Chapter 64: Whispers of Debt

Returning from the Pyeonggwang Trading Company to Wolhanseong, I headed to my quarters. But the moment I entered the hall, the atmosphere felt off.

A heavy, sunken air.

What’s going on? The thought came and went. What could happen in my quarters to cause this?

“Your Highness?”

Ikyeon stopped me as I walked. His expression was uneasy, sparking a bad feeling, but I forced a neutral face.

“What’s the matter?”

Ikyeon approached.

“Did something happen while I was out?”

He hesitated, glancing around.

“Well…”

His reluctance made me impatient.

“The Lord of Wolhanseong visited Your Highness’s quarters.”

The Lord of Wolhanseong came here?

“Why barge in without a word? Into an empty room.”

I frowned.

“Didn’t you stop her? Were you all too busy with something amusing?”

“No, Your Highness. I’m sorry.”

He said that, but they likely didn’t stop her on purpose.

“Be careful next time.”

“Yes, I’m sorry.”

An ominous feeling grew. I hurried to my second-floor quarters.

Creak.

Opening the door, I saw the Lord of Wolhanseong standing in the middle, as Ikyeon said.

“…Lord of Wolhanseong?”

The atmosphere was tense.

A suspicion crept in.

I’m naturally wary, so I couldn’t act carefree.

My back felt damp, probably from rushing up the stairs.

“Lord of Wolhanseong.”

She didn’t seem to miss my voice or the door opening, but she didn’t turn. That made me more uneasy.

Staring at her back, I called again.

“Lord of Wolhanseong.”

Finally, she moved. But she only turned her head, her body still, her feet rooted to the floor.

My spine chilled. Few people could make me nervous, but she might need to be added to the list.

“Why… are you standing there like that?”

Her hand, hidden under her flowing robe, seemed to hold something.

No way…

Suppressing my unease, I spoke casually.

“You could’ve given a heads-up. I use my room messily, but it’s not always like this. Don’t judge too harshly.”

She closed her eyes, still facing me.

She didn’t seem frivolous, so this felt heavy.

I clenched and unclenched my hands behind my back to ease the tension.

“Your Highness?”

“…Speak.”

She sighed.

“Of course.”

She clasped her hands, then slipped them under her robe’s hem. I tried to see what she held, but not even a fingernail showed.

It didn’t seem like my worst fear.

The worst being her finding Jongmeoki Flower in my things.

That would be disastrous.

The mad prince branded a drug addict? Unthinkable.

As long as that didn’t happen, her entering wasn’t a big deal.

“Sorry for the unsightly mess.”

“It’s fine. If it bothers you, call a servant to clean.”

“I will.”

I glanced around and changed the subject.

“So, why come here?”

She bowed her head.

“I apologize for coming unannounced.”

“There’s nowhere in your city you can’t go. I thought it was urgent. Deokbong reported, so you didn’t need to see me.”

Come to think of it, I hadn’t seen Deokbong since returning. After nearly dying, his timid heart must be racing.

I should check on him later.

“I came to confirm Your Highness is unharmed.”

“You already saw me.”

“Signs of trouble don’t show immediately, so we must be vigilant.”

I gave an awkward smile.

It sounded like she was scolding me as the cause of trouble.

“Send for me next time, and I’ll come. No need to trouble yourself.”

“If you wish, I’ll send someone in the future.”

“Good.”

The conversation stalled. An awkward air lingered.

We’re not close, but it didn’t used to be this awkward. Why now?

I cleared my throat and asked.

“Was that all?”

“Oh, the garrison commander wishes to thank Your Highness.”

“The garrison commander?”

Coincidentally, he’s someone I’d expect to avoid me. I knew the city’s warriors didn’t welcome me or my group.

The garrison commander, their leader, wanting to see me?

And most of those who went to Magyeong with me abandoned me.

“An unexpected person.”

“He’s Hondon’s uncle.”

Right, they’re all related.

“As Hondon’s kin, I too must express gratitude.”

I squinted at her bowing again.

It seemed they thought I saved Hondon.

Not really.

I had to survive anyway.

But missing this chance would be foolish.

I feigned humility.

“It was my duty.”

“Wolhanseong doesn’t forget such debts.”

Oh?

So she’ll repay me?

“I won’t refuse your kindness…”

Glancing at her, she was still bowing.

“Raise your head.”

A lord bowing to me felt burdensome.

She spoke.

“I wish to repay you. If you need anything, please say.”

It’s rude to refuse.

“Ahem. This isn’t the place. Let’s talk elsewhere.”

“Let’s go.”

If given a chance, I’d use it.

Bukgye’s harsh climate isn’t suited for farming, but the land isn’t barren. Dense coniferous forests prove it.

That means abundant timber.

And beast furs are renowned. Their thick, luxurious pelts, adapted to the cold, are valuable.

Bukgye’s weapon-making, honed against monsters, is excellent.

What does this mean?

Money.

I handed her a list. Her face paled as she read it.

But she offered to repay me first. I ignored her reaction, looking away.

“…Twenty short bows, ten tiger pelts, thirty wolf pelts…”

She read the fourteen items aloud, as if for me to hear, but I pretended not to listen.

“…I now see Your Highness’s deep interest in Bukgye.”

She meant I chose carefully.

Thanks for the compliment.

But it wasn’t too much for her to refuse outright. Torn between rejection and acceptance, she fixed her gaze on the paper.

I didn’t need these things, so rejection wouldn’t hurt. If refused, I’d use it to make other demands.

Maybe a declaration of support for my succession, once I’d earned more trust.

It was too early to leave Wolhanseong.

Even if she provided everything, I’d still aim to win Bukgye’s support.

Not just for support, but because I had to.

Either way, I’d gain.

If she benefited too, great. If not, oh well.

After a moment’s thought, she sighed and answered.

“I’ll prepare the items as listed, so Your Highness can take them when leaving. Please see it as our city’s goodwill.”

Oh, she agreed.

“Of course.”

It was like getting pocket money, so I couldn’t help but feel good. I could sell the items through Pyeonggwang or use them myself.

“Since you’re here, may I raise one more matter?”

She changed the topic. I nodded eagerly.

“Sure, say anything.”

We moved to her office. She glanced at the documents on her desk.

“I received reports from Hondon, the guide, and others. This should be reported to the capital.”

I snorted.

“So they returned.”

“They’re not unscathed.”

“Good. I trust you gave fitting punishment.”

It’s still absurd. Abandoning me like that.

“I won’t betray Your Highness’s trust.”

If they’re punished, no need to press further.

“Alright. I’ll handle the report.”

Since I was sent for this, I should report. If she requested reinforcements, the court might suspect her ambition, given her sizable forces.

Besides, the capital’s warriors would accept orders from a mad prince of their nation over a foreign-blooded lord without resistance.

Though I’m not sure if King Bonhyeon will send troops.

“I’m grateful.”

“While writing the letter, I think contacting Bukgye’s other lords would be wise. Your opinion?”

I asked as if seeking her view, but I knew she’d oppose.

Gathering nearby Bukgye forces could wait until battle was imminent.

Acting rashly could stir rumors of overreaction.

As expected, she opposed.

“That can wait.”

As I thought.

“I’ll propose it at the right time.”

“If that’s your wish.”

It’s not time yet. No need to cause a stir early.

Because, without a doubt, Bukgye’s other lords wouldn’t welcome me either.