Even My Life Is Yours Chapter 78

The news of Jang Daeho’s return spread like wildfire throughout Hwayounggyeong in less than half a shijin (one hour). It had been nearly three months since Jang Daeho, who had been staying at his family home under a suspension order, made his return.

Recalling how Jang Daeho had smirked at her the moment he saw her, as if he had been waiting for this exact moment, Hongyo’s face hardened.

‘It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I missed you, Yeo Hongyo.’

It was a spine-chilling remark even upon second thought. He was an opponent she knew she would eventually have to face again once his suspension ended, but he was still deeply uncomfortable to deal with. Furthermore, the way he acted the moment he laid eyes on her was atrocious.

‘A fellow’s face shouldn’t be this pretty if he wants to be forgotten.’

The moment he reached his hand out toward her chin while saying that was still vivid. Just before his fingertips could grab her chin, thank goodness Jeonghwan, who was standing beside her, had slapped his hand away. Had her chin actually been grabbed, it would have felt even more repulsive.

‘It seems you’ve forgotten your etiquette after crawling back to your house for a while.’

The words were somewhat harsh to have come from Jeonghwan. Hongyo had looked at her superior with a startled face, but Jang Daeho, rather accustomed to this side of Jeonghwan, pulled up the corners of his mouth into a smirk.

‘How could that be, My Lord Commander?’

It was highly mocking for a greeting, and rolling his eyes, he glanced down at Hongyo.

‘I was merely delighted to see a classmate after such a long time.’

He then grinned once more with amusement.

‘Let’s get along well, Yeo Hongyo.’

That was half a month ago. And contrary to expectations, Jang Daeho quietly reintegrated into Hwayounggyeong. People who had thought he would cause a massive accident the moment he returned gradually let their guard down at the sight of a quiet Jang Daeho throughout the entire fortnight. Nevertheless, in many ways, Jang Daeho was by no means an existence that could be ignored.

Instilling fear in most, and expectation in a few others, Jang Daeho was the only one capable of doing so within Hwayounggyeong. And there was someone who cunningly exploited such psychology of the people.

“How can he not cause any trouble after coming back?”

“If he does it one more time, he’ll really be kicked out of Hwayounggyeong, so what choice does he have?”

“My good man. Is Jang Daeho the kind of person to be afraid of being kicked out like the rest of us?”

“Enough, let’s place our bets again. Kicked out for real this time versus not, what do you say?”

Choi Hyangbang, who was crazy about gambling, had no intention of letting this opportunity slip away.

“Hongyo, where are you placing your bet?”

At those words, Hongyo waved her hand as if she wanted no part in it. Then, those who had already lost interest in Hongyo became busy placing their stakes among themselves. Hongyo watched them before shifting her gaze to Jang Daeho, who was taking a nap under a tree far away.

Whether the suspension had been effective remained unclear, but Jang Daeho was participating in life at Hwayounggyeong with an uncharacteristic diligence. Of course, it wasn’t that he faithfully attended classes or showed up for every morning assembly without fail, but it was already a relief that he wasn’t engaging in foolish antics like beating people up or breaking things.

However, one’s true nature doesn’t simply vanish. It was uncertain how long he would restrain himself like that, but seeing the crowd of his followers going around picking petty fights, it felt like something was bound to happen sooner or later. She merely hoped that it wouldn’t be during the Grand Oracle Ceremony. Just commanding the Gamhwis and covering the Emperor, albeit formally, was already exhausting enough, and she didn’t want to deal with that bastard on top of it.

“Vice-Commander. If you have nothing to do, come over here and get to work.”

Hongyo was watching Jang Daeho nap idly when she turned her head at the voice calling her. Jeonghwan, who now seemed perfectly accustomed to ordering her around, was calling for her this time without fail as well. He really never gives me a moment to rest.

As Hongyo rose from her seat, Yoo Deoksu, who was good-natured if nothing else, looked out for her by questioning what kind of work he was making her do again. Hongyo forced a smile for Yoo Deoksu and walked toward Jeonghwan. She felt intimidated by the books held in his arms, wondering from where on earth he had managed to gather such a meticulous amount of workload. It was bound to be a book of etiquette packed tightly with past event rituals, so she wasn’t looking forward to it at all, but his fatigue-ridden face looked somewhat pitiful, leaving Hongyo with no choice but to step forward today as well.

˖°⛩️⋆˙️

“You are performing excellently even now, but please always ensure that there are no setbacks in the schedule for the Grand Oracle Ceremony.”

At those words, Jeonghwan had a mouthful of grumbles internally, wondering how on earth he could be any more attentive than this, but once again, all he could do was reply, “Yes.”

‘Is he a monster?’

It was understandable because as the Grand Oracle Ceremony drew nearer, he and Yeo Hongyo had plenty of work, but it was like child’s play compared to the Chief Commander. Just looking at the piles of documents and correspondence arriving every day made him wonder exactly how much work there was, to the point where he himself felt sick of it. Furthermore, unlike the subordinates who only prepared for the event, receiving high-ranking officials related to it was also one of the tasks Gamyoung had to perform, leaving him curious as to when the man even slept.

Jeonghwan looked at Gamyoung before turning his head back to the report. Even while preparing for the event, reading aloud the reports detailing the daily lives of the Gamhwis was an indispensable part of his routine. Perhaps he was tired indeed, for Gamyoung, who had been listening to the contents of the report with his eyes quietly closed, opened his mouth at a certain point.

“How has Jang Daeho been lately?”

“He does not attend classes often, but there has been no other noteworthy behavior. Given that he received a suspension order, it seems he intends to live quietly for the time being.”

Nevertheless, as if something was weighing on his mind, Gamyoung did not easily say the next part. Instead, his hesitant demeanor made it clear whose image he was harboring in his mind.

“I heard there was a friction with the Vice-Commander on his first day back. Is everything alright now?”

As expected, it was Yeo Hongyo. Jeonghwan nodded his head.

“Yes. There has been no particular sign since then.”

At this point, Jeonghwan should have stopped talking and resumed reading the report. However….

“Even if that is the case, I am paying special attention to ensure that no untoward incident ever befalls the Vice-Commander, so there will absolutely be nothing for Your Lordship to worry about.”

In other words, it was equivalent to telling him to take his mind off Yeo Hongyo since he himself was looking after her so thoroughly. Even as he spoke, Jeonghwan couldn’t understand why he was uttering such words. Although she was a subordinate he had originally cherished, it felt as though she had been completely marked as his own person upon becoming the Vice-Commander, giving him a strange feeling of not wanting her to be taken away. In truth, the very concept of being taken away made no sense, but his nerves, frayed and sensitive from exhaustion, manifested an obsession in an odd place.

And Gamyoung merely stared intently at such a Jeonghwan. So Jeonghwan was a good man in many respects. His martial arts skills, character, and task-handling ability went without saying, and his capability to command and lead his subordinates as the Commander was utterly charming. He was diligent and quick-witted, making him an exceptionally excellent subordinate. However, his current attitude was highly bothersome.

“Because you look after things so meticulously, Commander, my mind is always at ease. If I had it my way, I would like to lead Hwayounggyeong alongside you just as we are doing now. However, since you have family waiting for you in Hyeongju, you will eventually return there one day, which makes me feel disappointed already. Once you leave Hwayounggyeong, I shall speak well to His Majesty so that you may be appointed as the Commander of Hyeongju immediately.”

‘So do not go filling Yeo Hongyo’s head with strange desires like going to Hyeongju together.’ 

Swallowing his final thoughts, Gamyoung spoke continuously.

“Not long ago, I met with the Inspector-General of Hyeongju regarding the matter of the Grand Oracle Ceremony.”

At Gamyoung’s words suddenly bringing up his father, Jeonghwan looked up at him.

“While treating him to a meal out of gratitude for the various good words he shared, the Inspector-General expressed concern over your marriage, Commander. He mentioned that you have reached the marriageable age, yet you don’t seem to have a lady who catches your fancy at all.”

“…….”

“If you desire, would it be alright if I introduced you to a daughter of a good family? She is a woman who lacks nothing in terms of family background, appearance, and disposition, so I believe she would make a fine match for you, Commander. For a man’s sense of responsibility naturally grows stronger once he gains a family. Should you wed, I would not hesitate to travel all the way to Hyeongju to offer my congratulations.”

For a brief moment, Jeonghwan even thought about driving a stake into Hwayounggyeong and staying forever instead of returning to Hyeongju. However, because that was truly nothing more than sheer stubbornness, Jeonghwan redirected the question instead.

“I am grateful for your words, but as I still have much to learn here, I have no thoughts of marriage yet. However, if she is such a splendid woman, I believe she would suit Your Lordship much better than me.”

At that, Gamyoung raised his head and locked his gaze straight with Jeonghwan. His firm eyes, completely unyielding, were resolute.

“I already have someone in my heart. My nature does not allow me to marry another woman while leaving the one I love behind.”

At those words, Jeonghwan received the greatest shock among all the statements Gamyoung had ever made. Was he not a man who seemed to have no interest in anyone particularly, except for Yeo Hongyo? The fact that such a man was harboring romantic feelings for someone was deeply shocking in itself. Jeonghwan was so startled that he inadvertently crumpled the report he was holding and asked Gamyoung,

“May I know what kind of woman she is, by any chance?”

At that, a smile graced the corners of Gamyoung’s mouth, as if merely recalling her brought him joy.

“Resume your report.”

Faced with an attitude that showed no intention of speaking further, Jeonghwan shifted his eyes back to the report. Yet, even amidst this, the thing that weighed heavily on his mind was….

“Does Yeohong… the Vice-Commander know?”

Since they were the closest of friends who had saved each other’s lives, he would naturally know, but strangely, he wanted to have that fact confirmed. However, raising his head, Gamyoung cast his eyes downward as if thinking about something at those words, then spoke suggestively.

“He probably doesn’t know.”

He had to remain ignorant. For if he found out, they wouldn’t even be able to keep each other by their side under the guise of being friends, just as they were doing now.

“Because I intend not to tell him.”