Mr. Kadan in the Deep Forest - Chapter 68

Kadan’s mind conjured an image of Luna becoming his brother’s wife. His expression darkened instantly.

『She’s a woman who might become part of my family. I should protect her, shouldn’t I?』

Gar teased Kadan lightly, but Kadan’s face remained grim, his anger clearly mounting.

『Maybe I should just go ahead and hold a funeral for you then.』

Maybe I should just kill my brother before dealing with the rebels. Kadan, truly furious, began to contemplate his options when a soldier sprinted breathlessly toward him from the castle walls.

『I have a report, Your Highness!』

『What is it?』

『The rebels are advancing toward the royal palace!』

『How large is their force?』

『Their numbers are less than what you expected, Your Highness.』

At those words, Gar widened his eyes and stared at Kadan.

『You were already predicting their size?』

『Isn’t it foolish not to know?』

Kadan had, in fact, predicted not just the size of the rebel force, but also their timing, their route, and their objectives, but he didn’t feel like explaining it all.

『You’re especially harsh on me today?』

『It’s probably you being sensitive. It’s bachelor hysteria.』

『What did you say?』

『Go ahead and find your own mate. Don’t get caught up in the unnecessary idea of ‘protecting’ your younger brother’s mate.』

Kadan tapped Gar’s sword before heading into his office.

Gar stared at the closed door, muttering, “This kid is ignoring me, his older brother!” before running after Kadan into the office.

＊＊＊

Kadan set out with a small group of soldiers to suppress the rebels.

Luna anxiously watched the castle gates Kadan had just passed through, fidgeting with her hands.

Just then, a large hand landed on Luna’s shoulder. Startled, Luna flinched and turned around.

Gar was standing directly behind her. His face was marked with a clear bruise, as if he had bumped into something. Washud, who Luna had met yesterday, was with him.

“Hello, Luna.”

Washud greeted Luna, acting as Gar’s translator.

“Hello.”

“It’s safer to stay inside the palace now. There’s a chance the enemy has set up an ambush.”

“Okay, I’ll go inside. But it looks like Kadan’s brother is badly hurt.”

As Luna turned to head back inside the palace with Washud, she glanced at Gar’s face. Gar was muttering angrily to himself, “That damn Kadan, he must’ve been drinking tonics instead of food back in Brillan, just getting stronger without any brains!”

Of course, Washud didn’t translate Gar’s exact words, maintaining the royal decorum.

“He says he accidentally bumped into a wall yesterday.”

A wall? Not a fist? Luna stared quietly at Gar’s face, where a large bruise had formed, before nodding.

“It must have hurt. Did you apply any ointment?”

“The First Prince doesn’t believe in medicines. He’s always insisted on natural healing methods.”

“That’s unfortunate. I have a really effective ointment.”

Luna shrugged as she thought of Kadan’s special ointment. Gar’s eyes sparkled as he glanced at Washud.

『What’s she saying? What’s that woman talking about?』

『The Second Prince’s mate suggested the First Prince use the ointment』

『Really? Should I try it?』

『What?! Are you serious? You’ve always avoided medicines.』

Washud asked, her face scrunched in confusion. She couldn’t help but wonder what kind of charm this small woman possessed to make the two Inut princes so intrigued.

‘Curious.’

As Washud stared at Luna, the same thought slipped from Gar’s mind.

‘I’m curious.’

Gar also eyed Luna with an intrigued expression. Luna accepted their attention with a smile and led both Gar and Washud to the room.

＊＊＊

Washud watched in disbelief. The once medicine-averse First Prince sat quietly at the vanity getting ointment applied.

‘I can’t believe what I’m seeing.’

It was almost comical to see such a large man sitting on the tiny vanity chair.

Gar’s sparkling eyes were fixed on Luna. If the Second Prince had seen this, there would have been chaos. Washud sighed deeply.

“Alright, you’re done.”

Luna carefully applied the ointment to Gar’s face and then pointed to the mirror. Although Gar wasn’t pleased with how his face looked in the mirror, he knew this would give him plenty of chances to tease Kadan, so he chuckled.

『When Kadan finds out about this, he’ll throw a fit, right?』

『Why are you so obsessed with not being able to catch the prince?』

『It’s fun. And do you know? That brat has a man in his harem.』

『Wait, what?!』

『It’s true. Dwabo told me.』

Gar chuckled as he thought about Kadan’s peculiar preferences.

A man?! Washud was shocked, her mouth was open as she questioned Kadan’s taste. Then, her expression stiffened.

『Did you feel that?』

『Yes.』

The laughter faded from Gar’s face as he stood up from the vanity with a grim expression. Both he and Washud quickly moved to hide behind the door and under the bed.

Luna tilted her head in confusion at their suspicious actions. Just then, a voice from outside the door caught her attention.

“Lady Luna, your meal has arrived.”

“Come in.”