Liability (VSOO)[18+]

•Epilogue• Part 2

In a forward-thinking realm, change is a constant force that cannot be avoided. After years of stagnation, the kingdom finally found solace in a responsive monarch. This reactionary ruler was always ready to embrace progress on issues long considered dormant. Yet, the greatest challenge for any reactionary ruler lies in preventing society from becoming stagnant.

All sought change and progress eagerly, yet true progress often requires more than mere movement forward. It necessitates acknowledging when one is on the wrong path and bravely retracing steps to find the right way. In such instances, the individual who promptly turns back is truly the most forward-thinking.

The five revered kingdoms of Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Alexandrite, and Tourmaline stood as the cornerstones of the grand High Kingdom, with Taehyung reigning as their sovereign ruler. This divine appointment from the High Heavens bound all those within the realm to uphold his authority and honor the unity of the kingdoms.

Nevertheless, not all were fully embracing this new order. Some among the relics harbored unease, accustomed to their independence and now hesitant to fully integrate into the larger society. The fear of losing their individual identities lingered, casting a shadow of doubt over the unity of the kingdoms.

The royal families of each relic kingdom were now viewed more as symbols of prestige rather than as true monarchs. This shift was perceived as a disrespect to their ancestors by their own people, fueling a simmering unrest and animosity. Tensions ran high in the courtroom during meetings between the relic representatives and the High King and Queen, as discussions of needs and interests often turned volatile.

Taehyung carried the burden of responsibility like a heavy weight on his shoulders, his neck aching from rigorous sword training. With determined steps, he made his way to the balcony and looked down at the line of carriages below. His gaze fell on the representatives of each relic as they disembarked, their failure to acknowledge their fellow relic brethren palpable in the air.

"Oh for fuck's sake,"

"Look at them... not even exchanging greetings, as if they were enemies!" Taehyung muttered under his breath as he observed the scene, rubbing the tense muscles at the back of his neck in frustration.

"Feeling the pressure?"

"There's nothing quite like the thrill of court day!" Jinhee quipped, his sarcasm evident in his expressive face. Serving as Taehyung's right-hand man for two decades, Jinhee had been a steadfast guide to the King and Queen of the High Kingdom.

"Thrilling indeed!" Taehyung replied with closed eyes, though his demeanor spoke volumes of a different sentiment. Jinhee chuckled and briskly made his way to the liquor stand, pouring a round of drinks for both of them.

"Here you go!"

"You definitely need this today!"

"Those ungrateful scoundrels won't go easy on you... It's their ultimate goal to make you feel like the system is failing!"

"You're aware of that, aren't you?" Jinhee remarked, gripping Taehyung's shoulder.

"I know," Taehyung replied with a heavy sigh of resignation.

"I do my utmost to emphasize the importance of following the rules and fostering peaceful trade and relations with our neighboring relics, but they are so entrenched in their own perspectives that they refuse to see reason!"

"I have offered them everything... I even granted the relic of Alexandrite a full pardon for their past transgressions against my wife."

"Recalling it still ignites a fire in my veins to this very moment!" Taehyung exclaimed, downing the remainder of his drink. Jinhee tensed slightly and let out a slow sigh in response.