Chapter 40 (2/2)

In a usual situation, Ruhae’s challenge like that was unthinkable. But he was not scared of Bipaan any more. This time Bipaan was looking at Ruhae with a calm and cold-hearted glance.

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“Well, I don’t think so.”

“Are you going to kick the Crown Princess out then?”

“In your opinion, what kind of action do you expect me to take?”

“Just leave the Crown Princess alone and punish me. The Crown Princess just misses you. It’s only me who is giving my mind to her. The Crown Princess has never met me in person,” said Ruhae resolutely.

“You’re now challenging me without any fear, Ruhae.”

“I’ve thought about this matter for a long time. And I’ve made the decision.”

“Oh, I see. Are you going to kick out your wife then?”

At Bipaan’s sudden question, Ruhae’s eyes were opened wide with surprise. Though he felt sorry for his wife Yomin, he never conjured up her face while he made a firm determination. When Bipaan brought up an issue that he had never given serious thought to, Ruhae was at a loss for words and lowered his head.

“How come you meddle in my matters when you don’t know how to take care of your wife first? I don’t think you are the type of brother that I used to know. I think I’ve got the wrong person.”

Bipaan’s chilly voice pressed hard on Ruhae.

“Please give the Crown Princess a hug.”

Ruhae barely spoke in a dry voice. He hated Bipaan as he had to repeat the same words he already spit out.

“I won’t hug any woman.”

Surprised by his flat tone, Ruhae raised his head. Bipaan’s face was calm and devoid of expression.

“I won’t kick her out because she is a woman who will be helpful in my future.”

Bipaan’s last words made Ruhae bite his lip. He tasted blood.

“You really make me miserable, Your Majesty!”

“I don’t have any intention of making you miserable.”

Ruhae, whose face was always soft and tender, was angry and shouted at Bipaan, “I won’t sit idle. I won’t leave her shivering alone like that. I’ve come to the point that I can’t leave her alone like that because you have deserted her.”

“I don’t know which woman you’re talking about.”

“I will not call you my brother or Crown Prince anymore, Your Majesty!”

With his clenched fists trembling, Ruhae turned and disappeared out of the flower garden.

Just as if nothing happened, Bipaan turned his face to the flowers which became more colorful in the garden.

Bipaan extended his hand and stroked one of the most colorful and beautiful flowers. Then, he plucked it. He picked it up and put it on his lips.

Soft petals of the flower touched his lips. Sweet fragrance tickled his nose. He threw it on the ground, trampled on it and left the garden.

***

Walking quickly, Ruhae didn’t head for the South Palace, his residence. Instead, he went straight to the East Palace. When he passed by, the court ladies of the East Palace lowered their heads to say greetings.

He would have gladly accepted their greetings with a smile in a usual situation, but he didn’t look at them at all and kept walking ahead. When he arrived at Kyosul’s residence, he stopped at the stepping stones. He asked the court ladies on standby at the gate.

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“How is the Crown Princess Kyosul’s condition?”

“Her fever hasn’t gone down completely, but she opened her eyes a minute ago and had porridge.”

“Please tell the Crown Princess that Ruhae has come to inquire after her.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Bowing to him, the court lady conveyed his message until the chief court lady serving Kyosul announced it to Kyosul.

“Your Highness, Prince Ruhae has come to see you. Would you want to bring him here?”

In a usual situation, the nanny would not have added her last words. But she asked Kyosul about it because her condition was bad. When other visitors came to see her, Kyosul had not come to her senses yet, so the nanny greeted them, based on the royal doctor’s advice.

But Kyosul was well enough to open her eyes now.

Kyosul had to decide whether to accept Ruhae’s visit or not.

Kyosul’s nanny came back out and replied, “Her Highness is not feeling well, please tell him she can’t accept his visit today.”