Chapter 9: The Commander’s Rebuke

Grandfather. Commander So Ik-gyeom.

Just hearing that, how could I guess who he is or what he’s like?

“He’s a strict man,” Eunuch Han whispered, likely assuming I’d be curious due to memory loss.

He wasn’t wrong.

Eunuchs have sharp instincts.

“Strict with me?”

“Strict with everyone. I saw Commander So scold someone once—my heart nearly stopped.”

“Nonsense. You’re a eunuch, Han. Of course a sword-wielding man’s shouting scares you. And he wouldn’t dare with His Majesty, so what’s strict about that? You’re exaggerating.”

Han looked glum. “His Majesty is the supreme ruler, so that’s true, but I haven’t lied about his nature. Truly, he’s strict. He was always harsh with the deposed queen, and despite frequent palace visits, he rarely saw her or Your Highness.”

No interest in power, then?

Han, glancing at me, quietly apologized. “I beg pardon.”

For badmouthing family, I guess. I didn’t care. I nodded absently and turned away, waiting for Commander So.

Calling him grandfather might avoid slip-ups. Getting a grandfather before parents—life’s full of surprises.

Haven’t even lived that long, yet my life’s this wild.

A sound came from outside.

“Your Highness, Commander So Ik-gyeom has arrived.”

I whipped toward the door.

“He’s here.”

“Yes, he’s arrived,” Han whispered.

“Shall I open it?”

I nodded, and Han opened the door.

“I greet Grand Prince Ikwon.”

Cold eyes met mine first.

Grandfather bowed briefly, almost perfunctory, but he’s family, so who cares?

His casual demeanor suggested this was normal.

His strictness wasn’t obvious from his face.

A general’s sun-weathered face wasn’t soft but not rough either—a handsome old man.

If the first prince had one good trait, it was his looks. I could see where this polished face came from.

Unexpectedly, grandfather held a bundle, like a gift. No servants in tow.

A Commander could have a servant carry that, right?

Does he avoid suspicion by traveling light, even if it’s a hassle?

Then again, with his queen daughter deposed and dead, flaunting around would be odd.

“Ahem.”

That’s not the point.

“Please sit.”

I gestured to an empty chair. He nodded once and sat.

Then he said to Han, “Could you prepare some tea?”

“Yes, General.”

Han left immediately.

Not really for tea, I bet—likely a hint for private talk.

Or maybe not. Palace treats are damn good, so he might be raiding the stores while he’s here.

Reasonable suspicion.

“Straight to it.”

Only after Han left and no sounds came from outside did grandfather dive in.

“I heard you agreed to a public duel with Grand Prince Je-an’s guard-inspector.”

I didn’t answer right away, staring into his wrinkled eyes.

They held pity.

The look of someone who didn’t like me.

He continued, voice calm. “Is it true?”

Feels like I’m being scolded for nothing.

No reason to dodge.

“It’s true.”

“I heard you told His Majesty.”

“If it reached you outside the palace, it’s already the talk of the court. Must be fun gossip for bored courtiers.”

Meant as a joke.

But grandfather wasn’t in the mood, judging by his heavy reply.

“Indeed.”

He frowned, eyes twitching.

“You know well.”

“And yet you did this? Was it necessary? Is honor a game? Have you more to lose?”

Properly angry now.

Why am I getting chewed out?

I laughed awkwardly. “Your grandson hasn’t done anything that bad. You’re too harsh.”

He mulled over my words.

“Anything that bad.”

No sneer, just a bad feeling.

He was angrier than I thought. “You think this is trivial?”

His voice grew louder.

“Born a prince, you’re a laughingstock to commoners. You think that’s trivial?”

I get it. The first prince’s wastefulness’s fame reached even Seopyeong.

That word echoed along every road from the capital to the frontier.

“The capital’s people call you a wastrel! Is the royal dignity so tarnished? Is everything so light to you? So easy to cast aside? Courtiers mock you behind your back, officials badmouth you to the second prince. His Majesty… His Majesty…”

His face flushed red.

“And?”

Resentment in his eyes.

He stopped, covering his eyes with his hand. After a long pause, he said, “You’re as pitiful as your mother.”

Regret now.

Ridiculous.

Facing this stranger’s rage, that was my take.

“Calm down.”

Hope he doesn’t keel over from high blood pressure.

“What did His Majesty do?”

I knew. I’m not blind.

“Is this about the crown prince selection?”

“Don’t speak of that lightly. The palace walls have eyes and ears.”

He wasn’t calmer, but his voice stayed low.

I pressed. “So?”

He sighed deeply. “You’re far too carefree. Will you suffer this shame?”

“Why would I be shamed, grandfather?”

His gaze drifted from me to a practice sword on the wall.

“I’m no good at subtlety, so I speak plainly. Forgive me.”

“Go on.”

“Your martial skill is pathetic.”

Another sigh.

“Everyone knows it.”

“Come on. When did you see me fight?”

“Am I ignorant of your skill? Everyone knows the deposed queen’s sword is in Grand Prince Je-an’s hands.”

Unfair, but I had no comeback.

“Fine, alright.”

“Nothing’s alright.”

“No, I mean, I can show you.”

“Show what?”

“That… well, you won’t see the disaster you expect.”

He frowned again.

“Your Highness.”

“Yes?”

“I expect you’ll be shamed before courtiers and officials. Yesterday, His Majesty mentioned your duel at morning court. Now every official there knows you’re set to face Je-an’s guard. How is that not shameful?”

“…That happened?”

“I’ve spoken no lie.”

No one told me ‘cause I’m a slacker?

Then those generals at the military headquarters probably knew…

Their glances weren’t just ‘cause I’m a slacker.

“I can’t stand by and watch you shamed.”

Oh.

Called him strict, but he’s worried about his grandson?

“It’s a disgrace to the So clan and sullies royal honor.”

Nope. Never mind.

“A single word weighs a thousand gold. How can spilled water be gathered, or spoken words retracted?”

He continued, lamenting. “What’s done can’t be undone, but the shame can be lessened. That’s why I came.”

“Oh, so you’ll teach me something.”

“Indeed.”

Now I recall—when I saw King Bonhye, he mentioned Commander So was my swordsmanship mentor.

“But there’s not much time.”

No date set yet.

“Won’t be much. It’s no grand affair to drag out.”

“You’ve forgotten something.”

“What?”

He shot me a contemptuous look, though less sharp.

“Have you forgotten His Majesty’s royal birthday is near?”

Shocking.

“His Majesty plans to parade me at his birthday feast?”

Thankfully, he shook his head. “No. Your defeat would tarnish royal honor, which His Majesty doesn’t want.”

“Phew, scared me.”

“But there are outsiders in the palace now.”

He glared fiercely.

“Do you think they won’t care about your duel?”

“No way. A show like this—once, twice, maybe three times? Haha.”

“Don’t speak as if it’s someone else’s affair.”

I played coy. “But grandfather, I really don’t know shame. I won’t be shamed.”

He didn’t look convinced.

“You don’t believe me. Fine, I’ll show you right now.”

“Show what?”

“That I’m no good-for-nothing.”

He furrowed his brow gravely.

Whoops, slip-up.

“Uh, I mean…”

“Anyway, I’ll show you. Seeing is believing, right?”

“What exactly will you show?”

Standing from my chair, I said, “A duel. Up for it?”