章 49: Forbearance (3)

Did they despise the presence of one another? What kind of relationship was it? When would they leave him alone in his chambers? These are questions that would not stop trampling his mind.

Noticing as the two gave no hints of ending their warm discussion, Sungho decided to ask Chun to bring some sweets for his mouth to feast on while he was watching them. And it only took her a short moment before she delivered the plate to him.

Just in, when Sungho picked the pumpkin pancake with his finger, he caught the figure behind the grand concubine moving before bending her head towards her master's ear. She seemed to be informing the grand concubine of something in a low mumble that no one could hear.

"I believe I have to get going. Concubine Gi, Concubine Eun," said the grand concubine after nodding to her court lady. "Thank you for letting me serve you tea."

"It's a pleasure, Your Highness." As the grand concubine stood on her, Sungho and Concubine Gi followed and made their bow. With the last display of an enticing smile on her lips, the grand concubine left Sungho's chambers at last. Leaving the jabbering concubine with her maidservant to bug him.

Taking her seat back, Concubine Gi mouthed in disgust: "We should put away the drink. Everything she touches should be thrown immediately."

"Chun, can you put them all away and replace the tea anew?" Sungho signaled his court lady who hurriedly took the teapot and teacups.

The concubine blew out a heavy sigh, placing a hand on her forehead and spoke, "Being with that woman is stressful. Why did she have to invite herself and barge in?"

Sungho remained still, chewing another pumpkin pancake that he brought inside her mouth. He was fighting the urge to say the same thing to the concubine since she was the first one to intervene in his calm morning. 'I guess nothing will change while she's here a bit sooner.'

"... Concubine Gi and the Grand Concubine have such an unusual relationship," was his comment after swallowing the food.

"Yes, she was the best of my peers. Was." Concubine Gi advanced her arms and pressed her fingers firm to the poor pumpkin pancake sitting on the plate before lifting it near her mouth. "Considering how she is today, I've been thinking that she still loves me after all."

Was that how the grand concubine expressed his affection to one another? Although he was confused, Sungho did not bring himself to ask her this. Instead, he chose another query: "How did you two meet?"

"Oh, we're cousins."

Cousins? Thinking of what to say, Sungho parted his lips but withdrew immediately. So they were cousins. If he would give a thought about it, they did have something in common. 'The two share a crazy attitude. I see the resemblance.'

"I know we have nothing alike." Hearing this, Sungho restrained himself from opposing her statement and simply continued listening. "I don't personally interfere with her plans. But it seemed to be getting a bit interesting."

He almost sucked in a sharp breath.

"Concubine Gi, do you know everything?" An uneasy tone obtruded. Sungho suddenly became uncomfortable, and it appeared audible as he questioned her. His emotions were vague after learning the fact she might be conscious of what had happened at the feast and she hadn't warned him before it started. How long was she aware?

"That she poisoned you at the feast? Of course, every detail." A hint of amusement was found in her voice while she continued, "After all, I have someone to spill the precise information for me."

Sungho gazed as the concubine lifted her hand on her side, pointing to the maidservant sitting near her whose body seemed quiet; her head bent low while she clasped her trembling hands together. So she forced the maidservant, thus she gained the information she needed.

"Why are you doing this?" He narrowed his eyes and became hesitant of the concubine. Sensing Daewon's presence behind him as he felt the danger was slowly creeping toward him.

"I told you I found you interesting, Concubine Eun." Sungho witnessed the clean smile trailing on her lips beyond her voice while her eyes were in contrast.

Did he choose the right way to pull her by his side?