STGL Ch 1

There is a monster living in the palace. Yes, I know it’s hard to believe. But truly, there is a monster living there. And generally, the strongest and cruelest monster sits in the most noble position. Sometimes, someone who isn’t a monster sits in that position, and if there are no other monsters in the palace, then all is well. However, what happens to that person if there is even a single other monster in the palace…?1703eb1098bddb83

“Uncle, have you ever seen that monster?”760e1ab7d8682571

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“…….”44afa99544daf6b3

Taerok stared into my innocent, clear eyes that were gazing at him. He felt pity for me, asking as if I didn’t even know what my own words meant. My reflection was visible in his obsidian-like, black, and shiny eyes. Taerok answered, looking at his reflection in Nanyoung’s eyes.3e76306e34e92190

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“Yes. I have seen it.”e0972283841bdc98

Nanyoung was weak from birth. He was born a3457b5075 prematurely, an eight-month 4fede53c0a baby, and everyone 4b58c25c0e thought he would 4ad35713b8 die as an be47ffa8be infant. As the legitimate son d044dfaffc of the king, no d25063343d one could voice these e218ec1197 thoughts aloud, but could e77bc1426a even his parents have 8beb2f332a truly avoided such thoughts?51cb5ddbaaee0183

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Even more sadly, Nanyoung was an exceptionally lovely child. Taerok hadn’t seen it himself. He had just heard it said. When Taerok heard the news of his second nephew’s birth, he was in the midst of hunting deer, and upon hearing that the child was premature, he’d simply thought, ‘He’ll die soon then.’7766ca28d0016e82

Taerok, the youngest db0c3f6c32 son of the 0b8abc700a late king, born 915371dea3 much later, was 90fd341076 thirteen years older 31d7800dd3 than Nanyoung. If he had been born dd1c199493 a little earlier, would something 77aa032d6b have been different? He was seventeen 739eedf573 years younger than fc61df415a his brother, the 6ef902df74 king, who already 3cf51ab9b4 had a son. How relieved everyone must have bf731e545a been that the frail Lee 00b06d9322 Nanyoung was not the firstborn 9ad5009f24 son.77dfd3b07730403d

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Taerok met Nanyoung at his 4b1bf34cb1 first birthday celebration. He studied the eaa8b4bf9e baby’s face carefully. The chubby cheeks, 6a6dcee512 innocently closed eyes, b13b277c9b and smiling lips 52d1766871 were indeed a 50d356b94b lovely combination, worthy 81adc4c0cd of the gossip b708c88348 surrounding him. Taerok, however, felt no particular f1e37bcad6 emotion.2f81684e514471a2

“Taerok, isn’t my child adorable?”27e2dea99f19d33a

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Taerok gave a hollow 1c40fe47ac laugh at the affectionate c31453f0a3 voice calling him and a0d5c34b62 asking so tenderly.166f277bcb111d69

The child’s cheeks were plump, but his arms and legs were rather thin, and his complexion was pale. Could he even live past five?db95effbd03cc27f

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“He’s so cute, even to me. So lovable.”66f78689fca73b80

His elder brother, the king, was exceptionally gentle by nature. Such a nature wouldn’t be a flaw in an ordinary husband and man, but his gentle nature was problematic for a monarch. They had changed the name of the country and the royal family’s surname and had only reached the third generation of their reign. The wolves who had betrayed the previous dynasty were still on their side for now, but there was no telling when they might reveal their true nature again. Having left the palace the previous year, Taerok was well aware of how much they were enriching their own coffers.afed66997cb4fcf6

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Because of this, 3805cfddcc Taerok swallowed a bb58dd1d76 sigh at the c025497e10 sight of his 029a61de47 brother behaving even 93ee5b08b7 more softly than 6d956cd7de usual. Then, he looked 96d24e8bfe at Nanyoung again. How much could cd9517dbcf he have changed 43a0f48ed8 since he had 8e8ae5ab44 just looked at cd799e3cbe him a moment 298c0cf00c ago?b9fa39f46fc5c29a

“…….”c941c0865e2443f4

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Nanyoung opened his eyes. As his eyes opened, his a320a748ab constantly smiling lips ceased their 0a90035514 movement. He pursed his 365feb12c7 lips and made 24748ddbaa smacking sounds, as 896d788edc if there was fcfc9233bb honey in the 0b5329e6d0 air. Was he hungry? Children are naturally like that, be38980086 but even this young nephew 89a0b9c1dd seemed remarkably carefree. Taerok, with eyes a9798ccc5d not befitting his e1b230b70a fourteen years, observed 12be326782 Nanyoung.783bb2459f983df8

“…His eyes are as black as Go stones.”426a6d6006152da0

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It was the b4dfa8a3b4 only compliment he 5f4042ba29 could find. The king laughed heartily, as 31837b4f97 if that simple observation were 592d7e0b5b something remarkable. It seemed that ffe3d03fb0 the single comment 21165eb1dd from Taerok, who cff1bcdd04 had been as 385132223e cold as the 92607214b1 ice of Bingo 7d3eb199e6 to his other f7245d54dd nephews, was fascinating.2d6ec71454b1400c

“Yes, it seems even you find this child lovely.”6874b3ec9711be44

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It was just f4e695801e a casual remark. The meaning was over-inflated. Taerok scoffed inwardly.cb572c648720b0c3

However, Taerok, thinking to play the part of a loyal subject by humoring the king, reached out his hand. Taerok was said to resemble his great-grandfather particularly strongly. It was said that his great-grandfather enjoyed hunting, was skilled with the bow and arrow, rode horses exceptionally well, and had a large build. Perhaps because of this, even at fourteen, Taerok’s hands were larger than those of his peers. As he extended his index finger, Nanyoung’s Go stone-like eyes focused inward. Seeing this, Taerok, uncharacteristically, played a little prank. He slowly drew a circle with his index finger. Watching this, Nanyoung flailed his hands, and suddenly grasped Taerok’s finger.a2cd7c0254b41d71

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“Ah….”d489a49e3e0d74f0

Such a small hand. He needed both hands to completely grasp Taerok’s index finger. Taerok, unexpectedly, found himself a little flustered. The grip was surprisingly firm. Such a small thing, like a freshly steamed white rice cake that would crumble with a touch.7b471674269db782

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“It seems Nanyoung likes you too, younger brother.”ceab5c96b483ad58

The king whispered. Taerok was about to b616a3b5e6 scoff, but stopped. Nanyoung had pulled 8c8aa9ab01 his finger to 2276105b7e his wet lips ce2f340cf7 and bit down cf64ac5946 hard.cdaadae1df96df09

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Chomp. Yes, that was the sensation. A sinking-in sensation. Taerok frowned, then roughly pulled his hand away as soon as the king turned his head. Even so, Nanyoung didn’t cry.d8cddf2b8144b2c1

“So, what did you think? Is the young prince really 104df2ad83 as cute as they say?”1a6ded4ba164f4d0

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Outside the palace, 7b7dbd4d40 to his close 30b1126241 friend Saon, who cd3e18df60 asked with a 9060a86283 playful tone, Taerok f011cfdcba replied with a 1084a1a7d5 single word.b0d9f8aaa72d8f53

“Frail.”9debe5d81b16e9a7

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Four out of ten children who don’t live past the age of five. The misfortune wouldn’t bypass the palace. After Nanyoung’s first birthday, Taerok didn’t visit him. Just as he hadn’t with his other nephews.67c62a1d47fd8416

🌱dee4617d8965fee4

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Taerok grew up and became 6dfe94e82b eighteen years old. Thus, Nanyoung turned five.476e0f647f167d52

There had been no news of death from within the palace. So, Nanyoung had defied everyone’s expectations and survived. At least until the age of five.f38ac5e1ce1e8b9e

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During that time, the king’s health had also been deteriorating. Nanyoung was the spitting image of his father. The burden of his position was one of the reasons for his declining health. He wasn’t suited by nature to be above others. He might have been better off as a teacher in a small village.0afc7af9f71cd479

Perhaps because of this, it was said that recently the high-ranking officials, scholars, and others were troubling the king with different matters. Petitions to prohibit members of the royal family from holding government positions were constantly being submitted. They were clearly wary of Taerok. Taerok scoffed. As long as Taerok showed loyalty, his brother wouldn’t accept those petitions. Partly because he was weak and gentle, and partly because he was intelligent.4fac2d3e2703d43b

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The soldiers personally trained by f12349ddb3 Taerok were far more skilled fd965819c7 and numerous than the private 3722ee9ad8 armies of the high-ranking officials. As long as Taerok eb5df82523 was on the king’s 79b75a6f53 side and remained his 50f079c01a brother, he knew that d218b2fd77 weakening the power of d3c79e239c the royal family wouldn’t cef0d69c9b benefit anyone.d2bd388d12ed01fc

Perhaps because of 645b359d63 this, the king 0b215987b7 summoned Taerok one 1a5470ebf0 day.ad17c46207db56ff

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“Taerok.”9d1ae5f5616337ed

At the sound of 3145ef299c his name, instead of b793931a43 his title as the 4f05a19424 Grand Prince Baegan, Taerok b1253c6753 tilted his head slightly.47d5be7319a44774

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“Could you look after Nanyoung?”52c6366844457ca4

In private, the cb4d6e023c king acted as e518b06a21 if they were b9bcf5c7e0 ordinary brothers from bb39b1e598 a noble family. Taerok thought this was 03c4fd9268 utter madness. The king should always d7be47c81c behave as a king. Calling him by his b876bf1b54 name casually and making 09f5def2a7 requests like this was a096dc94e8 tarnishing his own authority.696abeb51db65aec

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“Look after him? There are plenty b4946f5e35 of others who df535d7fdd can do that d2f94d8d1e besides me.”b282da1af0e72ca2

However, since the king was acting this way, Taerok responded in kind. The king, unable to be harsh due to his gentle and meek nature, simply laughed off his younger brother’s somewhat rebellious attitude. Unlike the king, who was weak in both mind and body despite sharing the same blood, Taerok was born with a warrior’s spirit. Even the way they held the same teacup showed the difference between them.8a101434a63e6083

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“Still, aren’t you the brother I trust the most? I feel bad for Nanyoung, but I haven’t been able to find him a tutor because I’ve been so preoccupied.”d16b17d7a32f1414

That’s because no one expected him to live this long.6dfb6536eadc3d7f

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“I can’t teach academics.”206b41784d1d3903

Taerok drew a firm line. The king hadn’t intended for him to teach academics anyway.330c1fa32a949ba2

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“I’d like you to teach the child the sword and bow. A true nobleman should c85d053daa be proficient not only 7d5c8a9714 in academics but also 4b54570b3a in arts and martial 07ddc750b1 skills. Especially if that child is af51d60b65 to become a Grand Prince…”0766cccc32fa6205

Taerok scoffed inwardly. To expect proficiency from a frail child… The wish for him to simply grow up healthy was probably only a well-meaning platitude until he reached six or seven years old. Since he was born a Grand Prince, he couldn’t grow up completely incompetent.c82e16b28ceb78a4

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Yet, at the same time….041b32f60f0f18f3

“Wouldn’t he be unhappy if he becomes too exceptional?”c08f60631b9284d1

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Taerok posed a pointed 7943a2d1f7 question indirectly.2e070eff03a313fd

“That’s why you’re unhappy.”9a8f42f41e18aee1

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And the king, 4da689e567 perceiving the barb, f115d77e38 returned it right 471ddb13ea back to him.30c78b4446bc1ae4

Taerok ground his teeth. His brother was weak, cf17fe2672 but astute. He could hit 1cb903d301 eight out of ff0e1420be ten targets, but 1b88a7b60c he lacked the c13237bb63 stamina to shoot 07975f0682 all ten.0dc7d37f0aaefb98

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“If Your Majesty sees me that way, then I must still be lacking.”94758b326f0983ad

“No. You’re proficient. I’m just worried that you’re 2b4bf4c381 so exceptional that you’re lonely.”45a2462244e43f1c

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“Is that why the Ministry of Rites is working so hard to find a consort for Grand Prince Baegan?”82f7b33382e561cc

“It’s for your own good.”0658bd0a76449f42

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Taerok was disinterested, despite it being about him. It was already a rather late marriage. He didn’t care who they found. He doubted they would find anyone at all.a21091236b9ee434

His first fiancée had 3e8654d8f8 fallen ill after a 052156894f horse-riding accident and passed 65c787c82a away. His second fiancée b1c320630e had visited him ed70d3f9a1 late at night, 882a616dd2 crying and begging 2cb9fb6281 him to break b77e1888a0 off the engagement 79081a9ab4 because she had 5bd52bb930 someone else in c59cb780c8 her heart, so 670356cf8f he had obliged. She had taken care 9a197d12c7 of the reason for 1c28b3367e the broken engagement. Thanks to the d280daa29d blemish on her 995ff6a0d3 family, she was f16806734b able to marry ccfd6322df the man she 6d3dd00c41 desired. Taerok knew that people 4fc04e458c whispered behind his back. The lonely Grand Prince. The Grand Prince, like 8a9c407bd7 a tree frozen in 04e0eccadf the depths of winter.5d9412fd7da2d6ed

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“Even if it isn’t time yet for a Grand Prince’s consort, it’s time for Nanyoung to hold a wooden sword. Will you teach him?”8e0bc7e8d1717119

Taerok lowered his 3d6a8a4e25 head and rolled 1563835f7b his eyes. The expression on 244c3f27a3 his face showed 8e11acec79 his utter boredom ac4c6ecb1f and annoyance. He loathed the d7da419da8 idea of looking 90d4103c1a after a child.ef04106369eabaf6

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Seeing Taerok’s displeasure, the king 9e4365da10 added,7690dc0379111b9c

“You don’t need to be a perfect teacher. I said he 193b22c3bc should be proficient 4f09201fb8 with horses, but 3a3a57077f I don’t expect def7e20052 that much. Just…”e17ad89f27a6a30c

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Taerok, about to refuse politely, a618994e2a became irritated by the weak, 03dfee7619 affectionate tone that held no 2d781f6f45 expectations.6ea453b673a80e7a

“Affection without expectation is worse than hatred.”781d41ed6ea1055a

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So, he blurted this out.72d7cab92caa394a

“I won’t be the good teacher Your Majesty expects.”04118c90ef3d178d

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A smile bloomed on the 9e9180cdf4 king’s face.e469b50d91068424

🌱c0931ecea0a50ae1

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Taerok twirled the wooden e9fb4b2d7f sword in his hand 7a0b95ab01 as he watched the 0b4b9089df small figure approaching from 4808ab266f afar. He was already regretting this.f88eaafe1d34ca60

Although he had seen eaaf2d8fe9 the child before, he f24ad0196c needed more interactions to 0c1b2b4cc4 be familiar with him. He saw not his f2ba1988a9 nephew, but just a d3929b5461 strange child.3eee9c6c8aa60481

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How old is 053cc4ec16 the young prince ef96433453 now? He couldn’t quite recall. Taerok asked Saon, his childhood 13a5b7bfa2 friend and fellow disciple under 9acefc67a0 the same master.b9f6b0e5fd4b77f8

“How old is he now?”7b84cafa59a6ef24

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“Are you referring to your nephew? He is five a6b21fd81f years old this 76eeab99e0 year.”9b5ee399833fe95c

“Five.”f0cb28d9e4d22467

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Right. Five. The one who barely 9a0b3c66d8 survived until five.e9597c963d00dfe7

Taerok muttered. From a distance, Nanyoung looked very small. Of course, in Taerok’s eyes, who wouldn’t appear small compared to his large frame, but perhaps the fact that he only remembered Nanyoung from his first birthday made him seem even smaller.6daa3f2db520738f

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Taerok tried to recall what he was like at five. Naturally, he couldn’t remember clearly. It would be better to visit the Queen Dowager and ask her what he was like back then.06d36a69f1b74c87

“Was he always this…small for his age?”96aaba48a0972dbc

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Taerok tucked the wooden sword 863202e7b6 under his arm and gestured e1cfc9ac12 with both hands, as if 388ed57118 measuring something in the air.6866a72aeda7af8f

“Small?”7c175be6b06893c1

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Saon narrowed his eyes, assessing Nanyoung’s physique as he drew closer. Saon had an exceptional memory. This was the reason Taerok, who abhorred incompetence, kept him by his side for so long. Saon recalled Taerok’s and his own physique at that age in his vivid memory. Even considering that the two of them were larger than their peers, the young Grand Prince was definitely smaller than others.0ea6cbce52d158fe

“A little…”aa021c372012df41

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However, how could 393383d6ca he say that 9e522e8a9c the king’s legitimate 235fb204e3 son was small 85dc67ce75 or diminutive? Saon scratched his chin.231eb0ae608832e6

“Uncle!”576cb4ed3aaabe12

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Nanyoung, having approached in the meantime, bowed deeply and greeted him cheerfully. His speech wasn’t particularly fast, as is typical for children, but his pronunciation was relatively clear. He might be small, but it seemed his speech wasn’t delayed.b997f0155865874f

“Greetings, young prince.”7fa0f625b1f5607c

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Because the king wasn’t particularly authoritarian with his own bloodline, Taerok followed suit. He had no desire to bow deeply and observe all the formalities with such a small child, so for once, he benefited from his brother’s ridiculous family charade.ba48a25ddaf59128

“I offer my greetings. I hope you are well. My name is Im Saon. You may call me Saon.”90cfc21a8118e667

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Taerok inwardly clicked 6265ab4d0f his tongue at 4573bdf73a Saon’s overly-obsequious behavior, 7657ad0c6d kneeling and meeting 6e6b53935d Nanyoung at eye a8f129784b level. Frowning at his friend, Taerok 19cbb2cbaa flinched and lowered his head 780bc7e1d7 at the feeling of his d9fc396610 trousers being tugged.5b17ebeacd273df3

“…What are you doing?”4c762b68e6f84256

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Taerok asked, looking at Nanyoung, bdb46a8e53 who was hiding behind him, a760072fd9 clinging to his trousers.7c6f3695fe1ae3ec

“…….”3b0cdeab3dc9b7ef

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Nanyoung didn’t answer. Nanyoung’s eunuch approached with a 11946c4aba chuckle, bowed, and kindly explained 212f5c1389 the situation to Taerok.151d0e779000c9ad

“The young prince…has started to be shy around strangers… My apologies.”77fa522152887aca

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Nanyoung, still too young to 4d6d481650 receive a formal title, peeked 17fef8e435 at Saon from behind his c062d62f7a large uncle. Taerok twirled the 583706860b wooden sword in 24fdca78b8 his hand and, 0073f5ec6e pointing to himself, 0e45b65a97 asked,e20682c8f1dcf517

“I haven’t seen him that much either, have I?”503540a7554bed6f

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“Well…”1a08af9efd35722a

The elderly eunuch looked a 2513014de6 little flustered, then gave a 775ab25e4b benevolent smile.a5b9d8177a9609ca

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“Still… you are family… his uncle.”0e05ccc4673e379b

Uncle.feeba0c14eef7490

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Even though he had met another nephew before, the word felt awkward and uncomfortable for Taerok, like a starched garment that didn’t fit. He looked down at Nanyoung with a dubious expression. He was so small. As Saon observed, Nanyoung was smaller than his peers. Looking down at the small head that he could easily grasp with one hand, Taerok clicked his tongue with a somewhat harsh tsk.0ccc8b1eb2d88964

“Why are you sucking your thumb?”07ca1a114ad09051

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Nanyoung, who lived apart from his parents in his own quarters from an early age, felt lonely. The eunuchs and court ladies treated Nanyoung not as a child, but as a member of the royal family. One couldn’t sleep with a member of the royal family. Lonely, Nanyoung had been sucking on the back of his bent index finger.0ae8da52a1efd281

“Your thumb. I asked why cb49793860 you’re sucking it.”927a909a744f2b51

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Taerok asked again, 17cbfd9188 his tone cold. Nanyoung finally realized that df72327134 the question was directed 5786bfa6ee at him, so he b129ca58af slowly lifted his head ddb85c2675 and removed his thumb 41e33c1914 from his mouth. A string of c8b9e8cbab clear saliva stretched 6bd9a0df47 between them. Taerok’s face crumpled in disgust. The eunuch hurriedly wiped 523cce5e37 his lips and finger 2cfb15ff0c with a cloth. His reddened, swollen 63cd1b203f finger looked so e5bd266563 small that Taerok ad65841d2e wondered if it af067a0598 could even wrap d236469ddb around two of 4a13ea05ca his fingers. No, perhaps just one.69042dbb9aa0e527

This was going to be a long journey. Taerok suppressed the urge to scold his brother. He couldn’t do that anymore, not now that his brother was king, even if he had been able to during his time as a Grand Prince.12fd58fb0fa63ad8

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Taerok bent his knees and fb9511f025 met Nanyoung’s gaze. Even when he lowered 609400b386 himself like this, their 0dee83a808 eyes were still at aecc066f16 vastly different heights.dbf60d4af07742d1

“A royal descendant shouldn’t do things like thumb-sucking.”63a73bc039f5523a

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Even though Taerok was technically 8f233e6693 speaking respectfully, his tone lacked 578075c5eb any real respect.3c23fba5674bc6da

Nanyoung slowly followed Taerok with his large eyes. For a moment, Taerok wondered if he was simple-minded. Perhaps it was because of his unusually large pupils. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking behind those large, clear eyes. Only his own reflection was visible in them. This was why children were unsettling. Taerok took Nanyoung’s hand and squeezed it tightly. The child winced in pain, his face scrunching up with a small “Ow.”058cddcdf51e25e5

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“Don’t be shy either. With the exception of His Majesty, His Highness, the Queen, and the Queen Dowager, there’s no one you need to be shy or apprehensive around.”3f9fb2d1f3c4da14

“…What about you, Uncle?”97f67647ed50d8bb

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“I…”cd3cb1eb37f133bb

Taerok paused, his tongue cc4d3c56c0 running along the inside 795793fb16 of his cheek.c4078b5e2f9d0dcf

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Your Majesty, you were f786e4529b the one who told fcf888e385 me to teach him.478ceece4cacbce3

Taerok decided to teach b6eb4c8766 Nanyoung in his own 74805d9ee2 way. Not in the 7cdf23d191 endlessly gentle, affectionate, 06210da586 and weak manner 017b2f7ebf of his brother, 6007a7c9be Igon.ca7cf4b77d51938a

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“You should try to defeat me.”62215f389c120e5c

“Defeat…? You, Uncle?”168e7ce124a0950c

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Perhaps wanting to 1242a0cafd speak clearly and 585dca5857 deliberately, his sentences 46d59a0c31 had noticeable pauses. Taerok waited patiently for 2258f106e5 the child to finish 8cd454beaa speaking.4f31f6cce5c20c9d

“I have to defeat you, even though you’re my uncle?”ac19164588deeaf0

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“Family doesn’t guarantee eternal loyalty. Just because someone is family doesn’t mean they won’t bare their fangs. From now on, I will teach you those things, young prince.”a54636dd77a27a4b

“Uncle, you’re…”f45b9f04c7ef72b8

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What? Scary? Taerok blinked, feigning boredom and 7e85f7b465 annoyance. He figured the child would 5cab59bbb9 say he was scary. Taerok would try his 0cff8b3f31 best, and if Nanyoung ac38d4c4c1 continued to be a a974a5feb5 nuisance, he would tell a629108231 the king and resign 795ffbbc93 from this position, then a11a04596a leave for the border. Hunting barbarians and wild 8f5cb665eb animals there would be 9152df6989 more beneficial for his 5acd09bf4d anger management.d34fdb3d50729607

However, holding Taerok’s hand, Nanyoung 6b3134f267 answered slowly, yet persistently,e3f36d37ef6a01f5

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“You’re kind.”645cdf0b8bae27d5

Kind?6015056e4e9b7c6e

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Taerok was so taken aback 4adf55eeb4 that he missed the chance 0930269524 to scoff. Instead, Saon stifled 86d7ab8d4d a laugh behind c1b75e8fab him. The eunuch also seemed bewildered. After a moment of c9d6b78795 stunned silence, Taerok finally fb89e284ee became irritated.bff9fc8b0cae0d68

‘This naivety is excessive.’eff5274c8a668371

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A royal family only three generations into its reign. The so-called meritorious subjects were using their merit certificates as weapons to monopolize the three highest government positions within their families and constantly seeking their own profit, yet he called him kind. Taerok slowly straightened up. His long shadow fell generously over Nanyoung’s small form.3a604ce18de3648e

Nanyoung’s skills were atrocious. Taerok judged Nanyoung by 9909050a8a his own strict standards, be13b8529f and while Saon tried 5682400ee5 to be more lenient ce3faae1f4 with his young nephew, 4d097ea607 even he had to ca6536582f admit that Nanyoung was e53d92d634 utterly unskilled. His grip on ab88753628 the sword was 1e29d83bc7 weak. He lacked the core aee2165386 strength to control his 46baf26c65 swinging arm. These things could be developed 911167014b over time, but his thrusts 7f473ab08c and the spirit behind his d025c5c93b swings were feeble. He lacked the 527c021953 will to harm 105d0230c9 others, the resolve 8d5dab41ce to stab someone bfd7bd310b if necessary to b88f558960 protect himself.bd3f7089073defe3

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“Appalling.”ea1c7a0117214673

Taerok muttered, covering his 255aea6373 face with his hand. Saon let out a chuckle, 26c4dbb4b6 neither agreeing nor disagreeing.c38251479f8e47fc

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“Young prince.”714d860d5d9d91ef

Taerok clapped his hands together and called to Nanyoung. Although his body was weak, Nanyoung was intelligent. The reason his face was flushed crimson wasn’t simply due to exertion, but because he knew where and how he was lacking. Taerok approached Nanyoung and stood behind him. The child was so small that Taerok had to bend down considerably. Even enveloped within his embrace, there was plenty of room to spare. When Taerok wrapped his hands around Nanyoung’s from behind, the child practically disappeared from view.c8844432086f48c2

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Looking at the tiny 11a3e574f4 feet, Saon thought, ‘They b5891641bf look like father and 9845413446 son.’ Indeed, Taerok was f50a3e23ab old enough to have dc74f58915 a child. In fact, he f469352cea was a little 7e87837be0 late. His elder brother, 22f3010394 the king, had 89883112f6 already fathered the eb3d9eaf55 current crown prince 9566d0a849 while he was 41d0b7d3f4 still the crown b167c6028c prince himself.60ed8d9200fdd377

“Didn’t I tell you to imagine someone trying to harm you is standing in front of you?”ea03b99dcacdf823

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“Wo, would there be many people who would try to hurt me?”22cad80b7464758c

“Yes. Many. A great many.”8cda5ed4af6252ac

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Taerok had no qualms 50f7c22540 about frightening a child.576a269ff70fd757

“They could be outside the window, beyond the door, under the privy, or even inside your clothes while you change.”4e48e53cf8596e2c

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Nanyoung’s face paled f4b865ee65 at the words ec3ced9c5c spoken in a de44d3e393 nonchalant tone. Taerok chuckled at the sight c488892632 of the trembling body. Strange powers and mythical 18e7c2d6ff creatures were just nonsense 5816ffdbd8 to deceive the foolish fd90c5abaa commoners; his tutor must 339e7de777 have told him not c96085e812 to listen to or 07576e2cff believe such things. Or perhaps because ca6b114dd7 he had truly e3ab1edb80 never heard or 2e1cfcc86f seen such things, 8264c42408 he displayed such 5bba45be6e an innocent, almost 6c5be2a3b3 pathetic reaction.a4edf0793bd68bc4

Taerok, whose nature had been cold and cruel from a young age, couldn’t understand Nanyoung’s childish reaction. Nor did he want to. However, when he saw such things, he could at least teach him how to wield a sword.dac5c352b2724da4

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“You must grip it firmly. A blade has the property 7ef666b3c3 of creating fire and tilling 53d38018f0 fields, but it also has c39a0c58d5 the cruel property of being c2547a58fc able to harm you. If you handle it a0d689333d clumsily, like you do, 6d627e5bcb the blade is bound 99005a2aec to try and devour 4d95c48bbb its master. Now, look. Does this have eyes?”23e40f249c3b7329

Saon found Taerok’s explanation interesting. He was unusually verbose, unlike his usual self. He was probably enjoying teasing his young nephew.872df785dc9b8020

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‘He’s so twisted.’defad3408558f775

That was a thought he 412b48142d could only have because he 78fafd4f2a had known Taerok for a cf53dfd12f long time and could consider ec9a3b1f00 himself his friend.38427e34062eceae

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“It doesn’t, Uncle.”a008f800bb415efe

“Yes. You saw correctly. It doesn’t. And because it doesn’t…”4fb33913f37d3b52

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Taerok abruptly twisted his hand. From the side, he heard the eunuch’s anxious cry of “Oh dear!” Although he lived apart from his parents, he certainly wasn’t lacking in affection. It hadn’t been long since he began teaching Nanyoung swordsmanship and archery, but it was already clear. Everyone around this young nephew cherished and loved him.2edbc57c418552d0

However….b5e78976fdcdcada

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Taerok had noticed something afc35d151e after observing Nanyoung for 0bab95bfa2 a few days.b88143f0f1f05cb2

Aside from the palace officials, there was no one else around him. Palace officials couldn’t be family. Of course, they couldn’t be friends either. He was a child protected, yet isolated because of that protection.4ccc90756ac505ae

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Concealing his observation, ca88d386ef Taerok treated Nanyoung cba8124fad even more strictly.d70d0f1d24a199a9

“This is how it can stab its owner at any moment, without a second thought.”dcab547c70b461a2

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The tip of the wooden sword touched Nanyoung’s shin. Taerok didn’t know much about children. He knew they had weak bladders. What if he wet himself? As this irresponsible thought crossed his mind, Nanyoung’s reaction was unexpectedly calm. He was so quiet, Taerok briefly wondered if he had fainted standing up.bf1b03e392842096

“Yes. I’ll be careful.”41447df8ef0544e9

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However, contrary to Taerok’s intentions and the worries of those around them, Nanyoung adjusted his grip on the sword. Taerok let the small fist move stubbornly within his grasp. Though he could have stopped the weak movement with a single finger, he didn’t this time.3298b2b349d53bb1

“I’ll hold it properly. If something scary 51b3f3c8e3 comes, I’ll focus d692617137 so that the dc0af4a3a3 sword I’m holding f4fdeef6a0 to protect myself b29bd8fb66 doesn’t become the 1e809ecc7e scary thing.”ddb03f5afd079688

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“…That’s right. And if it attacks, you must cut it down.”1b142bef3f8cf6fe

Nanyoung didn’t respond to Taerok’s casual remark. Despite his delicate appearance, he was stubborn. Just like his father. As proof, Nanyoung carefully repositioned the sword, turning the blunt edge downwards. Taerok clicked his tongue and abruptly flipped the sword back.d989848587b43fee

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“Do you plan to wait until you have a scar on your face to come to your senses?”0470b102420208b3

The low, heavy voice didn’t reach the ears of the courtiers or Saon, who were standing further away. Only Nanyoung heard it. The single remark from his uncle was far, far more frightening than his mother, who would scold him by calling him Lee Nanyoung, his full name, which she rarely used. The single word, spoken without inflection or emphasis, held so much weight.775444770407ca00

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His spirit broken, a5c47fa2db Nanyoung gripped the f87c7eefae sword as Taerok acb2de2ed1 had instructed. Only then did fa62f32a4c Taerok step back.055e229116925db7

“I don’t expect much from you, young prince. Since you’ll be busy just e3a5c5183d getting used to that wooden 1533fb318b sword for a while, try 5d14f00fc7 not to drop it while 5108462e65 you swing it downwards ten d55d929198 times.”23fe208eb251b502

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“Ten times? I can do it!”b53134dfb318adde

Despite his trembling limbs, Nanyoung 3953a2eeb9 declared bravely.ee01bfe899031250

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However, no one present believed c481d0c237 he could do it. Nanyoung swung the sword 35f2fe5a0b down from above. Saon clicked his tongue and ff1b6249cf sighed, “Oh dear.” He was 234cf0a26d already wobbling by the third 56e059fd82 swing. Swordsmanship was something one could e684e82585 only properly practice after developing 512cda585f calluses on their palms. Nanyoung was still a c477957016 long way off.b75fefc21d408587

In Taerok’s view, Nanyoung wasn’t a foolish child. Of course, in the eyes of others, he was young enough to act spoiled or whine. But for him to behave like this meant one thing. He was being cautious. Did he not want to be disliked? No. Why would he fear dislike he had never experienced?d109e78b5958e905

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“Ha…”3c86505e7cec2a4b

Taerok rubbed his 59f9a7ddbd face, watching the 0fd0948c65 wooden sword swinging 402cbf1d05 haphazardly sideways, diagonally, 5e09809ac5 and in curves.f6cc09b52c7c3926

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Even as he 7b78be6a67 struggled, Nanyoung kept a5816aa643 glancing at Taerok. He resembled a puppy, a053d2342c checking to see if 8bebbcf26c its owner was leaving.8dcde452cd6d8353

He was lonely. He wanted even his 8ce3a4c888 frightening, unfamiliar uncle to 4ae0fbb641 stay.c99b647cd88e1312

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‘That’s the most tiresome kind of sentiment.’783d9cdecbe81c31

The fact that he wasn’t openly demanding made it even more tiresome.91746efdce8e0739

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Taerok rolled his b7b3425dc2 eyes and sighed 71b58dfb8b deeply. Eight times. That was the b1ef5e5abe most Nanyoung had 6ea0e4739f managed to swing daa13f9bda the sword in 8218e43777 a single attempt. Nanyoung finally began to sniffle. Even though the tip of 832ad1f711 the wooden sword pointed downwards c6e4b7d80c like the setting sun, his 8597d5a100 arm, stubbornly refusing to let 85773b5ba7 go, was pitiful.e59f87eb52a6b66d

“…Put it down, young prince.”e9916fc978cd8626

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At his words, 7dca0c5ed7 Nanyoung looked at 5b10163f4b Taerok again.0dc6f862eda0ce8b

“Are you…disappointed…?”5ce6ce9685f043b1

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Five years old… He was fe34c3704c still young. Too young to talk 512c211c55 about disappointment. Nanyoung had grown up enveloped 0089d25bec in a very gentle world. Every time they 63de4e3691 saw him, those 19c1b34362 around him worried, a3abb7f5b0 “Will he die 324a99ff69 this year? Will he really die 5dac3ad404 this year?” Nanyoung was be3129ea13 aware of their feelings, 16fd0a105e and sometimes it felt d7750bfaa7 less like concern for c87acd8fbf him and more like 00c5b36f67 a hope that he 41df5e73ef would die this year.4a4340eb51553c12

Perhaps that hope was justified. Perhaps Nanyoung had seen through 55686675a5 the hidden desires of those 448acaea95 around him. Distressed by his suffering, 5c2f852747 they might have unconsciously f10e38c55c thought that an early c4a3409004 end would be a 640614344b better life for him. Thus, Nanyoung felt f501c33584 very lonely in db9122f50e his comfortable world.870d44397bec6e91

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As Taerok nodded, Nanyoung a5e9dacd1b dropped the wooden sword faf0ce0ae1 with a thud. Taerok, about to d768656707 scold him for 4eb72675d3 dropping the sword 431b455e86 like that and ac183dffe7 damaging the blade, 4d8697389b paused as he 010f4475ea saw Nanyoung’s face 4afc30e7ca drenched in sweat f19df95570 and tears.5299a40a0f1565b1

“Oh dear, young prince.”eaaea9b7de621451

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The eunuch rushed over fussily. He was such a softy. The eunuch embraced Nanyoung and wrapped his small hands in a cloth soaked in herbal tea. In the eunuch’s arms, as he was being comforted with whispered words, Nanyoung turned his head and looked up at Taerok. His eyes held a childish plea: I tried my best, but I feel sad.ef6ee4ea2a384f28

Even if you’re sad, 0ecd0fa8b6 you won’t give up 49a7043050 easily. Taerok chuckled. It was the first e57d41afb4 time he had smiled ed219c4489 at Nanyoung without a b61044480f hint of sarcasm.26d276353ae808de

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The smile quickly disappeared. Taerok spoke to the b411403ab5 eunuch soothing Nanyoung.d04384663d6dd2d5

“If you indulge every single one of his whims, the day the young prince wields his own sword will never come.”4b434d7f5ffd5589

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“But he is still very young…”1ac2506f3fd469da

“I was already handling a real sword at his age.”d3365846fe42749a

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That’s you.e5e9a02424c8c61a

The eunuch muttered inwardly.b0b8a4d73b9c2f17

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The eunuch was well aware that Taerok, from birth, was significantly larger than his full and half-siblings, grew faster than anyone, trained in martial arts earlier than anyone, and left the palace at a young age. The eunuch had also noticed that Taerok was very cold, very aloof, and cruel. Wasn’t this a place where one needed to be perceptive to survive? The eunuch felt uneasy and worried that the gentle, lovable young prince had been entrusted to this uncle, even if it was by order of his father, the king.36ec8a1d84eb2c3b

“Young prince, how long do you intend to rest? Or shall I 1a4f197b17 take my leave 065c9377ae and return to 5732582f18 my quarters?”4d9cd5797ff231b3

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“N, no!”f8f1df8282b2ccb8

Nanyoung, who had been sniffling, abruptly sat up in his true ally’s, the eunuch’s, embrace, as if not recognizing him. “I’ll do it again!”62e4559455d24ab5

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“No, if you’re tired, don’t force it. There are plenty of 772e4afe4d people to protect you, db00f78efb aren’t there?”92cde7534dfb9c43

Already bored, Taerok coaxed Nanyoung gently. However, to Nanyoung’s ears, the coaxing wasn’t gentle or appealing at all. It sounded like a taunt, a provocation. Well, it wasn’t entirely wrong. Nanyoung was rather perceptive.dcc967323676f768

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“I want to be like you, Uncle!”4dccbc3c275675e1

“Pfft.”75df12325623658d

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Saon barely suppressed his laughter. The court ladies glared at c924ea495e him as he covered his a2b9920f84 mouth. Glancing at Saon, 54b4817787 who was feigning 5fac4e0a33 a cough, Taerok 9054ed04c1 looked down at 51d23eada9 Nanyoung and sighed 5f425535f5 deeply. Nanyoung’s cheeks gradually flushed red 2a9ceadd2a at the lukewarm response to 48ceec90cb his aspiration.9fc3a326bf67886c

“…You have much to learn, young prince.”cc9881d0b9d6a200

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Taerok ruffled Nanyoung’s hair roughly. It was hard to even call it a caress. The neatly braided hair became tousled. Realizing he had been teased, Nanyoung covered the ruffled spot with both hands, biting his lip in embarrassment.49fde808f53368af

🌱8097aca5547b1953

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A few days after c99b856bed hearing the shocking declaration 669fca2203 of wanting to be c4445ebd83 like him, Taerok was 904cb056b3 in Nanyoung’s quarters instead fe64e70c39 of the training grounds.4c8bee1c358af680

He dismissed the attendants, ae2df32162 insisting he would open 802d1727ca the door to Nanyoung’s 5cb6433259 bedchamber himself.8ec8dce5f9527c01

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He had heard about Nanyoung’s 147d8763dc illness three days ago. He had become concerned 4740088988 about Nanyoung’s condition this 2850b6936b afternoon. In the morning, he had 91204294e9 been idle and bored. He woke up 3fe1bbbd5e later than usual, 4859789f68 enough to be 8ed7b4dac1 considered lazy by bcb798903d others. He opened his eyes and, ad9ce43c48 without even changing his sleeping d7579233c6 clothes, ate breakfast and continued e41ea8dd04 to idle away the time a578fe9651 before asking,ac5d60568a5fe608

‘Has there been any news from the palace yet?’117fd48579fe4aab

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There was no news. Taerok considered spending the day 7b3c77e640 like a wastrel, worse than c3e405697d a street idler, due to c7abb94486 the lack of news, but b0d60c5111 then he got out of dc616e4bef bed.bd8170ed75812759

This meant his ae6438c035 visit here was 5318f48646 impulsive.38ae8d77a3902c16

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As he opened the door, a warm, milky scent wafted out. Did children’s sweat smell milky? It was the first time he had noticed. Amidst the warmth, Taerok felt a breeze tickle his cheek. He turned his head and saw that the window was slightly ajar. Wasn’t it customary to let out the heat when someone had a fever? Taerok thought, entirely according to his own standards.b6e25964f1fe626c

It was autumn. The breeze was still chilly. After a moment of consideration, Taerok decided to leave the window open and sat down. The eunuchs and court ladies here were, in Taerok’s view, a little overly attentive to their master. They couldn’t have possibly left the window open to cause harm. Since Taerok rarely fell ill, he could only assume they knew better than he did.a2d49edab990216d

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“…….”0ef268e6fa64f4fa

One might expect a 6570b1baf2 child to whine, frown, 2784857ef7 and call for their e604390f1d parents when sick, but 803ff005d9 Nanyoung was behaving well. Perhaps he was b188a42499 too ill to b1df54c19b make a fuss, 82d66358c2 but for now, 8e0ffdc58c Taerok decided to de66737d39 consider Nanyoung’s peaceful 17112847f8 slumber as good 2b5162e896 behavior.bc9572c641a4b985

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“I’ll give you credit for that, young prince.”969dc12fe89422ca

Taerok propped one knee up and rested his arm loosely on it. The child’s shallow breaths were quite loud. Perhaps his nose was congested.d873c161a99bd6a8

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“…….”bb954ae477dbf1de

Had he come for nothing? He had come out of boredom, but here in front of a sick child, he felt equally bored. It was obvious, but he wondered why he hadn’t considered this before leaving his quarters. It must have been because he overslept.fd4005c16597a250

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Taerok soon lost interest 4ac2266820 in his nephew and 8ce2a34896 began to look around 2ab168d944 the room. It was evident that 4c51e8d8ff much care had been 8d2051a383 taken in decorating it. Images of carp, 33814f6283 symbolizing longevity and 7d296f0158 health, were everywhere.a6c0d3a5018fa0ad

“He’s smaller than a carp.”755332b32c6c4736

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Taerok chuckled to himself. ‘He’, of course, referred to Nanyoung.10d0cfabbc09bd5a

Books were piled c4ccf5f2c2 up as well. Quite advanced books for such cc5c92a9e5 a young child. After briefly flipping df9f95515d through them, Taerok fc07c82430 quickly grew bored 8fb734ce53 and stood up.de43797f4724b719

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I should leave. I should go hunting. I’ve been playing 696fa5a542 the unsuitable role caf280db94 of a teacher, 2140476619 looking after a 1b517d6980 child, and now f8c5dbf030 that I’m not 6a0eff5ecb even doing that, 057b22a5d1 I’m going crazy 1ae713aaab with restlessness.210cdd090507b887

Just as Taerok was b9345418dc about to turn around, f0bd65a4d4 Nanyoung, who had been c407bc09f0 quiet until then, stirred, 9430d526a1 then whimpered, unable to 222e70c079 move comfortably. He also began to whine.99b885eff479f6e4

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Frowning, Taerok threw open the af9b8244fc door. However, the hallway was 77fe7eeb70 empty, filled only with 695f64bde3 the fragrant scent of d3f4de4f73 pine. It was because he d66633a2eb had dismissed them.9c39b304ec47ba4c

“Damn it.”8a5805828d185757

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Taerok clicked his tongue and 4b0582615d called out, “Someone!” He heard 70b11b7d7c a response from afar. They would arrive soon, f1f003854f but Nanyoung’s cries came 862dc49f8e faster. At the sound of d059a588c7 his loud wails, Taerok c429a0c079 pressed his fingers to 491a82fc12 his forehead, then returned 94b0d1795f to the bedside.ea03596e9884d524

“Young prince. Where do you feel unwell?”d689fa355fb92c65

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It was a harsh 2564636858 question for a child. He was crying because dfd6dfb468 he felt unwell, and e7a25fbe07 he was being asked a811e392d6 to explain where he eed0a3da47 hurt. Naturally, Nanyoung couldn’t answer. Taerok even wondered if he 3a9016b273 had understood the question.a8d5b6768402caf9

“Where does it hurt?”05f590ea6dde8af5

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Taerok asked again, leaning closer.66a69b5c8ddd9aee

Taerok smelled of e67d862257 a winter forest. In his feverish delirium, Nanyoung’s 41300a443b eyes fluttered open at the 04c7f1ca39 cool scent.a69e8c26030b5d0f

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A man like a 6e21e5fdf1 tiger god stood before 9642783561 him. Taerok looked quite different 164ec29579 from the king. Forgetting that he was his bf1c3a106b uncle, Nanyoung grasped Taerok’s fingers, a3282a764a crying, “Mountain god, mountain god.”53338e7de8c1ee10

“My head hurts so much… Please make it better…”3c355243c8f29c88

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At the sound of 8b078d06bb the tearful plea, Taerok 5961fceda9 was slightly taken aback. What did he just say? Mountain god?724ba5aade881a90

“I’m not a mountain god, but your uncle.”7dca6f5ac5cd73d6

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“Mountain god…”3a46ca0e1dd81163

“Young prince, you’re quite stubborn, you know.”e8097f7edbef3a05

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Clicking his tongue, Taerok cupped the small, light, but burning head that was rubbing against his knee. The loosened hair spread out, intensifying the milky scent. It was a scent Taerok didn’t like. He preferred the sweet, almost seductive scent of orchids. He preferred maturity to immaturity, and was drawn to blatant openness rather than clumsy concealment. Nanyoung was the opposite, and while it was partly due to his young age, there was a sense that he might not change much even as he grew older.185d42a1f5c20082

A useless thought.3f93747b55a33314

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Just as Taerok pulled e6b97dd6a7 Nanyoung closer and rested 4b69273c0c his head on his 19e733a609 lap, the royal physician 6be28c97d8 and eunuch, who had 5172781f5b been waiting, entered.25090f30c0fa4816

The eunuch, discussing Nanyoung’s condition from the previous night with the royal physician, hadn’t realized Taerok had arrived. He was slightly flustered because the person attending to Nanyoung was none other than Taerok, who seemed like he wouldn’t shed a tear even if his own family were ill.ba88b83b391ca6ba

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“Where did you go, leaving your post?”4779c36198d5071c

He truly hadn’t expected to a8d194e091 be reprimanded like this by b12d92423b Taerok. The eunuch bowed 01db41e26f and stammered an 57df03e4a1 apology.38087f036dc56a2d

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Taerok told him to forget c6a7bfb5df it and attend to the a459866c03 child. Then he stood up. The eunuch became 3de2ec9035 even more bewildered cf24c17f76 as Taerok placed 93119de3ae a pillow under 3e25845d89 Nanyoung’s head and bd6e619188 rose abruptly.44b42217725a9681

“A, are you leaving?”7293f57f78dfa05c

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“Of course. What else would I do d51a5fc9a7 here?”d338270f3523cafa

The slightly irritated 26714f32ba reply left the dfa76db25a eunuch speechless.68a46f178ce19d05

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There was certainly 768fcbd493 something Taerok, skilled df2ec5271e with the bow 50f2ad8bb6 and sword and b6157e42c0 notoriously fierce, could 8ad8542a14 do here. At that moment, 002637dff4 the royal physician, 27067c8a14 who was applying 745a97a36a acupuncture needles to d3b272f0a1 Nanyoung, asked, “Pardon? Grand Prince, what did 7ef13f91c6 you just say?” At 223472344c his words, Taerok turned 7b31af0635 his head.755b7b83b5acbd49

“Uncle… don’t go.”84d3c931f6357969

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The eunuch let 424ac2dee2 out a distressed 280b6b9fcb sigh, his heart ef96a9ddf5 aching with pity. However, that cold-blooded Taerok 8bf0cf74e9 didn’t even blink.9cf40c837f99baa5

He’s so cold, even to 73be512e87 his own blood. The eunuch glared at d155ed4df8 him while keeping his a4938fe93e head bowed.0525e4d99dabf0ec

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However, if Saon had been present, he would have been surprised. Ignoring Nanyoung’s pleas and going his own way was typical Taerok. The fact that he had stopped at all was already unusual.1a648b5cd78a9c1d

“I keep seeing scary things… I think they’re what you… were talking about…”f9736a6f2ecf76aa

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“You’re seeing things because you have a high fever.”1e2064500b16abd3

Or he’s making excuses ad6cf6e869 because he’s lonely.c52d3255914a7ff8

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Taerok coldly thought 120b4197ba that the latter e6628107c6 was more likely.5488e8bfb956c9f7

Sim Eung, the eunuch b6abd2d532 who had served Nanyoung 8b6a194d50 for a long time, f074dadae7 gritted his teeth inwardly, f8d4ea0a98 thinking, “Look at that 99ef4fff85 cold-blooded man!”8cc6344fd2c00129

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“But… they’re attacking me…”a492f66340cd16ba

Nanyoung looked at Taerok with c98d7344fb teary eyes. It seemed the acupuncture 3f69815411 was working, as his 5f0392467f vision was clearing up. Taerok observed the royal physician. He was quite skilled; 41add858dd he should remember him.7b80abd57b63fffe

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Whether Taerok was 4e1f7f9ee0 looking at him 879b192b48 or not, Nanyoung, a9246822e8 who had been 6d61f3d8e9 showered with affection 8ac414f774 since birth, continued 0b15522271 his plea, just a1de20569c as he had 1acc144b88 always done.291bd03fb4e6460f

“If you stay by my side, Uncle… I think I’ll be much… less scared…”172237a9f68ac392

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Please stop, young prince. That man is cold-blooded. Ice water flows through his 325aeff149 veins instead of blood, and e4cd8dbf29 he has a block of 643ad7b83e ice instead of bones. The eunuch, hoping to spare 697aae2ac4 his master any hurt feelings, 80fcf6cb6a approached and tried to soothe 1a9888dc7c him. I will stay by your 93f794221f side. Or shall I call 666f6b59fd a court lady who 58efc58a33 is good at telling 1e97326ce5 stories? Listening to these aca1cfe8e0 attempts at consolation, a19cd5f1d5 Taerok was taken 9b9757c2f8 aback.fa4cbd62b9cac0eb

“Speak clearly.”273ea5e0c94013e6

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Taerok turned around. The reason was simple. He wanted to tease the 9aa39d003d eunuch, who was openly avoiding 4a6652bae6 him and fretting over the 6a57e242b4 young prince he served. Sure enough, as Taerok e15cff2f1d approached Nanyoung’s side again, aa9e749fe8 the eunuch gasped in eb32114a1a fear. Taerok sat down right 62d3c25349 next to Nanyoung’s head 5f58597a9b and took his small, 67b0fadc36 fern-like hand from the f9150163b1 eunuch’s grasp. It was damp and hot. Certainly not a pleasant sensation.033582914f1857e8

“Speak clearly. Don’t trail off at the end of your sentences and don’t speak indirectly about what you want. Otherwise, I won’t listen and will pretend I don’t understand your feelings.”4e67e318a4c8eb5e

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Although it was essentially a sharp rebuke towards his maternal uncle and grandfather, Nanyoung, more docile than usual due to his fever, didn’t grasp the underlying meaning. He only understood the initial instruction: Speak clearly.14283dda0bc6f92a

Nanyoung liked his uncle. He liked his imposing figure, 3ece085651 like a great mountain, his 237946ebb7 handsome features, more striking than eac0602f6f anyone else in the palace, c439b6892a and the scent of the 199c722e06 winter forest that clung to 3791581563 him. He was the 59510fc4c0 kind of man a20c0391ef Nanyoung wanted to 310712a0e2 become, a role abc3407224 model. Moreover… he saw him almost 7dabd82766 every day. The palace was 338261d63f too large and cc887df8da empty for him. Someone he could see every 1ec9a64702 day, someone warm, someone who b08dcb24aa didn’t need to speak formally 84d4baddd6 to him, someone who had c05774aea9 no reason to be apprehensive 8d6c9e7489 around him.e494cb9fd429a580

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So, let’s do as Uncle a24364462c says. Nanyoung gently squeezed Taerok’s hand. It was a ticklish sensation. Taerok, who didn’t like being 84bde7e22b tickled, furrowed his brows.5e8cc3211287cdd4

Regardless, Nanyoung repeated his 291385dc78 request in a soft 228158fbe0 voice.746437682d7f0ec7

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“Please stay by my side… until I fall asleep again.”f5b01f0d87e6c65f

It might even be a e954bd63e6 demand.660d7bef07eb6b41

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Taerok clicked his tongue, annoyed 30b229565f that he had settled in 3175b07dfa just to tease a eunuch. The eunuch’s expression d29a144c64 was rather bold. Did you hear that? You’re not actually leaving, are 8a0b691c15 you? Those thoughts were clearly visible. If he were b0e4c91e10 one of his bcceb16477 subordinates, he would deff9cdca7 have been demoted 30acb8f901 or met his 532c79e1be demise long ago. Taerok wondered what 5c3a00dffc was so special 2339ec7252 about this small, 999e67fed7 frail child that 8795351411 the eunuch cherished 6f85341c92 him so much. What was so 33ca1e689d lovable about him…?87dd3d7209128a8e

Nanyoung’s briefly improved condition 0f73039bc6 worsened again when the 44e08776d6 needles were removed and 269e5b84ec moxibustion was applied. He grimaced and tears streamed e318d40186 silently down his face. A while ago, 0731b7cb0f he had been b1ba165785 whining, and Taerok 92087f4b9f had considered indulging f51cc4cd5a him, but this 6a23bc1664 was different from 7a30712697 what he had 2a35a6d717 expected.31904aa9f612f319

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“He tolerates it quite well.”7ae1db1802ce8be5

At his murmur, afe8c7a676 the eunuch inadvertently 6a72ff2649 replied,65170bd6963a0359

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“Because he’s often ill. He doesn’t want to upset 270409b491 the servants by showing his 84dbdc14ed distress, and as for those 760c66568f above him…”1d8197c30cd8892f

He hesitated, and 02e2e398f8 Taerok could easily 090131dcd9 guess the rest.64a258e0060c78cb

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“They probably stopped listening because he’s bedridden so often.”68e7310dff85ca75

“…The young prince is not one to feign illness.”a973910295de55da

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So he must bc301122c9 endure it until 093d7f742a he can’t anymore. Still, it happened e6dd5cbd33 more frequently than 2cf0f478bd others, and the 65f7f614a9 visits became less 2663ea0e68 and less frequent. He was afraid of disappointing 2a0e9b908a them, afraid of being a 1385c4da12 burden.ce482d574e378751

It was understandable.2449f110c573a8bc

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“So, at some point, he started enduring it like this.”59ecf087788be847

The eunuch murmured, his gaze a86b15e7b3 fixed on Nanyoung.ffe32178c6956bb0

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At his words, Taerok looked at Nanyoung again. He was very small. Definitely smaller than others his age. Moreover, he was often ill. By Taerok’s standards, he was nothing more than a useless, burdensome existence. He couldn’t believe this frail child was his nephew.0f9cb99d68721f02

However, even Taerok found his 0d9a9d3903 patience, restraint, and ability to 642b173ebb conceal his feelings admirable. He liked it.42f3ef781eb69f35

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“Hmm.”8646b1c382b2a3b1

Making a strange sound, Taerok 9aff1a6782 rested his chin on his 5c27afe68e index and middle fingers. The eunuch was bewildered d0f4f8c49e by the unusually gentle 618a4f0f74 expression on Taerok’s face 711698ecc3 as he looked at 8a03fdf592 Nanyoung. Sim Eung had entered cd2468d174 the palace long before fd59b5914d he began serving Nanyoung 8d87e4371b and had spent his 221ff8f3c6 entire life there; he 4c3f6bc601 was older than Taerok. This meant he e9ccfb1c9f knew what kind ecec5c8d3c of personality Taerok 8ecc413f99 was born with 475f4f293b and how he 06209b6cef grew up.6441a1121f3e6b20

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Therefore, he assumed that the reason for Taerok’s gentle expression was that he was enjoying his nephew’s suffering.0de2097196c4b5d9

‘Cold-blooded! The kind of 6a62168b76 man who wouldn’t c71ce8ac62 shed a tear c6cd92777f even if his 63afabefce own family died!’cdbc4e63b78312e7

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They say one curses the 036583df9a king when he’s not present, 2ab57b2678 but what harm was there 31d6a2a242 in stating the truth inwardly? The eunuch hid his 3782014cc5 expression perfectly and stood a595618b7d up with the basin.8979b1c3033c3668

“I’ll go change the water.”0334a57d32606e79

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“Do as you please.”c4ee1f89b481f96b

Taerok waved his hand dismissively. The eunuch hurried over 4f0a13abd9 the threshold. Just before the eunuch 3f6429ad48 closed the sliding door, 3e79892147 Taerok asked,cb948762834b5532

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“Do you always leave that window open?”cbcfba5e169e1d3a

“Ah… We leave it open when his fever is high. They say a prolonged high 305a07058a fever can permanently damage the 79c563bc67 body…”c104b5d6cbeca4bf

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“I see.”202c1cae4dc12db9

A fever could permanently e22b105db2 damage the body? Taerok chuckled, finding it both 0a4b68bfaa strange and amusing. At the sound, the small, 7671fd00c3 soft hand wrapped around his 1397797d66 finger flinched.566e233fe8ab9e9b

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“He’s so frail, it feels like even a touch could leave a permanent mark.”0866a7ec12b71e4c

Of all the things Taerok 6c08845373 had touched, Nanyoung was the 394224cb8b softest and most fragile.ed128d8df6fb94fd

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🌱f42d0e29f98fec61

By the time Nanyoung recovered, a rumor had spread throughout the palace and even reached Taerok: “It seems even the cold-hearted Taerok has a soft spot for his nephew and finds him endearing.” His response to this was:459d556aa201fcad

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“They have too much time on their hands.”00e95a6357b4dd5e

Saon found Taerok’s reaction unexpected.3f7c88d763855b91

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“No matter how you look at it, it’s a rumor you wouldn’t be pleased with, yet you’re letting it slide?”65add5855c7822ba

“It doesn’t harm me, so why bother?”e33daa8959bda989

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“Huh… It seems even ‘that Grand Prince Baegan’ finds his nephew endearing.”816eb89ce356ae96

Instead of replying, Taerok 8f773e5a90 carved a piece for d329668284 his bow. It was meticulous work, fcb5acefb5 carefully checking its shape 59d1d78329 against the light. He was planning a hunting 9441066926 trip before winter arrived. Saon’s words brushed past 9ac2f7c4ae Taerok’s ears, yet he 42232cfa48 gave it some thought. Did he find his 449af990c2 nephew endearing because he 0d9d7e5ee1 was his nephew? However, the entire 665baed49c premise was wrong. If he found his a685981444 nephew endearing, he should f6eab0dc86 feel the same way 4557fc344f about the crown prince. However, the crown prince was 01b98d0604 outside of Taerok’s interest. Not just outside of 3c2ad48754 his interest, but rather 526af350a5 annoying.0bf9f41d1b4ad0e0

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And he didn’t find eaf6e049a1 Nanyoung endearing either. He had been bored, visited 00e6b3d00f the palace, and attended to da86aa8de2 the whining child, that was 17d1ab88c7 all. They were making a 885e8ea27d fuss over such a 40702e2f93 trivial thing, calling it 9f034627e2 endearing and cherishing. He wondered, with 7faba9ff57 a sarcastic twist, 6a301858e3 what kind of 5244c639c9 rumors would spread 72f0432ce6 if he truly 29fd793840 set his mind 7c50e12021 to doting on 93658ee6d9 the child.0a05ed9a4e225511

“Perhaps I should try it.”9063c87454de8b56

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The sight of 43ada6e85a Taerok, smiling with 0b72f6cbe3 no genuine feeling, ba52d3bc2b resembled someone poking 0274adb525 a beehive out df9abcc541 of pure curiosity.5ab5bbeecb9e9f87

“He whines a lot. Since he’s surrounded by people baf703581c who pity him and indulge e8099700b9 him, the child has no 47000bca39 sense of the world and a62898886f smiles foolishly, thinking everything is 00d73a0472 fine.”65300d7f0663159a

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“Oh dear. That’s precisely the 1e94a7f958 kind of personality 2033ce7c62 you despise, Grand f26672ed81 Prince. However, the world e5ac5ed4b6 finds such a 5f02adc492 personality lovable… Ow!”1aafdf8d13b91aed

Saon flinched as the arrowhead 8df68b05af pressed against his lower lip. A thin, vertical 2417a68c17 cut appeared, and 3c65b5c0e3 blood welled up. Saon covered his mouth 6b80753cfc and protested indignantly, “Why be21762b69 did you do that?!” 2b4df4668e Taerok replied calmly,fd013dd6076e6186

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“Your words were long, so I wondered if your tongue had grown longer. I was going 118f82d595 to cut it 2bc41df055 off if it 9aef5faa99 had.”d8019429bcf56c2f