Original CEO ft Enice
"Asavadevathin will also participate in the competition... Bring Kanin in."
As the door creaked open, allowing sunlight to stream into the room, all eyes turned towards the newcomer with eager anticipation. The introduction of the significant successor heightened the suspense. While most awaited with bated breath, Ratchata continued to smirk, his expression mocking.
But Dhipabawon ignored him, focusing on the important matter at hand. "Those summoned here today, we need to introduce someone important. This young man is our only grandson, the next successor who will oversee Atsawathewathin, following Tarin."
All eyes fixed on Kanin, his features resembling an egg, with double-layered eyes and a nose akin to Tarin's, unmistakably of the Atsawathewathin bloodline. His resemblance to Tarin was uncanny, affirming his lineage.
Kanin straightened his posture and bowed respectfully, embodying the teachings of Chakri. Determination mingled with worry in his mind, but he resolved to move forward.
As Kanin contemplated speaking, a voice interrupted, questioning his identity. "How can we be sure this person is the true Young Prince? Everyone knows the successor of Atsawathewathin passed away in childhood. How can we be certain of anyone's identity?"
The truth remained uncertain, and Kanin hadn't yet had a chance to speak. The middle-aged man's voice carried doubt, while the figure in the snake-adorned suit exuded hostility.
"We already know that you would be the one who would ask..." Dhipabawon intentionally addressed Ratchata as the main character, a faint smile gracing the lips of the elderly man before signaling to the royal officer. Documents were distributed to each member of the royal family.
Silence filled the room as everyone delved into the documents, particularly Ratchata, who scrutinized each letter and stroke of ink meticulously.
"This document confirms, through DNA testing, previous residency records, and childhood photographs, that this young man is indeed the same individual involved in the events over twenty years ago."
Ratchata's smile widened, but Kanin noticed it didn't reach his eyes.
"And how can we be sure about this, Your Majesty? That evidence may have been tampered with, this child could be deceiving us... Deceiving even you, Your Majesty."
Ratchata's smile remained, but Kanin sensed the anger simmering beneath the surface. He sought Tarin's reaction, but the man remained silent, uncomfortably quiet.
Waseen, ruler of Meenakarin, kept his head lowered, refraining from speaking. He seemed like a man without a voice, merely observing as the watchdog for the Atsawathewathins.
Ratchata's eyes burned with anger as he scanned the monarch. He despised the Atsawathewathin family for their authority, having produced successive Sovereign-Kings twice and still seeking a third term, playing games with unknown tricks.
Despite knowing all along about their royal heir, they remained silent, allowing other families to play the fool. It was only when they realized they had an important rival to watch out for that they prepared to step onto the battlefield.
From a darker perspective, it seemed Tarin himself might have orchestrated the creation of a new character, collaborating with Dhipabawon to disguise this character as his own son. This undermined the legitimacy of other royal lineages, ensuring Atsawathewathin's eligibility in the competition. Ratchata found it hard to believe all the evidence presented before him.
"You can prove that better than anyone else, Ratchata. If you're still unsure, I can have Kanin verify his lineage with the hospital affiliated with the Puchongpisut family, so there won't be any doubts about this test result, giving your people another reassurance," Dhipabawon proposed, drawing everyone's attention back to the matter at hand.
Ratchata frowned, while Thawetmetha remained still, absorbing every detail.
"It may be difficult to admit that this child has deceived us. Initially, he knew almost nothing. He only recently discovered who he really is, just like Tarin," Dhipabawon explained, his soft voice causing uneasiness among everyone in the room, including Kanin.
As Kanin discreetly observed each party, the tension in the air made him uneasy. His encounter with Ratchata revealed a sense of potential animosity. Their glances, though unspoken, hinted at a future filled with turmoil.
Realizing the complexities of the situation, Kanin remembered his father's teachings. Each day, his father would challenge him to discern friends from foes. In this room, amidst a power struggle, Kanin felt he had no allies. Everyone seemed potentially connected to assassins, adding to the uncertainty of the situation.
One of the four families harbors an undercover villain. Khanin is fairly certain that someone here is responsible for separating him from his happy life with his father, despite their previous strained relationship. There are those who wish him dead, but Khanin is determined to prove that it's not as easy as they think.
With his concealed two-layered gaze, Khanin cunningly meets the eyes of everyone in the room, lifting the corners of his small smile like a person with a plan. Despite lacking any trace of fear or uncertainty as the heir to the throne, Khanin knows he wasn't born and raised in the palace. However, as a competitor in the sport of fencing, he's confident he's no less agile than anyone else.
"Um... If the result turns out like this, it means that Khanin is Your Majesty's true grandson... If that's the case, it's a joyful matter, isn't it?" Waseen, taking advantage of his rights as the eldest nephew, speaks optimistically, making everyone pause.
Different people have different thoughts, but with the graceful manner of all the royal members, they must adapt to the circumstances.
"Yes, it's a joyful matter," Sovereign-King Dhipabawon responds, though a hint of unease lingers in his eyes.
"If that's the case, congratulations to Uncle on having a grandson. And to you, Phii Tarin, for getting your son back," the Thawetmetha family finally speaks up, breaking their silence.
Despite his initial reluctance, the leader of the Puchongpisut family also stands up, showing acceptance of Khanin. They exchange congratulations with Tarin.
"Such good news should not be kept within our family. We should hold a press conference as soon as possible, don't you think, Uncle?" Waseen suggests eagerly, seeing Rachata's acceptance of Khanin.
"According to Waseen, we should call the reporters right now," Dhipabawon agrees, turning to the royal chamberlain to issue the order for a press conference.
The serene chamberlain carefully crafts the message to inform the public, organizing everything with great seriousness before issuing the order for a press conference regarding the competition for the position of Sovereign-King in three months, with three states competing for it.
The Royal Palace buzzed with anticipation as groups of journalists gathered upon the announcement of a significant revelation about the dynasty's future. Social media was abuzz with rumors, but all speculation ceased when a clean-cut teenager emerged, bearing the characteristic features of the Asavadevathin family.
With unwavering composure, Kanin stepped onto the stage, his navy suit adorned with the emblematic golden horse brooch. The room fell silent as he approached the podium, his gaze steady under the glare of flashing lights. With a firm grip on the microphone, he wasted no time in addressing the audience.
"Hello everyone... My name is Kanin... Kanin Asavadevathin," he began, his voice projecting confidence and determination.
As the room hung on his every word, Kanin continued, "I am the next generation of the Atsawatwatn family... It's nice to meet all of you. From now on, please I look forward to your guidance."
The press conference stirred up a mix of reactions online, with people closely examining the appearance of the new royal successor, Kanin Asavadevathin.
Following the event, non-Asavadevathin families were asked to leave the Royal Palace grounds, except during specific events.
In a quiet moment afterward, Charan, Kanin's caretaker, shared tea with Dhipabawon, discussing the buzz surrounding Kanin's debut.
Charan noted that opinions varied, with some seeing hope in Kanin's arrival while others suspected deception.
Dhipabawon acknowledged the media interest and expressed his hope for Kanin's safety amidst the attention.
As they conversed, Charan's thoughts briefly drifted to someone else, but he refocused on the present moment.
"For those who doubt, it doesn't matter. Kanin has royal blood. He is Asavadevathin. That truth cannot change. He is the future king," declared the highest authority in the country.
Charan felt a lump in his throat, a contradiction between his inner turmoil and outward calm. "Yes, Your Majesty,"
he managed to respond, though the relaxation from the tea now felt distant.
"Thank you, Charan, for bringing Kanin back safely," continued the elderly ruler.
"I'll arrange for someone else to care for him so you won't be burdened."
Charan understood this as a signal that his mission was complete. "I sincerely thank you, Your Majesty," he replied, realizing they should now keep their distance.
Meanwhile, Kanin slipped away from his caretakers to find solace by the waterfall pond. He asked for some personal time from Chakri, who agreed to give him space.
As he waited, Charan approached, burdened with concerns. Kanin noticed his troubled expression change as he approached.
"You!" Kanin greeted, expressing his frustrations about the sudden changes in his life. Charan remained silent, prompting Kanin to wonder what was wrong.
Finally, Charan spoke, addressing Kanin with royal formality. Perplexed, Kanin awaited an explanation, unsure of Charan's intentions.
But this time, it seemed that something had shifted.
"Your Highness, I believe it's appropriate for you to adhere to the protocol befitting your status," Charan advised.
"What do you mean?" Kanin inquired.
... Something significant had changed.
"Members of the royal lineage, like Your Highness, should refrain from using informal language when conversing," Charan explained.
...
"A lot has changed...
"From now on, Your Highness will conduct yourself as befits an heir apparent."
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TBC