"The Second Ruler" {Completed} (Yoon-Min)

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The night had finally settled into a calm serenity after the melancholy rain and thunderstorms.

The air was cool and fresh, carrying the scent of wet earth and blooming night flowers.

The stars were few, scattered like distant diamonds across the velvet sky, while the moon played a game of hide and seek with the lingering clouds.

From the terrace of the palace, the Emperor stood, his gaze sweeping over the tranquil landscape.

The world below seemed to hold its breath, as if in reverence to the quiet majesty of the night.

His heart ached with the weight of the love he had lost today, a love that soon will belonged to another.

Yet, amidst the sorrow, there was a flicker of delight.

His beloved was now a king, ruling over the kingdom with the grace and strength he had always admired.

The Emperor found solace in this thought, knowing that if he could not be happy, at least his best friend Yoongi could be.

As he stood there, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, he felt a bittersweet peace.

The night, with all its calm and beauty, mirrored the complex emotions within him—

A blend of heartache and hope, loss and love.

Abruptly, a fierce chime of anklets echoed through the terrace, and the emperor knew exactly who it was. Of course, it was the furious crown prince Jimin.

He was aware that he's obliged to explain everything to the prince, and so he was ready.

The anklet chimes grew louder as the figure approached. Taehyung waited, and finally, the crown prince stood behind him.

The Older turned around, leaning against the railing, crossing his arms and smiling softly at the figure of his furious younger brother.

Taehyung always pondered if he had a brother it will be exactly like jimin, adorable, beautiful, talented, and furious.

He tilted his head slightly. "Welcome, Crown Prince of Elsiye. I was waiting for your arrival," he teased, his voice light yet carrying the weight of the evening's events.

Jimin, draped in his still-pink hanfu, stood with a sword in his hand, his eyes blazing with a mix of emotions.

"Hyung-nim, I heard from Father that you had placed an alternative before him," Jimin's voice was loud and clear, cutting through the calm night breeze.

Taehyung only smiled, nodding his head innocently. "Yes, Jimin-ah. It was a choice that had to be made for the sake of my beloved," he replied, his tone gentle but firm.

Jimin's grip on the sword tightened, his knuckles turning white.

"And-And what about you and Jungkook? Me and Yoongi haven't asked for anything, have we?"

he demanded, his voice trembling with a mix of fury, sorrow and remorse.

The older's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of deep understanding.

"I'm aware, Jimin. I know the cost is high. Very high. But Jungkook is strong, and he will need you by his side. You must support him, guide hi—"

His words were cut off as Jimin barged in, his sword directing toward Taehyung.

But who was the prince kidding? Kim Taehyung was the Sword King. He fluidly dodged the sword.

"Hyung-nim, you are not in the place of hurting Jungkook. He loves you. How will he live without you? Why did you do it?"