Monochrome Sovereign [EN]: Chapter 785

After meeting with Gok Gyeong, Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face was quite serious as he returned to the inner castle.

It was then.

“Great Warrior Yeon Ho-Jeong.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face contorted.

“I told you not to call me that, you punk.”

Jeagal Ayeon approached, giggling.

“Where have you been?”

“I was just talking with Senior Gok Gyeong.”

“…You didn’t fight, did you?”

“If we had fought seriously, half of the outer castle would have been destroyed.”

“I guess so.”

The true power of masters who have opened the gates of Seongcheon [Heavenly Completion], no, Muguk [Limitless], is beyond imagination. If their god-like martial power were to clash, the area would be devastated.

Furthermore, if such a clash of energy and power had occurred, the nearby supreme masters would not have been unaware.

Jeagal Ayeon said with a bright face.

“Do you know? Lord Yeon has awakened!”

“What?”

Surprise flickered across Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face.

“Father?”

“Yes. He woke up a while ago, and His Majesty went to see him in person.”

It was a double surprise.

“His Majesty went in person?”

“Surprising, right? Everyone was surprised. His will was so firm that no one could stop him.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes wavered.

‘Is it to that extent?’

The Emperor’s favor towards his father was truly unusual.

Of course, that in itself was an honor and a joy, but…

“Why are you like that?”

“Huh?”

“You don’t seem happy at all? Is there a problem?”

“No, what problem?”

Jeagal Ayeon, who had been staring at Yeon Ho-Jeong, asked cautiously.

“Is it because of the marriage proposal?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong was startled.

“How did you know about that?”

“How could I not know? The story is already widespread among the officials. And I’m close to the officials.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong frowned.

“Those damned civil officials, their mouths are too loose.”

“Hey! Even so, you can’t say that in the palace!”

“What do you mean I can’t? They don’t even know what’s important and just wag their tongues, so it’s no wonder His Majesty the Emperor is dumbfounded. They don’t seem to realize that their words could be their own undoing.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“The marriage of a mere martial artist and the Emperor’s child is shocking in itself. But the fact that rumors are spreading even before it’s confirmed, His Majesty can’t look upon that favorably. If I’m not mistaken, the court officials will start being purged soon.”

The Emperor’s feelings towards the court officials were extremely bad. He had already decided to replace them, but that time would be brought forward much sooner.

“Hmm, now that I think about it, that’s true. But if so many people are purged, the national affairs will be paralyzed.”

“It’s already paralyzed and rotting. His Majesty will be happy that the time to cut out the diseased part has been brought forward.”

“Is that so?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong tilted his head.

“What is it?”

“Huh?”

“You can think that much, right? You should know better than me, so why are you surprised?”

“I’m a bit smart, but I’m not perfect. I’m always so tired from worrying about this and that.”

“Is that so.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong seemed very indifferent.

Jeagal Ayeon asked again.

“But looking at your expression, it seems like you’re not happy about this marriage?”

“Didn’t I tell you before? My father said that marriage should be with someone you love. It’s our family tradition.”

“Family tradition… Anyway, even so, she’s the Emperor’s daughter, right? A princess. You still don’t like it?”

“It’s not that I dislike the person, but I dislike the situation. And you know what my life is like? It’s better for someone like me to be alone for life. I’d only make my wife suffer.”

Jeagal Ayeon chuckled.

“Well, what woman would be happy living with a man like you?”

It was a playful jab, but Yeon Ho-Jeong took it seriously.

“That’s right. That’s why I hope Ji-Pyeong takes over as the young lord.”

“What?”

“It’s not because he’s my brother, but who in the world is better to his woman than Ji-Pyeong? He may be a bit frustrating, but he’s righteous, reasonable, kind, and even his background isn’t bad, right?”

What a fool for his brother.

Jeagal Ayeon, who was letting out a hollow laugh, suddenly realized that Yeon Ho-Jeong’s words were not so exaggerated.

‘Isn’t that true?’

Everyone knows that Yeon Ji-Pyeong has a good personality.

Moreover, he is a direct descendant of the Byeoksan Yeon family, one of the Six Great Clans of the Jianghu [Martial World], and his talent is outstanding. And it’s not like he’s ugly either.

He was someone that anyone could feel favorable towards. If you went around asking, there would be women lining up for hundreds of miles to marry Yeon Ji-Pyeong.

“But if His Majesty the Emperor proposed it himself, that’s not a proposal but closer to an imperial order, how are you going to refuse it?”

“I have to make him understand. And if I become the Emperor’s son-in-law, the martial world will be shaken.”

“What are you talking about now?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong briefly told her about his conversation with Gok Gyeong.

Jeagal Ayeon’s face hardened.

“…That’s a possible story.”

“Possible? Countless people in the martial world are already targeting me. Since they can’t deal with me by force, they’ll try all sorts of schemes, right?”

“But preparing for it and actually executing it are different matters.”

“The fact that they’re preparing is the problem. Yes, even if we can’t help that, the fact that I shouldn’t marry the princess remains unchanged.”

“So, how are you going to refuse?”

“His Majesty didn’t strongly demand it either. At least, not on the surface.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong shook his head.

“If I say I won’t do it, this marriage will be called off. There’s no need to find a way.”

“Then why are you worrying so much?”

“……”

Yeon Ho-Jeong paused.

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face, as he looked up at the sky, seemed quite troubled.

Judging by his words and expression, it was clear that he would never marry the princess. But what was he so worried about?

‘Is he afraid that His Majesty will look unfavorably upon the Yeon family?’

Jeagal Ayeon, who was observing Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face, suddenly realized that her stomach, which had felt bloated as if she had indigestion, felt quite relieved.

‘Oh ho…’

Jeagal Ayeon opened her mouth.

“Kkeo-ak!”

“Ugh!”

Yeon Ho-Jeong frowned.

“What are you doing, that’s disgusting.”

Jeagal Ayeon patted her stomach.

“I thought what I ate yesterday wasn’t digesting well, but it seems to be better now.”

“Eat moderately, eat moderately!”

“Shut up!”

Jeagal Ayeon, who was grumbling, punched Yeon Ho-Jeong’s chest with a thud!

“Hey, then what’s the problem? You can just refuse.”

“Refusal is a foregone conclusion. No matter how I think about it, it doesn’t add up.”

“Exactly! Is there something else to worry about? Just looking at your face, it’s like you’re carrying all the misfortunes of the world.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong stroked his chin.

“I prefer to refuse, but this marriage itself doesn’t seem like a bad thing.”

“What?”

“Isn’t it a waste? To just bury it like this.”

“What? Are you talking about the imperial family and the martial world…?”

“Yes.”

Jeagal Ayeon’s eyes sank.

“Are you perhaps thinking of Ji-Pyeong?”

“Did you forget our family tradition that I mentioned a little while ago?”

“Ah, right.”

“Are you even a member of the Jeagal family? Weren’t you adopted?”

“Hey! That’s rude!”

Yeon Ho-Jeong sighed.

“That’s enough. I should go see my father first.”

Jeagal Ayeon grinned.

“He’s having a private audience with His Majesty, remember? Did you forget already? You’re quite stupid too?”

“His Majesty’s energy is moving this way. The conversation is over.”

“Huh?”

“A fool with weak martial arts, where did he get the nerve to stick his neck out?”

“You jerk!”

Yeon Ho-Jeong, who chuckled, headed towards Yeon-wi’s residence.

Jeagal Ayeon, who was walking behind Yeon Ho-Jeong, continued to grumble until the end.

* * *

“Father.”

“You’ve come.”

After that, the two were silent for a moment.

The two looked at each other without a word. The soft yet heavy atmosphere made it impossible for Jeagal Ayeon not to be aware of the situation.

Yeon-wi smiled.

“You’ve grown a lot.”

“It’s all thanks to you, Father.”

“What have I done?”

“Your existence itself is a strength.”

Although it was a short remark, Yeon-wi felt a pang in his heart. But he tried not to show it.

“You’ve made a mark in the history of the main family. As far as I know, no one in the family has ever opened the gates of Muguk [Limitless] and reached the realm of a Martial God.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong grinned.

“Isn’t it thanks to the teachings passed down by our ancestors that I am who I am today?”

“Yes, although the martial arts you’ve learned are different, you are also someone who has learned the main family’s martial arts. Never forget that. No matter what your talent and experience were, there is a reason why you are standing here today.”

“I know.”

“Always live with gratitude. But there’s no need to be bound by the framework. If you live your life well according to your own principles, that is your way of repaying your ancestors.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

“I will pass the position of the young lord to Ji-Pyeong.”

It was a sudden, yet incredibly shocking statement.

Jeagal Ayeon was startled and looked at Yeon-wi.

But Yeon-wi seemed calm. Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes were filled with surprise, but he didn’t seem too surprised.

“I had hoped that you, as the eldest son, would take over the family. Not only because of your skills, but also because I thought you were more suitable for the position of the family head than Ji-Pyeong in these chaotic times.”

“Yes, I know.”

“Although you are my son, you have already surpassed your father and are drawing your own picture all over the world as you wish. It would be a great waste to break that strong and powerful brushstroke.”

“……”

“The family cannot be a strong fence that limits your life, even if it cannot be a source of strength for you. If we were weak, it would be different, but our family is not so weak that it would collapse just by letting you go. So don’t worry about anything and soar powerfully.”

“Father.”

Yeon-wi smiled and joked.

“You’re not jealous that you were pushed aside by your lovely younger brother, are you?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s eyes trembled.

After a moment, he slowly bowed.

“I’m sorry for causing you so much trouble, my incompetent son.”

“You rascal, who said they were kicking you out? If the main family is ever in danger, you must come running at once. I said it’s okay to leave the house, but I never said to cut ties.”

“Of course. Still, I’m sorry.”

Yeon-wi smiled and took Yeon Ho-Jeong’s hand to help him up.

Yeon-wi’s face, as he patted his son’s shoulder, was filled with pride.

“You’ve grown well. What son in the world can compare to you? Ji-Pyeong still has many shortcomings, so you must take good care of him when you’re not busy.”

“I will, I definitely will.”

“You should.”

Yeon Ho-Jeong felt grateful that his father finally understood his heart.

At the same time, he felt deep remorse towards his father, who had made a big decision to give up his own wishes and support his son’s path.

“His Majesty has bestowed Yongjeong [a type of tea] upon us. Let’s go inside and have a drink. I’ll brew the tea myself.”

“I understand.”

Yeon-wi looked at Jeagal Ayeon and said.

“Ayeon, come and have a drink too.”

“Yes? Ah, yes!”

Soon after, a beautiful tea fragrance spread throughout Yeon-wi’s room.

“Father.”

“I’m sorry, but let me speak first.”

“Yes.”

“His Majesty said something unusual before he left.”

“……”

“Are you not planning to go through with the marriage?”

“That’s right.”

“Okay, then that’s enough.”

Jeagal Ayeon felt like she couldn’t breathe. Even so, he didn’t seem to have any regrets about losing the chance to become in-laws with the imperial family.

“That was what I was most curious about. Your heart. I had a feeling that would be the case, but you did refuse.”

“There aren’t many women who would understand me.”

“That’s why it’s a problem. When you’re not busy, try to tone down that temper of yours.”

“I’ll try.”

“So, do you have anything else to say?”

“I have a concern.”

“What concern?”

“It’s better for me not to do it, but the marriage between the imperial family and the martial world itself has great significance. It’s too much of a waste to let it go like this.”

“So?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong’s face was subtly confused.

“I have a good idea, but I’m not sure if it’s okay.”

“You’ve already made your decision. Towards the side that will produce good results. But the reason you’re hesitating is because of the target, right?”

“……”

“Who are you thinking of?”

Yeon Ho-Jeong answered.