IBPC | Chapter 6.4

Seoyul’s body shuddered as he arched his back, his legs trembling uncontrollably. Soon, he went limp, collapsing onto the bed.

But Heegon, still holding Seoyul’s body, only moved more fiercely. He thrust almost as if he were pounding Seoyul from above, making Seoyul cover his face with his hands.

“Stop… ha… I can’t……”

Seoyul sobbed from the relentless stimulation, but Heegon continued to move rapidly.

“Ah… hng… ah……”

The aftershocks of his release hadn’t even faded, and now the rough thrusts from behind made it impossible to think straight.

Seoyul covered his face with both hands, letting out hot moans incessantly. It felt like he might lose his mind at any moment.

“Ngh… h… Your Highness, please stop……”

Seoyul threw his head back, arching his neck. Heegon, still driving into him, pulled Seoyul’s hands away from his face. He kissed Seoyul’s lips roughly as he reached his climax.

“Mmm—”

Heegon parted Seoyul’s lips, kissing him as if trying to swallow him whole, thrusting repeatedly until he finally released inside.

“…Ha.”

Heegon shuddered, stopping his movements before thrusting a few more times. His brow furrowed deeply, trembling faintly.

It was still so good. Seoyul’s body.

Heegon caught his breath and slowly lowered Seoyul’s hips, but he didn’t pull out. He kept Seoyul’s lips captive, holding him tightly. For a while, he simply breathed slowly, savoring the moment.

Today, once again, once wasn’t enough.

“Um… unless you’re having a rut, let’s keep it to just once from now on.”

Seoyul fumbled as he put on his clothes, his fingers trembling slightly as he pulled his collar together. Letting out a quiet sigh, he clenched his fists to steady himself.

Still lying on the bed, Heegon looked up at him.

“And why is that?”

“Well… if this keeps up, my body’s going to wear out.”

“But your words and actions are never in sync, so I don’t know which rhythm to follow.”

At Heegon’s mumbled remark, which sounded more like he was talking to himself, Seoyul turned back to look at him. There was a faint chill in his gaze, and Heegon tilted his head slightly in response.

“I’ll try.”

It was an ambiguous answer, but Heegon didn’t seem inclined to argue further. Instead, he followed Seoyul’s lead and sat up, reaching for one of the outer robes discarded on the floor. He draped it over himself while Seoyul, watching him in silence, glanced past him.

There, hanging by the window, was a newly placed lotus lantern. A small lantern Heegon had prepared for him.

Come to think of it, the Lantern Festival was just around the corner.

Halfway through dressing, Seoyul unconsciously voiced his thoughts.

“I want to go to the Lantern Festival.”

Lately, the entire palace had been buzzing about the upcoming festival. At first, Seoyul hadn’t given it much thought, but seeing how excited everyone was as they prepared for it had gradually piqued his interest. More than anything, witnessing Jinha Kingdom’s Lantern Festival in real life instead of just reading about it in historical records—this might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

However, before he could even entertain the idea, Heegon shut it down without a moment’s hesitation.

“No.”

“I can just go with Your Highness.”

“Even if you come with me, you won’t be able to sit by my side. I will be seated at the highest place.”

“Then I can stay with Dubo… I’ll just quietly watch from the corner.”

Seoyul tried pleading, but Heegon’s unwavering gaze showed no room for compromise.

“That event will be attended not only by the military commanders but also by His Majesty himself. …You understand why that means you cannot go, don’t you?”

The firm, clear line Heegon drew left Seoyul unable to argue further.

All he could do was continue fastening his clothes, his hands moving once again after having briefly stopped.

⊹₊⟡⋆

The Lantern Festival had begun.

From the day before, the entire nation had been buzzing with excitement, and as the night deepened, the heat of the festivities only grew more intense. By evening, the festival grounds outside the palace were swarming with people, flooding in like rolling clouds.

Overlooking the spectacle from an elevated seat were King Eulsa and the royal family. Among them, seated closest to the king, was Heegon. He idly played with his cup, his gaze drifting over the dazzling lanterns below.

“I heard you took in a concubine?”

A low voice reached Heegon, making him pause and snap out of his thoughts. When he looked up, King Eulsa had tilted his head slightly toward him, observing him with mild curiosity. Their eyes met, and Heegon briefly scanned the surroundings before lowering his gaze again.

“It’s nothing significant.”

“I heard it’s a man.”

“…I took him in while I was out in disguise.”

“Nothing significant, you say? Of all people, you taking in a concubine is hardly trivial.”

King Eulsa let out a low chuckle and refilled Heegon’s half-empty cup. Heegon remained silent, watching as the cup filled to the brim. The king then swept his gaze over the gathered citizens and the other Imperial Princes seated nearby before lowering his voice even more.

“You managed to get through your last bout of erotomania without issue, I hear?”

“It was thanks to Your Majesty’s generosity.”

“As long as you can keep that madness of yours under control, there’s nothing for me to worry about.”

The king reached out and gave Heegon’s shoulder a few firm pats before leaning back into his seat. Heegon, shifting his gaze, could feel the subtle glances of the other Imperial Princes, pretending not to be interested while clearly watching his exchange with King Eulsa.

A bitter dryness settled in Heegon’s throat, and he lifted his cup to down its contents when a bright, cheerful voice suddenly cut through the air.

“Brother!”

Heegon turned toward the sound.

Dressed in an elegant outfit, Heerang approached him with a radiant smile.

“Brother, don’t just sit here. Come with me over there! The view is so much better from there.”

She slipped between the seated Imperial Princes, grabbing onto Heegon’s sleeve.

Heegon, clearly put in a difficult position, glanced toward King Eulsa. With the emperor still in attendance, an Imperial Prince couldn’t simply leave his seat without permission.

But Heerang was relentless, clinging onto Heegon and pestering him. When he still showed no sign of getting up, she turned her attention to King Eulsa, now tugging at his sleeve instead.

“Your Majesty, I want to play with Brother! Please let him go.”

With a playful pout and a charming smile, Heerang pleaded like a pampered youngest daughter. King Eulsa, watching her affectionate display, let out a small chuckle.

“Seems like my little Rang is feeling bored. Go on and entertain her.”

With a few light pats on her back, the king gave his permission with a nod.

Seizing the opportunity, Heerang immediately leaned in and planted a quick kiss on his cheek—a show of affection fitting for the cherished youngest Imperial Princess.

With that, she successfully pulled Heegon away from his seat.

Heegon, reluctant but compliant, swept his gaze over the area one last time before allowing Heerang to drag him away from the main platform. Once they had moved a fair distance, Heerang tilted her head up at him.

“Where is he?”

“…Who?”

“That short-haired guy. The one everyone’s saying is your concubine.”

“……”

“You want to be with him, don’t you? That’s why I pulled you out of there.”

With a knowing grin, she gestured toward the section where the Imperial Princesses, Concubines, and other members of the royal household were gathered.

Come to think of it, Heerang throwing a tantrum like this was unusual for her. She had always been mature for her age, yet tonight she had clung to him like a spoiled child.

Realizing her intention, Heegon gradually slowed his steps. But he knew he wouldn’t be able to meet her expectations.

A faint smile, tinged with resignation, crossed his lips as he reached out to gently ruffle Heerang’s hair.

“He didn’t come.”

Her eyes widened.

“Why not?”

“…He wasn’t feeling well.”

Heegon’s response made Heerang pout in disappointment.

“Really? That’s a shame… He won’t even get to make a wish.”

Heegon silently watched the regret flicker across Heerang’s face before his gaze was drawn to the vibrant display of lanterns illuminating the night.

Among them, the largest lantern this year—a magnificent bird-shaped lantern—stood out the most. As he looked at it, a voice echoed in his mind.

“I want to go to the Lantern Festival too.”

That hesitant yet hopeful request from Seoyul, the rare plea he had made not too long ago, wouldn’t stop ringing in Heegon’s chest.

⊹₊⟡⋆

Seoyul gazed up at the distant night sky through the open window. Though it was evening, the palace was unusually quiet, as if holding its breath. Perhaps it was because everyone who wasn’t strictly required to stay in their posts had gone to attend the Lantern Festival.

“You can go too. I’ll be fine.”

Seoyul turned around briefly to look at Dubo. In response, Dubo smiled brightly and waved his hand.

“I’m fine. I see the Lantern Festival every year. I can’t leave you alone.”

“But……”

“Really, it’s fine.”

Seeing Dubo’s firm attitude, Seoyul didn’t insist further and turned back to look out the window. He lost himself in thought for a while, staring at the small lantern Heegon had brought him.

“……?”

Tap, tap, tap. The sound of footsteps echoed faintly from somewhere in the distance. No, it sounded more like someone running. The noise, cutting through the silence, rang loudly in Seoyul’s ears.

Feeling it, Seoyul leaned his head out the window and looked around. But there was nothing particularly noticeable.

What’s this? Is someone coming?

Though he heard the sound, Seoyul didn’t think much of it. But soon, he had to turn his head because the footsteps grew closer, and the door to his room opened.

“……?”

As the door opened, Seoyul turned his head and saw Heegon standing there. But he looked completely different from usual—unfamiliar, even. He was dressed in formal attire, but it was slightly disheveled, and he was breathing heavily, as if he had run here at full speed.

Shouldn’t Tae Heegon be at the Lantern Festival right now?

“Your Highness?”