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

Chapter - 8

As the murmurs and whispers filled the training grounds, Hyunjin stood frozen in place, still processing what had just happened. The weight of his new responsibility, the attention from the royal court, and the prince's fiery refusal all swirled in his mind. He glanced toward his brother, In-Yeop, who was watching him with a mixture of disbelief and silent warning. In-Yeop's eyes said it all: *No more mistakes.*

As if on autopilot, Hyunjin bowed deeply to the king once more, showing his respect despite the inner turmoil roiling inside him. The king gave a final approving nod before turning to leave, signaling that the day's events were over. The rest of the court and the trainees began dispersing, but not without casting curious or envious glances at Hyunjin.

Minho lingered for a moment, his gaze lingering on Hyunjin, calculating and thoughtful. He finally rose, catching up with his father and Yongbok, who was walking ahead with his fists clenched. Hyunjin's heart hammered in his chest as he watched them leave. He had not only embarrassed the prince again but now had to face him as his personal guard. What kind of twisted fate had led him here?

As the crowd thinned, In-Yeop approached his younger brother, his expression stern. "What in the world were you thinking, Hyunjin?" he hissed under his breath, pulling Hyunjin aside so no one else could overhear them. "Challenging the prince like that? You could've gotten yourself—and all of us—in trouble."

Hyunjin lowered his head, still catching his breath from the intense duel. "I didn't mean for it to go this far. He just—" Hyunjin paused, frustration bubbling up again as he recalled the way Yongbok had taunted him. "He was looking down on me, treating me like I'm beneath him."

In-Yeop sighed, rubbing his temple. "He's the prince, Hyunjin. What did you expect? You should've just walked away."

Hyunjin clenched his fists at his sides, his pride still stinging. "I couldn't. Not this time."

"Now look where that's gotten you." In-Yeop's tone softened slightly, though it was still laced with concern. "You're his personal guard now. You'll have to follow him everywhere, and that means no more impulsive stunts like today. Do you understand?"

Hyunjin nodded, though part of him still seethed at the idea of being so closely tied to the one person who had humiliated him. He had no choice but to accept it. His father's warnings and the king's decision were final.

Back at the royal tent, Yongbok—was pacing back and forth inside, fuming. His confrontation with Hyunjin played over and over in his mind. How had he let himself be caught off guard like that? His pride was wounded, and worse, he had been embarrassed in front of the king and his brother, Minho.

Minho, who had been observing Yongbok's agitation with quiet amusement, finally spoke. "You're going to wear a hole in the floor if you keep pacing like that."

 Yongbok stopped, scowling at his brother. "How could Father assign *him*—a commoner, no less—as my personal guard? It's absurd. I refuse to have someone like him following me around."

Minho leaned back against the chair, crossing his arms. "Father saw something in him. He wouldn't have made that decision lightly."

Yongbok's frustration only grew. "He's insufferable, arrogant, and thinks he can stand up to me. He's nothing but—"

"A commoner?" Minho interrupted, raising an eyebrow. "Is that what bothers you most?"

Yongbok opened his mouth to argue, but Minho's calm, knowing gaze made him pause. There was more to it than just Hyunjin's status, and Felix knew it. The duel had rattled him in a way he didn't fully understand. Hyunjin had bested him, and that struck a nerve deep inside.

"Look," Minho said, standing up. "If you don't want him as your guard, fine. But maybe instead of fighting him, you should find a way to use this to your advantage."

 Yongbok frowned. "How?"

"Get to know him. You might find there's more to him than you think." Minho gave Yongbok a pat on the shoulder before heading for the door. "And besides, it's not like you have a choice now."

Yongbok watched as Minho left, his brother's words lingering in his mind. He hated to admit it, but maybe Minho was right. Hyunjin wasn't just some commoner anymore—he was his guard, and that meant he would be around whether Yongbok liked it or not. He would have to find a way to deal with him, but not before proving to Hyunjin that no one, commoner or not, could disrespect the prince of the kingdom and get away with it.

Back at the training grounds, Hyunjin sat by his tent, staring up at the sky. His body ached from the day's exertion, but it was nothing compared to the turmoil inside him. His life had just taken a sharp turn, one he hadn't anticipated. Now he was bound to the very person he resented. The prince.

Determination sparked in his chest as he thought about the days ahead. If the prince wanted to look down on him, he would show him just how wrong he was. He wouldn't let Yongbok—or anyone—belittle him ever again. He would prove himself, not just as a soldier, but as someone worthy of respect, even if it meant enduring the presence of the one person who set his temper ablaze.

With that thought, Hyunjin clenched his fists and stood, ready to face whatever came next.