CH 24.1

#24 

Those words were already said numerous times by Yihan to Hwawoon. Therefore, that could be called a very strange thing. He had said such words numerous times. The emperor had already said such harsh words to Hwawoon several times without any hint of hesitation.

Then, why was it that today, Yihan’s voice that came out this night was trembling weakly and couldn’t be heard as a confident voice? 

Hwawoon’s complexion was already blue when he heard that. While Yihan was talking out faintly like he was dreaming, the power in his hand became stronger, and now he was close to breaking Hwawoon’s wrist.

Perhaps because Hwawoon’s body was hardly immune to pain, it was not easy for him to breathe due to the pain transmitted from the wrist. However, instead of struggling to pull out his wrist, instead of crying and asking the emperor to let him go,

Hwawoon put his other hand on top of the emperor’s hand that was grasping his hand. As if to soothe the emperor’s heart. As if he found the touch that hurt him was right.

Hwawoon barely calmed down his trembling breath and opened his mouth calmly.

“Your Majesty, it’s okay.” 

No one expected those words. Those were such unforeseen words. Looking gently at the emperor’s eyes that were shaking violently like a lost and stranded ship, Hwawoon said,

“It was me, who endlessly betrayed and pushed the generosity you gave me, Your Majesty. How can a few words and actions make the past doesn’t exist?” 

His emperor was a gentle person. Even at this time, Hwawoon realized that. Because he was someone who was very concerned about the death of a lowly person like Hawoon, it was clear he harshly treated the vicious Hwawoon, who bowed down and said he would change, because he felt uncomfortable about it.

Hwawoon thought that was the reason the emperor stood before him with a very complicated expression. Then, he continued,  

“You’re right, Your Majesty. I’m only getting the right treatment from you, Your Majesty.”

“…”

“I still couldn’t be someone worthy of your trust, Your Majesty.” 

Even though he was suffering from crushing pain, Hwawoon smiled like moonlight in front of the emperor. From the first moment he saw him until now, he had been such a gentle and benevolent person, so Hwawoon had no reason to be disappointed that he despised himself. 

Then, what about the emperor, who was listening to all the words said by Hwawoon?

Yihan pushed down his breath, which kept raging up, and fought with all the unknown feelings. Then, when Yihan was about to open his mouth and say cold words in contrast to his feelings, 

“Ugh…”

Hwawoon’s body swayed slightly forward and a painful moan flowed out from his lips once again. Only then did Yihan realize he was grasping Hwawoon’s wrist strongly. 

He grasped it strongly to the point Hwawoon’s fingertips that were seen outside the sleeve were already pale white. It was clear that a bruise would form behind the sleeve because he was putting such force on his skinny wrist. 

Yihan, who was flustered because he didn’t realize what he had been doing until then, tried to say something, but Ahjin, who was uneasy when she heard Hwawoon’s moan, stepped up faster and bowed in front of Yihan. Then, she spoke with a tearful voice. 

“Your, Your Majesty… My master’s body is still unwell…! Please calm your anger…!”

Ahjin was crying while begging with her forehead close to bump the ground. If others by chance heard Ahjin’s voice, they would likely think Yihan really tried to do something bad to Hwawoon. 

“No, no, I…”

Flustered with the unexpected situation, the emperor forgot his dignity and stuttered. He even unconsciously checked the surroundings even though there was no need for him to do that.  Yihan took a step back from Hwawoon and finally released his hand.

When his arm, which had barely circulated blood, suddenly loosened and caused a numb pain, Hwawoon momentarily grabbed his wrist and bit his lips, swallowing the pain.

When he saw Hwawoon’s blue lips, Yihan clenched his fists. There were a lot of words and actions he wanted to do, but he was at a loss, since there was nothing he could choose.

That was the first time Sung Yihan had been so flustered since he became emperor. 

“… I’m going back.”

Therefore, the emperor walked back like running away. Instead of asking if he was fine and checking his wrist, instead of muttering poor excuses like I’m not angry with you, Yihan decided to turn his back and ran away to a place Yeon Hwawoon couldn’t see.

Yihan thought that was the only way for him to not do an action he would regret there and then. 

***