Before entering the state affairs report, Hwan headed towards Ilyul’s summons with determination. Soon after arriving at the council chamber, Ilyul, seated at the main seat, came into view.

Ilyul placed a rough-edged memorial on the table with an angry expression. “Explain this. What on earth is the content of this?”

“Sire, isn’t this a memorial sent to Abamama?”

“Why is my seal stamped on it?”

The memorial that Ilyul had placed on the table contained Hwan’s petition, requesting the Chakhogun to be sent for tiger hunting, and Ilyul’s red seal, which approved the petition, was also stamped on it.

“Since Abamama approved it, it must be stamped.”

“I won’t send Chakhogun for tiger hunting!”

“It seems Abamama’s memory has deteriorated to the point of forgetting even the rumors about Chakhogun in Hangan.”

“Prince! How dare you mock me?!”

Ilyul raised his voice in frustration. Hwan, however, maintained a calm demeanor, seemingly expecting Ilyul’s reaction.

“Has Abamama forgotten even the rumors about Chakhogun killing innocent people in Hangan? Rumors of Chakhogun’s cruelty are circulating there.”

“What kind of nonsense is the rumor about Chakhogun? I’ve never heard such a story.”

Ilyul flinched. Rumors about Geon were something he had never heard before.

“There are rumors in Hangan that Chakhogun is capturing and killing innocent people. To quell such rumors, I thought Chakhogun’s hunting of tigers would be helpful. Otherwise, it may only add wind to the already unfavorable rumors.”

“Don’t make ridiculous excuses! Even if it’s Chakhogun, how can he hunt a tiger alone?”

Hwan, speaking on behalf of Geon, stated, “I thought that by relying solely on Chakhogun’s strength, without seeking the help of others, we could cover up the rumors about Chakhogun. Otherwise, it would only contribute to the already unfavorable rumors.”

Upon hearing that Hwan acted for Geon, Ilyul’s attitude momentarily softened. However, there was still a lingering discomfort, and Ilyul asked in an irritated voice, “…I heard that Chakhogun’s intervention was prohibited. What is the reason?”

“Abamama may have forgotten even the rumors about Chakhogun in Hangan.”

“Rumors about Chakhogun? What are you talking about?”

Ilyul shuddered. Rumors about Geon were unheard of.

“In Hangan, there are unsettling rumors that Chakhogun is capturing and killing innocent people.”

“Who on earth spread such impure rumors about the prince? I will definitely catch them and punish them…!”

“Hence, Prince, as long as Chakhogun hunts tigers for the sake of the people, unfavorable rumors about Chakhogun are expected to subside. You should not underestimate the prince whom Abamama cherished so much. Didn’t Abamama praise Chakhogun for having a natural talent for martial arts to the point of drying out her mouth?”

“Even if that’s true, how can you send the prince, my blood-related son, to a tiger hunting ground? Tiger hunting is so dangerous! If anything goes wrong, won’t the prince be held responsible? How can you be so reckless!”

Ilyul’s anger escalated, and Hwan opened his eyes slowly, then, with a mocking voice, said, “Where did you learn to open your eyes like that? Did your mother teach you?”

“While I was preventing the rumors about Chakhogun, what was Abamama doing? Didn’t she even know the fact that rumors were circulating about Chakhogun?”
Ilyul, who didn’t know about the rumors regarding Geon, couldn’t say anything. Then Hwan, with an attitude that showed no intention of backing down, spoke further.

“The rumors about Chakhogun circulating in Hangan due to this tiger hunting have subsided. No, it’s not just subsided; rather, his reputation has improved.”

“….”

Hwan’s monotonous voice touched Ilyul’s guilt.

“But despite my efforts for Chakhogun, you’re not even acknowledging that, instead, you’re expressing your anger. You shouldn’t treat me like this, not even as Abamama did.”

Hwan, who had attempted to kill Geon, skillfully fabricated shameless lies pretending to be concerned for his brother.

It was true that Geon’s reputation had improved among the people after the failure of the assassination attempt. Given the circumstances of a failed assassination, the rumors spread about Geon could have added to the existing unfavorable situation.

However, even though Hwan’s words were lies, his anger towards Ilyul was genuine.

Ilyul, who succumbed to Hwan’s plausible lies, spoke with a noticeably subdued voice.

“… Although I am in poor health and have entrusted the regency, I will watch over the prince. If you are to become the one to inherit the throne, behave accordingly.”

It was fortunate that Geon returned safely from this hunting, but the situation could have been life-threatening. If only it wasn’t for the amnesia, such incidents could have been prevented. It was painful to witness the worsening of his illness.

Hwan’s words seemed entirely truthful. Since Geon’s seal was stamped on it, Hwan’s testimony did not appear false.

However, there was still an uncomfortable feeling lingering in Ilyul’s heart.