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

제 57 부

Jung Min was cemented where he stood. He was perplexed. The absurdity of what he heard was ringing and banging in his ears, like cymbals played by a child. Intentional! Innocent yet annoying. "Your father? Who is your father?"

There. Before Shun could answer, the poor nangdo screamed in pain again, "Please help me!" Mood spoiler. The height of emotions drastically plunged down into the ground.

"You should bring him to the infirmary. Have him checked," ordered Sae Joo.

"Where is your hwarangdo?" yelled Jung Min. "Call him, now!"

Two nangdos flew outside, scared of the meddler (as if he was the real leader of the hwarangs, a bitter fruit, perhaps. Oh, yes! He was the Prosecution Head, though.). Jun Pyeong arrived after a few minutes, all sweaty.

"Where have you been? There was an accident," Jung Min scolded.

Jun Pyeong bowed at Sae Joo and explained, "Your Highness, please forgive me. I went outside to get some wood. What happened here?"

"It's fine. I'll explain to you later. It's more important to address Su Jong's problem. Lend them your horse. He needs to be taken to the Hwarang Infirmary right away."

The nangdos carried their colleague, so careful as if it was a sacred thing lying in their arms. A four-man carry. No more words came out from the poor nangdo; the pain had silenced his mouth and pulled his tongue. All he had were shallow breaths and sweats.

Shun was catatonic in his seat. Negative thoughts bulldozing his head. Eyelids taped open. Jung Min wanted to resume the questioning, but then he realized that at the current state of the assailant, no fresh fish could be caught.

"We're taking this," informed Jung Min. Shun's eyes bulged out. He wished to object, but he was powerless. "You'll get this in time. Worry not."

"Stay here, for now, Shun. I will summon you once I have my decision," added Sae Joo.

"I shall leave, Your Highness. I still have some errands to do. I trust that you'll be objective in this matter. By the book, like you always do." Jung Min smiled, bowed his head, and left.

~~•~~

Distressed by random thoughts in his head and patches of memories from one of the biggest nightmares of his life, Jung Min jetted straight to the Royal Library to investigate. Since Shun could not answer his question (well, he could; this nobleman just did not want to sound suspicious), he had to solve the mystery on his own. The moment the boy said the headband belongs to his father, that already sparked doubts. He went through each section of all the bookshelves. Meticulously rummaging for information, focusing more on the symbol of the insignia.

He found a dusty brown book titled, 'Records of the Silla Hwarang.' Very thick book and very heavy, placed on the last shelve of the War Section. He carried it to the table and scanned the pages, the dust flying through his nose, which made him sneeze from time to time.

Page five hundred two, year 793. The complex webbed organizational chart of the hwarangs. No portraits, just their names. On top of it was Gukseon Chil Yook. He moved the pages randomly until he ran through the chapter about the Hwarang Uniform accidentally. Pure drawings and descriptions of all the garments depending on the position, with side explanations and symbolism.

Based on the descriptions of the book, the headband was a close representation of what a Gukseon wears. Red headband with a falcon insignia. Only one per Grand Marshal. If someone lost it, it could be deemed as negligence, and punishments might be severe. Death, resignation, or dismissal: three possible ways to get rid of it. Considering those conditions, being exiled could be a factor as well (it might be interpreted under dismissal). Jung Min clearly remembered that moment—when Chil Yook pleaded to Jae Joong to take the headband with him. It was the Prime Minister's influence and convincing power that made that happen. After all, what harm could a man in exile do? Strange? Exactly Jung Min's thoughts. Why did his father let that happen?