A: N/ Hello guys! I got a pretty severe flu due to watching tons of anime shows without a warm blanket *silly me* but somehow I was able to write this one^^ hope you enjoy this chapter, although I intended to make it longer and come on! There weren't many reviews last time, so I'm feeling a bit sad and curious about what you think * sulk~*

To bitchwheresmyupdate: Here is a new update for you! Hope you enjoy it ^/^

To Yuki: Your questions were just the main theme for this chapter actually. And as for Lan/Shin, She/ He is trying very hard not to get exposed, but whether that happens or not is still not known. With the presence of the smart Gui would make that super hard though *giggle* Only the upcoming chapters will reveal the events^^

To Guest: Well, you have to read this chapter to know *Kyaaa* and Thanks for liking my humble work I really appreciate it.

The Disclaimer the I always fail to remember: I don't own 1/2 prince!

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Chapter 9: A land without a landlord

++++ In Second Life ++++

Third's POV

In the early morning, the once quiet chamber was filled with mixed noises and greetings from a specific group of people. All of them shared one thing in common, actually two, first they had an expression showing surprise and questioning, and the second they were looking for a certain white head boy.

"To think I would find his highness here! ~ but instead I saw you!" the long haired bard sighed in annoyance while holding his hand on his forehead like a helpless man in love.

"Great! How nice to see you first thing in the morning" The dark elf with the ponytail replied harshly as he smacked the bard's head. All while Wolf and his wife were calming them and stopping a possible war before it starting.

"Where is Prince gege?" The innocent little Doll asked in curiosity observing the cold glares between the two players.

"Good morning guys, now that you are all here, there is something you all need to know" Lolidragon, who just logged in and walked into the room smiled at the funny scene before pointing towards the dining table, gesturing them to follow her.

Doll was the first one to settle on one of the chairs. But as for both Gui and Wicked, they were fully occupied to even notice the other staring. As if it was the only mission for the day, they kept their hands on the other's throat refusing to surrender. Still, Wolf was trying his best to separate them without getting hit instead. As for Yulian, she quit few minutes ago as she realized nothing is useful with the stubborn young men. It took a nice half an hour, with the aid of Lolidragon punches, to finally get the table quiet.

"Okay, first I know you all are wondering why Prince hasn't logged in for days. Well, he won't be able to log in for a while actually" She sipped the tea that was somehow being prepared during the quarrel.

The room that was silent for seconds as the members let the news sink in. The first one to recover was the bard. He stared at Lolidragon with obvious worry and fear for the young lord. He demanded the thief to repeat what she previously said with details. The rest of the group, excluding Wolf, quietly and patiently waited as Lolidragon was about to presume.

"Prince is fine guys don't worry about him. He just had an urgent matter to take care of in the real life that's all" The girl stopped to take another sip of the hot drink glancing at them reading their reactions.

Wicked's POV

What kind of matter is she talking about? Xiao Lan didn't inform me about anything of that sort! I know my childhood friend better than these people, she wouldn't just quit Second Life and her allies unless it's something serious. I glanced back at Lolidragon, and she seemed to be quite composed as she brought the news. 'Maybe she is telling the truth. Maybe Lan is actually fine and it's nothing big. Maybe it's just a temporal mood swing or she is simply too busy with college'. I tried to convince my mind with these messages, yet I couldn't shake off this bad feeling.

'I hope nothing dangerous happened to her' I prayed silently as I made a mental note to pay her a visit as soon as I log out later today.

Lolidragon's POV

'Cool. Everyone seems to take it nice'. Thanks to Wolf, both Doll and Yulian seem to calm down and ensured that Prince is fine and safe, but for Wicked and Gui, they were stunned at first before their expression became darker. This exactly why I decided not to tell them the full story! And I'm sure Prince and Wolf agree with me. However, the guilt sensation didn't stop crawling into my heart. After all, Prince is our dear friend and this land's lord. 'Anyway, back to business'

"Oh, right there is something I need to add up"

I waited for a moment as I gulped the rest of the calming tea and placed it on the side. All the five pairs of eyes were locked on me.

"We are supposed to create a suitable plan to guide this city on behalf of Prince until he comes back. I will need all your help"

Luckily, they didn't continue fussing and reduced to merely nod in understanding. Although their eyes and faces are holding many questions, and I don't blame them. Nothing planned for any of this to happen in the first place. I sighed in relief, as the most stressful task for me ended peacefully.

"Tell us where to find him"

'Okay, I guess it's not over yet' I flinched at the low and cold voice that came from the right side of the table. I wouldn't joke if I said that some dark air evolved around that person, literally. I gulped nervously at the furious bard who was about to explode any second.

"C..Calm down Gui!"

"No, I won't! I can't sit here not knowing about his highness whereabouts! Tell me where can I find him in the real life!"

Gui's POV

'How can I just stay still when my most beloved is out of reach? What if he was sick or hurt? What if he needed support at the moment? The fact that even Lolidragon wouldn't tell us the details might be because she doesn't have a clue herself isn't it?' These crazy thoughts were engraved in my brain and my already throbbing heart. I once promised Prince that I wouldn't seek his identity. But this time is totally different. I need to find him and talk to him and protect him. I clenched my fists in determination as I spoke to Lolidragon using a tone I didn't believe it excited.

"No, I won't! I can't sit here not knowing about his highness whereabouts! Tell me where can I find him in the real life!"

I hoped. I truly hoped that my desperate inner voice would reach her. And that she would give any hint about my beloved. Man how wrong I was.

"I'm sorry Gui, I can't do that. I promised Prince"

With a stern face, she blocked my attempt with this small sentence, and by that killed another possible hope for me. 'Just why wouldn't you tell me? I only want to help him'

"Gui, I assure you, prince is really fine. Nothing wrong happened He only needs time to deal with few stuff and he will back right away. Believe me"

I wasn't mad at her actually. She also had a promise to keep after all. She did her best to cheer me up and even patted my back. But all my senses screamed prince and only prince.

'I'm sorry Prince, looks like I have to break my promise. I want to find you and see you. And God help me once I do, I will never let you go. Never'

I fisted in determination as I stared at Wolf. Who I believe could be my aid to my new goal. I might be misjudging, but I think, no I have a strong feeling that Wolf is aware of the hidden part of the story brought by Lolidragon deciding from his reaction and body language. I stood away from the wooden chair and turned towards the door in order to leave and log out.

+++++In Real Life+++++

Slowly, I cracked my eyes open. But they hurt like hell to my annoyance. They were so swollen as if sand got into them. 'I guess spending the whole night continuously correcting the assignment papers and scanning other homework reports wasn't a healthy decision'. I sighed and looked at the plain clock on the nightstand and got irritated once again. I was supposed to rest when I took that day off and I mentally decided not to log into Second Life for that reason, yet the total opposite happened. And now I can't even continue to sleep till it's 7:00. Admitting defeat, I ran my hand through my messy locks before leaving the bed, convincing my exhausted brain that's going to work a couple of hours earlier is beneficial. Plus, I get to see my students and I'm sure they missed me.

Da Lang's POV

Another blissful morning has started and I couldn't be any happier. I mean I got this nice fluffy and comfortable bed, although I want to change the color of the bed sheets, I also have a new brother too! Okay, I admit that I don't hate that corn head that much. Maybe I like him a bit, as a brother of course! He was so kind to me ever since I moved into his and Lan's house. Hell, he even suggested making meals for both of us. But I declined quickly because I can cook well thank you. He didn't believe me at first, but soon changed his opinion as soon as he tasted my chicken and potato pie.

'Just because I have polished nails doesn't mean I don't have polished skills' I grinned like someone who just won an Oscar. It defiantly has been a while since I have had such interaction ever since..

'Ever since I was with my family'

I stared longingly at the plain ceiling as I lay on the bed. All different types of flashbacks were leaking from my memory box. The very same box I didn't ever, ever want to open ever again.

"Da Lang! Get out, we will be late! Oh, and can you make us breakfast?"

'I officially became Lan didn't I? Well, still I can't cook as well as her' I chuckled to myself before swinging my legs out of the bed.

We did the usual routine. Wake Lan, I mean Shin, Who blissfully snored in his same room. Then head to the showers and dress for the college. After that Shin and I would help fix the breakfast. According to Yang Min, the meals became a lot more fancier now that we both cook. I suppose I have to make him repay for this meal by not pissing me off. Anyway, We all sat on the table and enjoyed the quiet morning, but still chewing fast because we don't have all that time. Just as I was about to take my empty dish to the sink I had a sudden call. Looking at the screen, I answered quickly since it was Lolo.

"Good morning Da Lang how are you"

"We are fine. We were about to leave the apartment. So why the early call Lolo?"

"I just wanted to check on you and remind you, Da Lang, to be careful"

"Fine, I get it. I won't act like a smart ass I class, never talk to strangers, and smile and nod if I didn't understand something"

There was a slight silence on the other side of the line. Soon Lolo coughed a bit to break the moment.

"Alright, good luck! And greet Shin and Yang Min for me"

Pressing the end call button, I looked back at the two young me in question. They were staring at me with bits of the food sticking out of their mouth as if predicting the contents of the conversation through my expression. ' Those two sure are adorable at times'. I giggled a bit as I assured them that there is nothing to worry about.

Shin's POV

Lucky for me, I didn't get much popularity yet at the university. I suppose it's due to my awkward attitude. As long as I don't smash tables or show off ' Prince's bloody grin' everything should be fine. I still live with my twin brother and enjoy Da Lang's company. I got to admit, that girl is improving with each day passing by! I start to feel like I'm talking to myself if it weren't for her lectures about fashion. Which brought me quite a headache.

Another reason why I think I'm lucky is the fact that I didn't meet Gui in the first attending day, or I would seriously freak out. But I'm sure, he will be coming today. After all, he is a very committed professor. The warning words from Lolidragon still ranged into my head ever since last night.

++++ Flashback ++++

"Lolidragon?"

The smart phone that was abandoned on the soft gray bed rang loudly, displaying a very familiar name.

Pale fingers quickly held the object and answered, expecting the usual happy tone, or at least the occasional mockery from the female thief. But instead, she kept the chat short and sharp sounding damn serious and slightly worried.

"Shin, I told Odd Squad that you won't log into the game for a while. They accepted the reality except for Gui, and maybe Wicked, be careful around these two. I mean it"

++++End Of Flashback++++

'Another problem to take care of ' I ruffled my hair in frustration and placed the black hat back on my hat. The very same hat that I never go out without. I looked at Da Lang and Yang Min who were walking beside me after dropping from the bus. They were totally absorbed talking about the upcoming university events. Of course they paused to throw a couple of insults at each other, but still managed to end the chat peacefully.

'Too peaceful to notice my suffering!' I glared silently before yanking them both from the neck towards the university's entrance.

To my distress, three girls, whom I didn't recognize, blocked my path and managed to cling at my both arms dragging me to the sideways. At first I tried to pull away politely and act like a gentleman. But I failed with flying colors.

'These girls are surprisingly strong! Do they lift weights or something?' I sweat dropped as I couldn't break from the deadly grasp. So, I called for Da lang and Yang Min, hoping that they get the message and try to help me, yet what happened was..

"Oh my you got popular fast cousin~ Way to go!~"

"Sorry sis, I mean cousin, We have to go, see you in class!"

They just purposely abandoned me. Literally turn their backs and walked in! I knew I shouldn't piss them off by adding so much pepper in the supper last night. But it's their fault! They were super annoying and didn't listen to me when I talked to them. Ugh!

Having enough irritation for one day, I snatched my arms forcefully and fast. I was about to start shouting at the girls, but the bell just saved the situation. The bell of the first class. Which happens to be Literature class. None other than Gui's class. 'Did I say I was lucky? Well, my luck officially ran out'

Determined not to be late, and hoping to barely manage to get to class before the instructor. I held my pack bag tightly and ran as fast as possible through the empty hallways. After a painful few minutes I was standing outside the classroom gasping for air and observing the surroundings, Sighing in relief , I started to believe that I actually reached the class before Gui. But the low and manly voice coming from the very same class proved me wrong. Taking a deep breath, I turned the door handle and slowly walked in.

The worst case scenario that could ever happen was happening. I was standing in front of the classmates, as they eyed me like some sort of criminal, except Da Lang and Yang Min who were smiling and winking at me. 'Those bastards! I will show them'

"I haven't seen you before. Are you a new student?"

My attention was strongly pulled towards the tall and handsome professor, who was smiling brightly at me. My feet froze on their spot. Cold sweat drenched my bangs. I could feel my glasses start slipping off since the edges became slightly wet with sweat. My palms griped tightly at the bag's fabric as a support. I gulped nervously forcing my eyes to focus on the clean ceramic blocks arranged on the floor. And begging my heart to stop beating so loud. If only I came a few minutes earlier, I would've sat on my chair and dropped my head and the teacher wouldn't notice me.

"M..My name is Shin Park. I started Yesterday"

I nodded awkwardly, still not meeting his eyes. I stepped forward and moved ahead slowly, painfully slowly actually. I think my voice was loud enough since he didn't ask me to repeat my words. I just passed the first line of tables and on my way towards my chair.

'Yes! Please don't talk to me! Please don't talk to me! Please don't talk to me!'

I kept chanting that line like a broken record in mind. I looked at the two people who caused this misery to find one of them averting his head away and the other smiling broadly at me and pointing her thumb up. 'It's not a freaking game here!' I gathered all my anger into one final glare pointed at them. I believe they got my impression this time, since their goofy expressions died.

"Student Shin Park?"

As if by instinct, I turned around to face person asking. I wish I didn't. I really wanted to beat myself really bad for that mistake. I actually had an eye contact with the professor. A good full minute eye contact with Gui. I'm sure by now he has seen my face clearly.

'What is the possibility of him recognizing me? What am I saying! Calm down Lan! It's not like he would figure out from the first glance! Besides, I'm wearing glasses and a hat so I'm pretty much…'

My train of thoughts stopped as I've noticed that Gui didn't seem to lose interest in ' the new student'. Unfortunately, no. To my ultimate fear he was actually staring at me. And staring sharply and with narrowed eyes.

'Oh my God'

~To Be Continued~

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Yay! That ends the chapter! But not the flu sadly *sniff sniff* So, as usual, leave your reviews before leaving and feel free to check my profile to know the upcoming updates^^

Till next time~!

Next Chapter: Unwanted Fate