Love Upon A Time.

Another argument.

I used to think that searching for Klao and finding my way back to the present would consume all my mental space, leaving no room for other concerns. However, something else started to divert my attention from those matters, and the source of this distraction was quite close to me.

 

"Khong."

 

"Yes, Mr Klao."

 

"Where's P’Phop?" I called out to his personal servant, who was carrying a stack of books up the stairs. Khong bowed his head respectfully and replied, "At this moment, Muun is at the training ground with the other servants. Is there something you need?"

 

"I don't have any urgent matters, but Aunt Prayong is looking for P'Phop. She has something to discuss with him."

 

"In that case, I'll inform Muun right away."

 

Khong was about to walk away to put down his things and find his master, but I stopped him and said, "No need. I'll find him myself. I was planning to bring some toys to the children anyway. You can continue with your tasks."

 

"Yes, sir." Khong smiled and walked into P'Phop's office with his load while I headed down the stairs towards the training ground to find the eldest son of the house.

 

Honestly, if I hadn't planned to bring the toys I bought from the market the other day to the kids, I wouldn't have volunteered to find P'Phop myself. I've been trying to avoid meeting him as much as possible. Initially, I didn't want to see him because I was afraid he'd notice something out of the ordinary about me. But now, there's another reason that makes me somewhat anxious.

 

The sound of men cheering came from behind the house. I quickened my pace, intending to find P’Phop as soon as possible so I could get back to my own business. As I rounded the bushes and reached the training ground, I froze. Two muscular young men, shirtless and wearing traditional Thai pants that reach above the knees, were sparring with swords in both hands, their bodies glistening with boxing liniment oil. I stood still, momentarily forgetting why I was there.

 

"Muun will definitely win!"

 

"Ming, don't give up!"

 

The voices of the male and female servants echoed in my ears. The clash of swords created a sharp, thrilling sound that mingled with the enthusiastic cheers. But what caught my attention wasn't the anticipation of who'd win, but the figure of the person I was looking for. He was in the middle of the circle, sword in hand, fighting fiercely.

 

I'd heard the servants say that P'Phop was skilled in combat and often practised boxing and sword fighting with them. But this was the first time I saw it with my own eyes, and it was... incredibly impressive.

 

The blade in the higher-ranking man's hand sliced through the air, narrowly missing his opponent, creating a thrilling sight. P'Phop's swordsmanship was strong and captivating, almost like a spell that kept me from looking away. His eyes sparkled with sharpness and vitality as he pressed his opponent. The sweat dripping down his face didn't diminish his handsome features; if anything, it made him even more attractive...

 

Clang!

The loud clash of swords snapped me back to reality just as I heard someone call out to me.

 

"Mr Klao."

 

"Chuay, you left me at the house to come here?" I glared at my servant, who'd been missing for nearly an hour. Chuay smiled sheepishly and bowed his head in apology.

 

"Sorry, sir. Did you come to watch the training, too?"

 

"No, I came to find P'Phop for Aunt. She has something to discuss with him." I glanced back at the man who was still sparring fiercely with his servant. Chuay stepped closer and whispered to me. "Muun is very skilled in combat, Mr Klao. Khong said that he is proficient in boxing, swordsmanship, and even firearms. And Ming, his opponent, is considered the best swordsman among the servants, but he still can't match Muun."

 

"He's truly skilled, as you said," I murmured, taking a deep breath to calm the strange feeling in my chest.

 

Ever since I stood up to the foreigners and P'Phop thanked me, it's been harder for me to face him. I've felt awkward around him since the first time we met. It's a kind of embarrassment I've never felt with anyone before, and it gets stronger every day without me understanding why.

 

Thud!

The sound of something heavy hitting the ground was followed by loud cheers. I looked towards the centre of the circle and saw that the fight had ended. P'Phop was still standing, one hand holding a sword pointed at the throat of his opponent, who was sitting on the ground.

 

"You're quite skilled. It took me a while to corner you."

 

"Thank you, sir." Ming raised his hands in a wai, his eyes filled with excitement. P'Phop lowered his swords and gathered them in his other hand before smilingly helping Ming up. He was like that-not too proud or distant from the servants. It's no wonder they all loved and respected him.

 

The applause and cheers of admiration continued. The victor's sharp eyes scanned the area, and when they landed on me, that fluttering feeling in my chest returned. The closer he walked towards me, the more uneasy I felt.

 

"Did you come to watch me practice sword fighting?" He asked. I couldn't help but think how good he looked. I'd never seen a man look so good drenched in sweat.

 

"No. I came because Aunt Prayong asked me to find you. She has something to discuss."

 

"I thought you wanted to see me practice sword fighting." His deep voice carried a hint of playful reproach. Normally, I'd have glared at him, but today, I lowered my eyes and replied calmly, "You should go see her quickly. It's not good to keep the elders waiting."

 

"In that case, I'll go see Mother first." He took a cloth from a nearby servant to wipe his sweat and headed back towards the house. I walked in the opposite direction, towards the servants' quarters, with that strange feeling in my chest still lingering.

 

Once again, I felt like I'd seen this scene before, even though it was my first time watching P'Phop practice sword fighting. Looking at him made me feel nervous, which was oddly unsettling. I shouldn't have volunteered to find him myself; I should've let Khong do it from the start. That way, I wouldn't be feeling so troubled right now.

 

Avoiding P'Phop as much as possible became my secondary goal, aside from finding Klao and a way back home. Except for meal times and study sessions with him, I tried to stay in my room, waiting eagerly for him to leave for work. One reason was to avoid feeling awkward around him, and the other was to do what I had planned, finally.

 

"Mr Klao, are you really going to Pak Khlong Market?" Chuay's worried voice came as he paddled the boat.

 

"Yes, hurry up," I replied without hesitation. Today was P'Phop's workday, a perfect opportunity for me to sneak out and gather information about Klao. 

 

Once P'Phop had left for work, I urged Chuay to quickly take me to our destination, even though he seemed reluctant and kept voicing his concerns along the way.

 

"But... if Muun finds out, you'll surely get rebuked."

 

"Just hurry up and get back before he knows. I won't stay long," I retorted immediately. I had about four or five hours to gather information, which should be enough to bring something back. As I said, servants couldn't disobey their masters, so despite Chuay's reluctance, our boat eventually reached the dock near Pak Khlong Market.  As soon as I stepped off the boat, I hurried Chuay to lead the way into the market, wasting no time to reach the tavern where Klao used to frequent.

 

Pak Khlong Market was different from the other markets I'd been to. There were more Chinese residents here than Ayutthaya locals. The goods sold were mostly imported from China, and the area was filled with row houses that operated as tea and liquor shops. Even though it was still morning, these shops were already bustling with Ayutthaya locals and Chinese patrons. This place was notorious as the city's red-light district, with brothels catering to gentlemen. 

 

I'd just walked past one such row house, which I assumed was a brothel, and briskly looked down at the ground because the women standing outside were wearing only traditional Thai pants, their chests bare for all to see.

 

"Mr Klao, are you interested in our services today?" One of the women smiled sweetly at me. I shook my head and quickly walked away, prompting her to turn her attention to a Chinese man walking behind me. She invited him in Chinese with a strange accent and straightforward words. It made me, who had some knowledge of Chinese from taking it as a minor, feel quite embarrassed.

 

"Chuay, do I come to... this place often?"

 

"...No, sir. You prefer to go to the prostitute's house near the liquor store at the end of the market. But everyone here knows you well because you... um.."

 

"Get into trouble often?"

 

"Something like that, sir." Chuay gave a dry smile. I exhaled deeply, feeling a throbbing headache from the real Mr Klao's antics.

 

I ordered Chuay to lead me to Klao's regular liquor store, which was in a row house next to the prostitute's house. Chuay said I often spent my days there from morning till night, sometimes returning home the next morning. As soon as I walked into the store, every customer's eyes were on me, and they weren't exactly friendly.

 

"It's been a while since we last saw you, sir." The middle-aged Chinese owner with a thick beard greeted me in a strange Thai accent and a forced smile.

 

"Judging by your face, am I wrong to think you don't really want to see me here? Or are you afraid I'll cause a commotion?" I smirked, keeping a stern face.

 

The owner hastily waved his hands, speaking so fast his tongue almost twisted. "Not at all, sir. You're an important customer. How could I think that? Whenever there's trouble, you're never the one to start it. I'm always happy to welcome you. What would you like today, sir?" He smiled obsequiously.

 

I randomly ordered a type of liquor, poured a little into a cup, and took a small sip for show. Once the owner walked away, I turned to whisper to Chuay. 

 

"Do I get into fights here often?"

 

"...Yes, sir. Mostly with that Cherd. He likes to come to this store and often sets his sights on the same woman as you, Mr Klao." Chuay answered. I squinted in thought before calling the owner over. He hurried over, smiling deferentially.

 

"What else would you like, sir?"

 

"Do you remember when I was last here?"

 

"Today marks exactly a month, sir." Though the owner looked puzzled by my question, he answered. His confirmation made me alert. This could be one of the last places Klao was seen besides his home. But did anyone know what Klao was doing or where he was going at that time?

 

"And the last time I was here, do you remember how I was acting?" I asked nonchalantly.

 

The owner thought for a moment before answering. "...You were drunk as usual. Every time I saw you, you were drunk. But you seemed particularly quiet that time. And when you saw Cherd, you looked very angry. You two fought so fiercely that the patrol and soldiers had to intervene: I thought my store would be destroyed" He rubbed his arms, looking like he had goosebumps.

 

"And what were we fighting about? Do you know?"

 

"Oh, I didn't catch that. At my age, just escaping with my life is hard enough. I only know you seemed very furious and said you'd kill Chend. He just laughed!”

 

That sentence made my hair stand on end.

 

"Kill him?"

 

"Yes, but please, sir. If you want to fight and kill each other, could you not do it in my store? Have mercy on me. The last time you fought, about a month ago, I had to buy almost all new tables and chairs. It cost me a lot, and I couldn't find anyone to take responsibility." The owner grumbled.

 

"I'm sorry. I'll compensate you." I replied and turned the matter over to Chuay. Then, I continued questioning the owner about Klao. It seemed Klao had a special relationship with a prostitute named Pim. She was the top girl at the prostitute house, and the same one Cherd was interested in. It sounded like a typical love triangle. But my instincts told me there was more to it. Klao threatening to kill someone wasn't normal. Moreover... Klao's original personality didn't seem like someone who held grudges. There had to be a reason for Klao's intense rage. The conflict between Klao and Cherd was likely the key to Klao's disappearance. But the hard part was that no one seemed to know what their problem was.

 

"Check, please." After settling the damages, I paid for the liquor and headed to the prostitute's house next door to ask for Pim. But the madam said she'd gone out since morning and didn't know when she'd return. I decided not to wait and headed back home. At least I knew where to get information now. I should go home before P'Phop finishes work and come back to see Pim another day.

 

"Chuay, do you want to buy anything? I allow you to." I told my servant as we walked back. But before Chuay could answer, someone grabbed my arm tightly.

 

"Mr Klao." A sweet voice called me. The owner of the voice was a pretty young woman with fair skin, dressed in muted-colored traditional Thai pants and a white Sabai. She seemed about my age.

 

"Mr Klao, you came to see me so early," She said coquettishly, giving me a sweet look while I stood stiffly, surprised by her sudden approach.

 

Sorry, but do we know each other? Who are you?

 

"Wait a minute, who are you-" I was about to ask when a rough male voice called out from behind.

 

"Pim!"

 

"Look, they're going to fight again."

 

"Quick, go get the patrol."

 

The villagers and merchants around started whispering. The woman's delicate hand that clung to my arm tightened, and the rough voice shouted again. When I met her eyes, I began to understand something and decided to stand still.

 

"Pim, are you avoiding me again?!" The shout sounded strangely familiar. I turned to look, my brows furrowing when I saw it was Klao's old rival.

 

'Cherd...

 

"Hey, didn't I tell you I'm not free today? Mr Klao booked me first!" The woman beside me shouted back. From the name Cherd called her, it seemed I hadn't come in vain.

 

"You again." Cherd turned his fierce gaze from Pim to me, but I noticed a hint of fear in his eyes.

 

"What happened?" I asked the woman.

 

"Cherd is trying to force me to be with him today, sir. I told him someone else booked me, but he won't stop threatening me." Pim swiftly explained, clutching my arm tighter. I thought for a moment before deciding to put my arm around her shoulder.

 

"Today, you're mine. How can you be with someone else?" I smiled, playing along. Pim rested her head on my shoulder, looking relieved, while I glared at Cherd, who stood clenching his fists.

 

"There are plenty of other women. If you can't wait, find someone else. Today, this one is mine."

 

"Hmph, I didn't think I'd get to talk to you like this again, Klao." Cherd spat on the ground and stepped closer, a taunting smile on his lips.

 

"I heard you disappeared for days. I thought you'd follow your traitorous father to hell by now." His insulting words made me grit my teeth, holding back my anger. I understood why Klao hated Cherd so much. With insults like that, who could stand it?

 

"I guess I'm hard to kill. I'm not in a hurry to go to hell, not until you go first." I retorted, making Cherd's eyes flash with anger.

 

"Pim! Come here!"

 

"No! I'm staying with Mr Klao!" The woman shouted back, gripping my arm hard.

 

"Pim!"

 

"What's going on here?" A stern voice called out, drawing everyone's attention to the newcomer. The speaker was a fair-skinned man in a uniform similar to P'Phop's on duty, with a sword on his back, and three or four similarly dressed men behind him. Earlier, I heard the merchants say they were going to get the patrol. Wow, they came fast. Better than in the dramas where the police always arrive at the end.

 

"Cherd is trying to force me to sleep with him today, Muun. But Mr Klao booked me first." Pim quickly complained. That Muun's eyes flicked to Cherd, who stood scowling, then turned to me. His eyes were filled with surprise, but it quickly disappeared. He looked away from me, glancing at Cherd before speaking sternly.

 

"A promise is a promise. Cherd, leave now. Don't cause trouble, or I'll throw you in jail again."

 

Cherd clenched his fists, glaring at me with hatred before storming off. Pim sighed in relief.

 

"Thank you so much for stepping in to help. If you hadn't, he'd have definitely picked a fight with Mr Klao again. I don't want his handsome face to get hurt anymore," Pim said, giving a wai to Muun with heartfelt gratitude. Honestly, I was thankful that the officer arrived in time. I just felt sorry for the woman and wanted to help her avoid harassment. I didn't want any trouble. I've never been in a fight in my twenty years. If it came down to it, I think I'd lose.

 

"It's nothing. I was doing my duty," he replied. He then turned to look at me and gave me a friendly smile, asking, "And you, are you feeling better now?"

 

"Excuse me?"

 

"I heard from Phop that you went missing. When they found you, you'd lost your memory and weren't feeling well. Being out here means you're better now, right?"

 

"..Yes," I replied, still a bit confused. From the way he spoke, it seemed like he was a colleague of P'Phop, which is why he knew me.

 

"Uh.. by the way... what's your name?"

 

"My name is Han. I'm a colleague of Phop," he introduced himself, glancing at Pim's hand, which was still holding onto my arm.

 

"In that case, I won't intrude on your personal time any longer. I'll take my leave," he said.

 

"Wait a moment, Muun," I called out.

 

"Is there something else?"

 

"Can you not tell P'Phop that you saw me here today?" I asked with a sheepish smile. Muun Han seemed to understand my request quickly, chuckling softly before agreeing.

 

"Alright, if you don't want Phop to know you visited a place like this, I won't say a word."

 

"Thank you," I said, giving him a wai. Once Muun Han left, the woman beside me gently tugged at my arm.

 

"Let's go back to the shop, Mr Klao."

 

"Okay," I agreed, letting the woman lead me back to the prostitute's house, with Chuay following us, shaking his head in disapproval as much as he could. Honestly, I didn't want to go back there, but I wanted to talk to this woman and find out how well she knew Klao.

 

"Chuay, you wait here. From now on, I'll take care of Mr Klao myself," Pim told Chuay to wait outside the shop, playfully brushing my chin with her finger. Chuay looked like he was about to cry as he watched me being dragged into a room.

 

It was a small room with just an old mattress, a pillow, and a blanket in the middle. There was a short wooden cabinet, probably for clothes, a teapot with cups, and some tools for... well, activities of the olden days, like oils, wax, and other things I didn't recognise. There was one window slightly open, just enough for light to slip through. The room didn't seem like a permanent residence, just a place for certain activities.

 

Bang!

The wooden door was shut and bolted. I swallowed hard as Pim walked closer. She was indeed beautiful, but I didn't like her, and I had no intention of doing anything with her.

 

"Today.. I'm not in the mood. I only went along with you in front of Cherd to help you. How about we sit and talk?" I hurriedly said before she could speak. Pim looked perplexed for a moment, then giggled at my flustered demeanour.

 

"It seems you really lost your memory, just like what Muun Han said. You don't even remember that we've never had any relations."

 

"...What did you say?" That information shocked me. Pim sat down, pouring tea into a cup as she answered.

 

"Mr Klao, you only visit me to ask for information. Initially, you pretended to court me to provoke Cherd. You never really wanted to do anything to me, even though I wished for it," she said, giving me a playful, reproachful look. quickly sat down beside her.

 

"Does anyone else know that we've never done that?"

 

"Do you really not remember?"

 

"Yes, I drank too much and can't remember much, including the information you asked about. Can you tell me again?" I pressed. Pim looked at me for a moment with a scrutinising gaze before sighing and speaking in a slow, deliberate tone.

 

"No one knows, not even Chuay. You ordered me not to tell him. You once helped me from some thugs, so I agreed to help you in return. As for the information, there wasn't much. You just asked about Cherd and the guests who visit here."

 

"What did I ask?"

 

"You asked where Cherd would go today or tomorrow, what he'd do, and if any important people visited here, things like that. Cherd visits me frequently, so I know a bit about him. Oh, and you often asked about the opium trade in this area," Pim replied, sipping her tea. Her answer sparked a theory in my mind. I took a deep breath to calm my excitement and asked further.

 

"I vaguely remember suspecting that Cherd was involved in the opium trade, right?"

 

"Yes, but even though you suspected it and it was widely rumoured, there was no evidence to convict Cherd. Only his subordinates were caught. There was never any evidence linking him directly, so he was never arrested for it."

 

"Is it possible that he has someone backing him?"

 

"I don't know, but it seems you were investigating that."

 

There it is, 'I thought. Klao, who used to be a good kid, wouldn't turn to a life of debauchery without a reason. It looked like he was investigating something, gathering information from Pim. If my guess was right, it was related to the opium trade and possibly connected to why Klao's father was punished.

 

"When was the last time I visited you?" I asked.

 

"A month ago, sir."

 

"And what did I ask then?"

 

"Nothing, sir. You just came to drink with me and said you might disappear for a while. You didn't say where you were going."

 

So Klao intended to disappear on his own. That ruled out getting lost or having an accident while drunk. But where did he go? Did no one know...?

 

I continued to ask Pim about Klao and Cherd. She willingly shared what she knew. It seemed their relationship was truly just friendship, as Pim insisted that Klao never took advantage of her. I asked if Cherd would harm her for choosing me over him. Pim said he wouldn't dare because influential people supported the prostitute house, and they favoured her. Cherd wouldn't dare cross those powerful figures. We talked for a long time until I heard thunder.

 

"It looks like it's going to rain soon. Should you leave now or stay here for the night, Mr Klao? I'm free today," Pim teased, her eyes glittering.

 

"No, thank you. You should rest. I'll take my leave."

 

"Travel safely, Mr Klao," she bowed her head. bid her farewell and walked out to find Chuay sulking outside the shop.

 

"Didn't you say you wouldn't act like before?!" Chuay instantly scolded me.

 

"..Yeah, yeah," I replied, feeling a bit helpless. For now, I had to keep Klao's secret. He had his reasons for leading others to think this way about him.

 

The rain started to pour down. The vendors hurriedly packed their goods. Chuay and I quickened our pace to the boat, hoping to get back before the rain got heavier. But suddenly, the wind picked up, and the rain came down hard. I ran to take shelter in the pavilion beside the river, looking back at the path home, obscured by the heavy rain.

 

 "With the rain this heavy, we can't go back, can we?"

 

"Yes, sir. With the rain this heavy, if we go through the storm, we won't see the way, and the boat could capsize. It's dangerous."

 

"Then let's wait a bit until the rain eases up. If we run into P'Phop, tell him we went to the floating market. Don't mention we came here, understand?"

 

"Yes, sir," Chuay agreed obediently.

 

I sat down in the pavilion, listening to the relentless downpour. If I'd known it'd rain, I'd have chosen another day to come here. But as long as P'Phop doesn't know I came to Pak Khlong Market, I won't get reprimanded. If Muun Han doesn't tell, how would he know?

 

It was around three in the afternoon. If it wasn't a duty day or an emergency, it was the end of the patrol officers' workday. It was also the start of their social gatherings. The patrolmen, young and old, would go to the taverns in the market. Few would head straight home before dusk, but one person did so regularly.

 

"You're back, son. No duty today?"

 

The voice of Khun Ying Prayong, his mother, greeted him as Phop walked up to the house where he'd lived since birth. Phop raised his hands in a respectful wai to his mother before taking a damp cloth from his personal servant to wipe his face.

 

"Yes, Mother. I won't be on duty again until next week. But Father will be home late tonight. Ok-phra from the Military Recruiting Department has invited him to a gathering at his house."

 

"Your father never misses a social event, does he?" Khun Ying Prayong shook her head in mild exasperation while her son smiled softly at her. Despite being in her forties, his mother still looked as graceful and beautiful as he remembered from his childhood. Phop's sharp eyes left his mother and scanned the house. Three weeks ago, when the house of Phraya Pichaipakdee welcomed a new member under its roof, it had become a habit for Phop to look for someone every time he returned home.

 

"Is Klao not at home?" Phop asked when he didn't see the person.

 

"Yes, the servants said Klao went out. He might've gone to the market," Khun Ying Prayong replied before instructing a servant to bring tea. Phop remained silent for a moment.

 

Going out for a stroll was normal for young men his age, but Klao had a history of frequent brawls. If it weren't for that, Phop wouldn't be worried about hearing that he went out. However, lately, Klao seemed to have calmed down. Though he was still stubborn at times, he no longer behaved recklessly or aggressively. Klao had also promised not to act that way again, so Phop felt somewhat reassured that nothing would happen.

 

"Your father isn't back yet, and Klao isn't here. Phop, sit and have tea with me for a while." Khun Ying Prayong held her son's arm. Phop smiled at his mother and followed her to the spacious pavilion within the house to sit and chat. After about ten minutes, Khun Ying Prayong left the conversation to go to the kitchen. The once-clear sky began to cloud over. Phop stood up from the bench, intending to bathe before the rain fell. But his personal servant hurriedly approached him as he was about to change clothes.

 

"Muun, Muun Han is here to see you. He said he brought a gift from Khun Phra for Ok-ya." Khong reported.

 

When Phop looked towards the stairs, he saw his colleague, still in uniform, climbing up with a cheerful face.

 

"How are you, Phop? Haven't seen you in days."

 

"Aside from the frustration with those prisoners who refuse to confess easily, I'm doing well." He smiled at the visitor.

 

This was Muun Han, the son of Ok-phra Suntrapinit, a subordinate of his father in the City Guard Bureau. Though Phop and Han had known each other since childhood, they weren't as close as he was with Jom. But now, serving in the same department, they were quite familiar colleagues.

 

"Are you talking about those opium smugglers we caught the other day?"

 

"Yes, no matter how we interrogate them, they won't confess." Phop's sharp eyes showed tension as he thought of the opium smugglers they'd raided last week. They were just small-time dealers and wouldn't reveal the big players. It was obvious they had powerful backers, and the Patrol Division was currently gathering evidence.

 

"They're probably afraid of being silenced."

 

"Seems so. Are you here to see my father today?"

 

"Yes, my father just returned from official duties in Phitsanulok and asked me to bring a gift for Ok-ya. Initially, he wanted to bring it himself, but he injured his ankle yesterday and cannot walk well. So I volunteered to bring it." Muun Han spoke as he took a small box from the servant behind him and opened it for Phop to see.

 

"It's a Phra Chinnarat amulet. My father got it from a revered monk and thought of Ok-ya."

 

"I'll take it and inform my father. He's not home right now."

 

"Then I'll leave it with you." Muun Han handed the box to Phop, who then invited his guest to sit and have tea.

 

"I'm envious of your household, Phop. It's so peaceful, no women fighting. At my house, the wives and second wives of both my father and me are always fighting." Han spoke with a weary tone, looking at Phop, who was pouring tea into his cup.

 

"Don't you want to get married, Phop?"

 

"Not yet. I'm content living alone."

 

"Having a woman or two would make you even happier, trust me," Han grinned slyly. Phop glanced at his colleague.

 

"Didn't you just complain about the fights at your house?"

 

"That's just a minor conflict; it's worth the happiness you'll get. You've already taken in a man; why not take in a woman, too?" Han's words made Phop's sharp eyes glance at the stairs, still empty of the man in question. 

 

"One man is already a headache. I don't plan to take in any women," Phop replied calmly.

 

"Hahaha, true. Klao caused a lot of trouble before," Han laughed, sipping his tea. "But since his illness, he seems much calmer."

 

"Did you see Klao recently?" Phop asked.

 

Han hesitated, his eyes flickering before he smiled. "I was just speaking from what you told me."

 

"I don't think that's all." Phop's eyes bored into Han, as if he were interrogating a suspect. Han sat silently for a moment before raising his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. I saw him today."

 

Phop's eyebrows knitted together. Han's patrol area was around Pak Khlong Market and the nearby river bend. Today was a workday, so if Han saw Klao, it meant...

 

"Where did you see Klao?"

 

"At Pak Khlong Market. He almost got into a fight with Cherd over a woman. I promised not to tell, but you caught me." He sighed. "But don't worry, Phop. Klao didn't start the trouble and wasn't being reckless. He just wanted to enjoy himself. Don't scold him too harshly."

 

Han's excuse didn't ease Phop's tension much, and the former seemed to realise it, quickly excusing himself to leave. Though his face remained calm, Phop's heart was in turmoil. He'd begun to trust that Klao wouldn't revert to his old ways, but now that confidence was shaken. He wasn't even sure this Klao was the real Klao, but for some reason, he felt concerned and angry when he heard that Klao had returned to a place of vice. There were many thugs there. He didn't want Klao to get hurt, but the younger man seemed to seek out trouble. How could Phop not be upset?

 

"Khong, get the boat ready."

 

"Yes, Muun? Where are you going?"

 

"I'm going to fetch Klao from Pak Khlong Market." Phop stood up and walked down the stairs towards the riverside pavilion, intending to bring Klao home amidst the starting rain. But as he reached the pavilion, the rain poured heavily, and the wind blew so hard that even the large trees swayed.

 

"It's dangerous to go out in this rain," his servant warned. Phop's sun-tanned hands clenched tightly, veins bulging.

 

"If the rain eases, get the boat out immediately."

 

"Yes," Khong shouted over the howling wind and pounding rain. Phop sat down in the pavilion, staring at the river with a stern expression. Sneaking off to a place of vice without telling anyone, it seemed he couldn't play the kind older brother this

time.

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It took over an hour for the storm to calm. As soon as the rain eased, I ordered Chuay to get the boat out and head home as quickly as possible. Waiting for the rain to ease for an hour like this, P'Phop would surely be home and know I'd gone out. But since he didn't know where I went, I'd get a mild admonishment for being late at most. The drizzle continued as Chuay rowed the boat home. Though it wasn't heavy, the light rain was annoying, and now both my clothes and head were soaked.

 

"Eh..." I muttered softly as I saw the pavilion at Phraya Pichaipakdee's house in the distance. The tall figure sitting there looked so familiar that it sent a chill down my spine. As the boat docked, seeing P'Phop standing there with a stern face like a temple guardian, I had a bad feeling that this wouldn't end with just a mild admonishment.

 

"P'Phop.. why are you sitting in the pavilion in this rain?" I forced a weak smile as I stepped out of the boat.

 

"Where have you been?" Mr Officer ignored my question and got straight to the point. I hesitated for a moment before answering.

 

"I went to the market."

 

"Which market?"

 

"Pak Khlong Market, wasn't it? " he asked sternly.

 

'Damn it, how did P'Phop know? Did one of the servants see me and tell him? No wonder he's sitting at the pavilion like this. I'm in for it now, 'I thought pitifully to myself.

 

"You promised me you wouldn't behave like before. Why did you go back there today?" His low voice and the anger in his eyes made me shiver with fear. P'Phop had always been a bit strict, sometimes serious, but he'd never looked this enraged before.

 

"l... I just went to visit an old friend..."

 

"Wasn't it that you almost got into a fight with Cherd again?"

 

"A man should keep his word. You said you wouldn't cause trouble, and what did I hear today?"

 

"I didn't mean to. I just-"

 

"Why didn't you tell me the truth? Or did you intend to lie from the start?"

 

He looked at me with disappointment. I was starting to get a bit annoyed myself. He hadn't even listened to me and was already scolding me.

 

"Even though we aren't blood brothers, I see you as my own. But it seems you don't see me the same way. It looks like I'm not the one you trust anymore."

 

"And is this how you treat your real brother?!" I raised my voice. The area fell silent. Chuay and Khong, standing nearby, seemed to hold their breath while P'Phop's face grew more stern.

 

"What are you saying?"

 

"I'm saying what I think. Do you ever listen to me? You just scolded me without hearing my side. If you want me to listen, maybe you should start by listening to others." I snapped and stormed off to the house, feeling frustrated. I didn't know how he felt, but I felt just as bad. He was worried about me-no, he was worried about Klao. I knew that. I was wrong for breaking my promise, but what choice did I have? I had to do everything I could to get back home. I didn't even know if what I was doing would help. I had no idea what tomorrow would bring.

 

I locked the bedroom door and looked around, feeling empty. The antique furniture reminded me that I was alone. This wasn't my home, not even my time. Tears welled in my eyes, but I forced them back by closing them. When will I get to go home? I don't want to be here anymore.