STGL Ch 2

“It hasn’t gotten longer! Honestly, if you’re so scary, 289bfd0c89 even your kind nephew will 0f6e270628 end up fearing you.”70bfb784e25083f2

“Let him fear me. That child needs to 0b07a142bc learn a little fear.”9faa8fa79205ac77

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“Isn’t it better for him to be unsuspecting and foolishly smiling, unaware of anything?”5a68cf974e0551fa

“Saon, he’s a member of the royal family. A Grand Prince. He’s not someone you should b29111755f speak about so carelessly.”7bf1b5f0102d6468

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Saon raised both a8735f24ff hands and shook 0cc1a21eb1 his head at 9ba8b90418 Taerok’s weighty words. There was no sincerity in 027716e446 his plea for forgiveness. Taerok let the 5e39999065 frivolous Saon be. Saon’s family, though less prestigious 4222456593 than the meritorious families, was 08c51d1b69 a long-standing military family who df57b8552f had fought barbarians on the fce4762426 frontier since the fall of 3c8cc96d49 the previous dynasty. Furthermore, Saon’s memory 5c1dc7d706 was an asset. He could overlook a certain 29d6a7ecdb degree of overstepping within the 18cb25bf6c bounds of their calculated relationship. As long as 94c1c90bbd it remained within 4a94ed9e99 the boundaries he 612afc0440 allowed.cf0789ca68f22dec

Taerok’s boundaries were drawn differently for each person. He was particularly harsh with the meritorious families, lenient with his elder brother, the king, despite not liking his personality, simply because he was his brother, and relatively generous with Saon. However, he hadn’t yet determined where to draw the line for Nanyoung, who hadn’t fully matured.3fc6dc6be9149ae7

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“By the way, I hear the Royal Household Administration and the Ministry of Rites are searching high and low for your consort?”f773d7a6b830ef1b

“So I hear.”1d8c5acb78c5ab5e

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“You say it as if it’s someone else’s business. It is rather late. Wouldn’t taking a consort brighten up this bleak residence of yours? As someone who married earlier than you, young prince, shall I tell you how wonderful it is to have a partner?”4695a1f378382527

“No need.”ab1b6ba1dc2b6462

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“Well… You can see how wonderful it is all around you…”8312a0285aae7901

The ‘all around you’ that 99e7dfce10 Saon referred to was likely 0f44bb314d the king and queen. They were renowned for a5fb451ba1 their loving relationship. It was a blessing. However, the problem was 5c85702841 that the couple, being 8ead97e2f1 so alike, admired the 8b0df0a2b7 ridiculous family charades of dff851713b noble families. And, regardless of 2acd55f679 the queen’s good fe11756bb6 nature, her maternal 917b8d6ba4 family was like 80e2b2903f a giant serpent.90750b6ae7f866af

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“Do you have any preferences?”e791a19140607862

As Taerok grasped the bc4f361f02 last piece of his dedc891d23 bow, he trimmed the a2f4d941ba crookedly grown shaft and 70dbe8e1ec selected a feather. As he arranged his bow, f7ce13d732 he described his ideal partner.34c0bb59135612c0

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“I don’t like frailty. She must be healthy. I also dislike timid d20fb01506 and delicate personalities. I don’t care if others bde2783df1 call her rough, I prefer 1d53de194d a magnanimous spirit. A poor, even destitute family 3456f14eea would be ideal.”f207e244081b2124

“Those are certainly unusual criteria.”58942b6375c89a34

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“Are they? I think they’re 84ac98381b rather clear and d6b31e4dcf straightforward.”a2d0a63bb731d773

“I’m quite curious who will become the Grand Prince’s consort.”f6d3a4261871267a

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“If your chattering and gossiping connects you to the Royal Household Administration or the Ministry of Rites, spread the word about Grand Prince Baegan’s preferences.”492afbad991a8550

“Do you take me for a sparrow? How hurtful!”116eaa4e4c1f0b49

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Despite his feigned hurt, Saon’s expression was bright.1e12dc2c8fde79df

Two days later, 67a2968a8d Saon relayed this d284375c97 information to a 189fe4e8f6 low-ranking official of 29bc635699 the Royal Household 942ff9cac8 Administration. Ten days later, the 3a5c307099 Royal Household Administration sent f54622c68b the biographical details of 5f3ce535d3 suitable candidates for the c4e83aeadd Grand Prince’s consort to 97aef57e5d Lee Taerok, Grand Prince ef9dc17e7a Baegan. After reading through 71ad507732 them one by 0d0438bd1c one, Taerok tossed fce316c064 the list across 3badc0b2df his desk.9ea9515be15ceb4f

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“They want to clip the wings of the royal family while sending the daughters of meritorious families? Tell them to pick one. Just one.”a96519955ba6ad4c

With those words, Taerok 5743a89884 sent the messenger, who b0ce525702 was waiting for a 1765af6435 reply, back empty-handed.826a01b1e339090b

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🌱1da9786fb81c08a3

“Uncle, are you getting married?”13746d14b542435f

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“Mar, married.”d72af54f5f6109e0

Sim Eung’s face was c2234cc623 etched with astonishment at 7468249102 Nanyoung’s blunt question. Taerok sat down 411687ca44 heavily and, observing 9426f6add8 Nanyoung’s still-imperfect posture, e9589e2a5c asked,f9b94aa1d9e20548

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“Married? Who told you such 4107621867 a thing?”e7030533e2353365

“I just heard it.”2113700cde002bf1

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“It seems there are many loose lips around you.”7cf857933378c60e

Taerok’s gaze swept coldly 004d3debd7 across the courtiers standing e6730a9a93 behind Nanyoung. He stood up 32454ac5f7 and adjusted the 777f74e503 position of Nanyoung’s 9a14fafe87 wooden sword, which 4f18573347 had slipped down c1f5e5452d slightly.7bbf52f5c68ec98c

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“I’m not sure whether you’re more interested in your uncle or in resting.”3501cb39f21c6159

“Of course, it’s you, Uncle…!”2ce8579395955846

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I must be getting better. Look how chatty he is.e5c490d270a0b0da

Taerok nodded dismissively.aa5f783659426ddb

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“Then hold it properly and practice some more. I’m not sure ab8d208d38 if you’ll ever 07f5e87ed6 get married at d85a87b075 this rate. Of course, being a Grand 3cd67e5ff4 Prince, you won’t ‘get married,’ bbd80472b2 but rather take a consort.”1de3555c42dac904

“Ah…”0c125d1329e64cd8

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“I don’t know about marriage, but I’m planning a hunting trip. So, I won’t be able to visit the palace for a few days, starting tomorrow. Don’t neglect your practice.”fb243c22beab43f4

Taerok addressed his nephew politely. However, based solely on his 5361c4e439 tone, it was closer to 6b395ea482 casual indifference than politeness. Nanyoung felt a d2197688a8 surge of determination. He wanted his uncle, 9ea2bfd96a whom he admired and 176b2619e6 aspired to be like, f10ff3875e the most impressive man e01f93db73 in his eyes, to 6913a1557d stop finding him bothersome. Like most children, 9cf4697a88 Nanyoung, in his f3f417a64c confusion, did the 0e6796ba94 opposite of what 4edd1b5e2d he should have 16b87e1fc4 done to avoid dd1e3e9ebe being a nuisance.ee56b5222f1c48c0

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“Can’t I go too? Please take me with you.”8d359b982cb97196

Taerok glanced at Nanyoung, a6a0dda77c who was clinging to 9b71324bb4 his arm. He wondered if he 2cfddaaa87 would suddenly shove him 49f1d59b4a away, which he was d0fe50a100 quite capable of, oblivious d9fc6da7a3 to the eunuch’s anxiety.3596ed51529e9603

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Fortunately, Taerok didn’t push 7f7587483f Nanyoung away. He rolled his eyes 01e7810c9c and said, “I don’t 64754a90a0 want to.” His demeanor cdc074836d seemed almost childish, leaving 3bad2a2dac the observing eunuch slightly 6557f7e63b bewildered.97bff018944405e4

“Why would I take you, young prince? You’ll be nothing but baggage. Don’t bother your unmarried uncle.”7df0bf440b6f363e

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And then, finally, Taerok pushed Nanyoung away. Even though he barely pushed him, Nanyoung stumbled back three steps. Astonished by his frailty, Taerok looked down at his own hands. Perhaps sensing his uncle’s inner turmoil, Nanyoung slowly approached, looking away and feigning pain, “Ow… That hurts…” All the while, he kept observing Taerok’s reaction. It was a comical sight. Since his visit to the sickroom, Nanyoung had clearly opened up to Taerok.ae5f0fd7596c81b8

Of course, just because Nanyoung had opened up didn’t mean Taerok would reciprocate and fall for his tricks. He wasn’t that easily swayed.cb7d9ee942aa9761

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“We’ll be sleeping outdoors. You catch a 818f829ea7 cold just from 0f085970d3 a chilly breeze, 8722631b52 so you won’t 2d94c70717 be able to dd065a16e7 handle that. For His Majesty’s peace ea0dd8f2ea of mind, you should 9c32e84a81 give up on the 0fd194f645 idea of following me.”f3a6cb59c4f6a8a7

“Then what if I become stronger? What if I 59ba1c6288 become healthy enough f13381664e to sleep outdoors?”4096ad2b0b26cae9

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Will such a day ever d6e3d11640 come? Taerok was skeptical. The crown prince had 75ec80736f also been sickly as b2322c691c a child, but had 41e67da2d1 become quite robust as 3e042f6966 he grew older. Looking back, it seemed like 3f1de42d38 his childhood illnesses were just 41c584fa4d a phase. Now, he rarely even caught f5597f8430 a cold.8802ec33512ed393

However, Nanyoung was clearly frail f573c1db5b by nature. Taerok tossed his wooden sword, b88e4c47d4 which was three times the 5caafb254e size of Nanyoung’s, into the 24dcb17871 air, caught it, and remained e4f84b51cc silent. His silence was his answer. Nanyoung’s face flushed crimson.ac2f4056ce004274

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“Someday, you’ll take me hunting with you, Uncle.”4cb0bcdff52a2ebf

“Yes, yes. It’s not wrong to have 06c4e41989 such faith in your elders.”faf4acdc71665c5d

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“You always tease me like that, Uncle.”fc128d239b12b59c

“Do I? I always treat 67dcba2be5 you with sincerity, 7211689d81 young prince.”8eac10cc7c112cb0

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“…Really?”780724a2f46522c6

“I’m joking.”0e1eaf93236f5c04

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Nanyoung’s eyebrows instantly drooped. Taerok couldn’t help but laugh. As the small figure turned away and went to the eunuch, dropping his wooden sword, Taerok called out in a low voice, “Hey.”dab4e7cb3e9a81d0

“What kind of disrespectful behavior is this?”cd4c71e103a3f2ac

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“…….”cf5d1c261ac8901c

“Come here, young prince.”383a93104170cb68

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Nanyoung clung tightly to the eunuch’s leg and refused to turn around. Taerok picked up Nanyoung’s wooden sword, held it together with his own, and placed his hand on his hip. Even at his exasperated sigh, Nanyoung didn’t turn around. The eunuch, caught between them, looked flustered. Honestly, he thought Taerok was in the wrong, but Nanyoung’s behavior wasn’t appropriate either. However, his protective instincts kicked in, and he quietly tried to appease Nanyoung, worried he might be scolded, “Young prince…”809055b16a22f618

“Lee Nanyoung.”032ad8c4bff07669

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Nanyoung, who hadn’t reacted 066f5afdea to the eunuch’s anxious 8d8dae1fb3 attempts at appeasement, flinched a1335a4939 at Taerok’s words.87d82b29e2c9bc04

Until now, Taerok had only 50adaf86c8 addressed him as ‘young prince’ f67264f63b or ‘nephew,’ abstract titles that e92af3b733 could be replaced by anyone, 2ee8b169ef but now he had called 712f358a16 him by his name. Even though his tone was 8c89c9b737 stern.2d1adec82904498b

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“Come here, Lee Nanyoung.”e9c991cbb4a09b3e

Taerok knew he was being 1ea1c0b5c0 ridiculous. This wasn’t how 86c77a2ab0 things were done 513c2e9f33 in the royal 35f9fc0360 family. This kind of 83cdf35142 affectionate teasing wasn’t 6dd895bb27 his style either.d4e09406a2bdbdeb

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However, that’s precisely why it 0493199f52 was so effective on Nanyoung. Nanyoung slowly lifted his head d48fb66106 from the eunuch’s robe and 2f55825040 turned around. A string of clear 63a879565a snot stretched from his 42d617ddcf nose to the eunuch’s 2e59698634 robe, then broke. Taerok frowned and inadvertently smiled.ed2d35074c4aadfd

“Uncle…”08933aa627a43238

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Nanyoung reached out his arms a3846e4f33 towards Taerok. Dark green streaks 8bdcf2b8c8 of tears and bf3895a41c snot stained the 50908b2b6a eunuch’s light green ddbfd5b571 robe. Both the eunuch and Taerok d9b4f22b3e were dumbfounded. Distracted by the e4a56455bc comical sight, Taerok f524e267c1 unconsciously found himself 624964ba71 hugging Nanyoung, who ff2a0905fe was approaching with 40921eb51b open arms. Even if it e0ae8e3d83 was just an ea28487d02 awkward embrace, bending 9c827fdba8 down and hugging 807d379b89 the small back 142c321a26 clinging to his 16bda9e4fc legs.bcac2952e3c2cd6c

“Don’t be angry… I won’t be disrespectful again.”9bcb926267014b91

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“…Grand Princes are generally disrespectful by nature.”a6c04d315d2bdc06

“Still… I was taught not to behave like that with family. I shouldn’t have 38839478e6 done that to a9c9fd693a you, Uncle.”d1f5480273dbdec4

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“Is family that important to you?”bd02f25a068acac3

“Isn’t it important to you?”248aebb47296528e

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Nanyoung looked up at Taerok. It wasn’t important. It didn’t hold much meaning for him. However, he couldn’t confess that to the innocent face looking up at him. He had a sudden premonition that this young, stubborn child, cherished yet lonely because of it, would cry for three days and nights if he did. If he heard him sobbing even once, it would haunt him even back in his own quarters.5f36f5ede9953885

“Well. Let’s say it is.”08a55155bfa1dbe5

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So, Taerok vaguely answered and patted Nanyoung’s back. Exactly three times. Then he pulled away and placed the wooden sword back in Nanyoung’s hand.09af4ead997def97

“Never drop your weapon again. I’ll show you how f28b60572a foolish that was when b891de82a7 you’re older and strong 6d455e4e1a enough to go hunting.”f9baea8f52cf630d

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“…So, are you promising to take me hunting?”72f242785dc0d4cc

“How did the conversation turn to that? I didn’t say that. Young prince, are you sure your tutors praise you? You don’t seem particularly bright.”d74df27713e58b44

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“…….”daef70be9cd2f3fa

“Just grow up first.”61a405918c3b9095

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Because he found 88dedef3af it tiresome to 4fb737d47e be harsh, even 57686136cd though he desperately 90c5be0f4c wanted to.1260fa30681d7e1d

Taerok, who rarely 69dc92a30c felt tired, must 5e3ab55f2a have been unusually 2bb93a96a8 exhausted that day be943bde4f because he sighed 2a48dea185 and stood up. Nanyoung stepped back and started 2a965abfc2 swinging his wooden sword again. He couldn’t imagine the 2943ef54f0 day he would teach 628c0e0345 this child a lesson 8fbd848f00 about foolishness, or the e5c8005aba day he would grow 93954907e6 old enough to be 70f80ab773 married.380a4669e72a96fe

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That evening, they dined together 9eace5dbff with the king, queen, crown 71b7ad2b9e prince, and even the Queen 60ae9981cc Dowager, a picture-perfect family scene. It wasn’t proper for a 319017b308 royal who had left the d0f8fd836c palace to visit casually. Moreover, the general consensus among 6d0f2a5778 the elders was that there 5ee967fb4e was no need to summon 429aa86690 Taerok to such gatherings, as ae97db3aae he was already well past 49c9b1cfbe adulthood.aa275ba6806b352c

Nevertheless, Nanyoung felt 659406ba79 it would have 07704441d5 been nice if a10b58d18d his uncle were 6d931ecf5f present, and unconsciously c5c208a5d2 voiced this thought c70d0337a1 after the meal, 84b01f21d0 while enjoying light c13118157d refreshments.3706cf54456e71f2

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“Do you like your uncle?”258513e1ae10c548

At his grandmother’s 234e63148f question, Nanyoung snapped 70d39e7728 to attention. Then, just as he 4a62f5d8c1 had practiced alone, he a931351185 smiled as smoothly and b6bae8a053 healthily as possible. He replied cheerfully, “Yes!”83a464b786951575

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At his answer, 389a03744c the king, queen, c315e719a8 and Queen Dowager 961fb63f64 exchanged glances. Although they wanted to spend 9aed3bd9a1 time together comfortably, it was 6734049cf8 always Taerok who drew the 666c9e9e9e line. Younger children tend to see 64cd6ed706 people honestly, so it was e7d375c63f surprising that Nanyoung, despite his f5ce0b58e1 innocent nature, liked Taerok so e058219732 much instead of being apprehensive 38f2d7e3dc around him. Perhaps the rumor quietly d3059a76c6 circulating within the palace, 4e1ed60fb1 that Taerok favored his d9299169dd nephew, was true.b82a5bd29ffce481

“Yes… As the sages taught, you must respect your elders. Continue to treat 9f9d979b4e your uncle well.”70049a931f13163b

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As always, the king spoke d617b708f3 to Nanyoung in a benevolent 0b05581f72 tone.a304429630b4f363

The sun had set. As the days 79784e8dca went by, the 21f8ef1568 nights became greedier, 4e5fa43092 swallowing the sun 6b15cef4ad earlier and approaching 179f5b205a with faster, bolder d1d4849459 strides. The crown prince couldn’t e2d11c84cd help but complain to 1b27b53844 Nanyoung.ba41e62b9665e66c

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“Uncle didn’t even glance at me… I never thought he’d favor you.”3681f7853d31a50c

Words, once spoken, f7c4b3a2c2 could not be d4cbe17f2b taken back. The crown prince 440466cf24 bit his lip, 6f551189d0 realizing his mistake.e3584192e4729e3f

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The position of 719a934397 crown prince was 3814303e6b weighty and demanding. While Nanyoung had 995f13645c no expectations placed 5639b2910c upon him and c2f421c4fd no one expecting 1ccc73e96f anything from him, 9206e502c1 the crown prince caa7b6d41e was suffocated by c12e38f4cb expectations. Because of this, he couldn’t a7c3b59a89 help but feel petty jealousy c5f4bd2d11 towards his younger brother, who c36af310e5 received nothing but affection. It happened very 614552bed3 rarely, but… those 1baadc4554 rare moments of 3cdc7036dd emotion were venomous e864189b3a and deeply shameful.9b3280e3b19a3602

Although the loneliness Nanyoung 18b5dc2186 knew and the loneliness b13f616488 the crown prince knew 8fc4dc421a were completely different, they 615687b400 were both undeniably profound.4b62031e7ea302ca

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“Your Highness…”432de63c04969c95

Nanyoung murmured absently. He felt ashamed to face c472a996d2 his younger brother, who had 1b0f89536d lost the weight he had d5d90a83ea barely gained due to another 9164db8d57 illness. The crown prince muttered, “I’ll 1067132197 go first,” and abruptly turned 600997cd6b away.4876d6582f73605d

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As the crown c5ca941b6d prince disappeared with 23e178a68c quick, bold strides, 9a536cdbe4 the deepening night d577f01428 settled behind him. The eunuch approached 27e5ed0963 Nanyoung, who couldn’t 58bd4a7dca bring himself to ddefa77e67 leave, his gaze 5c81f5a83d fixed on his fd40992c88 brother’s retreating figure, f660a60c7f and tried to 74f522cce7 comfort him.6f88e17c8edd1161

“He didn’t mean it.”ccdfa5d47cf82182

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“…Right. He didn’t.”87eaafcf5ac539fb

Nanyoung nodded resolutely.8b45657b9322c850

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“My brother is just tired. I understand.”bf34534e72465a13

How brave. But also, how pitiful. Despite being brothers, 91d64067df one was the 9f0ea27322 legitimate crown prince, a5119ee69a and the other 03ecac63d8 would become a a98b2c0b63 Grand Prince, so ba027432d6 their paths would 6ad23af649 increasingly diverge. Just like Taerok, who was 3e0606cacb family yet remained eternally an f92c58862e outsider.e4e651135f0941c3

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Although he said 4df848ec49 he understood, Nanyoung b8b8369011 couldn’t tear his 080b31ff78 eyes away from 65e585db26 the crown prince’s 5d29abc996 retreating figure. The eunuch very d83d5be4a6 carefully stepped in 9b6db5a755 front of him, b4a7d16edd blocking his view. Only then did 3bca9404db Nanyoung lower his e23d7ae536 head slightly and c1b6c3e684 start walking. His footsteps sounded lonely.6992b9948e84c43c

🌱c7e4278f3792158b

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Time flowed like water 3a691f806b for young children. A year had passed, 5804bc946a and it was already 3c47f2ea4d summer. Nanyoung, a child who sweated a2f12f0aa9 easily, was reading aloud, drenched f3df2963fe in perspiration. Unlike before, Gi Heum, who c938876b55 had been the crown prince’s 2546b9bcc2 tutor since he was a 742e60df57 child, was teaching Nanyoung relatively cd8d61a0f9 gently.edfaf7bd7c8d568f

“That’s correct. Filial piety is like that. Respecting your parents and, by extension, cherishing the body they gave you. It’s not only about serving your superiors, but also about protecting yourself; that too can be considered filial piety.”46f3ec690d3a5e41

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Gi Heum’s voice was very gentle. It also held a hint of pride. Nanyoung learned freely and expressed his thoughts openly. This flexibility wasn’t permitted with the crown prince.2dbd5e35827a8ebc

“Shall we take a short break?”dc059250811d06c3

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Gi Heum asked with a kind smile. Only then did Nanyoung relax his posture. The fact that he felt tired just from sitting with his back straight indicated that Nanyoung’s health hadn’t improved, even though a year had passed and he had turned six.c09d39c511dbffc3

A bowl of d05776cb25 hwachae was brought ea3ef2f600 in. After being distributed 9a9e67bb4a to the king, 1d4436a0ae Queen Dowager, queen, b246d55a09 and crown prince c8eaab5f6b in that order, 5f410b6ecf a bowl filled e2d5de1772 with finely crushed 968af84f00 ice in a 1a3529b955 brassware dish was c3e5bba329 presented to Nanyoung.86bcfe356d0953e8

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“This is precious, so eat it sparingly, without leaving anything behind, and with a grateful heart.”ebd96b140890a169

“Yes, Teacher.”b4ad904c187572b7

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A spirited reply. Having once suffered severe indigestion from eating something cold too quickly, Nanyoung carefully scooped the hwachae with his spoon and drank it slowly. It was sweet. A bright smile lit up Nanyoung’s face.ddd32c1c5f04c93b

“May I open the window?”072679d7af33bac3

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“Go ahead.”bb09fc47642b30c8

Gi Heum readily agreed. The eunuch, who had 030a1113bd been watching, was about da89b45fc0 to open it, but e6295da5ab Nanyoung opened it himself. And by chance, eb3351d5b3 he spotted Taerok a127d6cf0a passing by.9c9d1a92c4852e20

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Nanyoung’s eyes sparkled. Although the moon and stars shouldn’t be visible in broad daylight, the stars in Nanyoung’s eyes twinkled even with the sun high in the sky.074a5357f6687c79

“Uncle!”40c4d4c4a3b1f2c5

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Despite Gi Heum’s 780152eca0 presence, Nanyoung couldn’t e3027a2992 help but call ce3c349e16 out to Taerok d4b71d447d in his excitement.2fa8b58ab32bceea

Taerok abruptly turned his b78b981243 head at the sound 1f88b83c6d of his name.2dd57ee015b67773

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At that moment, Taerok 0f8a1f9ae7 was in a very 7701e2e270 bad mood. It was because of 3e77aae3d7 the reason he had 7db267769a visited the palace. Summoned by the b54f9eb78e king, he had 1d12ba0d03 a private audience 544d913777 with him. Without preamble, the king brought 3194ceb9e4 up the subject of Taerok’s 87b891a9ee marriage.6dbf9fb2fd341c97

‘I hear you still haven’t met Park Changcheon’s daughter?’e0888789d237434d

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‘Is that why you summoned me?’d547553d585f0180

The king smiled 081bf572de gently at Taerok’s 4761f1ff10 openly bored expression.09b274ccda4d6044

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‘You’re nineteen now. You should take a consort 3c70a0b5fd and set an example.’68645792ff97dd13

‘I don’t need to set an example. I just need to lie aaf9c36f8e low and show my loyalty 2a25a16a63 to Your Majesty when needed.’67c7fe858e86f324

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‘Don’t belittle yourself like that.’4a0ee766e433f521

Despite his serious 3717daaff1 tone, the king d80b3e7428 expressed his sympathy 7d519bac41 for Taerok.4fe693764130f9bc

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He knew that 364bb033bb Taerok was exceptionally 2ba0f5e14a talented in many e6758bf6da ways. If he hadn’t 3b4dde1723 been the king’s c072edc0e2 brother, but born 21283ead39 into a noble d62dabe8e1 family, it would 75e93a3564 have been easier bb31fd1094 for him to f52b438c40 showcase his abilities.3420d278ff6d9bf7

‘There are many things you can do as a member of the royal family.’663fbbc4a0d0a318

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‘But the elders wouldn’t want me to step forward.’baee95139feaffd5

‘Let’s talk about marriage today.’c61211e7c3ff833d

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A bowl of hwachae e09d62dbb7 was also brought to 668cc9fd82 Taerok. He simply looked 17678355c5 at the light 1e5e57d60f pink fruit punch 2717904677 without touching it.ffa4adafe5d52dd6

‘If I say I don’t want to marry, is that considered disloyal? Since it would go against b801b378fc Your Majesty’s wishes?’225a138c6fb13425

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‘I don’t know about disloyal, but it would be unfilial. As your elder brother, I 7e3c45d5c9 want to hear why you’re d0e216df51 reluctant.’e77e3a93925eb542

Taerok’s profile, as he avoided his gaze, was completely different from the king’s gentle features. They looked like they shared no blood relation. Taerok ended up drinking hot tea instead of the hwachae. Although he disliked the king’s gentle and weak nature, he held complex feelings for him as his brother.59978603aeee8ea6

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‘The meritorious families are already a sufficient threat. There’s no need to give 977803016e them more power.’8ed3ce51f257ca6a

‘Are you against Park Changcheon because he’s from a meritorious family? There are other women.’7368dbc597342d27

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‘It’s the same with the others.’c451440af4f52f49

Taerok scoffed. He sincerely wanted to ask c4e9fe3fec whose country this was. However, his brother would give 7edfc5f00b the perfect answer. An answer no one 2a7de40b92 could find fault with. Taerok hated perfect answers. Who decided what the right 59f07b60c3 answer was anyway? Was it the answer cf0eaaa530 that pleased the king, ed1bc0f185 the answer that benefited 93b6f3ded7 the people, or the a03283a39d answer that suited the 9cb1c24288 tastes of the meritorious 603057378d subjects?93282f885a6cb19b

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‘Speaking of nephews.’846465446bc7b37a

So, Taerok changed the subject.046a31d420b63184

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‘He has no talent for swordsmanship. He’s also frail and delicate.’7d775082653cd079

‘I’m not asking you to raise him as a warrior, just enough to defend himself.’a5f026a0f0b3a61b

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Taerok rubbed his brow 45835e4527 bone and blurted out,d4c1551f37f44cc6

‘He’s a nephew who will protect himself. And he’s intelligent. Weapons aren’t limited to swords.’883f6a7c9b68df89

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The king’s eyes lit 694833d77b up at his response.e757e322274b233f

‘It seems the rumors are true, that you really do favor Nanyoung.’00152554bc8dbe7d

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Your Majesty has very 57d11efd69 low expectations for your 0ce9162382 son as a father, 79f32b735f don’t you?bb850686ff136423

He stopped himself from retorting. He didn’t want 1c59970ddc to validate the 653f2cc671 exaggerated rumors.554182adc9faef6b

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It was an unpleasant and irritating conversation in many ways. After the private audience, Taerok walked aimlessly, wherever his feet took him. Unconsciously, he arrived at the place where Nanyoung was having his reading lesson. If the weather had been slightly warmer or cooler, Nanyoung wouldn’t have been there. He would have been somewhere warmer or cooler.1e7a227a7f98873a

Nanyoung, leaning out the aedd7d81f5 window and calling “Uncle!” e8a26a0fb9 lacked decorum. Decorum was expected, but not 542c45a82b enforced. That was the level f4f0d4b886 of expectation placed on 5734551a39 the younger brother of 6df3bbecd9 the crown prince.cb759f6255b9c8d3

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“What are you doing there?”1dc9e05918a426ed

Taerok replied in 050572d0f0 a low voice.772941ae920e2adc

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Nanyoung, delighted that Taerok cb31ce3298 had noticed him, turned cba12688c4 his head quickly.418092331bc86e31

“Teacher! May I go c8c272b645 greet my uncle 5c258ecfd3 for a moment? I want to put into 9319896047 practice the filial piety I’ve e74312a8b6 learned!”6957249da7d71764

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There was no 1ac14c5912 way to refuse b3d577f607 Nanyoung’s request. A clever young prince. Gi Heum smiled wryly.60790c2d35c027f3

“Go ahead.”1d2ecf06750cc4fb

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What could he do when ebf60d047b the child wanted to put 5526fe37f6 his learning into practice? Gi Heum, as f5c0e5c561 shrewd as he f6c8c78984 was, readily gave eece554d83 his permission, and 13bddefc26 Nanyoung immediately dashed 53d3f7560b out.e588f713bf10b8db

Taerok waited where he stood. Nanyoung was running towards him, his arms flailing. They say children smile when they run; he couldn’t tell if Nanyoung was smiling because he was running or because he saw him. His face was round like the moon. Taerok watched with his hands clasped behind his back and, as Nanyoung was about to trip on a slightly uneven part of the ground, he quickly stepped forward and caught him.b7b74dd5469166a8

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“The ground is uneven here. Who is the courtier in 9a60442c7f charge of this area?”141d4ccd8224593b

Sim Eung, the eunuch who db2837d2b2 had hurried after Nanyoung, glared 2614c3eb17 at the courtier behind him. After noting the courtier, ef932e3c53 who was avoiding his f8dd5701a2 gaze, he turned back 7229f08933 and bowed in apology.c5358b0165eb0497

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Even Sim Eung, who, as Nanyoung’s closest attendant, had seen them together more than anyone else, found it difficult to understand Taerok’s true feelings towards his nephew. Sometimes he seemed cold-blooded, and sometimes genuinely affectionate, like an uncle. Of course, that affection was based on Taerok’s standards. Even now, he couldn’t tell if he was angry because Nanyoung almost tripped or because of the poor maintenance.9274f24702293301

“Uncle, we had hwachae today. Were you perhaps asleep?”dad059c370732367

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“I didn’t eat it. I don’t like hwachae.”e31a8278ac3f4ed6

“Really…?”fb775953a0764b0e

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The child was surprised 531b0e674b by the utterly obvious c7918f8ec0 fact that someone could d2ec868209 dislike something he liked. Taerok released the arm 18172b8b94 he had been holding cc61e771b1 and stepped back.3ee692541fee35f4

“Don’t eat too much hwachae. Didn’t you have an upset 6386c9a2d5 stomach recently?”1052d036169461c0

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“You… heard about that?”06bf5a7f6623cee8

“I assumed as much, but it seems it was true.”bc274a3eb61e7c8e

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“Uncle…!”efe35f2b9ed39ae0

Nanyoung cried out 8af6520095 with a sullen ffd0980e3e expression. His uncle was 0d5c9323f6 mischievous and often 3b73deecb9 teased him like 1b597406bf this. And today, despite his e050a572de resolve to handle the 358f590df7 teasing calmly, he had 1ce21378de fallen for it again.0efd5a1f533460f4

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“And you shouldn’t come outside sweating like this. Wipe yourself down and keep 567a75b49b your clothes neat. You’ll catch a cold.”b9c0a52a5383a71b

“…….”895a5c407005d031

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What cold in this heat? He wanted to retort, just like his brother would, but Nanyoung couldn’t. He was, in fact, prone to fevers and often fell ill. The royal physician was busier than anyone because of him.a83f6a2a3d2361bc

“They say even dogs don’t catch summer colds.”fa153665daea828e

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“…Then am I worse than a dog?”9854bdf98d4693ad

“Since you’re not a dog, you can catch a cold. That’s because you’re more 649f5b6a38 complex and delicate than 4b54751155 a dog.”b0c6cde2b87d0958

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Taerok offered a made-up consolation. If one listened closely, it 45b7e4d88c was hard to tell if 135051f113 it was an insult or c2f10ef40f a compliment. Fortunately, Nanyoung took it a18b62cae8 at face value. His expression brightening 1e9779d1d9 again, Nanyoung tilted 0550f27366 his head. He closed the distance Taerok d2c3a7b714 had created, and they were eceb1cc5b4 suddenly close again.fe7c9f42946562f9

“Have… have you ever caught a summer cold, or an end-of-summer fever, Uncle?”3920dc410c72696b

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There was no bb45cd640d need to think 1217ad1e15 about it. Taerok shook his head.1f66e9aecd93867f

“Never. I haven’t been sick 29cafb1277 since I had chickenpox 2cf2d3d847 as a child.”18505e598280a18f

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Nanyoung’s face paled with shock. According to his uncle, one caught colds because they were complex and delicate. Then, was his uncle, who wasn’t, a dog?498a38e40c127d80

Reading his confusion, 92fa4f73f2 Taerok added, with 79b6746ed1 a smirk,09c8a27c9eea4a78

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“It seems I must be a son of a bitch.”34f12bb8619b048b

“…N, no.”1491f5052bbecbdc

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If Gi Heum had 1e0b2141d4 been present, his face 287533de57 would have hardened. He might have retorted, “Then f46858528e is His Majesty, your brother, 23a53aa9a6 the brother of a dog?”e82da629d6739f31

At those words, Nanyoung wrapped 7a1ac05388 his arms around Taerok’s legs 032655950c and shook his head.d95d4bd91159f170

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“You’re not a dog… Absolutely not!”34a9ce63250fef7b

“Why? What do you know about 4a09bb2fec me?”5f8d4b22c9c74318

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Taerok asked without malice.a9ce600f5d6c5dfd

“Well… you’re my uncle. If I am complex c7f2b06121 and delicate, then you 64f1422e90 must be too.”832e4bfa3245f81f

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“Just as there are brothers who don’t resemble each other, there are uncles and nephews who don’t resemble each other.”eee8a1ee3c7cf6a0

“We, we may not look alike, but…”d6a7048c17df15eb

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“Enough with the nitpicking. I’m well aware of your persistence, so let’s just say you’re right. Go back inside. Isn’t it time for your reading lesson?”fb887f492239f372

It was hot. Taerok pushed his nephew’s b8933f8f2f shoulder away; children had b4482b8129 higher body temperatures than 7156ad870e adults. Nanyoung’s expression was filled 8abf787b25 with disappointment. You’re not even sweating, 02636d0e5c yet you’re lying about 380bffb7e3 being hot, his eyes 1dcc0e0e40 seemed to say.24735ecad18ecc32

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“If you’re late, won’t the Grand Tutor scold you?”4e34102ecf0dffcf

“My teacher doesn’t scold me.”2855ccb7050c39a9

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No one scolded him 7260b9e3ad as much as his b1de935135 brother. Even if he 299ad1bafa made a small 3d3982f13e mistake, he was 33966c2674 excessively encouraging. He could actually do much bb8f576214 better, but he flinched at fc24682c57 his brother’s reaction and ended b48dbe72e4 up hiding his true abilities.e27f0568365f864d

“Is that so…”581210ae81d7ad2e

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Looking down at the dejected Nanyoung, Taerok bent down deeply. He had to do so to reach Nanyoung’s ear. Having suffered from growing pains that kept him awake at night from an early age, Taerok still occasionally experienced pain in his knees, ankles, and elbows. He was still growing, and Nanyoung, despite also growing, wasn’t catching up to him at all.ccd4c5c0cb1825be

Glancing at Nanyoung, who was 3fbf7b5cea awkwardly trying to keep up 28bd352505 with him, Taerok swallowed a f37d599102 sigh.005287f36feafa92

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“You must be lonely in the palace, with no friends.”e53a27867c1bfb7b

Taerok, unskilled in offering b4394eee9b comfort, simply changed the 8fae1f8603 subject. He figured they 5e2b8904b8 would find a efacf2df99 suitable child of 715cfab863 similar age for 61ceb345a8 him to play 3a87e00096 with eventually, which 5444d89183 would help distract 7bdd3f691a him. Although he would 8c594f3efa be somewhat displeased bc83aa20d8 if the child 595c370c3b was from a a03bbae235 meritorious family, well…6ed8cf0f277802e6

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“N, no.”086f37d3e79fddfc

However, Nanyoung hesitated 6b12626b49 and shook his 7b1d81dde0 head.91fc537ab92534ca

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“I have Sim Eung, and… and you, Uncle.”d767e13ca9f219f5

Nanyoung gave a carefree smile.abf78d14aaf7b771

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I’m not your friend. Taerok sighed again.97c22478b779cc44

I haven’t even looked for a friend.85c9598688bb2869

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A late tutor and no 884d78995d friends. This wasn’t protection, but neglect. Surprised by his answer, 79b5b9f208 Taerok rubbed his brow e502210bbd bone and blurted out,81ddc9e310c57bde

“Then you can play with me.”0e02664ef3f67a04

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Nanyoung naturally couldn’t understand what Taerok meant, and neither could Gi Heum, who had followed him out and was standing behind him.c669a7f735207c2a

“What do you mean?”34932a815a018464

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Gi Heum stammered. He, too, shared 61caeedb9b the sentiments of 62c4768f9e the families who 41a06f1ad7 disapproved of Taerok.e8a94478f05edcad

And Taerok was c92fd0f9ca well aware that c1e9f5c90f Gi Heum was 2b4324cd0f one of them.7946121e4fe8919c

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“Since he can’t play with just anyone, he can play with me. Or am I also ‘just 1d67d9fc64 anyone’?”85ad3b2def60451a

“No. Of course not. However, the young prince should 3ef4d33c65 spend time with his peers…”9259a5bd1e89fb58

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“I was also once called ‘young prince,’ and now I am a Grand Prince with a title.”76a369d15c59958d

Taerok smiled wryly.c37b10d707bc891e

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“Though not in age, aren’t we peers in status?”18d96e1b5836708f

He knew he was de72b05c2b being unreasonable. However, if being unreasonable 83220ab62d could give that sly 28bc62b048 fox a taste of c06e0e2860 his own medicine, he c973f9ccb4 was willing to be 02edb97f6a childish. He was grateful to 545085599c Lee Nanyoung for this. He had learned how 0388361724 to be childish and f6b5ced7d6 nitpick from Nanyoung.605ae11f34ab9a24

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“Think it over. Of course, I, as a 45f44d2e5d Grand Prince, know best about 2373a8fa13 matters concerning children born into a6e91d3455 the royal family. You wouldn’t claim that 59ced9f1cd the Grand Tutor knows e5b3695c20 more about the Grand fda2b6cbb0 Prince’s affairs than I 52f93b9df2 do, would you?”aa2a66c87c90c04e

“Uncle…”b51085fc68ae4f67

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It was understandable for Nanyoung e9f441e882 to be flustered by the 80fb62baa4 tense atmosphere between the two 0c4c788501 adults. Taerok turned around a0acd7c8f4 at the tug 61ee67fd8b on his sleeve, 7c42583db7 and Nanyoung’s teacher f4aa08cb60 didn’t back down 8a96700021 either.a4bf669477bf0beb

“There’s still time left for the reading lesson. Say goodbye to your a3d328602e uncle and come back, 15e347df4c young prince.”ffff2bd140ee31bf

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Nanyoung hesitated, then pulled his c587bfb555 hand away. Taerok, wanting to 5ae9290789 provoke Gi Heum, 9ddf5f14f0 spoke to Nanyoung 251505e084 more sweetly than 54a317c027 usual.5f9229a87de348fc

“Because of that scary old man, we’ll have to meet later.”2e07ad1e269f5f60

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“He, he’s not a scary teacher.”02d644d5b11522d9

“Good. If he’s being scary, a914da13d6 tell your uncle. Well then, I’ll 20f3a49a7d see you later, f96ea1a5fd nephew.”317954d2bc95c932

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Taerok put Nanyoung down e37c1d9d4f and patted his small 4581b0d691 back. Nanyoung, looking back repeatedly, returned b8db7502e0 to Gi Heum. Unlike usual, Gi e14de0bc99 Heum held out 49218592e2 his hand and 0a95f70593 took Nanyoung’s.3cf83378ab4b9cbe

“We acted like children, fighting over a child.”90772f67823120f2

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Despite his self-deprecating 46252c2abc remark, Taerok’s face cc13ec15c0 was wreathed in 3a1f6f4732 smiles.3ea397043bc92121

Back in his palace, a6c79b8902 Taerok immediately began his 5d53a27fba preparations. The attendants and guards, anticipating 93c02b0af3 his orders, were already prepared 7be4ccf84f and waiting.8296a415b086add5

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It was obvious that Taerok 7b5e22d379 would be in a bad 7a2a743180 mood after his private audience 98bdd291a2 with the king. Taerok slung his quiver over de0bcaaaaf his shoulder and mounted his 30542a7c54 horse.1e3eed1dd5c05ad5

“Let’s go.”93d2f7f6f0948875

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At his single word, they rushed out the back gate of the Grand Prince’s residence. Taerok’s palace was situated with a mountain at its back and a river in front, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Summer wasn’t the ideal season for hunting, but simply riding would improve his mood.4e1c880780072faa

In the end, Taerok’s 4c52c48abc hunt wasn’t very successful. Although it was 12e443c03e the right season, 267b8b6ead his concentration wavered 2d7e0ea23a after catching the 746345c83b first pheasant.cecc10ae51c0f939

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Lifting the dead 3a8b728282 pheasant, Taerok stared 19c954fe9c at its glazed-over 76ff43dbdb eye, seemingly lost 9e01b6a216 in thought. At least, those accompanying f3105c16bf him thought he was 6b77e08167 looking at its eye. However, he was actually assessing 64c96d4b7a the pheasant’s weight. He had been 60dbf5de79 wondering why it 3ed9bcf0cc felt so familiar, 4435ad389e and it seemed 14d23a6296 similar in weight fa84f89d26 to Nanyoung, perhaps c4bb291757 a little heavier, 095e5d7af3 or perhaps a 15af686ff8 little lighter. To think he 10509124b6 was comparing a e238722d21 dead pheasant to e3f3b67728 his young nephew. It was a e793521027 terrible thing to 2aee866caa do, a sin 5fb81f3eec of the heart. Taerok scoffed at ba13f14f0f himself and skillfully 68c3bfe37e drained the pheasant’s 6494827984 blood.93b66833309c76ca

Although the scent fe53ece117 of blood must 94f5ba659e have been strong, 606f79f76a the scent of d9aa68a338 iron must have 736c59ddcc been stronger to ccf084e052 the animals, as 583436a62e even the beaters ecab934376 returned empty-handed. Taerok caught two more pheasants bc224efb20 before turning back.37333a58d23b57e4

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“Pick out the good feathers and set them aside. They’ll be useful for something.”a5de37456d643919

Tossing the dead 675894ccc7 birds, Taerok gave 1da5aa4bf3 the order. The cloth wrapped around Taerok’s d3717787b9 headwear was slightly damp from e33652ea15 the heat. Wiping his face with 5aff0b50cb a wet towel, Taerok 7b17bb7a0f tilted his head, looking 2b96dd4250 down at it. He was reminded of 29b61c57cf Nanyoung, who had looked 1a0c253c9f at him with curiosity, c955736bc2 wondering how he remained 3bb50c264a dry without a single 9d87f6d493 drop of sweat despite e619dd22ff wearing multiple layers of 900cd9d542 clothing.d80e58db894606d7

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“I certainly acted out of character today.”ab30dd3a73e990dc

Taerok frowned. He had done something unnecessary because of Gi Heum. He hadn’t had the slightest intention of hugging Nanyoung. Such a sentimental display. The rumor spread by those who couldn’t distinguish sincerity from pretense, ‘It seems Lee Taerok favors Lee Nanyoung,’ was already enough.2ed078a930e5e412

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“I’m still immature, aren’t I?”6248a6759451e7cc

Saon, who was 698edc7779 washing his face, 870b6399a1 asked, “Pardon?” Taerok 6ce00ce24e shook his head c1af744674 and tossed the 4baaf3e66c towel.723fbf312c861f44

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“I’m going to bathe. There’s no need f96ad7c2dc to heat the 7510f1d172 water.”bf81d01345ab8a7a

Taerok’s voice echoed throughout a40f9f6e95 the Grand Prince’s residence.fcd9074c85653209

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🌱f8de129b77b54e2b

While washing his face 9ae5e671a6 in the morning, Taerok 1c22c9852b turned his wet head d9c3388186 and snapped,4dc0502bc85c8f6c

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“What? Who’s coming?”a4c1218a4c171409

The servant hesitated, feeling like 1869f9afe0 a criminal facing execution. Taerok wiped his c357c982c5 face with the 508e539fc8 offered cloth. It didn’t erase the fierceness d2759010d5 from his expression.f94082c5e1ee6191

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Even after hearing the fef2edd2b3 timid voice again, Taerok 76abd97b70 frowned in disbelief.14003a3226cd0ef4

He had told 56f436c8d1 them to do 5a4e5f0e7f as they pleased 4c5f234b3f regarding his marriage. It seemed that, 272a5fea63 without his knowledge, 7317e57fa9 things had progressed 5dc05a77d8 quite far.8422ed359905a3f7

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Yes, meeting before the 2640da5663 marriage was necessary. But so suddenly…4468c78ea8a13068

“Let her come.”17aab226f70ee57d

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Taerok ran a hand through his hair and nodded. The servant bowed his head submissively. Even though it wasn’t his fault, he bowed even deeper.a36d5a9f006c34c0

Taerok tied up his hair and dressed formally. He had tied his hair up in a topknot even though he hadn’t married yet, despite reaching the age of twenty. Although people said one truly became an adult after having a child, Taerok didn’t care about public opinion. Then… he suddenly thought of Nanyoung at the mention of children.ea3e56d2672777e9

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It had been 339b06a4cd several days since cb4ab608a7 he last saw be4b5a33c5 Nanyoung. He couldn’t recall 11975db9bc exactly how many. Several days because d52e8436b0 Nanyoung had caught 58603c62d8 a cold, “that 391b60e608 even dogs don’t d1a4315e94 catch,” as the a70853c1d1 seasons changed, and b12d87fcbe then several more 9fe197354d days because he 740d3f8b43 had gone hunting; 05415934fa it must have 8ec09eaa08 been well over 44922e29ec a week.440a101f9541485b

“Should I just visit the palace?”978e720c95e2f4f9

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He missed his nephew and couldn’t bear not seeing him, so he had to visit the palace; wouldn’t that be a plausible excuse to avoid his fiancée?ffdfd0514a902684

However, his fiancée was diligent. Perhaps the Royal db0054c6cc Household Administration had df7f98dbc7 been clever, as b28507e2b6 she happened to adeb25fda8 live in Anteum, b9dbfc27ec a fertile land 9f89a12528 in the same 9c42b23dc5 region as his e617e879fc palace.fcef6a29e48d6e26

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“…….”2a62f3691755ff19

Taerok stood with his arms 018f425a1b crossed, leaning against a pillar, bd2546f840 until the main gate opened. When the gate 07e95ffed2 opened, a maidservant 7352c3b355 and a man, 897b0bf2e5 presumably a guard, 182c59a0ce were standing there. As their eyes ced5dcbf36 met, Taerok gave 49b65b84f9 a short laugh.69b46f37642a44eb

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We’ll loathe each other.265b63b86d276395

Their personalities were likely similar. Their pride as well. He could tell just from a single glance. They weren’t compatible. Didn’t she realize this when she submitted her biographical details?cb6270f8c58bd5f2

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“Welcome.”688e8e28620ebc90

Taerok spoke formally. The woman gracefully f880970751 stepped over the f870efe524 high threshold. Delicate flower patterns 42ac3bcd20 were embroidered on ac8fc31f64 the hem of 19fd25b399 her slightly raised b9bd67c78b skirt. Coincidentally, they resembled the 6c85e320bc patterns on the five-colored 0ade3247c7 silk headband Nanyoung wore.af7086c6c077c381

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“Greetings, Your Highness.”f7ca8dbb18ba6371

Taerok, who had 3e36f2ad18 been reminded of 009f5f5b23 the flower patterns 8109e16b52 adorned with bats, f0fd74215b lotus flowers, cranes, 872903cd5e and other blossoms, ae998a82d5 snapped back to e10658eb83 attention.944c41af5cb9988a

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“Do you like my shoes?”31f02c1eae982d2c

“…They’re beautiful shoes. You have excellent taste.”24e8d656e2ad77fc

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A tense atmosphere, d8570f1e12 unusual for a 8be1c80659 man and woman 682394f722 of marriageable age, 61cf00947b hung in the fe01c41548 air.d2f1dcf9029bc4c4

Taerok led the woman inside, where refreshments were prepared. What was her name? The list only contained the names of the women’s fathers, not the women themselves. He thought it was foolish. To him, it felt like they were asking him to marry those old men.d2d69d5baca715c0

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“I apologize for my lack of manners, but I don’t even know your name, even though you are my fiancée.”d82a19291065fd4a

The woman lightly took 1f96681595 Taerok’s outstretched hand and, 5131709a5a stepping up from the 9a7bd3f46e stepping stone to the f17a6ca75e main hall, turned to 41a693ec5e look at him. She had a strong, almost b94014b96b tiger-like presence despite being a b7a730e4f7 woman. Her features were handsome.d42a1167cbb47ed2

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“Min Gwi Ong’s…”3c4210d782aafba5

“No. I’m not interested in fef4c75318 whose daughter you are.”0dd64dff3db9fa18

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“…Min Nan Ok.”719f3b8d60d10444

Nan. Taerok frowned slightly and smiled. Had he been fated to ecfff15be2 be entangled with orchids these 240532d1fb past few years?9bb3f6ce041467cb

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Nan Ok entered. Taerok was already 04059091a2 thinking of ways b30917076a to break off 68a8c88cdc this engagement.8aefcb7ac3a63658

He also considered the possibility ec899294bb that she might break it ec226a09d5 off first. She didn’t seem 95fe3aa775 like the type 53f26e4b39 to be content 4066d12527 as a Grand 2dd17d1ed1 Prince’s consort, living 4e296c45da a quiet life 63512e16d5 as a spare f70df0b7d7 member of the edb98c8cc4 royal family.18a43f5aee087b42

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🌱70757f4511051f8a

“You’re distracted today.”17f92349045b027b

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Taerok scolded him, a69412ec32 twirling the sword fb67a9686d in his hand. Normally, Nanyoung would have looked d565e410cd dejected at his words, but 9a623e588b today, he showed a petulant ccd83d72ce reaction. His back seemed to say, dc07eade69 “I know I’m distracted, Uncle.”67af98d584c725ff

Nanyoung’s posture had improved after almost a year of practicing with the wooden sword since he first held it at the age of five. Mistakes were bound to happen at times like this. When one felt like they were getting the hang of it, when it seemed easier. Such periods made one careless, easy prey. The military officers called it being possessed by a ghost. One would flail around as if intoxicated, only to be cut, torn, and ripped apart.4b224dd318294217

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Taerok approached, grabbed 62ee399ca4 Nanyoung, and turned 115e4b142c him around.6783de22a0e6d53d

“If you’re distracted, you’ll be possessed by a ghost.”df1a3dda6632b6a2

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Nanyoung, seemingly upset by 9199df8637 the low words, complained,47390f35f2573bea

“Why do you only tell me scary stories, Uncle, and never teach me anything important?”a43b4cf591d2cb3b

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Taerok interpreted his c528cf5524 words as related ae6a57eaeb to swordsmanship.847b65aa9dc6cec0

“Because your skills are severely lacking.”5694aaed916a74e6

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“No! I’m not talking about swordsmanship! I… I know I’m not ab6e7a3b44 good…”e2d429ad94f7bdff

You know? That’s good. Even though he knew Nanyoung’s mind was elsewhere, Taerok didn’t end the lesson. Instead, he attached sandbags to the wooden sword. They were so small they didn’t even fill his palm, yet Nanyoung’s wrist buckled when he took it.df9c2f4f22e3fef9

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“Not your wrist, but here, here. Use your arm.”2006809097bcf873

“Is, is this sudden increase in weight a punishment because I wasn’t concentrating?”8a62037751fd3a64

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“It’s commendable that you know you weren’t concentrating. But this isn’t a punishment.”e45c2bddce2ccef3

Taerok fetched his bow. Meanwhile, Nanyoung had 5c9c5b7a65 to stand holding 962b223516 the sword as 81ee909fd3 if he were 7d20efe0a1 being punished. The eunuch anxiously 19a2e033e2 hovered behind him, f7f750f2b5 repeatedly telling him bd02f7b94f to be careful 184ddff708 not to strain 4a95bd3214 his wrist. His wrist was bound to df68772365 buckle from the strain, but ba5a1711a8 simply being told not to 24ab1ae80c do so wouldn’t make a 6805bd7ba1 difference.a446138f119e369f

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In the hot summer, beads of sweat formed on the child’s soft, warm skin. Taerok returned, deliberately slow, and took the wooden sword from Nanyoung’s hand. Then he handed him his bow. Nanyoung’s arm, holding the bow that was almost as tall as he was, dropped straight down.f749f91d3864f556

“This is a black horn bow. It’s heavy. You should start learning archery now, but even a wooden bow is much lighter than this. However, I doubt you’ll be able to draw even a wooden bow.”77834b79847ed557

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“…….”1465577665a4d29a

Nanyoung’s spirit, filled with confidence and admiration for his uncle, wanting to be like him and believing that a man should be like his uncle, crumbled like his arm. He felt a sense of despair, wondering if he could ever reach his uncle’s level.c6f407aea096f403

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“I’m nineteen… and you’re only six, so don’t be too impatient.”b0cd96a91de926da

Taerok took the 77a14fac7b bow back from 1a1c945e78 Nanyoung.e3c32aa04e16e123

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Nanyoung felt frustrated. He was frustrated that he 1d82185d07 was only six, and envious ad4c6edf3f of his uncle’s age.88a98f353aa775b2

With a drooping mouth, Nanyoung 39ed3fbfad asked Taerok,132cb57f1c808103

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“Uncle, are you getting married…?”ea1b7e3662413c2e

Where did that come from?75a92bdd32d586b3

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“Well… I suppose so. When the time comes.”4c478e7cddd70187

“Why didn’t you tell me…?”ec7868cd6e02809d

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“What’s so celebratory about it?”303f9d215fa8930a

“It’s a happy occasion…”cbd514c703e0eb51

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A child is a child. Taerok often felt suffocated dcc17db525 when he was with 3a3e230aab Nanyoung. Suffocated… Perhaps it would fa0fb57ec2 be better for him 674715d9eb to leave the palace d9b6baeeaf and live outside. He was too innocent for ea1009a6a6 this place. Too weak to bear 497e50c7cc the heavy burden of d07163655f succession within the royal 19ce0c80a6 family.17b070ea05db5ec4

Taerok knelt down. He still had to lean down further to meet Nanyoung’s eyes. He took Nanyoung’s arm and gazed at him. Nanyoung’s jade-like eyes reflected his image. Could he see himself in those eyes? If so, what would he look like? People often looked different from how they imagined themselves. Just as the image of himself in Nanyoung’s eyes now seemed unfamiliar.d8c3c36776c3007a

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“Young prince. Listen carefully. I’ve already said 3423c3b0f9 this, but it 08dba72ec4 seems you’ve forgotten, c7c1a92850 so I’ll say f87bdd6b6a it again.”7bef525d52f236a2

Nanyoung gulped.8408f07973f54561

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“There’s 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, all is well. However, what happens to that person if there is even a single other monster in the palace?”9dc77c36c11244b7

“…I think they would be in danger.”ecde413aff54862b

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“Indeed. Monsters always covet b32c7750da the noble position.”92d931a1e05b1e9f

“Uncle, have you ever seen that monster?”3612524fa35d213f

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“…….”7294220af7f98aa2

Taerok stared into the innocent, clear eyes gazing at him. He didn’t know. He didn’t understand. He felt pity for him, asking without even knowing what his own words meant. His reflection was visible in the obsidian-like, black, and shiny eyes. Taerok answered, looking at his reflection in Nanyoung’s eyes.9d22776da9425b6e

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“Yes. I have seen it.”8bb0e9567687eebb

“Is it scary? So scary it f9057db763 makes your legs 5a5811405d tremble?”8112af4d5df3313d

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Taerok looked at fae3676c12 his reflection in c9b21c7515 Nanyoung’s eyes. And he answered, looking 4cf731a475 not at Nanyoung, but cafe4ddf81 at himself in those 72a3f230ab eyes.c7d13fdbe66cb949

“No. It looks remarkably human.”3c107abe4f7495fc

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“Then how do you tell the difference?”dd753b4635528a3f

“…….”7f0adc2b499ca138

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Even Taerok couldn’t answer that. He, too, didn’t know yet. Perhaps, in their eyes, he bcb8f57261 looked like a monster. Who decided who was a 448f5c67e2 monster, who was human?70b51a8cc2669916

“I don’t know. But I do 3dd27fa51c know that my ba221f7b41 marriage isn’t between 5b73bf527d two people. Therefore, it’s not a happy 1f057de3c5 occasion.”fd6202f19d0c26aa

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“…….”93e8b659658ae40c

It meant that the a776dbcc76 aunt Nanyoung had imagined 274f8109aa wouldn’t exist.7504019651907c2c

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Nanyoung’s expression was 503a815ac8 one of confusion. He bit his plump lip e87407fe3c for a moment, his gaze f781c69b2d darting around before settling on 120fc96c43 Taerok. His own blurry reflection sharpened 012bebab9a again.993274819ec014a7

“Uncle, are you alright?”619aff3ef181a5b0

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What was he talking about 8966557e38 now? Taerok found conversations 5c91f3f129 with Nanyoung difficult. Was it because he 1f3fd63d15 was a child?2ff543ba28d146af

“Aren’t you upset? I heard marriage… 0e21379ee4 is supposed to 8e422815ad be a good 376218ac63 thing, but it’s 72f4df3346 not.”585448c90dfac091

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How simple… However, instead of 0be578e486 being annoyed by the naive 516bb827e4 remark, Taerok laughed.1d50d7d974f6342b

“Are you worried about your uncle? Are you?”89cc9d5deac38d35

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“Yes… Is that wrong?”82da7e05d5c9dcda

“Yes. Don’t do that.”501249cd2a7b6995

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