Fake Concubine 99

“If ​you ​think ​about ​it carefully, there ​must ​be ​a ​better ​way.”

“A better way, you ​say…?”

“I ​wonder what it ​could be.”

Song Seol’s ​voice ​trailed ​off ​suggestively. ​Hae-min ​sank into thought, ​his ​brow ​furrowing slightly. After ​a moment, he spoke ​up tentatively.

“Perhaps ​sending a ​messenger, or ​bringing along ​an ​escort…”

“…Are ​you not even ​considering entrusting ​it to me?”

“To you, ​my lord?”

Hae-min looked at ​Song Seol with newfound ​surprise. He ​was ​a truly reliable man, capable of ​handling any task with ​ease. ​At ​the ​same ​time, he was ​someone Hae-min ​did ​not dare to ​command.

“I ​shall deliver it. Tell me ​where she ​lives.”

Song ​Seol spoke first. ​His ​tone ​was ​so ​resolute [visit our site]Read on Read BL Novelsthat ​it ​couldn’t be ​mistaken for mere politeness.

“It is in Yangju-mok. ​Um, but I ​wish to thank ​her in person. If ​it is ​alright, may I ​accompany ​you? Of course, ​it doesn’t have ​to be ​right ​now—whenever you ​have ​the leisure, ​my ​lord.”

“Very well. ​Then ​we ​shall go as ​soon ​as possible.”

“To ​think ​you ​would ​make time in your busy schedule. Because of me…”

Hae-min felt so grateful and apologetic that he didn’t know what to do. He felt that even if he expressed his gratitude, the only answer he would receive was, ‘There is no need.’ As if reading his mind, Song Seol added in a low voice.

“Did I not tell you? I am also curious about this woman named A-jeong.”

“My lord…”

Unable to detect the gloomy jealousy hidden within that low voice, Moon Hae-min was simply touched.

It had been a productive day; he had found his lost item and gained a reliable companion.

In his heart, Song Seol wanted to grant Moon Hae-min’s wish immediately. Furthermore, he had to properly verify who this woman, A-jeong, really was.

However, given the current state of affairs, he could find no such leisure. While the royal court was already in turmoil over Crown Prince Sohae’s matter, the Right State Councilor had suddenly passed away.

The Right State Councilor had been an elderly man, but he had been spirited enough to attend the royal court just the day [stolen content]stolen contentbefore. No one knew exactly why he had suddenly complained of severe abdominal pain and died. They simply assumed that, given his age, his natural lifespan had come to an end, and they proceeded to hold a respectful funeral.

Due to these circumstances, Song Seol was only able to find the time fifteen days after the date he had promised Hae-min.

“I regret that it took this long.”

“Not at all. I know well how busy you are, my lord. Besides, the weather has been brutally cold these past fifteen days, making it difficult to move.”

White puffs of breath escaped from between Hae-min’s lips. While it was better than before, winter had not completely passed. General Winter was still wielding his full might.

“This winter is exceptionally cold.”

“If we were in Songdo at a time like this, it would be even colder.”

“That is true. Yoon Seung-hyeok sent a letter saying that even Yesong Port has frozen over.”

Moon Hae-min nodded without any sign of surprise. It was around this time in the past that he had been held back by the extremely rare occurrence of the sea freezing. Naturally, it would be the same now.

“Tell me if the cold becomes unbearable.”

“I am fine for now.”

It was thanks to the layers of clothing he had put on and the winter gear he stolen contenthad unauthorized copyworn as much as possible. Having completed all preparations, Hae-min visit our sitemounted the horse he had borrowed from Song Seol.

Cutting through the freezing wind, the two headed toward Yangju-mok. Six escorts followed behind them.

A-jeong’s house was located in a mountainous area far from the bustling streets, making it difficult to find. Fortunately, Hae-min had a good sense of direction. After wandering a bit, Hae-min eventually found A-jeong’s house by tracing his memories.

“It is here.”

“Let us go.”

“My lord, wait a moment.”

Song Seol looked as if he were about to barge into the thatched house immediately. Hae-min grabbed his sleeve to stop him.

“A-jeong will be startled if a crowd of men suddenly swarms in. How about I go alone, or just the two of us, my lord?”

“That will not do. What if something terrible happens?”

“That is true.”

Hae-min understood completely, so he easily gave up his opinion. Instead, he spoke cautiously.

“My lord, please… you must not intimidate A-jeong.”

“What do you take me for?”

Song Seol asked, sounding utterly bewildered. To this, Hae-min answered seriously.

“I take you for exactly who you are. You are intimidating even when you are just standing still.”

“…”

“Why do you look as if this is the first time you’ve heard this? I’m sure there have been many others who have told you the same.”

“There were none. At least, not until today.”

“Ah…”

Everyone must be very timid. Or perhaps they were just good at distinguishing what should and should not be said.

Had he been too honest? Just as he began to regret it, Song Seol spoke.

“I understand what you mean. I will not do anything unless absolutely necessary, so do not worry.”

“Wait, why is there a condition like ‘unless absolutely necessary’?”

“Because I cannot make a blind promise.”

“A-jeong is only sixteen years old. Please keep in mind that threatening such a young girl will only diminish your own dignity, my lord.”

Hae-min gave a mock warning. Only after receiving a firm ‘I understand’ did he stand before A-jeong’s house.

“A-jeong!”

When he called out loudly, the door flew open. He had considered the possibility that she might be out, but fortunately, she seemed to be home. A-jeong, peeking her head out, was startled to see Hae-min.

“W-who are you?”

“It’s me, Hae-min. Surely you haven’t forgotten me already?”

When he answered with a hint of disappointment, only then did A-jeong recognize him.

“Ah! It’s Hae-min oppa! I didn’t recognize you because I couldn’t see your face.”

“I am wrapped up quite tightly, aren’t I?”

Hae-min awkwardly removed his wind-guard and cheek-warmer. Meanwhile, A-jeong stepped outside.

A-jeong looked at the tall man standing beside Moon Hae-min and the six rugged men surrounding the two of them. A-jeong shrugged her shoulders at the ominous atmosphere that even a child lacking discernment could feel.

“Um, did I do something wrong…?”

“Huh? Of course not. Why would you ask that?”

“I thought maybe you came to arrest me…”

“N-no, you didn’t.”

Hae-min smiled brightly on purpose to reassure A-jeong. However, it didn’t seem to have much effect, as A-jeong’s eyes darted around with a frightened expression. Meanwhile, she didn’t even dare to look at Song Seol, as if she were afraid to even gaze upon him.

‘I knew this would happen.’

Regardless of his jade-like appearance, Song Seol had an aura that was not easily approached. Hadn’t he himself been incredibly nervous during their first meeting? He had only become accustomed to it because he saw his face often, but he still felt that Song Seol’s presence was immense.

“I really didn’t come for anything bad. I came to thank you for helping me back then.”

“There’s no need for thanks. Anyway, it’s good to see you after so long.”

For a moment, a subtle Chromatic Scent wafted from Song Seol. [Read on Read BL Novels]For [stolen content]some reason, it felt stifling, but Hae-min dismissed it, thinking, ‘It Read on Read BL Novelsmust be because he hasn’t been able to release his Yang energy for a long time.’

“I’m glad you’ve been doing well, oppa. I mean… I’m glad you’ve been doing well.”

‘I almost didn’t recognize you…’ A-jeong added. Previously, he had been dressed so shabbily that she had mistaken him for a beggar, but now he was dressed brightly and cleanly, so it was understandable. Moreover, A-jeong seemed surprised that Hae-min was a person of higher status than she had thought.

However, Moon Hae-min was merely a commoner, and even if he had been born a nobleman, he would not have flaunted his status. He answered modestly.

“Yes, I’ve been doing well thanks to you. And you can speak comfortably like before.”

“…Then oppa, who is the person who came with you?”

A-jeong asked hesitantly. At this, Hae-min fell into a brief contemplation.

‘How should I introduce Song Seol?’

There was nothing stopping him from revealing that he was ‘Grand Prince Byeokran.’ However, if he did, A-jeong, who already felt a distance from him, would likely become even more terrified.

Also, when they had gone to the market previously, had Song Seol not disguised himself to hide his identity? If he wished to conceal his status this time as well, Hae-min could not speak rashly.

“…”

Hae-min glanced sideways at Song Seol. He was trying to gauge his visit our siteintention, but however Song Seol [stolen content]interpreted it, he opened his mouth.

“I am Hae-min’s husband.”

A-jeong wasn’t the only one surprised by those words. Moon Hae-min, who was practically aghast, stared blankly at Song Seol with wide eyes. On the other hand, Song Seol looked beyond nonchalant; he looked brazen.

“O-oppa. You had a husband? I knew you were an Eumin, but, no…”

“…Uh, it just happened that way as I lived.”

“I see…”

The conversation died. It was awkward to add an explanation here, and there was nothing else to say. As A-jeong also fell silent, an awkward atmosphere flowed. Only Song Seol stood there with confidence.

After a while, A-jeong spoke up cautiously.

“Don’t just stand here, why don’t you come in? Have a meal before you go.”

“Huh? No, it’s okay.”

“I won’t be okay if I just send guests away. Please, come in.”

A-jeong turned around. She disappeared into the kitchen, presumably to set the table.

Hae-min looked at Song Seol as if asking for his opinion. Then, Song Seol strode forward.

“Let us go in.”

“My lord, do you truly intend to eat and then return?”

“Yes.”

“…”

A-jeong’s cooking was delicious, but he wasn’t sure if it would suit Song Seol’s taste. After all, he was royalty who routinely ate court cuisine.

‘Though he isn’t the type of person to lack manners enough to openly show displeasure even if it doesn’t suit his taste.’

Putting aside his minor worries, Hae-min followed Song Seol into A-jeong’s house.