Spring Snow - Chapter 5 Part 1

“The adopted son of Seo Chi-yoon…”

The Emperor murmured lazily. Hui-seop was too afraid to look directly at the Emperor’s face and kept his gaze lowered. No matter how hard he tried not to be nervous, meeting the Emperor in person was an overwhelming experience. The Emperor was not an elderly man or a middle-aged figure like his adoptive father, but a young man of similar age. Yet, his presence was so commanding that it was hard to believe he was of the same generation.

Moreover, the cold, sharp eyes that gleamed with an intense heat. The atmosphere was indescribably chilling. Hui-seop swallowed dryly. It felt as if his neck could be sliced at any moment. No, even if it were, he had no right to protest. He had grabbed the Emperor’s only concubine and called out her name.

However, he was the adopted son of a man who had once served as a military governor and a member of the Seo family, a prestigious clan in Hangzhou. Although his adoptive grandfather had risen to the position of prime minister, the Seo family of Hangzhou was an even more illustrious founding family of the Wu dynasty, more distinguished than the current influential Yu family.

His adoptive father, who had resigned from his position as a general seven years ago and retired to the southwest, had once served as the Emperor’s martial arts instructor during his time as the Crown Prince. If his adoptive father had not retired, he would have been one of the three highest-ranking officials, just like his grandfather. But his adoptive father would never have done so. Not if that woman was tied to this place…

“How is the Grand Tutor doing?”

Even though he had retired from the position, the Emperor still referred to Hui-seop’s adoptive father as the Grand Tutor. It seemed the Emperor had been quite fond of him during his time as the Crown Prince.

“Yes, my father is doing well.”

“What is your relationship with my butterfly?”

“Huh?”

The Emperor, who had been lazily smoking a pipe, smiled faintly. Eun-hwan, sitting beside him, also looked surprised, her face flustered. Hui-seop licked his dry lips and stammered out a response.

“I grew up close to Lady Gabi since childhood.”

The Emperor’s sharp eyes narrowed. It was hard to tell if he was smiling or grimacing. The saliva sliding down Hui-seop’s throat felt like a poisoned needle. Cold sweat formed on his forehead. Eun-hwan, who had been watching him, spoke up.

“My younger brother is good friends with Brother Hui-seop.”

“Is that so?”

The Emperor responded casually, then added, “You must know my butterfly’s childhood well. You must have seen her since she was as small as an acorn.”

Hui-seop had nothing more to say. Despite the chilling atmosphere, the Emperor’s gaze toward Eun-hwan was filled with affection. It was a gaze so sweet it felt as if his eyes had been soaked in sugar. Hui-seop looked at the man, cold as a sharpened blade.

Was he always like this? Or only in front of me? As if he were jealous. Yes, like a concubine jealous of the Emperor’s other concubines. That’s what the Emperor was doing. He was provocatively embracing the woman, calling her by an endearing name, and deliberately provoking Hui-seop.

Was this the behavior of a child? But at least Hui-seop’s bitterness and the ache in his chest proved that the Emperor’s provocation was not in vain. The Emperor had asked about his relationship with Eun-hwan, but even without asking, he must have known what kind of relationship they had. He must have guessed their history from the brief scene he had witnessed. Could Hui-seop survive this?

“I heard you’re taking care of Gabi’s mother.”

The Emperor, who had been kissing Eun-hwan’s cheek while holding her waist, glanced at Hui-seop. Hui-seop replied with a small “Yes.” The Emperor spoke again.

“You’re acting as son-in-law in my stead. Shouldn’t I reward you for that?”

“Your Majesty.”

Eun-hwan flinched at the word “son-in-law.” Hui-seop also bit his lip, his face pale.

“I’m merely carrying out my father’s orders.”

“The Grand Tutor must be particularly fond of Gabi’s mother.”

“That is…”

Hui-seop couldn’t continue and closed his mouth. Eun-hwan also stiffened, simply leaning against the Emperor. The Emperor, who had been staring at Hui-seop intently, let out a low chuckle. Hui-seop bowed and left. Eun-hwan stared blankly at the spot where Hui-seop had been, then turned her gaze to the Emperor.

“You look upset that you couldn’t see your mother.”

She couldn’t deny it. She had planned to visit briefly tonight. Even if Hui-seop had gone to her house, seeing her mother in person was different from hearing about her. Now that she thought she wouldn’t have the chance, she felt even angrier.

“You have no children of your own. At this hour, you’re looking for your mother.”

“That’s not it.”

Her eyes trembled with anger. The Emperor simply smiled softly. Her chin was lifted, and her lips were greedily swallowed. His strength was rougher than usual. Their tangled tongues hurt as if they might be torn out. It was an act filled with emotion. Eun-hwan moaned and grabbed his collar. The man, who had been sucking her lips hard enough to leave a bruise, looked at her. His eyes seemed to burn with a blue flame. Eun-hwan shrank back in fear. Only then did fear begin to surge within her.

“Your Majesty…”

“How much do you think I know about you?”

“Brother Hui-seop is just…”

“I don’t want to hear it. Don’t mention his name again.”

“Your Majesty.”

Tears burst forth. Eun-hwan trembled and cried like a child. Yoon-huep stared at her intently. She wanted to reach out and comfort him, but she was too afraid. Did he really think she was having an affair with Hui-seop?

But there was nothing between her and Hui-seop. Once, she had even dreamed of marrying him. But it was truly just a “dream.” The feelings she had for him, the excitement she felt, were nothing more than a mirage shimmering in the summer heat.

A foolish, impossible dream… A daydream of a thirteen-year-old girl and a sixteen-year-old boy. It was fleeting and insubstantial. Even as an adopted son, he was born into nobility, and his adoptive father was also a prestigious nobleman. So he, too, was a nobleman, and Eun-hwan was… what could she say?

If Lord Seo had not been an open-minded, caring man, even her younger brother might not have been close to Hui-seop. Eun-hwan might not have been able to associate with him either. If that had been the case, she might not have even had such foolish feelings.

“Your Majesty, I…”

“Call me ‘brother.'”

A tender whisper reached Eun-hwan, who was still sobbing, unable to wipe her tears. Eun-hwan looked up.

“You called the Grand Tutor’s adopted son ‘brother.’ I’m four years older than him, so of course you should call me ‘brother’ too.”

The whisper was so sweet it made her ears itch. Listening to it, her toes tingled, and her chest fluttered. If she kept looking at him like this, her heart might surge up her throat, so she averted her gaze.

“My butterfly.”

“Why… why are you calling me that?”

“Because you flit around every night like a butterfly.”

“That’s a misunderstanding.”

Eun-hwan furrowed her brows. Yoon-hyuep simply chuckled. He pressed her again.

“Call me ‘brother.'”

“That’s improper. How can I call the Son of Heaven such a…”

“Should I keep calling you a butterfly in heat then?”

“Your Majesty!”

It was unfair enough to be compared to an insect, but to say she was in heat? It was too much. Eun-hwan raised her head. The Emperor was gently tugging at the corner of her lips. Eun-hwan, her cheeks flushed, pouted. The Emperor, holding her gently, urged her again. His expression made it clear he wouldn’t take no for an answer. After hesitating, she finally parted her lips.

“B-brother.”

“That sounds good.”

Her face felt like it was about to burst. Overwhelmed with heat, Eun-hwan couldn’t compose herself. Yoon-hyuk kissed her sweetly and whispered.

“Call me that from now on.”

Eun-hwan looked at him in surprise. He wiped the round tear from the corner of her eye with the back of his hand and lifted her onto his lap.

***