BYBM Chapter 2 (Part 3)

Even someone like Yoo Hyun-jin—someone who had never been in an intimate, personal relationship—could recognize it for what it was.

His shoulders tensed, his breath hitching as he finally looked up.

Hyun Tae-oh met his gaze, his face utterly impassive.

But his dark eyes, sharp as ever, held an undeniable knowing.

A flicker of amusement ghosted across his expression, as if pleased that Yoo Hyun-jin had understood.

Then, as if nothing had happened, he bowed politely and turned to leave.

Yoo Hyun-jin stood there, blinking in sheer disorientation, watching his retreating figure.

Until—

“Hyung…?”

A voice, quiet yet laced with something terrifying, curled at the edge of his ear.

“Don’t you think there’s something you need to explain to me…?”

Before he knew it, he was grabbed by the collar and dragged back into his room.

* * *

“I didn’t intend to say that much, but that little pup was being irritating… Tsk.”

Lost in thought, Hyun Tae-oh clicked his tongue as he muttered to himself. Jin Mun-seong, who had been standing behind him and looking at the painting on the wall, turned around with a puzzled expression.

Hyun Tae-oh had barely spoken on the way from the temple residence to Jeonghye Palace, lost in his thoughts. A faint crease had formed between his brows, so Jin Mun-seong hadn’t bothered to start a conversation.

“Mun-seong. Have you ever been in a relationship?”

Jin Mun-seong blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question.

“What kind of relationship are you referring to?”

“The kind where you become very close to a specific person with the premise of a serious future. Most people call it a romantic relationship.”

Jin Mun-seong stared blankly at Hyun Tae-oh. He swallowed down the words, Have you ever even given me the time for that? and simply answered.

“I’ve met a few people, but if it requires the premise of a ‘serious future,’ then no, I haven’t.”

“Yeah, me neither. Not that I have any particular desire to.”

He also swallowed down the words, Says the man who has lived as the princess’s fiancé.

“Why are you asking all of a sudden?”

“Ah, it just felt like I let something slip by mistake… Never mind. I was going to see him multiple times anyway, so let’s just consider it part of that.”

“…Are you saying you’ve decided to pursue a relationship?”

Jin Mun-seong asked. He didn’t bother asking who. Considering where he had parked the carriage just moments ago while waiting for Hyun Tae-oh, there was no need.

Hyun Tae-oh didn’t even glance at him, nor did he answer.

Jin Mun-seong opened his mouth to say something but closed it again. He was a wise aide, after all.

The afternoon sun poured into the courtyard visible from Jeonghye Palace’s reception room. It was neatly and comfortably arranged, yet somehow exuded an air of unyielding precision—just like its owner.

Her Highness of Jeonghye Palace was running late for some reason. The tea that had been set out in advance was already half gone.

But Hyun Tae-oh, unconcerned, remained deep in thought, silently staring down at his own hand. His fingers moved slowly, as if brushing something away, and then, suddenly, he blurted out another absurd statement.

“When I heard about people committing sexual harassment, I always wondered—why would anyone do something so foolish and meaningless?”

“…Did you?”

“I didn’t intend to, but after the fact, I started wondering if it might have been sexual harassment.”

“Most people who commit sexual harassment say something like that in their defense.”

“No, what I meant to do was shake hands. Just a handshake. But that expression—”

Hyun Tae-oh frowned slightly.

The sensation still lingered in his hands, resurfacing along with the memory.

The moment he grabbed hold of him, the nape of his neck had turned a faint shade of red. It was the same color he had noticed when he first touched him.

That color had stood out oddly in his vision. Then, as he came to his senses, he realized the man seemed flustered. His face had remained indifferent and expressionless, but his eyelashes flickered more rapidly than usual. …Ah, he was shaken. He only realized it then.

Like someone who had just endured something unspeakable, he had pressed his lips tightly together, and that reddish hue had spread across his face.

And the sensation lingering at his fingertips—the feeling of that palm. It was like rubbing the soft, weak belly of a young animal.

“That bastard… what the hell is his problem?”

Hyun Tae-oh muttered to himself again, lost in thought.

“Pardon?”

“If you think about it, I’ve never done anything to Yoo Hyun-jin. Not once have I treated him badly. If anything, I’ve only ever been good to him. But even so, from the very beginning, he’s always looked like he hated me. Ever since we were kids.”

“Well… that’s probably because most people fear Your Excellency.”

“If he were afraid of me, he wouldn’t glare at me with those sharp eyes every time we crossed paths. He always looks uncomfortable, always tries to avoid me.”

Clicking his tongue, Hyun Tae-oh muttered again. Jin Mun-seong gave him an odd look.

As far as Jin Mun-seong knew, Hyun Tae-oh was a man utterly indifferent to others. He had never cared about the emotions people harbored toward him. If someone annoyed him, he simply removed them from his sight—cleanly and without hesitation.

“Well… people can react that way not only when they hate someone but also when they fear them. Or… who knows? Maybe, rather—”

Jin Mun-seong glanced up at the ceiling, just about to voice his thought.

At that moment, the reception room door opened, and Je Sang-ah entered.

Hyun Tae-oh rose from his seat, and Jin Mun-seong stepped back, positioning himself neatly near the wall.

“Apologies for keeping you waiting. I was expecting an important message, and of all times, it arrived just now.”

“It’s no trouble.”

Je Sang-ah sat across from Hyun Tae-oh with a bright smile. He returned the smile before settling back into his seat.

It was their first time meeting after the talk of breaking off their engagement. Yet, as if there had never been any awkwardness between them, they sat across from each other naturally, engaging in light, casual conversation. Have you been well? Yes, thanks to you. I met so-and-so recently, and they had nothing but praise for the Governor. Haha, they boasted about going to meet such a beautiful lady. Blah, blah, blah…

The weather was clear, the room bright and warm, and the atmosphere pleasant.

“This tea is excellent. It smells wonderful and tastes delightful.”

“I thought you would like it, Your Excellency. It’s a specialty from Pyeonghang. I got it just for you.”

“Thank you. It’s one of my favorites. Now that I think about it, I recall that three years ago, when you visited Pyeonghang, you enjoyed this tea quite a lot.”

“That’s right. I first tasted it then and was so impressed that I make sure to get it every season.”

Je Sang-ah smiled warmly. Hyun Tae-oh took a sip of his tea and smiled faintly in return.

Despite her delicate and fragile appearance, Je Sang-ah was an exceptionally intelligent and ambitious woman. If she had not been the youngest, she might have seriously contested her brothers for the throne.

Since childhood, Hyun Tae-oh had seen her keen intelligence and broad interests and thought they were a well-matched pair. He had never felt any particular affection or attraction toward her, but he believed they could function well as partners.

Je Sang-ah seemed to feel similarly about him. Whether they liked it or not, they would have likely gone through with their arranged marriage out of duty, as long as no significant issues arose.

However—the first hint that things might not go that way came when Hyun Tae-oh had just returned from war and was assigned as Governor of Pyeonghang.

“There’s no need to rush the marriage, so take your time and go,” the king had said in passing when they met privately. Something about that remark stirred a feeling in him.

Their engagement had been long established, and Je Sang-ah had already undergone her coming-of-age ceremony. Considering the royal custom of marrying early, it was about time for wedding discussions to begin. And yet, when the king made that remark, even if he had no concrete plans at the time, he must have had some vague idea in mind.

The war had been dragging on intermittently but persistently. Songal was weakening, yet never enough to be easily subdued, and Jeyang was also reaching the peak of its exhaustion.

Both sides likely wished for peace, but it was too soon after the war had ended. Minor conflicts still flared up here and there. And the most convenient proof of an “official” reconciliation was, of course, a marriage alliance.

The second hint came three years ago when Je Sang-ah visited Pyeonghang.

At the time, Yoo Hyun-jin had just become a Deputy Cleric and had traveled to Pyeonghang for his pastoral duties. As his friend, Je Sang-ah had decided to accompany him on his pilgrimage.

Since his royal fiancée had come, Hyun Tae-oh naturally received her. She had planned to stay for a week but ended up extending her visit to a full fifteen days. And during that time, Hyun Tae-oh was aware that Songal’s Third Prince had been secretly present in Pyeonghang.

Before departing, Je Sang-ah had subtly remarked, “Perhaps it’s time to consider a new kind of peace with Songal.” Or she had lightly probed, “Our engagement was arranged because our fathers were close, but I get the feeling that Your Excellency does not necessarily desire a royal marriage.”

Even back then, Hyun Tae-oh hadn’t found it strange. He had already known by then that this engagement would eventually come undone.

At the time, however, what had truly irritated him wasn’t Je Sang-ah’s hints but rather Yoo Hyun-jin. As always, Yoo Hyun-jin had somehow managed to get under his skin with his subtle, grating mannerisms. Because of that, Hyun Tae-oh had barely paid any attention to the implications of Je Sang-ah’s words.

But even if Yoo Hyun-jin hadn’t been there, he wouldn’t have cared much either way.

It was never an engagement he had particularly wanted. He neither needed a connection to the royal family nor sought power through marriage.

He had maintained the engagement not because he cared for it, but because he had no reason to oppose it.

So now that the engagement had been officially broken, there was no one who was truly troubled or displeased by it.

“Fate is the will of the heavens, so there’s nothing we can do about it, but still, it’s unfortunate. We’ve known each other for so long, after all.”

Je Sang-ah sighed lightly, offering a well-mannered lament. Hyun Tae-oh followed the script just as smoothly.

“I apologize for delivering such unfortunate news so suddenly. I will accept whatever punishment is deemed appropriate.”

“Oh my, no need for that. I was quite surprised and disappointed when I heard, but I was also deeply moved by Your Excellency’s sense of responsibility in owning up to your actions. Truly commendable.”

Je Sang-ah clasped her hands together gently and continued in a soft voice.

“Father and Mother were saddened as well, but they completely understand you. In fact, they were impressed by your sense of duty and decisiveness. Although this didn’t work out, I hope we’ll have another opportunity to meet under better circumstances. I believe Father will summon you soon, but don’t worry. He merely wishes to acknowledge your long service in Pyeonghang and offer his support regarding this matter.”

“I am deeply grateful for such generosity and kindness.”

“Oh, think nothing of it.”

Their words flowed smoothly, perfectly choreographed.

Their relationship had always been this way—calm, courteous, and flawlessly composed. Even if their engagement had proceeded, nothing would have changed. And while that wouldn’t have been a bad thing…

“But,”

Je Sang-ah tilted her head slightly, resting a pale hand against her cheek, and gazed up at Hyun Tae-oh with a look of concern. At last, the real topic had arrived.

“It seems that Hyun-jin—no, Cleric Yoo Hyun-jin—was quite shaken. For someone like Your Excellency, how did this situation come about…?”

Her words were whispered delicately, laced with vague implication.

Hyun Tae-oh responded with a composed smile.

“It’s quite embarrassing, but I had too much to drink and made a mistake.”

“Oh my, I can’t believe His Excellency would make a mistake. I thought there might be some other story behind it. Who could have guessed you’d end up entangled with my dear friend like this?”

Je Sang-ah’s words took on a sharper edge, as if displeased that Hyun Tae-oh wasn’t being more forthcoming—or perhaps because she found the situation itself distasteful.

Whatever the reason, this engagement was bound to break sooner or later.

Hyun Tae-oh had merely taken advantage of an impulsive, personal moment—something even he hadn’t foreseen—to serve as the reason.

As he met Je Sang-ah’s gaze, her eyes soft yet subtly hiding a blade, he smiled.

“Yes, Cleric Yoo Hyun-jin was quite distressed about it. He seemed terribly guilty, thinking that the engagement was broken because of him.”

Je Sang-ah had known full well that the engagement was doomed from the start, yet she hadn’t bothered to relieve Yoo Hyun-jin of his guilt.

For a brief moment, the smile vanished from her face. As she stared at him, Hyun Tae-oh leisurely sipped his tea.

The delicate ties between her and Songal had yet to be exposed to the public. Moreover, from what he had gathered, her relationship with the Third Prince of Songal seemed to be more than just a strategic alliance.

In the end, that relationship mattered more to her than her friendship with Yoo Hyun-jin.

If that was the case—then she wasn’t in any position to criticize him either.

Hyun Tae-oh smirked faintly. Je Sang-ah’s sharp gaze landed on his smiling lips, but he paid it no mind. He knew that same fierce glare would soon soften into a charming smile, as if it had never been there.

“Oh dear, is that so? He told me not to feel bad about it, but… Hyun-jin is too kind-hearted. You know this, Your Excellency, but no matter what anyone says, he is a dear friend of mine. He may seem cold and blunt on the outside, but he’s truly a wonderful person—so intelligent, with so much to learn from… If only he weren’t so clueless when it comes to people.”

The last remark, muttered under her breath, was followed by the sound of her tongue clicking in mild exasperation.

Hyun Tae-oh raised an eyebrow at the unexpected addition, but Je Sang-ah quickly smiled again, as if she hadn’t said anything at all.

“Of course, I know you’ll take full responsibility, but life is unpredictable, isn’t it? If you ever change your mind in the future, I just hope you won’t hurt Hyun-jin—no, Cleric Yoo Hyun-jin’s—feelings.”

Hyun Tae-oh stared at her. He didn’t look away until she tilted her head slightly in confusion at his silence. Then, finally, he curled his lips into a faint smile and replied.

“You need not worry, Your Highness.”

Perhaps she caught the chill hidden beneath his polite words, for her smile wavered slightly. Her gaze shifted, as if trying to decipher why his demeanor had suddenly turned cold.

But Hyun Tae-oh smoothly changed the subject.

“This tea has a delightful aroma. May I have another cup?”

Je Sang-ah quickly recovered, her expression returning to its usual ease.

“Of course.”

She poured him another cup as if nothing had happened.

Even if she hadn’t disclosed everything, one thing was certain—Je Sang-ah and Yoo Hyun-jin were genuinely close.

It was strange, really. That ill-mannered brat and this poised princess had somehow become friends.

Since Je Sang-ah had been his fiancée since infancy, she had often visited the Hyun Estate as a child, just as he had occasionally visited the palace. It had been a half-mandatory routine, orchestrated by the adults, where they would spend an hour together over tea and then part ways.

Then, at some point—perhaps a year after Yoo Hyun-jin had come to live at the estate—Je Sang-ah had arrived while Hyun Tae-oh was out.

While waiting for him to return, the adults had seated her with Yoo Hyun-jin, since they were of similar age. Though he had seemed flustered, he had gone along with it without protest.

Later, Jin Mun-seong recounted what had happened.

Je Sang-ah, after staring at the boy sitting stiffly across from her, had suddenly snapped, “Hey, why are you just sitting there staring? Are you mute?”

Yoo Hyun-jin had blinked at her, then replied with a warm smile, “Sorry. It’s just… I’ve never seen someone as pretty as you before. Want a cookie?”

For someone used to receiving flattery from everyone she met, such a clumsy line should have meant nothing to her.

And yet, from that day forward, she had taken a liking to him.

Rumor had it that one day, she had told one of her maids, “Hyun-jin has an eye for beauty, but he’s a bit of an idiot. I suppose I’ll have to look after him.”

Whether she had actually said that or not was uncertain.

But what was clear was that, from then on, whenever she visited the Hyun Estate, she sought out Yoo Hyun-jin.

And once she secured Jeonghye Palace for herself, she even began summoning him to the palace.

Eventually, Yoo Hyun-jin’s younger brother also became part of their circle, and the three of them frequently spent time together.

Hyun Tae-oh had never cared about who Je Sang-ah befriended. He had no interest in her social life.

But Yoo Hyun-jin was an exception.

Because of Je Sang-ah, they had occasionally found themselves in the same space. And every time, Yoo Hyun-jin’s face would stiffen, his lips pressing into a thin line.

At first, Hyun Tae-oh had ignored it. But the more it happened, the more it grated on his nerves.

The way those eyes turned cold when looking at him.

The way those lips pressed together.

The way his entire expression grew distant and guarded.

Every single one of those reactions irritated him.

And that was how things had come to this point.

Looking back, Hyun Tae-oh had been exceedingly generous toward him.

He didn’t like or dislike people—he simply didn’t care.

If someone was unworthy of his attention, he ignored them. If they became a nuisance, he removed them from his sight.

That was how he had always been.

So why—why had he allowed that brat to remain, despite being such an irritation?

There had been moments when he had seriously considered just killing him.

Like the day he had encountered him at Jeonghye Palace, right before leaving for his new post in Pyeonghang.

When Je Sang-ah had asked Yoo Hyun-jin to pray for him, and he had refused without hesitation.

Hyun Tae-oh had casually tried to pressure him, just to see if he would budge.

But he hadn’t.

No explanations. No excuses. Just a firm, unyielding “No.”

At that moment, Hyun Tae-oh had genuinely contemplated killing him before departing.

Only a sudden change in schedule had forced him to leave earlier than expected, sparing the brat’s life.

And when Yoo Hyun-jin had later arrived in Pyeonghang for his pastoral duties, Hyun Tae-oh had again considered hanging him from the highest tree in the province.

Any other man would have been long buried in some nameless mountain.

And yet, Yoo Hyun-jin was still alive and well.

Hyun Tae-oh had been extraordinarily lenient toward him.

So what was the harm in indulging in a little amusement at the brat’s expense?

Besides, after he had had his fun, he planned to send him off to a provincial post, ensuring that he could return to the temple safely.

“Hyun-jin—no, Cleric Yoo Hyun-jin—thinks quite highly of you, you know,” Je Sang-ah said carefully.

“While you were in Pyeonghang, he prayed for you often.”

Hyun Tae-oh smirked, recalling how Yoo Hyun-jin had pursed his lips in frustration just yesterday after being turned away—twice.

“How kind of him.”

It was an obvious lie.

Je Sang-ah must be worried about Yoo Hyun-jin to go so far as to say something so absurd.

“I suppose I should visit him more often.”

It wasn’t a lie.

He had plenty of free time in the capital.

And watching that face grow stiff with unease would be an amusing pastime.

Hyun Tae-oh paused mid-sip, staring at Je Sang-ah in disbelief.

He nearly let out a hollow laugh. Does she really think I’d get drunk and actually pounce on him?

“Of course not. There’s no way I’d make the same mistake twice. You don’t need to worry.”

“It’s just that… as his friend, I can’t help but be concerned.”

Je Sang-ah sipped her tea with a delicate smile.

After that, no further conversation arose. They exchanged a few polite words as they finished their tea, and soon, a palace attendant approached Je Sang-ah and whispered something into her ear. The distance was so close that Hyun Tae-oh could hear everything.

“Your Highness, that friend from earlier has reached out again, saying they forgot to mention something important.”

“…Ah.”

Je Sang-ah hesitated, glancing at Hyun Tae-oh. He calmly set down his empty cup and stood.

“I’ll take my leave now. Enjoy the rest of your day.”

Je Sang-ah rose as well, as if to see him off.

As they walked through the inner courtyard of Jeonghye Palace, Je Sang-ah turned to him and spoke with a sincere, affectionate tone.

“I wish you success in all your endeavors. And please, take good care of Hyun-jin.”

Hyun Tae-oh stopped in his tracks.

How should I respond? He had been feeling vaguely irritated for a while now.

After watching her for a moment, he smiled.

“You must be terribly worried. Seeing how many times you’ve brought it up. But you needn’t be. And perhaps… shouldn’t the person who ought to be looking after Cleric Yoo Hyun-jin be me now?”

Je Sang-ah was quick-witted. She immediately caught the warning laced in his words.

“…You’re right. I overstepped. Then, please take care, Your Excellency.”

Her expression neutralized, and she gave a courteous farewell.

Hyun Tae-oh bowed politely in return.

As she turned and walked back into the palace, he waited until she was fully out of sight before moving again.

At that moment, Jin Mun-seong, who had been standing a few steps behind him, silently approached.

“Did that woman give birth to Yoo Hyun-jin?”

Hyun Tae-oh muttered abruptly after walking for a while.

“…Pardon?” Jin Mun-seong blinked in confusion.

“Or did they sleep together?”

Hyun Tae-oh let out a humorless chuckle.

“She’s guarding him so fiercely that one might think the engagement ended not because of me, but because she had a scandal with him instead.”

“Your Excellency, we’re still inside the palace.”

Jin Mun-seong cautioned, though he knew it would be useless.

Hyun Tae-oh’s voice remained cold.

“And she knows the truth perfectly well, yet she tells me not to ‘make another mistake while drunk’? What, does she think I’d actually hurt him? Or does she think I’d lose control and go into heat over a man?”

“Because he’s a cleric, I’d assume. If you so much as touched him in the wrong way, that would be the moment Yoo Hyun-jin’s lie would be exposed.”

“Exposed?”

“He’s a Deputy Cleric, Your Excellency. A recipient of divine protection.”

“…Ah.”

Hyun Tae-oh suddenly recalled something.

Clerics bore a divine mark, a proof of their vow. If the Chastity Oath was broken, that protection would vanish, exposing the truth for all to see.

He scoffed.

“I couldn’t care less whether a man’s chastity is intact or not. What does it matter? It’s not as if I’d even consider laying a hand on him—”

Casually flicking his hand in dismissal, Hyun Tae-oh trailed off mid-sentence.

His gaze dropped to his own palm.

The sensation from earlier returned.

The feeling of Yoo Hyun-jin’s hand in his—soft, unexpectedly smooth, like brushing against delicate skin.

And the way he had flinched.

Then came the image of his face.

The way his expression froze, how his skin flushed red almost instantly.

That reaction had been so blatantly uncomfortable.

Hyun Tae-oh let out a low chuckle. That irritation—something gnawing at the edges of his mind—crept back to the surface.

“Fine. Let him be as uncomfortable as he wants. It’ll only make watching him more entertaining.”

As he murmured to himself, he stepped toward the eastern gate of Jeonghye Palace, Jeonghyeonmun, where his carriage was waiting.

Just as he was about to exit, someone walked in from the opposite direction.

An elderly man, wearing a badge reserved exclusively for members of the royal family, was entering the palace while receiving a salute from the guards. He slowed his steps upon seeing Hyun Tae-oh. A faint, ambiguous smile flickered across his wrinkled face.

“Well, well, if it isn’t Governor Hyun.”

“It has been a while, Your Grace, Lord Uiyang.”

The man was Prince Uiyang, a royal cousin of the king. A long-time politician and former leader of the Senate, he had retired in his seventies. However, as a renowned scholar and the figurehead of the kingdom’s most extreme nationalist faction, he continued to wield significant influence through his private academy.

“I heard you’ve returned to the capital. They say you did excellent work in Pyeonghang. It must have been difficult, serving in such a remote province.”

“Thank you.”

Hyun Tae-oh responded with polite brevity.

Prince Uiyang studied him through narrowed eyes before speaking again, slowly.

“Well, I’ve been hearing some strange rumors lately.”

“Strange rumors? Has something happened?”

Prince Uiyang squinted at him, scrutinizing his composed expression.

“I heard a bizarre story—that you assaulted a young cleric, causing your engagement to the royal family to be broken. How peculiar, isn’t it? That such a scandal would be attached to a man who was meant to be a pillar of Jeyang’s future, alongside the princess. Surely, I must have misheard?”

His voice dripped with feigned innocence as he watched Hyun Tae-oh closely.

Hyun Tae-oh, unbothered, simply smiled faintly.

“You heard correctly. It’s true.”

Prince Uiyang fell silent for a moment before letting out a vague chuckle.

“Well, I suppose anything can happen in this world. Even after seventy years, I still find myself learning new things. I see… I see. And how is your father?”

“He is doing well.”

Prince Uiyang nodded thoughtfully, giving him an unreadable look before clicking his tongue.

“A man so admired for raising such exceptional sons… He must be quite disappointed. Losing a royal engagement is no small matter.”

Hyun Tae-oh, who had been watching him impassively, suddenly smiled.

“He has lived a life akin to a battlefield. Do you think a matter like this would trouble him? Besides, he has three other fine sons. As for the engagement—it’s not necessarily a bad thing, is it? For some, it may even present an opportunity. Speaking of which, how is Prince Gye-yeon these days?”

At the mention of that name, Prince Uiyang’s expression stiffened.

But only for a moment. Quickly regaining his composure, he nodded as if nothing had happened.

“Hoho, how kind of you to inquire about my son. He is well. Very well, indeed.”

“That is good to hear. I understand he has been quite active lately. I wish him success in all his endeavors.”

“Well, thank you for that. I wish you much success as well. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

Prince Uiyang ended the conversation with a lopsided smile. But as he walked past, the smile vanished from his face entirely.

His secretary, who had been anxiously lingering behind him, hurriedly bowed to Hyun Tae-oh before scrambling after his master. Their hurried footsteps soon faded into the distance.

Hyun Tae-oh watched them go with a detached expression before continuing on his way.

“That old man hasn’t changed a bit. He can act dignified about everything else, but when it comes to his son, he completely loses his sense of reason.”

“True… But with Prince Gye-yeon, his reputation was already tarnished long ago.”

Jin Mun-seong replied indifferently.

Years ago, Prince Gye-yeon, Uiyang’s only son, had once been thoroughly beaten by Hyun Tae-oh.

As the long-awaited heir to the childless Prince Uiyang, Gye-yeon had grown up spoiled, his natural arrogance and impatience causing frequent trouble. Yet, because he was a royal cousin, and because his father constantly shielded him, most people chose to stay silent and avoid provoking him.

Being from the same academic institution as Hyun Tae-oh, Prince Gye-yeon had long harbored jealousy toward the Hyun brothers. While those of similar age in the Hyun family were distinguished military leaders, he had merely inherited a Senate position, gaining a title but no real accomplishments.

To make matters worse, it was common knowledge that Prince Gye-yeon admired Princess Je Sang-ah. Naturally, this only deepened his hatred toward Hyun Tae-oh, her betrothed.

Because of this, Prince Gye-yeon always displayed hostility toward the Hyun brothers whenever they met. However, Hyun Tae-oh’s elder brothers had always avoided unnecessary conflict and brushed off his provocations.

But then, there was one occasion when he crossed paths with Hyun Tae-oh.

It had been at a gathering of alumni from their academic institution.

Prince Gye-yeon, who had previously boasted about “fixing that arrogant brat’s manners,” found himself standing face to face with Hyun Tae-oh.

However, rather than confronting him directly, he had chosen to take out his frustration on Jin Mun-seong instead.

“How disgraceful! How dare a mere servant fail to greet his superiors properly?” he had said before striking Jin Mun-seong.

The excuse was absurd, yet Jin Mun-seong endured the blows without a word.

And Hyun Tae-oh did not interfere.

Seeing that Hyun Tae-oh wasn’t reacting, Prince Gye-yeon had grown bolder.

Perhaps he assumed that even Hyun Tae-oh wouldn’t dare lay hands on a royal.

Becoming more brazen, he turned to Hyun Tae-oh and began taunting him directly, even going so far as to jab a finger at his chest.

Even when bystanders tried to intervene, he ignored them, going as far as lightly pushing Hyun Tae-oh’s shoulder.

At that moment, Hyun Tae-oh’s response was simple.

He silently stared down at Prince Gye-yeon’s smug face.

Then, his gaze flicked to the side—to Jin Mun-seong, who stood quietly, bloodied yet composed.

And then—

“Mun-seong.”

“Yes?”

“How much does a crab cost these days?”

At those words, Prince Gye-yeon’s face turned red with confusion.

After a moment of thought, Jin Mun-seong answered calmly.

“I’m not sure. I haven’t checked crab prices in a while.”

“I see.” Hyun Tae-oh nodded to himself, as if speaking in passing.

“A useless mutt wouldn’t be worth much, no matter how well it’s raised.”

And with that, Prince Gye-yeon was beaten like a dog.

The blows were clean, precise—breaking bones, splitting flesh. By the time bystanders thought to intervene, Prince Gye-yeon was already on the ground, unable to get up.

He spent two months in the hospital. Naturally, Prince Uiyang had gone into a frenzy, ranting about assault charges and royal defamation, but with the war ongoing and Hyun Tae-oh returning victorious from the battlefield time and time again, there was never a serious punishment.

The king had simply given him a mild reprimand and issued a three-month salary deduction.

Prince Gye-yeon hadn’t changed much after that. However, at the very least, when he encountered Hyun Tae-oh, he no longer caused trouble—he only glared fiercely from a distance before quickly walking away.

“Prince Uiyang is actually quite well-regarded in other aspects. He conducts himself properly and has a decent reputation.”

“His own conduct aside, he has to bear the consequences of turning a blind eye to his son’s actions all these years.”

Hyun Tae-oh responded indifferently to Jin Mun-seong’s murmured remark, as if losing interest in the topic entirely.

By then, they had exited the palace gates and reached the parking area.

Since the schedule was light today, Jin Mun-seong, who usually drove himself on such occasions, waited for Hyun Tae-oh to get into the car before settling into the driver’s seat.

“There are no further appointments this afternoon. Shall we head straight home?”

Hyun Tae-oh tilted his head slightly, rolling his neck. A soft crack, crack echoed.

Then, out of nowhere, he asked, “What is Yoo Hyun-jin doing right now?”

Jin Mun-seong blinked at him through the rearview mirror, then glanced at his watch.

“Well… given that it’s been a whole hour and a half since you last saw him, I suppose something drastic could have happened in that time. I can check.”

“…Never mind. Let’s just go home.”

Hyun Tae-oh leaned back into the seat. The car moved smoothly, and they began their drive back under the warm afternoon sun.

For a while, Hyun Tae-oh stared idly out the window, lost in thought.

Then, as they entered a quieter road leading toward the Hyun family estate, he suddenly spoke.

“Yoo Hyun-jin…”

“Yes?”

“Hm… What did he like, again?”

Jin Mun-seong glanced at him through the mirror. Their gazes met, and Hyun Tae-oh frowned slightly.

“If I’m supposed to be dating him, I should at least know something about him. And I should probably give him something.”

“I’ll find out.”

Jin Mun-seong nodded.

Hyun Tae-oh fell silent again, watching the passing scenery.

Just as the Hyun estate’s gates came into view, Jin Mun-seong spoke, slowly and deliberately.

“Well, in most relationships, the man typically gives the woman flowers, jewelry, or some other ornament.”

“Yoo Hyun-jin isn’t a woman.”

“Which makes things easier. Men tend to like things such as cars, watches, or even a beautiful wo—”

Mid-sentence, Jin Mun-seong cut himself off.

He had been carefully steering around a delivery truck parked awkwardly near the garage, but now he could feel the intense stare boring into the back of his head.

Even without looking, he knew exactly what expression was waiting for him in the mirror.

“Cars, watches, or what?”

“…Never mind. I got mixed up for a moment, thinking about things I would like.”

“Mun-seong. Focus.”

“Yes, sir.”

Hyun Tae-oh didn’t press further.

Jin Mun-seong, still sorting through his own confusion, executed a flawless parking maneuver.

Meanwhile, Hyun Tae-oh, staring absently out the window, clicked his tongue as he got out of the car.

“Forget it. It’s all for show anyway. There’s no reason to go out of my way for him.”

His tone was dismissive.

“Instead, just make sure he has a proper place to stay. My mother was rather insistent about treating him well, so we should be considerate, don’t you think? …Somewhere close to the main house would be best.”

“Understood.”

And with that, the conversation ended.