Chapter 55.2
Chapter 55.2
Judging by his state, it seemed like it would take some time before the brothers spoke again.
“Your Highness Bashar, I think…” I drew out my words, gauging his reaction. He opened his eyes and looked at me expectantly.
“I think the two of you are misunderstanding each other. I understand your true intentions because you explained them to me, but His Highness Haroon doesn’t know.”
“But I told him more or less the same thing I told you?” Bashar seemed to be asking why Haroon would misunderstand when he’d heard the same sentiment.
“His Highness Haroon knows and worries about you a great deal. He simply doesn’t realize that your way of thinking has changed.”
“Then I should talk to my brother again…” He trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished. He seemed apprehensive about speaking to Haroon again, worried that it would lead to another argument. With a frustrated click of his tongue, he ran a hand through his hair, the dark strands falling between his long, elegant fingers.
“…If I were to convey your thoughts to His Highness Haroon, I believe the misunderstanding would be easily resolved.” I spoke slowly, observing Bashar. His golden eyes lit up, looking at me with a glimmer of hope, as if relieved to have someone to rely on.
However, I shook my head. “But that wouldn’t be any different from before.”
“….” The light in his eyes vanished instantly. He bit his lip and slumped his shoulders.
“Your Highness, you want to change, don’t you?” Bashar had avoided even basic training for fear of causing harm to Harun. He had always acquiesced to Harun’s wishes. Yet, for the first time, he had raised his voice. He wanted to train himself, to stand by Harun’s side. This was a different Bashar Kishar.
“…Yes.” He answered shortly, glancing at me before parting his lips as if to speak. I waited patiently.
“I realized that everything I’ve done so far wasn’t for Haroon, but for myself. It was selfish. I never once considered what would happen to my brother if I died.” His voice was laced with bitterness. It seemed Bashar had come to understand that surviving, rather than dying for Haroon, was the truly selfless act.
“Then you, not I, need to tell His Highness Haroon.”
“I’ve been foolish. Trying to avoid an uncomfortable situation like a child…” His expression remained troubled. Initiating a conversation after their first period of estrangement seemed difficult for him. However, a newfound resolve seemed to have replaced some of his discomfort.
I leaned closer to Bashar and said, “Your Highness, you are sometimes… no, often… at a loss for words.”
I saw a flicker of bewilderment in his golden eyes. He seemed to be thinking, Me? At a loss for words?
I smiled gently and continued, lowering my voice so only he could hear, “If conversation is difficult, there’s another very effective method, Your Highness. A letter.”
“…!” I smiled wider at his surprised expression. He truly hadn’t considered it. Sometimes, words written down could convey emotions better than spoken ones.
***
Some people excel at expressing their thoughts in writing but struggle to articulate them verbally. Bashar had probably spoken to Harun countless times in his head. However, those words remained unspoken, trapped within his mind.
“…I never thought of that.” The envelope trembled in Bashar’s hand. Upon hearing my suggestion, he had immediately summoned a servant for stationery.
“It won’t take long. Would you mind waiting until I’m finished?” he asked before starting to write. It was an oddly hesitant request, unlike anything I’d heard from him before. I nodded. I had no other engagements. Damian had mentioned waiting for me, but it wasn’t a formal appointment.
Besides, Damian needed to learn that things didn’t always go his way. When I was with him, I often found myself acting according to his desires.
As he had predicted, it didn’t take long.
“Now you can reconcile with His Highness Haroon,” I said.
“…Indeed.” I expected him to deny that they had argued again, but Bashar simply agreed.
“I didn’t summon you for this, but I’m glad for your help.”
“…You didn’t call me to ask about your conversation with His Highness Haroon?”
“That was just… light conversation.”
That was small talk? I had been certain he’d summoned me to inquire about his brother. There was no other reason for him to seek me out.
“Then why…?” I murmured my confusion. Just then, deliberate footsteps approached, announcing someone’s presence.
Bashar and I turned toward the hallway at the same time. A silhouette appeared behind the thin curtain.
“I have a message for Lady Hazel.”
“Sir Div.” Recognizing Ricardo’s voice, I rose to my feet. Come to think of it, quite some time had passed since Bashar and I had arrived here.
“It’s alright. Our conversation has just concluded.” Bashar rose as well, prompting me to stand. Our conversation has concluded? But I hadn’t learned why he’d summoned me. I glanced at him questioningly.
“Thank you for your assistance.” He didn’t seem inclined to elaborate, suggesting the matter wasn’t important. He lifted the letter slightly.
“You’re welcome, Your Highness. Then…” As I turned to leave the balcony, a low voice stopped me.
“Wait.”
“Your Highness Bashar?”
“…I haven’t properly repaid you yet.” Bashar Kishar avoided my gaze, staring at the floor. Judging by his reaction, this seemed to be the real reason he had called for me. But I had already received a reward for saving his life.
“I’ve been amply rewarded.”
“That was from the Crown Prince. It has nothing to do with me.” Bashar shook his head firmly and took my hand, pressing something into my palm before whispering, “If you ever find yourself in need, please don’t hesitate to come to me. I will help you in any way I can.”
“Wait, Your Highness…!” Before I could respond, he brushed past me and strode away.
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