SAFBIAN Ch 35

Chapter 35

 

Of course, in personality, he was quite different from the always quiet Jeokbi. He hated studying and always ran away quickly, and he would excuse himself from using swords or bows by claiming they were too heavy.

Yungak acted as though he had no interest in the throne and enjoyed life outside the palace from an early age.

“There are many eyes watching. Speak quickly of your business and return, since this is far from your quarters.”

“You must have been on your way somewhere, brother. If you’re not too busy, I’d like a cup of tea. Having grown up in the imperial palace, my palate has become so refined that tea outside just doesn’t taste right.”

As the emperor’s younger brother, Yungak showed no shame, casually sitting on the wall and scratching above his brow. The guards’ blades were pointed at him.

“So please, have them put away their swords. Your little brother is frightened.”

Yungak playfully raised his hands and showed his palms. Perhaps this personality was why he alone survived when the other siblings perished.

There was dirt embedded in his waving palms. His fine clothes were scuffed here and there. It seemed he had put in quite some effort to climb the wall.

Only those permitted by Haban could enter the emperor’s quarters. Yungak, as the emperor’s younger brother and the only royal bloodline who could potentially succeed the childless Haban, was, in a way, the most threatening figure.

Haban waved his arm. The guards sheathed their swords and stepped back.

Once the emperor’s permission was given, Yungak jumped down from the wall. He didn’t leap down nimbly but hesitantly stepped off, drawing stifled laughter from those around.

“You’re becoming more and more extravagant in your dress.”

“Well, one must be well adorned to be admired, don’t you think? These days, it’s fashionable to braid this part and tuck it behind the ear.”

“You must be mad.”

He skillfully plucked a small lock of hair and neatly braided it, then tucked it behind his ear with a smile as if to ask if it looked pretty. Haban, disgusted, turned away.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes, brother.”

Yungak glanced in the direction of the emperor’s quarters for a moment, then followed behind.

‘What a bother.’

Even without seeing, Haban could guess the truth, his expression chilling.

In the palace, there are no secrets.

Haban changed his direction from the fox’s quarters and walked toward the rear garden. The untied blue silk sash of Yungak’s robe fluttered like waves with each step.

“It’s been a while since I walked this path.”

“I’m sure.”

Despite Haban’s indifferent response, Yungak looked around with a delighted face and lowered his voice.

“By the way, brother, is the fox not in this place?”

‘Another court servant must’ve fallen for that sly tongue of his.’

Haban’s gaze turned icy.

Words have no form, so no matter how one tries to hide or block them, they inevitably climb over walls. Yungak’s smile, curling into his cheek, was irritating.

“Is that what you want to know?”

“Of course not. As your younger brother, I’m simply concerned about how you’re doing. The fox is just part of that.”

A long tail followed the emperor. The rear garden of the imperial palace was filled with the scent of flowers. Haban climbed the octagonal-roofed pavilion without a word. Yungak sat opposite and leaned his arm on the railing.

While Lady Jang poured hot water into the teapot and steeped the leaves, neither of them spoke. A gentle breeze blew from the square pond.

“You’ll be getting married soon, won’t you, brother?”

Yungak suddenly asked, just as the white porcelain cup was filled with reddish tea.

“Perhaps.”

Haban lifted the cup. The warmth remained in his palm.

He should have long since taken a wife and installed an empress, but Haban had left the empress’s quarters empty to this day. Though Yungak asked, Haban had no intention of answering his curiosity.

“Or… do you perhaps have someone you fancy?”

As expected. Since he wouldn’t be told, he insisted on asking.

“A woman, you say.”

For some reason, Haban first pictured the fair face of the fox. In his imagination, he adorned the fox’s head and applied red makeup—it suited him surprisingly well.

A wry smile escaped him.

Not only was he not a woman, he wasn’t even human. And a male, at that. He had seen the flat chest himself and touched the plump flesh—there was no doubt.

Haban swirled the cup slightly and brought it to his lips. Though the leaves were strong, the brew had a pale reddish hue. Despite its delicate fragrance, the taste was pleasantly bitter.

‘He would surely hate this.’

The fox, with his soft appearance, had a taste only for sweet things. Last time Haban offered him a similar tea, he had only earned a resentful glare.

Though drawn by the aroma and taking a sip, the fox had acted betrayed afterward. Yet Haban had ended up mashing a peach and feeding it to him. He had been tricked by those teary eyes. He had to crush the whole peach on the spot.

“So you do have someone in mind!”

Haban’s previously indifferent gaze now gained some energy. As if he had been waiting for this, Yungak leaned forward on the railing.

“Who is it? Hmm?”

Yungak shook his shoulders. His fair skin gleamed, and the long hair tied in half shimmered below his shoulders. The claim that Yungak was the kingdom’s most beautiful person seemed well-founded.

“Disgusting. Enough nonsense—drink your tea. You insisted on staying for tea, only to talk frivolously. Is this another ploy to avoid your studies?”

“Why are you changing the subject? I’m dying here. Don’t tell me the fox is the empress-to-be?”

Haban set down his teacup with a bang. The empty cup spun off the table and fell below with a loud crash.

“……My apologies, brother. That was a poor joke.”

Faced with Haban’s sharp glare, Yungak bowed his head politely.

“You should have learned to watch your words.”

“Your brother is slow-witted and didn’t think it through.”

“I won’t let it pass twice. And know this—I do not tolerate you out of affection.”

“Yes.”

Yungak’s presence had dual meaning.

He was the only one who could threaten Haban, yet also the only remaining royal bloodline. Without him, Haban wouldn’t be free from the issue of marriage and heirs.

“I’ve finished my tea. Take your time and enjoy the rest.”

Of course, Haban kept him alive for a different reason altogether.

Haban dismissed the palace attendants who followed him.

As soon as he opened the door, he saw Haewon shivering and the fox’s tail sticking out from under a chair.

“What’s he doing now?”

“Well, that is…”

Haewon hesitated and stepped aside. The open-top cabinet answered for him.

“……Ha.”

Haban’s thick brows twitched.

“I-I’ll go prepare the food tray now.”

Haewon ran off in a hurry. The fox’s fluffy tail slapped the floor. Even in such a state, the ever-curious fox didn’t poke his head out, as if aware of his wrongdoing.

“Come out.”

The tail slapped the floor again.

“If I have to drag you out, I’ll start by cutting off that insolent tail.”

Pop!

The fox immediately jumped out. Before he could find a place to hide, Haban grabbed him by the scruff.

“Kyeng!”

The fox looked up with pitiful eyes and curled his tail to his belly as if to protect it. His front paws pressed down tightly—he seemed quite desperate. His golden eyes shimmered with the threat of tears.

Haban was exasperated. He had offered him a chance to come out peacefully, but of course, he had been stubborn.

“Let go. I won’t cut it.”

The front paws pressed even harder on the tail.

“……Kuung.”

The fox muttered something in protest. His chubby cheeks, plumped after a few days, twitched.

“What was that?”

Haban asked coldly, and the fox reluctantly let go of his tail.

Haban lightly shook the small body and threw him onto the bed. The fox bounced onto the blanket and quickly sat up. His reflexes were surprisingly good.

But what of it? He was always tumbling and falling over anyway.

“Click.”

Haban clicked his tongue and sat at the edge of the bed. As the fox tried to retreat toward the wall, Haban pulled him back and flipped him over.

“Kya, kyaang!”

The fox, now spread-eagled, struggled wildly. He flailed his front paws to cover his crotch in vain.

Ironically, the more he struggled, the more it drew Haban’s attention.

“Still so tiny.”

“Kyah! Kaang! Kyang! Kyang!”

His resistance was fiercer than ever. Perhaps trying to appear larger, he perked up his ears and fluffed up his fur.

The fox bared his fangs and growled. But as soon as Haban touched one, he closed his mouth tight and only huffed. His nose soon glistened from all the licking.

Ignoring him, Haban checked each of his four paws.

His pink paw pads were softer than expected. If he stepped on even a small wood chip, the ever-dramatic fox would surely whine and cry out.

“Stay put. Don’t come down until I’ve cleaned up that mess.”

As soon as Haban let go, Dori scampered to the wall and stared at him.

Haban had been furious when he tore his clothes, yet he said nothing even after the more expensive cabinet was broken.

‘……Why?’

It was suspicious.

He claimed to be tired and lay down like he might nap, but wasn’t he really waiting to grope his belly or grab his tail while he slept?