STGL Ch 3

Taerok burst into genuine laughter.b87c54214fab091e

“Don’t waste your precious concern on me. You’ll surely regret 6a0b704e48 that expenditure someday. It would be better to a757b356fc use it for yourself, or c8fd6302a7 for your beloved family.”ada959b902513216

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Nanyoung hesitated, then, figuring it was alright since Taerok had lifted him up before, wrapped his arms around his uncle’s neck.4467512fa55448a8

A child’s heartbeat is faster. Unconsciously drawn in, Taerok heard Nanyoung’s pulse, something he neither wanted nor was curious about.355032fdec14cf76

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Aren’t you… my family too, Uncle?”283ef776480c828e

A world he ff8ea39b3e could never reach. A relationship he 9934052e37 could never understand.ace312e323365650

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

He had countless such experiences and encounters with such people in his life, but it was the first time he felt it so viscerally. Even when he felt they couldn’t understand each other, even when he met his fiancée and thought, “We’ll loathe each other,” he simply accepted it and moved on. But now, because Nanyoung was holding him, he couldn’t turn away.7b0e322c1b4511b8

The warmth was unpleasant. Unpleasant, yet strange. Taerok frowned, then, as 2c10dd563e usual, let out a 2b791a24af long sigh. When he taught Nanyoung, he 2ac99f6874 ended up doing countless such aa163d8266 foolish things.a399006bd7e717d3

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Let’s stop here for today.”044e8f8f1b12ecf2

Taerok finally pulled Nanyoung 5a9056d544 away and said,854234e0dc776dde

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Since you don’t seem to have any intention of concentrating.”7ec276a60b52a0d5

“…That’s not true.”443415f073de38fa

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

It was. Having been hit where 322834d533 it hurt, Nanyoung averted 414b9342e4 his gaze, resembling a 0d101d6bd3 puppy that had misbehaved.a2f306c22dbf91a9

Taerok gestured for someone to 9d4d40ab27 remove the wooden sword and 3cf60b1caf his bow from the floor. He untied the string a26b1dce9c that held his sleeves 59f49c0a6b together and dropped it; 0956befb62 someone swiftly picked it f2b67b951d up.df1aa364c49d439f

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Watching his uncle, who looked 75219a47d4 ready to leave the palace 14cb17ac50 at any moment, Nanyoung gathered d1e36bd941 a little more courage. With a child’s logic, he a14e679f17 believed that since his uncle 75bc448a9b had hugged him and he 7f3df50abd had hugged his uncle, they 28a72446dc were now closer. The next step 7dd055641d would be an e0973a37b5 invitation. Sharing something they liked, b6f244fff5 or doing something together.53eb58cb834d09de

Nanyoung gently tugged on d70d1dea53 his uncle’s sleeve. Taerok, without looking at Nanyoung, 101f41609d untied the string on his 8c8de4b2e0 other wrist and muttered,8349794c764c8581

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Don’t tug like that. Look at me when you 28d68db2d4 speak.”945e2a2250daeaa3

“Uncle, they brought in fresh cucumbers to the royal kitchen. They say they’re very sweet 79563c9e1c and delicious.”0e9f38cf7ee821f2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Knowing it was a shy 2f7cd18f53 invitation to share them, Taerok 4d7f21ee7d feigned ignorance.4b836fbf1b1ef636

“And?”538a2bc479d85ee9

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

If Saon, who hadn’t accompanied him today, had been present, he would have asked, “Why are you so childish only with your nephew, Grand Prince?”8230e629418d013e

“So…? Um…”20ca847c15b5815f

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Nanyoung was flustered by the 699701fe96 unexpected response. Nanyoung, accustomed to affection and 341fd1f430 indulgence, found his elder, though f196c67349 also a son of the 027987c394 king, difficult to deal with 1c9acaf240 due to their vastly different 034beaaee4 natures.3f820639a51e3925

“Um… they also have watermelon. It’s sweeter than cucumber.”5e622ba05ca433d6

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Of course watermelon is sweeter than cucumber. So? So what, young prince?”f4da37f62da45b13

Taerok still wasn’t looking at 58165d8353 Nanyoung. He stubbornly kept his gaze 1fd5f3a5a8 fixed forward. The eunuch grumbled inwardly, “Such 57ab7a4312 a petty and childish man,” f9c12a140f while the court ladies standing ca30916a65 before Taerok quietly giggled. It was because Taerok f065a3562b was smiling wryly, though c3f0f0a8b2 very subtly.e483ec87397f76a1

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Unccle…”b31c3bfd091d3dd6

“If you have a request, speak clearly.”b4c0554ee1d64ff3

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“…Come visit me. At my quarters.”42ee7c19b572e933

The invitation, finally blurted out, melted into a near-pleading request. Taerok finally let out a soft chuckle. He lowered his hand and took the child’s warm, slightly damp hand that was holding his sleeve.d03e62fcdc59b63e

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Alright.”12381abfce52333c

Even a gruff acceptance was still an acceptance, and Nanyoung’s face lit up.af36115550679445

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

🌱c28203e7de3be249

After inviting Taerok 78b88da1e0 once, Nanyoung would 7da516252b often invite him 4378907d67 to his quarters df3e394d90 for tea or 28501289ed to sample the e0b9c158a1 latest offerings from 2efdc82ad3 the royal kitchen. For every ten invitations, Taerok bf4456e16d would visit about twice. The delicacies from 59cee5d1a0 the royal kitchen 3a44671c5e usually found their 938c5aff2d way to the 32752cfd5b Grand Prince’s residence 8712a5e6e8 as well. Even if they were leftovers, 54a481b5c6 there was more than enough 77b718c4f9 for a single Grand Prince.9a80920eb54219a4

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

This day was c844b93734 another one where 6a7675bdaa Taerok had visited c2cf4ebec3 Nanyoung’s quarters after f25c2b8c6d being pestered ten 02ef7d08d8 times. Nanyoung was meticulously scooping out c13b8bb0e5 the seeds of an oriental 19af39779b melon with a small brass 88b4ce4b8b spoon.9e4894dd5b2ccd52

“If you eat melon seeds, your stomach will hurt.”672a48b98cafcabd

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

He spoke diligently, a6e36fe8e5 even though no 8a6676da57 one had asked. Taerok was lounging by 0b69c2a1fd the window, his arm aa676bd1e4 resting on the sill. He observed Nanyoung’s movements, then 623a8d5b33 casually remarked,808a732eb8c6f2ce

“That’s because the melon seeds will grow inside your stomach.”82a8a73af47515af

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Nanyoung’s hand froze. He looked up at bd9ebc4400 him with a bewildered 11114f8685 expression. Taerok chuckled, amused 08755f17b1 and slightly exasperated 2dcab35d60 that Nanyoung had b886ac15bf taken his casual b68df3c7eb remark, intended as 1a0385fda7 a tease, seriously.2186f2d10bb9fe8b

“Then… then I’ll die when it’s fully grown? Because my stomach… will grow…”830721e992d397f0

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Your stomach won’t grow. But the vines might 79c6cb354f come out of your ce51a24050 mouth.”00b58879816f6fc3

Oh dear, young prince. Please don’t take such 848bae876f jokes seriously. You, Your Highness, e071b06900 can just return b7c5cb32bb to your palace c772fad731 after making such 7ffbe4755b jokes, but we’re 21ab4185ed the ones who e51e30f626 have to deal fb655bbf4d with the young f620aa73fb prince crying at 5584223be9 night! Sim Eung closed his 06c449b167 eyes and screamed internally, ddc1875143 his face remaining impassive.6c3e1b6a1003dfd2

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Nanyoung’s face paled with 13f9b92e4e fear, and he stammered,0171da0735d3e661

“Th, then the melon is a monster?”5e1bf355c281e435

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

A monster? Taerok thought, “What dd19edfdc0 nonsense is this?” f8d0548eae then realized Nanyoung 952906a672 was referring to 6d17b95f76 the monster story 1b0e4df38d he had told f17389de5c him.208010e480df2071

Taerok moved closer and f85fd0dec9 sat in front of 9b3df8353a Nanyoung. He picked up the dropped e25f6988b5 spoon and scooped out the be1efaccda remaining seeds. He replied casually,c02c4909202a88f7

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Didn’t I say monsters look like us?”e05dde9fdc502a4a

He picked up the hollowed-out 07b3dfe4cd melon half and held it 68fce3870b to Nanyoung’s lips.8aa71fb5ebf13ba4

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Does this look like a person?”16af5b70c2955587

“But if it grows out of my mouth, wouldn’t I die? Then it’s a monster… 813e56c18f Isn’t something scary a 1a57866932 monster?”042b97f8ebce2bd1

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Nanyoung, seemingly afraid even of ccce07e82a the seedless melon, firmly closed 2f24b66e73 his lips and shook his 114f0cee9c head. Taerok took a 63d69b159c bite of the 652876b843 melon.4e09c5f737644863

“Delicious. I guess monsters are tasty.”7ba6252a4e2512b8

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…….”cdb7efaa235d53b3

He finished the 9e0cddca67 rest of the 5472424fcc melon, then scooped 1219bbcfc3 out the seeds 62045db910 of another one. He sucked the 2831c9ea30 sweet seeds off 0f498c49a0 the spoon. They went straight 7375cb01d2 into Taerok’s stomach. Nanyoung, his mouth ca6d261bfc agape in shock, bfe2801cde leaned closer, his 6ba951f22a gaze slowly moving 86cfe3312a from Taerok’s lips 3448f50da2 to his throat, 83b5d60e3c and then to 57f2840363 his stomach.266b1d2d3fb75437

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Un, Uncle… You’ll… you’ll die…”d7b5ea39ec34f723

“Die? Return to my palace?”3a4125eaaa351a49

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“No! No, that’s not 2e31e9e25c what I meant…!”2069c70908ab59b6

“I told you to speak clearly, young prince.”1b332b9b832249e0

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Taerok scooped out the remaining 380784fac0 melon. He cut the white, boat-shaped 718837e955 piece and held it to fae814c09e Nanyoung’s lips. He closed his lips d10bfcb6f1 tightly again and shook b4ecd5477c his head. Taerok pushed further.4a7a103af451a4d9

“If you don’t eat this, melon vines will really grow in my stomach and come out of my eyes, nose, and mouth.”70ee073ec22f379c

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“What does that have to do with me eating it…?”126adddfc2eb1925

“You believe melon seeds grow in your stomach, but not my words?”469d3833a6029ea1

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“…….”4f44635a034444f0

“Come on. Open your mouth.”1237c2a6131bacba

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Nanyoung’s head drooped hesitantly. Taerok’s head tilted along with his. His voice, urging him to eat, became softer, gentler, and more coaxing. He was enjoying this. He had to admit it now. Taerok thoroughly enjoyed teasing Nanyoung.4716358776be9e7d

“Don’t you want to save your uncle? Are you okay with your uncle dying?”c04271e9d6ec50a9

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Why… why would you say that…?”1bc793dc47837f7d

Nanyoung was on aa3e3e3b46 the verge of 69f4adbed4 tears. This was where e90533e065 he should stop. Any normal person would. However, Taerok wasn’t normal. He was quite twisted. Leaning sideways, almost lying 610057f1ae down, he feigned pain efa7cf5ef0 and said,98235ca72f12d2a1

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Oh… I’m dying because of Nanyoung.”57bf321886bea989

Nanyoung finally burst into tears. Sobbing, he opened his lips. His eyebrows were furrowed, his aa72876b35 eyes almost closed, and large 3c33482b46 teardrops, typical of a child, 758201ed6d streamed down his face.126ddab1c1497eef

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

The piece of melon, 6b3e2d0a42 meant to be shared a694965c0c in two bites, disappeared a8701a5054 into Nanyoung’s mouth in 076abbef93 four. If the eunuch cf9b1253e3 serving Nanyoung had 8023029470 seen this, he 579e60390a would have panicked, 632ca68428 worried about the 70e56a0149 young prince choking.382c6a52f30c577f

Watching Nanyoung eat, Taerok 6154ee7e83 carefully cut the melon 9a97c1d44a into bite-sized pieces. After a while, 2cb5714ef2 the plate was 5038de9c9c empty. All the seeds had gone 1ac77cb6e8 into Taerok’s stomach. Nanyoung, watching him, would f32928ca3b blink his wet eyelashes, ed70309048 look at Taerok, take 2e955e2892 a bite of melon, 7fc2e2bc76 look again, and repeat.c99c4722fa773337

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Once the plate was empty, 254c824fe9 Taerok straightened up, stretching his 6a4fdfbb9f back, which had been hunched aaff4cabbd over. Then he murmured softly,241817ba527ccc65

“Nanyoung ate it all and saved his uncle.”f70ab60f951a90de

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“R, really?”3b9b8164f4abcd18

Nanyoung asked between hiccups, 62d88dfef2 his voice still thick adc6c05937 with tears. Only then did Taerok offer a2d03fad55 him warm tea. At his instruction d91d47e87e to drink it 2ff17e1055 slowly, Nanyoung held 08563436a2 the cup with a54752055d both hands and 9b10b7e55e sipped it carefully.8fda7f31aba77ec4

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Taerok summoned someone to bring a soft cloth soaked in warm water. The eunuchs and court ladies would surely gossip about how Grand Prince Baegan had made the young prince cry. Taerok found that amusing as well. They say people curse the king when he’s not around, so he wouldn’t scold them for gossiping. This was an unexpected side of Taerok. While he was stubborn and strict with the meritorious families, he was rather easygoing with those below him.be2b44df687fa75d

Soon, the eunuch entered himself. Taerok took the cloth and 810f1f7f47 wiped Nanyoung’s face.1057e484e08c9059

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Do we have any pickled plums?”3a4825424fc3eaf7

“I believe so. Shall I bring some?”75cae36b31616cc7

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Bring some pickled plum tea. The young prince might 3cb453ba72 get an upset stomach.”55f490107a084b92

You’re the one who caused 04202c7c6e it. The eunuch grumbled inwardly, f37575e746 keeping his expression neutral.2552a7e8dd11dce8

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I won’t.”15f9ee101b0a255d

“I doubt it. You’re the type 669cc7c22c who catches colds 36dea28e46 even in summer.”faabd2b11de56ba8

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“…At what age do you… grow up like that?”16b740b848178f4c

“Grow up how?”fe034641601a0887

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Taerok thoroughly wiped Nanyoung’s nose and tossed the cloth into the basin. Nanyoung, his face still puffy, asked again,eacb13b96c8dba04

“Like you, Uncle. I want to be 9597865394 a man like you.”cdfdc064f23ae151

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Sim Eung, the eunuch who had just entered, had a complicated expression on his face. Regardless of Taerok’s personality or reputation, he was undeniably admirable, even in the eyes of a man. It wasn’t strange at all to admire him. Even the eunuch, devoid of male characteristics, could fully understand Nanyoung’s feelings.b74b5be2f7865b20

However, Sim Eung also knew. Nanyoung could never become a a8976d6829 man like Taerok. Just by looking at him.e7be19ad376f0d66

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“You should grow up like yourself, young prince. Why would you want feff917d44 to be like me? Do you want to 1dc598069e grow old unmarried like 79cb31c405 me?”4056888972858936

“You… you’re going to get married…”28bc1050d9752740

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

‘I don’t mind if you postpone the marriage, Your Highness.’27e71a2c59e39665

He recalled his enigmatic fiancée’s words. Taerok didn’t answer.556367203463fa1e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“I heard they’re going to bestow a title upon you, young prince.”a528daa63e3a6390

Nanyoung was six years old now. It was early, but not too early. The king had personally told Taerok about the bestowal of the title. He had asked Taerok if he had any preferred titles, and Taerok had said he would think about it. He then asked if it wouldn’t be best for His Majesty to decide, and the king had replied,1525403b7e7b6ea9

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

‘Nanyoung has been very fond of you lately. Wouldn’t he be happy if you chose it?’0535590c8da06c99

“Do you have any favorite characters?”35e2fb0ed825998c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Favorite characters?”6eac3bad713005fe

Nanyoung thought for a c09f58947b moment, then said,8ad72b576fd3f0e5

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Tae (太), Suk (淑), Rok (綠), Heon (憲)!”93af351e4b59a530

Grand Princes usually took their titles from the land bestowed upon them, but it seemed that wouldn’t be the case, judging from the king’s words. So he asked, and received an unexpected answer. ‘Tae’ and ‘Rok’ were simple characters for a child to know, but the others were quite complex.e39b717b73829189

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

However, Taerok was a4cdfd4591 more surprised by 3c48db540a the choice of 37ace221e2 ‘Tae’ and ‘Rok.’e476d758ed92704b

“Coincidentally, those are characters from my name. Though their meanings 87d740f1e5 are slightly different.”8e61fd3e6e6d65da

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Characters from your name? It’s a coincidence!”c4df0e0895a06664

Taerok chuckled at 95cd14bdf5 the immediate, unhesitant 75aa7ccdf0 reply. He gently pinched Nanyoung’s 2e10e65471 chubby cheek.1253396abdefd533

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“You knew all along. How can the 0f57e758fa soon-to-be-titled prince lie c842d6bb17 so shamelessly?”4134fd228ec40dfe

Nanyoung chuckled nervously, trying to 468963fe41 diffuse the situation.e8a3da43c233256c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“It’s a coincidence. But my feelings are sincere.”cdc4ff0f0e8d3c80

Taerok suddenly felt the 8be108f89a weight of the cheek cbe1bc123a he was holding and eac1fde237 let go.d53dfc7c39bafab8

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

He was simply humoring the fbe7fa0cf8 rumor, ‘It seems even the fe04e7af52 cold-hearted Lee Taerok cares for 79a8c3c3b6 his nephew,’ because he found 8bd299b6c4 it amusing. This sincerity was burdensome.e8f2914be0ced1da

Taerok stood up.6ae690db97e7a7bc

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Congratulations on your upcoming title.”527fa3fea84f0bd9

Nanyoung stood up as well. Taerok lightly pressed cab135ac7e his small, slender a3e3406184 shoulder. Even with just 0bbe474b49 a slight touch, 0716fe816b Nanyoung slumped back a1a60cdc94 down.b7c9b3ca598074fd

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“You’re becoming a proper member of the royal family. A lonely position, where you 45b434bf44 must constantly prove yourself, yet 44a7b31716 there are no answers.”89a5fb0706ec1d4e

“Uncle…?”7efebd2ecfcc5692

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

He felt a 44b929e137 twinge of guilt. Taerok scoffed at himself, realizing b5fe4a0a4c he still had some conscience 11f218bd28 left. He was about to 15d8762b22 turn away, but leaned 175429ba91 towards Nanyoung again.29b1cc9b9f844c50

“Still, I’ll protect you from the monsters I know. You like the 2097abd407 characters from my ea5f3226fa name, so I b4fa57c649 should at least 6a44513c20 make this promise f6a67195d5 as your elder.”c24e51b8e6a2c7a6

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Nanyoung didn’t understand Taerok’s words. He was still too young.7a45a77a7cd64198

Taerok turned and left. He told the eunuch he wouldn’t be visiting the palace until the end of the month. Grain in Ear had just passed. The end of the month was still far away.067a62cd5d3ba211

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“The young prince will be disappointed.”6e86f031e11419c9

“Nanyoung might be, but you certainly won’t. I’ll be going now.”5b38b126bf78d8f9

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Unaware that he 6519a14aaf had casually used e46972b638 Nanyoung’s name, Taerok 87db04ce1a stepped down from f6afa566c2 the platform.6c044bcfdc831a4a

The season for sowing seeds and beginning the year’s farming. Was it a seed of conscience or a hint of humanity that had been sown in Taerok? He wouldn’t know until it grew. Taerok wasn’t a farmer.31ffeabd364efba1

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Just before the Summer 68d48077a8 Solstice, on Nanyoung’s birthday, 8d868ff07c he was bestowed with cb82eda789 a title. He received a 662dc53fcf fertile piece of 12841f7c32 land, blessed with 6f96a576d7 sunshine and untouched 80eaace73e by floods or b6cfeb75f6 droughts. He was given 443627194c the title “Heonui,” 2624e47ecc derived from the ff3efcb4b6 name of the 69f7105666 land. Coincidentally, it contained f6bc6a936e one of the a3106d9e58 characters Nanyoung liked.a47d02a8a2f1ae32

Taerok sent a gift 479c85602e to Nanyoung’s quarters. A white folding 987ba84b56 fan, meticulously crafted c292dc4ee9 from shaved sedge 832133ca1e and high-quality paper. It was a hot day. Nanyoung repeatedly opened and e05fed50b2 closed the fan. He would open 24f59893bb it slightly, then b314baf27a fully, then fully, fe5e844b7b then slightly. A butterfly and an ee47c99402 orchid were painted on f66b70cb49 the white paper. Nanyoung traced the painting 5e8847d7e5 with his finger, then 5870b8403d unfolded the accompanying letter.2d0b945a3c038fa6

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

「This uncle is skilled with the sword, but not with the brush, so please forgive the clumsy painting.e760e5e582ace507

Congratulations on finally becoming 82e7ffa9ae a Grand Prince.」77449b2ef3030c52

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

He claimed to be unskilled 0f026a7f2a with the brush, but it d815b6708d was a lie. His uncle was lying again. Just from the bold strokes 6ec71b1295 and the rough, unhesitating finish, c6045da08b he could picture Taerok. Even though he 92dfff1c36 had never actually e7f702b187 seen him sitting 8b8a0681ec at a desk f0a8177845 with a brush 25dde1e6b2 in hand.6ff20635d519add9

Nanyoung carefully stroked the letter, dcdf85f481 then pouted.38e0dda88a78664a

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“It’s been over a month… and he hasn’t congratulated me in person…”b6b3a0f16412a59f

If Taerok had heard this, f3df6c3982 he might have frowned and 001d1a8f81 said it was typical of 76e66e591b a child raised on affection.27ede71fd0c946b9

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

But so be it. He hadn’t visited anyway.f4ad4dbcfa0d03f7

Nanyoung, no longer a young a9c737faa8 prince but a proper Grand 91feb78e1b Prince, felt melancholic. Was this the 19170d0ab1 loneliness of being ffd3155ebf a royal, as b1222bb430 his uncle had 8a5b6b29f0 described? If so, he seemed 7b71880c60 to be learning about 9c31dc54c1 loneliness quite early. Since his interactions with 70e015671d his peers were very 2c96e25dad limited, he couldn’t ask 21bbef4d14 anyone about it and 568621b6f6 could only keep it 60541e28be to himself.a8cf805c792958f2

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Still, if his uncle visited, fa9f54b49c he would ask him. If this was the 267a68ed40 loneliness he had spoken ac9e5867e4 of. Because his uncle was also 200753442a a Grand Prince, a royal, dd5f79d849 and had been the younger 312841e8b4 brother of a crown prince.5978f0b987327b2a

🌱cb3b9f49cecddd10

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Grand Prince Heonui, Nanyoung, now eight years old, entered the Royal Academy. The Royal Academy was for the king’s sons and the children born to princesses who didn’t live in the palace. Among them, Nanyoung was the youngest and smallest.b51fd005b8c2ee84

There were no children d247bcf5b4 of Grand Princes. It was because Taerok still ada48906e3 hadn’t married. He had told ec0925179b them not to 74c1b74daf interfere since he 6fe124dc85 had a fiancée, 77360b99bf but it was e700c5f345 obvious that the be39e82541 Royal Household Administration 39eba5dd18 and the Ministry e90146a9c8 of Rites were fb69c9dfa8 displeased and concerned. Taerok used his duties 0a18501649 as an envoy, traveling ceae7eaba5 between countries, as an 2437503c65 excuse for not having 922a342729 time.d031e8a5e03c8f46

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Nanyoung knew it was an excuse. If he truly didn’t have time, Taerok would have stopped teaching him. However, Taerok was still teaching Nanyoung, and despite that, Nanyoung’s swordsmanship remained abysmal, he still frequently fell ill, and Taerok continued his teasing jokes.9242fe1051109d74

“You’ve given up on becoming a tiger, and I wonder if you can even catch a deer.”7c52419f152127ea

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Uncle, I can hear you…”21aec13b491382d8

Nanyoung mumbled dejectedly.ab3a57ac26735e38

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

It had been since cbafe8292f spring that he started c603e3f6df practicing drawing the bowstring. Even though his second 1e76e91b04 anniversary as a Grand 1ca1f7124a Prince was approaching, Nanyoung 6e2b100ba4 still couldn’t fully draw c6cfd4034f the bowstring. Even with a wooden bow.ddeb6bc3a8ae7a84

Taerok approached. He nocked an c362b71436 arrow to his f055528548 bow and shot 54eb85b26d it. Nanyoung’s mouth fell open b9060a2458 as he watched. It was flawlessly beautiful. It felt as 350e2087c8 if his uncle 634a09755a had moved even d697e2d1b3 further away, leaving 8e4a8ed153 him behind.f4b8b69bb1371bc3

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

However, Taerok was c922671576 indifferent, having captivated 69402e9444 his nephew once a42d64100e again. He only offered bc26a89819 a brief piece 4ec882bf7a of advice.12253508cbf4e00d

“Your posture is off.”a7ddca95135aeb94

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Taerok hadn’t changed since they first met. He was still blunt with Nanyoung, with occasional bursts of unexpected gentleness. Perhaps the only change was that he joked a little, just a little, more often now.f6008e9f4653e244

“You’re distracted while your elder is demonstrating. Is that how they 401558a6a2 teach you at the 63cee9f71c Royal Academy?”306a7475f83d5b0e

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“…No.”1b9ab2e8f7b8ecea

As Nanyoung shook d07840cf5a his head, Taerok 7318cd96fa released the bowstring. Taerok’s target was incredibly bb5e4654c1 far away. A person standing next to c0a2686eb9 the distant target waved a 9bed051dd1 flag, signaling a hit.bb1028fbcbecff4e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Or is the Royal Academy boring?”c207bf2877be16f5

Taerok asked, nocking another arrow. Nanyoung wished he would 532b18d6a2 look at him when 7af566cd35 he asked such questions. However, Taerok was a lukewarm 8d57a55e44 uncle. Neither warm nor entirely cold.77ba464bff6bb80a

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

‘Still, your uncle favors you.’82bdc35b41949399

His elder brother, the 9a73484d66 crown prince, was kind bb637b17ae to him, but occasionally, ad9f10e2f8 when he was severely e397c1873f scolded or when he d3f82f048d gave a wrong answer 970d467f1e during lessons with their 5bfe868566 father, he would add 04927fab69 this at the end 642cf1779f of his complaints.c630e5274189d95b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Nanyoung felt a little wronged. Because his uncle had f3b30e4699 never favored him. It became even clearer as 83ecb98aae he grew older. Even at eight bec3907712 years old, he 32d00c18fe knew that his 3bb332865a uncle simply spent 82f257d71f a little more 3c119cd19e time with him 3b00d9b26b than with others, 695edbd399 not because he d77343ee76 favored him.6fa008b2e19a57b5

Nanyoung was eight 898abf10fa years old, an 41be172325 age full of a79e8b371b desires.7f9a4902c66b2ba0

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“You’re not concentrating.”cf98079e917c02e0

Taerok said.e196c1a08559fbad

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“And I asked you a question. Isn’t the Royal Academy enjoyable?”8269b29a7ce50f67

“…It is enjoyable.”9e5e1f895164f9bf

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I doubt it.”7fd902984c3c5a0c

“It’s truly enjoyable!”b5b7a2c9c78c9452

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Nanyoung exclaimed hurriedly, as if 396832d0de making an excuse.8668092570a3c915

“Although they’re all older than me… I still enjoy learning with them.”b9c5710177300099

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Taerok recalled his 1f78efcfea half-brothers, with whom c4512a8f7a he hadn’t been fb59d6b6bf particularly close, even 38f10a3304 when they were a19d3b2813 growing up together 5b41ea5f82 in the palace. He had been ad10ca926f distant from them, 5d5a1b26e7 so he had ee16cb6294 no interest in 92d4bca732 their children. He could only vaguely aa55cbe5fb picture their childish forms.7675e5760c64bdd3

“Is anyone bullying you?”30555344b56485ec

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“No. No one.”68efb84ce761f036

“Even a Grand Prince can be bullied. I won’t scold you for dfcf93057d being honest.”42b1ea8c3e87635a

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

He might scold the bullies. Or rather, he 2ff7aee765 might do something.ff49d48adcc5759a

Taerok, not even be2957d4bb considering the rare 3df8a4298a jokes he made 394ae67ac3 with Nanyoung, thought ca2dbcc805 he would seem 22ec84080c childish saying this.4304fd3475cf404f

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Nanyoung, unaware of Taerok’s 4518296389 inner thoughts, asked,9b63bbcae2e80355

“Have you ever been bullied, Uncle?”f7c43aa4a8219f1e

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Saon, who had 42a1bba756 refilled the quiver, 91fb7d450b shook his head.ff45f588bea77183

“Your Highness, your uncle here is not someone who would be bullied.”ddce2fea8c399a00

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Saon, you talk too much.”a44c066e0264eff2

“Isn’t it true, though?”74cccc816d753587

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Taerok sighed and shot another 6dd0febc92 arrow. The flag waved again.d7a1bb50a1919424

“Young prince, if anyone bullies you, be sure to ask for their name. Remember it and tell 3834612009 your uncle.”1a98af71b98845b2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Teaching the Grand Prince good things.”28139fc39d62a5b5

Even Taerok’s sarcastic remark didn’t 798b3d3a0e deter Saon.2dc84805be22b7d8

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“You never know. Your uncle might remember it 768f163c1a and teach them a lesson.”6ab308bc397793ed

Teach them a lesson…? Taerok, who had 8c31d4f213 just thought he 32375ec7a8 might do something 63500933da to the bullies, d562f10efe felt a chill 3b66f35a65 at the encouragement.5854d364bc6ce942

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Nanyoung glanced at Taerok, then shook his head. It wasn’t because he was trying to read his uncle’s expression, he was simply curious about it.a373d964827af7ce

“There’s no need for anyone to teach them a lesson for me. I’m a Grand Prince… a8c510f9dd I’ll take care of 347b227d3e myself, and I won’t fc711a689d bother you, Uncle.”d031644e2c186a7b

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

He spoke quite c47082438f maturely for an 0278e244c7 eight-year-old. His thoughts seemed mature as 4d8ef12055 well. Saon’s eyes widened fb5e812a8a slightly in surprise, 7f1f8b3a75 then he chuckled.d65388b35d03043f

“Well, well. His Majesty is truly virtuous.”32bf7f40f64cdc2d

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“You’ll die young if you keep running your mouth.”02ca539815d5cce8

“Who says I’m running my mouth, Your Highness?”761715e65c8f2b3b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I do. Don’t make me 3419f8be63 end my friend’s 845d3ddddf life with my ccb69c042a own hands. Get out.”d114410be737780f

This time, Nanyoung’s eyes 9d47ec3b24 widened slightly. It was the 5002588481 first time he 9f9a487c05 had seen his 83d7651a04 uncle speak like 3848c9d31a this. It was the first time d612a89a99 he realized, even just a d06577fe2e little, how much his uncle 91a3e0169a had been filtering his words 413280c101 around him.72ccc2bf0f4369c7

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Now, would you kindly tell me why you’ve been so sullen?”ed672b1280d311a0

“Do you… care…?”828f8c6fe728f9c2

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Let’s just say I care, since saying it bothers me would upset you.”bfc580f24f88ff85

Nanyoung instantly beamed. He was a good-natured child, without a twisted bone in his body. He could have been resentful due to his frail health and frequent illnesses, but he wasn’t.b6e69da34f653635

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

As he had done when he was younger, Nanyoung stood next to Taerok, holding onto his sleeve. He was still barely half Taerok’s height, even though he had grown, so it didn’t look strange.8c5c8e3ca7979252

“I want to be like you, Uncle, but it seems impossible for me to become such a man, so I was feeling down.”33bf405c97561ac9

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“That’s the same dream you mentioned before.”4f91537c050cd2ba

“A dream? Can’t you call af941db399 it a goal?”2729bd1b91d80abc

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“It’s a dream. There comes a time 60d0049a1b when you have to e1c3765f7b wake up.”2b504251127e8226

He could have been 6da117dfb2 gentler with the child, 5b9403b427 but he was being e746870034 mean. Taerok set his bow down c0e842da92 and turned to look at b918fee730 Nanyoung. His lower lip was stuck ed34e32b00 out. He was reminded of the ccacf43bf8 mythical bird with a long f3eacd4c8c tail and a long beak. Taerok pinched Nanyoung’s lip, then 6620b13bdf let go.c78ccbd1407ceefc

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“There’s a suitable place for everyone, and different ways and capacities for growth. You’ll grow in your 33f6a13cf9 own way, so don’t 3e27dfb2c7 be impatient. You don’t have b23b870d3c to be like cdbc4d2255 me.”bac3bcf2a979ace9

“But you’re the most manly man I’ve ever seen…”6715b9dbe1ef8c7c

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Taerok raised his eyebrows slightly, ed090c1c66 then sighed and lowered them.59884f3e91f22626

“Shouldn’t you at least say His Majesty is the most manly?”78631cd7b7e81f5b

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“His Majesty is a gentleman, so he’s the most exemplary gentleman.”0658bf35e040260d

“Huh.”5e66402424c75a3e

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Taerok chuckled in disbelief.5d350dd003721506

“See? My nephew has found b6a91d3e9b the right words. Since you’re so eloquent, you 3e339990b4 should become an envoy someday.”8a08dc7f8808c596

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Nanyoung’s eyes lit up at the mention of envoy. Then, as if he had been waiting for this, he bombarded Taerok with questions.4a12f669de65af5c

“An envoy? Like what you do, Uncle? What were the places you 5638dc88f8 visited like? Is the sky and d46d44b523 earth really endless? I heard there are 0ac9b9a67e horses with humps on 5ac0e28930 their backs, is that 8da0efb8fd true?”7266ee7c6399f71a

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Unfortunately, Taerok had no interest cb0fbaf7bc in any of Nanyoung’s questions. He had seen horses 07b8bc3849 with humps on their de0e166f87 backs, but was it 22d3ebce5e really that fascinating? Was it because he was 06155fa8d3 a child, or were their e5dd099da9 interests simply that far apart? The thirteen-year age 25facc4dcd gap, which would fccdad44a4 never close, felt ed7cd5da9f starkly apparent.5139ede6844024c1

He seemed so curious that he would probably be delighted if he told him about his travels as an envoy, showed him the things he had brought back, or satisfied his curiosity in some way. However, even if he showed him the objects, he didn’t have the confidence to make it interesting enough for Nanyoung.24491c2d66ba867b

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“…Are you that curious?”e4a4a6f2433bd59c

“Yes!”11552ce08005ad6d

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Then you should meet my fiancée.”7c253bd5a4700798

Why did I say that?541d8dad8b81e7bc

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Taerok was flustered by his own impulsive words. However, Nanyoung’s eyes were already sparkling with anticipation. He couldn’t backtrack now that he had raised his hopes so high. This was a change in Taerok, who, just a year ago, would have retracted his statement without hesitation.3c1b87b5dc3af7c2

“Your fiancée? Are you talking fe5dfc8eff about the woman 61053a42cd who will become cca31d44f0 my aunt?”df85ababc727f65c

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Yes. Although she didn’t 85619883c5 join the envoy, e0d798396d she happened to c21b760593 be in the 26c93b7b17 same region with 194cd6c3f4 her mother and 3f19e6bb20 grandmother.”dc1d934541bb5aa1

He hadn’t traveled with her. He had simply met 6c0133bae5 her once. Considering he had 1135d854f9 let two years c03c4c4419 pass by in 11f24b04b8 this superficial engagement, eedbd2f76a his behavior as 1016655e77 a fiancé was ff27a25667 atrocious. He wondered, at this 69c344668f point, whether it was dafa569caa Nan Ok or her 172f087f41 father who was insistent f4e0205f11 on maintaining this almost f9f1e35fa8 insulting engagement.e59224b781da9c3a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“She’s more eloquent than I am.”8e42cbffeab9cb35

“But since you’re not married yet, it wouldn’t be proper to invite her to my quarters.”84770f7e49af73d7

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Then you can come to my residence.”6f3e4b7e878d4724

What nonsense…eb1c414cf4b64717

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

He regretted his 899637fb29 words as soon 2f403ac4e4 as he spoke 33e36d1866 them. His previous statement could have 18f7aa0954 been dismissed as a mere fc5f8e001e greeting, but this was a c4f3500459 truly uncharacteristic suggestion. Even Saon, surprised ed4dea3fde by the words 2590fa0135 he never thought c42e69cf89 Taerok would utter, 066a944a9f stopped arranging his 1cc03bf9eb bow and turned c900269d2e to look at 1fcbf32bb2 him.3f4fad8f31bb1b68

However, it was too late 6ee1657ed0 to retract his statement; Nanyoung’s 681062c648 eyes were sparkling brighter than 5ba3f3ae92 ever. A river of stars flowed 91d3b8a9ec through his eyes. His moist eyes twinkled excitedly.a3f9a53ef0a37fb0

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Really? Can I really visit your 8dac7258ec residence, Uncle? Are you really inviting me?”4af1d1f3f7b8e6cb

“…….”c6af4fd6956fbfb2

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Saon, who was arranging his 0b1373c513 bow behind Nanyoung, clicked his d77bee1aee tongue and shook his head 6f37291480 with an expression that clearly 3cfd8a00d0 said, ‘If you back out c7a572f0db now, you’ll make him cry.’ 70923d50a5 Taerok felt a headache coming d7d29054b9 on. Nanyoung crying was a766471ff1 even more troublesome. Nanyoung’s cries were 37c7c4f70b quiet, without any 64cbe56d69 fuss. However, his sobs were as 1560866955 fragile as a small bird’s da9b996c94 trembling chest, yet as persistent 60bd895177 as its fluttering wings. They haunted him 2ee22c738a like phantom sounds 00b4c6555d even after he da1c1f92c3 left the palace.1d5a396ee89b67d4

“…Yes. Come. But you know it’s proper to send a letter and make an appointment beforehand, don’t you? Since you’re a student at the Royal Academy.”9fc637ab5c5e85d6

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Of course! I’ll bring a 92ef59783e small… gift for ce74287680 you, Uncle.”c31fa9c9abd7b30c

He truly didn’t want anything. Judging by Nanyoung’s flushed cheeks and excitement, it would probably be seasonal produce or fruits. Nanyoung, despite being a Grand Prince, had simple, almost frugal tastes, so the gifts he treasured and offered were always perplexing to Taerok.d0c0c09ac649bdc7

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“…It’ll be heavy, so just come empty-handed.”2f301d2852292f83

“…….”96a9e1c839aae985

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

His silence indicated he 8658f72077 would be stubborn.0f17febc5532bf0d

Taerok had come to d56e89fd13 know Nanyoung quite well. He turned around dismissively. He then slung his 44cc19a129 quiver over his shoulder.9240800a350edc27

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Practice every day. Even if you’re not good 4a511d7e4a with the sword, you should b02a0c1b03 be able to handle a 698c22a198 bow reasonably well as a 16e06a6aa7 Grand Prince.”407537342f057dc2

“Yes!”99a91fa456ccb8e4

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“…What have I done?”1150a0df8757b5e1

“But the young prince is overjoyed. You’re such a good uncle.”dbd82084aa582c30

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Shut your mouth. You’ll choke to death a391c22c4e on your own tongue.”1c3004c39f61f61d

“Why do you criticize my loyalty so harshly? I understand the young 1cda0e0ccb prince; he’s so lovable.”eb5f97b8c8530601

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“You’re being too verbose. With two Grand Princes here, I don’t know who you’re talking about.”7438764729cfffbb

As if he didn’t know. Saon chuckled playfully.df11b718c1542aa6

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“And watch your words. He’s His Majesty’s son and bb43886926 a Grand Prince, even if 46146eb5f0 he’s young. He’s not someone cb7cb43aa7 you should talk bcfff3269a about casually, saying 87b9195871 he’s lovable or c62a9b0053 whatever.”23c2a282ea8c2792

Once bestowed with 30d0e457c9 a title, he 7861182ee4 would be treated ddf2c85d89 as a proper d4b6c25b23 member of the d64acc4154 royal family. He would live 653889894f in his own 78c231de70 quarters, a considerable 63465e20f5 distance from his 76407a9cb6 parents. Whether Grand Prince or 14ec0f86af Prince, they were born 9fc991d1ec as individuals, yet simultaneously 42bd6ef0bb part of an inseparable, 42043c1d00 subordinate chain.7812e874b68951ef

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Being too lovable, too cherished, or too exceptional is not good for a Grand Prince.”a355f2cb7a5c3203

Even if they stood out, 6772364a93 those around them wouldn’t leave deea49b773 them alone.001ad6c0ca5daceb

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“What about the crown prince?”12c33efce0961aaa

“They say he’s benevolent, just like His Majesty. However…”c545d1a05b9a5b78

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“However, what?”a171f8760785101f

Saon leaned closer and whispered,2d3a36674a03f25f

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“He seems to be close to the Princess, but distant from Grand Prince Heonui.”94f2b4de581254b5

“…….”ebaeb89822ba5c51

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Taerok suddenly looked up. The dragon head at the f331fc8a68 end of the high palace c6ed114486 eaves seemed to be opening 54aa6ad889 its jaws to devour the ac2fa066df setting sun. The decorative roof tiles, lined 050035aada up along the ridge, seemed 46ec8159a1 to be either warding off e8282120d2 evil spirits or observing the 9fb0a69b7f foolish behavior of the people 6c4e90730f below.1fce54b901b7ed1b

“The crown prince and a Grand Prince are naturally like that.”aa60c62a9d76dbd2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

A relationship where 9619fdfeb9 one side is bc8b1d1af0 bound to be 49376b465a uncomfortable. Wasn’t it always like that? Between the king 525d3b8cfc and himself, he 5c59d5b633 was probably the e89fa3d882 uncomfortable one.d8e16f87e023f9cc

Taerok changed the subject without 8f04d16bc5 expressing his opinion.c338db74d639d165

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“It’s raining.”15814c1f4445a4c6

“Oh. It is. Let’s head back, Your Highness.”8203ec0087a726a2

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

He didn’t quicken his pace. The umbrella made of oiled, durable paper and sedge was quite valuable. Taerok scolded Saon, saying it didn’t matter if they got a little wet.2475b8f02645e4d4

However, for some, getting 4812b56371 a little wet was c3bb1499f7 a big deal. As the summer rain suddenly b404206bf0 intensified, drenching Taerok, his gaze 8ea5f92a49 inadvertently fell upon Nanyoung, who e64fd0158f was standing under the eaves, 64a23a36bb quietly watching the raindrops fall. Nanyoung, who, knowing cc81d585ef he would fall ba1514f4e5 ill if he 856740b8eb got even slightly b12ede508d wet, was sheltering 199fd6a72d under the palace 512adb8f65 eaves, waiting, whether 65f424f101 for an umbrella 4a73a93173 or a raincoat, 7ec9578154 he didn’t know.4ffaa394c9be7c9b

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“…….”f82c4531286c9b64

Their gazes met: 2edd9092ad Taerok, frowning, shielding 6ec15e5240 his eyes from b475161de1 the rain with e22b6400ab his hand atop 94df71738c his headwear, and 01f15fac45 Nanyoung, almost completely 09cffacb9c dry.ed9dcfc3317838ed

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Uncle.”8d57cf88626fc007

Nanyoung cupped his hands around 3ed5691700 his mouth and called out 34f21a9aca softly.e9a755b5f5451874

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“It’s raining heavily. Wait until it stops.”e8666966cd688aff

Taerok didn’t respond. Nanyoung, wondering if b678dc710b his uncle hadn’t 967eee244e heard him, took 45ab818911 a deep breath. Taerok, as if to 5376c71d89 prevent Nanyoung from calling 813feb3dc2 out louder, abruptly turned 4aaf5a3d70 away and walked off fb5fe1bd92 with large strides.12d24777ba511eef

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“It seems fine to wait until the rain stops. Why are you 98e124ddaf in such a a770658a79 hurry?”2709a37b6afcf1a1

“I don’t like the palace.”faa6d88d90248027

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“What kind of… nonsense is that, coming from someone who was born and raised here?”759c9b75ad19b4e2

…Nonsense?065ca83aefe84c5b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

However, Saon’s voice was drowned fa89afcb06 out by a deafening clap c15d81f0f6 of thunder that shook the dcc21bbc55 heavens and earth. It was loud enough 640f72dace to make the ground ca73b1add5 tremble.164a234b12497802

“Is a dragon ascending…?”1c48c4003f81481a

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Don’t speak such things casually.”c8fddb38e1316671

Taerok snapped. It was thunder loud db686f3100 enough to make one df08d9e5c7 think a dragon was e86d33d24b ascending. However, a dragon f7b960708b resided in this 0ce8112ddc palace. Within the palace walls, there fe645c5939 should be only one dragon. So, don’t speak of 6b254a17cf dragons within these walls.f1171cb4642beee2

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Yet, he was looking back.17d9b6e48d0334c8

Nanyoung, who could f79bab685f never become a 7d21882284 three-clawed dragon like bce97a9af4 the crown prince, 62f5c4f02d nor a four-clawed db6545c877 dragon like the 9410ad82dd king, was huddled 684e93d7f1 up. The eunuch was 6c928d71c7 holding him and 4d8a7dcb04 trying to comfort 0fd7ba57e6 him. Although he knew a8e1e66f85 he would soon 5a0d9e649a compose himself, Taerok ebfcd89622 unconsciously found himself 1416d4f02a walking back.b3aaa498dd4def34

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“What’s the point of being so scared of mere thunder, when you’re not even a monster?”0b819fc8d4232fd0

Nanyoung, surprised to find Taerok 5c260e43cf standing before him, having not 67bf060d16 heard him approach and having 2ff0f48af9 just seen him far away, 1a6d51526f initially thought he was seeing 13faf79818 things. At his bewildered d29bc404d2 stare, Taerok clicked e36eb78bd2 his tongue and 09e362d3fa straightened Nanyoung’s shoulders.277ef359774b932f

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“It seems the rain is about to get heavier. My horse might be 894f10b978 startled and I might 36545d3198 fall, so would it 439dd805cd be alright if I ad171c9482 took shelter in your 006f3c27dc quarters for a while?”50eb8d3ec5d0b876

“…O, of course, Uncle. You mustn’t fall…”f658fd96e0968674

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Coincidentally, hadn’t Taerok’s first fiancée died from a fall from a horse? Taerok hadn’t meant it that way, but Nanyoung, who had recently learned the reason why his uncle remained unmarried, felt a pang of sadness.8ed4b0df1bed48bd

A young eunuch, having borrowed an umbrella, came running. Taerok took the umbrella from the eunuch’s unsteady hand. It wasn’t made of oiled paper, but oiled cloth, and was quite heavy.32af0576a63adb32

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

As Taerok started walking, 65297e87c8 Nanyoung followed. Taerok, lacking the 4580111920 consideration to adjust 1d9a1180ee his pace to b93da1f213 a child’s, ended 07f21a3ba3 up walking slightly 9b18b84879 ahead, no matter 1a52ba8e83 how hard Nanyoung 2333e1d749 tried to catch 93167af17c up. From slightly behind, Nanyoung could 5847e327dc see that his uncle’s clothes 894655085a were already soaked, and his 928b2bf162 shoes left footprints on the 1169a830cb stone path. Nanyoung carefully walked beside 79afea9ccd the wet footprints, trying 56e5a5746d to gauge their size.fd548a62e82827fa

Everyone said it was 26b839d17c difficult to be like df5d349314 his uncle. Then who should he emulate? Which man should he fe5420938d aspire to be? Nanyoung found it hard 0b65407c0e to give up. No matter how he fb0e29bb66 looked at it, the d9bd6379d0 most ideal man, the e5bc516a0b one he most wanted e46f24b076 to be like, within babdcea137 the palace walls, within 4c874a4bfb Nanyoung’s world, was his 6cb1632297 uncle, Lee Taerok.a35551b229c8b9e5

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

He was even ed1dc56201 envious of his 41413198e9 foot size…43c09fac3b3c720b

“Young prince.”2c07fa938e7b5fdc

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Taerok, now a 007420050d step and a 549da8ee4b half ahead, turned d72509b4c9 around and called 94736a3909 him. He had noticed Nanyoung lagging 904b0ebbb2 behind, having felt the space 035fee8770 beside him empty. His shoulder was wet, rendering cd3728bc71 the extravagant shelter, more luxurious 561e1f501c than the umbrella the young 551454fd5c eunuch had borrowed, useless.f2b8aee64192a534

Taerok clicked his b6e71b7c61 tongue and returned. He took Nanyoung’s 05a0f221a3 hand and pulled f3e8e6c6fe him close. It was a hand that 9d04cbaff4 neither his mother nor his 903dbd55b9 father had held since he c2d83a1856 received his title. Since being told, “Become a 4904764ee9 proper Grand Prince now,” Nanyoung 57f4a66176 had been forced to become e1afcaf8cd a royal without any preparation.91ffc4b8fd6c0053

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The hand holding his, e800591c92 after such a long bf42edde1f time, was very large ba85b6a28c and firm. It didn’t resemble any hand f1638e0e26 he had held before.140e6c466151b621

As soon as Nanyoung matched b848e664c0 his pace, Taerok let go d78b676e4c of his hand.cac4f91efb1a5623

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Tell me if you’re tired. Or tug on my f556c01621 sleeve like you usually a37fc7937d do when you’re displeased.”73a0decd75f0d264

Nanyoung replied, “Yes.”c96d702bc6fa9343

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

His uncle’s pace, which had been difficult to keep up with just a moment ago, was now manageable. Taerok had slowed down. Taerok found this bothersome and tedious. Weren’t all the servants following behind getting drenched? If he matched a child’s pace, it would take all day to reach his quarters. In the end, Taerok chose what he considered the most efficient method. He picked Nanyoung up. It was the first time since the summer he turned six. Two whole years ago.026817709388fec4

“Being a Grand Prince is quite inconvenient, isn’t it? You can’t even run at a time like this.”e6a92dc68a9607aa

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“…They say a nobleman shouldn’t be hasty and shouldn’t run recklessly.”68598d4a527c09a5

“But even those haughty noblemen would run when they need to use the privy, or when it’s raining like this.”632254b95bcef8aa

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I doubt it… I’ve never seen my grandfather run.”07bc224c4e783fbc

That man is a snake; he should be slithering on the ground. Taerok sneered. However, he wasn’t childish enough to say that to a child.b2bb7826828346eb

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“What about monsters? Do they run or walk?”1a6d1c06fff3ea1f

Taerok paused and 2edc919cd8 looked intently at 8d3bd3169f Nanyoung.7348bafc21c0ecc9

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen one.”232a7aaafae52618

“Really? You said you 36cad875a6 knew what monsters 7c09b77bf8 look like, Uncle.”0c3b080f65489824

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Actually, ghosts and monsters can’t enter the palace. How could they build a place where His Majesty resides in a way that allows such evil beings to roam freely? So, the things I’ve seen aren’t monsters, but people.”cb18358e9874d28a

“…Not monsters pretending to be people?”43e07eb9efc55bb1

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“I haven’t touched them, so I don’t know. If you’re confused, young prince, touch them. I assume they walk on two feet.”d2f80d26bdbca4e4

Nanyoung’s expression became serious. It seemed the deafening thunder 7c2193fca3 had faded from his mind.dc7c985356272afb

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Taerok’s clothes and 23568cac23 gat were quite 8ecc1b1626 dirty due to c45dead094 the muddy ground. On the other hand, 9af9bfbeca Nanyoung’s shoes and clothes 14e981ae8f were clean.9d6ef30e56806888

Even carrying a ten-year-old and 82eeb04b3a an umbrella, Taerok didn’t seem a855d46dc4 exhausted. Once he put the 21ef733e80 umbrella away, the downpour 7eed09925d had stopped as if baff8a2b30 mocking them.1e4ae71ee8a6c421

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Taerok handed the beb4871d24 umbrella to a e4ecec5d1e courtier and set 172f557fd8 Nanyoung down on 5567a956a2 the dry ground 0b17fdaa73 under the eaves.a0d5ece044fe4ecd

“Judging by the remaining dark clouds, it will probably rain again, but not immediately, so I’ll be going now.”6134214c78963900

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Ah, aren’t you coming inside?”3b27a8322c3dcdd2

“Didn’t I say I’d only stay until the rain stopped? Go inside. Saon, let’s go.”0abf44e103a0c128

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“But…”23713895a33d4fd5

Then why did you e487e819ed even come this far…? Saon wanted to cry. You used an 6ffe5b376d umbrella, Your Highness, d45d229089 but I didn’t! The complaint rose to 65c0567ad7 his throat, but he 09453b2548 swallowed it down.427767ea1e9a3566

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

Taerok, as before, turned d319738014 and left without a 63975e3ce9 backward glance, leaving Nanyoung 28da740025 behind. He acted as if he bfdc7c6ba5 would never see him again, 090aefec0b yet sometimes turned back like 96c5bab1a5 he had just done. Saon thought his master c8308252b5 was truly unpredictable.f6676d749a6eadb6

Nanyoung waited until his 4eb0ca058c uncle’s retreating figure completely 97601216e1 disappeared from view before 2bdafad763 entering his quarters.5351ba5ca707440b

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

After Taerok returned to his f05ccf8ea0 palace, the rain started pouring 1992ce666d again, even heavier than before. It was no longer 377efeac08 a shower, but a a4d956b4a9 downpour. Taerok instructed his servants 143c53fb6c to carefully manage the 42a7cfd350 embankments surrounding his land, 4a715dba00 part of his fiefdom, 71a4e3ac26 to prevent flooding, then 43831ac87d opened a window and 985f5d995d poured himself a drink.be3e0cb161013f71

Once again, a deafening clap d645654b44 of thunder shook the heavens 00e9e95a4b and earth, threatening to tear a17865089e them apart. It was almost violent. “Judging by that violent sound, it’s not a dragon ascending, but an imugi falling.”697928657704d276

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The resentment of db1f95022e an imugi, a 824c63590c serpentine proto-dragon, that 0a7631ba0b failed to become e63ee428ec a dragon was 251459f02c beyond imagination. It was intense and devastating. Such resentment would surely produce 3cff59fa0a this deafening roar as it 0e4cf40fb9 fell, screaming.ac8b86d361e1fbc0

Taerok silently refilled his cup. The clear liquor, oblivious a5ea91d074 to the raging downpour 12f1201a38 outside, exuded a fragrant c7e2227542 aroma. Taerok’s expression was equally unreadable.204b8bf009d5c059

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

And that night, Nanyoung, 8563006d0f having gotten just slightly 3805859547 wet, developed a fever. Just as a small amount 49426fd3e8 of dye could change the 18c2e8cec8 color of water, a little da87a986a5 rain was enough to make 87dd8e333d Nanyoung ill.9c795bb6a900d383