SAFBIAN Ch 80

Chapter 80

 

In the Kingdom of Jin, the status of women was higher compared to other nations. They could be appointed as officials based solely on their abilities, and Bihyeong was a woman at the pinnacle of such a system. Though she was a princess by birth, her exceptional talents had been recognized early, leading her to a government position.

She had worked harder than others to fulfill the duties of royalty and held her pride high. But now they were telling her to seduce the Emperor? It felt like someone had splashed filthy water on her proud face.

Moreover,

‘My taste leans more towards modest and neatly dressed men!’

What of the Emperor in the rumors? He was said to be a ruthless tyrant, not only lacking in virtue but also debauched. Even though recent whispers suggested the rumors were false, she had no way of knowing.

A man, by all standards, ought to be steadfast and obedient. Even better if he had broad shoulders, a firm chest, and a round, well-shaped butt.

Bihyeong had recently taken a liking to a few sturdy men, so this only made her angrier. She went so far as to fast for several days to show her resolve, but in the end, she had no choice but to depart for the Empire at the King’s command.

However, when she saw the Emperor of the Empire with her own eyes, she finally understood what the King had meant.

No such man existed anywhere else.

He had been born with the radiance of a sovereign and held everything in his grasp. A woman who wished to stand beside him would need more than beauty.

What the King of Jin  meant by “seducing the Emperor” wasn’t to throw herself into his bed, but to prove she had the value to sit beside him as an equal.

Bihyeong’s legs trembled beneath the Emperor’s overwhelming presence.

‘Still, he never mentioned he was this dangerous!’

Why were his eyes so cold and unfeeling when looking at a woman?

At the very least, if he showed some interest, she could attempt something. But instead of displaying any attraction, he looked like he might order her execution the moment she made a wrong move, just as the rumors said.

“I don’t quite understand what Your Majesty is saying.”

“Depending on your answer, the fate of the delegation currently in prison will be decided.”

“…Are you referring to our delegation from Jin ?”

Bihyeong had assumed that those who had accompanied her were being treated appropriately, even if not lavishly entertained.

But even if Jin  could not match the Empire, to imprison an official delegation representing a nation? She couldn’t believe her ears.

“The King of Jin sent iron.”

When Haban seemed to change the subject, he noticed the disappointment flicker across Bihyeong’s face.

She replied immediately.

“Yes, the iron produced in Jin is of especially high quality and strength. I am certain it will benefit the Empire.”

“Iron is weaponry.”

“…Pardon?”

“A large quantity of iron—what could it mean? It must be that Jin is forging weapons and pointing their blades at the Empire. Is it a threat? A declaration of hostility?”

“That is absolutely not the case!”

Bihyeong quickly denied it. But Haban wasn’t looking at her. He was gazing down at a short letter on the desk.

To the casual ear, his words might have sounded like unreasonable suspicion. However, Haban, remembering his past life, had already verified the truth: during this exact period, Jin had been secretly hiding part of their iron output to manufacture weapons. This letter was the evidence.

They had done their utmost to conceal it, so they must now be wondering how the information had been leaked.

Indeed, cold sweat ran down Bihyeong’s back. She had read countless books and engaged in many discussions with her mentors, but never had she experienced such a nerve-wracking moment.

Why had the King sent iron of all things? What did the Emperor mean by his question, and what should she answer?

Bihyeong feared that a single wrong word from her mouth could serve as the justification for war.

It was then—

“In the Empire, the groom weaves golden threads into ornaments for his bride on the eve of the wedding. It signifies forming a bond that won’t easily break.”

Someone suddenly spoke, as if throwing the words into the air.

Startled, Bihyeong turned toward the voice. It came from a slender man with a cold expression who had, until now, had his nose buried in a scroll.

“It’s different, but in Jin, they say the sword forged from iron is strong and unbreakable. So, before the wedding, the bride sends it to the groom.”

“…”

“Still, who would be bold enough to admit they’ve come to seduce His Majesty unless they had nerves of steel?”

Bihyeong was at a loss for words, completely caught off guard. For someone with such a delicate appearance to speak to the Emperor like that—it made her own heart go cold.

“You’re one to talk.”

“I’m the exception, naturally. Wasn’t that the reason I was placed here?”

Only then did Geumhu lift his head.

“And I think it’s the right approach.”

His gaze met Haban’s. His black eyes were steady, calm, unwavering—even before an Emperor whose thoughts were unreadable, Geumhu did not yield.

Jipyeong, who had been quietly standing guard behind Haban, sidled over and placed a restraining hand on Geumhu’s back.

Bihyeong found herself greatly encouraged by Geumhu’s demeanor.

‘The King wanted me to behave modestly and with virtue, like the women of the Empire.’

Should she be bold, or cautious? The answer had already been decided. Bihyeong swallowed dryly and spoke the words the King had once said to her.

“Since you ask, I will answer truthfully. Jin wishes to strengthen its ties with the Empire. …So, how do I fare as Your Majesty’s woman?”

To ask such a question to the Emperor himself—how insolent. Even if this was a private audience, the Empire’s chancellor and captain of the imperial guard were both present.

Geumhu rubbed his face, looking exasperated. He had planned to discreetly maneuver her into place if she behaved herself.

Just as he was about to speak—

“That wouldn’t be so bad.”

Haban gave an entirely unexpected reply.

Clack.

The imperial office fell into dead silence after the Princess of Jin left and closed the door behind her. Once the sound of Bihyeong’s footsteps disappeared, Geumhu attempted to leap to his feet, only to be stopped by Jipyeong’s hand on his shoulder.

“Compose yourself. Even I can no longer tolerate your insolence toward His Majesty.”

His voice was heavy, weightier than any Geumhu had ever heard. Geumhu collapsed into his seat, limp.

Haban, watching the two, slowly stood.

“Jipyeong, begin the task I assigned you starting today. Tell the Princess of Jin to present herself at the hour of shin tomorrow.”

The delegation from Jin had never been imprisoned to begin with. It had all been a test to assess Bihyeong’s usefulness.

Her face had gone pale, but she hadn’t fainted. In that nerve-racking moment, she had even asked a bold question. That meant she could probably endure even if a few assassins broke into her chambers.

Haban planned to stroll through the gardens with her every few days. He had assigned Jipyeong, who had guarded the fox palace until now, as her escort for that very reason.

As he left the office and walked down the hallway, Haban reflected on his previous life.

“How’s the water temperature, little fox?”

“Kyah!”

Dori dipped his front paw into the basin and pulled it back, then barked as if satisfied. At that, Hong soaked a cloth in the water and began to wash his paws.

With the warmth of the water and the gentle massage, his body started to melt.

‘Is this what they call aromatherapy?’

The liquid they had added to the water emitted a refreshing scent, just like the one found in the forest. Dori stretched out his limbs luxuriously, enjoying an indulgence he had never experienced in his current life.

“Kaaang…”

The massage for his legs and paws soon ended.

Cheong dried him off with a soft cloth, then waited for his fur to fluff up before trimming his claws.

All Dori had to do during this was lie still and close his eyes. This had become his daily routine ever since Hong and Cheong came to the palace.

‘At first, I thought they were going overboard with all this.’

But by now, he had gotten used to it, and he no longer disliked their fussy, overly attentive care. In fact, he rather enjoyed it.

‘I shouldn’t get too used to this.’

It would be far too sad once they parted. Dori rubbed his clean paw against his nose.

Hong and Cheong never left his side, only stepping away in turns when absolutely necessary. But there was one instance when they wouldn’t even come near—whenever Haban visited.

As usual, a dinner for two had been laid out. Once Hong, Cheong, and Haewon all exited the room, Haban gave a subtle nod of his chin.

Excited, Dori grabbed his clothes in his mouth and ran behind the folding screen. The trailing hem couldn’t be helped.

Poof! Dori transformed into his human form and quickly dressed himself.

“You’ve gotten quite good at it.”

As Haban sat down in his chair, he lightly gathered Dori’s hair with his fingers and tied it back with a ribbon so it wouldn’t get in the way while eating. It was always loosely tied, yet never came undone—strange how it stayed so secure.

Dori moved his spoon rapidly. Now that he was human, he could choose whatever dish he liked instead of having Haban feed him like when he was a fox.

Though the constant gaze while he ate made him a little uncomfortable, he had gotten used to it. There were so many side dishes that even small portions quickly filled him up.

‘Hmph.’

After putting down his spoon first, Dori watched Haban eat.

Was it because he was an emperor? Even the simple act of eating looked refined and dignified.

‘If this were the real world, he’d be the heir to a major conglomerate.’

One with a truly awful personality.

A sharp-suited man in jet-black clothing, flanked by a secretary with piercing eyes. Bodyguards walking one step behind, scanning the surroundings.

‘Actually, it’s not much different from now.’

Dori chuckled at the thought before he realized it. He quickly covered his mouth with a hand, but Haban—who was sipping tea to finish his meal—had already seen him.