황실의 사랑 이야기 (Hwangsil-ui Sarang Iyagi) - The Imperial Love Story

Chapter - 5

The training grounds buzzed with activity as warriors practiced their techniques, swords clashing against each other, accompanied by the sharp calls of instructors. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and determination, a stark contrast to the comfortable home Hyunjin had just left behind. He felt a mixture of anxiety and anticipation as he stepped into this new world, his pulse quickening at the sight of men and women honing their skills, each one more impressive than the last.

"Stay close to me," In-Yeop said, guiding Hyunjin through the bustling courtyard. "It'll be easier to navigate if we stick together."

Hyunjin nodded, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. As they approached the training area, a group of warriors caught his attention, their movements fluid and graceful, showcasing years of training and dedication. Hyunjin felt a knot of envy twist in his stomach; he had never had the chance to pursue such training until now.

"Hey, look over there! That's the royal guard," one of the trainees whispered, pointing toward a group standing a bit apart from the others. The mention of the royal guard sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd. Hyunjin squinted, trying to catch a glimpse of the prince.

Just then, the distinct figure of Prince Lee Yongbok appeared, flanked by his guards. Dressed in finely tailored training attire, his posture exuded an air of authority and confidence. Hyunjin's heart raced, a mix of irritation and embarrassment flooding through him at the thought of their last encounter.

"Great. Just what I need," Hyunjin muttered under his breath, trying to dismiss the memories of their earlier argument.

In-Yeop glanced at him, concern etched across his features. "Just focus on your training, okay? No more incidents. We're here to learn."

As the training session began, the instructors called out commands, guiding the trainees through basic drills. Hyunjin found himself struggling to keep up with the pace, his muscles aching as they pushed through the routines. Every time he caught a glimpse of the prince practicing nearby, he felt his annoyance flare up again. The prince seemed unfazed by their previous confrontation, his focus solely on the training.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the intensity of the exercises began to take a toll on Hyunjin. He was sweating profusely, frustration mounting with each clumsy movement. Just as he was beginning to doubt himself, he overheard a conversation from the group of royal guards nearby.

"Can you believe that commoner from the Hwang clan thinks he can train with us?" one of them scoffed, a hint of laughter in his voice. "He's lucky to be here at all."

Hyunjin's jaw clenched at the words, anger bubbling beneath the surface. He couldn't let them see him react, but it was hard to ignore their mocking tone. He felt a surge of determination rise within him, and he pushed himself harder, ignoring the burning in his muscles.

In the middle of a particularly strenuous drill, Hyunjin caught Prince Yongbok's gaze. For a fleeting moment, their eyes locked, and Hyunjin felt a rush of conflicting emotions. Yongbok's expression was neutral, but there was an undeniable challenge in his stare, as if he were gauging Hyunjin's resolve.

After what felt like hours, the training session finally came to an end, and the trainees collapsed onto the grass, panting and exhausted. Hyunjin lay there, feeling the weight of his body against the cool earth, but his mind was still racing.

Suddenly, a shadow fell over him. Hyunjin looked up to see Prince Yongbok standing above him, arms crossed and an eyebrow raised. "You didn't embarrass yourself out there, did you?" he asked, his tone laced with sarcasm.

"Maybe if you weren't such a nuisance, I wouldn't have to worry about it," Hyunjin shot back, annoyance flaring again.

Yongbok smirked, clearly entertained by Hyunjin's irritation. "You seem a bit too eager to prove yourself. Just remember your place, commoner."

At that moment, In-Yeop approached, having overheard the exchange. "Your Highness," he interjected, trying to diffuse the tension. "Perhaps you could take it easy on my brother? He's just starting out."

But Hyunjin wasn't done. "I'm not afraid of you, Your Highness," he declared defiantly, standing up to meet Yongbok's gaze. "I won't let your title intimidate me."

The prince's expression shifted slightly, intrigue replacing his previous amusement. "Interesting," he replied, leaning in a bit closer. "Let's see if you can keep that attitude when we train together."

Hyunjin's heart raced at the challenge in Yongbok's voice, but before he could respond, the sound of a horn blaring interrupted them. It signaled the end of the training day.

"Looks like you're off the hook for now," Yongbok said with a teasing glint in his eye. "But I'll be watching you, Hwang Hyunjin."

As the prince walked away, Hyunjin felt a mix of frustration and determination. He was not going to let Yongbok, or anyone for that matter, belittle him. With a deep breath, he turned back to his brother, who had watched the encounter with concern.

"You really shouldn't provoke him, Hyunjin," In-Yeop warned, shaking his head.

"I can handle it," Hyunjin replied, though his voice was laced with uncertainty. "I won't let him walk all over me."

After the training session, the trainees were led to their designated camps, a series of tents set up at the edge of the training grounds. The tents were modest but functional, providing just enough space for each trainee to store their belongings and get some rest.

As Hyunjin settled into his new environment, the realization hit him that this was his life for the foreseeable future. He could only go home if he wasn't selected to be part of the royal guard. The weight of that thought settled heavily on his shoulders as he unpacked his belongings, his mind drifting to the heated encounter with Yongbok.

Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the camp, Hyunjin gathered with the other trainees around a communal fire. Laughter and chatter filled the air, but he felt out of place, the earlier confrontation still gnawing at him.

Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice calling his name. It was Riki, his younger brother, who had somehow managed to sneak away from their family home to find him.

"Hyung! I came to see you!" Riki exclaimed, his eyes bright with excitement.

"Riki! What are you doing here?" Hyunjin asked, his surprise evident. He quickly glanced around, making sure no one had noticed his brother's presence.

"I wanted to see how you were doing. Mom said you'd be busy training, but I had to come! Are you really going to be a royal guard?" Riki asked, bouncing on his heels.

Hyunjin opened his mouth to respond but paused, unsure how to explain the chaotic mix of emotions he felt. "I'm... I'm trying my best," he finally said, forcing a smile.

Riki grinned widely, and just then, their sister, Yeji, joined them. "You better be careful, oppa. I heard the prince can be pretty strict," she said, her tone teasing but laced with concern.

"I know what I'm doing," Hyunjin replied, though the truth was he was still grappling with the reality of his situation.

The three siblings spent a few more moments talking, Riki and Yeji's presence bringing a sense of comfort amidst the turmoil of his new life. But as they prepared to leave, Hyunjin couldn't shake the feeling that this would be the last time he'd see them for a while.