At Your Service, General Yoo! || Joongdok

Chapter 1

Dokja walked through the halls of the palace, passing marble columns and golden vases, intricately crafted and shining light into his sensitive eyes. He had never once grazed a curious hand on any of the treasures strewn throughout the palace; one wrong touch, a wobble, and he would repay with his life.

His flat shoes barely made a noise on the smooth white floors, but as he approached a certain looming entrance, he made a point to ruffle his clothes and clack his heel once or twice. He didn't want a repeat of last time; his quiet footsteps drawing the attention of some of the ambassadors present at the meeting. He learned later from Han Sooyoung that one had even pulled General Yoo off to the side to convince him that Dokja was an assassin.

The thought of that alone caused the General to bark out a sudden laugh, before sending the lieutenant away with a disinterested hand.

Dokja wasn't exactly sure what this dismissive response meant, but surely it must indicate that he's at least trusted by the General? A valued member of the palace's court?

Dokja knows deep down that, at best, he's a nuisance kept around for his strategizing prowess. General Yoo does not consider him even close to being a threat, thus the lack of concern. He's probably regarded as a mere fly, buzzing around the General's ear.

And, currently, Dokja is standing outside the large arched doors of the war room once again, holding tightly the maps he had been hunched over all through the night.

He paused at the door and rubbed his tired eyes to ensure they were at least clean. No doubt his dark circles were standing out against his pale features, but he's not being summoned to be ogled at. The more weak and pathetic he looks, the less likely he'll be fired. All he needs to do is get in, speak when spoken to, and get out.

Dokja sighed and pushed the doors open. By the time he got past the solid doors, his face was red due to both the exertion of the task and the many glaring eyes coming his way.

He kept his head low as he darted towards his usual spot: standing between the royal advisor, Han Sooyoung, and the bane of all his problems, General Yoo himself.

Dokja bowed. "Greetings, General Yoo."

The large man did not acknowledge the greeting, nor did he acknowledge his strategist being late to the war meeting. This blasé attitude never went unnoticed by the attendees, and Dokja would often hear gossip floating through the halls that his position in the castle was not a respected one.

Yet, Dokja could care less. The maids, the guests, the staff, they all didn't matter as long as he had a roof over his head and food to fill his stomach. All he had to ensure was that the daunting man seated at the head of the table found no issue with him.

If his brain was regarded as useful, then he had no problem putting it to work.

- - - -

Stumbling out of the meeting room, Dokja's loose grip on his supplies caused them to flail around as he pulled them in tow. Sooyoung followed soon after, careful to avoid the gangly limbs and scrolls jutting about. The two of them shared a glance and then a heavy breath.

The meeting had lasted the rest of the day and well into the night. Dokja was already lacking sleep and having to explain viable battle strategy over candlelight was not the best for his eyes.

He leaned against the wall, seeing the last of those in attendance filing out into the grand hall.

"You look like shit."

Dokja sent a piercing look over to Sooyoung. Looking her up and down as well.

He scoffed, "As if you look any better". He rested his head against the cold wall and closed his eyes.