황실의 사랑 이야기 (Hwangsil-ui Sarang Iyagi) - The Imperial Love Story

Chapter - 6

As Yongbok returned to his tent, he was met with the stark contrast of his surroundings. The interior was beautifully adorned, reflecting the royal aesthetics he was accustomed to—rich fabrics draped elegantly across the furniture, intricate patterns woven into the carpets, and a small table set with an array of refreshments. It was a space meant for royalty, a far cry from the rugged, makeshift tents of the other trainees.

But even the elegance of his tent couldn't shake the irritation simmering beneath the surface. Yongbok took a moment to collect his thoughts, allowing the calm of his surroundings to settle him. Yet, just as he began to relax, he found his older brother Minho waiting for him inside, arms crossed, a concerned look etched on his face.

"Yongbok," Minho began, his tone serious, "what were you thinking today?"

Yogbok rolled his eyes, a defensive instinct kicking in. "I was just trying to assert myself, Minho. That commoner had the audacity to disrespect me in front of everyone."

Minho sighed, shaking his head. "You can't let yourself get bothered by someone like him. You're a prince. You have a reputation to uphold."

"He humiliated me! You should have seen the way he talked to me, like I was just another villager," Yongbok snapped, the memory of Hyunjin's defiance igniting a spark of anger within him.

"Your Highness," Minho replied, his tone dripping with a mix of sarcasm and concern, "that's exactly the kind of attitude that'll make people see you as just a spoiled royal. You need to rise above it."

Yongbok ran a hand through his hair, the frustration bubbling up inside him. "I know that! But it's hard to ignore when someone stands up to you like that. I can't just pretend it didn't happen."

Minho stepped closer, his expression softening. "It's not about pretending. It's about understanding your position. You have a responsibility to maintain your dignity and composure, especially with the training for the royal guard starting now."

Yongbok sighed, sinking into one of the plush chairs. "You're right. But that doesn't mean I won't keep an eye on him. He's not just some commoner; he's a Hwang, and clearly, he has something to prove."

"Just be careful, okay?" Minho urged. "The last thing we need is for you to get entangled in a rivalry with someone like him. Focus on your training and being the best you can be."

Yongbok nodded, feeling the weight of his brother's words. He didn't want to let Hyunjin's defiance consume him, but a part of him was undeniably intrigued by the challenge the Hwang presented. "Fine. I'll focus on my training. But I won't let him disrespect me again," Felix vowed, determination settling in.

"Good. That's what I want to hear," Minho replied, a small smile breaking through his stern demeanor. "Now, let's plan how we're going to impress the trainers. We can't let them see us as anything less than exceptional."

As they began to discuss their strategies for the upcoming training sessions, Yongbok felt a renewed sense of purpose. He would rise above the challenges, not just for himself, but for the honor of the royal family—and perhaps, to show Hyunjin that he wouldn't be easily disrespected.