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

Chapter - 7

Days turned into weeks as Hyunjin immersed himself in rigorous training, each sunrise igniting his determination to prove to Prince Yongbok that he was not merely a commoner to be looked down upon. Every drop of sweat that fell from his brow was a testament to his relentless drive. With each passing day, he pushed his limits, honing his skills with unwavering focus. His brother, In-Yeop, trained alongside him, offering guidance and encouragement while silently promising to keep an eye on Hyunjin's progress.

Across the training grounds, Yongbok mirrored Hyunjin's determination in his own way. He practiced relentlessly, his mind set on showing Hyunjin that he wouldn't allow anyone to disrespect him—especially not someone from a lower class. Each strike of his sword and every agile movement was fueled by a mixture of irritation and a need to assert his authority. He wanted to command respect, not only as a prince but as a warrior who could hold his own.

One fateful morning, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. His Majesty, the king, had come to witness the training session and to select the most skilled candidates worthy of becoming royal guards. As the royal entourage settled nearby, the trainees prepared to showcase their hard-earned abilities.

The training ground was alive with the sounds of clashing swords, the grunts of effort, and the calls of encouragement from fellow trainees. Each candidate sought to impress the king, showcasing their strength, agility, and discipline. Hyunjin fought fiercely, determination radiating from him as he displayed the skills he had cultivated. He knew this was his moment to shine, to show everyone—including Yongbok—that he was more than what they perceived.

As the dwell came to a climax, the king observed intently, his gaze shifting between the trainees. Among them, In-Yeop caught the king's eye with his impressive footwork and strength. The king nodded approvingly, and soon after, In-Yeop was called forth as one of the selected candidates to serve as a royal guard. Hyunjin's heart swelled with pride for his brother, even as the pressure mounted on him to prove himself as well.

In that moment, Hyunjin's resolve intensified. He wouldn't let the opportunity slip away; he would train harder than ever and earn his place among the royal guards. He cast a quick glance at Yongbok, who stood with an expression of quiet intensity. Their eyes met briefly, and an unspoken challenge passed between them—a reminder that this rivalry was far from over.

As the selection process continued, tension hung in the air between Hyunjin and Yongbok. Hyunjin, his pride still bruised from their previous encounters, couldn't resist picking on the prince, throwing subtle jabs that sparked a fire in Yongbok. The insults soon escalated, and before anyone realized it, the two had drawn their swords, their clash drawing attention from everyone present. The sound of their blades echoed across the training grounds, silencing the rest of the trainees as they stopped to watch the unexpected duel unfold.

In-Yeop's heart pounded as panic shot through him. He cast a quick, nervous glance at the king, hoping he would intervene. But to his surprise, the king was watching with an expression of amusement and intrigue. Minho, sitting beside him, began to rise from his seat, but the king gestured for him to stay put. "Let them duel," the king said, his voice calm yet authoritative. Minho sat back down, unease settling in his chest as he kept his eyes on the fight.

Hyunjin attacked with fierce determination, his sword moving in sharp, deliberate strikes aimed at Yongbok. But the prince was quick on his feet, dodging each attack with a grace and precision that made it seem like he had memorized Hyunjin's every move. Yongbok's calm demeanor only fueled Hyunjin's frustration, but Hyunjin wasn't going to back down. He dug deep, focusing on his training, refusing to be embarrassed in front of the entire royal court.

In a surprising turn, Hyunjin managed to catch the prince off guard. With swift movement, he pinned Yongbok to the ground, his sword hovering just inches from the prince's face. A collective gasp rose from the onlookers, stunned at what had just unfolded before their eyes. No one had expected Hyunjin to win, let alone in such a dramatic fashion.

Realizing that all eyes were on them, Hyunjin's heart raced as he quickly stepped away from Yongbok, the weight of what he had done sinking in. He glanced toward In-Yeop, who looked both shocked and horrified, and a sinking feeling settled in his gut. Had he just crossed a line he couldn't come back from?

The silence was broken by the sound of slow, deliberate clapping. Hyunjin turned his head to see the king, still seated but now applauding. The king's eyes gleamed with approval as he looked at Hyunjin. "Impressive," the king said, his voice carrying through the still air. "What is your name?"

Hyunjin swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry as fear pulsed through him. Bowing deeply, he managed to respond, "Hwang Hyunjin, Your Majesty." His voice was steady, but inside, he was trembling.

The king's smile widened. "Hyunjin, you have shown great skill today. I have made my decision. You will be my son's personal guard. From now on, you will stay with him at all times."

Hyunjin's heart dropped, shock washing over him. He hadn't expected such a high position, and certainly not to be chosen as the personal guard to the very prince he had just fought. He glanced around, hearing murmurs ripple through the crowd. Whispers spread, questioning how a commoner could have defeated the prince and been given such a prestigious role.

Minho's expression mirrored the surprise of the onlookers, though his lips curled in the faintest smirk. The king's decision was bold, but Minho knew his father always had a reason.

Yongbok shot to his feet, his face flushed with frustration and disbelief. "Father, I refuse!" he said sharply, his voice echoing across the field. "There's no way I'll let him be my personal guard. I don't want someone like him near me!"

Hyunjin, though silently agreeing with the prince, was too afraid to speak. His mind raced as he tried to process everything that had just happened, but all he could do was stand there, too stunned to voice his own protest.

The king's face remained calm as he responded. "My decision is final, Yongbok. Hyunjin has proven his worth today. You will do well to accept it."

Yongbok opened his mouth to argue but quickly shut it, knowing better than to go against his father in public. His jaw clenched, and without another word, he stormed off, leaving Hyunjin standing in the middle of the training grounds, utterly bewildered.

[Hyunjin after Lee Seokjin (Yep, it's Jin) said that he will be Yongbok's personal bodyguard 🤣]