How To Kill A King:

Episode 18

Sang accepted his invitation a few weeks later, amidst the full heat of summer. His servants prepared cold drinks and cut fruit in ceramic bowls. They sat facing one another, two tables between them. Jeong-eun served them a sweet, cool persimmon tea, making polite conversation with Sang. 

“How is your mentor?” Min-jun asked. “I heard the King placed him in prison for nearly a week.”

“He was rather shaken,” Sang told him, “but he returned to health quickly.”

How very unfortunate. “I see. I’m glad. What is it about prisons that makes him so ill?”

“He can’t stand being around those who have turned their backs to virtue. Their spirits make his body and mind break down.” 

Interesting. “How painful that must be for him. Any longer, and he might’ve died.”

Sang shook her head. “He’s been through much worse before. Before coming to the palace, he worked with criminals on a regular basis, purifying them. He used to be a lot less rash back then. Being here has made him paranoid. Is your arm doing well?”

So, he couldn’t just kill him by exposure to 'corrupt' individuals. That would’ve been a bother anyway. Poison, it was. “The pain medication is doing its job. Though I worry it’ll grow less effective over time.”

Her hands wrapped around the bowl of tea, but she made no move to lift it to her lips. And after Jeong-eun went to so much trouble to prepare it. “I’ve been trying to talk things over with him, but he won’t budge. Now he’s convinced you’ve corrupted the King as well.”

“Perhaps I should visit him again,” Min-jun told her. “If we met again, I’m sure we could talk things over.”

“He’ll probably try to kill you again.”

“Then, I’ll take his Majesty with me. I doubt he’ll step out of line then.”

She peered down into her tea, her forehead contorting in thought, her lips pursed. Slowly, she nodded. “But I won’t be involved in it, or I’ll get an earful.”

“I should prepare some refreshments as well. Is there any food he enjoys?” Min-jun asked, thanking Jeong-eun as she set down a bowl of fruit in front of him. Pears, plums, and persimmons, all with the skins removed and cubed into perfect bite-sized pieces. 

“To be honest, he doesn’t enjoy much of anything anymore,” she said, a pout on her lips. 

Min-jun gestured toward himself. “Don’t worry, I’m a connoisseur in the realms of enjoyment. My skills will certainly please him, whether he likes it or not.”

“Then, I’ll leave it up to you.”

He clapped his hands. “Wonderful.” Then, he paused. “Is there anything he’s allergic to? I wouldn’t want to spoil such an occasion by accidentally serving him something that makes him ill.”

“Not that I can think of.”

Great. She wasn’t as useful as he had hoped. Well, served him right for trying to use the poor girl to get to her mentor. She’d still be of use in absolving him of guilt. For now, he’d go the old-fashioned way. Though, of course, that would mean he wouldn’t be allowed to eat any of the food there. That would be too suspicious. He had to keep the investigators in mind.

“Your Highness,” Jeong-eun said, slamming the doors shut in her excitement, her blue and pink hanbok narrowly avoiding being caught between them. In her hand, she held a piece of paper. “The Summer Festival dates have been announced.”

Summer Festival? Had it already been so long since he’d arrived? The other consorts would be there as well. Knowing his Majesty the Fool, he probably hadn’t even bothered to visit them yet. Min-jun would have to smooth things over with them before things got out of hand. The consorts themselves might not care about his meetings with the King, but their families certainly would.

“Jeong-eun, send an invitation to the other consorts. It’s about time we met.” 

. End of Episode .