The Accidental Monarch

Blooming

This chapter is R18.

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The early morning air feels crisp as the prince walks across the airfield with Jung Man-bok. The private plane that he and Seri used to get from Seoul to Bongsu is to be flown back for the king's use. In turn, his brother sends over Man-bok to inspect his helicopter for their departure back to the city happening in three days.

"Apologies for the sudden assignment, Man-bok," the prince tells the older man as they approach the aircraft. The latter caught an early flight to the island with no prior notice because Mu-hyeok needed the plane and the assurance that the helicopter works just fine. "I'm afraid the terrorist attack has made my brother even more anxious than he already is."

Man-bok responds with a warm smile. "There is no need to apologize, Your Royal Highness," he assures him. "May I ask if you will be using this before your flight back to Seoul?"

"I might take my guest out for a quick flight tomorrow morning," he answers to which the valet immediately nods and goes to work. "How is the family, by the way? My brother mentioned that your son had quite the health scare a couple of weeks back. How is he doing?"

"Oh, yes. He's home now," Man-bok answers gratefully with his eyes twinkling. "His Majesty personally went to the hospital and asked the doctors to take good care of my boy. He also called every day to check if the treatment was going well. I will forever be indebted to him."

Jeong-hyeok cannot help but shake his head. Leave it to Mu-hyeok to act as if he has all the time in the world for everyone else when he barely gives himself enough time to rest at night. "Sounds like my brother."

The rest of the hour flies by with the two checking the engine, the controls, and the exterior of the helicopter. Once the valet was satisfied that it was in good working condition, the prince personally saw to it that the plane carrying him back to the city took off the runway smoothly.

Only when it disappears above the clouds does he turn around and slide into his vintage car, where Chi-su uncomfortably sits on the passenger seat. "Oh, would you relax?" the royal says in jest, shifting the gear stick. "I didn't endure all those horrible driving lessons with my father only for you to act as if I didn't work hard enough to earn my driver's license."

"No offense, sir, but I refuse to believe that there was no bias down at the issuing agency when they found out to whom the license would be given to," Chi-su shoots back, making the prince scoff in indignation. "You were done in less than thirty minutes. I had to take mine three times."

"Well, you may be the best in security, but your driving skills leave much to be desired," Jeong-hyeok retorts, making a sharp turn that had the Royal Guard clutching onto his seatbelt for dear life. The prince laughs at the horrified expression on his face. "Come on, Chi-su. Live a little!"

Jeong-hyeok takes a little detour to mess with him only to be on the receiving end of a lecture. By the time the car pulls into a stop in front of the house, Chi-su is more than ready to bolt out of the vehicle. When the prince makes no move to unlock the doors, he simply pulls himself up and over his side before straightening his suit and waiting for the younger man to exit.

But the prince stays frozen inside the car, struck by the sight of Seri walking towards the side door with an enamored kitchen staff following her. Someone cracks a joke that she finds funny, and he watches with bated breath how she breaks into a gorgeous laugh that reaches her eyes.

"Ju-meok reported that she had gone down to the market with the staff shortly after we left," Chi-su tells him after seeing what had reduced him into silence. His heart swells up to twice its size upon hearing his words. "Forgive me for speaking out of place, sir, but you would be a fool if you let this one go. I have never witnessed someone so high up act so down-to-earth before."