the king's patronage elevated Charan's status, making him seem even more unattainable. People knew that this artist wasn't an ordinary person. Meeting him didn't mean one could get close to him. The wealthy and those who coveted Charan could do no more than send their children to study under him.

Beyond that, they were no different from bees chasing after a beautiful flower in the royal palace garden. They can admire it but are unable to claim it as their own...

"Apologies for the intrusion, Master."

The voice of the old butler snapped the tall young man out of his reverie. Charan, dressed in a dark blue satin robe and wearing frameless glasses, paused his brush strokes and turned to look at the source of the voice.

"What is it? You usually don't disturb me at this hour." Charan's voice was calm, without a hint of reprimand. However, Narong, the old butler, knew the underlying feelings behind the question well.

The middle-aged man in formal attire bowed slightly, showing his discomfort. He knew that the current master disliked being disturbed, especially when he was with a new canvas on a rainy night. It was a forbidden time... The sound of the heavy rain that had been pouring since last night until dawn filled the air. Narong knew he shouldn't be standing there, but necessity forced him.

There was something more important than the master's orders...

"My sincere apology, Master," the butler glanced behind him as he spoke. He didn't waste time explaining further, simply stepping aside to let a man in military uniform enter. The newcomer bowed to Charan before speaking, causing him to pause his work.

"Mr. Charan... The king has summoned you," the burly soldier announced, then pressed his lips together. The young man in uniform stood straight, trying to appear as respectful and appropriate as possible to the artist under the king's patronage.

"When does His Majesty wish to see me?" Charan asked, reaching for a towel to wipe the paint from his fingers.

"Now..." The soldier hesitated, his face showing uncertainty. After a moment, he spoke again, "I mean, within the next half hour, sir."

Half an hour?

Charan's eyebrow twitched at the words. He looked up to scrutinize the man before him. He realized something about this soldier... The guy wasn't a familiar face. In fact, Charan was sure he'd never seen him before. He prided himself on his good memory, but this man wasn't in it. There were also many inconsistencies in this situation.

He is a high-ranking soldier, yet his demeanor is awkward, almost like someone new to the job. Why did the king choose this man to deliver the message?

Many questions arose in Charan's mind as he carefully assessed the situation. First, if it wasn't important, the king wouldn't summon him in the middle of the night. Second, the king wouldn't send a stranger to call him unless he wanted to keep it secret.