Chapter 29 - An Unfortunate Encounter (2) (2/2)

As if reading the Kurkan’s mind, the knights simultaneously grasped the hilts of their swords as they neared him, Byun Gyongbaek leading the entourage. He stopped in front of them.

“What’s this? A Kurkan?” he asked mockingly, and Leah watched her fiance, dumbfounded. He spoke so casually to the king. But aside from Leah, no one was surprised with the way he addressed him.

But instead of retaliating, Ishakan only stared him down.

Now Gyongbaek wasn’t short by any nature, but in front of Ishakan, he might as well be. And because of his inferiority, Gyongbaek compensates in his actions, acting tougher than he actually is.

“Are you out of your mind? You must be! Wandering carelessly inside the palace walls.” Gyongbaek remarked and Ishakan snorted.

“What’s wrong? I mean no harm. I can wander as carelessly as I want.” he replied with quick wit. Byun Gyongbaek huffed out in displeasure, stopping short of retaliating when he caught sight of Leah, hidden behind Ishakan.

He quirked up a brow towards her, staring at her up and down, before zeroing in on her neatly trimmed nails.

“Where’d you find that woman?” he scoffed, “She’s so… small and thin. I imagine she won’t look so appealing.”

That was when Leah realized he must have mistook her for a prostitute. Which was a relief. Quickly she hid her hands beneath her cloak, careful not to blow her cover. Gyongbaek barked out a laugh when she hid her fingers from view, and turned back to Ishakan.

“You must like my fiance.” Gyongbaek said tauntingly, “Is that why you chose her?” he looked at Leah, “Oh well, I may not know where you got her, but would you like me to give you some recommendations? I know quite a few who have some striking resemblance to her.” he boasted, thinking he was doing him a favor but Ishakan only snorted in amusement.

Byun Gyongbaek thought he’s one up the King of Kurkans simply because he was the one engaged to Leah. What a fool.

“To compensate for your origin of a barbaric tribe, I can allow you a taste of such advanced culture we have here in the Royal Kingdom.” He proudly stated, “Consider it a favor from me.” he winked, chuckling in pride, and his knights follow in suit.

But Ishakan remained unmoved and unflinching, and only gave them a brief smirk.

“It seems you’re the one who’s mistaken Byun Gyongbaek.” Ishakan said in mocking disappointment, and the laughter stopped as the grin was once again wiped on his face.

“Me? Mistaken? Of you flirting with a princess-look-alike prostitute?!” he asked incredulously and Ishakan shrugged.

“I am the one playing the role of a prostitute here.” he simply stated.