Everyone is Obsessed With Me (reupload)

Chapter 21

"I-I apologize," Hanbal rasped.

He looked up into Czar's curved, fox-like eyes and grimaced at the coldness within them. They stood so close that he could feel the heat radiating from Czar's body and the faint scent of sandalwood drifting through the air.

Hanbal's hair was gripped so tightly he thought his scalp might split. His head was forced slightly back, his neck curving slightly into a shallow arch. Czar was taller than most boys his age, so Hanbal could only look up through his lashes, trying to appear sincere and brave.

Czar's eyes narrowed just slightly before he smiled, dimples forming gently on his cheeks. In that moment, he looked sweet - saintly, even. Not like the tyrant he was destined to become.

"I wonder," Czar murmured, "does Lord Osric know that his beloved son trembles so easily?"

Those words came out leisurely, almost carelessly. As if he were just commenting on the weather. Hanbal felt cold water wash over him. His eyes quivered, his heart slamming aggressively against his chest like it was trying to escape.

"I-"

Czar leaned closer, his breath brushing faintly against Hanbal's face, causing the tiny hairs on his face to stand up. Then, he lifted a hand and traced his thumb over Hanbal's cheeks; his touch was slow and deliberate. Almost curious. Like someone testing a new product in the market.

"How fortunate," Czar said and smiled gently. "Truly fortunate that he hides you away from the public eye."

Hanbal shivered as the gloved hands pressed against his cheeks, causing them to form a shallow dent beneath them.

"I do as best as I can to serve my father..."

For a brief - almost fleeting - moment, a cold glint flashed through Czar's blood red eyes before it settled into something pleasantly neutral.

"Yes," he mumbled. "I imagine you do."

As if studying a product for its value, his eyes went from Hanbal's sun-kissed eyes to his chubby white cheeks, then lingered on his pale lips and small teeth. Then, he lazily tightened his grip on Hanbal's hair, as if reminding him of the position they stood in.

"You truly are beautiful," Czar said with a soft smile and released him.

Hnabl staggered back against the wall and lowered his gaze respectfully.

"My apologies if I offended you, Your Highness."

"Think nothing of it."

As Butler Shen approached, his eyes were a degree colder. He stopped in front of Hanbal and bowed deeply.

"Your Highness."

Czar did not spare Butler Shen a glance. His gaze remained on Hanbal's small form. Pleasantly, he turned his head away with an amused smile and waved his hands dismissively. He did not utter another word and walked off, leaving Hanbal standing with a numb scalp and a pale expression on his face.

The faint smell of his sandalwood scent lingered in the air for a moment before it disappeared as he dissolved into the corridor.

As the sound of footsteps disappeared into the night, Hanbal stood where he had been left, his chest aching and his fingers clenched into fists. He did not dare to do more due to the fear of triggering something - anything.

Beside him, Butler Shen stood tall and composed, his silver eyes cold and distant - layered with something that Hanbal could not name. He stepped forward, his steps unhurried and steady, his presence like air.

"Young master," Shen said, his voice quieter now, almost drifting on the edge of gentleness.

"I'm fine," Hanbal replied, dismissing him, an uncomfortable feeling settling in his chest.

Shen's eyes moved slightly from Hanbal's small face to his long hair. There was a thin red liquid threading into pale strands.

Shen paused momentarily.

Then slowly, he reached out.

Causing Hanbal to flinch violently, his back hit the cold walls behind him.

Shen froze, then balled his hands into fists and took a step back. An old habit, one that is impossible to forget.

"It will not scar." He said after using his eyes to examine Hanbal's scalp.

Hanbal nodded, his eyes never leaving Butler Shen's hands. Like a startled animal, Hanbal could do nothing but minimize his presence in hopes the danger would walk away.

"The Crown Prince," Shen said while placing his hands behind his back. "Does not act without intent."

"I figured.."

Shen leaned down, his towering height overshadowing Hanbal.

"It is best to avoid him."

Hanbal's eyes moved downward.

"I know."

Shen nodded and bowed before turning to leave. A few seconds later, when Hanbal turned to look in Butler Shen's direction, he found that not even a trace of his figure could be seen. Very fitting of an assassin.

After a moment, Hanbal turned to walk back to his room, but halted his steps once his ears picked up a more distant pitter-pattering of footsteps growing louder. They were smaller, softer, but still very deliberate. Almost careful and hesitant.

"Brother," A voice, gentle and fragile.

Hanbal froze, not because he felt like he should, but because he knew if he didn't, there would be more trouble. He watched as Berenike, who peeked out from a pillar, her pale skin gripped her flowy white dress, and her long white hair was braided neatly into pigtails. She looked so small, so nervous, so sweet that it was almost sickening.

"I-I was wondering where you were," she stuttered and walked towards him while looking up at him through her lashes. She looked concerned, but something flashed in her eyes that he could not ignore.

When she neared him, she gasped and gripped his white shirt, her eyes wide with concern.

"Y-You're injured!" She cried out softly.

Hanbal just glanced past her and saw her two maids glaring at him from behind a large pillar.

"I guess."

He tilted his head, his voice flat and cold.

Berenike bit her lips and hesitated, but ultimately stepped closer.

"I-I can help-"

"No, it's fine. I am fine."

The maids behind her gasped, and their glare grew colder and more malicious. As if blaming him for rejecting their young miss. Berenike just bit her lips and gripped her dress once more. But she stubbornly stepped forward and gripped his shirt.

"..I was worried," she whispered, her peach blossom eyes watering pitifully.

Hanbal just watched her silently. His face was neutral and calm.

"Why?" he asked.

Startled, Bereknike's lips parted slightly but did not utter a word. They stood in silence for a few minutes before she was able to utter a word.

"I just... After the guards took you, I-" she shrank and bit her lips. Her sentence trailed off, making it sound almost convincing. It was as if it were truly sincere.

But Hanbal just stared for a moment before turning away, a small, affectionate smile curved up.

"You worry too much," he chuckled and patted Berenike's head. Without another word, he turned to leave, his touch feeling warm and oddly familiar to Berenike.

She just stood silently for a moment in the cold, wide halls, her expression remaining pitiful, but something lingered. Frustration, maybe. Confusion, definitely. Then, her pitiful eyes turned cold, and she turned to leave, causing her servants to trail behind her with worried expressions. 

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Meow meow meow meow. Sorry y'all, I accidentally digested hair spray and had to go to the hospital >-<