Chapter 33: Power Plays and Hidden Plans

Namakseong’s influence was distinct from Oroseong’s. It boasted more resources, and the city surrounding its castle brimmed with vitality.

“Isn’t this the heart of our journey?” I said.

Of course, we were only halfway to the capital, but once we entered the north, it’d be fair to call it Wolhaseong’s domain. In terms of influence, Namakseong was a key stop, if not the final one.

So, lingering here wouldn’t cause any issues.

“I plan to stay longer than I did in Oroseong. Any thoughts?” I asked.

No one objected. Few had the authority to do so—only Yu Geung, Heo Seokkyeok, and a couple others.

“No objections? Good. Then take some free time,” I said.

Perhaps because it was a proper city, their faces brightened at the prospect. Even Heo Seokkyeok, usually serious, followed me out of the meeting and lodging.

I glanced at him casually. “What’s this?”

“His Majesty ordered us to hasten to Wolhaseong,” he said.

He was telling me not to waste time.

“We delayed in Oroseong, waiting for the lord’s confirmation, even though we could’ve left at dawn,” he added. It seemed like a major issue to him, the stickler.

“Is this advice or a warning?” I asked.

It didn’t feel like he was speaking for my sake.

“I’m not here to dawdle, so I don’t know why you’re saying this,” I said.

The king hadn’t sent me to merely keep an eye on the north for Wolhaseong’s lord. I wasn’t dispatched to a distant northern region to build my own power base.

My role after reaching Wolhaseong was to assess its situation, rally troops from northern lords, and replace Wolhaseong’s lord.

My small entourage couldn’t provide meaningful support. I’d brought only thirty men. Offering them for battle would earn laughter, not respect.

More valuable was the temporary authority I’d been granted: the right to command northern lords to supply troops.

In short, the north’s dogs could become my blades.

A group loyal to anyone but the king was rebellious. If their loyalty wasn’t to the king, it wasn’t loyalty at all—just deception.

Did King Bonhyeon trust me enough to grant this power?

Hardly.

It was a test.

The king believed my grandfather, General So, the So family, and their loyal officers—those beyond Yehwi’s control—could become my allies.

So what?

Why should I obey meekly?

I knew of General So, the heart of the capital’s officers, and the Deposed Queen, ruined to bring him down.

At least on their side.

Even living as an obedient wastrel, I’d only get scraps from the table.

I glared at Heo Seokkyeok. “Who’s your superior now?”

“General Im of the Geumowi is my superior,” he replied.

He stopped mid-sentence, realizing late that I meant within the Geumowi.

“Grand Prince Ikwon, Your Highness,” he said, bowing.

“And who gives you the chance to serve?” I pressed.

“Oh, you want to play?” I said, narrowing my eyes and folding my arms. I stepped closer, close enough to unsettle him, but he didn’t flinch.

“Not backing down?” I said.

“At least I’m your subordinate,” he replied.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked.

“Grand Prince Ikwon, Your Highness,” he repeated.

“Is that all?” I said.

“I’m sorry, but you’re the one I’m tasked to protect,” he said.

“So your duty, under His Majesty’s orders, is to guard me? Fine, but that’s not what I’m asking,” I said.

I waited for his excuse, but he had none.

“Fine. Next time we’re in the capital, I’ll see you often,” I said.

He didn’t respond. Not that he was avoiding it, but…

I felt irritated.

I’d been dragged into this wastrel prince’s mess, hadn’t I?

Even in Hyeolyunseong, I’d lived decently among people.

“If I’m just a passing acquaintance, am I only Grand Prince Ikwon to you?” I asked.

Finally, he looked uneasy.

“What do you mean?” he said.

“Pure curiosity. What’s your take?” I asked.

“My role is to ensure Your Highness’s safety. Please don’t speak so harshly,” he said.

I sighed heavily.

“Alright, I’ll ask an easier one,” I said.

I stepped back, widening the gap between us. It was too far to touch, but close enough for a drawn blade to pierce.

“You don’t think I’ll die, do you?” I asked.

“I’m appalled, please retract that!” he said.

I frowned. “I’m serious.”

His gaze shifted—stunned, flustered, and searching for truth.

“Traitor,” I said.

“You’re not a criminal, are you? If you say you waited for the lord’s confirmation, His Majesty would understand. I won’t stay here long, so if you want to nag, wait until I do something truly reckless,” I said.

He looked like he had much to say but swallowed it, managing only, “I’m sorry.”

I glared at him, then headed to my lunch appointment with Namakseong’s lord.

Even with simplified protocol, I should’ve left Heo Seokkyeok behind and taken only Yu Geung.

“Here are my daughters,” Namakseong’s lord said warmly, arriving with two women.

“I’m Gaerihwa,” one said.

Even from a hundred paces, her resemblance to the lord was striking. If he’d been born a woman, he’d look like her. Despite her ornate attire, her face, so like his, stood out. The similarity was startling.

The other was different. I knew instantly she was the adopted daughter.

Her clothes seemed lavish at a glance, but to my trained eye, they were low-quality. Anyone with discernment could tell they weren’t valuable.

“I’m Gaeyeohwa,” she said.

When Namakseong’s adopted daughter spoke, I realized I’d been staring at her unconsciously. The moment I noticed, her eyes met mine briefly.

It must’ve looked awkward, but it wasn’t bad.

My plan was to seem smitten with Gaeyeohwa.

Even if she didn’t fall for it, it’d deceive the lord.

No matter how I thought about it, winning her over was my only option.

I’d racked my brain for alternatives, but found none.

I’d never considered such a relationship, not when I could die any moment, but I had no other choice.

Her foresight ability wasn’t widely known yet. It would be after she became a strategist under Duke Mungong.

I didn’t know how she’d end up in his grasp, but if Namakseong’s lord knew of her ability, he’d never let her go.

So, I’d used every trick.

The only leverage I had was a forged letter, sent last night via Gonjo.

Recalling it gave me chills, but it was like a fake love letter. It felt like wearing ill-fitting clothes.

Gonjo, who’d flown to her room at night with the note, returned after a while and said, “Your plan’s a mess.”

He’d laughed at me.

He said she’d cursed me so fiercely it was shocking, but he wasn’t wrong.

I’d felt humiliated.

Who’d want to hear a wastrel’s courtship? It was bound to fail.

Even the crow seemed to mock me.

I’d realized then it was not just a failure, but a catastrophic one. My expression must’ve soured.

Anyway, he’d said my plan would fail. He’d watched her reaction after reading the note and said it seemed to have worked, yet called me a fool for trying.

Gaeyeohwa’s expression now didn’t look promising either.

Was it a failure, as Gonjo said?

Really?

A complete failure?

I’d barely tried, and it was already doomed?

I couldn’t believe it. I hadn’t expected her to like me, but to be rejected so bluntly?

Even if it was a lie, I’d tried. I was confident I’d treat her well as a vassal.

But if it failed, what more could I do? I was the notorious wastrel prince, worthless to Namakseong’s lord without my title.

What could I do?

The die was cast. The lunch with the lord was set last night, and I couldn’t take back my words.

Suppressing the urge to retch last night’s dinner, I thought of Hyeolyunseong’s lord.

“Lord,” I called.

“Yes, Your Highness?” he replied.

“I’m about to do something,” I said.

“Truly, I’d die before doing anything so shameful,” I thought.

“It seems I’ve taken a liking to your daughter,” I said.