Chapter 520 – Sorting Emotions

The kingdom’s ambience has been quite peculiar of late.

‘Woman on fire,’ Mary mused, teeth grinding in frustration, concealed within her quarters.

‘Undoubtedly intentional.’

Undercover surveillance.
Mary pressed her eye to the door’s crack, waiting for what seemed like an eternity.

The corridor, viewed through this narrow aperture, was lined with countless ceremonial artifacts. Each item, symbolic of the monarch’s authority, was a remarkable piece of art.

– Clatter, clatter, clatter.

Then she heard someone approaching. It was Hong-Yeon. Mary fixed her gaze on her.

Hong-Yeon’s face was virtually devoid of any emotion, almost expressionless. When working, she was cool, methodical, and never forgot to maintain her poker face.

– Thud, thud.

There was, however, one exception to this – when she faced the man she loved.

– Silence.

She looked across the room, her face breaking into a broad smile.

It was the signal that Lee Si-heon was approaching.

Looking at her, Mary thought, ‘Foolish sister.’

A fool who becomes utterly passive when it comes to the man she loves.
Probably going to miss another golden opportunity due to her hesitation.

Hong-Yeon, overwhelmed with joy, stomped her feet, clenched her document-holding hand tightly, and swallowed hard.

“This time, for sure,” she mumbled to herself, her fists clenched, and moved towards Lee Si-heon.

“Do-won!”
“Yes, what is it?”
“Ar, are you busy? Tonight, could–”
“Hm?”
“…Ah, never mind.”

Despite all the rehearsing, she faltered once again.

Si-heon must be busy, he will probably reject her proposal this time too. It’s always better not to make a request that would be denied. A crestfallen Hong-Yeon lowered her gaze, and Si-heon, watching her, chuckled.

“Heh, why, asking for a drink?”

A flush spread across her face.
Finally. You haven’t forgotten me either!

Do-won, always so kind.

Just as Hong-Yeon’s mood was about to lift,

“Si-heon, look at this!”

At the woman’s voice, now grating in her ears, Mary’s eyes narrowed, and Hong-Yeon’s face turned pale.

Cornus.

She was frantically running around with a pile of large documents, her movements unstable. Naturally, right before Si-heon, Cornus slipped and fell.

“Ugh…mmph!”

With a whoosh!

The conversation between the two was abruptly terminated, papers scattered everywhere.

“…Are you alright?”
“Yes!”
“How come your blunders have increased?”

Though Si-heon was reprimanding Cornus, the only one feeling regretful in that room was Hong-Yeon. Cornus had always managed to divert Si-heon’s attention this way. Hong-Yeon’s eyebrows began to droop again, reminiscent of a neglected pet.

As Si-heon magically collected the scattered documents and handed them over, Cornus grinned broadly, her face frozen in surprise.

“Do-won–”

Even as the anxious Hong-Yeon mustered the courage to speak,

“Si-heon! Didn’t you mention going somewhere today?”

“Ah, yes, that’s right.”

She was summarily dismissed.

“Let’s go.”

Sansuyu took hold of Lee Si-heon’s arm, pulling him away. Watching the two of them traverse the corridor, Hong-Yeon felt a wave of defeat wash over her, causing the documents she held to scatter from her grasp.

“…”

A furtive glance.

Stealthily, Sansuyu turned her head, nestling her soft cheek against Lee Si-heon’s arm, rubbing her bosom against his bicep.

Was it her intent to monopolize Lee Si-heon? She raised an eyebrow at Hong-Yeon, who clenched her crushed spirit and closed her eyes tightly.

A tremor.

Her trembling hands were not a good sign. From Hong-Yeon’s perspective, Sansuyu’s expression might be interpreted as:

“[What a fool, losing her man.]”

It was the epitome of audacious flaunting, embracing the man she loved!

“…”

Regardless of Sansuyu’s intention, all of her actions seemed that way to Hong-Yeon, who watched her blankly.

A heart that was already shattered.

No… A heart that shattered time and again.

“I’m a fool.”

Hong-Yeon stifled the tears that threatened to overflow.

She knew he was busy, but just the previous night, Sansuyu’s moans had reverberated throughout the mansion. It was a fact that he had held someone else without his crown. That meant that Lee Si-heon held considerable affection for Sansuyu.

Did he prefer the golden girl over her?

Suppressing her disappointment, Hong-Yeon gave a resentful sniffle.

She had worked so hard. Striving for commendation… her performance had even doubled.

‘Trials are tough and risky, but… then, isn’t it right to maintain distance with other women?’

She knew that if she didn’t express it, he wouldn’t understand, yet a part of her wished he would realize it on his own. Everyone would know.

Since they had once shared a close bond, she had thought the astute Do-won would appreciate her efforts. She too wanted to be praised like that woman. A faint crack appeared on the documents Hong-Yeon held.

“What I lacked compared to her was…”

Initiative.

Hong-Yeon’s eyes wavered.

“Sister.”

“!”

Suddenly, Mary, who had sprung from the guestroom, addressed Hong-Yeon.

That bright, cunning, golden-skinned creature. With her innocent face and malleable feminine aura, she lured Si-heon, sucking his vitality with her ample breasts.

The giant puppy was usurping their shares. Their predicaments were clear, and given the circumstances, they couldn’t just stand by.

A nod.

. . .

“What’s up? So?”

“I’m going to snatch Si-heon back from that golden bitch!”

At Mary’s chattering, Gu-seul made an emoticon-like expression.

He opened his eyes wide, looking at him with a sense of contempt. He turned his head slightly, and there sat Hong-Yeon, hugging her shrunken stomach.

‘Why is she…’

How did Hong-Yeon, known for her admirable leadership, sharp intellect, efficiency, and overflowing charisma, end up like this? The situation was even more puzzling considering Hong-Yeon was not one to be outdone, even when faced with the towering leaves of the Flower.

‘What on earth is he?’

Gu-seul could not comprehend Hong-Yeon’s behavior at all.

Why did this woman fall for Si-heon, calling him Do-won, and how did she manage to love him?

Although Gu-seul was unaware of the past, she found it distasteful that Cornus monopolized Lee Si-heon.

“So, what are you going to do?”

“I came to ask you that.”

“…..”

Clearly, they lacked a plan. Noticing Mary’s innocent expression, Gu-seul could do nothing but smack her forehead in frustration. Hong-Yeon was sulking, seemingly embarrassed.

‘How should I handle this?’

The problem was immense. The issue lay in the fact that there was only one Lee Si-heon.

Due to the trials and tribulations, one could never predict when a monster might emerge. Juggling both work and women was a challenging task.

It was inevitable that Lee Si-heon’s 24 hours revolved primarily around maintaining his power. His recent responsibilities included the importation of military supplies. He moved between various factions, obtaining goods in secrecy from the World Tree and Flower. However, the irregularity of this task made it difficult to establish a routine.

The only respite for Lee Si-heon was the brief time spent eating and sleeping. Dividing that minuscule amount of time amongst the women was a near-impossible task. Even when the weekend rolled around… there had to be times when even Lee Si-heon wanted to rest.

Gu-seul gazed at Hong-Yeon, who was becoming increasingly uneasy.

‘There’s no way she isn’t aware of this.’

Her sight was narrowed, blinded by the man. She craved only Lee Si-heon’s love, yet failed to provide him with the time to rest himself.

Lee Si-heon was not without fault in this situation.

‘The issue lies in the fact that he gave her space. He should have severed ties more decisively. It’s too late now.’

Particularly with Cornus, it had been three years since their last encounter. Lee Si-heon’s heart was bound to soften. However, even considering this, he should have ended things. Gu-seul believed that he should have expelled Cornus, even if it required force.

The boundary between three years prior and the present had significantly blurred due to this incident.

‘How do I get past this?’

When it came to severing ties firmly,
Why now?

“…”

Gu-seul snorted in irritation.

‘So, why have sex? Sex. Now that I think about it, it’s infuriating.’

After all the caressing, the licking of armpits, the foot massages, to leave abruptly was nothing short of being a despicable creature.

“Please cooperate.”

Still…

Under Mary’s pressure, Gu-seul bowed her head.

“I’m having a hard time.”

Unlike Mary, who was merely an onlooker, Gu-seul had an overwhelming amount of work to deal with.

“Even if Lee Si-heon is irksome… he’s our king. I understand your affection for him, but it’s tough on Si-heon too.”

Lee Si-heon probably comprehends this dilemma.
How will it unfold? That will be an intriguing spectacle.

“… Tsk. Sister, we should handle it ourselves.”

With that, Mary abruptly rose, pulling Hong-Yeon along.
Gu-seul watched the two, musing.

“Unions aren’t formed without reason.”

Could there be something to gain?

Love is truly arduous.
‘I’m fortunate not to be fond of him,’ thought Gu-seul.

* * * * * * * * * *

Sansuyu joined, without truly joining.
Naturally, she couldn’t be kept within this faction forever.

Aside from hastening the flow of Qi every evening, there would be more dangerous and urgent matters in the future.

Above all, the conflicts had been escalating recently.

Mary and Hong-Yeon had started to rein in Sansuyu.
So, a serious conversation was inevitable this time.
The kind of conversation that hadn’t been broached in three years.

“I can’t take you along this time.”

At 6 PM, as the sun began to set, Sansuyu clutched my sleeve, her expression one of regret.

I made a request of her, asking for another round of drinks.

“We can’t always be together.”
“… Is it because of the king’s affairs?”

I nodded in response to Sansuyu, who had hit the nail on the head.

There were many matters requiring subtlety, and Mary and Hong-Yeon had been increasingly scrutinizing my actions.

I had considered making a firm decision, but I couldn’t abandon my humanity to that extent.
I allowed a few days of grace, and today was the last.
Over the past few days, Sansuyu had extracted my affection quite profoundly.

“You’re aware, aren’t you?”
“….”

Sansuyu is now incredibly cunning and intelligent.

She’s innocent and adorable, but I’ve realized from working with her for a while that she’s not lacking in shrewdness.
Her childlike antics are endearing, and I’d always want to keep her puppy-like demeanor by my side, but… we have more pressing matters at hand.

“I understand.”

Sansuyu nodded.
Her grip on my sleeve loosened, her fingers slowly unfurling.

Sansuyu had practically monopolized my time for a while.
Her intentions were transparent, and I played along despite being aware.

“Do you like me, Si-eon?”
“Yes. Not just you, everyone.”

Being aware of my responsibilities,
Regrettably, I can’t attend to everyone at present,

“There are others waiting for me, just like you.”
“… Is Si-eon bad?”
“Extremely. To the extent that it wouldn’t be surprising to hear all sorts of curses.”

I pinched Sansuyu’s glum cheeks, removing her sleep dust, and spoke with a calm demeanor.

“Even so, there is much work to be done.”
“Can’t I be of use in that work too?”
“Perhaps, it seems likely.”

As my identity slowly came to light, it became difficult to feign ignorance.
I needed to alter my approach.

Yet, it was premature to wholly embrace them. I needed to garner at least a sliver of advantage before I could summon them.

“In facing the demon of trials, I might need you. As you’ve seen, that fiend is my future self.”
“Yes, I understand.”
“I need to protect Se-Young, Dallae, Shiba… and also Byul. It’s not right for me to say this, having left you all and isolated myself.”
“So, the future Si-heon asks me to protect those whom Si-heon loves.”

Sansuyu, while caressing the kiss mark on her neck, chuckled softly.

“Si-heon, will you forget me?”
“I’m sorry.”

An apology was necessary.

“Do you love me?”
“I do love you.”

The sincerity had to be conveyed.

Sansuyu, satisfied, gave a small shrug. Suyu, who had placed her hand on my neck and tightly embraced me, mumbled while stroking my hair.

“Si-heon is kind.”
“…”
“But, the means you’ve used are significantly flawed.”

With that, she planted a kiss on my cheek.

“But I understand. For it was in love that Si-heon acted. So, even though I’ve been hurt, I can forgive you.”
“That so?”
“Yes. I’ll do as Si-heon suggests.”

Her voice was calm and composed, as though this had been her intention from the start. Suyu, who had stripped from me all the energy and affection she could, stole a kiss then nestled me against her chest.

“Now, should I also love those who are angry?”

Was she referring to Hong-Yeon or Mary? I chuckled and nodded.

Those children have been given too many drugs recently, after all.

“Si-heon.”
“Not that. You can call me by my name now.”
“Siheon.”
“Yes.”
“Can you shoulder all responsibilities once the work is done?”

Sansuyu’s question was justified. There were too many of them, far too many.
All were a blessing. I’ve encountered much despair, but amidst it all, have I not also formed numerous connections?

Perhaps I’m destined to grow increasingly cruel.
I may instigate unspeakable disasters.
I might even cause the death of innocent civilians for trivial reasons.
Even against my wishes, a choice may present itself. There might come a time when I have to make an unreasonable decision. Like violating a friend of my daughter.
This is the duty of the ‘head’ of a power. It’s a reason for many to condemn me.

“It’s okay.”

Sansuyu said so.

“I don’t despise anything that Siheon does.”

Reflecting on it, I’ve always been passive in relationships.
Given my already tarnished self, it wouldn’t be strange if someone, disappointed, decided to sever ties.

Even if Se-young or Byul were to find other lovers, I would have swallowed it down.
That sentiment remains unchanged.
Nonetheless…

“Indeed. Once I become king, after overcoming the trials and banishing the Flower and the World Tree. If I can locate the Dark Force, annihilate it, seize control of the world, and set it on a rightful course…”
“And if you do?”

-Can you bear the responsibility for everything once it’s all over?

An end that seems impossibly distant, with no determined arrival.

“When that day arrives.”

I’ll dedicate the remainder of my life to you.

Even if you should betray me. For all eternity.
That’s my resolve.

“… Heh.”

This is the first I speak of it, and likely the last time in my lifetime.
It’s embarrassingly earnest.
But it’s equally sincere.

Cornus chuckled softly, then shifted her gaze to a particular direction.
With a sudden burst, two figures in the distance began to flee.

“Make that day come as soon as possible.”

Perhaps I’ll have to exert my body more fiercely.
My guilt was immense, but my heart feels significantly lighter.

“That’s the plan.”