Chapter 20

Before long, fifteen days had passed since Yuwon had been granted his new life.

During that time, he had practically lived in the library.

Well—truthfully, the hours he actually spent there were not all that long.

Still, this was the Fifth Prince, the one infamous across the continent as a wastrel.

For such a scoundrel to frequent the library as if honey were smeared on its doors—of course, rumors spread like wildfire.

Before long, the entire Imperial Palace was abuzz with talk about the Fifth Prince.

“Hey, did you hear? His Highness the Fifth Prince has been running straight to the library the moment he opens his eyes these days.”

“Oh, that? Yeah, I heard. Rumor has it he’s fallen for one of the maids who works there.”

“What? Nah, that’s not it. I heard he seduced a common-born maiden and set up a secret chamber deep inside the Imperial Library. That’s why he goes there every day.”

“Tsk, tsk… Those kitchen hands always get things wrong. These kinds of rumors are best known by us eunuchs. Listen carefully, the truth is…”

Rumors, as always, cared less for truth than for how entertaining they were.

The Fifth Prince—who had spent years haunting only the alleys between the Prince’s Palace and the backstreets of the capital—had completed his coming-of-age ceremony not long ago and received the White Dragon Sword.

Since then, he had gone to the library every single day.

Nothing in the palace was a more interesting topic than that.

The Imperial Library, being sparsely visited, was perfect breeding ground for stories to grow wild.

‘They say the Fifth Prince has finally started dabbling in black magic.’

‘He gathers women in a secret chamber deep inside the library and indulges in debauchery.’

‘He only pretended to be a fool to escape his brothers’ eyes and now he’s finally unsheathing his blade.’

‘The White Dragon Sword chose him because even its eye could not deceive his destiny.’

And countless more.

While Yuwon was absorbed in his studies, bizarre rumors flooded the palace. Whether he knew or not, Yuwon sat in the library as usual that day.

“Your Highness, do you happen to know what the hottest rumor in the palace is these days?”

Across from him, sipping tea, sat Viscount Bartlett.

“I’m not much interested in that sort of thing. But since you bring it up, I suppose it’s about me.”

Indeed, Yuwon had visited the usually deserted Imperial Library without fail every day. In that time, he and Viscount Bartlett had grown close enough to share a cup of tea each day.

“You’re right, Your Highness. From nobles to servants, everyone’s been talking about you. Well, the servants seem more invested, to be honest.”

“It’s only natural. The scoundrel once called a diseased cur now spends his days running to the library at dawn and returning to the Prince’s Palace only after dusk. They might as well have some fun gossiping while they work. Leave them be.”

Yuwon’s tone was indifferent, showing little concern for the rumors about himself.

“Haha, I knew you’d take it that way.”

Still, despite Yuwon’s bland reaction, Bartlett couldn’t hide the mischievous smile tugging at his lips. It seemed the rumors about Yuwon amused him.

He’s enjoying this far too much… well, easy to laugh when it’s not about you.

Yuwon set down his teacup.

He hadn’t meant his words to be funny, yet Bartlett’s smile somehow irked him. Or rather, it sparked a faint mischief in him.

Let’s see if you can keep that grin for long.

Wiping the smile from his own lips, Yuwon spoke again—his tone suddenly serious.

“There’s an even more interesting story. Would you like to hear it?”

“What kind of… story, Your Highness?”

Yuwon’s voice suggested something grand, and Bartlett leaned closer, intrigued.

“Hm… it’s a secret, though. Should I really tell you?”

“Oh, don’t worry. My lips are sealed tighter than you’d think. Besides, who else do I have to talk with besides Your Highness?”

“Is that so? Then I’ll tell you. Come closer.”

Yuwon crooked a finger, beckoning him nearer.

There was no one else around to overhear, but his act only heightened Bartlett’s curiosity about the ‘secret’.

Bartlett leaned forward until his ear was close. Yuwon, as if waiting for that exact moment, whispered softly.

“They say the reason the scoundrel prince keeps coming to the library… is because he likes men.”

Bartlett’s eyes widened. Before he could react, Yuwon pressed on relentlessly.

“And the man who stole his heart is none other than… Bartle—WAH!”

Suddenly, Yuwon raised his voice.

“Wha—!”

Bartlett shrieked and jumped from his seat. Yuwon burst out laughing.

“Hahaha! I’ve never seen you so startled, Viscount Bartlett. Excellent. I’ve gotten back the laughter I was owed. Splendid reaction! Haha.”

Only then did Bartlett realize it had all been a prank. He gave a wry, troubled look.

“Your Highness, I grew up buried in books and am not used to such jests. A warning would have been nice—I nearly believed it!”

“Come now, Viscount. If you warn someone beforehand, it’s not a jest anymore. Nothing ruins a prank more than explaining it.”

“I… see.”

“Exactly. Well then, I’ll take my leave. Thank you for the tea.”

Having emptied his cup, Yuwon rose.

“Ah, then I shall—!”

A prince standing to leave—Bartlett couldn’t just wave from his chair. He hurried to rise, but Yuwon pressed lightly on his shoulder.

“Stay seated. Your tea’s getting cold.”

“Ah… yes, then forgive me for remaining. Speaking of which, Your Highness, may I ask a question, if it’s not too impolite?”

Though they had seen each other daily for days now, Bartlett had never spoken like this before. His hesitation was unexpected.

Well, well. Seems he finally feels comfortable enough to ask something.

That wasn’t a bad thing. It might have been too soon to judge a person by a few meetings, but Yuwon found Bartlett to be a decent man.

“Go ahead. What’s on your mind?”

“It’s just… The stories I’ve heard about Your Highness and the person I see now are as different as heaven and earth. Do you know how such rumors came to be?”

He must’ve been holding that question in since the first day. Yuwon smiled faintly.

“Viscount, everything you heard was true. I am a scoundrel.”

“Pardon…?”

“That’s my answer. See you later. Take care.”

Yuwon smiled lightly, then turned and left without another word.

He walked deeper into the library.

For now, I’m still a scoundrel. For now.

The words he had swallowed echoed in his mind.

Gone was the bright smile he’d shown moments ago; in its place was a grave, focused expression.

Yuwon vanished among the towering shelves, out of Bartlett’s sight. Yet Bartlett’s head remained full of questions about the prince.

How could someone like that have lived as a wastrel? To think that man is the notorious scoundrel of the realm… truly incomprehensible.

As much as Yuwon thought well of him, Bartlett too had grown to respect Yuwon. He believed the prince’s words—yet that made it all the more puzzling.

Left alone, Bartlett lifted his half-empty teacup. His shoulder gave a dull ache where Yuwon’s hand had pressed earlier.

‘Ugh.’

It hadn’t been painful at the time—just a gentle pressure—but now that Yuwon had gone, a faint throb remained.

What kind of strength…? How could anyone call him a sickly cur? Nothing about him fits that at all.

Rubbing his sore shoulder, Bartlett wondered if the rumors about the Fifth Prince might soon change.

It took five years for him to gain the title of wastrel… How long will it take to erase it?

Just then, hurried footsteps echoed through the library.

Tap-tap-tap—

It wasn’t that the intruder was particularly loud—only that the library was deathly quiet.

“Who’s there…?”

“Forgive the intrusion. I am Erilyn, an attendant from the Prince’s Palace. I beg pardon for not observing proper decorum at such a time.”

She was slightly out of breath, as though she’d run all the way here. Even so, she tried to steady her breathing, afraid of making a mistake—a commendable effort.

“Ah… I see. And your business?”

“I came to find His Highness the Fifth Prince. There is an urgent message to deliver.”

Bartlett was about to explain that the prince was somewhere deep inside the library when Yuwon appeared, walking back the way he had gone.

“A message from His Majesty?”

At the sight of him, Erilyn’s face brightened.

“Yes, Your Highness! It’s been set for this evening.”

“I wondered when he’d summon me. So, it’s finally time. Very well, let’s go—I should prepare.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I shall assist you.”

It was the message Yuwon had been expecting: to keep his evening schedule open within the week.

A full week had passed without word—until today, when the long-awaited imperial dinner was finally arranged, a gathering of the Emperor and his sons.

“Viscount, I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m leaving for today.”

“Yes, of course. I look forward to seeing you again.”

With a brief farewell, Yuwon left the library.

Erilyn followed closely behind, careful not to step on his shadow, her tension plain. Seeing her so stiff, Yuwon smiled faintly.

“A perfect day for reading, and yet what a pity.”

The viper that had hidden among the books, fangs sheathed in patience, was finally ready to awaken from its winter sleep.

Spring had come.