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Each branch was adorned with pomals. The pomals stood erect amidst the flood of unfiltered light pouring down. Beneath the pomals, colors that seemed to belong in a fairy tale twinkled. Red, white, yellow, silver, and blue pomals hung in a row, guarding the gap between reality and illusion. They all represented colors associated with the Emperor. The colors inundated the surroundings with hues so intense that even without being directly illuminated, it was painful to look up from below.
But this didn't apply to the boy wearing the veil (covering his face). While most people squinted and fidgeted, the boy, thanks to the veil obscuring his vision, could freely look up. The long silk trailing down to his chest trembled with every movement of his head, as if irritated. The boy, feeling a bit uneasy, finally lifted the veil with his fingers, almost as if made of pearl.
"Ah, refreshing."
His chin, smooth as if carved from marble, was adorned with a well-defined jawline. As he smiled at the hanging pomals, dyed with camellia powder, his lips formed a crescent moon-like smile, illuminating the surroundings even without lighting the candles. His eyes, which could have appeared cold, softened naturally, creating a warmer atmosphere.
Girls passing by, unaccustomed to seeing such exceptional beauty, blushed. Under the spring blossom tree, the boy, watching over the pomals, was as fresh and beautiful as if descended from the heavens. His extraordinary face, beyond simple words like 'handsome,' even elicited audible gasps from onlookers, who couldn't help but swallow their saliva.
"Your Highness!"
From afar, the boy's commanding voice echoed. The girls who had been mesmerized by the boy's appearance widened their eyes in astonishment. Your Highness? While his ochre-colored robes and the veil he wore hinted at a certain wealth, they had no idea he was of noble birth. The nobility usually resided near the Imperial Palace, and it was rare for them to venture into the outskirts where commoners lived. So, the girls, who had gathered to admire the boy's face, quickly left in a flurry, not wanting to incur the wrath of the nobility for daring to gaze upon their faces so openly.
The girls scattered in fear, and the man who had been calling the boy approached. After looking around, he pulled down the opaque veil that barely covered the boy's eyes, meticulously concealing his face. The boy, who was slightly shorter than the man, muttered.
"I just wanted to take a look."
However, his hesitant tone and demeanor gradually diminished under the stern gaze of the man. The boy rolled his eyes and looked around cautiously.
"I really just wanted to take a quick look."
"Next time, you shouldn't lift it. Understand? If you show your face recklessly, the girls' infatuation will only worsen."
The man softened his stern gaze and handed the boy a snack. It was a treat favored by commoners, crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Mixed with roasted sesame seeds and honey, it blossomed like a flower garden in the mouth with each bite. The boy smiled brightly at the snack offered by the man. Even with the veil, his renowned beauty from the capital was undeniable. It was a beauty that made sense why girls from the capital, upon seeing him, would grab onto their hearts and shed tears. Like the moon rising above the water at midnight, it was majestic and cool, yet there was a masculine beauty to it.
While he appeared cold and frosty when expressionless, when he smiled, the world transformed into paradise, so the man sternly warned him not to smile often. As if that wasn't enough, the man brought a veil and placed it over the boy. It wasn't for the boy's sake, but rather for the sake of the passionate confessions that would come from the girls who would fall for him.
The amusing fact was that as the boy started wearing the veil while walking outside, men in the capital began surreptitiously wearing veils too. Originally, veils were protective gear worn after marriage, as women were not allowed to show their faces recklessly. At first, the boy resisted wearing the veil, but after the man explained in detail, he reluctantly agreed.
"Surely you don't intend to captivate every girl with that appearance and make them all yours, do you? There's already a basketful of women who refuse to marry because of you! So, please wear it! You can't let the girls steal their hearts before marriage for Your Highness' sake!"
The Emperor also seemed quite satisfied with Kang covering his face while walking around. Thanks to his merit of Kang wearing the veil, he was promoted to the second rank, becoming the right-hand man of General Ye Damyeong, in charge of protecting Kang.
"Can I take off the veil after the wedding?"
Kang asked while munching on snacks inside the veil, his cheek bulging slightly. His wide-open eyes and silent chewing made for an odd sight. It had been three years since he appeared in the capital, but he still seemed as plump as a newborn.
"Well, I suppose it would depend on His Majesty's permission, wouldn't it?"
Seong Do-hoon chuckled. Kang seemed to have no particular thoughts on the matter as he shrugged casually.
"I doubt His Majesty would want you to wear the veil for the rest of your life."
Kang popped the remaining snack into his mouth. As he dusted off the crumbs, Damyeong appeared amidst the crowd. Damyeong wore the black official's robe of the royal guard, with half of his face covered in black silk. Among the people dressed in generally colorful and clean clothes for the occasion, Damyeong stood out with his somber appearance.
As Damyeong, who was almost as tall as Kang, arrived, he lifted the silk covering his mouth. His gentle smile was revealed.
"Your Highness[1], I apologize. I was delayed in finding suitable accommodations."
"I don't mind staying anywhere."
Kang muttered while fiddling with the edge of the veil. Damyeong's expression stiffened.
"How could Your Majesty be accommodated just anywhere?"
"Alright, alright. Let's go. If we delay any longer, the governess will worry."
Kang walked ahead briskly, passing Damyeong and Seong Dohoon. Damyeong and Seong Dohoon followed behind, covering their mouths with silk. Kang's emerald-green robe fluttered elegantly over his regular attire.
The inn they arrived at was known for its seafood dishes, famous among the people of the borderlands due to its proximity to a river where fresh fish was abundant. Kang had also heard of this reputation and had come to the borderlands specifically to indulge in their renowned freshwater fish stew.
However, contrary to the rumors, most of the inns in the borderlands seemed to specialize in seafood dishes. Kang, who had always received lavish feasts arranged by someone else or visited places known by Damyeong, felt perplexed. Observing Kang's dilemma, Damyeong confidently announced, "Allow me to take care of it," before disappearing.
With Damyeong's intervention, Kang found himself seated in the cleanest room of the renowned inn. Outside the window, water flowed gently, while inside, maidens plucked strings, filling the air with a subtle melody. It was a place where the eyes, ears, and palate could all revel in delight.
"Your Majesty, with the upcoming celebration, have you decided on a gift for His Majesty?"
Seong Dohoon asked as he poured lukewarm tea into a teacup. Kang, who had just finished adjusting his attire after removing the veil, widened his eyes and chuckled. His slightly flushed cheeks and smiling face resembled someone who had fallen in love for the first time. Kang delicately held the teacup and bowed his head. After glancing up at the two of them alternately, Kang whispered,
"I will give him a bow. I happened to receive a fine one recently."
For months, Kang had pondered what to give to the Emperor, who possessed everything precious in the world. Jewels seemed excessive and likely to go unnoticed by the Emperor. The ceremonial accessories used in various rituals were already custom-made and procured separately for the palace, so they held little significance. Thinking carefully about the Emperor's hobbies, Kang had placed a special order for a bow. It was a unique bow used in the eastern country, small but incredibly fast and accurate, suitable for hunting agile and sensitive animals.
---
Will the Emperor like it? Kang was so excited he couldn’t sleep properly for several days. He wanted to test how fast it was, but fearing it might bring bad luck, he placed the bow in the armory and fretted. Please, I hope he likes it…. Kang thought of the Emperor's beautiful face and smiled slightly.
“So, what brings you out here today, Your Highness?”
“My younger brother, Jeong, has his marriage arranged. I came out to get him a gift.”
Kang had a younger brother, Jeong, two years his junior. A few years ago, Jeong was made a prince and given the title of King Sohyeon. As the son of the prime minister Lee Jeong-seok[2], he was a candidate for the crown prince. Though his combat skills were inferior to those of King Jinyeong and King Gyeonghye, his cold and strategic mind had earned the Emperor’s favor.
“Is King Sohyeon already getting married…?” Damyeong muttered, unable to hide his surprise.
“Thirteen is a good age for marriage,” Kang replied, wiping his hands with a damp towel. Seong Do-hoon received the steamed croaker brought by the inn servant and placed it in front of Kang. He split the hot fish in half, serving the thick flesh first to Kang.
“Thank you.”
“It is quite strange, though. King Gyeonghye was married at twelve, King Jinyeong was married at twelve… And now King Sohyeon is getting married at thirteen, but you, Your Highness, are fifteen and still unmarried.”
Damyeong tilted his head in confusion as he spoke. Even among the officials, there had been several discussions about Kang’s marriage. He was reaching the age where a good match should be arranged soon. If they wanted to find a suitable bride, they needed to hold the wedding ceremony now.
However, the Emperor always gave the same answer whenever Kang’s marriage was mentioned.
“He’s too small; it’s not possible.”
Everyone was speechless with astonishment. Kang had a better build than the average man in Yeon Kingdom. Although his delicate and handsome face overshadowed his physique, his body was robust and solid.
Kang blushed as he looked at Damyeong’s curious face. It was out of embarrassment. Damyeong was married and his wife was pregnant. Seong Do-hoon had two children. King Jinyeong, at sixteen, already had two children. King Gyeonghye had numerous offspring, including those from concubines, even considering his age.
Kang, at fifteen, felt ashamed and suddenly sorrowful that he had never performed his duties as a man. He lowered his face in embarrassment.
“Could it be that the Emperor still thinks you’re too small and unfit?” Damyeong asked cautiously. Kang’s ears turned red.
“…Yes,” he replied in a gloomy, trembling voice. Damyeong and Seong Do-hoon couldn’t help but turn their heads, unable to sigh. Seong Do-hoon, after a moment of silence, slowly scanned Kang’s body. His long, manly neck, broad shoulders, prominent joints, and long, muscular arms and legs — his physique was too impressive.
He looked ready to don armor and fight on the battlefield at any moment, but was barred from doing so due to being "too small." King Jinyeong had already distinguished himself in two battles, and King Gyeonghye always returned victorious from various skirmishes. Once married, King Sohyeon would also join the army immediately. Kang was the only prince who had neither married nor gone to war, all for an absurd reason.
“Would it be possible if you grew more?” Seong Do-hoon asked, trying to console Kang. But before Kang could respond, the curtain covering the room fell. All three sets of eyes turned outside simultaneously.
“Your, Your Highness... King Gyeonghye...,” stammered the terrified servant of the inn. Before he could finish his sentence, a luxurious pink robe came into view. There was only one person who would wear such attire: King Gyeonghye, the son of Gui-bi.
“Is everyone well?” he greeted.
King Gyeonghye, who was a year older than Kang, leaned against the doorway with one arm. His smooth yet laid-back tone immediately struck Kang. Damyeong and Do-hoon stood up and bowed slightly. The servants outside did the same. Only Kang remained standing straight, able to look directly at King Gyeonghye Yeon Ju. Kang removed his outer robe and walked toward him, smiling faintly.
King Gyeonghye laughed out loud at his younger brother’s emotionless smile. He opened a folding fan, known as a hapjukseon[3], brought from the east, covering his mouth. Only his bewitching eyes gleamed mischievously.
“How have you been, brother?” Kang asked.
“Haha.”
With a short laugh, King Gyeonghye snapped his fan shut. He cheerfully spoke, placing the end of the fan against his white chin.
“No.”
He took a step closer, resting his hand on Kang’s shoulder and bowing his head. Since Kang was slightly shorter, he had to look up at King Gyeonghye. Maintaining a smile that suited his charming face, King Gyeonghye moved his hand to cup Kang’s cheek. Their breaths mingled, and the smell of smoke from King Gyeonghye’s breath hinted that he had been smoking. Kang tried to turn away, but King Gyeonghye held his face firmly, preventing him from escaping.
“It was hell fighting on the battlefield in your place,” King Gyeonghye whispered so only Kang could hear, coming so close it seemed he might kiss him. “You’ve been enjoying Father’s undivided affection while I and Song almost died several times because of you.”
“I am sincerely sorry for the hardships you and the others have faced on my behalf,” Kang replied calmly. King Gyeonghye chuckled at this response, finding it amusing, while Kang kept his composed smile.
“But since Father has not granted me permission to go to war, there’s nothing I can do about it, as you well know,” Kang said boldly, suggesting that if King Gyeonghye had complaints, he should take them up with the Emperor. King Gyeonghye patted Kang’s shoulder lightly in response. He then extended his arms and pulled Kang into a strong embrace. Though Kang grimaced slightly at the sudden hug, he quickly composed his expression.
“If you feel bad, why not be my drinking buddy? This brother of yours has no women or concubines to drink with,” King Gyeonghye said.
“Shall I call for a courtesan if you wish for a drinking companion?” Kang asked.
“No. I need you,” King Gyeonghye replied firmly, dismissing Damyeong and Do-hoon and seating Kang beside him. He then called for a servant to bring the most expensive baekju (rice wine). The servant hurriedly brought the baekju, placing it before Kang and King Gyeonghye before scurrying away in fear. King Gyeonghye chuckled at the servant’s retreating figure and nudged a cup toward Kang.
“Pour it,” he said.
Kang, frozen, stared at King Gyeonghye, who then lightly tapped Kang’s cheek with the back of his hand. “I’d like to taste the hand that Father praises so highly,” he said, treating Kang like a barmaid or a courtesan in an inn. If he were asking as a brother, it would be different, but his audacity made Kang remain silent. Kang gently grasped King Gyeonghye’s wrist as his hand roamed suggestively over his thigh. King Gyeonghye smiled mischievously, like a playful child.
“How did you know I was here?” Kang asked softly, his voice tinged with amusement. King Gyeonghye, no longer interested in touching Kang’s thigh, withdrew his hand and rested his chin on it. His neat eyes, inherited from their mother, the noble consort, sparkled with a mischievous smile.
“How did I know, indeed?” King Gyeonghye laughed softly, the smile fading from his eyes as his face quickly turned cold.
“I wanted to talk to you, but you’re always running away. There’s never a chance to speak,” he said.
“I haven’t been running away. I’ve been busy with state affairs for the Emperor,” Kang replied.
“Really?” King Gyeonghye muttered, clearly unconvinced. His tone was light, but his words carried a sting. “From what I’ve heard, that’s not true at all. It seems Father frequently calls you to the palace to pour his wine, serve his tea. Lately, I hear you even kneel by his side?”
Kang’s forced smile slowly disappeared. Seeing this, King Gyeonghye’s expression softened into what seemed like a brotherly concern, though his fingers, calloused and hard, stroked Kang’s tense cheek. Kang tried to push King Gyeonghye’s hand away, but King Gyeonghye resisted, holding firm. To an outsider, the scene might have looked tender, but beneath the surface, the two brothers were locked in a silent, deadly confrontation.
“Are you still not properly trained? You should have been taught not to show your emotions in front of others. It seems your tutor is incompetent. When I become Crown Prince, I think I’ll start by dismissing him,” King Gyeonghye said, withdrawing his hand from Kang’s cheek.
“Well, I suppose you don’t need any training, considering you’re not a prince but Father’s concubine,” he added, his tone blatant and dismissive.
A concubine. The word left a bitter taste. Even for King Gyeonghye, this remark crossed the line, showing blatant disrespect not only to Kang but also to the Emperor.
“That’s an extreme joke, hyung,” Kang replied, his voice cold.
“Then tell me, what exactly do you do by Father’s side? Have you earned glory on the battlefield like Song and I have? Have you produced heirs to bring honor to our family? Ah, that’s right….”
King Gyeonghye’s words were laced with sarcasm and disdain, intended to cut deep.
King Gyeonghye burst into laughter again and suddenly grabbed the inside of Kang’s thigh hard. Before his hand could move any higher, Kang firmly grasped his wrist to stop him.
"Hyung!" Kang called out in a low, warning tone. King Gyeonghye glanced at his restrained hand and smirked.
"It seems you can’t bring honor to the family even if you wanted to. Father won’t allow it. Still a virgin at fifteen… Father’s jealousy is quite petty."
"I suggest you stop," Kang said, his voice tense.
"Oh? What will you do if I don’t? Run to Father and complain like a child?”
Kang could no longer hold back and stood up, but King Gyeonghye was quicker. He grabbed Kang's wrist and pulled him toward him in an instant. Kang clenched his fist in response.
"Don't act like a child," King Gyeonghye whispered, catching Kang's incoming punch with the reflexes of a seasoned warrior. Unlike his earlier mocking demeanor, King Gyeonghye's expression now was calm as he looked over Kang's face and body.
"What’s so bad about a pillow talk complaint that makes you so sensitive? A man rules the country, and a woman rules the man. Or it could be another man. If spreading your legs could make the emperor yours, it would be a remarkable strategy."
"You’ve insulted both Father and me. The Emperor is not only the ruler of Yeon but also our father. To insult him and his child with such words…."
"I never insulted anyone. I’m merely stating what I've heard."
King Gyeonghye released Kang’s hand, which was starting to lose its strength. Kang looked at the red mark left on his hand, where the blood had been cut off, turning the skin white. He realized King Gyeonghye’s mockery was genuine and that he had vented his anger on him. Kang rubbed his aching hand with his other hand, glaring at his brother. King Gyeonghye, unlike his earlier, carefree self, now looked at Kang with a serious, contemplative expression.
"If you don't want to hear such words, then act like Father's child. Stop pouring his drinks and serving his tea. Those are things concubines do." King Gyeonghye gave his advice in a brotherly manner and stood up. He roughly grabbed the robe that had fallen and draped it over his arm. Transforming from a reckless troublemaker into a dignified prince, he patted Kang's shoulder amicably. Kang, with a rigid expression, watched as King Gyeonghye deftly countered his gaze by bowing slightly.
"And the concubines don't even do that. Neither my mother nor your mother engages in such behavior. Only you do." Without waiting for Kang's response, King Gyeonghye pushed aside the curtain roughly and walked out. As Damyeong and Do-hoon approached and bowed in greeting, King Gyeonghye dramatically pushed them aside. The two didn't look back. King Gyeonghye was notorious in the palace for his debauchery. He excelled as a prince in his official duties, but in all other aspects, he was below average. He not only harassed the concubines in his palace but also mistreated the servants, often beating them severely if they displeased him, sometimes resulting in their deaths.
His sharp and biting mockery was the same when they lived together in the palace. When Kang tried to join the other princes at play, King Gyeonghye would conspicuously run off to another area. Even when Kang brought treats to share, King Gyeonghye would refuse and escape. The other princes also shunned Kang because he had monopolized the Emperor's affection. Consequently, Kang often found himself alone, crying in a corner of Hanyeongjeon. King Jinyeong, however, would quietly come to his side. He didn't openly console Kang, but in retrospect, King Jinyeong was always there—holding his hand or offering his shoulder. Those small, affectionate gestures provided Kang with comfort.
Damyeong recalled the young Kang, squatting by the stone wall of Hanyeong Hall, crying his heart out.
'The other brothers don't want to play with me. They hate me. I didn't do anything wrong...'
'Wouldn't it be better to tell His Majesty?'
Tears streamed down Kang's chubby cheeks. He wiped them away with his small hands and muttered sullenly.
'If I tattle to Abamama, he'll get really angry at my brothers. Then they'll hate me even more. I don't want that. I just want to play together peacefully... like I used to with the palace attendants. I want to play like that again.'
Is he crying like he used to? The thought of Kang being pushed away by his brothers, with nowhere to go because even King Jinyeong wasn't around, left him slumped against the stone wall, crying alone, sent a pang through Damyeong's heart. He remembered how Kang's tied-up hair would come loose and tears would fall to the ground, leaving dark spots in the dirt. And he remembered how helpless he felt, unable to console him. He feared that the Emperor would turn his hostility on him, knowing how dearly the Emperor cherished Kang and not wanting to harm even a hair on his head.
"Your Highness," he called, entering through the curtain. Kang slowly turned his head at the sound of Damyeong's voice. Though his face, backlit by the light, looked especially dark, there were no tear stains. That was a relief. As Damyeong approached, relieved, Kang gave a bitter smile. He was half-heartedly poking at the now-cold steamed croaker fish. Do-hoon also came over and sat in front of Kang. Facing the two, Kang furrowed his brows as if feeling stifled.
"Your Highness, shall I order another steamed croaker?"
"No." Kang cut him off firmly and stood up. He secured his headband and fastened the dangling strings under his chin. "Let's return to the palace."
Damyeong and Do-hoon didn't ask Kang what had happened. They had likely caught glimpses of the conversation in the shadows. Even if they hadn't, telling the Emperor that Kang had been with King Gyeonghye and looked unwell would be enough for the Emperor to figure it out. The Emperor knew everything about Kang. His eyes and ears were everywhere.
Back in his chambers, Kang immediately took out a bottle of wine. The nanny tried to say something, but Kang didn't even acknowledge her presence. He even sent out stubborn Damyeong, who insisted on staying. In Kang's private space, there was only Kang and the puppy he had allowed to stay by his side. Kang scooped up the puppy, which was wagging its tail eagerly, asking to be held. The puppy licked Kang's nose.
"It tickles, Seol."
Even as he said this, Kang seemed to enjoy Seol's affection, as he affectionately patted its head. Seol wagged its tail enthusiastically and Kang, unable to drink with Seol in his arms, carried him to the bed. It was a sight that the nanny and Damyeong would disapprove of and find disgusting.
"Here, have some meat."
Kang offered Seol a sizable piece of meat. Seol, with its small eyes sparkling, spun around in place and kept tapping Kang's hand with its front paws, indicating that it wanted it faster. Kang tore the meat into smaller pieces, making it easier for the young Seol to eat. The well-cooked meat tore easily.
He used his palm as a plate. As soon as he placed the meat down, Seol rushed over and devoured it greedily. Only the sound of hurried swallowing echoed in the quiet bedroom.
"Is it tasty?"
Kang asked affectionately, petting Seol's head. Seol seemed to ask for more, but Kang had already eaten his share. When Kang showed both his empty hands, Seol reluctantly stopped and lay down without curling up. Kang gently stroked Seol's fluffy fur and brought the wine to his lips, quickly finishing it. The well-brewed wine warmed his insides.
"A concubine...."
Kang repeated the words his brother had said, blinking his eyes. Dusk settled in his field of vision. It was the last light of the day. At the edge of that light was his white foot. He remembered the mature hand that used to playfully tickle his toes and grip his ankle.
"I'm tired."
The Emperor gently but insistently grabbed Kang's delicate ankle and straightened his knee. Kang hesitantly settled into a somewhat awkward position, and only then did the Emperor lay his head on Kang's thigh. The Emperor's silver hair cascaded down his leg like the twilight, almost reaching Kang's toes.
"If I could just let everything go and leave with you..."
So Kang couldn't push him away. He wanted to resist the actions that even the Emperor's consorts couldn't refuse, but the Emperor's pleading voice sounded too affectionate and weary. The Emperor, who dealt with state affairs, faced high-ranking officials, and pacified the concubines who sought his love, looked utterly pitiful.
Kang's hand hesitated in the air for a moment before tentatively coming down to stroke the Emperor's hair. Mimicking the affectionate gestures his mother often made, Kang did the same to the Emperor. His hand, which caressed the silky silver strands, gained courage and reached the Emperor's head. It had been a long time since he had thrown off the shackles of his position. The Emperor's ceremonial robes were messily draped over Kang's body, but the Emperor paid it no mind. In that space, there were only Kang and the Emperor. Nothing else could disturb their intimate atmosphere.
"More..."
The Emperor murmured softly.
"More?"
Kang asked hesitantly as he tried to withdraw his hand from stroking the Emperor's head, but the Emperor grabbed Kang's wrist and guided his hand back to his head.
"Keep going."
The Emperor insisted.
"Are you sure it's okay?"
Kang asked, struggling to contain his breath. In response to Kang's question of whether he dared to stroke the Emperor's head, the Emperor lifted his head slightly, giving Kang a coy smile.
"Talking as if it never happened. When your father was a wolf, you touched my head as you pleased."
Kang blushed and stammered, "Th-that's... when I was young. A child wouldn't know that the puppy was Abamama, I mean, the wolf."
"Is that important?"
The Emperor smiled slyly, his fingers brushing Kang's cheek.
"It doesn't matter, Kang-ah. If your father likes it, that's all that matters, isn't it?"
It was a valid point. The Emperor was the Emperor of Yeon. Who would dare to object if the Emperor liked something? Kang nodded unconsciously. The Emperor rested his head on Kang's thigh. Kang tidied his tousled hair, running his fingers through it sporadically. The Emperor closed his eyes, murmuring softly as if speaking but also drifting into sleep. Reluctant to reject him when he sought solace, Kang remained still even as his legs stiffened.
Kang blinked slowly as the alcohol surged through him. Far from feeling relaxed, he felt even more frustrated. The impulse to accuse King Gyeonghye surged instinctively, but as brothers who shared flesh and blood, Kang restrained himself.
Above all, the phrase "pillow talk" stabbed at his heart like a sharp thorn. Even though he didn't spread his legs as King Gyeonghye had suggested, it felt like a veiled threat.
He didn't want that. If retribution was to be exacted, he would do it with his own hands. He wouldn't abuse the tremendous power of the Emperor. He aspired to be a loyal servant of the Emperor, a righteous warrior that would make Gyeonghye look up to him.
"The true victory lies in seizing power with integrity, making him kneel willingly. Using coercion and violence to make him kneel is merely laying the foundation for future resentment."
Kang's mind, clouded by alcohol, pondered coldly as he opened his eyes. Seol, who had curled up to sleep, now stretched out comfortably, his arms and legs spread out. When Kang gently tapped Seol's nose, now blackened from friction, Seol blinked sleepily and looked at Kang. Seol relaxed, letting out a yawn as he lay back down on the bed. Kang, looking at Seol intently, shrugged and chuckled.
"It's quite different between puppies and wolves... How did I mistake Abamama for a puppy?"
Kang tenderly caressed Seol's head and continued down to his buttocks with his weary hands. Seol, drifting off to sleep, looked adorable and lovely, and Kang couldn't take his eyes off him.
"If you were older, we could have gone to the hunting competition together. It's a shame. I boasted a lot to Abamama about raising a puppy. Of course, Abamama didn't like it, but... seeing you, he probably couldn't say anything."
As Seol stretched its toes and yawned again, Kang lay down beside it, facing it, and closed his eyes. His body, unaccustomed to alcohol, easily succumbed to intoxication, unable to escape the onslaught of sleep.
"Next time someone calls me a ‘concubine’ and mentions pillow talk, I'll definitely punch them in the mouth... I'll become stronger so my brothers won't laugh at me. Of course, even Abamama..."
Kang clenched his fist defiantly, but the tension released by the alcohol made his fist return to its original state. The twilight concealed their figures.
[1] Damyeong uses 전하(cheona) which means Your Majesty.
[2] Who immediately imagined that actor lee jeong seok? ahahaha
[3] https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/410aig5bOnL.__AC_SY300_SX300_QL70_FMwebp_.jpg
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