I Am Dead, Am I? (HWARANG X Male Reader)

XVI : Represent

The morning sun bathed the capital in a golden hue, casting long shadows across the streets. Y/N stood with Lord Manseok's family, adjusting the collar of his formal robes as the sound of drums echoed through the air, signaling the beginning of the royal procession. He was still getting used to his new life as part of Lord Manseok's clan, a family that chose neutrality between the Queen's oppressive rule and the whispers of rebellion.

Lord Manseok's eldest daughter, Jisoo, stood beside him, arms folded, her expression determined. Y/N admired her quiet strength and the grace with which she carried herself. As one of the most skilled fighters in her family, Jisoo's frustration about not being allowed to represent her family at the palace was palpable.

"You've been training hard," Y/N remarked, sensing her internal struggle. "You'll have your time. It's bound to happen."

Jisoo turned her head slightly, surprised by the genuine tone in his voice. "Do you really think so?"
Y/N nodded, offering her a small smile. "You're more capable than you think. This is just one step in the path you're meant to take."

Jisoo's cheeks flushed slightly at his words, though she quickly masked it by turning her gaze back to the crowd. "Still," she muttered, "it should be me up there. I don't see why I have to wait."

"You're representing your family in a different way," Y/N said gently. "When the time comes, you'll be the one leading. Trust me."

For a moment, Jisoo was silent, her expression softening as she processed his words. Then, without warning, Y/N's gaze shifted to the other side of the street, where two familiar figures were bickering. Banryu and Suho, both dressed in their finest, were causing a bit of a scene. Suho waved enthusiastically in Y/N's direction, gesturing for him to come over.

Y/N couldn't help but chuckle. He shook his head, signaling to Suho that he wouldn't join them. Suho pouted in response, but quickly returned to his argument with Banryu.

Suddenly, the procession began, and all eyes turned toward the approaching royal carriage. The drumming grew louder, and the crowd hushed as the carriage, draped in rich silks, made its way through the city gates. Behind it, the Queen's guard marched in perfect formation, their armor gleaming in the sunlight. One of the royal guards, a woman with sharp eyes, leaned over and whispered something to the Queen.

Y/N felt a chill run down his spine as the Queen's gaze drifted in his direction. He instinctively lowered his head, pulling the edge of his robe up to partially cover his face. The Queen and her guard exchanged looks, their eyes lingering on Y/N for a moment too long.

"What are you doing?" Jisoo whispered, noticing his sudden change in behavior.

Y/N quickly thought of an excuse. "Sun's too bright," he muttered, keeping his head down.

The royal carriage came to a stop, and the Queen herself stepped out, her regal presence commanding the attention of the entire crowd. The ceremonial walk had begun, and Y/N felt a knot tighten in his stomach. As the Queen moved forward, her eyes remained focused, but Y/N knew better than to let his guard down. Among the Queen's entourage, Hyun-chu-also known as Scarface-stood watchfully. Y/N turned away, trying to avoid his gaze, hoping he hadn't been recognized.

As the Queen approached the ceremonial platform, the air grew thick with tension. Suddenly, a shout echoed through the crowd. Y/N's heart jumped as he turned to see Sun-woo-Moo-myung-bursting through the ranks, his eyes locked on Hyun-chu. Without hesitation, he charged forward, attacking with fierce determination.

"Moo-myung!" Y/N's breath caught in his throat, but his voice was lost in the rising chaos.

Moo-myung's movements were swift and precise as he swung at Hyun-chu, forcing him to defend himself. The sound of clashing steel rang out as the two fought, each strike sending ripples of unease through the crowd. The Queen's guards quickly moved in, but Moo-myung was relentless, fighting with everything he had. It was clear he was outnumbered, but he refused to back down.

Y/N watched, horrified but unable to tear his eyes away from the scene. He saw the desperation in Moo-myung's attacks, the fire in his eyes as he fought not just for revenge but for something much deeper. But the odds were stacked against him, and the guards eventually overwhelmed him, forcing him to the ground. His arms were restrained, but he still struggled, glaring up at Hyun-chu.

Just when it seemed the fight was over, the Queen stepped forward, her gaze cold and calculating. She grabbed Hyun-chu's sword from his hands and held it high, pointing it directly at Moo-myung, who was now on his knees, unable to move.

"No!" Ji-gong's voice rang out through the silence, and the Queen hesitated, her eyes flickering toward him.

Ji-gong, kneeling before her, begged for mercy. "Please, your majesty. Spare him. If you must take a life, take mine instead."
Moo-myung, breathing heavily, shook his head, his voice rough. "I'm not his son. I don't even know him!"

The Queen's expression remained unreadable as she placed the blade of the sword against Ji-gong's neck, drawing a thin line of blood. Y/N's heart pounded as he instinctively pulled Lord Manseok's youngest son close, shielding him from the terrifying scene unfolding in front of them.
For a moment, it seemed as though the Queen would strike. Her arm tensed, and the sword was raised higher. Moo-myung's eyes widened, his expression twisted in horror as he struggled against the guards, fearing the worst.

But then, just as quickly, the moment passed. The Queen lowered the sword, her gaze cold but calm. "A fool who kneels for a lie doesn't deserve death today," she said quietly, her voice cutting through the silence like a blade. She spared Ji-gong's life, but the message was clear: this was her domain, and mercy was not a sign of weakness, but control.

Y/N exhaled, the weight of the tension finally lifting, but he knew this was far from over. As Moo-myung was knocked unconscious and dragged away, Ji-gong remained kneeling, blood trickling down his neck. The Queen's guard hauled him to his feet, and the crowd began to stir again, whispering in hushed tones.

As Y/N gaze focused on the event unfolding, he didn't notice that Scarface have saw his presence.

Wondering why his visage is familiar...