Chapter 126 (1/2)

There was a woman secretly watching parade in tears. Hiding in a dark alley behind the crowd, she covered her mouth with both hands, barely balancing her body as if she was going to fall.

”… Please let him be in great hands. ”

”Woorum.”

The man, who was standing by her, held her hands tightly. His wishes for the baby were as strong as the woman's.

”My brother will protect him well. ”

Although he vowed not to call Bipaan brother, he did again while comforting her.

After barely confirming Dohwan's safety at a distance, Ruhae and Kyosul left the Mok Kingdom as soon as Dohwan's sedan chair returned to the palace.

After the crowning ceremony was over, Dohwan, ㅜ expected, cried wildly in search of his mother. No matter how much the nannies comforted him, he was very stubborn and cried himself to sleep.

”Mom...mom…”

Dohwan murmured, looking for his mother in his dream. His clenched fists wiggled. As a child, he even knitted his brows with tears welled in his eyes.

”Damkang...You're a young hill that resembles me. ”

Bipaan stroked his eyes with his soft fingers. His gaze upon the child was incredibly soft and friendly.

At the same time, his tone was sad, which was quite unlike him,”The reason he gave you a name meaning a hill was probably because…”

Bipaan mumbled. He didn't finish his words or could not.

He also wrinkled his forehead.

Bipaan turned his head with a bitter expression and rose from his seat. The father, who was watching Dohwan while he was asleep, hardened his expression again.

Returning to the East Palace, Bipaan brought in a liquor table again today. He carelessly threw off his gorgeous red robes, and laid down on the couch, holding a glass of wine.

She left.

He sent her away.

What would he say to Dohwan?

Bipaan had to tell him that his mother was so sick with the illness of the mind that she eventually died and went far away.

How sad would he feel?

Bipaan knew well how close he was to his mother. As he watched from afar the two smiling at each other, he could predict how sad his son would be.

He hoped his son's sadness would not be an obstacle for his future, and that he would not be sick in bed, longing for his mother.

Bipaan's head was a mess.

How to deal with his son was more complicated than any political quagmire. He felt he would never find the answer.

In the end, Bipaan threw his wine glass at the wall. Shattered to pieces, the glass stained the walls red.

Darkness fell again, which brought him back to his memories from childhood.

***

Although the emperor's order was always abrupt, Bipaan was now quite used to it.

As his order now was so unexpected, Bipaan was embarrassed.

”Your Majesty, are you ordering me to …”

”Yes, I ordered you to visit other countries as the Crown Prince of the Mok Kingdom, not only our vassal states but also other neighboring kingdoms.”

Bipaan burst into feigned smile.

Visiting other countries?