IBPC | Chapter 18.1

Quite some time had passed since they returned from the Namhaeng Palace. During that time, Heegon’s residence had been mostly restored, and the two of them moved back.

The room where Seoyul originally stayed hadn’t been repaired yet, so they set up a new room on the opposite side of the residence for him. They combined two original rooms into one, making it much larger.

Although it was closer to Heegon’s room, it didn’t really matter since Heegon spent most of his time in Seoyul’s room when he wasn’t working.

“Your brother really put a lot of effort into this.”

Heerang started visiting more often now that the room was complete. Since there was no need to hide that Seoyul was an Omega, Heerang grew closer to him. She looked around Seoyul’s room, now fully furnished, and clicked her tongue in amazement.

“Is all this made of ebony? It must have cost a fortune since it’s so hard to find. When did he prepare all this?”

“……”

“I thought your brother didn’t know what luxury was, but he’s really extravagant when it comes to his lover.”

Seoyul was at a loss for words at Heerang’s blunt comments and glanced around nervously. Heerang giggled and hugged Seoyul’s arm.

“Shall we go out and have some fun?”

“Huh? …Go out?”

Seoyul looked troubled as Heerang pulled him closer.

“Uh… but…”

“Anyway, your brother, Kangmu, and His Majesty are all out of the palace, right? They’re probably busy hunting by now. So there’s no one in the palace who can catch our scent, which means we can roam freely.”

Heerang was right. There were no Alphas in the palace at the moment. Tae Heegon, Tae Kangmu, and King Eulsa had left early in the morning for the annual hunting competition where King Eulsa gathered the princes for a contest. Heegon had been worried about leaving Seoyul behind, so he had arranged for Heerang to stay with him.

Well, since there are no Alphas in the palace, nothing should happen if I hang out with Tae Heerang, right?

Seoyul looked down at Heerang with slightly relaxed eyes.

“So, what do you want to do today?”

⊹₊⟡⋆

The hunting competition held in the mountains owned by the royal family seemed like a mere pastime, but it wasn’t just that. King Eulsa valued both literary and martial skills, so he believed that princes should naturally be skilled in martial arts.

Every year, he released suitable wild animals, including some fierce beasts, in the royal mountains and had the princes compete. The prince who caught the most game was granted a wish by King Eulsa, but the real reward of the hunting competition was gaining the king’s favor.

In the morning, the princes, along with their attendants, set out for the hunt. King Eulsa, the Left Minister, and other court nobles had already returned after a light hunt and were engaged in trivial conversations while waiting for the princes to return.

During this time, the Left Minister, who had been watching King Eulsa’s mood, cautiously brought up a topic. He was in agreement with some nobles who were aligned with the First Prince, Doyeom.

“Your Majesty, have you heard any news about the First Prince lately?”

“Are you talking about Doyeom?”

“Yes, I heard that the First Prince has become quite calm after having his third child.”

“……”

“Recently, there haven’t been any incidents, and it seems he’s reflecting on his past mistakes.”

As the Left Minister opened the conversation, a few other nobles chimed in with their agreement.

“How about inviting the First Prince for Your Majesty’s upcoming birthday celebration?”

“It’s been too long since he left Jinha Kingdom…”

King Eulsa seemed hesitant at the mention of Doyeom. Not missing the opportunity, the Left Minister eased the tension a bit, so the king wouldn’t take it too seriously.

“Why not invite him briefly to receive birthday wishes? It’s a good chance to catch up after a long time. It seems harmless.”

The Left Minister subtly pushed the idea. King Eulsa, who seemed to have something on his mind, slowly swirled the wine in his cup.

Even though he had fallen out of favor, Doyeom was still his first child and first son. As the Left Minister mentioned, it had been quite a while since any rumors had surfaced…

“Summon only Doyeom. Tell him to enjoy some time with his brothers.”

“…I will prepare accordingly.”

“But make sure he returns immediately without any other intentions.”

“I will follow your orders.”

Although King Eulsa spoke firmly, there was a hint of a softened heart. The Left Minister smiled subtly, as if that was enough.

Time passed, and the sun in the hunting grounds rose high and began to set. The princes who had gone hunting started returning one by one to where King Eulsa was.

With somewhat tired and flushed faces, the princes dismounted from their horses and laid down the animals they had hunted in the open space. Watching them closely, King Eulsa smiled again.

“It’s similar to last year.”

King Eulsa rested his chin on his hand, watching the princes lay down small to medium-sized wild animals. Then, he widened his eyes as he saw Kangmu coming in last. The Left Minister also laughed heartily as he saw Kangmu with his hands full.

“The Fifth Prince is quite something. He was the weakest at first, but he’s improving every year.”

“Kangmu may not have a harsh nature, but he learns quickly.”

“However, it seems the Third Prince hasn’t returned yet. He usually comes back first.”

The Left Minister looked for Heegon, who hadn’t returned yet, after observing Kangmu. King Eulsa, who also found it strange, glanced around.

But that didn’t last long. The atmosphere suddenly became tense, and everyone’s attention was drawn to one place.

“…Ah.”

A short exclamation escaped King Eulsa’s lips as he followed their gaze.

Heegon was coming in a bit late, following Kangmu.

His face was stained with blood, making it clear what had happened without needing to ask. His hair, tied up but disheveled, was soaked with the smell of blood. The sight was so intimidating that the princes who had arrived earlier stepped aside.

On Heegon’s shoulder was a wolf, about the size of an average adult, hanging limply. His hands were full of other game dragging on the ground. Behind him, his guards struggled to carry the rest of the game.

“Indeed.”

Watching this, King Eulsa gripped the armrests of his chair as if feeling a thrill. He slowly stood up, unable to take his eyes off Heegon.

“Once again, Heegon is overwhelming.”

The Left Minister’s face subtly hardened as he watched King Eulsa, who was smiling broadly. When he looked at Heegon, Heegon threw the game he was carrying into the center of the open space and met the Left Minister’s eyes with a cold gaze. For a moment, it seemed as if a smile flickered across Heegon’s lips.

“……”

Seeing this, the Left Minister nervously brushed his lips. Forcing a smile, he stood up, following King Eulsa.

“As expected of the Third Prince. Most of the large game was taken by the Third Prince.”

The Left Minister praised Heegon’s achievement, and King Eulsa laughed loudly, slapping the table.

“……”

Watching this, Heegon turned away and brushed off the animal fur covering his clothes. Kangmu approached Heegon with a bright smile.

“I tried my best this year, but I can’t compete with you, hyung-nim. How did you catch so many…?”

Kangmu clicked his tongue, examining the pile of animals Heegon had caught. Heegon simply looked up at the sky, which was beginning to darken, without saying a word.

He couldn’t focus properly, worried about leaving Seoyul alone in the palace. It took him longer than usual. Without a word, Heegon brushed past Kangmu and left the area.

“Let’s hurry and prepare to descend with His Majesty.”

⊹₊⟡⋆

Late at night. As soon as he returned to the palace, Heegon went straight to Seoyul’s room without even changing his clothes. There, he found Seoyul lying on the bed with only a small lamp lit. As he quietly approached, he heard the sound of soft breathing.

Seeing Seoyul’s sleeping face, Heegon finally let out a sigh of relief.

“……”

He couldn’t relax for a moment. He didn’t even know how he managed to go hunting today. His mind was entirely focused on Seoyul, constantly thinking about leaving the hunting grounds. If the Left Minister hadn’t been there, he might have done so already. And then he would have had to endure Pacheon’s desperate nagging again.

Heegon reached out and gently placed his hand on Seoyul’s shoulder. He lowered his head, still carrying the scent of blood, and lightly kissed Seoyul’s back.

“…Your Highness?”

Seoyul stirred and turned his head towards Heegon. His eyes, heavy with sleep, couldn’t fully open as he mumbled, searching for Heegon.

“You’re back… now?”

“Yes.”

“Did the hunt go well…?”

“Yes.”

“What did you… catch…?”

Seoyul’s words trailed off like sleep talk, and he eventually closed his eyes again. As he fell back into a gentle sleep, Heegon smiled quietly.

Heegon spent some time stroking Seoyul’s cheek with his palm, finally letting go of the tension in his body and mind after a day of running through the mountains.

Seoyul had become his place of return and comfort.

⊹₊⟡⋆

The palace was bustling with preparations for King Eulsa’s upcoming birthday. Watching the chaotic atmosphere through the window, Seoyul quietly rested his chin on his hand.

He hadn’t been feeling well since morning. His whole body felt heavy, and he had a slight fever, indicating that he might be entering his heat cycle. However, it seemed a bit early, so he wondered if he had caught a cold due to the changing seasons. His heat cycle always started subtly, making it hard to judge.

Seoyul hugged his arms, feeling the noticeably cooler air.

Come to think of it, it’s already been three seasons since I came here. It feels like just yesterday, and it’s hard to believe so much time has passed. In the meantime, I’ve adapted to this place and am holding up well.

Well, what’s there to adapt to? It seems like I’ve truly settled in as Heegon’s lover.