Min-jun woke up alone the next morning to vague recollections of the King placing him in the bed the night before. His body was sore all over, pain throbbing in his muscles. Ugh, his beautiful skin must be bruised all over. A small groan passed through his throat as he rolled onto his side. One hand rose to thread through his fringe. The King’s fingers had ghosted along the ends of his fringe the night before, and the warm touch of his fingers was one of the last things Min-jun could recall before falling into a deep slumber.
“How are you feeling, Your Highness?” said Jeong-eun, who had just appeared in the doorway to his room. She came to sit beside him. “I’ve no idea what you were doing last night, but the King must restrain himself. When he brought you back you were covered in dirt and bruised all over. Court Lady Su nearly fell into shock seeing you like that.”
Fantastic. Min-jun could imagine the rumors now. What a wonderful way to start off his time in the Royal Academy.
“The King had taken me to the garden to train.” Min-jun rolled his shoulder, wincing at the shooting pain in it. A high-pitched bark drew his attention to the doorway once more. In seconds, the puppy Min-jun had taken into the Villa came running in, bouncing with excitement. It put its paws on Min-jun’s arm and stood on its hind legs, its tail wagging frantically. Min-jun reached up to scratch behind its ears. “Yes, yes, I’m happy to see you, too.”
It barked a few more times, sounding at once angry and excited. It jumped back down onto all four legs and ran out of the room.
“The young lady named the wild thing Chuchu,” Jeong-eun said, as the puppy scrambled back inside, this time with a toy goose between its jaws.
“That’s a fine name,” Min-jun said, tugging on the other side of the toy. It was made of sturdy cloth and stuffed with feathers if the softness of it was anything to go bye. Chuchu immediately responded, bowing as it pulled back on the toy, a light, playful growl rumbling in its throat. Something inside the toy crunched beneath Chuchu’s teeth. “Was he well-behaved while I was gone?”
Jeong-eun hesitated, wringing her fingers together. “Ah, well, you see . . .”
Chuchu pushed the toy back up against Min-jun’s side.
“Did something happen?”
“He might’ve snapped at a few people,” Jeong-eun replied, slouching her shoulders. “And broken a few pots. He bit Nari once, though thankfully he didn’t break the skin.”
“I see . . .”
But Jeong-eun wasn’t done yet. The list of Chuchu’s crimes was longer than Min-jun had anticipated.
“He also ripped the pillows we gave him, and tore one of your blankets to shreds.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Zlc-pec qffgfv vbkc ja atf qeqqs, ktb kjr cbk rajcvlcu klat tlr obgfqjkr qgbqqfv eq bc Zlc-pec’r xcff. Jtemte rajgfv yjmx klat cba jc becmf bo tlr qgbqtfalm nlbifca afwqfg lc atbrf jwyfg fsfr. Lf ibbxfv fnfgs yla atf gbsji mjclcf, tlr ubivfc oeg rboa jcv ygertfv atgbeut, tlr fjgr qfgxfv eq, tlr megifv ajli kjuulcu ogbw rlvf ab rlvf. Zlc-pec rmgjamtfv atf qeqqs ecvfg tlr mtlc, fjgclcu atf mibrfra atlcu ab j uglc ogbw atf jclwji, tlr fsfr tjio-mibrfv jr tf ifjcfv lcab atf abemt.
“Have you been a bad dog, Chuchu?”
Chuchu barked in agreement, appearing quite proud of himself. Perhaps he simply had too much energy pent up?
“Let’s go outside then,” Min-jun told him. Chuchu sprinted out the door with a chorus of excited barking.
“Now?” Jeong-eun asked as she set down a basin of fresh water next to him. “You haven’t even had breakfast then.”
“Oh, it’s alright,” Min-jun said. “I’ll just freshen up a bit.”
. . .
The crisp autumn air hardly bothered Min-jun as Chuchu did several loops around the clearing, zipping from one place to the next. Eventually, Chuchu skidded to a stop in front of Min-jun, waiting for him to throw the stick in his hand. Watching Chuchu run across the field to catch it quieted some of the misery following Min-jun like a pesky leech. That effect was lost when Chuchu ran past him instead, stick still firmly in his jaws. Min-jun looked over his shoulder to see who had stolen his puppy’s attention from him. If Jeong-eun’s words were to be believed, Chuchu liked no one but Min-jun and Mai.
And yet, here Chuchu was, like a traitor, letting his belly be rubbed by the King himself. Hmph. Somehow, Min-jun could not tear his eyes away from a scene of such gentleness.
The King had kneeled down next to Chuchu, who lay on his back, paws in the air. A gentle smile took hold of the King’s face, purple eyes half-lidded as he looked down at the puppy. Then the King rose to his feet and tossed the stick to the other side of the clearing. Min-jun watched Chuchu run off, pretending not to notice the King’s slow approach. Arms wrapped around Min-jun’s waist. They stood that way, the King’s chin resting on Min-jun’s shoulder. Further away, Chuchu had found a squirrel to terrorize.
The King sighed, lips close to Min-jun’s ear. “If only my dearest consort were half as affectionate.”
“You wouldn’t like me if I were,” Min-jun said. The King twisted around to look him in the eye.
“Perhaps we should try it out,” the King teased. “Just to reassure ourselves.”
Min-jun sank deeper into the embrace, breathing in the scent of vanilla and a forest breeze. “See how affectionate this consort is?”
“The only affection you show is physical.” The King pouted. “I’m beginning to think you only want me for my body.”
Well. “It is your only redeeming quality.”
“My love, your words cut too deep,” the King whispered. Despite his words, Min-jun could hear the smile in his voice. Gently, the King placed a kiss on his jaw. “How are you feeling after yesterday’s ordeal?”
“Fine. Is Your Majesty not supposed to be in court right now?”
The King sighed, leaning more of his weight onto Min-jun, as if all of his strength had left him. “I expect to be hounded today, my love. I’ve come to replenish my energy before being descended on by a ferocious pack of wolves.”
“They’re wolves, are they?” Min-jun tilted his head back to look up at the King. “Then, what am I?”
The King hummed, nuzzling into Min-jun’s hair. “A kitten.”
“A kitten,” Min-jun repeated, unimpressed. More evidence that the King didn’t take him seriously.
“Ah, don’t be so cross, darling,” the King said. “Cats can be quite ferocious. They’re predators first and foremost, and they’ll bite the hand that feeds them without hesitation.” With that, the King brought Min-jun’s hand to his lips. “Even so, humans worship them.”
“Well, if they’re the pack of wolves.” Min-jun snatched his hand back and began to walk away from the King. “You must be the leader of that pack.”
“Oh?”
With a mischievous grin, the King took a few steps closer, forcing Min-jun to walk backwards until he hit the tree trunk behind him. Its ridges dug into his back and he jolted forward, but he was already cornered. Their hands intertwined, palms touching. Then, the King brought one hand up to caress Min-jun’s cheek.
“Your Majesty?”
“This leader demands a sacrifice to call his own,” the King whispered, leaning in closer until their lips nearly touched.
“CHEOL!” And just like that, the moment was shattered. The King pouted as he reluctantly released Min-jun and turned around to face a furious Hye-jin.
“Actually calling me by name in public? To what do I owe the honor?” the King asked as Hye-jin marched up to them. The silk of her dark green hanbok was free of wrinkles, her hair perfectly arranged atop her head despite her having to run all the way to the Villa.
“Morning assembly begins in thirty minutes and you’re here?” Hye-jin asked, waving her arms at them.
“I can reach the morning assembly in fifteen,” the King told her. He brought Min-jun to stand in front of him like a shield. “Is there anything wrong with spending some time with my Consort in the morning?”
Hye-jin glared, her silence tense in the air. Clearly, she’d left many words unsaid. The King rubbed the back of his neck, sighing in annoyance.
“Fine, fine, let us be off. You can air your grievances as we walk.” He spared Min-jun a quick glance. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Alright,” Min-jun said, polite now that he was in front of Hye-jin. She was the most suspicious of him as far as Min-jun knew, so it would be best to put on a well-behaved front when she was around. Now, as long as The King didn’t do anything unnecessary, Min-jun would do nothing to incite Hye-jin’s wrath. Unfortunately, the King had other ideas. A few steps and then the King was making his way back to Min-jun and pulling him in for a quick, chaste kiss.
“It seemed a waste to leave you with nothing but words,” the King said, grinning all the while.
Behave yourself, Min-jun. Hye-jin still watched with that same scowl on her face, her gaze on Min-jun even as the King made his way back toward her. But he hadn’t done anything! That was entirely the King’s own fault! Leaning down, the King whispered something in her ear that made her steely glare thaw a bit. The next moment, she was turning away, the King’s hand at her back.
Min-jun folded his arms over his chest. They seem awfully close.
Not that he minded. It was simply interesting, that was all.
And yet, he could not look away. That was love, pure and true, so different from the affection the King showered Min-jun with. Min-jun shook his head of the somberness that took him then. It shouldn’t come as a surprise. The King likely saw Min-jun as nothing more than a pawn. Compare that to someone the King considered a close friend, perhaps even more. There was never any competition. And anyway, Min-jun did not want the King’s love, not unless it got him closer to putting a dagger through his heart. Metaphorically, of course. Min-jun’s methods didn’t involve any bloodshed.
A high-pitched bark drew his attention. Chuchu sat at Min-jun’s feet, wagging his tail.
“How about we get some breakfast?” Min-jun asked. Chuchu barked his agreement.
A/N: Comment your favorite character down below, mine is Chuchu. Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed it. Next chapter we will see what the courtiers have been planning.
Was that a whif of vinegar? You are loved Min Jun if you let Cheol in
Cheol is my favorite. Thank you for chapter
Indeed, it was! Honestly, Min-jun, Cheol has all his love to give if you’d let him. Ah, I love writing Cheol. He’s this mixture of playful and cunning that I can’t get enough of. A King with a dark side. Classic!
Thank you for commenting!
Min-jun is my fav 👌
Min-jun is my chaotic son and so I must love him. Despite all my bullying, I do believe Min-jun deserves nothing but love and warm hugs (from Cheol, preferably).
Thanks for commenting!
Thanks for the chapter ♥️♥️
I also like chuchu.. it’s cute 🥰
Chuchu is the cutest! 😊
Thank you for commenting!
Thank you for the chapter!
Chuchu is so cute ❤️ But my favorite has to be Min Jun
Another point for Min-jun! I’m glad people like him, since he is the main character. He’s a lot of fun to write as well. Definitely, a chaotic, miserable man, that one.
Thank you for commenting, and yes, Chuchu is very cute 😌
I smell vinegar~
Thanks for the chapter!
Your sense of smell is on point. That is definitely vinegar you’re smelling.
Thank you for commenting! 😊
I was impressed that Min-Jun could tell the difference between the king’s frivolous affection and the deep love between the two friends – and then I remembered how Mother keeps him obedient. Of course he knows the difference. Still, it looks like he and Cheol are getting there too whether he sees it or not.
I’m so glad you caught this! Your analysis is on point. Thank you for commenting! ❤
I forgot to mention – the king is definitely my favorite. I was raised to use my assets, like Min-Jun. I wasn’t supposed to get attached to one person so I kept my distance emotionally. Cheol isn’t going to let Min-jun keep his distance, and he’s upbeat and fun in the process.
I love Cheol, too 😊. He originally wasn’t supposed to be this fun, but this is how he ended up and I like this version a lot more lol. Thank you for commenting!