Caught Between Two Men

Lost in such complicated thoughts, Eren followed Kazen into the billiard room.

The billiard room was where Kazen often spent time with Harold, located in the most secluded corner of the mansion.
Not only that, but thick curtains were usually drawn, leaving it perpetually dark.

“Eren, you’re here.”

As Kazen and Eren arrived, Harold, who had been waiting, greeted them with a smile.
His radiant smile seemed to brighten the dark interior.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

“I’ve been worried since the last time we met.
Have you been well?”

Harold, unaware of Eren’s gloomy mood, greeted him cheerfully.
Eren had no intention of showing any displeasure either, so he greeted him brightly.

“Thank you for asking.
Thanks to Your Highness’s concern, I have been well.”

“And your health?”

Even though they weren’t close, Harold still cared about Eren’s health.
While grateful, it was also somewhat burdensome.

“Thank you for your concern.
Thanks to His Grace’s consideration in many ways, I’ve improved considerably.”

Eren subtly praised Kazen, gesturing towards him standing there with a sullen expression.
Since Kazen was quite conscious of the relationship between Harold and Eren, he didn’t want to give him any reason for complaint.

“Did you meet with Doctor Rosalin?
What did she say about your condition?”

But Harold showed an excessive amount of concern.
Eren was inwardly flustered.
Harold had no reason to genuinely worry about him like this.
Perhaps he wanted to show Kazen just how kind he could be?

“She said there was nothing seriously wrong.
It seems the cause was accumulated fatigue after all.”

However, Harold’s next words surprised Eren so much he couldn’t be more astonished.

“If that’s the case, that’s a relief.
Actually, I made inquiries here and there and brought some things that are good for your health.”

“You prepared something for me to take?”

“Yes, I brought some medicinal herbs and food that are good for your health.
If you’re not burdened by it, I’ll have them placed in your room.”

Why, for what possible reason, was Harold being this kind to him?
While bewildered, he was also conscious of Kazen’s reaction.

Instead of answering Harold, Eren naturally glanced sideways at Kazen.
Sure enough, his face had turned cold.

“Harold, I told you I’m taking good care of my aide.
I’ve even moved him to better sleeping quarters and made sure he eats well.”

Kazen approached Eren’s side, wrapped an arm around his waist, and broadly stroked his side and stomach with his palm.

“Ah….”

Startled by his sudden action, Eren shrank back slightly and this time checked Harold’s reaction.

“See, he’s even gained weight.
If you doubt me, do you want to come and feel for yourself?”

Kazen’s hand, which had been groping his side, slowly crept upwards.
Goosebumps erupted down Eren’s spine.

“Kazen, Eren seems uncomfortable.”

Harold gently admonished Kazen at his behavior.
Kazen furrowed his brows and asked Eren.

“Eren, are you uncomfortable now?”

As if he didn’t know that Eren couldn’t possibly answer yes to that question.
When Eren hesitated, unable to answer easily, Kazen grabbed his shoulder, turned him around, and pressed further.

“I asked if you’re uncomfortable.”

Even if he hadn’t been before, the moment their eyes met, he couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable at this distance.
But he couldn’t say that, so Eren lowered his gaze and answered calmly.

“…No, Your Grace.”

“See, he says he’s fine.”

Kazen lifted his chin at Harold as if to say ‘I told you so,’ then released Eren.

These absurd actions of Kazen’s were probably meant to make Harold jealous.
Thinking that, Eren’s shoulders drooped.

“Enough with the trivial talk, let’s just play billiards.”

At Kazen’s gesture, Jerry, who had been waiting in the distance, approached and handed over the cue sticks.
Taking his own cue with familiar ease, Kazen looked at Eren.

“Eren, did you say you know how to play billiards?”

“I’m only familiar with the basic rules.”

Since Kazen loved billiards so much, Eren had only picked up the rules by watching over his shoulder a few times.
As if finding Eren’s answer boring, Kazen let out a short sigh and pointed to a chair near the window.

“Then first, watch me play with Harold.
Sit over there.”

Was there really a need for him to watch the two of them play here?
Jerry, who was handing a cue to Harold, seemed to scowl, perhaps thinking similarly.

“Before we decide who goes first, since it’s a bet, we should put up something interesting.
What should it be?”

Kazen spoke while repeatedly tossing and catching the ivory billiard ball in the air as if juggling.

“You’ve always been the one to propose the stakes.
Tell me what you want.
I’ll give you anything.”

Harold’s tone was generous, as if he could give anything.
In those few short words, Eren could sense his wealth and power, and inwardly marveled.

And with someone like that by his side, he felt anew how shameful it was that he had even briefly harbored hope that Kazen might care for him.

“How about the two of them play first?
Let Eren play in my place, and if he loses, I’ll pay the price.”

At that, Harold gestured for Eren to approach and suggested.
Eren rose from his chair with a bewildered expression.

Since it was the Crown Prince’s words, he should obey, but he didn’t want to offend Kazen.
So he looked back and forth between Kazen and Harold, only rolling his eyes.

“Do as you like.”

Whether Kazen found it difficult to oppose Harold’s words, or perhaps found it amusing, he allowed Eren’s participation.

Eren, who had been standing awkwardly, finally approached Harold slowly.
Still smiling brightly, Harold naturally took Eren’s hand and placed the cue in it.

He had clearly just said he only knew the rules, so he wondered why Harold had put him forward as a substitute.
He must know that Kazen was a skilled player.

“But I’ve never actually played billiards before.
I’m grateful for the opportunity, but I don’t think I have any chance of beating His Grace.”

“Don’t worry about that.
I’ll teach you how to do it.
It’s okay if you lose, so don’t feel pressured.”

Eren felt the pressure of impending defeat, but Harold, in contrast, seemed to be enjoying himself.
Hearing his gentle voice, Eren felt a bit of courage well up.

“Yes, I’ll do my best in the match.”

“Then let’s start with banking.”

Kazen, seeming slightly irritated, placed a ball on the table with a thud, his voice low.
This was to determine who would go first by rolling the ball.
Harold also gestured to Jerry, received a ball, and placed it down.

“Eren, I’ll guide your posture, so hold the cue and position yourself in front of the table.”

“Ah, yes.”

Harold kindly took Eren’s waist and guided him to the table.
Trying to imitate the stance he’d seen Kazen use from over his shoulder, Eren awkwardly leaned over the table.

“Leaning over that much will make it hard to strike.
Keep your arm at hip level and just bend slightly.”

Harold stepped behind Eren and gently wrapped his arm around his waist.
It felt completely different from when Kazen had wrapped his arm around him earlier.

The careful and delicate movements conveyed consideration for the other person.
So this time, Eren didn’t push him away, even though flustered.

“Lift your upper body a bit, and this angle for your arm should be good.”

“L-like this?”

His large hand gently brushed over various parts of Eren’s body.
At that moment, Eren caught the scent of Harold’s perfume that Kazen had mentioned.

So this was the scent.

It wasn’t as unpleasant as he’d thought, and Eren unconsciously took a deep breath.
Rather than a perfume scent, it was like the floral fragrance that tickled your nose in the Imperial Palace garden.

“Good.
Now you can strike like that.”

Finally, Harold stepped back, and Eren moved his cue simultaneously with Kazen, striking the billiard ball.
With a clear sound, the ball shot powerfully across the table.

“I go first.”

Kazen spoke as if it were an obvious result, but clicked his tongue briefly in displeasure.

“It’s not too late, Harold, why don’t you play instead?
Otherwise, I’ll ask for that painting by Michael you cherish so much.”

Even with his almost threatening tone, Harold didn’t lose his smile.

“If you wanted it, you should have said so.
I would have given it to you anytime.”

Whether Harold’s relaxed attitude finally made Kazen give up, he silently struck the ball.
Watching the ball roll frantically across the table, Eren glanced sideways at Kazen.
His expression and movements revealed his displeasure.

He was probably angry at seeing Harold, the one he liked, being so kind to someone like Eren.
Thinking that made Eren feel unbearably uncomfortable being here.

It was as if he had become a tool inserted between two lovers to provoke jealousy.

“What are you doing, not striking?
Trying to waste time?”

Lost in distracting thoughts, Eren suddenly realized Kazen was staring intently at him.

“Ah, I’m sorry.
I was just thinking for a moment.”

Eren picked up his cue again and approached the table with awkward steps.
Once more, Harold came over and gently wrapped his arm around Eren’s waist.

“I think it would be better if you stood here to strike.”

Concealed by his gentle appearance, he hadn’t realized it, but Harold was quite strong.
Eren’s thin body, like a piece of paper, was easily moved by his arm.

“Stand up straight.
I’ll adjust your posture again.”