Love Upon A Time.

Mate of the Soul.

It'd been almost two weeks since I started living in Phraya Pichaipakdee's house. Both Phraya and his wife treated me exceptionally well, as if I were one of their own family members. Even the servants who didn't particularly like me didn't dare to act out of line. Maybe it was because Klao was aggressive; they didn't like him much. But there weren't many of them; most of the servants here were kind to me. I didn't act superior, so they treated me even better.

 

Maybe it was my luck that I happened to look like Klao. I couldn't imagine what it'd be like if I ended up in this era alone or if I looked like someone of lower status. A servant's or slave's life depended entirely on their master. If you had a good master, you were lucky. But if a servant had a temperamental master, it was no different from being a living punching bag. I often heard the servants gossip about other servants being whipped to death or severely injured. If they survived, they were left disabled. If I had to become a servant in such a household, I'd probably choose to drown myself and end it all.

 

"Are you full?"

 

While I was lost in thought, a deep voice from the person eating beside me broke the silence.

 

"Yes," I replied, looking at the speaker. P'Phop was dressed and ready for work, lifting a bowl of jasmine-scented water to drink. Since the day someone gossiped about me, well, about Klao at the market, and P'Phop stepped in to defend me, I started to see him in a better light. I knew he wasn't a bad person. He was just cautious and had good instincts. But I was annoyed by his soft, irritating smile. 

 

After that day, I tried to speak kindly to him, at least to repay him for the real Klao. He went out of his way to defend me without caring about his own reputation. It wouldn't be right not to feel grateful.

 

"Is the food not good?"

 

"It's good."

 

"Then are you feeling unwell?"

 

"No, I'm fine. Why do you think I'm unwell?" I asked, puzzled. And his answer made me grit my teeth.

 

"You didn't ask for more rice today, nor did you ask for dessert as usual. I thought you might be sick and was about to send Khong to fetch Jom to check on you." His sharp eyes had a playful glint, making me frown slightly.

 

'Is he calling me a glutton?'

 

"Aunty Muan, could you get me some oranges?" I called the head kitchen maid, who was kneeling nearby.

 

"Yes, Mr Klao. How many would you like?"

 

"Two will do. To ease someone's mind that I'm not sick, I emphasised the last word, glancing at someone who was smiling nonchalantly. I took the oranges from the maid, peeled one, and started eating.

 

Maybe it was my slight bias, but whenever he spoke, I tended to take it negatively. But he often spoke in a way that annoyed me. I was trying to see him in a better light, but he kept making irritating comments. Don't you want me to treat you well, huh? What exactly do you want from me?

 

"Good to know you're not sick. Seeing you eat well makes me happy." P'Phop commented with a smile before asking a servant to bring him an orange as well. I paused mid-chew, raising a hand to touch my cheek. Speaking of eating well, I've noticed I've been eating more since I've been here. Even without MSG, the food here is delicious. Whether it's the food at the house or what's sold at the market, it's all good. Maybe it's because the ingredients are fresh and of good quality, combined with the meticulous cooking skills of the past. 

 

Most of the ingredients are caught from the river in front of the house. I've seen the servants dive in to catch shrimp and fish, filling their baskets in the blink of an eye. The saying that Ayutthaya is a land of abundance is no exaggeration. Good food is a blessing, so I've been asking for more rice almost every meal. Now, when I look in the mirror, I feel like my cheeks are fuller than before. I hope I find a way back home soon. If I stay here any longer, I might end up looking like a fatty.

 

"Do you have plans to go out today?" P'Phop asked as I was peeling my second orange.

 

"No, I plan to stay in and read," I said, popping another piece of orange into my mouth. Even though my house arrest was over, I wanted to stay low-key for a few more days to gain P'Phop's trust. That way, it'd be easier to get permission to go out. Meanwhile, I'd look for other clues while staying at the house.

 

"Oh, Phop, I have something to tell you. If you have free time, teach Klao to ride a horse. He still doesn't know how," Khun Ying Prayong told her son, making me almost choke on my orange.

 

"No need, Aunt. I-"

 

"I think it's a good idea. A man should have such skills. Phop, take care of Klao," Phraya added.

 

"Yes, Father, Mother. I'll teach him," P'Phop replied respectfully, glancing at me while I looked nervous. It'd be rude to refuse in front of the elders, so I stayed silent.

 

"I'll teach you to ride on my day off."

 

"...Yes," I replied reluctantly. Seeing his slight smile, I felt an urge to throw the orange peel at his handsome face. He's planning to mess with me during the lesson, isn't he? No way, I'm not going to let that happen!

 

After finishing our meal, Phraya and P'Phop left for work. I glanced at the female servants, noticing their dreamy eyes following the eldest son of the house. It was something I'd seen since my first day here. They say seeing is believing.  I'd been observing him since hearing Chuay say that P'Phop was still unmarried. 

 

Despite the many pretty females, no interest in them. Sometimes, he even looked stern when they tried to flirt. But I couldn't blame them. Being a servant in this era was tough. For female servants, becoming a concubine was a step up. P'Phop, being hot and single, was their main target. Okay, maybe he was picky and didn't care for lower-status women. But even when we went out to temples or markets, I saw well-dressed, high-status women giving him shy glances. Yet, he showed no interest, just smiling politely and ignoring them. I started believing the villagers' theory that he might be indifferent to women.

 

"Mr Klao, the books you asked to be brought from the old house are here," Chuay said respectfully. I looked at the stairs and saw two servants carrying a large wooden chest. I instructed them to place it in my room, then went to open it and inspect its contents.

 

Initially, I didn't touch Klao's personal belongings out of respect. But now, needing clues to find Klao, I had to know everything about him. So, I started with his personal possessions, which weren't many. Even his clothes were fewer than those of other noble children. Chuay said Klao was very frugal. He rarely spent money on clothes or jewellery. The only things he spent on were notebooks and books, which were piled up in the chest.

 

I picked up a thick notebook bound with thread and flipped through it. The pages were filled with beautifully written characters. Klao had excellent handwriting, like someone who writes certificates or diplomas. Though I couldn't read everything, I understood that it contained laws and moral guidelines for civil service.

 

"When we were in Phichit, you read every day, preparing for the day you could join the civil service like Ok-luang," Chuay said sadly as I continued to inspect the books and notebooks. The book I held was worn, showing it'd been read countless times. The more I looked through his books and notebooks, the more I realised how studious and determined Klao was to join the civil service. Just thinking about how his dreams were shattered in an instant, losing his family, hope, and happiness, made me feel deeply sorrowful. No wonder Klao was so heartbroken; he was truly dedicated.

 

"Is this all my stuff?"

 

"Yes, sir. Some of the treasures have been confiscated as state property. Only a few chests of gold and jewellery remain. As for this chest of books, you originally ordered it to be left at the house in Phichit, but you didn't want to bring it back to the capital. But I, along with the other servants, secretly brought it back and hid it, just in case you might need it again someday." The young man spoke the last sentence in a soft voice. I looked at the chest of books for a moment before deciding to close it.

 

"Thank you. You can leave now. I need some time alone."

 

"Yes, sir." The personal servant bowed his head and crawled out of the room. I walked over to the bed and lay down, exhaling a long breath.

 

Klao's personal belongings didn't provide many clues. I had to be patient until it was time to go out again! I was still intrigued by the behaviour of that thug, Cherd. It was evident there was something more to it. Chuay only knew that Klao and Cherd didn't get along, but didn't know the details. I'll have to ask others, and I already have an idea of where to get the information. It'll probably risk getting scolded by P'Phop, so I have to behave well to gain his trust. When I go out, I have

to be very careful. This time, I have to make sure Chuay keeps the secret tightly. Mr Officer mustn't find out about this.

 

Daily life in a world without mobile phones and the internet offered little to do. Since Klao was a noble's descendant, I didn't have to work hard. Most of my free time was spent playing with the servants' children or acting as a food taster for the head kitchen servant. At first, the servants weren't used to it and tried to politely send me back to the house, saying that a master like me shouldn't mingle with the servants. But I, being lonely and wanting friends to talk and play with, insisted on staying. After several days, the servants probably got tired of chasing me away and eventually became close to me.

 

"Mr Klao, please try this Khanom Chamod." Aunty Muan, the head kitchen servant, called out. Aunty Muan was a middle-aged woman, around sixty years old, with blackened teeth from chewing betel nuts. She was loud but very kind. She often urged me to eat more or brought me snacks or fruit while we waited for the main meal, which was one of the main reasons my cheeks puffed up.

 

"What is it made of, Aunty?" I walked over to her voice, peering into the brass pan where round desserts floated in bubbling oil.

 

"It's made from soaked mung beans, pounded with salt and pepper, coated in glutinous rice flour, and fried. It's delicious." Her wrinkled hand offered a plate of the desserts that had been taken out of the pan and rested for a while. I picked one up and took a bite, my eyes widening in delight.

 

"Is it delicious?"

 

"It's amazing! Aunty Muan's desserts are the best." I took another big bite, smiling brightly at the older woman.

 

"Oh, just call me Muan. If the master calls me Aunty, Heaven may punish me." She clutched her chest, dramatically overacting, making me chuckle softly.

 

In this era, it was normal for masters to call servants that way, but as someone from modern times, it felt strange to call anyone that. So, I usually just called them by their names, or if they were much older, I'd call them uncle or aunty, like Aunty Muan. She complained every time I called her that, but I couldn't bring myself to call her the way she wanted either.

 

As for P'Phop, I noticed he called only younger servants by name and referred to himself informally. But with older servants, he spoke politely. He probably felt the same as I did, not wanting to speak disrespectfully to older people.

 

"I'll call you that, Aunty Muan, Aunty Muan."

 

"Mr Klao!" Aunty Muan looked like she was about to faint. I laughed heartily and took another big bite of the dessert.

 

"What are you doing? I could hear the noise outside." A deep voice range. I glanced at P'Phop's sturdy figure walking into the kitchen area, chewing the dessert without answering. Aunty Muan answered for me.

 

"I had Mr Klao try the Khanom Chamod. Would you like some, sir?"

 

"Bring it to me after dinner. I'll have it with my drink," P'Phop said, and that's when I noticed he was holding a bottle of liquor.

 

"Where did you get that?"

 

"I didn't buy it. An acquaintance gave it to me. It's Dutch liquor, a very good one."

 

That piqued my curiosity. It was Western liquor. I glanced at the bottle in P'Phop's hand again. Although I wasn't a big fan of alcohol, I wondered if the liquor of this era tasted like the one of my time.

 

"Are you drinking tonight? Can I have a taste?"

 

He slightly quivered his eyebrow. When he didn't respond, I started to pester him.

 

"I've never tasted Western liquor and want to know what it tastes like. Just a taste, please."

 

"No. Jom ordered you to quit drinking. Did you forget?"

 

"I didn't. I don't intend to get drunk. I want to taste it. Just a little won't get me drunk." I tried to persuade him. P'Phop paused for a moment before smiling slightly.

 

"Then, if you ask me nicely, I'll let you have a taste."

 

I forced a smile and spoke as politely as I could.

 

"P'Phop, please let me drink the liquor."

 

"Not like this." He shook his head.

 

'What the heck? That was polite enough. What more does he want?

 

"P'Phop, please let me drink the liquor."

"..."

 

"If you say it like that, I'll allow you to drink." His sharp eyes sparkled, and I hesitated for a moment. He wants me to call myself 'Nong?’  That sounds... a bit too affectionate.

 

"If you don't say it, I won't -"

 

"I'll say it, I'll say it!" But my desire to drink won over my embarrassment. I took a deep breath and spoke.

 

"P'Phop, please let me drink the liquor."

 

"Alright. After dinner, we'll drink together." He smiled slightly, his dark eyes filled with satisfaction, and I looked away. I don't know if it's just me, but it feels unusually hot today...

 

Tonight's post-dinner time was different from usual. Instead of everyone going their separate ways to handle personal matters and sleep, Phop remained on the veranda. Beside him were a bottle of liquor and a plate of snacks. The young man enjoyed the fine liquor, accompanied by the moon and stars twinkling in the dark sky. The cool night breeze gently brushed against the skin. The sound of an empty porcelain cup hitting the wooden bench he sat on wasn't caused by him but by his drinking companion for the night.

 

"It's really good." The deep voice, with a strange accent, sounded as if the speaker were pleading. The adorable face of the person beside him, who'd just downed the liquor in one gulp, showed satisfaction. Seeing this, Phop, who'd been watching for a reaction, started a conversation.

 

"The taste is smooth and different from our liquor. Do you think so?" Phop asked while pouring himself another cup.

 

Klao nodded enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling with delight like a child with a new toy. "It's not too strong, which is very nice. Can I have another cup?"

 

"Sure." The large hand poured liquor into the cup of his conversation partner, who was reaching for another Khanom Chamod. Phop glanced at Klao, his unrelated brother. The relaxed expression on the sweet face made Phop smile slightly. He was a man who trusted his instincts. Something told him that this Klao was different from before. Although he still had doubts, living together made him see glimpses of the old Klao before he went to Phichit, such as his respect for elders and his determination when doing something. This eased his suspicion, replacing it with exasperation when the other was stubborn.

 

"Drink slowly, or you'll get drunk," Phop warned when he saw Klao downing the liquor in one gulp for the second time.

 

Klao frowned, his lips pouting slightly in displeasure. "I'm not a child anymore. I won't get drunk that easily." He retorted immediately.

 

If there was anything different about Klao, it was this. He used to obey Phop's every word, but now, he argued back every time.

 

"P'Phop, can I have another-"

 

"No." This time, the older man refused firmly. Jom had already warned Klao not to drink too often. Yet, here he was again, unable to refuse Klao's

request. Those bright eyes always made Phop soft-hearted. Besides, Klao had been behaving well these past few days. So, if he rewarded him with a drink or two, it shouldn't be a problem. But more than that would be inappropriate.

 

"Why not?!"

 

"You shouldn't drink anymore," Phop said seriously.

 

Klao's slender shoulders slumped slightly, but the next moment, he straightened up again. "Oh, P'Phop, just one more drink. Just a little. I promise I'll sip it slowly. I won't get drunk."

 

"No."

 

"P'Phoooop, just one more."

 

"I said-"

 

"Please, let me have one more drink."

 

Those big, round eyes on that fair face blinked pleadingly. Klao must really like the taste of this alcohol. Otherwise, Phop would never have received such a pleading look from him. And for some reason, Phop always gave in to this man.

 

"...This is the last one. I won't pour you another."

 

"Alright." The younger one beamed, grabbing another piece of snack while Phop poured the drink into his cup.

 

'Just a small cup. A little more won't hurt,' Phop thought as he set the bottle down and took a sip from his own cup. But he underestimated the strength of the foreign liquor...

 

"Ughhhh, why is the world spinning..." The slurred voice from his drinking companion, just minutes after finishing the last cup, made Phop want to hold his head in frustration. He looked at Klao's now flushed face. From any angle, it was clear that Klao was completely drunk.

 

Foreign liquor might taste smooth, but it was quite potent. Phop had a decent tolerance, so he felt nothing. But he didn't realise Klao had a lower tolerance because they never had the chance to drink together. Now he knew, but it was too late. Klao was so drunk that he could barely stand.

 

"P'Phooop, I... want mooore."

 

"That's enough," the young noble said sternly, standing up and helping the younger one to his feet to take him back to his room. He'd sent Chuay, Klao's servant, to get more snacks from the kitchen earlier. Since Chuay hadn't returned, he had to help Klao back to his room himself.

 

The night was quiet, with only the sound of leaves rustling in the wind and the chirping of crickets, accompanied by the drunk's incoherent mumbling. Fortunately, even though he and Klao were about the same height, Klao was much slimmer, making it easier to support him. The only problem was that the drunk wasn't very cooperative.

 

"Where are you taking me?"

 

"I'm taking you to bed."

 

"No, I don't wanna sleep. I want more drinks."

 

"You're this drunk and still want more?" Phop sighed, but when he saw the red nose and the mumbling lips, he couldn't help but smile.

 

He'd seen Klao drunk and causing a scene at the market many times, but this time was different. Maybe it was the foreign liquor that made this drunkenness more endearing than usual.

 

"Ugh."

 

The grumbling continued as Phop helped Klao to the bed. He tried to pry Klao's hand off his shirt, but the drunk wouldn't cooperate.

 

"Let go of me."

"Where's the drink..."

"No more drinking. Let go of me."

 

"Give me the drink first." Klao started to raise his voice, making Phop cover his mouth, fearing he'd wake the whole house.

 

"Mmm." The one lying down mumbled, trying to pull Phop's hand away. As Phop loosened his grip, Klao yanked his shirt hard, causing Phop to lose his balance and fall onto the bed.

 

The drunken, dreamy eyes of the one lying below met his. Their faces were so close that their noses almost touched, making Phop's heart skip a beat. Each second felt unusually long. Phop realised it'd been a long time since he had the chance to look at Klao's face up close. Klao had grown so much. He also noticed that the other had thick eyelashes and a faint scar on the bridge of his nose. There was also a prominent vertical line on his plump lower lip...

 

"P'Phoooop."

 

He stared at the overly enthralling face of the one below him. Klao's delicate eyebrows furrowed, and his eyes became unfocused.

 

"Are ya tryin' to take advantage of me? Just 'cause ya hot doesn't mean ya can take advantage of me. Not cool." The drunk mumbled strange sentences that Phop didn't understand, but it snapped him back to reality. He quickly stood up beside the bed.

 

"Lie down properly. Where are you trying to go?" Phop held the smaller one's shoulder, pushing him back onto the bed. But Klao frowned and pushed his hand away.

 

"Leave me alone!"

 

"Why don't you ever listen to me?" Phop shook his head in frustration.

 

Where had the obedient child who used to follow me everywhere gone? Why am I left with this stubborn kid now?

 

"Stop scolding me! Why do ya always scold me?" The one being scolded pouted. It was strange that even though the one doing it was a grown man, the gesture looked oddly cute to Phop.

 

"If you don't want me to scold you, then be a good boy," Phop spoke softly, sitting down beside the bed and placing the drunk's hands neatly by his side. Klao's unfocused eyes met his, and then those plump lips curved into a sweet smile that made Phop's heart skip a beat.

 

"Kaaaaaay."

 

"I'll be... P’Phop's good boy... only yooours."

 

Those words made the listener's lips curve into a smile. Even though Phop knew Klao was speaking out of drunkenness and couldn't be taken seriously, it still unexpectedly lifted his mood.

 

"Mr Klao, Muun, sir." Chuay's anxious voice at the door pulled him out of his thoughts. Phop cleared his throat, regaining his composure as Chuay crawled into the room.

 

"What's wrong with Mr Klao, sir?"

 

"He's drunk. Get a wet cloth to wipe his face. And don't wake him up for morning alms tomorrow. Let him sleep."

 

"Yes, sir." The young servant obeyed and hurried to follow the orders. Phop watched as the servant wiped his Klao's body for a while before deciding to leave them alone and step out onto the veranda. He poured another cup of the dark liquor and drank it. Phop looked up at the full moon shining brightly in the sky for a while before heading back to his room to rest.

—————————

The light pierced through my eyelids, disturbing my sleep until I lazily opened my eyes. The first thing I saw was the same old wooden beams. I lay there, staring at them blankly because my mind was still foggy. My head throbbed slightly, making it hard to gather my thoughts. But when I smelled the faint scent of alcohol on my clothes, I started to remember.

 

Last night, I drank with P'Phop and got so intoxicated that someone had to carry me back to my room. It was my fault for not knowing my limits. I knew I couldn't handle alcohol, but I still insisted on him pouring me more. Who knew the drink was so strong? I thought the smooth taste meant it wasn't that heavy.

 

"Are you awake, Mr Klao?" Chuay, who'd just opened the door, quickly knelt beside the bed. I raised my hand to rub my aching head.

 

"Did you carry me to bed last night?"

 

"No, sir. I was getting snacks from the kitchen at the time. It was Muun who brought you back to your room."

 

I frowned as my hazy memories slowly returned. That's right, I did hear P'Phop grumbling about something.

 

"What time is it?"

 

"It's almost noon, sir. You should hurry and wash up. It's almost time for lunch," the young servant said as he helped me up from the bed. I took the clothes from Chuay and changed, feeling a bit anxious.

 

P'Phop had already gone to work, so I was safe for now. But I wouldn't be so lucky in the evening. I'm sure he'll reproach me again when he comes back. And will he forbid me from going out again? If that happens, my plan to gather clues about Klao will be delayed even further. But it wasn't just my fault. He was the one who kept pouring me drinks. I don't care. If he scolds me tonight, I have my excuses ready.

 

I braced myself for a lecture from P'Phop, coming up with all sorts of excuses. But to my surprise, when P'Phop returned home that evening, he didn't scold me at all. He just asked how I was feeling and if I had a headache after waking up. When I said I was fine, he acknowledged it and walked away, leaving me bewildered.

 

Normally, he'd find some way to mock or annoy me. This time, he was so quiet. Maybe he was just too tired from work. Oh well, not getting reprimanded is a good thing. As long as he doesn't come after me later, I'm fine with it.

 

"Phop, I heard you caught some opium users today?"

 

That evening, while everyone was gathered around for dinner, Phraya Pichaipakdee's voice caught my attention as he asked his eldest son. I was busy stuffing my mouth with vegetables dipped in shrimp paste chill sauce, but paused to listen.

 

"Yes, Father. This time, it was some villagers from the end of the market. We caught them in the act, but they refused to say where they got the opium from, no matter how much we pressured them." P'Phop replied in a serious tone. So, my guess was right. He was stressed from work, so he didn't have the energy to pick on me.

 

"Again? Do you have any other leads?"

 

"We're still investigating, Father. We have suspects but no solid evidence yet. All we've caught so far are small-time users and dealers. The problem is getting worse by the day despite strict laws. These people are still bold enough to continue the act." Mr Officer complained at length.

 

"Indeed. There are many opium smugglers in the capital. The big dealers have powerful connections, making it difficult to eradicate them." Phraya's resigned tone made me think of Klao's father.

 

Luang Preecha-piban was also punished for accepting bribes in an opium case. Chuay once said that Klao despised opium and never touched it because it was the cause of his father's death. Listening to P'Phop and Phraya talk, it seemed like drug problems were rampant in this era.

 

"Phop, has your work been very demanding lately?"

 

"No, Father."

 

"That's good. I have a favour to ask of you."

 

"What is it, Father?"

 

"Teach Klao to read and write."

 

Clang!

The spoon I was holding, about to scoop up some lotus stem in coconut soup, froze in mid-air. I turned sharply to look at Phraya, then back at my plate, biting my lip in frustration.

 

The other day, Phraya called me in for a chat while he was resting. Chan, P'Phop's half-brother, was also there. He was about fourteen or fifteen years old, reading a law book. Suddenly, Chan asked Phraya about something in the book he didn't understand. For some reason, Phraya decided to test me and asked me to answer Chan's question. Who the heck would know the answer? In both the present world and this one, I never studied law. I couldn't even read some of the words in the book because the Thai script at the time had different vowels and letters. So I ended up looking like a kindergartener who couldn't read or write, while the real Klao knew all about this stuff. 

 

When I hesitated, Phraya got sceptical and started grilling me. I made an excuse that the effects of alcohol had caused memory lapses, thinking that would end it. But Phraya got serious and said he'd send me back to study. I thought he'd send me to learn with the monks at the temple, but I didn't expect him to send me to study with P'Phop.

 

"You want me to teach Klao, Father? But he can already read and write, can't he?"

 

"His memory is impaired due to alcohol, so he can't read and write as well as before. Please, Phop, teach him. The Royal Accounting Department will be recruiting new officials in the tenth month. I plan to recommend Klao for a clerk position so he can have a stable job." Phraya explained.

 

I sat there, dumbstruck, as someone planned my future without warning. In this era, government positions weren't obtained through exams but through recommendations. Nobles and officials often placed their children in various departments. So, commoners and slaves had little chance to move up the social ladder because no master would recommend a slave for a government job. They reserved positions for their own children. And I was fortunate enough to look like Klao, so I got a job by chance. But ask me first if I want to do it!

 

"No problem, Father. But I'm concerned whether he... can handle a government job." P'Phop's sharp eyes glanced at me, filled with concern. I was at a loss until Phraya spoke up, and then I understood.

 

"A father and son are different people. If I vouch for him, no one will dare refuse. Even if he can't get into a major department, having a government job still means a stable position. If he gets married, he won't have to struggle: Phop, please teach him, including horse riding."

 

"Yes, Father." P'Phop agreed, glancing at me with eyes that hinted at amusement. I could hear his brain running and planning how to deal with me. So now I have to spend more time with Mr Officer. The more I want to avoid him, the more I have to be around him. This must be what they mean when they say the more you hate something, the more you get it. I get it now.

 

"Starting tomorrow, I'll teach you to read."

 

"...Yes."

 

Do I have a choice? No, I don't.

This is so frustrating