Amour | KSJ

💕9. Suspicions

"Your Highness. Secretary Park Jimin reporting.
This is the report for the week His Majesty was away.

- The property damages that resulted from the war have now been completely nullified. All those injured in the war have been provided with medical facilities and people who suffered the death of a family member, have been compensated. However, there is unrest among the civilians. Several public riots and disputes have come up in a short period of time.

- Also, Your Highness, the rumours regarding your betrayal against His Majesty Kim SeokJin of Boseong Hanok have resurfaced in the last couple of days. The people are very sensitive regarding this matter. The civilians have become highly violent, restless, and turbulent. The rates of violent crimes and petty thefts have shot up dramatically.

- The Citizens' Dispute Relief Committee are doing their best to keep things under control. However, if the issues are not addressed, we can expect an attack on the Royal Palace and you, Your Highness.

- The Finance department has assured that the economic conditions of the kingdom have improved.

End of report." Jimin bowed.

"Thank you, Secretary Park. Immediately have the military impose heavier fines for thefts and more severe punishments for violent crimes. Let the civilians know that such irrational behaviours will not be entertained. As an enticement, provide each family of the Kingdom with incentives. It may be given in the form of money, food, clothing, or by providing a family member with a job." Namjoon paused.

"It will be done, Your Highness." Jimin bowed and left the court to fulfil his duty.

"Chief Commander Jung. Arrange for me to speak publicly with the people, regarding the malicious rumours. The matter shall be addressed before all the citizens." Namjoon commanded to which the slim, sturdy man, standing beside his throne, silently bowed.

"But- Your Highness...." someone interrupted, "Do you think, speaking with the people will solve the issue?! Instead, the situation may only worsen! What if those thugs were to harm you during your talk? Brother, this isn't something minuscule, there are so many risks involved!" It was his step-brother, Kim Namhyuk.

At that one of the King's advisers spoke, "Your brother is right, Your Highness. We cannot risk it if something were to happen to you. We recommend Your Highness to lay low for the time being." to that Namjoon raised his eyebrow. A gesture that often indicated that he was suspicious of something or found something odd.

Namjoon wasn't stupid. He recognized people's intentions very well. He also knew, that his stepbrother had a very keen interest in the throne that he was sitting on. Even though Namjoon never saw Namhyuk as a serious threat, he knew that his stepbrother would at least try a hand at being able to acquire a position of such power. Just that he didn't know to what extent his stepbrother would go.

"What are you implying?" he asked to confirm his thoughts.

Another official in the court continued, "Your Majesty, we suggest that you go into hiding for some period of time. While your step-brother, His Majesty Kim Namhyuk, safeguards the throne for you and you wouldnt have to worry. After all, he is your blood. You can have faith in him. He won't try to steal your throne from you. Once the people have calmed down and the Throne is safe, your brother can hand it back to you! At the end of the day, when in need, only a family helps the family."

Namjoon almost let out a scoff before he said, "I'm speechless. I hadn't realized until now that my council and my step-brother cared so much about my well-being. My dear council members, please know that I truly appreciate the concern you have shown for me." and smiled.

"Of course brother! That's what we are here for!" said Namhyuk.

"However, how can I call myself a King, if I were to leave my Throne in fear of the people? The subjects will only think of me as a coward if I were to run and hide in a situation such as this!" He said in a stern voice.

"Don't you worry about that, O King! We'll come up with solid reasonings and ensure that the people wouldn't say a word regarding the matter!" the council member from before said.

"Well, to control what people talk about is not up to us you see. Anyway, I'll give it a thought, so please give me some time. As for now, the meeting is dismissed. You may leave. Thank you." Namjoon commanded with a nod.

Once everyone had left, Secretary Park Jimin returned before the King.

"Everything is being arranged as per your orders, Your-"

"Drop the formality. Thank you Jimin-ah..." Namjoon acknowledged with a smile.

"Joon, are you really going to consider stepping down from your throne as they said?" Chief Commander Jung Hoseok spoke from beside Namjoon.

"Not at all, Hoba. I'm just trying to figure what these people are scheming at. They are being too suspicious now."

"I can't believe he had the audacity to actually say that! Hyung, what do you plan to do now?" Jimin asked.

"Jimin, I actually need you to do something for me. I want you to keep an eye on my stepbrother, Namhyuk. Have you heard anything from the spies?"

"Ah yes hyung! Apparently, he's been meeting some people from the clan of Boseong regularly for the last couple of weeks. Today I myself am planning to see, what's going on."

"Right. Thank you once again, Jimin! Please make sure you're safe no matter what you do. If it's dangerous, abort and come back at once." Namjoon was like this every once in a while when his caring side made cameos in front of his dear friends.

"Don't worry, hyung, I'll be safe." Jimin smiled back assuringly.

"Meanwhile Hoba, I need you to inspect the palace for any traitors. I'm certain that there is someone that's agitating the crowd. Try to find whatever you can." Namjoon said to Hoseok.

"On it, Joonie.

。・゜・♡・゜・。

Jimin had been discreetly following Namhyuk in disguise for quite some time since he left the palace. Sure enough, Namhyuk was off to someplace in great urgency. Tailing him was difficult because he took a route that was through a marketplace. The market was so crowded that Jimin had almost lost track of Namhyuk. Thankfully, his bright royal attire stood out among the crowd. Just when he had caught up with Namhyuk, he dashed into someone.

Frustrated, he turned around to give a piece of his mind to the man walking so carelessly. He was in a hurry so he might have not paid attention, but where was the other person off to??? Couldn't that man have been more cautious??? Couldn't he see someone coming his way??

"WATCH IT YOU-" he started, but he stood frozen stiff as soon as he realised who he had run into. Even the man he ran into was just as shocked as him. The man's blond hair and pale matched someone Jimin missed so dearly. Immediately all his frustration had dissipated.

"H-Hyung?"

"Jimin?"

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when the author says she'll try to update faster but the update is slower than ever. ~_~