The room remained quiet.
Too quiet.
Joon-Woo still sat on the bed, unmoving, his fingers lightly brushing against his lips—as if trying to confirm what had just happened.
It wasn't a dream.
It was real.
His heartbeat refused to calm.
"…What was that…?" he whispered under his breath.
But no answer came.
Only the faint sound of water from behind the bathroom door.
Joon-Woo slowly lowered his hand.
His thoughts were in complete chaos.
It was just an accident… right?
That's what it should have been.
But—
Why did it feel different?
Why did his chest feel so tight?
He shook his head quickly.
"Stop thinking about it…"
But even as he said it—
He couldn't.
---
Inside the bathroom—
Steam filled the air, rising softly from the large marble bathtub.
Leon sat submerged in the warm water, his head tilted slightly back against the edge. Droplets clung to his skin, sliding slowly down his neck and shoulders.
The water rippled faintly as he shifted.
His usually composed expression was gone.
In its place—
Something restless.
Unsettled.
He lifted a hand and dragged it slowly through his damp hair, pushing it back.
"…Get a hold of yourself."
His voice was low, almost drowned by the soft sound of water.
But it wasn't working.
His mind replayed the moment again—
The closeness.
The warmth.
The brief, accidental touch of lips.
His fingers curled slightly in the water.
"…It was nothing."
He said it again.
As if repeating it would make it true.
But his chest felt tight.
Unfamiliar.
Annoyingly persistent.
After a long moment, Leon exhaled slowly and stood.
Water slipped down his body as he stepped out of the bath, droplets falling quietly onto the marble floor.
He reached for a towel, drying himself with steady, controlled movements.
By the time he dressed—
His expression had returned to normal.
Cold.
Composed.
Unreadable.
As if nothing had ever happened.
---
A few minutes later—
The bathroom door opened.
Joon-Woo instantly straightened.
Leon stepped out.
Calm.
Perfectly controlled.
As if nothing had happened.
But—
His eyes didn't meet Joon-Woo's.
"Get ready," Leon said evenly. "You'll be joining me today."
Joon-Woo blinked.
"…Joining you?"
Leon adjusted his sleeves.
"There is something you need to see."
Still—
He didn't look at him.
Joon-Woo hesitated.
"…Okay."
Leon turned toward the door.
Before leaving, he paused briefly.
"I've asked the maids to prepare clothes for you."
Then he walked out.
Not long after, a maid entered quietly, carrying neatly arranged garments.
Joon-Woo changed in silence.
The clothes were elegant, refined, yet not overly royal—perfectly suited for someone standing beside the Crown Prince.
Once ready—
He stepped outside.
---
They left the chamber together.
The palace was already awake.
Servants moved swiftly through the halls, and knights stood at attention along the walls.
But as Joon-Woo walked beside Leon—
He began to hear whispers.
Soft.
Careful.
But impossible to miss.
"…Isn't that him?"
"The one the Crown Prince brought yesterday?"
"I heard he stayed the night in His Highness's chamber…"
"…Could he be—?"
Their voices lowered further.
"…the prince's lover?"
Joon-Woo froze for a brief moment.
His enhanced hearing caught every word.
His ears burned instantly.
What…?!
A faint flush spread across his face.
He quickly lowered his gaze, trying to stay composed—but his thoughts were already spiraling.
Why are they saying things like that?!
He glanced at Leon.
But the prince walked ahead calmly—
As if he hadn't heard anything.
Or simply didn't care.
Joon-Woo swallowed and kept walking.
But the embarrassment lingered, making his steps feel heavier.
---
Soon—
They arrived at the royal court.
The grand doors opened slowly.
Inside, nobles stood in neat rows, dressed in luxurious attire. High officials and royal knights filled the vast hall.
At the center—
Sat the King.
His presence was overwhelming, his gaze sharp and commanding.
Leon stepped forward without hesitation.
"Your Majesty," he said, bowing slightly.
Joon-Woo followed, lowering his head respectfully.
Leon's voice remained steady.
"This is the one I spoke of. The person who saved my life—twice. And also protected the princess."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the hall.
All eyes turned toward Joon-Woo.
Curious.
Evaluating.
The King's gaze settled on him.
Deep.
Measuring.
After a moment, the King spoke.
"What is your name?"
Joon-Woo lifted his head slightly.
A brief pause—
Then—
"My name is Lucius," he said calmly.
"I am a traveler. I move between kingdoms… seeking strength."
The King studied him carefully.
Then nodded.
"I see."
He raised his hand.
A guard stepped forward with an ornate box.
Inside—
A sword gleamed with a faint magical aura.
"This sword is forged from rare mithril," the King declared. "One of the finest weapons in the royal treasury."
A quiet gasp spread through the nobles.
"It shall be yours."
Joon-Woo accepted it carefully.
"…Thank you, Your Majesty."
"And," the King continued, "you will receive one thousand gold coins."
The murmurs grew louder.
Then—
"Join the Royal Knights," the King said. "With your ability, you would be a valuable asset."
Silence fell.
Joon-Woo paused.
Then gently shook his head.
"I am grateful," he said respectfully, "but I cannot accept."
Surprise spread across the hall.
"I do not remain in one place for long. My path requires me to keep moving."
Silence.
Then—
The King smiled faintly.
"…Very well."
"A man who walks his own path has his own value."
Joon-Woo bowed again.
"Thank you."
---
From the side—
Princess Seraphina watched quietly.
Her golden eyes lingered on Joon-Woo with clear interest.
Curious.
Observant.
As if trying to understand him.
And among the nobles—
Whispers spread once more.
But now—
They weren't about rumors.
They were about him.
The mysterious traveler…
Who refused the King.
Who stood beside the Crown Prince—
Unafraid.
Unshaken.
And impossible to ignore.