Chapter 66: Special Side Story 5: The Sovereign and His Only Heaven

“I—I beg for your mercy, Your Highness. It was but a trivial task.”

“A trivial task? Had you not labored so diligently under this scorching sun, how could the flowers and trees here look so vibrant?”

“…To hear such words from you, I… I do not know what to do with myself. Th-thank you, Your Highness.”

As Si-young spoke, her racing heart began to steady, replaced by a strange, surging sense of awe. In all her life, no one had ever spoken so kindly of her work. Usually, those in high positions dismissed the labor of low-ranking servants as beneath notice.

Moreover, this was not some grand garden. It was a small, secluded spot at the furthest edge of Myeong-ha-won. To think that the noble Consort would come all this way, and then praise someone as insignificant as her…

“But the day is far too hot, so be careful. I shall instruct them not to push you to work when the sun is at its strongest.”

It wasn’t just words. The Noble Consort understood the physical toll of their labor. He wasn’t just offering encouragement; he was actively making sure they suffered less.

Si-young felt a rush of emotion she couldn’t describe. It felt as if the admiration she had held in her heart for so long was finally answering her in the most brilliant way possible. The person she had idolized was far kinder, more beautiful, and more benevolent than she had ever imagined.

“To look upon such a humble place with such care… I truly… I truly thank you, Noble Consort.”

Si-young buried the countless flowery praises that came to her mind and simply bowed deeply to offer a short, sincere thanks. No amount of words could express her gratitude.

I will not forget your grace, and I will work even harder from now on.

It was the moment a young girl made a silent vow—a vow that would, years later, lead her to become a maid in the halls of Jeong-an Palace.

The moment the Emperor stepped into the room, Hwaun knew his mood was unsettled. It wasn’t a look of grave concern or deep political worry.

Which meant there was only one answer: the Emperor was about to throw a petty tantrum. Hwaun suppressed the urge to laugh and spoke first.

“Your Majesty, what have I done wrong this time?”

As expected, Ihan’s eyebrows shot up instantly. “Do you even know your own fault?”

“I am dull-witted and cannot guess… if Your Majesty informs me, I shall be careful to correct it.”

“Unbelievable. To commit such an atrocious act and then claim to have no idea?”

The Emperor practically stomped across the room, slumped into a chair, and glared at Hwaun. Hwaun tilted his head. He truly couldn’t recall doing anything that could be described as an “atrocious act.”

Hwaun approached the sulking Emperor and sat beside him. “Did I truly do something so terrifying?”

“Yes.”

“Then I must kneel before Your Majesty and beg for my life immediately.”

Hwaun made a move to stand, but the Emperor quickly grabbed his wrist and pulled him back down.

“…You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?”

Ihan narrowed his eyes. Hwaun maintained a perfectly innocent expression.

“I don’t know what you mean…” Hwaun replied with a smile. Of course, he was doing it on purpose.

“How dare you tease the Emperor?”

“How can you say that? Your Majesty called me atrocious; it is only natural that I should beg for forgiveness.”

“Hmph!”

Ihan let out a snort, but his lips twitched with the effort not to smile. He loved these playful exchanges too much to truly be angry. In fact, he was the one who welcomed this side of Hwaun more than anyone.

“So… won’t you tell me why you were so upset?”

Ihan hesitated for a moment, then took Hwaun’s hand, stroking the back of it gently. “I heard you took a walk to the Small Garden today.”

“Ah….”

“Do you understand now?”

Hwaun looked at him in disbelief. A thought crossed his mind, but he wasn’t sure if that was really it. “In the Small Garden… I only met a maid working there and spoke a few words…”

“Exactly. That.”

“Ah….” Hwaun’s face went blank. It really was because of that. “I only gave her a few words of encouragement.”

“Yes. And that maid, having received those ‘few words,’ will now spend her days longing for Yeon Hwaun as if he were her only master.”

“Your Majesty! How can you say such things!”

Even for Hwaun, who was used to the Emperor’s jokes, this was shocking. Everyone in the palace belonged to the Emperor; to suggest otherwise was practically treasonous. Hwaun paled.

“Please… please take back those words.”

Hwaun looked so genuinely horrified that he seemed ready to drop to his knees for real. Ihan hurried to soothe him.

“Fine, fine. It was just a joke. Don’t be so startled.”

“You shouldn’t say such things even as a joke.”

“I know, I know. I was wrong, so calm down. I was just a little jealous and wanted to tease you, but I scared you instead.”

Only after Ihan’s repeated apologies did Hwaun’s heart settle, though he shook his head in disbelief. “I look after the servants only to follow Your Majesty’s will, as you look over all your subjects. Through my encouragement, they will surely think of Your Majesty’s vast grace.”

“Hmm.”

Ihan cleared his throat and looked away. It was a logical, dignified point, but it didn’t change the fact that this man won hearts wherever he went. Unable to argue further without scaring Hwaun again, Ihan decided to change his tactics.

“Your Majesty…?”

Hwaun’s eyes widened as the Emperor’s hand suddenly slipped beneath his robes. A satisfied smile finally spread across Ihan’s face.

“Regardless, the number of people praising the beauty of the Noble Consort in Myeong-ha-won is growing by the day.”

“Your Majesty, wait… ah…!”

“As your husband, shouldn’t I give you a fitting reward?”

“Ah…!”

With a small cry, Hwaun was lifted and seated back against the chair. Ihan stood before the half-reclined Hwaun, already untying his silk belt. Hwaun struggled slightly, surprised by the suddenness and the fact that they weren’t in bed.

Taking advantage of the movement, Ihan finished loosening the robes and slid his hand down to stroke Hwaun. The loose inner garments fell away easily.

“Your… Your Majesty….”

Hwaun’s voice trembled piteously. Feeling a thrill of pleasure climb up his spine, Ihan moved his hand slowly, stimulating him. Hwaun gripped the armrests of the chair, his head falling back as he let out a low moan.

“No matter who praises you or where, this sight belongs only to me.”

Ihan’s voice, thick with possessiveness, acted like an aphrodisiac.

“Who would imagine that a man so dignified and gentle could crumble so easily, twisting his hips and spilling such cries?”

“Your Majesty, ple… please… let go….”

Approaching his limit quickly, Hwaun shook his head and tried to push Ihan’s hand away, but Ihan wouldn’t budge. He pinned Hwaun’s hands with one of his own and increased the pace.

“Ah-heuk…!”

Finally, Hwaun arched his back and climaxed into the Emperor’s hand. Ihan continued the motion for a few moments longer, then, using his wet hand, he traced down to rub against Hwaun’s opening.

“Your Majesty…?”

Hwaun looked up with eyes hazy with lust. He seemed to be asking if Ihan was going to take him right there. His face was chillingly erotic.

“Do you dislike it?”

Ihan asked tenderly, sliding a finger inside. Hwaun gasped, blinking up at the ceiling. Ihan added a second finger, peppering kisses around Hwaun’s eyes. He couldn’t get enough of how easily Yeon Hwaun fell apart under his touch.

Only under his hand did Yeon Hwaun surrender so completely. He had made him this way—made him pant and spread his legs at just a kiss. A sense of soaring triumph filled Ihan, and his own desire throbbed painfully.

“Answer me. Do you dislike it?”

“I… hng… I am happy anywhere, as long as it is you, Your Majesty….”

“…….”

“As long as Your Majesty holds me, I am… hng!”

Every time he opened his mouth, he said the most beautiful things, causing the last of the Emperor’s self-restraint to snap entirely.

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