Even My Life Is Yours Chapter 14

The news that the Imryongjae had ended and the new emperor had successfully inherited the dragon’s power quickly spread throughout the capital. Those who had suspended their daily work and offered prayers all day hung lanterns from their eaves to welcome the new emperor. The marketplace, bustling with people, was no exception, and every shop had lanterns hanging from its eaves that day. The fabric shop was also no exception. Gamyoung, having hung the lanterns, hurriedly packed his things.

“Sir, I’ll be going now! Please close up shop today.”

“I don’t know who the real owner is, you rascal. Acting like a lord.”

Seeing the old man wave him off, telling him to hurry, Gamyoung stepped outside with a relieved sigh. As the sun began to set, the lanterns, lit one by one, began to glow. With the lanterns strung between the eaves, the dark night sky was softly illuminated.

Even late into the evening, people didn’t return home. They filled the streets, singing and dancing for the new emperor. The taverns were already overflowing. On the faces of those laughing, chatting, and singing, there was anticipation for the new emperor, and sometimes, longing for the former one. Although the enthronement ceremony hadn’t yet taken place, and he wasn’t officially the emperor, Kyungrak was the emperor in name and reality, having been chosen by the dragon.

Gamyoung made his way through the crowd. The disciples of the training hall were also citizens of Won’guk and couldn’t miss this celebration. On a day like this, every place would be crowded, so the master had specially allowed them to use their rooms within the training hall. Thinking of them sitting in the guest rooms and on the porch, eating and drinking, he also felt excited.

He especially thought of Hongyo, who loved scenes illuminated by lanterns like this, and planned to go out with him to explore the marketplace after a quick meal. He had enjoyed the night market last summer so much, so it was obvious how much he would love a grand festival like this.

However, a disappointing answer awaited Gamyoung, who was hurrying his steps.

“Hongyo said he’s running a little late because of something. Why don’t you go ahead and eat, Gamyoung?”

Gamyoung felt deflated. He had planned to eat quickly and go out to enjoy the night, but the person he was supposed to go with hadn’t arrived yet. Whether Gamyoung cared or not, his older brothers, already drunk, pulled him to a seat.

“Gamyoung, you’ll soon be twenty, an adult. Have a drink.”

Gamyoung looked at the cup of alcohol poured in front of him with an awkward expression.

“Today is wonderful. Long live the new emperor for granting us this occasion!”

One of his drunk older brothers shouted loudly. Gamyoung hesitated at his words, but those flushed with alcohol were cheering for the birth of the new emperor. He imagined how they would react if they knew that the recipient of their cheers was Kyungrak, who had been like a brother to them until recently, and shook his head.

Everyone at the table emptied their cups in unison with the cheers. One of his older brothers, slamming his cup down, exclaimed,

“What kind of decrees and edicts will His Majesty issue?”

The first thing an emperor did after ascending the throne was to address his officials, gathered together, and declare the direction he would lead the nation in. The very first proclamation of this direction was called the Decree and Edict. It was such an important matter that it naturally drew everyone’s attention.

“I hope for peace, just as it was under the former emperor.”

“I hope the path to success widens.”

As each person voiced their desired utopia, the heavily intoxicated group grew louder. Gamyoung quietly slipped away from the table to get some fresh air. Those who were already drunk were busy chatting amongst themselves.

Gamyoung, stepping outside, looked up at the now completely dark sky and slapped his cheeks with both hands. He had only had a couple of drinks, but the sweet smell of alcohol and the constant laughter made him feel dazed, almost as if he were drunk.

Gamyoung slowly walked down the hallway. Kyungrak, who had become the emperor in name and reality, had fully received the dragon’s power, but he seemed the same as he always was. Although he hadn’t seen him as often as before due to the enthronement preparations, he was still the same mischievous, easygoing, and childish older brother who loved to tease his younger siblings.

However, his eyes, now blue, were different. That alone set Kyungrak apart from other members of the royal family who had inherited the dragon’s power. He was now, undeniably, the one and only emperor of Won’guk. Even if he still considered Gamyoung his brother, they could no longer walk side by side as equals. But that was the nature of being an emperor.

More than that, Gamyoung couldn’t forget the voice he had heard that day. It had spoken human words, yet it sounded inhuman, sending chills down his spine.

‘You’re quite something.’

That being, shimmering with a blue light, had vaguely resembled a human form, but it must have been the dragon. Gamyoung shuddered. Being alone under the moonlight after leaving the boisterous room, all sorts of thoughts crossed his mind. But as he reached the end of the corridor, those thoughts vanished in an instant.

Light streamed from the lanterns hanging evenly along the wide eaves. Beneath them was Hongyo, whom he had been searching for. However, there was already someone else beside him. Sujin said something that made Hongyo burst into laughter.

He already knew that the two were close. He also knew that Hongyo was the only one in the training hall whom Sujin spoke comfortably with. But seeing them sitting side by side, their shoulders almost touching, made him think of something other than friendship.

Gamyoung quietly observed them. A reddish light from the lanterns fell upon their faces. Laughter bloomed and faded between them, and whispers followed by more laughter echoed. Their gazes locked, refusing to part. The warmth of their affection made even an observer’s throat tickle.

But at that moment, Gamyoung’s expression hardened. As the wind blew, causing the lanterns to sway, Hongyo reached out to Sujin’s hair. His gesture, tucking her windblown hair behind her ear, was incredibly tender. Sujin’s eyes crinkled in a smile at his touch.

Just like lovers.

Gamyoung unconsciously made a sound. Startled, the two turned their heads. And Gamyoung froze as he saw the hair ornament on the opposite side of where Hongyo had just caressed. The tassels on the plum blossom hair ornament, the one he had impulsively given away, trembled delicately in the wind.

“Cha Gamyoung. What are you doing there?”

Hongyo, puzzled, asked as Gamyoung stood frozen, as if struck by lightning. Gamyoung stared at Hongyo, who called him casually, then turned his gaze to Sujin. Meeting Gamyoung’s eyes, Sujin, flustered, hurriedly stood up.

“I, I’ll be going now! Please continue your conversation!”

Hongyo watched Sujin practically run away, telling her to take her time until the very end. Then, as Sujin disappeared from sight, he turned his head and beckoned to Gamyoung, who was still standing at the end of the corridor. Gamyoung finally started walking. However, he felt awkward, as if something was holding him back. He sat where Sujin had been sitting just moments ago. Hongyo nudged Gamyoung’s elbow.

“That ornament, is that the one I got my money back for?”

Gamyoung was speechless. It was an item he had completely forgotten about during the Imryongjae. He was at a loss for words, since it was originally meant to be a gift from Hongyo to Kyungrak, and he had ended up buying it back. Moreover, he had given it to another woman. It was as if he had taken a carefully chosen gift and given it to someone else entirely. He couldn’t think of what to say if Hongyo asked how that happened. His mind, unusually slow today, frustrated him. However, an unexpected response came.

“Good job.”

As Gamyoung looked up, Hongyo said,

“Lady Sujin is pretty.”

“…….”

“It’s better for someone who suits it to have it, since you couldn’t give it to him anyway. Don’t you think so?”

Hongyo’s profile, as he sat at the edge of the porch, dangling his feet, seemed completely unbothered. Fortunately, there was no need for excuses. However, Gamyoung felt something stir within him.

‘You were just sitting here happily with Lady Sujin, and you’re saying that?’

Gamyoung flinched at the sudden thought. Although it was just a thought, he didn’t understand why his heart felt hot, as if a fire had been lit. Gamyoung forced a neutral expression and searched for a reply.

That he had given the ornament away by chance, and it held no special meaning. Even though he had done nothing wrong, he felt compelled to explain himself. But Hongyo’s next question made it even more difficult.

“Are you fond of Lady Sujin?”

Gamyoung, who had been silent, abruptly turned his head. He felt a sudden rush of heat to his head. Why was he asking such a thing? It was Hongyo who had been tucking Sujin’s hair behind her ear just moments ago. He was dumbfounded, wondering if Hongyo was fond of Sujin and was trying to gauge his feelings.

“You…!”

Hongyo’s face, as he turned, was simply calm. There was no anxiety or nervousness about liking the same person. Nor was there resignation. His expression was so devoid of any emotion that Gamyoung felt even more irritated.

“And if I am?”

“Huh?”

It was a foolish-sounding voice, oblivious to his inner turmoil. Gamyoung felt a sudden surge of hot anger.

“If I am fond of Lady Sujin, were you planning to help me or something?”