章節 2: CH-1 FLASH BACK TO 1800s
"Appa," Min Soo's voice was cold and sharp, slicing through the heavy air of the royal hall. "I see no reason why I should spend another moment with those old fools discussing policies that don't matter."
King Taejo's grip tightened around the jade seal he held, his knuckles whitening. "Do you think the affairs of this kingdom are a joke?" His voice boomed, reverberating off the stone walls. "You, my son, have the audacity to call the counsel of wise men fools? Is this how a prince of Goryeo speaks?"
Min Soo's gaze, sharp as the edge of a newly forged blade, did not falter. He stood rigid, his silk hanbok shimmering under the morning light filtering through the grand windows. The embroidered dragons on his garment seemed to snarl as if reflecting the prince's mood. "Perhaps it is time you understand, Appa, that I am not Seok Hoon. I do not grovel at your feet or nod at every word from your mouth."
The tension in the room was suffocating. Seok Hoon, standing a few steps to the side, shifted uncomfortably but said nothing. His elder brother's tall frame and calm expression only served to highlight Min Soo's bristling defiance.
"Min Soo!" The queen's voice broke through, her face pale beneath layers of powder. "How dare you speak to your father this way? Do you wish to disgrace our family?"
Min Soo turned his piercing eyes to her. "Eomeoni, do not speak of disgrace when you sit idly while this kingdom rots from within."
A collective gasp echoed through the room. Even the guards stationed near the pillars stiffened, their hands instinctively tightening around their spears.
"You insolent brat!" The king's fury spilled over as he slammed the jade seal onto the wooden table, the thud resounding like a death knell. "Enough of this insolence. You will attend the war council tomorrow, and that is final. Do you understand me?"
Min Soo smirked, the corner of his lips curling in defiance. "If that is your command, Your Majesty," he said, bowing shallowly, the mockery in his tone unmistakable.
Seok Hoon stepped forward, his voice smooth and measured, an attempt to pacify the storm. "Appa, perhaps Min Soo needs time to reflect. He is still young and—"
"Silence!" The king's roar silenced even the flickering torches. "He is a disgrace, not young! By this age, you were leading men into battle, Seok Hoon. And you—" he pointed a trembling finger at Min Soo, "you cannot even sit through a single meeting without causing havoc. Is this how you repay the bloodline that gave you life?"
Min Soo said nothing, his silence more deafening than any retort he could have mustered.
"Leave," the king finally ordered, his voice hoarse with anger. "All of you. Except Min Soo."
The courtiers and servants bowed hastily, shuffling out like frightened mice fleeing a hawk. Seok Hoon cast a worried glance at his brother but obeyed, exiting with the others. The queen lingered for a moment before the king's glare sent her retreating as well.
When the doors closed, the room seemed to shrink, the air thick with unspoken words.
"Do you hate me, Min Soo?" The king's voice was lower now, almost a growl. "Do you wish to see this kingdom crumble because of your childish arrogance?"
"I hate what you stand for," Min Soo replied evenly. "You speak of duty and honor, but all I see is a man clinging to power at any cost. Even if it means bleeding the people dry."
Taejo's fist slammed against the table again, but this time it was not out of anger—it was frustration. "You see only what your narrow mind allows. Do you think ruling is easy? That we can please everyone? You know nothing of what it takes to keep this kingdom together."
"And whose fault is that, Appa?" Min Soo stepped closer, his voice rising. "You never taught me anything except how to swing a sword and bow to men I despise. If I am unfit, it is because you made me so."
The king's eyes burned with a mixture of anger and something else—perhaps regret. "You will attend the war council," he repeated, his tone brooking no argument. "And you will learn. Or you will no longer be my son."
Min Soo stiffened, the words striking harder than any blow. But instead of backing down, he turned on his heel and walked out without another word.
---
Outside, the palace gardens were a stark contrast to the tension inside. The cherry blossoms swayed gently in the breeze, their petals scattering like tiny whispers of peace. Min Soo strode through them, his hands clenched into fists.
"Min Soo-ah!" His sister, Princess Hyejin, called out from a shaded pavilion. She rose gracefully, her hanbok flowing like water as she approached him. "What happened this time?"
"The same as always," Min Soo muttered, not meeting her eyes. "Appa thinks I should be more like Seok Hoon."
Hyejin sighed, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "You make it so hard for him to understand you. Why do you always push him away?"
"Because he doesn't see me, noona," Min Soo said, his voice tinged with bitterness. "To him, I'm just a disappointment. A shadow that doesn't fit into his perfect image of a son."
"That's not true," Hyejin said softly. "He loves you in his own way."
"If this is love, I'd rather not have it." Min Soo stepped away, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "He can keep his throne, his war councils, and his expectations. I want none of it."
"Min Soo—"
"I need to be alone," he said, walking away before she could stop him.
---
Later that evening, the palace was alive with preparations for a feast. Min Soo avoided the bustling halls and found solace in the training grounds. The clink of metal and the scent of oiled leather were more comforting than the endless chatter of courtiers.
"Hyungnim!" A young stable boy approached hesitantly, bowing deeply. "Do you need anything?"
Min Soo shook his head. "Leave me."
The boy scurried off, leaving Min Soo to his thoughts. He picked up a sword and began practicing, each swing of the blade a release of the frustration boiling inside him. The training dummy bore the brunt of his anger, splintering under his relentless strikes.
"You fight like a man possessed," a familiar voice drawled.
Min Soo turned to see Seok Hoon leaning against a post, his arms crossed. "What do you want?"
"To talk," Seok Hoon said, stepping closer. "You can't keep going on like this, Min Soo. Appa won't tolerate it forever."
"And what do you suggest, oh wise elder brother?" Min Soo sneered.
Seok Hoon sighed, his patience clearly wearing thin. "Stop fighting him. You're only making it harder for yourself."
Min Soo lowered his sword, his shoulders slumping. "You don't understand, Seok Hoon. You've always been the perfect son. The warrior, the diplomat, the crown prince. How can I compete with that?"
"It's not a competition," Seok Hoon said gently. "We're family, Min Soo. We should be working together, not tearing each other apart."
Min Soo looked away, the weight of his brother's words pressing down on him. "Maybe you're right," he said quietly. "But it's hard to see the point when everything feels so meaningless."
Before Seok Hoon could respond, a messenger arrived, bowing deeply. "Your Highnesses, the feast is about to begin. His Majesty requests your presence."
Min Soo groaned inwardly but nodded. "Let's get this over with."
---
The great hall was a spectacle of opulence, with golden chandeliers casting a warm glow over the assembled guests. Min Soo took his place at the royal table, his expression blank as he endured the endless parade of toasts and speeches.
But beneath the surface, the storm inside him continued to rage. And as his father raised a cup to toast the unity of the kingdom, Min Soo's mind was already plotting his next rebellion.
"You'll never be fit to rule," the king whispered, his words meant only for Min Soo's ears. "Not until you learn the meaning of duty."
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票