novelzi Chapter 119
Chapter 119
[Translator - Jjescus ]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
Chapter: 119
“I feel awkward,” I mumbled. “What am I supposed to say?”
...No, wait. Isn’t it strange that I’m lounging around, making small talk with the guy who had killed me?
An awkward silence filled the room.
For some reason, Jincheon stood in front of me, head bowed. Did he have something to say?
I don’t know why he’s hesitating. It’s not like he’s cooking rice. Why is he taking so long? If I were cooking rice, it would be burnt by now.
I don’t like burnt rice, but I’d eat it if it was given to me.
“If you have something to say, just say it.”
Jincheon looked up and our eyes met.
“You know I’m not one for formalities.”
Whenever I look at him directly, I wonder if he is really the same ‘Jincheon’. Maybe I made a mistake bringing him here.
With his unfortunate face and his ability to follow orders, he seems like the right person, but...
There’s something that just doesn’t sit right with me.
The biggest difference is his eyes.
I’ve been thinking about it, and the biggest difference between ‘Jincheon’ and this guy is his eyes.
How should I put it? That assassin’s eyes were like dried codfish in the winter. It was a sign of his madness.
“But...”
But the Jincheon in front of me has the eyes of a living person. I wonder if he used to look like this. I’ll never know.
Even if I could go back in time, I wouldn’t know. I wasn’t brave enough to have a casual conversation with him. The few words we exchanged before I lost my head were only possible because I had given up hope of escape.
“You’re not being watched because of me, are you?”
Jincheon’s eyes widened as if asking what I meant.
How should I explain this? ...Looking at Jincheon, it’s like looking at a horse that’s been injured and can no longer be used for battle.
It has nothing to do with horses or injuries, but that’s the image that comes to mind. I
...Fortress Lord, please just go away and stop bothering me.
“I’m serious. Tell me. I’ll give you whatever you want. But hurry up. I have a meeting soon.”
Jincheon bowed his head again and clasped his hands together. His intertwined fingers were quite calloused, showing signs of hard work.
“If I may...”
“Yes?”
He hesitated again.
The silence was tense.
What on earth was he asking for? I hoped it wasn’t something too extravagant.
I wondered how much money I had saved. I hadn’t really paid attention, but I should ask one of my attendants.
What if I didn’t have enough?
But Jincheon didn’t ask for anything that cost money.
“I would like to follow Your Highness.”
“Where?”
Of course, I was going to take him with me. That’s why I found him.
“You’re not assigned to Wolhan Fortress anymore. You’re directly under me, Prince Ikwon.”
Wait, what?
“Do you want a position?”
It wouldn’t be difficult to give him a position if he wanted one.
I couldn’t guarantee a civil service position, but he could definitely be a military officer. Who could fight better than him?
But that would be a problem for me. Having him belong to someone else...
It meant that Jincheon could potentially end up under the command of the Second Prince.
“I want to join you in battle, Your Highness.” Jincheon said hesitantly. “I’ve asked before, and... that’s still all I want.”
I was surprised by his unexpected answer.
I wanted Jincheon to be my secret weapon. It wasn’t necessarily a bad thing for him to become famous early on, but it wasn’t good either.
It would make him a target for powerful people.
And this Jincheon was different from the one I remembered. Not yet, anyway.
There was no need to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut, and he still needed more training.
What if he died?
But I’ve already said I’ll give him anything he wants, so I can’t take that back.
“That... I need time to think about it.”
Jincheon’s expression fell. Is that really so disappointing?
I don’t even understand why he wants to go into battle.
“Hey, is it because…” I paused. “Is it because you think I’m going to die in battle soon, and you’re trying to prepare for the future?”
Jincheon looked at me, confused.
“No, nothing.”
Maybe he wants to go to battle and earn some merit to secure his own position.
That was a likely possibility.
I softened my tone and said, “Jincheon.”
When I called his name, his eyes widened.
Why is he so surprised?
“Don’t worry. Even if I die, you won’t have to go back to where you came from.”
“What?”
Is he too overwhelmed to understand? I scratched my nose and continued.
I rubbed my nose and continued, “I understand what you’re worried about. If, by some misfortune, I were to die in battle, you would be safe. If I die, you can take a portion of my fiefdom. You’ll be able to live comfortably for the rest of your life. I promise.”
I do have some land under my name. I could spare a piece.
“If you don’t believe me, I can send a letter to the capital and make arrangements.”
It’s better to turn him into a wealthy landowner than to send him back to being an assassin.
And if I can’t use this sword, no one else should either.
Of course, it’s all hypothetical. I’m not going to die.
“But that’s just in case, and I’m not going to die, so don’t worry.”
Jincheon looked shocked, as if I had hit him.
I didn’t hit him.
“Life and death are not within our control, Your Highness.”
“Who told you that? You’ve been listening to too many strange things.”
Ah, so he’s worried about his future if I die.
I patted his head. Jincheon glanced at my hand on his head.
“My life and your life are not connected. I’m serious. I promise you won’t lose anything if I die.”
Jincheon opened his mouth to protest but closed it again.
I know exactly what he wants to say.
“But if you really want to, I’ll consider letting you join the battle. You’re too weak to leave behind.”
However, Jincheon didn’t look happy. He seemed to want something more substantial, like a land deed.
He’s so demanding.
Just then, Gon, the bird, poked its head out of its nest in the corner.
It looked at me disdainfully and shook its head.
...Why?
[Translator - Jjescus ]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]