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

제 73 부

"Sae Yoo?" Yeol leaned back, eyes blinking fast.

The Prince nodded and repeated, "Yes, Sae Yoo. Does that name sound familiar to you?" he waited for the old man's response, scrutinizing the wrinkled face in front of him.

"Your Highness..."

"Yes, grandfather?"

Yeol looked down for a bit, then affixed his eyes into the Prince's fervent gaze—eyes hungry for truth. "You deserve to be happy because not only you are a good person, but also a good Prince and son."

"Grandfather, why are you saying these things to me?"

The old man clasped Sae Joo's hands harder, eyes begging the Prince not to cross the line—an indirect gesture of help, a signal to help the Prince escape something threatening. The intensity of his grip was dead give away: Stop digging. Go back and live your life as a Prince. You did not hear anything, you shall not know anything. But instead of hitting the bull's eye, Yeol sugar-coated his weapon of sentences and morphed the sharp tip into something soft and cottony. "You will only achieve your true happiness if you don't look back at anything and continue moving forward. Set your life ahead of you, and don't ever look back." he stood and walked beside his grandson. He wrapped his arms around his shoulders in an unexpected yet warm embrace.

The surprised Prince's fingers ran along the old man's back, caressing him as he hugged in return. "Grandfather..."

When the two let go from their embraces, Yeol cupped the Prince's face—a small smile formed from his prune-like lips. "You... truly remind me of your mother. Those soft brown eyes that speak only of innocence. Fragile, yet welcoming and warm. Can I look at your face a little longer?"

Sae Joo took down his shield of doubts; the turbulent river of thoughts flowed smoothly and quietly for the meantime, meandering down the rocky dazed mountains. As time ticked slowly, he felt sadness in his grandfather's eyes. He knew that his grandfather wanted to say something—that could either make or break him. Appreciating the old man's intention to protect him was more than enough. He would not ask more questions and would just enjoy their moments together as a family.

Yeol smiled into him, but deep inside his heart, the flower of memories from the good old days had wilted. As his fingers ran along the Prince's face, a dewdrop of tear dripped down his cheeks. He wiped it and shook his head. "Forgive me, Prince. I am just extremely happy."

"It's alright, Harabeoji." he cast a glance at Shun and turned back to his grandfather. "I hate to say this, but we have to go. His Majesty must have been worried by now."

The old man sniffed and rubbed his eyes as he nodded. "Right. I understand. Can I ask for a favor?"

"Sure. What is it?"

"Can I have a hug before you leave?"

Sae Joo's heart melted, and without any hesitation, he gave the old man his simple request. Yeol placed his lips near the Prince's ear as he whispered. "I'm sorry, Sae Joo. I'm sorry."

At that moment, the Prince had a sudden realization. Even though a large piece of the puzzle was not resolved, he had finally confirmed something about the long-growing doubts that has been bugging his mind. This person, named Sae Yoo, was a part of their lives that no one would want to mention anymore. No matter how much he tried to uncover the truth from those he trusted the most, no one gave him a straight answer. No one looked into his eyes with full sincerity and conviction.

It was inevitable for him to think that Sae Yoo might the hidden gem of Silla. Ever since that prediction happened when he was fifteen, that person who was destined to be the kingdom's savior has not vanished from his mind. Certainly, Jae Joong had lured him into the reality that he wanted for the Prince, but despite giving hopes and words and encouragement to the Prince, that person—that glorious man was never erased from Sae Joo's memory.