IBPC | Chapter 10.3

Heegon held Seoyul’s lips for quite a while before releasing them and moving his hips. Seoyul flinched and wrapped his arms around Heegon’s shoulders again. He exhaled hot breaths, rubbing his lower body against Heegon’s.

Just a moment ago, he was too exhausted to even hold himself up. But being in Heegon’s arms seemed to wash away his fatigue.

Though he scolded Heegon for teasing him, he knew. Heegon’s gentle and leisurely movements today were an effort not to strain him.

Moreover, perhaps because of the oil covering his body, it felt like more than just sex—it was like receiving a full-body massage. Even as Heegon stirred inside him, he continuously caressed and stroked Seoyul’s body. That touch seemed to plant a warm feeling deep in Seoyul’s chest.

Lately, he had been feeling this way more and more with Heegon. It wasn’t just an instinctive reaction to his pheromones.

“…Your Highness.”

Seoyul lowered his head, burying his nose in Heegon’s hair. He inhaled deeply, taking in Heegon’s scent. After a moment, he rubbed his lips against Heegon’s cheek and lowered his head further, seeking his lips.

As Seoyul’s wet lips approached, Heegon lifted his face without hesitation to meet them. He raised his hand to Seoyul’s chin, brushing up to his ear. Then, closing his eyes, he plunged his tongue deep into Seoyul’s mouth, wrapping it around his.

Seoyul flinched, tightening around him.

Such a straightforward body.

Heegon suppressed a laugh, gripping Seoyul’s face more firmly and pulling him closer. Their deepening kiss stifled their moans. Seoyul reached out, wrapping his arms around Heegon’s back.

He enjoyed kissing Heegon as much as being with him. Sometimes, pressing and rubbing their lips together felt more overwhelming than being connected.

“I like it… Do it more.”

Between their parted lips, Seoyul pleaded with eager eyes. Heegon quickly caught his breath and kissed Seoyul again. Before their lips even met, their tongues reached out, intertwining. After that, their lips and cheeks pressed together, refusing to part.

As they reached their climax, it was a passionate encounter, unusually focused on exploring each other’s lips.

⊹₊⟡⋆

King Eulsa summoned Heegon. Heegon had anticipated the call, especially since he had sent Jeokbin out of the palace without following proper procedures.

Sitting across from King Eulsa, Heegon looked down at the refreshments laid out before him. He had nothing to say until King Eulsa initiated the conversation. It took quite a while before the dialogue finally began.

“I won’t ask for the reason you sent Jeokbin away.”

There were various rumors circulating within the palace about Jeokbin’s expulsion. However, King Eulsa didn’t concern himself with them.

“You must have had your reasons.”

“……”

“But you must be aware that the method was problematic. You should refrain from such actions in the future.”

“…I apologize.”

It seemed King Eulsa had another purpose in mind. After observing Heegon for a while, he continued with a rather heavy topic.

“Regarding the matter with Jeokbin, isn’t it time you’ve left the position of the official consort vacant for too long?”

At King Eulsa’s words, Heegon hesitated, clenching his hands on his lap. He responded as calmly as possible.

“But the noble families trying to propose candidates to me are not suitable…”

“There are always ways to ensure an heir. Even if it’s late, you can find a solution, but leaving that position vacant for too long is not beneficial. Especially since the official appointment hasn’t been made yet.”

“……”

“Moreover, since your erotomania seems to be calming down lately, even if you’re not completely satisfied, choose a suitable family and accept a candidate.”

King Eulsa hadn’t particularly mentioned the issue of the official consort before. However, noticing that Heegon’s condition seemed to be improving, he appeared to be preparing for the Crown Prince’s appointment. Leaving the position of the official consort vacant wouldn’t be favorable, hence the subtle hint.

Sensing this, Heegon neither agreed nor disagreed.

⊹₊⟡⋆

Seoyul pushed a piece of chopped carrot into Leo’s mouth, and Leo eagerly accepted it. The tickling sensation on his palm made Seoyul burst into laughter.

“You eat well.”

He raised his other hand to stroke Leo’s face, and Leo fluttered his long eyelashes, seemingly pleased.

“You’re really beautiful.”

Seoyul continued to caress Leo’s face for a while. Dubo, standing nearby, brought more carrots. Seoyul took them and fed Leo to his heart’s content.

He had become quite accustomed to riding Leo. Although running was still too much, he was practicing trotting. Over time, it was clear that Leo was becoming more attached to him. They say that communication with the horse is the most important part of riding, and Seoyul felt he understood that now.

“Give me the brush.”

After Leo finished the carrots, Seoyul set the empty container down. He reached out to Dubo, who handed him a brush to groom Leo’s mane.

Seoyul began to brush Leo’s mane, humming lightly and happily. Dubo watched Seoyul with satisfaction, noticing how much brighter and happier Seoyul seemed lately.

“Be careful around the back. His Highness warned you so much.”

Dubo approached Seoyul with a hint of concern. Seoyul smiled and turned to Dubo.

“I know. He nagged me so much about not standing behind the horse…”

As Seoyul brushed the dirt and dust from Leo’s mane, he suddenly thought of Heegon and paused.

Come to think of it, he didn’t look too happy yesterday.

He recalled Heegon’s dark expression when he had come to see him the previous night. He hadn’t asked about it, but it was subtly bothering him.

Seoyul resumed brushing and smiled again.

“Should I give you a little more carrot?”

He focused on Leo, trying to steady his thoughts.

⊹₊⟡⋆

The tailor took Tae Heegon’s measurements and then stepped back. While the measurements were being recorded, Heegon was looking at himself in the mirror. Behind him, Pacheon was standing by.

After briefly removing his clothes for the measurements, Heegon put them back on and dismissed everyone from the room except for the tailor. Then, turning to Pacheon, he spoke.

“His Majesty has instructed me to receive a consort selection.”

Pacheon nodded, indicating he had heard something about it.

“The position has been vacant for a long time. Even though your reputation isn’t the highest, many families are showing interest, especially since the rumors about your madness have subsided.”

“……”

“Is there a particular family you have in mind?”

Pacheon tried to gauge Heegon’s intentions. However, Heegon, with an unreadable expression, finished buttoning his clothes and sat down in a chair.

“Then spread more rumors.”

“……? What kind…?”

“That the Third Prince is so obsessed with a male concubine that he dragged a royal concubine by the hair and threw her out.”

“…What?”

“And that his anger is so great, he’ll soon ruin the concubine’s family too.”

Pacheon awkwardly averted his eyes at Heegon’s serious tone, which didn’t sound like a joke. He let out a forced laugh.

“What… are you saying?”

“If they hear such rumors, no one would want to offer their precious daughter for the selection, knowing I can’t even produce an heir.”

When Heegon’s true intentions were revealed, Pacheon swallowed dryly several times.

The fact that King Eulsa had specifically mentioned the consort selection to Heegon indicated a firm intention to make him the Crown Prince. Heegon was surely aware of this. Yet, he seemed to be planning actions contrary to that.

“Your Highness… but…”

“Just for the time being.”

Pacheon cautiously tried to express his opinion, but Heegon cut him off, indicating he understood Pacheon’s concerns.

“Even if someone fills that position, I can’t neglect Seoyul, that child… I might easily get swept up in jealousy again. So, to prevent any harm from coming to that child, I plan to leave the position vacant for a while. There’s no benefit in creating enemies for that child, is there? I can’t always be there to protect him.”

“Until when…?”

“Until that child bears my heir.”

And after that…?

Pacheon looked at Heegon with growing unease.

While it was desirable and something he wished for that Heegon was close to Seoyul, it seemed to be getting more intense. When he heard that the incident during the secret outing was orchestrated by Jeokbin, he was quite surprised, but he never expected Heegon to drag Jeokbin by the hair and throw her out of the palace.

That certainly wasn’t beneficial for the Crown Prince’s appointment. Heegon, the person involved, should know this better than anyone…

The child brought in for the Crown Prince’s appointment shouldn’t be the one to ruin it.

“Your Highness, I’m concerned that your affection for that child might be excessive. That child is…”

“He was brought here for my sake, so he deserves that much treatment. That’s all, so don’t worry. I understand what you’re concerned about, but… it won’t happen.”

Heegon, quick to catch on, firmly drew a line, understanding Pacheon’s concerns. Then, as the tailor returned with the fabric, Heegon changed the subject, indicating he didn’t want to continue the conversation.

“I want to make another set of clothes.”

When Heegon looked at the tailor, he spread out various luxurious fabrics in front of him.

“If you choose the fabric, I’ll make it right away.”

The tailor bowed deeply, and Heegon scanned the fabrics laid out before him. He ran his hand over a jade-colored fabric that felt refreshing.

“I’ll take the dark blue one at the end for myself, and make clothes for Yul, that child, with this fabric.”

The tailor hesitated for a moment at Heegon’s choice, then looked up, gauging the situation.

“But… this fabric is of the highest grade, hard to come by. It’s too extravagant for making clothes for such a child.”

“……”

At the tailor’s unintended concern, Heegon’s eyes slightly narrowed. He looked at the tailor and asked quietly.

“Such a child?”

Sensing the emotion in Heegon’s suddenly low voice, the tailor quickly shrank back.

“I… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…”

Seeing the trembling tailor, unsure of what to do, Heegon took a deep breath and stood up.

“Make it with this. …The child’s clothes.”

He pressed down on the tailor’s shoulder, who had lowered his head, then released it and began to leave the room.

“……”

Pacheon watched Heegon’s retreating figure, unable to shake off his uneasy gaze.

“He was brought here for my sake, so he deserves that much treatment. That’s all, so don’t worry. I understand what you’re concerned about, but… it won’t happen.”

Heegon was clearly drawing a line. But Pacheon couldn’t be sure if that line was for Seoyul or for himself.