* * *
Prince William couldn’t hide his rare excitement.
Though he always wore a habitual smile, today it seemed more pronounced.
As he walked into the room with a beaming smile from the empty hallway, the person inside took notice.
“You seem to be in a good mood.”
“Of course, I am. All of my loyal subjects are safe.”
Prince William responded playfully, but Hook, who was still reading, nodded indifferently and returned his gaze to the book.
He neither stood to greet the prince nor continued the conversation.
Despite Hook’s cold response, William sat down across from him, acting as if he was used to it.
“You don’t seem pleased at all, do you?”
“I’m just relieved I didn’t lose my precious client.”
Hook’s reply was as dry as could be, without a hint of emotion. He only answered because the prince had asked, but his words carried no real feeling.
“And how was your conversation with that precious client?”
When Hook lifted his head, he saw the prince’s ever-present smile.
Even when Hook was reading, he could see the prince’s lips curling into a grin in his peripheral vision.
But now, as their eyes met, Hook realized that William’s eyes weren’t smiling.
“There’s not much to say.”
Hook lowered his head again, as if there was nothing to add.
Lately, spending all his time in the prince’s room, reading books had become his only solace.
The characteristic smile he had once shown to Henry had long since faded.
“Henry could have been your escape, you know.”
Hook’s hand, which had just been turning the page, froze.
Deciding he couldn’t read any further, he closed the book entirely and met William’s gaze head-on, knowing the prince had spoken to provoke him.
“What exactly are you trying to say to me?”
“You can’t stay by my side forever.”
“Will you let me go, then?”
“That doesn’t quite sit right with me.”
“If you’re just playing word games, find someone else to do it with.”
“Sorry, but I don’t have anyone else.”
The prince winked at him as he spoke.
Hook frowned slightly and looked away, sensing that if he kept talking, he’d get swept into the prince’s rhythm.
“Either way, this mission is wrapping up soon, and I can’t keep dragging you around.”
Just as he had told Hook before, William didn’t bother asking about his circumstances as he stroked his chin, narrowing one eye slightly.
He wondered what punishment would be fitting for someone who had snuck into his room and tampered with his clothes.
“How about we decide your reward or punishment based on your contribution to this mission?”
And thus, the prince landed on the matter of the treasure.
It was the first time William had made anything resembling a deal with Hook, and Hook showed some interest.
The prince kindly explained why he had come to this conclusion.
Of course, to Hook, this was unnecessary information, but he stayed silent as the prince rambled on.
“You were quite helpful in finding Henry.”
That was only because Hook had dug deep based on the client’s request.
It wasn’t hard, given that he had some solid information, and it had been partly luck that his guess turned out right.
“So, I want to make use of that talent of yours. If you agree, follow me right now. If not… well, I guess I’ll have to get more books for you.”
William gave Hook the choice, but with a veiled threat that if he refused, he’d continue to be locked in the room and kept close by.
“What’ll it be?”
At the prince’s whispered question, Hook weighed the options in his mind.
Though he wasn’t under any physical pressure despite being a prisoner, he knew he couldn’t stay by the prince’s side any longer.
“I’ll go with you.”
“You’re not going this time either?”
“That’s right.”
Henry, who had come to greet Prince William, waved his hand dismissively, as if he wanted nothing to do with that mountain range anymore.
“Safe travels. While you’re at it, could you also resolve the issue at the entrance? It’s about time to wrap things up, isn’t it?”
Hadn’t they already learned that the people who went into the mountains to find the treasure were turning on each other?
Henry, having helped only a select few, hoped the prince would quickly resolve the situation, so there would be no needless loss of life.
“I was planning to.”
Prince William had moved the treasure down his list of priorities.
More and more people were gathering, and with tempers running short, more dangerous impulses were on the verge of erupting.
“Don’t cause any trouble while I’m gone.”
“I’ll be on my best behavior.”
Though Henry wondered why they were even having this conversation, he easily agreed, as if trying to send the prince off as quickly as possible.
Then, he made eye contact with Hook, who was standing quietly beside William.
Not knowing why Hook was accompanying the prince, Henry simply nodded back, assuming Hook would speak when necessary.
“Make sure to explain things properly to Edwin.”
“Don’t worry.”
No one, including Henry and Prince William, found it strange that Edwin was nowhere to be seen.
As Henry watched William, Hook, and the guards depart, he turned around—
“Oh, you scared me!”
Henry clutched his chest, having nearly collided with Edwin, who had been right behind him.
Though he didn’t scream, his startled expression was clear as he glared at Edwin.
“Why were you standing behind me without saying anything?”
Edwin hadn’t even given off any scent, so Henry hadn’t realized he was there.
As Edwin slowly turned his gaze from William to Henry, Henry grumbled.
“If you were coming to see me, you should’ve said something sooner.”
“I came to see you.”
“Do you have something to say?”
“You’re not going to leave again?”
“Why do you ask?”
Henry grew more defensive, trying to hide his thoughts.
“Somehow, I don’t think you’re going to behave.”
“Mind your own business. You’ll get hurt or end up in danger again.”
Henry pushed Edwin away, thinking it wouldn’t do Edwin any good to get involved with him again.
Although he didn’t resent Edwin for helping him in the cave, Henry now felt awkward for other reasons.
He had applied a strong cologne to mask his scent, but he was still worried that his pheromones would be detected or that he might unwittingly come between Edwin and Kayla.
“If anyone’s in danger, it’ll be you without me.”
“That’s none of your concern.”
Though he was grateful for Edwin’s help, Henry’s feelings were growing heavier.
He didn’t want Edwin to get entangled with him and face unnecessary risks.
So, it was best not to be involved with Edwin at all.
Of course, Henry never expressed this openly.
Without another word, Henry brushed past Edwin.
He had plenty to do back in his room. Edwin, watching Henry’s cold retreat, commented flatly.
“Quite heartless for a friend.”
“…Friend?”
Henry stopped, puzzled by the strange word, and tilted his head.
Why does he think we’re friends?
Hook watched from afar as the tension among those who had not yet claimed the treasure became palpable.
“It looks like some of them have already gone inside,” said the Crown Prince, catching Hook’s attention.
“Why?”
“Are you not interested in claiming the treasure?”
If some had already entered, it was possible someone had taken the treasure.
If William, the Crown Prince, had come for it as well, all his efforts up to this point could have been for nothing.
Hook asked him, but William simply scratched his cheek and smiled as if amused.
“Are you worried about me?”
“How did you come to that conclusion?” Hook recoiled in distaste.
“It would be better to claim the treasure than return empty-handed. But how valuable could it be compared to what I already have?”
“Ah…”
His words hit home, but they were also oddly frustrating.
Of course, as the Crown Prince of an empire, William likely had access to far greater treasures than those of a grand sorcerer.
Still, Hook found it irritating.
He now understood why Henry always tried to push William’s words away.
“More than the treasure, I want to get rid of ‘them’.”
William crossed his arms and glanced down at the commotion near the entrance.
Hook, noticing how William hadn’t moved closer, asked curiously, “Why are you going about this the hard way?”
“Are you asking why I’m not revealing my identity?”
William immediately grasped Hook’s meaning. He was right.
If William showed himself, none of them would dare remain standing.
They would all kneel before him, and the matter would be settled, right?
“If I step forward, I can stop their fighting. But why haven’t I?”
It wasn’t that William hadn’t considered what Hook was thinking.
Yet, from the beginning, he hadn’t revealed himself. Instead, he turned the question back on Hook, as if daring him to guess.
Hook pondered briefly, then shook his head.
He had never lived a life where he considered the perspective of a prince, so he had no idea why William acted this way.
“Forcing them to kneel wouldn’t last. Even if I made them submit, their hearts would never truly accept it. Would that resolve the issue? Maybe there would be temporary peace, but they’d gather again eventually.”
* * *
I can’t wait fot it
Smart huh?😅
I like their interactions ! 😆
Next chaps..
Thanks
Thankss
Thanks