SAFBIAN Ch 164

Chapter 164 (Extra 1.8)

“When I think about being deceived back then…!”

The package we checked the next day contained a golden imperial seal. My senses immediately cleared.

“Who said you were deceived? You promised it yourself and took it with your own hand.”

Haban, sober and composed despite having staggered drunk earlier and carefully assigned Shadow Assassins to guard Geumhu just in case he lost the seal, remained calm.

It was merely a moment of unconsciousness; his intention had been set from before.

Ultimately, Geumhu, unable to handle the imperial seal, could only temporarily hold the authority when Haban left the palace to find Dori. Geumhu was entrusted with the seal’s safekeeping because Haban would be absent.

Though unlikely, it meant taking responsibility if something should happen to the emperor, just as it is now.

“Looks like you’ve been living decently.”

Upon hearing Haban’s words, a firm resolve gripped Geumhu’s chin. The vague remark Haban made before leaving the palace had become a reality, leaving Geumhu feeling quite wronged.

“His Majesty appears healthier than the physician’s words suggested.”

“That’s thanks to you.”

“I think so, too.”

If the emperor recovers his health, half of the credit belongs to me. Geumhu suppressed his rising anger; after all, the man before him was the empire’s sovereign.

“I heard you did well. Indeed, you seem fit to be my successor.”

Through the eyes and ears of the Shadow Assassins, Haban was already informed of palace affairs and the past events. He rubbed below his chin thoughtfully.

What should I do? For the cunning prime minister slyer than Dori to accept my negotiation, how many days will it take? Haban counted inwardly.

Then Geumhu grunted gruffly,

“Why did you leave that thing outside?”

Of course, the more anxious one would lose. It was amusing to see usually reckless Geumhu get agitated simply because Jipyeong had collapsed outside.

A relaxed smile crossed Haban’s face.

“I didn’t put it there.”

“Then you should send it home properly. Someone’s waiting.”

“He’s already here before me, so it’s alright.”

Geumhu felt like pounding his chest fiercely. …I must endure. Only then might I be able to offer some relief to my beloved, withered under the harsh sun.

At that moment, Haban’s eyes caught a silver tray set aside by Eunuch Kim on the table. The scrolls were unfolded once, roughly folded in half again.

“I see you’ve reviewed the memorials. This requires His Majesty’s approval; I’ve prioritized the most urgent matters.”

“Yes. It’s time to conclude talks with the Jin Kingdom.”

Geumhu stiffened instantly.

It was true the Jin Kingdom’s pressure was mounting. Initially reluctant as it was a matchmaker’s talk with the prime minister, not Haban, the situation changed after Haban’s collapse. Expectations shifted.

From Geumhu’s perspective, he had used the emperor’s illness as an excuse to resist but was nearing his limit.

Ultimately, Geumhu relented.

“Three days. Beyond that, it’s difficult even for me.”

“You should at least have a fortnight. Your health won’t let you travel outside yet.”

“Four days. Rumors say His Majesty dashed off immediately to find Mama.”

“You call that ‘Mama’ so easily? Fine, ten days it is.”

“How dare the emperor negotiate worse than a mere street thug!”

After bitter conflict with no yielding, they set seven days. Enough time for Haban to completely step back from state affairs and rest fully.

“So. Have you finally made up your mind?”

“Yes.”

Geumhu, who had been flicking his tongue, looked away.

His face, pale and worn from work, flushed faintly. A strange expression for Geumhu, who was both a subject and friend. Haban felt a different mood.

“You look relieved. You don’t regret letting go of the chance to seize the empire?”

“Instead, I’ve gained a lover for life.”

“It won’t be an easy path.”

Though the empire was open in love and recognized same-sex relationships, marriage was different. Without producing heirs, neither man nor woman could be a legal consort.

Thus, regardless of whether Geumhu broke off the engagement with the Jin princess, we must remain lovers or concubines.

In a household with only one male heir, Geumhu would face opposition entering as a concubine, and the family prizing honor would never accept Jipyeong as such.

Geumhu and Jipyeong themselves would never outright defy their parents or families.

“Don’t worry. His Majesty intends to make Mama the empress.”

For the first time since entering this room, Geumhu smiled brightly.

If the empire’s emperor established Dori, a white fox beastman and man, as empress, no one could oppose it.

How clever.

Haban clicked his tongue, about to order someone outside to be brought in.

“Hmm?”

Carefully, the door opened and Dori peeked in.

He had said he was going to see Riri but must have gotten tangled somewhere; his fur was covered in dirt. Surprised at someone sitting by the table, he hastily brushed off his clothes. Yet the leaves stuck in his hair remained.

“May I come in, Mama?”

“Prime Minister?”

When Geumhu stood and turned, Dori realized he was no stranger. He quickly dusted off his clothes, though the bits of grass tangled in his hair remained.

“May I enter?”

The admiring eyes cast sideways at Geumhu revealed affection and curiosity. Pouting with raised toes, he peered inside as if displeased at becoming friendly while Haban still lay down.

Haban waved a vague hand.

“For now, I order Jipyeong, captain of the guards, to be on house arrest. Go now.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Without hesitation, Geumhu showed no regrets.

Watching him leave, Dori sniffed the teacup on the table. Suddenly, he leapt up, swiftly transforming into a white fox.

“Kang!”

His long ears flicked once. The fox dashed and leapt onto the bed, firmly taking Haban’s side. Grooming himself with ease as if it were natural.

“Kkuku.”

“…Lady Jang.”

Before finishing those words, Lady Jang’s voice was heard from outside.

“Is Mama inside?”

The urgent gasp searching for Dori was audible. A palace attendant explained that someone had just come in, unaware of the situation. Lady Jang caught her breath.

That made sense. Though Lady Jang had chased after Dori when he left, she returned alone.

“Your Majesty, it is Lady Jang.”

“Come in.”

Haban gently scratched beneath the fox’s jaw. The thick tail tip swayed softly.

“Get up.”

“…”

Geumhu, having stepped outside, swiftly headed toward Jipyeong.

It was the hottest time of the day, but Jipyeong, steadily standing on the scorching floor, seemed unaffected.

Geumhu irritably rubbed his forehead.

“Didn’t you hear? His Majesty ordered you to be on house arrest.”

Was something wrong? To receive house arrest for such a grievous offense instead of exile or dismissal was incomprehensible. Jipyeong couldn’t accept it.

“Do you intend to disobey the emperor’s order?”

But at Geumhu’s words, Jipyeong’s large shoulders shook.

Soon, deeply bowing, Jipyeong rose unsteadily. His legs limped from poor circulation; he avoided Geumhu’s help and took slow steps away.

“The elders of the clan will worry. Go to my house. His Majesty won’t call for you for a while.”

“…”

His gaze fixed stubbornly on the floor.

There were too many watching eyes. Now that Haban had withdrawn from official affairs, being close to the regent raised suspicions. If word spread that I was using the regent to avoid punishment, Jipyeong was cautious.

Sigh. Geumhu held his breath briefly before exhaling.

“I’ve arranged to break off the engagement with the princess of Jin.”

Jipyeong’s pace slowed notably but he kept avoiding eye contact. Though it was for his sake, disappointment lingered beneath.

“You didn’t know that the assassin came last night?”

Jipyeong finally turned sharply. Hearing that an assassin entered Jipyeong’s quarters last night, his thick eyebrows knitted and his eyes blinked wide.

“I didn’t say that…”

“With you here like this, when else would I tell you?”

Geumhu said sharply.

Even though guards patrolled the residence, and Haban had dispatched Shadow Assassins recently, Geumhu couldn’t feel at ease without Jipyeong.

No, he simply missed him.

“I’m acting as His Majesty’s proxy now. You must protect me, right?”

“…”

“Stop that and get yourself together.”

Geumhu snatched Jipyeong’s hand sharply and started walking ahead. But the stalwart captain of the guards stood firm, unable to be pushed away. Jipyeong struggled lightly to free his caught hand but couldn’t.

“Put this down first and go back. I’ll follow you.”

Geumhu bristled with anger.

He had endured a week of petitions inside the palace on Haban’s behalf. The disregard for that effort sparked frustration and spite.

“Fine. If that’s so.”

Geumhu let go of his hand. As Jipyeong’s previously tense features softened, Geumhu cupped his cheek and kissed him abruptly.

“…!”

The palace attendants gasped in shock.

No one expected the prime minister and captain of the guards were that close!

Ignoring the surprise, Geumhu pulled on Jipyeong’s lips. Jipyeong, initially stiff with shock, hurriedly pulled away.

“What on earth—!”

“Everyone saw. Enough. Follow quietly.”

After his bold attempt was coldly rejected, Geumhu, burning with shame, began to turn away.

Creak. The door opened.

“…!”

Before he could realize where he was, Geumhu was sucked in as if trapped. He struggled to withstand the passionate kiss suddenly thrust upon him.

The arms that pulled him, the solid chest pressing against him, the thick flesh sealing his throat and invading his mouth made it hard to regain composure.

“Hah.”

His breath was thick and wheezy.