Bab 48: Forbearance (2)

Endure. Why would Sungho want to go through and become reconciled to this custom? He would rather do everything to survive. Especially right at this moment in time.

"Is the tea not into your liking, Concubine Eun?" queried the grand concubine.

"I believe Her Highness doesn't like the tea you brewed, Grand Concubine Jin," beckoned Concubine Gi before she showed her brightest smile to the one she was talking to.

Hearing her statement and seeing the smile on her face, the grand concubine returned it with a beam and countered, "I presume I am not pertaining to you, Concubine Gi."

"Oh, yes. I simply answered in her stead, Your Highness. Since we all know Concubine Eun needs to conserve her energy."

'Why are these two cramming into my room?' A sweat formed in his forehead, trailing to the side of his face. What could be the reason why these individuals thought it would be a good idea to show up to his court without any invitation? How did this start?

A while ago, early that morning, Sungho recalled sending a response to Concubine Gi for sending him the letter. The message he gave was to thank her for wishing his fast recovery, yet it appeared the concubine thought he was inviting him for tea.

He did write in the letter that he planned to have tea with her, but he was certain he also included that he would do so in the near future. Not straight off this instant.

Just after an hour ordering the eunuch to bring the letter to the concubine's court, he found the concubine pacing in his hallway before barging inside his room without notice. Sungho had no choice but to entertain her since he did not want to be rude and chase her out of his court after she made an effort to give him a visit.

On the other hand, what caught him aback was the grand concubine's appearance at his courtyard out of the blue. Sighing as he remained seated at the round table, he noticed the ladies were looking at him and he immediately lifted the corners of his lips. 'This does not make any sense.'

'Am I going to die today?' The idea rushed inside his mind as he clenched his skirt. There might be a possibility that he might control another body after dying again for the third time. '... Will I be able to possess another body if I die?'

Shaking his head, he strongly disagreed with the thought that came into his mind. Why did the idea pop inside his head? It sounded as if he was wishing to die again. 'It's fine. I have a guard and my court lady. Concubine Gi is here as well.'

"What's the matter, Your Highness?" Sungho heard the cunning woman ask, "You're only staring at the tea."

"About that, Grand Concubine Jin. She's pondering regarding the flower in our drink," appealed the concubine who was no more than holding her tea.

"... It's lavender."

"Ah, is that so? I just thought Her Highness muddled something again in it."

Seeing how the grand concubine flinched by her words, Sungho could not help but be amused by the scene he was witnessing. So this was the type of friendship the concubine was referring to her letter.

"Regardless, what are you doing here, Concubine Gi?" the grand concubine asked while she proceeded to near the mouth of the cup on her lips and took a short sip.

"Shouldn't I be asking that question to you, Grand Concubine?"

A smile which turned to a grin, Concubine Gi appeared the one who found the scene entertaining the most. "It's alright if Her Highness refuses to answer. I came because Concubine Eun invited me for tea."

"Hm," was the toneless answer obtruded from his mouth. "... Are you two acquaintances?" Sungho quizzed, pleading for the two to take his bait and change their topic regarding the invitation for the tea.

"No."

"Yes."

The answers he received were different, opposing each other. One seemed to respond in a serious tone while the other appeared mocking.

"Not just acquaintances. We've known each other since we were children." A glint in her eyes fluttered before disappearing into thin air. She stared at the grand concubine, wiping the mouth of the drink in her hands. "I could say that I know what is behind the slightest move that Grand Concubine Jin makes," continued the concubine.

"... Ah, you're right. I agree. Concubine Gi knows too much." Grand Concubine Jin lifted the tea and took another sip before saying, "I suppose I forgot we have this kind of relationship." Seemingly growling by the tone of her voice.

'... Can't they leave?' It wasn't like he hated the drama his eyes and ears were feasting on. In fact, he found it interesting that the two women were incompatible, tangling to one another. Yet, it seemed that he felt uncomfortable also knowing how the conversation was going.