The Bastard First Prince Doesn't Want to Die

Chapter: 134

“Ah, there you are.”

A voice called out from the group that had arrived earlier, waiting for the rest of the troops.

The atmosphere wasn’t bad. At least no one seemed depressed or angry.

Of course, no one else would hear me think that.

“It seems our unit is the last to arrive,” Gong Chomun said.

I glanced at him and nodded. “That’s right.”

Then Gong Chomun added playfully, but with a hint of sarcasm, “Thanks to someone.”

At those words, the nearby soldiers all glanced in one direction, quickly realizing their mistake and looking forward again.

...Damn it.

I was the most uncomfortable person here.

Over the past few days, as we had fought, rested, and traveled, Gong Chomun had been acting like he couldn’t stand Jincheon.

I couldn’t understand why he hated Jincheon so much.

And Jincheon, for his part, had been completely indifferent to Gong Chomun’s provocations.

It was an odd sight.

Gong Chomun’s taunts were never subtle, and the atmosphere between Jincheon and Gong Chomun was tense. Yet, Jincheon remained unresponsive.

Once, Gong Chomun had pretended to accidentally spill dirty water on Jincheon as he was going to sleep.

If I were Jincheon, I might have killed Gong Chomun.

But Jincheon had simply glared at Gong Chomun for a moment before going on his way.

I sometimes wondered if Jincheon had also traveled back in time like me.

But I didn’t think so.

If Jincheon had come back, he would have immediately gone to Huawei. That was his place, just as I was counting down the days until I returned to Blood Cloud Fortress.

Or was I wrong?

Anyway, watching Jincheon remain indifferent to Gong Chomun’s blatant provocations sent chills down my spine. I wondered if he might suddenly go mad and kill everyone around him.

But the fact that he endured it so calmly suggested that Jincheon was truly a monster.

“Ugh.”

I sighed, and Yoo Gung looked at me sympathetically.

And then someone approached me as we neared the assembly point.

“Your Highness.”

The heavy armor clanked.

It was my grandfather.

I bowed my head slightly.

My grandfather dismounted and took hold of the reins of my horse.

“You must be exhausted.”

“There have been some... incidents,” I replied with a wry smile.

It was because of the two behind me, but I couldn’t complain here.

Then my grandfather’s gaze shifted from me to someone behind me.

It was Jincheon.

My grandfather stared at Jincheon for a moment, then turned away.

“Let’s get you to your quarters.”

My grandfather pulled on the reins of my horse, and I found myself being led to the assembly point.

* * *

My grandfather took me to a tent that had been set up in the assembly area.

Once we were alone, he spoke.

“So, you’ve given that boy a new role.”

He was referring to Jincheon. I smiled awkwardly.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“If I may speculate, the reason you’re using a sledgehammer to crack a nut is because there are problems within the troops.”

“Haha.”

For some reason, I felt like I should straighten up. I straightened my back and clasped my hands in front of my abdomen.

He was definitely testing me again.

Was he testing my leadership this time?

I guess he was doubting whether I could properly manage people.

I understand why he would doubt my abilities, considering how often I doubted them myself. But to be tested all the time?

Grandfather, I’m about to die of stress.

“I think he might have been singled out because of his spirit.”

“Huh?”

How am I supposed to interpret that?

It sounds like he’s on my side, but it also sounds like he’s on Jincheon’s side.

And thinking about it, being on Jincheon’s side is kind of like being on my side.

But Jincheon could not have won over my grandfather’s heart in the short time he stayed at my grandfather’s residence.

It was the same even when he was at Wolhan Fortress.

I couldn’t respond right away and just rolled my eyes before realizing.

How dare he think that becoming a king is so easy!

To become a king, you have to be able to manipulate even the subordinates who could cause conflict, as if they were your own limbs!

...That must be what he was trying to say.

Or maybe...

“Do you want to take Jincheon with you?”

It seemed like my grandfather also recognized Jincheon’s abilities.

If that’s the case, he might want to take him as a disciple or adopted son.

Especially since the So family didn’t have a successor.

So, So Jincheon?

That’s strange.

Well, a name isn’t that important.

But my grandfather looked startled.

I’d never seen him look like that before.

“No, I’ve never thought of that…”

After saying that, he stroked his beard for a moment, deep in thought.

“Perhaps that’s what Your Highness desires?”

“Huh? What?”

“What you just said.”

“Jincheon?”

Huh?

Suddenly, my grandfather’s expression turned serious.

“If you want that child to become the heir of the So family, it wouldn’t be difficult. You must have your reasons…”

“What? No?”

What is he talking about? That’s ridiculous.

I may not be the real grandson of the General, but I can’t just go around ruining other people’s families.

“Why would I want to ruin a family? I would never do something like that.”

Silence fell between my grandfather and me.

We were clearly having a conversation, but it felt like we were talking past each other.

“Anyway, to get back to the point… there were no particular problems in my unit.”

At least no one physically fought.

Thanks to Jincheon for enduring it.

“Is that really so?” My grandfather asked in surprise, as if he was certain there must have been problems.

Doesn’t he know anything about me?

Well, I guess he sees me as a spoiled brat.

“Your Highness, I am always on your side.”

My grandfather suddenly became serious.

“Why are you saying this?”

“I’m not joking. Your Highness, if there’s a problem, please tell me.”

Was he trying to test me?

I sighed and confessed, “Yes, there was a bit of a conflict between Jincheon and General Gong. But I don’t think it was serious enough to be called a conflict.”

I confessed the truth and watched my grandfather\'s reaction.

But he didn\'t reply.

Feeling like I was about to get scolded, I quickly added, "But there were no actual fights. There were just a few times when General Gong pointed out Jincheon\'s behavior or something like that. Even though Jincheon is a bit of an oddball, he hasn\'t committed any insubordination, so I think we can let this slide."

But my grandfather was still silent.

I cautiously asked, "What\'s wrong?"

"No, no... You mean to say that Lady Do hasn\'t caused any trouble?"

"Lady Do?"

I\'d never heard of her.

My grandfather chuckled, as if amused by my ignorance.

Then he said, "I\'ll have her come out to greet you."

* * *

While General So and Yegyeong were talking, Jincheon stood guard in front of the tent.

Many people passed by him during that time. Without exception, they glanced at Jincheon and then walked away.

Even though Yegyeong\'s unit had only arrived recently, rumors about Jincheon were spreading quickly.

Those rumors, spread mostly by the soldiers who had witnessed Jincheon\'s prowess, described him as a monstrous young man.

Of course, Jincheon didn’t care. Other people’s opinions meant nothing to him.

“Give me a moment of your time, Jin Cheon.”

Gong Chomun approached Jincheon. Jincheon shook his head in refusal.

Gong Chomun chuckled.

“You’re playing hard to get.”

Jincheon pretended not to hear Gong Chomun and looked off into the distance. He knew that giving him a made-up surname was just another way to provoke him.

“Haven’t you learned to obey your superiors?”

“Nonsense,” Jincheon replied coldly. Then, he pointed to the tent, indicating that he was, in his own way, obeying his superior.

Gong Chomun snorted.

“Is Prince Ikwon your only superior? I’m your superior too. You’re acting too freely.”

If Jincheon had acted recklessly, Gong Chomun would have had his tongue cut out by now.

But Jincheon was trying his best to fulfill his duty as the prince\'s bodyguard. Because Yegyeong had asked him to.

“Sorry, but just stay still. If you have nothing to do, just guard me.”

Yegyeong had said that, scratching his head. He seemed troubled too.

Jincheon felt dejected.

He wanted to show how useful he was, but what could he do if his master didn’t want that? He had no other choice.

Without any background, he couldn’t fit in with General So’s subordinates, most of whom were from noble or military families. Nor could he join the subordinates from the northern region.

Moreover, since the prince had personally acknowledged his position, if he caused any trouble, it would be seen as a mistake on Prince Ikwon\'s part.

The reason for gathering the soldiers was to conquer the demon realm and protect the people.

But in reality, it was a struggle for power. And the more power they gained, the better it would be for Yegyeong.

Jincheon vaguely understood this.

‘It would be easier if I just killed them all.’

It seemed possible, though it would take some time.

If he became stronger than thousands of soldiers, no one would say anything if he killed the annoying flies.

A murderous glint appeared in his eyes.

Not noticing, Gong Chomun clicked his tongue.

“Come with me. I called you because there’s a meeting with the commanders and their aides,” Gong Chomun said.

Jincheon glared at Gong Chomun for a moment before following.

Gong Chomun walked ahead, smiling as if something good was about to happen.