That afternoon, Hwan Jae arrived at the king's chambers later than expected.
Hwan Seong was seated behind his desk, examining a report from the royal guard. Several documents lay arranged before him, and his expression made it clear that he had little patience for interruptions.
Hwan Jae bowed.
"Your Majesty."
"You are late."
"I apologize. I was in the gardens."
Hwan Seong lifted his eyes from the report.
"Doing what?"
Hwan Jae hesitated, surprised by the question.
"I was showing Seo Yul around."
The king placed the report on the desk.
"You were expected here before midday."
"I know. I lost track of time."
"Your responsibilities do not disappear simply because you have found a pleasant way to spend the afternoon."
Hwan Jae's expression sobered.
"You're right. It won't happen again."
Hwan Seong studied him for a moment before sliding a document across the desk.
"The captain of the royal guard has requested additional men for the northern gates. Review the report and give me your opinion before tomorrow's council."
Hwan Jae stepped forward to collect it.
"Of course."
He glanced at the document, then back at his brother.
"Is there anything else?"
Hwan Seong's gaze returned to the report before him.
"Do not neglect your duties for the sake of spending every free moment in the Eastern Wing."
Hwan Jae went still.
The remark had been delivered in the same measured tone the king used when discussing matters of state. Yet there was something in it that made Hwan Jae frown.
"I haven't neglected my duties."
"You were late today."
"I have already apologized for that."
"Then there should be no reason for this discussion to continue."
Hwan Jae pressed his lips together.
For a moment, he considered leaving without saying anything further. Arguing with the king rarely accomplished much, especially when Hwan Seong had already decided that a conversation was over.
But the remark about the Eastern Wing bothered him.
"With respect, Your Majesty, Seo Yul has spent enough time alone."
Hwan Seong's fingers stopped moving over the papers.
Hwan Jae continued.
"He is still trying to find his place here. He doesn't know whom he can trust, and he has every reason to be afraid of this palace."
The king looked up.
Hwan Jae held his gaze, though he knew he was approaching dangerous ground.
"I don't think it is wrong for him to have a friend."
Silence filled the chamber.
Hwan Seong's expression remained unreadable.
"Are you suggesting that I have prevented him from having one?"
"No." Hwan Jae lowered his voice. "I'm saying that I want him to know he doesn't have to face everything alone."
The king said nothing.
Hwan Jae looked down at the report in his hands.
"I will be more careful with my duties. You have my word."
He bowed.
"With your permission, I will take my leave."
Hwan Seong gave a brief nod.
Hwan Jae left the chamber.
The doors closed behind him.
For several moments, the king remained motionless.
His brother's words had been respectful. There had been no deliberate insult in them.
That made them difficult to dismiss.
He doesn't know whom he can trust.
Hwan Seong leaned back in his chair.
He knew Seo Yul had reason to fear him. He had conquered the young man's kingdom, taken him from the only home he had known, and brought him into a palace where even familiar corridors might feel like a prison.
He could not undo those things with a few acts of kindness.
And yet, some part of him had hoped that the concern he had shown Seo Yul would mean something.
He had stayed beside him when he was ill. He had sent food and tea to his chambers. He had even risked his mother's displeasure to see him.
But Seo Yul still looked at him as though he were waiting for the next punishment.
Hwan Jae, meanwhile, had offered him little more than companionship and honest words.
And Seo Yul had given him something the king had not been able to earn.
Trust.
Hwan Seong's jaw tightened.
He had no right to resent his brother for it.
He knew that.
It did not make the feeling disappear.