Moonstones and Madness

Eight

     As they were leaving the grounds Kim Hae-sung was waylaid but a prosperous looking group of men. It took him a moment to recognize some of his father's clients.

"I could hardly credit it when Advocate Kim told us his son made it to the prince's championships but here you are bright as brass," the man's distinctive accent drew curious looks.

"I'm putting my money down on you in tomorrow's heats. I am certain you can handle any of the citified nags they throw at you, especially after you did so well with our young stud. You know he has gone on to be a real winner, just like you," a shorter man piped up from the back of the group. His comment caused a ripple of interest among the nearby bookmakers.

"I see your teammates beckoning so will just wish you our best and look forward to celebrating your success later in the week." The former mayor gave a slight bow then led the others away.

"I'm glad you are getting your share of being a hometown hero," Junseo said as they watched the merchants making their way through the line of vendors on the main thoroughfare.

"You would get your share if your famous family members didn't scare them off," Hae-sung teased.

"Not famous. Honestly, far from it."

"Right. Nobody of note, just a Headmaster, an Ambassador, and a personal friend of the Dowager Queen who made a point of coming to greet the youngest competitor on the field," Song-hee drawled. Junseo's sputtered and his ears turned red.

"Face-it, anyone in the champion's round is going to be famous this week," In-Yeon said quietly.

"Too right, my boy," one of San Jin's guards said as he signaled for a couple more members to come protect the team from being buffeted by the crowd as he guided them to where a couple of waiting carriages.

"What's this?" Hae-sung asked with suspicion.

San Jin poked his head out of a window, "This is my mother's idea of stealth. Now hand off your horses and climb aboard we need time to change before dinner."

In-Yeon rolled his eyes, "A command performance from her boys then?"

"No, she was just worried we would not get a chance to relax together the rest of the week." San Jin answered with a grin.

"Like I am going to relax in dress robes," Chenhui muttered under his breath and Song-hee nodded in agreement before leaning back and closing his eyes for the duration of the trip to the Go family compound.

"Come on sleepy head," In Yeon shook Song-hee's shoulder as the carriage rolled to a stop just inside the gates.

"What? Oh, we are here already?"

"Why did you pull another all-nighter?" Chenhui asked as Song-hee straightened up.

"Just a puzzle I couldn't put down and I don't want to bother Junseo this week," he blushed and looked away.

"Just know we are here for you," Chenhui whispered.

"Please don't shut us out," In Yeon might have said more but the others were waiting. San Jin led the team to his quarters where a small group of servants waited to help make the boys more presentable.

"What's with all the frippery?" Hae-sung asked.

"Yeah, I thought this was going to be a team event," Junseo grumbled.