Fake Concubine 97

Suddenly, ​Hae-min ​recalled ​why ​he had tried ​to ​run ​away. ​First ​and foremost, it was ​because ​he didn’t want ​to be by ​Song ​Seol’s ​side.

‘…That’s ​fine ​now.’

He ​no longer hated ​being ​near ​Song Seol. In ​fact, it felt good. ​No, it ​definitely was ​good.

Rather than ​being surprised ​by ​this ​belated realization, he ​found himself ​nodding, thinking, ‘Right, that ​makes sense.’ It seemed ​he had been relying ​on Song ​Seol ​unconsciously.

However, the biggest problem remained unresolved.

“My ​Lord, I am not ​Hee-yul…”

Hae-min ​spoke ​in ​a ​small voice. This ​was both ​a ​statement that ‘therefore, ​I ​am not worthy of being ​by your ​side’ ​and a plea ​that ​‘I ​do ​not ​wish to ​live ​as Hee-yul.’

“I ​know.”

“Even so…”

“There is nothing for you to ​worry about.”

Song Seol ​added firmly, asserting ​that there was a ​way. stolen contentBut ​did Song Seol ​know ​that those [unauthorized copy]words ​actually made him ​more unauthorized copyanxious? ​The ​instability that ​always ​resided deep ​in ​his heart ​surged ​like ​a storm.

In times ​like ​this, he ​had ​to ​keep ​his center. After reminding himself of what he desired most, Hae-min spoke.

“May I ask you one thing? It may sound strange, but I would like you to answer seriously.”

“What is it?”

“If there had been a child between you and me, what would Grand Prince Gwang-han have done?”

“He would have tried to keep the child in check.”

The answer came without a moment’s hesitation. Hae-min struggled to steady his trembling heart as he pressed further.

“Would he… have gone as far as to harm the child to do so?”

Song Seol frowned slightly. The moment he heard the question, an inexplicable sense of dread washed over him. It was not a pleasant topic, but he answered sincerely.

“Considering Grand Prince Gwang-han’s temperament, it would not be strange if he used violent means. In fact, he is more than capable of it.”

“…Thank you sincerely for your answer.”

This was the answer of Song Seol, who had observed Grand Prince Gwang-han for a long time. It was far more reliable than the guesses of someone like him, who had never once met the Grand Prince in person.

With this, his suspicion solidified into certainty. His resolve also grew firmer.

‘Now it’s settled.’

Hae-min thought, as if suddenly letting go of a rope he had been gripping tightly all along.

Song Seol was furious that Grand Prince Gwang-han had kidnapped him. If it were him, he would find a way to take revenge on the Grand Prince. If he could just witness that, he could endure living as Hee-yul.

When he thought about it, he had even sold the calligraphy he took such pride in under someone else’s name just to achieve his goal. What more could he not do now? Not only could he live as Hee-yul, but he could do things even more drastic than that.

‘This must be my destiny.’

Though he had resigned himself to it, it wasn’t entirely painful. Perhaps it was because he glimpsed the hope of Bok-deong-i’s revenge. Or perhaps it was because, deep down, he liked being with Song Seol…

Even Moon Hae-min could not find the answer to that.

Today, the atmosphere in the Great Hall was unusual.

In truth, since the sudden death of Crown Prince Sohae, the air in the Great Hall had always been heavy, as if shrouded in a thick fog. However, today it felt almost solemn.

The officials exchanged glances. They wondered what was happening, but no one gave a clear answer.

Just as everyone was anxious with an unknown tension, the master of the dragon throne spoke.

“The sun is setting, yet there is no new sun to rise.”

“Your Majesty, how can you say such heartbreaking words?”

“Your Majesty’s grace spreads everywhere; hearing you say this leaves us not knowing what to do with ourselves.”

The officials were utterly bewildered. They had inwardly guessed it would be an agenda regarding the Crown Prince, but they hadn’t expected him to go as far as saying, ‘The sun is setting.’ In a moment like this, a slip of the tongue could lead to their loyalty being questioned.

“Aging is the way of the world; how can one avoid it? I, too, have a chronic illness and do not know when a sudden turn may occur.”

“…”

“If I were to pass, the court would fall into chaos. Therefore, I wish to hasten the appointment of a Crown Prince.”

This was a reasonable statement. The King, who had suffered from a long-term illness, had grown even weaker after the passing of Crown Prince Sohae. In such a situation, a Crown Prince had to be appointed quickly so that the foundation of the court would not shake.

However, as subjects, it was difficult for them to assume such an ominous future. The officials pleaded urgently.

“Though Your Majesty has a minor illness, you will soon regain your strength.”

“The Chief State Councilor is correct. Are you not still in the prime of your years?”

“Your Majesty spoke for the sake of the great plan for the royal ancestral shrine and the state, but we are too afraid to know what to say.”

Only the Minister of Public Works stood silently with a peculiar expression. He was one of stolen contentthe few [Read on Read BL Novels]officials in the court who supported Grand Prince Gwang-han.

According to the laws of royal succession, the one to ascend above the Crown Prince was undoubtedly Grand Prince Gwang-han. However, there must have been a reason why the King had called for this audience.

Sure enough, the King declared.

“I intend to make Grand Prince Byeokran the Crown Prince. What do you all think?”

A brief silence followed. That silence was louder than any argument. Various thoughts and calculations raced through everyone’s minds.

If the King’s will was firm, it was difficult to oppose him rashly. In the first place, most of the officials agreed with the King’s opinion. While there might be noise for now, in the long run, it was more beneficial for Yeomyeong if Grand Prince Byeokran ascended to the position of Crown Prince.

Eventually, the Right State Councilor was the first to speak.

“The sages said, ‘No one knows the child better than the father.’ Thus, the appointment of the Crown Prince depends solely on Your Majesty’s choice.”

“However, Your Majesty, in my consideration, it is more reasonable to establish the legitimate line through the eldest son. I beg you to reconsider.”

The Minister of Public Works raised his voice in opposition, not to be outdone. However, the King, who usually respected the officials’ opinions and was somewhat indecisive in some aspects, was unusually firm.

“Grand Prince Gwang-han has repeatedly violated the laws and lost his reputation; he is not fit to lead Yeomyeong in the future. Looking at precedents, there are cases where the eldest son did not succeed the legitimate line, and Grand Prince Byeokran is also a legitimate son of the previous king, so there is no issue with his legitimacy.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Minister of Public Works immediately backed down. Indeed, it was an [unauthorized copy]undeniable fact Read on Read BL Novelsthat Grand [stolen content]Prince Byeokran possessed a legitimate lineage that could not be ignored.

“Then, we shall discuss this formally at a later date.”

“Yes, we shall follow Your Majesty’s will.”

The officials bowed their heads.

With that, the audience ended. The heavy atmosphere lightened slightly, but it remained uncertain what the future of the court would hold.

Lately, Moon Hae-min found himself startled frequently. It was because whenever he felt a gaze and turned his head, he invariably found Song Seol watching him.

This time was no different. While painting orchids to pass the time, he suddenly looked up to find Song Seol standing at the door, holding a long tobacco pipe in one hand.

“M-my Lord. When did you arrive?”

He had clearly closed the door. He hadn’t heard the door open, nor had he sensed anyone’s presence. He didn’t know if he was just dull or if Song Seol moved without a sound.

“I entered a moment ago.”

“Is that so…”

Hae-min cleared away the paper as if he had been caught doing something naughty. Song Seol nodded and said,

“Keep drawing. You’ve drawn it well.”

“N-no, I haven’t.”

“What do you mean? You’ve made elegant orchids bloom in the middle of this cold winter; your modesty is excessive.”

“…Thank you.”

Feeling needlessly shy, Hae-min dropped his head low. He had often been praised for his beautiful calligraphy, but he was still clumsy with painting. Looking at it again, the orchid did seem well-drawn, but…

However, conscious of Song Seol’s gaze, he couldn’t move his brush as comfortably as before. Trembling lines flowed from the tip of the brush. Eventually, Hae-min put the brush down and asked,

“By the way, my Lord, are you not busy with public and private affairs?”

“Why. Am I a nuisance by being here?”

“T-that’s not it.”

It was half excuse and half truth. While he felt burdened by the fact that Song Seol wouldn’t leave his side, he was also worried if this was truly alright.

“It’s not that I have no urgent business.”

“But…”

“I’m too anxious to leave you and go anywhere.”

“…What about me? There shouldn’t be anything to worry about anymore.”

Instead of answering, Song Seol put the pipe in his mouth and headed toward the window. He sat in a relaxed posture and smoked.

Soon, a deep scent, like burning mugwort, spread. Come to think of it, he felt he had smelled this scent occasionally since entering Song Seol’s residence. The scent itself wasn’t bad, but it was a bit disappointing that it seemed to erase Song Seol’s Chromatic Scent that permeated everywhere.

At the same time, Song Seol holding the pipe looked different. The long, thin pipe and the manly hand gripping it. And the lips holding the pipe…

“Moon Hae-min.”

Hae-min snapped back to his senses. He felt he had been staring at Song Seol too intently.

“Yes?”

“Is there something you wish to say?”

“N-no. Since you kept looking at me, my Lord, I was simply looking back at you. Is that not allowed?”

“Who said it wasn’t? I was merely asking.”

Song Seol chuckled. White smoke leaked from between those lips.