Chapter 165. Plans of Byun Gyeongbaek

Translator: Atlas / Editor: Regan

The Kings office suited Ishakan perfectly. Everything was built to his size and seemed to reflect his nature, being composed of dark colors, quiet and cold, with small points of colored decorations. A normal person would feel somewhat uncomfortable sitting there.

But today there was a small vase on his desk, incongruous in the forbidding space. Every so often, Ishakan would look at the peony in the vase and smile to himself.

The white quill in his hand was made from the left wing of a swan. Common quills were made from goose feathers, and swan quills were considered superior in quality, with the left wing generally more expensive. The feathers on a swans left wing were slanted to the right and easier for right-handed people to use.

The price also depended on the size, and this batch of swan quills were a little smaller than usual. With a small dagger, Ishakan deftly trimmed the end of his quill.

Where is Leah? He asked.

I took her to her room, Haban answered quickly. She was too tired. She fell asleep right away.

He stood in front of Ishakan to make his report. They had used spells to try to find out what kinds of spells had been cast on Leah. Although the burden on her weakened body had been a little excessive, they had no choice.

Morga said shell probably sleep for three or four days.

The sound of the sharp blade trimming the end of the quill filled the office.

The news, Haban said after a long silence. Will you tell her when she wakes up?

Probably.

The King of Estia was dead. The news had come that morning by messenger bird. Ishakan had told Leah that the mornings tension was because of Byun Gyeongbaek, but though Leah might not have been close to the King of Estia, he was still her father. Ishakan knew he had to tell her, and he had really intended to do it today. After he had fed her a delicious lunch, he meant to carefully tell the news.

But then Leah had asked to be his wife, and Ishakan couldnt bring himself to tell her.

She had looked so happy when she smiled. Even if it was just for a day, he wanted her to smile. Even more so, knowing how unstable she was.

Haban understood Ishakans mind and moved on with his report.

They have gone deep into the desert, but surely they will not dare to invade us. Most likely the former Kings followers will try to kidnap Leah, then escape using soldiers as shields, Haban said mockingly. When they enter the desert, Byun Gyeongbaeks luck will end.

Ishakan examined the end of his quill. The end was finely cut, and he picked up the next quill.

I think I will give this to Genin, he said.

Haban swallowed hard.

It worries me a little, he said carefully. Haban knew Genins old wounds. He worried she might make a mistake, an emotional decision. This wasnt just about eradicating the old Kings followers. It involved Leah.

I must give her a chance, Ishakan replied. I killed the former King. Ill go with you instead.

I will plan for that. What do you plan to do with Byun Gyeongbaek?

Ishakan neatly picked up the sharpened quills.

Its uncivilized to wait for the wedding night to give my bride a gift.

Haban blinked at the unexpected reply, then realized what he meant. Ishakan smiled softly.

Ill have to give her a smaller one early.

***