Chaotic Nights — Chapter 216. Protect

Translator: Atlas

Weekly Chapter 1/4

Shihoon, who had been walking in a daze, lifted his head. There were huge tombstones on both sides. Some wisteria flowers were carefully placed.

The Defense Minister disembarked from the palanquin and gazed at the wisteria blossoms.

His wife looked at her daughter’s grave with tears in her eyes.

The attendants began to prepare a table for the ancestral ceremony. However, Yoon Jongshin kept his gaze fixed on the grave.

His first son, Yoon Siyeol, said,

“Father. I guess the Great Prince has often visited the grave.”

His second son, Yoon Sijik, interjected,

“Given the recent events in Harye, I suspect his emotions are quite complex.”

The mistress of the courtesan house laid the chrysanthemums she had brought on the grave. The wisteria flower was her daughter’s favorite flower when she was alive….

Did Jihak really still remember it?

“Father…”

Yoon Siyeol pointed towards a place. The Defense Minister turned around.

He clenched his fists when he saw the man.

“It seems that the Great Prince has come to drink alcohol.”

Jihak, leading five Shadows, slightly lifted the edge of his gat hat.

The Yoon family bowed deeply.

“It’s been some time, father-in-law.”

“The Great Prince appears to be in good health.”

He approached the grave. His presence changed the atmosphere.

Jihak poured alcohol into a glass, then sprinkled over the grave. Yoon Jongshin’s wife began to cry. But the Great Prince remained unperturbed.

“Do you resent me?”

The Defense Minister, while gazing at the tombstone, lifted his head in response to the unexpected question. They had pointed swords at their necks, because Yoon Jongshin had planned to overthrow the current King. But Jihak eliminated his name from the culprits.
He was aware that this was the final opportunity Jihak had granted him. Jihak’s mercy trampled Yoon Jongshin’s pride, this humiliation was worse than death.

He resented Jihak because he did not even allow him to die with honor.

“Do you think I used her? Why are you holding me responsible?”

He hadn’t expected that question. He wiped the pain from his heart.

“You’ll comprehend once you have a child of your own.”

Jihak nodded because he had also become angry.

“My father will continue to rule, as my uncle will be imprisoned. Eventually, the Crown Prince will ascend to the throne, and peace will remain undisturbed until the day I close my eyes.”

Jihak felt better now that he had buried his hatred. Perfect forgiveness did not exist.

“I discovered a reason to live for a long time. Everything has changed.”

His chilly words expressed a hidden warmth.

“You’re always so heartless.”

Jihak nodded before turning away and departing with the Shadows.

Shihoon avoided his gaze. Jihak remembered Yongi as he looked at him.

Yuljae had volunteered to bring her.

“He ought to be married by now…”

Jihak murmured to himself. The Shadow beside him inquired,

“My Lord, who are you referring to?”

“Your leader.”

“Really?”

“But first, we will celebrate my wedding ceremony.”

Yuljae would soon arrive with Yongi.

Jihak knew that Eunha would be pleased.

He was relieved that his past as Crown Prince began to fade away.

He looked up at the sky through the branches. He had never seen a sky so blue.

He wished to never experience the anguish of losing a child. A new fear took root within him, signifying an increase in the number of people he needed to protect.