My Rival, My Love

Chapter XXXII: The Reversal Of Fortunes

JOOHEON'S POVh

"Sir? What do you mean by that?!"

"I'm sorry Your Highness but as much as my colleagues and I do support your plan, it's going to take time to entice the other members of the assembly to support it as well. We're finding it hard to persuade the King and PM's allies to join us. It can't be done in just a few days or two."

"I know that but, the situation's pretty tense right now."

"I understand but I'm sure you also know, Your Highness that we'll need more time. Even days. This can't be done so easily."

"Of course sir. I'm sorry. I'm being impatient again."

"It's alright. This is practically a coup, right?"

"What else? A coup to save this country, my family and especially, my dad. He's going mad with so much power already. The PM too."

"Your Highness, you have my assurance that I will gather enough members in order to fulfil your plan. As Regent, I'm sure you'll be able to finally calm things down."

"I place great trust in those words of yours sir, I shall be waiting and praying for it's success."

The video call ends and I place my spare phone and drawing pad away.

It's been two days since the scene in the national assembly hall. With my dad's declaration of martial law and the armed forces looking for my dongsaeng, Hyungwon, the others and both having been approved by the assembly, things have gotten messier than we expected. Mr. Shin is having trouble persuading the other members of the assembly to join him in proposing my plan to make me as regent (without of course telling them that it came from me); some agreed, others are still deciding but fortunately, no one has leaked it yet to anyone like the press or worse, to my father's allies. All the monarchists in the assembly should support the plan in order to counter a growing republican movement. Add to that, protests have started here in Seoul and in other cities. The area around the palace are now occupied by hundreds of protesters demanding that the King should abdicate, that everyone should support (Y/N) and Hyungwon as well as lift the house arrest placed on me and mom. Of course, dad has been stubborn ever since.

"Sir? Her Majesty the Queen is here to see you."

"Oh, thank you Yoonho. Let her in."

Mom came inside while Yoonho stayed outside to guard against anyone who'll try to enter.

"Dear, do you have news?"

"I've managed to talk to Mr. Shin but he's having a hard time with the other members."

"I kinda expected that. He may have some trouble with some of his allies but as for your father's followers, they're very challenging to persuade."

"If only I can go there and talk to them personally! It's hard to do it through a phone!"

"Let's give them more time. I'm pretty sure they will go with it eventually. But if all else fails, you have to address them personally. Endure the constraints of doing it by phone, just make sure you make them understand and realize why you're doing this."

"Alright mom, I will."

"Do you have news from her? Your dongsaeng?"

"She's doing fine. The others too. I expect that they're starting to feel a bit locked up in that villa but I'm also sure that they're making the most out of their time there. According to Hayoon, there's a TV, a library, a pool inside the villa itself..."