CHAPTER 74
As the warm embrace broke, Muwon stepped back slightly and looked between the brothers. His voice was calm, yet held a note of amusement.
"The king wants to throw a feast in your honor, Sihyun."
Yuhyun's jaw dropped.
"Wait, what?!"
But Sihyun's reaction was louder.
"WHAT?!"
he shrieked, jerking back from Muwon like he'd been burned. His eyes were wide, his expression twisted in panic.
"No—nope—I can't do that!"
Yuhyun blinked.
"It's the king we're talking about here!"
Sihyun spun around, pacing in a small circle, waving his hands frantically as he tried to form words.
"I—I don't know what a feast is like! I've never been to one! What if I say the wrong thing, or sit in the wrong place? What if I spill something or trip on something or—?!"
He looked genuinely horrified.
"I mean—it's a royal feast. A royal feast for me?! Me?!"
Muwon chuckled, watching him spiral with mild amusement. Then he reached out and caught Sihyun's wrist, pulling him gently toward him again.
"None of that matters,"
Muwon said, softly but firmly.
"You do you."
Sihyun stared at him, wide-eyed and uncertain.
"That's why,"
Muwon continued with a small, knowing smile,
"I already told Dohyun and Taejin to take you shopping. They'll help you pick out whatever robes you want to wear for tonight."
Yuhyun laughed under his breath, now just enjoying the show.
"Looks like someone's becoming royalty already."
Muwon added,
"While you're with them, Yuhyun and I will help the others prepare for the feast tonight."
Sihyun's mouth opened like he wanted to argue again—but he hesitated.
"…You really think I'll be fine?"
he asked quietly, glancing between the two.
"You'll be more than fine,"
Muwon said, brushing a thumb over his cheek briefly before stepping back.
"Just try not to throw food at anyone,"
Yuhyun teased, smirking.
Sihyun shot him a glare.
"I'll throw food at you first."
"See? You're already acting like royalty,"
Yuhyun grinned.
After Sihyun, Dohyun, and Taejin had left the palace gates—Sihyun still muttering nervously about robes and proper behavior—calm silence settled in the courtyard.
Yuhyun stood beside Muwon, watching the sun stretch over the rebuilding palace walls. For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Muwon turned to him, his tone gentle but firm.
"Yuhyun."
Yuhyun glanced up.
"Yes, Your Highness?"
Muwon shook his head slightly.
"You don't have to call me that right now."
Yuhyun gave a small smile but stayed quiet, waiting.
"I've been thinking,"
Muwon said.
"No matter what lies ahead—for Sihyun, or even for me—there's one thing I'm certain of."
Yuhyun looked at him with curiosity, silently listening.
"I want you by our side. Not just as Sihyun's brother. I want you to be… our right hand. Someone I can trust to stay close to him, especially in the moments I can't."
Yuhyun's eyes widened, and he blinked, startled.
"You mean…?"
"I mean exactly that,"
Muwon said.
"You've always protected him. You've always believed in him, even when no one else did. That's something I could never do alone."
A pause, then a softer smile from the prince.
"I want you to keep doing that—with my full trust. Not as a servant. Not as a shadow. But as his and my equal—his Guardian Companion, if you'll accept it."
Yuhyun swallowed, touched more deeply than he expected.
"…You really mean it?"
"I do,"
Muwon said.
"This kingdom will need people like you. And so will Sihyun."
For a moment, Yuhyun didn't know what to say. But then a bright smile broke across his face.
"…Then I'll do it,"
he said.
"I'll stay by your side—and Sihyun's. Always."
Muwon nodded, his expression sincere.
"Thank you, Yuhyun."
The Capital Market Street
The streets were bustling again, the city slowly returning to life. Merchants had reopened their stalls, colorful fabrics fluttering in the breeze, and the smell of grilled rice cakes drifted through the air.
Sihyun walked stiffly between Dohyun and Taejin, arms crossed and face mildly scowling. His eyes flicked left and right, unsure where to even begin.
Dohyun grinned, clearly enjoying himself.
"You look like a stray cat that was dragged into a royal palace."
Sihyun shot him a glare.
"That's because I feel like one."
Taejin chuckled, nudging Sihyun lightly on the shoulder.
"Relax. We're not picking your wedding robes… yet. Just something decent for the feast. Something that won't scare off nobles."
"Ha-ha,"
Sihyun muttered.
"I'm not used to this. These stalls are too clean."
Dohyun grabbed a bolt of dark crimson silk and held it up to Sihyun's face with a mischievous glint.
"Ooh, this would look good on you. Mysterious sorcerer vibes. Slightly murderous. Very you."
Sihyun pulled his face back, annoyed.
"Put that away before I burn it."
Taejin leaned over another stall, picking up a simple midnight-blue robe with gold trimming.
"This one's nice. Classy. Not too flashy, not too boring."
Sihyun stared at it for a moment, hesitating.
"It's… kind of nice."
Dohyun leaned in dramatically.
"Did the demon sorcerer just say 'nice'?"
Sihyun smacked his shoulder, muttering,
"Shut up."
The tailor chuckled as he watched the bickering trio, already preparing the measurements.
"First time wearing formal wear, young man?"
Sihyun mumbled under his breath,
"…First time being honored for anything."
Taejin's smile softened as he heard that.
Dohyun looked over and gave him a wink.
"Well, you'd better get used to it. You saved a kingdom. That deserves at least one uncomfortable outfit and a night of people bowing to you."
Sihyun gave him a dry look.
"You nobles are weird."
Taejin raised a brow.
"And yet you're about to become one of us."
Sihyun froze, startled by the words.
Dohyun grinned, taking advantage of the silence.
"Let's finish shopping. Then we'll grab something sweet before heading back. I want to see your face when you eat sugar instead of sarcasm."
Inside the Palace Courtyard – Late Afternoon
The sun dipped lower, casting long golden rays over the palace walls. Muwon stood near the training ground, overseeing a few servants moving supplies and decorative items for the feast.
Footsteps echoed briskly behind him.