It’s Sunny But I’m Depressed Chapter 15

 Chapter 15: The Hidden Plot, Yet a Rabbit (10) 

 

Ilena suddenly felt a chill, like snow falling in June. She was talking with Regolus when an eerie sensation washed over her, making her turn her head quickly.

 

‘…A black panther?’

 

For a moment, she imagined a black panther prowling through the dense jungle, approaching her. The man walking with black silk embroidered with gold was just that overwhelming. The Black King’s beautiful red eyes gleamed coldly, like a predator eyeing its prey.

 

‘Gulp.’

 

The only person who had ever made her feel such intimidation was her grandfather. Yet, here was someone who surpassed even that.

 

‘What on earth is he planning to do to me today with that expression?’

 

Ilena looked at him with tense eyes as the Black King slowly opened his mouth.

 

“What kind of insane situation is this?”

 

He looked colder than usual. Even in this tense moment, Ilena had a random thought. Perhaps Andre’s words about dressing up for the theater being a tradition weren’t entirely wrong. He was dressed more lavishly than usual.

 

In his gold-embroidered silk attire, he truly embodied the name ‘Black Panther of the Desert.’

 

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

 

Andre and Regolus, standing behind Ilena, quickly bowed their heads in greeting.

 

‘Oh, is that what I should do?’

 

Ilena bowed her head slightly, following their lead.

 

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

 

“Yes, indeed. …But didn’t I just ask?”

 

He tilted his head lazily and spoke.

 

“What kind of situation is this?”

 

What situation? Ilena tilted her head in confusion. The smile she had been wearing for socializing had already faded back to a neutral expression. For some reason, the Black King’s expression became even more intimidating as he looked down at her.

 

“You invited us to the theater… We were about to enter?”

 

“Not that.”

 

‘That’s all there is. What was I doing just now?’

 

She had been greeting Regolus. Was that what he meant? Ilena spoke in a still puzzled tone.

 

“…We were socializing before entering the theater?”

 

“Yes, that.”

 

‘Ah, is he worried I might conspire with other nobles? So it might complicate things when he tortures me?’

 

Ilena waited for him to continue. But the Black King only raised his eyebrows higher, looking increasingly displeased, without saying a word. Finally, she couldn’t hold back and asked.

 

“What is it?”

 

“What is it, you ask.”

 

The Black King growled lowly, exuding immense pressure.

 

“That is.”

 

‘What is… what indeed?’

 

For a moment, confusion flickered across the Black King’s face. It was as if someone had doused the blazing fire in his chest with cold water, snapping him back to his senses. In other words, he hadn’t been in his right mind just moments ago.

 

It was similar to how he sometimes lost his rationality in battle.

 

‘She just said she was greeting someone. So why did I get so angry?’

 

“…Your Highness?”

 

Andre cautiously asked, watching the situation. Some nobles gathered in the theater were also watching them. This was not the place to show weakness. Too many eyes were on them, especially those of the nobles. He widened his eyes again and spoke coldly.

 

“The play is about to start. What are you doing here instead of going in?”

 

‘Is that all?’

 

Ilena looked at him with slightly exasperated eyes.

 

‘As expected of a hidden villain, with that personality. I really need to be more careful.’

 

He might show a soft side sometimes, but letting her guard down in front of him was like being careless in front of a wild animal. He could tear her throat out in an instant.

 

“We were just about to go in. You did invite us to the play, didn’t you?”

 

Ilena spoke with a tone that clearly questioned his intentions. It was an unmistakably provocative tone.

 

“…You’ll see.”

 

The Black King spoke coldly and led her into the theater. The theater’s structure was familiar to her. There was a high stage with an orchestra seated below, playing music. The stage was bathed in intense lighting, but the audience seats were somewhat dim.

 

As Ilena, who had poor night vision, stumbled slightly, a thick arm immediately wrapped around her waist. His reaction speed was incredible.

 

‘Was he watching over me?’

 

“…Your seat is next to mine. It’s the best place to enjoy the play.”

 

The Black King spoke with a surprisingly gentle gaze and tone.

 

‘Why the sudden change?’

 

Just moments ago, he seemed ready to devour someone, and now he was being inexplicably kind. Ilena clicked her tongue and sat in the VIP seat the Black King guided her to.

 

***

 

The play was quite sophisticated. It was about the founding myth of the Kingdom of Lihu. The first king of Lihu received a revelation from the god Auphus, crossed the sea to the island, defeated the vile monsters living there, and established a nation.

 

‘It’s like the Dangun myth in Korea.’

 

The story was filled with nationalistic sentiment meant to evoke a sense of patriotism, but in short, it was a terribly boring patriotic play.

 

‘So they have patriotic plays here too. Well, it’s a royal-sponsored play, so it makes sense.’

 

Ilena stifled a yawn. She hadn’t taken a nap today because she had been preparing, so she felt even sleepier.

 

‘I mustn’t fall asleep.’

 

Ilena widened her eyes and glanced at the Black King sitting next to her. He was completely absorbed in the play.

 

“Oh, God…! Please forgive my sins! Do not punish my people, who I have brought from hell, with fire again!”

 

“Due to your original sin, the island will inevitably face misfortune in the future. But I pity you and will send a savior then….”

 

He couldn’t take his eyes off the stage, looking like a child sitting in front of a TV.

 

‘A child, really?’

 

Ilena found her own thought so ridiculous that she chuckled. To think of a child while looking at this man with a face like a Latin homme fatale and a body like a giant wild animal.

 

‘What am I even thinking…?’

 

Even as Ilena was distracted, the play steadily moved towards its climax. The protagonist, who didn’t believe in the god and ate the forbidden fruit of Mount Auphus, begged for forgiveness for 40 days.

 

‘It must be nearing the end.’

 

Ilena thought to herself, stifling another yawn. She hoped it would end soon. She wanted to wash up and lie down quickly. She’d have to ask Andre for some warm milk, with honey. Then, suddenly, sad music filled the stage.

 

‘Suddenly? They could just end it here. Why this development?’

 

Ilena narrowed her eyes at the familiar sense of foreboding and looked at the stage. Sure enough.

 

“Mother! I… I did everything wrong! It’s all my fault!”

 

Suddenly, the orchestra began playing sorrowful music passionately. As if determined to make people cry.

 

‘Why is there melodrama here?’

 

Ilena looked at the stage with exasperated eyes. A sudden tear-jerking melodrama right before the end. It was a typical K-movie development.

 

“No, no. Jake. It’s all your foolish mother’s fault.”

 

“Mother!”

 

“So please, at least you be happy!”

 

‘So that’s why he suddenly wanted to watch the play.’

 

Ilena muttered indifferently. She had been tense, expecting tears, but their actions were strangely trivial and cute. She hadn’t shed tears even when her grandfather passed away, so there was no way she would cry over such a melodrama.

 

‘And how does it make sense for melodrama to appear suddenly in this development?’

 

Even without depression, she was originally a cold ‘rational type’ who prioritized logic and facts over emotions. The kind of person who would say, ‘Oh, please don’t call me for such things,’ when hearing a sentimental poem like ‘The moon is up, so give me a call.’

 

She could never understand ‘emotional types’ who cried while watching dramas. Looking to her side, the Black King was also frowning deeply with his arms crossed.

 

‘As expected. He doesn’t like it either. Who would cry at such a trashy drama?’

 

“…Excuse me.”

 

Suddenly, he stood up and left the theater. His expression was terrifying, as if he was about to catch someone.

 

‘What’s this? Is he going to punish the theater staff for making such a lousy play?’

 

She remembered him mercilessly slapping a soldier. A normal person would probably die from just one proper hit from him.

 

‘It’s commendable, but maybe I should have pretended to be a little sad?’

 

Ilena watched with anxious eyes as his overly broad back disappeared.

 

***

 

“Boohoo.”

 

Iago was secretly hiding in the theater’s lounge, sobbing. He was curled up on the sofa, hugging his knees, his large body hunched over. It was a posture he adopted since childhood when he was scared or upset.

 

“…Your Highness, it’s just a play. It’s a made-up story.”

 

Otter adjusted his monocle awkwardly and patted Iago’s broad shoulder with one hand. Of course, there were also slight traces of tears in Otter’s eyes.

 

“But, but. Boohoo. Jake is so pitiful.”

 

Sniffling, Iago pulled out a rabbit-patterned handkerchief and wiped his tears. Otter nodded understandingly. Being separated from his mother, right after struggling to reach the island. Anyone who didn’t cry at that scene was no different from a heartless monster.

 

Otter spoke solemnly with a serious expression.

 

“Jake ended up living happily, didn’t he?”

 

“Sniff… Yes, that’s true….”

 

Skillfully comforting Iago, Otter continued.

 

“You should go back in now. If you’re too late, the priestess might get suspicious.”

 

“Y-yes.”

 

Having cried his heart out, Iago felt a bit relieved. He quickly wiped his face with a damp cloth to erase any traces of tears. He couldn’t show any signs of having cried in front of others. After all, he was the ruthless Black King of the Desert!

 

Having erased all traces of tears, Iago put on a cold face again and re-entered the theater.