VI) Hydrangea
(Ep. XIII - Yeong goes to Eun Seob's while Gon is at Tae Eul's.)
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Messages:
Y: I'm outside. May I come in?
ES: Sure. Cost is clear. Door is unlocked. Coffee?
Y: Great. Thanks.
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Eun Seob POV:
Eun Seob hears the unlocked door opening as Yeong enters his flat without knocking, in case some neighbors might notice it otherwise.
They exchange blind 'Hey''s once the door is closed, Eun Seob being in the kitchen preparing coffee and Yeong being in the hall knocking off his shoes.
Yeong makes a straight line to the sofa and sits down, while Eun Seob comes over with two cups in hands, chitchatting as he sets them down on the table and then moves to sit down too.
"I was expecting you. I'm sure you know about the car-"
The rest of the sentence is forgotten as Eun Seob gasps in surprise. Yeong has just dropped down on is knees, back straight, head bowed, the moment it had felt safe enough for Eun Seob not to spill hot coffee all over his hands, apparently.
"There are no words to tell you how grateful I am. Thank you. Thank you so much, Eun Seob."
Eun Seob is struck silent for a bit; a rare occasion. He feels hot; self-conscious, and out of place. People generally don't throw themselves down at his feet... Has Yeong honestly never heard of a hug or so? (Well, probably not; indeed. And the realization makes Eun Seob *ache* - knowing just how much of a hugger he is; either giving or receiving. To comfort and to be comforted; to trust and to be trusted; to need and to support. It's a gift freely given on both sides. A genuine truth. A shared pledge. A commitment: I am here; you are not alone / you are here; I am not alone.)
But. His Majesty had told Yeong. Not that no one would never mention it to Yeong in The Kingdom - so yeah, Yeong had to know, at some point, of course. But some warning would have been nice; Eun Seob had seen His Majesty less than thirty minutes ago, right...
"Now, Yeong... Just get up; please. It's nothing you wouldn't have done-"
"It's everything, Eun Seob. And I'm sorry. I never expected - It should have been me. And I'm *so* glad you're all right. But I'm sorry."
"I'm just fine, okay. I mean, it wasn't fine; but I'm fine. I swear, Yeong. So will you just get up? The coffee is getting cold."
"Not yet. Thank you, Eun Seob. Thank you. I can't ever tell it enough, Unbreakable Sword."
Eun Seob nearly screeches out; now downright embarrassed, fingers running through his hair out of their own volition for good measure.
"You know about *that* too?! I... Well... It's not-"
Yeong looks up then, and meet Eun Seob's eyes very seriously:
"You saved His Majesty's life. It is *my* honor to share that title with you, Eun Seob. I mean it."
A bit.
"You truly don't mind?"
"Of course not. On the contrary, Unbreakable Sword."
Again.
Eun Seob starts to relax; Yeong is nothing but sincere, obviously.
"Well; if you don't mind... It does have a nice ring to it, huh?"
Yeong smiles, knowingly:
"I know."
They share a moment; and then Eun Seob has to grin.
"And I know now that we do have after all in common something I used to think we hadn't in common. I never thought you had it in you; so, good for you."
Yeong tilts his head some, curious. Eun Seob throws him a wink:
"Theatrics. Will you get up now, Unbreakable Sword?"
And Yeong grins back, before getting back up.
"Finally. Now; am I allowed to brag about my shiny new car?"
"Sure. Please do."
"It's yellow; that's some impressive good guess."
"His Majesty is omniscient; haven't I told you?"
"Idiot. Anyway, *I* wanted to thank *you*. First, over the detail that is me having a driving license by now, apparently?"
"It's not like you were not ready to get it on your own..."
"Especially now that I do have a super car, indeed. But thank you for it anyway. And, more important: just *thank you*, okay. You were *truly* *great* with Kha Bi and Eun Bi."
It is now Yeong's turn to feel embarrassed:
"Oh. Well; I tried? I'm not sure though great qualifies as-"
"But that's it, Yeong. Kids are good at feeling what's genuine. And Eun Bi? She might think I'm sort of a super spy or something; and you're a super advanced robot of some kind. But she told me you tried your best. And you always meant it. So even though she was sort of worried, about me; she was never afraid, being around you. You made sure they got up on time, you helped them prepare themselves, and you packed their bags, including a nice lunch and all; you were always on time to bring them and pick them up; you helped them with their homework - Kha Bi says I've been fantastic at explaining math lately, which makes sense as you get private math lessons like every other day, but which will be his standard for any future explanation he might need, so no pressure, right; you cooked for them; you played and joked with them; and you read them stories before bedtime. So yeah; you were *great*. By the way, they're all about Alice in Wonderland right now; it's sweet."
"Well, I didn't want to read a book they already had in their room, because I would never get the voices right, so... It's His Majesty's favorite; and His Majesty is always reading that one to kids. I thought it was worth a shot..."
"And now I need you to read some White Rabbit part to me before you go, because they are all right with the other voices (I told them I wanted to try something else), but they do not like the new White Rabbit voice as much as the old one. Also, you have to teach me how to cook that meal you cooked with them on Wednesdays because they are *expecting* me to keep making it by now, all right?"
"Sure, I'll send you the recipe right now. It's quite an easy one."
"His Majesty's favorite too?"
"No; one of mine."
And Eun Seob smiles, as Yeong starts to type away on his phone; because there is something comforting indeed, in knowing that Yeong *can* properly cook on his own.
/
Yeong had let Eun Seob precise and detailed indications for about everything before he had left to Corea; including how to get to his apartment, of course. But Eun Seob hadn't been prepared for how *sterile* he had found it the first time he had opened the door. The place was tiny (but enough for one), and very tidy; but it had felt bared and hardly lived-in. The kitchen area had honestly felt depressing: even a small table should come along with at least two chairs instead of a single one; and a small fridge wasn't meant to be half empty, nor cupboards three quarters unfilled. Eun Seob though had remembered that Yeong spent his days at His Majesty's side and indeed didn't need much more than enough for a quick breakfast and the eventual snack, as he generally took his meals too at The Palace; so it had made sense.
The only place that had actually felt homey had been Yeong's bedroom: the most used space, obviously - and the only one with any kind of personal touch. A tablet and a laptop by the nightstand. Two pin boards on the side wall: one with a mix of family photos and birds pictures; the other with that year rowing competitions calendar, and newspaper articles and annotations about Admiral Yi Sun Sin Team's results until then (they were doing great). And a huge red square on the wall facing the bed (only evident spot of color in Yeong's overall neutral flat); a small frame hanging under it. On closer inspection, Eun Seob had discovered that the painting (for lack of a better word; even if it was so evidently not meant to be artistic at all - just plain one color one layer red paint) was signed 'Lee Gon 2010' in the bottom left corner; and that the frame under it held an open gift card: 'My dear Yeongie. I do have many talents; but it turns out painting just isn't one of them. I hope though you'll accept this humble splash of color into your new home. Your 'Pyeha'. (PS: I'm not ordering you to actually hang it.)'
And Eun Seob had been momentarily speechless.
Because Eun Seob had sort of just arrived in The Kingdom; but he had already experienced repeatedly just how close everyone knew Yeong and His Majesty to be.
Eun Seob had been walking on eggs for the whole afternoon, hiding under a poker face how overwhelmed he felt while working on memorizing any new face he met and connecting it to its corresponding name on Yeong's list etc, all the while pretending to be unflappable in general but (as had been planned) particularly annoyed any time His Majesty had mentioned with a (played) playful grin to anyone they had come across at The Palace that 'Captain Jo Yeong wouldn't be training nor actively involved in any event's preparations for the time being, even though he would of course tag along, because they had a bet going on; and so Seok Ho Pil would be taking over as Acting Captain' - never giving any details; and yet no one had deemed the whole thing fake - not even fishy; even though Eun Seob had just been certain that Yeong had never *not* trained or *not* involved himself in matters regarding His Majesty's safety before.
But it had been only then - seeing that painting and its companion card - that Eun Seob had maybe finally truly get it. How they functioned - His Majesty and Yeong. Who they were - both on their own and to each other.
It was a stupid joke. It was a thoughtful gesture (red being Yeong's favorite color - not that anyone would guess from his flat). The painting was without a doubt worth wayyyy more than it should ever be, money wise, just because of its signature. Its highest and only true value though was obviously simply emotional: the painting was unframed; while the card was. There was something unsaid too; something Eun Seob couldn't decipher, even though knowing there was something to decipher - a private reference only Yeong and His Majesty could read between the lines and the 90cm x 90cm red square hanging *right there*: as the first and last thing Yeong would see; each and every day. Even though it hadn't been an order (of course) - and most probably exactly because it had been specified that it wasn't an order - Yeong had hung His Majesty's silly handiwork not only on a wall, but also at the most honorific place in his home (because hanging it at the traditional honorific place in the living area for everyone to see would have been in fact the less meaningful place in this flat: Yeong obviously didn't spend much time there, and evidently never entertained visitors - the usual space for a couch being taken by a rower and a treadmill facing the window for Yeong's morning and evening home training routines).
It hadn't been surprising - not at all about Yeong; but also not about His Majesty - judging both by what Yeong had shared and by what Eun Seob had always seen with his own two eyes and heard with his own two ears. But it had still felt like seeing the truth and the depth of it all for the first time. And even standing there looking at that wall had felt like trespassing; so Eun Seob had decided he'd reverse the bedding when making the bed, in order *not* to see that wall when he'd be lying down.
And then Eun Seob had opened Yeong's closet - and he had felt like intruding, again; in a way that opening Yeong's Royal Guard locker at The Palace hadn't (one reserve set of suit, dress shirt, ballistic vest, holster, communication devices, cookies, underwear, shoes). Because no matter how much magazine worthy, pristine, classy and efficiently organized Yeong's closet had been (very pertinently and logically 'Yeong'-looking indeed; compared to Eun Seob's closet - a mix of every color in the rainbow simply arranged in a 'just put the tops on the top shelf and the bottoms on the bottom shelf' kind of way); it had just screamed *private*. About two thirds of the closet were filled by Yeong's numerous suits and dress shirts and shoes - arranged by material (seasons). Several designer coats, at the end of the rack. On the shelf right above the hanging space: one thick pull-over; a stack of thin knitted jumpers; a few longsleeves; an open box of single-packed cookies (that hadn't been a surprise: Yeong had insisted Eun Seob shouldn't forget to always shove one pack of those in his pocket while getting dressed); the handle of a plastic toy sword visible behind it (the rest of the blade running behind the clothes) - *the* toy sword (TM), obviously; and a stack of still labeled red Tshirts with anime/comics/etc prints judging from the one on top (Pokemon), apparently in different sizes (and Eun Seob had judged it best not to wonder about who had ever bought those, because it had felt too much like another inner joke, judging even more from their striking color clashing against everything else than from the prints). The last third of the closet was occupied by casual comfortable cotton sweat pants and Tshirts - which Yeong most probably never wore in public. Two pairs of sport trainers (the current one; and next one at the ready). Only two hoodies. Not even one pair of jeans. Black or dark boxers and socks - matching with the suits. Everything dark-toned; with the exception of most of the sweat pants (light grey) and half of the dress shirts and basic Tshirts (sterile white). Everything monochrome; everything plain (no pattern, no print); everything presumably from the best brands, and evidently from the finest fabrics. Several dry-cleaning bags for the formal clothes; all neatly labelled 'Jo Yeong'. Laundry basket for the rest. And finally, there - of course: only white bedding.
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And then, right the next morning over his breakfast, His Majesty had been fishing for information over Yeong's place - and Eun Seob had not only realized that, of course, His Majesty had never been to Yeong's flat (Yeong had mentioned the rumors); but also, that His Majesty had been even more concerned than curious. So, as His Majesty could have intel without Yeong eventually filtering things out, you bet His Majesty had jumped on the occasion - asking about everything: did Yeong bother enough about (fresh) food (enough) - and if Eun Seob needed anything he should just grab it from the kitchens, it would be quicker than doing groceries (thanks, and Eun Seob would remember it if necessary); was the heating working all right (yes); was the shower hot enough (yes); did Eun Seob generally sleep on his back like Yeong did (yes, mostly - and there had been intimacy in the fact that His Majesty just knew how Yeong slept; Yeong hadn't mentioned pajama's parties, but evidently, there had been enough of those when they had been kids); and if so, were the mattress and pillows comfy enough for sleeping in that position (yes); and was there a TV (no - but a tablet and a laptop, Eun Seob had quickly added to smooth the disapproving frown on His Majesty's face); and was Yeong reading anything at the moment (no idea - Eun Seob wasn't there to pry through Yeong's stuff, right); and what color(s) were the walls (all white); and were there photos of birds on display (yes).
And then the avalanche of questions had abruptly stopped with a 'Thank you for having indulged my curiosity'; while Eun Seob had been sure there had been at least one question left unanswered on His Majesty's mental checklist about Yeong's apartment. Eun Seob though hadn't been willing to spill the beans; in case Yeong hadn't. But here had been His Majesty, both respecting Yeong's privacy by *not* asking (and having maybe never asked? - as unbelievable as it might seem?), yet looking straight at Eun Seob, apparently waiting for a reaction, and growing somehow sad when none had seemed to come: because if Eun Seob didn't mention it, then it meant that there was nothing to mention to begin with - that his painting was nowhere in sight (anymore? ever?). And maybe that had done the trick; and Eun Seob had caved in, right then. It had turned out His Majesty's puppy eyes worked just as well as Eun Bi's threatening glares. But Eun Seob hadn't had 25 years of training against their power, huh.
"By the way, I saw your weak attempt at being artistic." The thing was signed, after all; His Majesty couldn't know Eun Seob had also seen the card.
His Majesty had seemed pleased; to say the least. And then, there had been a smug smile, reverberating in His Majesty's eyes:
"Good thing my career doesn't depend on my ability to hold a brush, I guess?"
And Eun Seob had decided right then that Yeong wouldn't mind about His Majesty knowing anyway, if he hadn't before. That had been a true, bright smile - Eun Seob could already notice the difference between the genuine smiles and the acted ones. And in Yeong's book; that was worth anything and everything.
Then His Majesty had frowned, before giving a quick chuckle:
"It's not hanging in the toilets, right?"
And there it had been; again. Because somehow, Eun Seob could see why it would make sense to His Majesty to believe that *Yeong* of all people would indeed hang his more than probably one and only painting in such a place. It wouldn't have been demeaning in any way if it had been. It wouldn't have felt weird either - no privacy trespassing or whatever. It would just have been joking back; and Eun Seob couldn't help but feel positive that the thought might have indeed crossed Yeong's mind (but had been dismissed right away, of course). Eun Seob though had felt that he shouldn't share more than what he had already; or His Majesty wouldn't stop trying to guess otherwise about where the stupid thing was actually hanging.
"I assure you: I wouldn't mind - you can tell me."
"My lips are sealed."
A full laugh:
"Oh God. It *is* in the toilets."
And well; there had been no harm nor lie (only not telling) in not contradicting His Majesty, right...
His Majesty had finally sobered up, and had returned his full attention to Eun Seob:
"Are you keeping up all right? How did the morning briefing go?"
"Okay; I think? I just stood straight and listened? I might need to take an extra look at Yeong's notes though, before actually meeting Lady Noh?"
"Maybe that would be smart indeed. But I'll keep it short with Lady Noh. Good thing we will have to leave soon anyway; we're visiting a hospital this morning, as I'm sure you've heard at the briefing." (holding up the portfolio prepared by Secretary Mo's Team he had been studying while eating when Eun Seob had arrived) "Let's stick as close to the truth as possible, though - I've never been able to hide much from her. So I'll tell her; that we're actually investigating something. She'll worry; but she won't question the oddity of all the rest, then."
Eun Seob had reread Yeong's notes on Lady Noh and what they had last discussed together, while His Majesty had gone back to his portfolio for a while. When his alarm had beeped (Eun Seob had programmed alarms for literally everything, you bet) and Eun Seob had got his head out of his notes, it had been to meet His Majesty's smiling and curious eyes - directed at him, most probably for some time already.
"How long is the instruction manual about me? At least fifty pages, right?", His Majesty had jokingly inquired, hinting at Eun Seob's phone.
(AN: Italics are excerpts from Yeong's directives to Eun Seob on his phone.)
To tell the truth, if Yeong ever was to write down a handbook over His Majesty, it would probably be at least 300 pages long - if not more. Eun Seob had just been handed over a quick draft over the most obvious telltale signs and how to respond to those, and there were already so many; from 'Always look at His Majesty's shoulders, they will tell you more than His Majesty's face; especially in public' to 'Watch how His Majesty is doing his math; it will tell you how His Majesty feels (if talking to himself, taking a step back to contemplate before writing enthusiastically, etc etc = His Majesty is taking some time for himself; check your clock if there's something scheduled but let His Majesty run with it for as long as possible (His Majesty feels ready for his next appointment if authorizing himself to enjoy his math to start with, and doing his math generally gives His Majesty an extra boost of energy that will make the eventual upcoming speech even more vibrant) but keep a margin of 30 minutes for a quick refreshing and restyling / if silent, static, hard swift writing (and some chalk squeaking) = His Majesty is stressed and trying to take it out; check your clock if there's something scheduled and stops His Majesty even if his frustration hasn't run out one hour and fifteen minutes before leaving (His Majesty will need a good shower and a complete restyling both of his hair and of his clothes)' to 'No matter His Majesty's mood, always make sure his notes get in the car; His Majesty will always read through them again until the last minute' to 'Hint that you're hungry if His Majesty gets restless and fidgeting in his chair while at his desk; His Majesty often doesn't notice he's hungry when concentrating on something' to 'Say whatever crosses your mind if His Majesty stretches some or sighs; His Majesty's mind needs some distraction in order to reboot' to 'But never start a conversation if His Majesty sighs while tapping his pen; His Majesty doesn't like whatever he's studying, there is some bad news His Majesty is learning about and such, and His Majesty would rather finish it all in one go and as quickly as possible' to 'If His Majesty clicks his pen though; it's a good sign. His Majesty is working out something, and is satisfied with how it's going. Just keep quiet until His Majesty is done; even if His Majesty gets hungry' - and on and on and on; any sign combined with another sign possibly changing its meaning and most effective response.
And yet. The whole handbook could be resumed in just a few sentences, in fact. Make sure His Majesty *is* safe. (That is always number one in Yeong's prioritizing; you bet. Not because it is more important; but simply because it is the basic necessary condition for everything else to be possible to start with. And so it justifies everything and anything - including eventual insubordination.) Make sure His Majesty feels safe and secure and content - physically and mentally. Make sure His Majesty feels well (well-fed, well rested, warm enough physically, active enough physically, challenged enough intellectually etc). Make sure His Majesty feels good (laughing, joking, teasing, playfully complaining, grinning, smiling, entertained - warm enough internally). Make sure His Majesty feels useful (thinking, focused, decided - His Majesty never being happier than when feeling actively valuable to The Kingdom). Make sure His Majesty feels proud - certain of his own worth; smug: the more, the better (His Majesty isn't our King simply because He's born to be our King; but even more because His Majesty *is* worthy of being our King).
Which meant the whole instruction manual could actually be reduced to one short sentence. Make sure His Majesty feels loved: by you; by everyone in The Kingdom; and (maybe the most important and the most difficult) by Himself.
"Way too long", Eun Seob had simply answered with a straight face (and a definite look meaning 'And you're not reading any of it'), though, while getting up; and His Majesty had chuckled once more, holding his eyes.
Then His Majesty had sobered up; still looking at him, and yet not really at him - and Eun Seob had understood that His Majesty was seeing Yeong, through him - and that he was missing him.
The glitch had passed as quickly as it had come; and His Majesty had offered him a gentle smile, while getting up too:
"Don't worry; I think you're doing just fine."
And Eun Seob had known this smile had been genuine too; but it hadn't entirely reached His Majesty's eyes.
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His Majesty had discussed important stuff with the hospital staff for about one hour. And then His Majesty had spent two hours entertaining sick children. Eun Seob was completely and inexorably sold. Yeong was right. His Majesty was indeed a great man.
They had got back to The Palace for lunch. Eun Seob had without hesitation taken a bite from every plate in front of His Majesty with His Majesty's sticks, and had taken a sip from His Majesty's glass, before sitting at the other side of the table and dig in his own plates with his own sticks.
'It's not only about the food and the drinks: poison applied to the tableware would be just as efficient. Do not see it as unhygienic or whatever; it is simply practical', Yeong had explained.
(Unnecessarily, as His Majesty had already explained this the first time Eun Seob had been his food tester in The Republic. And yet, necessarily indeed. It had been just a funny quirk, Eun Seob had used to think, when in The Republic. It had felt downright serious and very, very real since his arrival in The Kingdom, for sure; even knowing everything had already been tested at the kitchens.)
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Yeong had of course described all his would-be direct colleagues to Eun Seob - giving a quick physical description and explaining their function.
There were 3 Senior Security Teams and 1 Junior Security Team dedicated exclusively to His Majesty (not counting the rest of the Junior and Senior Palace guards; nor Prince Buyeong's Senior and Junior Security Teams). Team 1 was Sub Captain Seok Ho Pil's (who would be Acting Captain in Yeong's absence), and Team 2 was Park In Yong's. Those were generally the day shifts, and at least one of the two Captains or Yeong himself was always present. Yeong, Seok Ho Pil and Park In Yong had been Juniors together, and could always read each other right in the field; which was why Yeong had chosen them as his Day Captains, when he had become Captain of The Royal Guard. Team 3 was generally the night shift and had longer hours, and thus lesser days and more members; its rotating captains were Yoo Si Jin and Gu Dong Mae. They both had the longest experience, and were therefore the ones Yeong had entrusted with Gon's safety at night; the ultimate sign of trust recognized by both as the highest honor it actually was, as Yeong then was never around. Each team always had 2 drivers on service. The chain of command by team was 1) Team Captain 2) Team Second 3) Team First Driver; and then by years of service. For big events, (all or part of) Team 3 was added to the day rotation; and there was if necessary then a reserve team for the night - Team 4; its contact was nowadays Ri Jeong Hyeok, Former Captain of The Royal Guard, and that team was made out of volunteering retired guards.
(One just never quit being a Royal Guard, apparently; but Eun Seob had understood that it just made sense to trust former colleagues over outsiders, indeed.)
For matters other than Security: Lady Noh was in charge of The Palace's Staff, and supervised not only the organization of any inside event/visit, but also anything concerning The Palace's general condition (including fire hazards, repairs, the team of mechanics, etc). Secretary Mo's Team was in charge of everything work related - from His Majesty's schedule, to keeping His Majesty informed about whatever he would need to know, to drafting His Majesty's speeches, to Public Relations etc...
And Yeong had also let Eun Seob a short daily agenda:
* Be at the guards training grounds by 06.30 / 13.30 / 20.30, on days without events. You won't have to train, nor to involve yourself in the briefings, but just be there. You're their Captain after all :)
* His Majesty usually takes his breakfast in the kitchens; you do not have to be present to taste it, because His Majesty prepares it himself. His Majesty is in general quiet in the early morning, so don't feel obliged to engage in conversation or anything when you get there.
* Make sure though His Majesty is finished by 07.30; because His Majesty is due to the tailor/hairdresser room at 08.00; where His Majesty's (eventual multiple) attire(s) for the day will be laid out. Lady Noh will always be present.
* If it's a (full or partially) day out: Always follow Ho Pil's directions . And just... watch out; please.
* If the morning schedule allows it, His Majesty generally goes for a ride with Lady Maximus, or trains himself (rowing, most of the time). If there's something planned for the morning only, it's generally a short visit not that far from The Palace; or some meeting at The Palace: in the official office if it's work related (meetings with Prime Minister Koo on Friday's for example), in the gardens or the reception hall if it's ceremonial. If there are drinks or food served, His Majesty will signal you with a tilt of his head when to step in, in order to taste any. Just stand against a wall nearby, and well... watch out; please.
* When the morning program is done, call for lunch while His Majesty changes etc, and taste it.
* 13.30 briefing
* If the afternoon is free, His Majesty usually goes to work in his office - not the official one; his private office: the one with the painted maps on the walls. Keep quiet while His Majesty studies the maps and checks for changes; His Majesty has a visual memory.
And Eun Seob had been honestly in awe at the system - and at the mass of information His Majesty had to absorb and constantly keep in his head. There was a huge outlined world map on the long wall; filled with hanging charts and information by country - everything being color coded (from dark violet to light green depending on their political alignment on any issues being in line or contradictory to Corea's points of view, and from white to dark orange depending on their economic relations with Corea), including notes about cultural etiquette, and photos of their actual rulers (with information not only over the government system and which political party they belonged to for example, but also over their family and hobbies). And there was an outlined map of Corea on the short wall; filled in the same way as the world map, but by administrative units. There were a lot of polls, either regional of national; from general well-being and welfare to schools results to hospital ratings to indexes over the popularity of The King to, well, everything. It was Secretary Mo's department's task to keep the two maps up to date, signaling any change with red post-its and inserting the new information on the normal charts after its red post-it has been marked as assimilated by His Majesty. There were shelves full with binders holding His Majesty's past speeches and notes over past conversations with any leader etc etc behind His Majesty's desk.
(Eun Seob had felt both pride and longing right at seeing the Corea map: his country - whole and united. His Majesty had quietly stood at his side for a while as Eun Seob had been silently taking it in; before mentioning that they were to go to Pyongyang three days later - and that he had told Seok Ho Pil that the three of them would go with the helicopter, and take a detour on the way back. When Eun Seob had felt a pang when crossing over the DMZ, only His Majesty had been able to notice it. And when Eun Seob had hushed out a heartfelt 'Thank you so much' at the end of the day, only His Majesty had heard it.)
Call for tea when His Majesty finally sits at his desk, and taste it. (And do it again if necessary later on.) His Majesty will work through files and reports about coming meetings or visits, proofread and edit and learn and rehearse coming speeches and such. If His Majesty reads or practices a speech out loud, it means your feedback is welcome (this sentence feels too long; that bit sounds good; a bit more background information might be needed there; sorry, you lost me (which isn't in itself a problem if it's a speech to be given at any Math Academy or such if you are a lesser mathematician than His Majesty; but which should never happen otherwise); etc etc). There is no wrong input; just be honest.
* Depending on His Majesty's schedule and amount of work, and if there is no evening event to prepare for, the afternoon generally ends in His Majesty's study, after an eventual visit to the shooting grounds. His Majesty will call for dinner (if not preparing his own; His Majesty enjoys cooking - but doesn't often has enough time for it) when hungry; taste it.
* Go home after the 20.30 briefing.
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But Eun Seob had quickly realized just how much Yeong had downplayed his importance in The Palace's well-oiled machine's organization. Even when strictly taking *work* only in consideration, Yeong was definitely more than 'a bodyguard'; even though it had been the only function he had (as much as possible in such a short notice) tried to prepare Eun Seob for. And honestly, it had been hard to keep looking annoyed instead of in awe at any mention of 'Arrange this with Seok Ho Pil' and 'Seok Ho Pil will help you with that' etc etc coming out of His Majesty's mouth about once an hour; as it obviously meant that Yeong would have been the one (not necessarily taking care of it himself, of course, but) supervising who was supposed to do what and when and how if he had been around.
"Yeong is doing a lot around here, huh..."
His Majesty had looked at him with curiosity:
"What did he tell you?"
"To watch out for you; over you; whatever..."
His Majesty had shaken his head, even though smiling fondly:
"Of course that's the only thing he would mention."
Then, His Majesty had turned serious again - and so plainly *proud* of Yeong:
"But indeed, he's quite busy. The Captain of The Royal Guard generally doesn't have guarding duties - at least not within The Palace, when there are no outsiders visiting. As you noticed, there *is* a lot to organize and oversee; and that's still not mentioning the necessary time to keep himself trained and in peak shape. Yeong though keeps taking turns as my point guard also besides intern or outside events whenever possible; and he is always present at least to taste all of my meals, and actually eat with me when I'm alone. As Head of Security, Yeong has final word in the yearly selection of new recruits for The Royal Guard; and he is present for all the interviews, no matter their eventual specialization - from physical guards to techies: skills can be improved, even learned; so what Yeong looks for is motivation and commitment. But Yeong is indeed also the one actually picking who'd join the Juniors Security Teams, and eventually my Junior Security Team, from the ones who'd apply for it and pass the tests. Those Juniors are partially integrated in the Teams rotations, playing double whenever a Senior is training, or absent. They are also used as guards at The Palace before and after any events for which the 1 and 2 (and eventually 3) Senior Teams's usually separate schedules have to blend in. The training and shooting grounds are always open, and guards rotate their training, in groups of 2 to 4, whenever there is no need for the full Senior Team to be active at my side. The drivers practice at a nearby circuit. Yeong goes with them occasionally - it's his latest addition to his usual training; for about three years now. Not that he actually ever drives officially, of course: but he just wants to make sure he'd be able *enough*, if need be - you know him... There are Security Teams briefings at 6.30, 13.30, and 20.30 if it's a day in - and Yeong attends them all. Yeong doesn't involve himself in each Team's internal planning (this is done by the Team's Captains (or second for Team 1 right now, as Seok Ho Pil is Acting Captain of The Royal Guard), but it is Yeong's prerogative to adapt the Teams schedules as a whole according to my schedule, which is planned by Secretary Mo; and to discuss primary (and second and third as back up) itineraries and timetables with the drivers to ensure not only security but also punctuality. We also have one helicopter always at the ready. It is also Yeong's task to supervise both CCTV and physical surveillance of The Palace by The Palace Guards, including access to the vaults (containing archives and eventual information over delicate matters more than actual treasures; even though we do have those too), and also our internet and intranet security, with our team of electronics engineers and computer specialists - hackers are a constant possible threat, and one of the reasons I favor old-fashioned paperwork. Yeong is also keeping tabs with our background checks Team: they're ensuring any new member of the staff, any expected visitor, and as many as possible might be attendant and would be in my vicinity person at any event is checked in advance - not only for possible threats but also for food preferences etc for example if it's a visit - and reporting directly to Yeong, Lady Noh and Secretary Mo. The four of us have a short weekly meeting, usually on Monday afternoon, over the planning for the week; but the three of them often keep discussing 'details' after I leave (meaning after they send me away). And of course, Yeong is also regularly maintaining contact and exchanging information with The State's Police Chief and with My Uncle's Security Chief. Also: I don't think he told you that 'being a Royal Guard' has made it in the top 20 of Corean Under 10's dream jobs for two years in a row now; in the top 10 even, in our own turf, Busan? - but I definitely consider motivating our youth to enrol as future guards as one of his achievements too. He is quite popular, you know; not that he cares about it. The only recognition he values is his men's respect; and he definitely has it. The older guards who have seen him grow into their Captain literally adore him, and the rookies simply revere him as their model. And well; finally, there's probably the most tiresome task of all - even though it isn't one of The Captain of The Royal Guard's official duties..."
A meaningful pause; to ensure Eun Seob was still giving him his full attention (His Majesty *was* well-versed in how to make an effect indeed):
"Putting up with me?" - wrinkling his nose for good measure; and the smile that had followed that joke had been blinding.
And Eun Seob had had yet another epiphany. In Yeong's heart, His Majesty both hung the moon and touched the sun; that was a given. But the thing was: His Majesty was maybe willing to hang the moon and touch the sun to start with right because Yeong in particular wanted him to do so...
Eun Seob had redirected the conversation to less personal grounds:
"That's a lot of people; working for The Palace. More than I had thought."
"Indeed. It takes weeks sometimes; before I meet a newbie. But Lady Noh, Yeong and Secretary Mo trusts them. That's all I need to know."
/
Beep.
Eun Seob comes back to the present as his phone receives Yeong's recipe, and reads it over quickly.
"Ok; it seems do-able. Thanks."
Then, Eun Seob realizes there is something he should tell Yeong - as he knows about The Incident already.
"By the way... I don't know if His Majesty told you that too: I've talked to your parents; while I was at the hospital..."
/
Just before leaving him alone, after the doctors had checked up on him, His Majesty had informed Eun Seob that he had sent a message in the car, while Eun Seob had been unconscious still in the ambulance, to reassure Yeong's parents that he was not bleeding, as far as Gon could tell; and that Yeong's mother was on the way. His Majesty had asked Eun Seob if he wanted to be sedated and have an excuse not to see her, nor talk to Yeong's father when he'd call (he was abroad); but Eun Seob had only thanked His Majesty for having sent word, and had told he would play the part; because he would want his parents reassured too in such a situation, of course.
.
Yeong actually sends a message to his parents twice a day: right when he wakes up, and right when he gets home. Nothing much, just 'Have a nice day, Mom', 'Sleep well, Dad' - that kind of things. But without failing; every morning at 5.00 sharp (06.00 at the latest on mondays), and every evening around 21.30. Just to let them know that he is still all right - that he is still alive. It had been the first and last thing on the schedule Yeong had prepared for him: Wish a good day to Mom and Dad / Wish a good night to Mom and Dad. Both his parents always replied with kisses and wishes of their own; around 07.00 in the morning, and around 21.45 in the evening. There were for the rest few interactions, judging by the messages's history: bird pics from time to time; Yeong's mother mentioning he seemed well, and Yeong's father sending him thumbs ups - probably when there had been some live event or report on tv etc.
So yeah; that's a different relation than the one Eun Seob have with his own parents. It lacks that kind of familiarity built over time and layers and layers of shared moments. But it is real and true all the same.
.
So, when Yeong's mother had rushed towards Eun Seob soon after His Majesty's warning and had awkwardly taken a seat next to his hospital bed, running worried eyes all over him but not daring to embrace him in case she might hurt him; yet cautiously fussing over him where it was safe to touch, even though making sure he didn't move an inch - gently laying a hand over his hand or his face...
"How do you feel, Tweety? Are you in pain? His Majesty waited for me in the hall. I told His Majesty he shouldn't have had; I know there are urgent pressing matters to attend. I was already so grateful about that first message to let us know you were all right enough right away, and that second message about no surgery being needed indeed just before I arrived... You know I used to clean and bandage yours and His Majesty's wounds, whenever either of you would fall and such in the gardens; but His Majesty could hardly hold my eyes, as His Majesty told me... That bullet was coming for His heart. You actually saved Him, Tweety. (AN) And I know that's what you've always been ready to do; and I know you're honestly glad you did it; and I know you'll definitely do it again if necessary; and I'm really trying to be supportive and proud and happy for you but, God - it is hard, Tweety. Why do you have to make it so hard. Don't you know how hard it is for His Majesty, too... You gave your Pyeha quite a scare..."
Well... She had been *his* Mom, in that instant; and he was loved - undeniably.
(AN: Those 'his' and 'him' instead of His Majesty('s) are not lack of respect, as Yeong's mother in fact repeats Gon's actual words. And that last Pyeha is intentional too; as it refers not exactly to His Majesty's title in itself but to what the word represents for Yeong.)
/
"His Majesty knew I was coming over; so His Majesty guessed this would probably get addressed at some point..."
Eun Seob can't help but run a nervous hand through his hair once more.
"Well... I did all right with your Dad, I think; it was on the phone - he was abroad. But I cried buckets with your Mom; the first time she came by... Sorry; but, well, it was Mom, somehow, so... Blame the medications if you have to?"
"It's fine, Eun Seob." Yeong nods, giving him a meant to be comforting but honest smile. "Who would I cry to; if not to Mom?"
And that's just plain sad; Eun Seob actually feels punched in the guts. He understands why Yeong wouldn't feel like crying in front of His Majesty though (he is the one taking care of the other; not the other way around); nor in front of Lady Noh (she would definitely inform His Majesty about it - because she cared about him).
The words are out before Eun Seob realizes what he's saying:
"Me. You can always come to me; okay?"
And then Eun Seob is somehow embarrassed; not even from realizing what he said, but from the way Yeong is looking at him right now:
"Don't look at me like that. There's no obligation... I just wanted you to know... And don't worry about me; I already have tons of people to go and cry to."
Definitely time to move on to a much more joyous matter, right...
"Anyway. There's someone else who came to see you at the hospital. Guess who?"
Eun Seob grins mysteriously; but quickly understands that he isn't going to see surprise on Yeong's features, apparently:
"I do not have to guess."
But it just feels perfect:
"Oh! Noona told His Majesty; as planned. And His Majesty told you right away! You won't be able to run away from this now; not with His Majesty on board!"
Yeong though doesn't seem to share his enthusiasm:
"Eun Seob..."
"Shhh. Don't worry. It's not like I had anything to do with it; I hadn't even seen her at The Palace. You won her over all on your own, if that's what's bothering you, Casanova."
"That's not... It's just..."
Yeong sighs, tiredly. The sincerity in his eyes is nothing but overwhelming as he goes on:
"To be honest? I never thought this would ever be an option, for me. And I still do not think it could ever be an option, for me. And I'm all right with it."
Eun Seob isn't sure exactly what this is about; but he is sure he just has to disagree:
"Yeong, you have the right to-"
Yeong doesn't raise his voice as he cuts in; but it sounds nothing but definite - and deafening.
"No, Eun Seob; I do not. His Majesty comes first. His Majesty will *always* come first. So you see, it would not be fair for anyone to have to put up with any of this; and I do not mean practically - even though I have literally no time to be in a relationship to start with; but simply, morally - no one should have to settle for crumbs of attention; and that's even without mentioning the eventual sacrifices. And do not even dare to think about possible kids. What kind of father could I ever be; always ready to make them orphans? I've seen it, Eun Seob. I've seen His Majesty missing His parents; each and every day - still. No way I'm taking any risk to inflict this on my would be kids. I guess it's when His Majesty knew, you know; that He was my priority. You should have seen His Majesty's face; when I told Him I wanted to stay at the palace when my parents were divorcing - when I even begged Him to back me up? 'But; they're your parents, Yeong-ah.' His Majesty wasn't angry - though I would have understood, in retrospect, if He had been. Because I had both my parents right there - and His Majesty would have given anything to have His parents around still; and I was choosing Him. His Majesty just couldn't fathom it... So, you see, Eun Seob. It's my choice; my decision: my life. And to me; it's worth it. His Majesty is worth it - all of it; and even more. And I *can* be frank with *you*; but His Majesty must *never* get to know this. His Majesty would feel guilty; and there is *nothing* His Majesty should ever feel guilty of, as I am only grateful that His Majesty just always *allows* me to live my life exactly as I intend to. But no one else but me should have to pay any price for it. It would hurt enough people as it is already; His Majesty included - and that is unforgivable on its own. I'm not making that list any longer; ever. Please tell me you understand."
Eun Seob is stunned and shocked; literally overwhelmed by a wave - not only because of the force of Yeong's words; but even more by the force of their deep-rooted, undeniable and unshakable *certainty*. And Eun Seob feels sad; even though Yeong is definitely *not* sad at all - and Eun Seob just cannot decide how that fact makes him feel, except maybe guilty, even if Eun Seob doesn't know exactly what for (for having mentioned the visit to Tae Eul? for giving up already after just one look at Yeong's face?); but it's getting harder by the second to hold Yeong's gaze.
"When you put it that way... I don't like it; okay. It infuriates me, even. I want to argue with you; I want to tell you that it's defeatism, and worrying about issues that might never come to pass, and robbing yourself of so many *possibilities*. Because there would be people ready to love you no matter what; and not only in spite of, but even *because* of all of this - because of who you are. Because *you* are worth it, Yeong. You are *so* worth it all - even the risks and the heartbreak. But I get it; I guess? (a sigh) At least, I know His Majesty is actually awesome, and may be somehow worthy of your overzealous devotion or whatever. I mean; I thought being a King was cool and all - but it's actually a 24/24, 7/7 *job*, huh. And His Majesty is doing his best; and His Majesty cares - so much; and it's genuine. I would have known it, even without having heard him fight nails and teeth over hospital and schools budgets and promote and donate to charity events and all: His Majesty is great with kids; that's the ultimate sign, to me, as I've already told you. And well, at least I know too that His Majesty actually values you as he should. He *is* your Number One Fan in The Kingdom, you know."
And yes; obviously, Yeong knows. He just holds Eun Seob's eyes with nothing but clarity in his own, and a smile so soft it could crack open a mountain. It's heartbreaking. Eun Seob just needs to make Yeong smile in a different way.
"Also? His Majesty now believes you hung his silly red square up in the toilets? Sorry? Not sorry, though."
And Yeong chuckles; a rare feat.
"Oh; that's just great. *You* are great."
And just like that, things are just good again.
So Eun Seob gets to his siblings's bedroom, comes back with their copy of Alice in Wonderland, and hands it over to Yeong.
"Here; bring on that White Rabbit of yours, please."
And his siblings are right. Yeong's White Rabbit is just fantastic.
They lunch together.
And then Yeong is leaving.
Eun Seob keeps his hands clenched in his pockets as Yeong puts his shoes back on. It feels like one of the most difficult things Eun Seob has ever done.
"I'll get your suit dry cleaned and all."
"Don't bother. Keep it as yours. I have plenty, as you know."
Yeong is done with his shoes, and gives him a quick smile and a nod, ready to open the door. Eun Seob can't help but let out:
"Do not forget your Number One Fan in The Republic, okay?"
Yeong is now nothing but earnest:
"I won't, Unbreakable Sword."
Eun Seob flushes some at their shared title; then smiles back, before playfully ordering (but in truth sincerely wishing):
"Right. So do take care of yourself, Unbreakable Sword; and come back soon, and with good news."
.
AN:
First: Sorry, but: AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH ! (screaming at the top of my lungs, just because it is necessary) Look at my precious *precious* boys calling themselves Unbreakable Sword and all... AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH !
Then: I LOVE YEONG TO DEATH (in case it wasn't clear by now, lol). AND EUN SEOB IS JUST TOO PRECIOUS. And now I need a hug - both given and received. Eun Seob is here too, you bet. And he gives great hugs, of course; I've just got an awesome one. We have hot chocolate? Let's party cry? MY HEART: can you believe Eun Seob will indeed finally get a hug with Yeong - and it's even Yeong who will initiate it ! I WILL NEVER RECOVER FROM THEIR GOODBYES ! NEVER ! And Eun Seob is supposed NOT TO REMEMBER ANY OF IT ? (I am not only chewing on glass, I am eating it all up and dying from internal bleeding, all right !)
Also: Silly headcanon time? His parents call Yeong 'Tweety'. It goes way back - before Yeong and Gon met; Yeong's fascination with birds being the reason they started spotting birds as a family thing, okay... Feel free though to see Gon as Sylvester, because YES, YES that just works too :) Also: In French they are called Titi and Grosminet (which literally translates as 'big(fat) kitty'); and yes, oups, this is just so very Gon-like to me? LOL. I'M OUT OF HERE :) (PS : Feel free to let me know how they are called in your own language?)
Also: Gon is a goofy idiot. No discussion. (I want to hang his stupid painting up in my toilets.)
And: Feel free to laugh at me for using names from other corean TV shows? (I do not want to accidentally make any name sound strange (or worse: wrong) while making up/combining my own, and I do not want to use IRL names either; so that's how I solved it all? )
Finally: Sneak preview: We 're going to jump forward in time! Next chapter will start right after the last reset. Nothing much happens that isn't shown on the show until then; with the only mention that IMO it is actually Yeong who has called the Corean '911' (and gave Tae Eul first aid before they arrived) when Tae Eul got stabbed by Luna - before Tae Eul herself tried...
(And as always, thanks for your feedback: it means the Manpasikjeok to me!)