Chapter 66: Clashes of Loyalty

I roughly organized the unsent letter and slipped out of the hall.

The Lord of Wolhanseong had summoned me again.

It wasn’t to meet her alone, though.

Somewhat worrisome.

Hands behind my back, I headed to the meeting room. My worst fear was that King Bonhyeon and Bukgye’s lords wouldn’t respond positively to my letter.

If so, my stay here would essentially be exile. As I muttered this, Yu Geung, following me, spoke.

“Is there something to worry about, Your Highness?”

“It’s not just that. These people, bound by blood, are holding a meeting, and I’m stuck in the middle.”

I glanced at a servant hurrying somewhere. Yu Geung followed my gaze.

“The bow is drawn tight, and I’m tired of it. There’s nothing else.”

Yu Geung smiled faintly.

“Why ask? Doesn’t it seem to you, Yu Nangjang, that I’m like a scarecrow propped up among the Son clan?”

“I didn’t know Your Highness would say such things.”

Yu Geung, startled, immediately apologized.

“I beg your pardon. I spoke out of turn.”

I smirked.

“Our Yu Nangjang has grown, hasn’t he? Making such jokes.”

“Then I’ll make sure your arm doesn’t bend under my strength.”

I made a playful gesture, as if to break Yu Geung’s arm, laughing softly.

Yu Geung glanced over.

I tapped his shin instead of retaliating.

“I’ll let it slide once.”

“I’m grateful.”

I looked at him again.

“You know Wolhanseong doesn’t welcome us from the capital. No lord would be thrilled about a prince visiting, but most would at least pretend to be. Here, though, they’re openly hostile.”

That’s exactly why I need to win them over.

“Even in that incident…”

Yu Geung nodded, recalling our standoff with Wolhanseong’s soldiers.

A sudden thought struck me.

“If we’d fought them outright, do you think we’d have won?”

Yu Geung’s pride flared, his voice sharp.

“I swear, I’m among the top fighters in this land.”

“Oh? Among the top? That rare?”

“Both hands’ worth.”

Not just Yu Geung, but Heoseokgyeom and other warriors were formidable.

If Wolhanseong’s warriors, hardened by border battles, were pitted against me, a born swordsman, I couldn’t help but wonder who’d be stronger.

But that’s just my curiosity.

“Since you’re free these days, how about helping me?”

“I’m honored. Give your orders.”

“I want you to be my sparring partner.”

I need to get stronger. At least stronger than Baekyeon’s final moments.

So I can crush that bastard Chincheon.

Apart from needing him as an ally, my grudge against him runs deep.

Well, if he kept my comrades safe after my death, as I asked, I might reduce his beating from a hundred to ninety-nine.

I’m that merciful.

So kind it’s a problem, right, Lord?

I could almost hear the Lord of Wolhanseong calling me a madman.

Heh.

Yu Geung gave me a subtle look.

I continued.

“You or Heoseokgyeom are my only worthy sparring partners. Lower-ranking men are too intimidated, and Heoseokgyeom would feel burdened staying put.”

“If you go picking fights…”

“What? With whom?”

“The warriors of this city.”

Yu Geung’s jaw dropped, stunned.

“I’ll be your sparring partner, Your Highness.”

At the meeting room, everyone but me had already gathered.

Dozens of eyes stared at me.

Enduring such gazes must be a prince’s skill.

As I stepped toward the empty head seat, the Lord of Wolhanseong and everyone stood.

Hondon was among them, looking uninterested.

“Greetings, Grand Prince.”

As the Lord of Wolhanseong spoke, others followed with salutations.

I waved for them to sit and took my place.

Only after I sat did everyone else.

Heavy silence.

I don’t quite get the appeal of this.

“I wish to speak, with your permission.”

I expected the Lord of Wolhanseong to lead, but an old man spoke. He looked the eldest.

“Go ahead.”

“I’m grateful you came all this way to grace us.”

He thanked me for coming such a distance.

It’s a tough road.

The old man made an awkward expression.

“Let’s begin the meeting.”

The Lord of Wolhanseong took over, but most eyes stayed on me, some glaring.

They should blink.

Well, I came here to act tough, so I could play along.

It felt like a family gathering, not formal, so I relaxed.

But a serious topic arose.

“Yesterday, monsters attacked a village, injuring two civilians and killing one. As the situation worsens, shouldn’t we act, Lord?”

An elder pointed at me.

“I seek your aid, Grand Prince.”

So sudden?

But I had something to say.

“I’ll soon contact the capital and summon Bukgye’s other lords.”

The wall couldn’t be breached now, but they knew I was just King Bonhyeon’s proxy. No one added unnecessary remarks.

Except one.

Ahem.

A middle-aged man cleared his throat. All eyes turned to the elder.

“May I, Elder Sonkyedu, address the Grand Prince?”

I glanced at him, the one stealing attention.

“Speak, but ask permission first.”

Everyone looked at Sonkyedu, the only one besides the Lord of Wolhanseong with such authority here.

He was more noteworthy than me, the Grand Prince.

Was I getting used to playing prince? Losing attention irked me.

“I beg you, how can we trust the Grand Prince’s words?”

Sonkyedu stood, facing me directly.

Our eyes met, and he smirked.

What’s that?

He spoke slyly.

“Everyone here knows the Grand Prince’s reputation.”

What?

Who said that?

What’s he on about?

I glared at Sonkyedu coolly.

“Go on, say it.”

Sonkyedu’s tone grew sharper.

“Grand Prince Ikwon, known as the kingdom’s worst madman.”

The room’s atmosphere froze.

“Despite being Lord Sangchang’s grandson, your martial skills are lacking.”

Others paled.

“Good to know.”

Silence fell.

I glanced at the Lord of Wolhanseong. Her face was stiff, maybe angry, or perhaps relieved that Sonkyedu voiced what others only thought.

Probably the latter.

But why so bold?

I muttered, and the nearest elder glanced at me.

He must’ve heard.

I wondered what response would be fitting.

“How dare you mock the Grand Prince’s words with that tongue?”

Yu Geung shouted from behind me, his voice ringing.

I hadn’t expected him to speak, so I flinched.

Quite a voice, our Yu Guard.

“Your Highness.”

Yu Geung called softly, clearly furious.

I was calm, but Yu Geung was enraged.

The capital’s pride runs that deep?

Anyway.

Tch.

Sonkyedu and Yu Geung traded barbs, and the room grew chaotic.

I clicked my tongue.

“Didn’t know I had so many flaws.”

I glanced at the Lord of Wolhanseong. Her face showed faint disappointment.

Really?

I can’t read minds, so I couldn’t be sure.

“You called him a madman, Elder Sonkyedu.”

Gasps echoed among the elders.

“Let me ask. You’ve never seen me before entering this hall, so shouldn’t you ask the Lord, who’s watched me, about my conduct?”

Sonkyedu didn’t answer. Silence lingered, then the old man who thanked me spoke.

“That’s right.”

The Lord of Wolhanseong nodded.

Sonkyedu, swallowing hard, spoke.

“Speak humbly.”

Even meeting my eyes, he glared defiantly.

I wasn’t angry. I saw he wanted me to lose it. I’d faced worse provocations.

But why was he deliberately riling me?

“I’ve stayed here for days. Do you still think I’m a madman?”

My bluntness made some elders gasp.

That’s a normal reaction.

What’s to gain by earning my dislike?

“Then I’ll leave Wolhanseong’s affairs and return to the capital.”

They wouldn’t dare swing a sword, would they?