Chaotic Nights (Wild Night)

CHAPTER 10

•••

Smoke filled the air from the firewood burning in the main room.

"The former crown prince is here."
Shi Hoon, who hadn't seen his father in a long time, was surprised by his words.

"By former crown prince, you mean..."

"Yes, the man who lost his position and became blind after eating a poisonous plant. Seo Ji Hak, the crazy prince, is here."

The Minister of Defense took a sip of alcohol. As Shi Hoon quickly refilled his cup, he checked his father's expression.

"Is this bad news for you?"
The Defense Minister clicked his tongue and looked at his son, who had no interest in politics.

"Why do you think that?"

"Because your expression doesn't look good. You seem worried about something."

"I still don't know if his presence will be a good or bad thing for me. But I need to put him under surveillance."

"You want to put the former crown prince under surveillance?"

"Yes. There are many things I need to figure out. I need to confirm if he really lost his sight or simply lost his mind. I also need to make sure he's not planning to re-gain his former position."

'It's time to put an end to this conflict...'

The Minister was gazing around the room when something caught his eye. A scroll hanging on the wall. In particular, the handwriting was soft and delicate, an indication that the author was unlikely to be a man.

"That's not your handwriting."

Shi Hoon blushed at the Minister's question.

"I hung it up because it looked beautiful."

"It is very beautiful indeed. Does this handwriting belong to a woman? Is she someone you hold in your heart?"

The easiest way for him to get married was to take the civil servant exam and become a government official.

Although he was more than ready, Shi Hoon delayed taking the exam with the excuse that it wouldn't be fair to his older brothers.

Watching Shi Hoon lower himself in order to avoid conflict with his brothers, despite being the most intelligent, filled the Minister with guilt.

"You can tell me. If she's from a good family, I will try to arrange a marriage."

"I am unsure of the identity of the author as I came across it by pure coincidence. Once I grow bored of it, I will probably take it down. Therefore, there is nothing for you to worried about, Your Excellency."

As the lie fell from his lips, Shi Hoon's jaw tightened and he grew nauseous. He smiled, hoping to mask his uneasiness.

The author of the poetry on his wall was Eun Ha. Last year, Eun Ha came to see him on his birthday and presented it as a gift.

'I really didn't know what to get you... This is a poem that I like. If you don't like it, feel free to throw it away. I'm really sorry for this lackluster gift. Once I make a lot of money, I promise to get you the best ink.'

He wouldn't change her gift for anything in the world.
That's why he averted his gaze from the wall. He knew that the more affection he showed towards Eun Ha, the more she would suffer.

"Oh, by the way. Another exam is scheduled to happen soon. Your brothers have already passed the exam, so now it's your turn."

"I still have much to learn."