Secret of the Two Kings (89 CHAPTERS - ON HOLD)

제 38 부

Chasing his light, shallow breath, Dae Wong stepped backward. He tried to move away from the swarm of people inside the small room, trying to get some air. While stepping away, he almost tripped on my floor, but thankfully, Sae Joo was able to hold him by his arm. "Is something bothering you, Minister Dae Wong?"

Blinking his eyes fast, he shook his head and avoided Sae Joo's gaze, "N-no-nothing, Your Highness. Maybe I just need some air. I feel suffocated."

"I understand. Just leave the room, and go outside this inn. We will follow once Shun's father wakes up."

Dae Wong craned his head towards Muhyuk who was grimacing and panting—sweats flooded all over his face and body. "Uh, all right, Your Highness."

The minister bowed his head, turned around, and walked towards the door. But the moment that his foot was an inch away from the doorway, he heard Shun exclaimed, "Father! Can you recognize me?"

Dae Wong was cemented to his place like a statue. Even the last strands of his hair did not dare to make a single move. He stood stiffly by the doorway and listened.

"S-shun? Is that you?" whispered Muhyuk.

Clasping the old man's hands, Shun nodded and smiled, "Yes, Father. Thank Heavens, you are all right!"

Muhyuk adjusted his blurry sight, scanning the small room filled with hwarangs and people with elegant robes. He squinted, trying to observe the face of a young man, dressed elegantly in front of him.

"Where am I? Who are they?"

Sae Joo walked slowly beside the bed and introduced himself. "Ahjussi, I am Sae Joo, Silla's Crown Prince. I am your son's friend. It is truly a relief, knowing that your condition is better now."

Muhyuk's pale face lost more colors, as more sweat dripped down his face. "P-pr-prince? How did you—" he looked at his son, telling him to explain. "What is happening?"

"Father, it is a long story. Yes. The Prince is right. We know each other."

The man under the weather tried to rise from his bed, but his son immediately stopped him, pushing him gently back to bed. "Father, what are you doing? Please do not make this hard for us! You are ill, please for Heaven's sake, stay put!" the frustrated young boy rubbed his head before letting a warm, heavy exhale out of his lungs.

"Forgive me, Father. I was just concerned about you."

"I am the one who should ask forgiveness to you. I know this is difficult for you. You do not even have your own life without me. All your life, I have been a liability to you."

"Say no more, Father. I do not regret doing all that I have done for you. I cannot, and I will never get tired of you."

The observing Prince could not help but be moved by Shun's dedication and love for his father. He realized how lucky he was having a healthy father, whom he knew would be always there whenever he needed him. He did not want to distract the two from their father and son bonding, but he had to because Muhyuk needed to drink his medicines already. He cleared his throat first before speaking, "Uh, I hate to break it to you two, but I guess you already need to take your medicine, Ahjussi. We will just return to the palace and do some errands to give you private time with your son. I truly wish for your complete recovery... Shun, we shall be on our way. Just meet me when you... are going back to your hometown already."

Shun moved closer to the Prince and bowed his head. "Your Highness, you have done more than enough. I will never forget this moment. I owe you my father's life. Please take care."

Sae Joo smiled and patted Shun's arm. He cocked his head to Muhyuk saying his final goodbye before leaving, "Ahjussi, we shall leave. I shall cover up the expenses for this room and for your medicines. Doctor, make sure that Shun's father will be taken care of."