He sighed, "Because I can't. It's not worth it. I already know that I'm not gonna make it. They need a higher-class peasant. We, dad, are what the nobles consider scums. We're the very lowest of classes. What makes you think that I, out of all those richer more suitable men, will get it? I'm nothing but a poor farmer."
"You fit the requirements. They're looking for someone who is radiant and can familiarize the prince with the various problems and wonders of the lower classes. Your perfect for that Duo." His father pleaded.
The young man frowned, "Dad, I don't even have a place to keep him. You don't think that the King will let his only son hang out in a ram shackled place like this, do you?! I don't even have a bed to offer him, I doubt that the prince will sleep on the floor like we do. We don't have food to offer him either. I don't think that he'd even touch our meals much less eat them. No, it will be embarrassing to me, to you, if I try out and can't even offer the Prince a decent nutritious meal."
Duo stopped and waited for his dad to respond. He looked up when no response came. Violet eyes widened as he observed tear drops on the table.
"Dad....I didn't mean to~"
"No.....NO!!"
His dad forcefully stood up causing the stool to fall over. "Gomen Duo, I know what it must be like living with me. I don't even have a decent house to offer you. YOU!! My only son. My most prized possession. You're all I have, and yet I allow you to go through such a terrible life. I'm so sorry."
Duo watched as his father's head was held low in shame. His shoulders shook as he wept. The young farmer gently stood from his own stool and walked to his father gathering the old man into his arms. He rested his chin on the shorter mans baldhead.
"I'm sorry dad. I didn't mean to sound....I mean....I didn't mean what I said. It's true, our lives are hard, but it's the only life I have and I wouldn't replace it for anything. You gave me everything you had, Dad, and it's enough. I'm happy. As long as you're with me, I'm happy."
"But what if I'm gone." The old man said.
Duo sighed, "Then....then I'll have to move on. You want me to do that audition tomorrow. You probably think your being selfish because the temporary salary is fairly high even for the nobles. It's not selfish, and if that's what you wish me to do, than I'll do it."
"No, Duo"
The old man pulled away looking into violet eyes of his son. "No, don't do it. I was selfish and unreasonable."
"So was I." Duo interrupted. "And that's why I'll try it. Than if your right you've got something to rub in my face, ne?"
He smiled. The old man chuckled as he walked to the sink rinsing their cups.
"Hai, perhaps I will. Go to bed, I'll take care of your clothes. You need to look relatively decent tomorrow."
Duo nodded and turned to walk into the bedroom he shared with his father. He glanced back at the old man before entering. He looked to as his dad opened the case that held their best clothes.
"Well Helen, help me pick out something for our son's big day tomorrow." The old man softly murmured to himself.
Duo smiled warmly, he was more grateful than his father would ever know to be the son of such a kind old man.
~~~~~End Part 2~~~~~~
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