The sudden attack on the royal palace was over before it even started, the explosion on the palace's perimeter being the only action taken against the castle. Nevertheless, it left the empire shaken. The royal family was stuck with the aftermath, their investigators scouring the scene for any clues of who could've done it and their infirmities filled to the brim with the injured.
The day was so jarring that the citizens of the empire were almost too nervous to even discuss it.
Almost.
Not even a day had to pass before it became the talk of the town. If anything, there were too many things to discuss for the citizens. Even an event as disturbing as a violent attack on the palace couldn't distract them from speculating on the royal family's dirty laundry. While mild-mannered citizens may have had the etiquette to keep the gossip to a minimum out of respect (or pity) for those injured in the explosion, not all people were as caring. Behind closed doors and empty streets, there was sure to be discussion about how the former princess had blatantly disrespected the empress, or ongoing debating about whether dethroning the former crown prince was a good decision.
That left the topic of the explosion to be the main point of discussion in more public settings. There was a sense of fear and uncertainty surrounding the incident, people wondering who was responsible for the attack and whether it was carried out by a single person or an organization. For the attack to have taken place during the exact same time of the former crown prince and princess's dethronement… the citizens of the empire couldn't help but feel like it was all a bad omen.
However, as normal citizens, they couldn't do anything to answer any of their pressing questions, all their speculations remaining as just that: speculation. Only the royal family and the authorities conducting the investigation would be able to provide a definitive conclusion for what happened and why.
So, in the end they could only anxiously await the investigation's outcome, hoping that the royal family would be able to swiftly shed light on the perpetrators and the reasons behind the attack, for their own safety and for the sake of the empire.
Only adding on to their concerns was the fate of the former crown prince and his younger sister. They seemingly vanished into thin air after the ceremony, disappearing in the aftermath of the explosion.
The sudden disappearance of Joonghyuk and Mia led the people to speculate the worst, given their lack of information. Rumors swirled that the royal family may have taken drastic actions against them. Some were now wondering if the whispers about the royal family secretly eliminating exiled family members might actually be true. Perhaps the attack was staged by the palace to distract the public as they finished off the brother and sister quietly.
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Dokja stood in the middle of the Kaizenix estate, holding a blueprint as he oversaw the final stages of its re-establishment. The most essential of the rooms and facilities had already been built and inspected for safety, allowing for safe occupancy. There were only a few more structures that needed to be finished up. At this point in the process, the workers were transitioning from construction work to furnishing the rooms. The décor and furniture were helpfully provided by Sooyoung and Sangah, with approval from Joonghyuk himself. Dokja directed the workers as they decorated one of the parlor rooms.
"Yeah, put those curtains there."
Though the public remained unaware, Joonghyuk and Yoo Mia had already taken refuge within the Kaizenix Duchy's walls, away from the prying eyes and speculation of the people. The once-abandoned estate was now bustling with activity as it was being meticulously restored to its former glory. Dokja had taken charge of finishing the project, ensuring every detail was attended to as he prepared the residence for its new occupants and making sure the estate was ready to provide a safe and comfortable haven for the dethroned royals.
As the workers scurried to place the last of the ornaments and furnishings, Dokja surveyed the progress with a satisfied nod. A small smile played on his lips as he observed how the space was perfectly suited to Joonghyuk's preferences. The estate had been designed with Joonghyuk's personality and needs in mind, radiating the same intimidating beauty that Joonghyuk was known for.
The cool, muted tones and the subtle air of elegance gave the ducal a refined, almost brooding ambiance - very much in line with Joonghyuk's own demeanor. The dark, sophisticated decor and the overall sense of seclusion provided the former crown prince with a sanctuary that felt tailored to his sensibilities. Dokja could envision Joonghyuk settling comfortably into this environment, finding solace in the tranquil vibe that the Kaizenix Ducal exuded.
As Dokja walked through the meticulously restored halls and rooms, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction in having created a space that would provide Joonghyuk with a safe place to escape to, along with the place where he'd be able to rebuild his future.
He was especially proud of how the library turned out. He didn't need to do much convincing for Sangah, Sooyoung, and Joonghyuk to readily agree for him to take over the reins for that room specifically. Though the two women had also had their input for the room's layout and décor, they had allowed him to handle the majority of the process. Though he may have tried to beg Sangah to double the room's size to fit more shelves, to her amusement. At one point he had been so engrossed with making the library perfect that Sooyoung had to remind him that the manor was for Joonghyuk, not him.
When Dokja sheepishly went to consult Joonghyuk for the first time about what the to-be duke wanted for the library (Dokja was already 90% through finishing it), Joonghyuk simply smiled at him and kissed his temple, reassuring him that anything he came up with would be perfect.
Dokja turned his head at the sound of his name being called out. He saw Lee Jihye approaching him, a giddy smile on her face.
"Yo, ahjussi!" Jihye waved at him as she drew closer. There was a sense of excitement and eagerness in her demeanor.
Dokja returned Jihye's smile, pleased to see the young woman. "Lee Jihye, nice to see you here," he greeted warmly.
As he spoke, Dokja noticed that the young knight's forehead was covered in a thin sheen of sweat. Concerned, he grabbed the handkerchief from his shirt pocket.
"Did something happen? Are you overexerting yourself?" Dokja asked, his brow furrowing slightly as he handed the handkerchief to Jihye.
Jihye accepted the cloth gratefully, dabbing at her forehead. "Oh, it's nothing," she said, a hint of embarrassment coloring her voice. "I just finished sparring with the new recruit knights."
Dokja nodded understandingly as Jihye explained.
"I see," Dokja hummed, his gaze softening. He placed a reassuring hand on Jihye's shoulder. "You and Hyunsung have been working nonstop to prepare them," he said, his tone gentle. "Don't forget to take care of yourself as well. Make sure you drink some water and have another rest, all right?"
But the teen only shook her head, waving off his concern.
"I know, but I need to help Sir Hyunsung prepare the knights to keep His H- I mean, His Grace protected," Jihye said, catching herself mid-sentence and letting out a small huff. "Damn, I still can't get used to calling Master like that…"
Dokja couldn't help but chuckle lightly at Jihye's frustration. He could certainly empathize with the difficulty of adjusting to the new formalities and titles. He recalled Sangah's account of what transpired after the ceremony, when the former prince and princess had been guided safely away from the site of the explosion.
-Flashback-
Hyunsung, Jihye, and the rest of Joonghyuk's knight regime watched pensively as Joonghyuk and Mia made their way out the palace, uncertainty amongst the group as they grappled with the dilemma they now faced.
Despite Joonghyuk's sometimes moody and brooding demeanor, the knights could not deny that he had been an exceptional mentor and leader. Under his guidance, they had grown into skilled and dedicated warriors.
Yet, they also knew the gravity of their positions as knights sworn to the royal family. To follow Joonghyuk, even if their loyalty to him was unwavering, would be considered an act of treason. They risked losing their titles and positions if they were to abandon their duties to the crown.
Jihye looked to Hyunsung, her eyes reflecting the internal turmoil she felt. "Sir Hyunsung, what should we do…?" Sir Hyunsung had gotten his position through pure perseverance, starting out as a foot soldier and working his way up the ranks until Joonghyuk took notice of his prowess. Unlike him, Jihye's family already had close connections to the royal family, her lineage being filled with admirals that had ventured the seas defending the empire from many foreign powers that tried to attack it. Her family name had already been embedded in the history of the Seoul empire.
To turn her back on the throne now… she would be bringing immense shame to her family, they would probably disown her.
Hyunsung stroked his chin, "…Joonghyuk-nim has been an exemplary leader, and we owe him a great debt. But we have our responsibilities to the crown...." so he said, but an equal amount of nervousness was lingering in his eyes.
Jihye's heart raced as she watched Joonghyuk and Mia walk away. The memories of her time with her master flooded her mind - the harsh training, the meals he had shared with her, the hard-earned victories that the regime had gotten, her Master's unwavering dedication to his position. He was the first person to acknowledge her potential as a knight. She couldn't bear the thought of being separated from him.
Suddenly, a surge of emotion overcame her. "FUCK the royal family!" she yelled, her voice laced with conviction.
Without hesitation, Jihye broke into a sprint, running towards Joonghyuk and Mia. She didn't look back, ignoring the cries of Hyunsung and the other knights behind her.
In that moment, Jihye's loyalty to Joonghyuk eclipsed all else. He was her one and only master, the one who had shaped her into the skilled warrior she was today. No new crown prince, no royal family, not even her own family could ever command her obedience the way Joonghyuk did.
As she closed the distance, Jihye's eyes locked onto Joonghyuk's retreating figure. "Master!" she called out, her voice filled with a mixture of desperation and determination. "Wait for me! I'm coming with you!"
Jihye sprinting rapidly toward them. In that moment, Jihye knew there was no other place she'd rather be than by her master's side, no matter the consequences.
The knights watched in stunned silence as Jihye sprinted towards Joonghyuk and Mia, her defiant cry still ringing in the air. For a moment, they were frozen, torn between the weight of their oaths and the deep loyalty they felt towards their former prince. But gradually, the knights recalled the countless times Joonghyuk had pushed them to become better, had supported them even when they faltered, and had earned their respect and admiration through his own unwavering dedication. They already knew who they wanted to follow; they were just too scared to take the first step.
Another voice rang out, cutting through the tense silence. "FUCK THIS! JIHYE, YOUR HIGHNESSES, WAIT FOR ME!"
The knight who had spoken, broke into a sprint, following in Jihye's footsteps. His eyes were alight with a newfound determination, his dedication to Joonghyuk overriding the weight of his sworn duties.
One by one, the other knights joined him, their shouts of "Master Joonghyuk!" and "We're coming!" echoing across the courtyard. Hyunsung watched with a mixture of pride and resignation as his squad abandoned their posts, their hearts leading them to the man they truly wanted to serve.
The knight let out a heavy sigh, knowing that he could not in good conscience stop them. Joonghyuk had earned their loyalty through his actions, not just his title. With a resigned nod, Hyunsung followed after the knights, his own steps quickening as he caught up to the group.
As they raced towards Joonghyuk and Mia, the knights knew that they were making a choice that would forever alter the course of their lives. But at that moment, they cared not for the consequences – their loyalty to their former prince was the only thing that mattered.
Joonghyuk and Mia turned and watched in stunned silence as the group of knights, led by Jihye and Hyunsung, came sprinting towards them. The sound of their pounding footsteps and labored breathing filled the air as they finally came to a stop before the siblings.
Jihye, her eyes shining with determination, straightened up and looked directly at Joonghyuk.
"Master," she said, her voice unwavering. "Take us with you."
The other knights nodded in agreement, their expressions mirroring Jihye's resolve. Hyunsung, the seasoned commander, stepped forward.
"Your H—Joonghyuk-nim," Hyunsung began, "We have sworn our loyalty to the crown, but our loyalty to you runs deeper. We cannot bear the thought of being separated from you. Please, allow us to join you on whatever path you choose to walk."
Joonghyuk and Mia exchanged glances, their surprise evident. They hadn't expected such a fervent display of devotion from the knights.
Joonghyuk had always maintained a somewhat aloof and distant demeanor, rarely showing his true feelings. He had assumed that the knights would ultimately remain loyal to the royal family, ready to give up everything he'd ever known to this point of his life after his dethronement.
But as Joonghyuk studied the faces of the knights, he was struck by the depth of their loyalty. These were not just his subordinates, but individuals he had come to trust and respect over the years.
And here they were, standing before him, their eyes shining with a fierce determination to follow him no matter the consequences. Joonghyuk couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and gratitude welling up within him.
These were good people, people he had come to care for despite his best efforts to keep them at arm's length. And now, they were willing to forsake the futures they'd already built for themselves to stand by his side.
Joonghyuk's lips curled into a rare, genuine smile as he regarded the knights.
"Thank you," he said, his voice soft and sincere.
The knights stared at him, their eyes wide with shock. This was the first time they had ever seen their former prince smile so openly, without any hint of the aloof distance that had so often characterized his demeanor. They had grown so accustomed to his stoic, reserved nature that this display of genuine emotion was jarring.
Hyunsung felt a surge of pride and a tinge of regret. He had always known that Joonghyuk was a remarkable individual, but he had also been bound by his duty to the crown, always at the mercy of his cruel family. No matter how much the knights cared for him, there was nothing they could do in the face of the royal family's power over him. But now, seeing the former prince's genuine gratitude, Hyunsung knew that he had made the right choice in following his heart.
As the group continued trailing after their leader, the knights walked with a renewed sense of purpose, their steps lighter and their spirits buoyed by the knowledge that they had earned the respect of the man they had sworn to follow.
They were no longer the knights of the crown, but the knights of Yoo Joonghyuk.
The path beneath their feet went from neat stone tiles, to dirt, and finally to dense grass blades as they entered the forest, the sounds of the chaotic city they had left behind gradually faded into the distance. The knights and Mia found themselves surrounded by the tranquil serenity of the trees, the only sounds being the rustling of leaves and the occasional bird call.
Mia, who had been quietly following Joonghyuk, could no longer contain her curiosity. She turned to him, her brow furrowed with concern.
"Oppa?" she softly called out, drawing Joonghyuk's attention.
He turned to face her, his expression calm and composed, though Mia could see the weight of the situation etched in the lines of his face.
"Where are we going?" she asked, her eyes searching for answers.
The other knights that had been following in silence turned their gazes to him, expectantly awaiting his response.
"You'll see, we're almost there" he said vaguely, his voice low.
Suddenly, as they rounded a bend in the path, they caught sight of a structure in the distance. It was an estate, a grand and imposing building that could serve as the seat of power for a noble family.
Mia and the knights exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of why Joonghyuk was leading them to this place, or what this place even was. None of them were expecting such an extravagant structure to be in the middle of the forest. From what they could see, the building was in the process of being re-established, with workers bustling about, putting the finishing touches on the restoration.
As they drew closer, they could see the intricate details of the architecture, the ornate carvings, and the grand entrance that stood before them.
As Joonghyuk and the others approached the Ducal, their attention was suddenly drawn to a voice coming from the front entrance. There, standing with a warm smile on her face, was the Saintess Sangah.
"Your Grace, you've finally arrived!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with genuine delight.
Mia and the knights exchanged puzzled glances, their brows furrowing as they heard how the Saintess addressed Joonghyuk. It was a title supposed to be reserved for the ruling nobility.
Joonghyuk, however, remained impassive, his expression betraying no emotion as he regarded the Saintess. The knights and Mia, unsure of how to react, simply stood by, waiting to see how their former prince would respond.
Sangah's smile faltered slightly as she noticed the group's hesitation, but she quickly recovered, her gaze never leaving Joonghyuk's.
"Please, come inside," she said, gesturing towards the grand entrance of the manor. "We have been expecting you."
Joonghyuk nodded, and without a word, he began to make his way towards the manor, the others following closely behind him.
"Your grace, you could have at least told them a little bit about the plan before coming here…" she lightly chided him, her tone laced with a hint of amusement.
Joonghyuk remained silent, his expression still unreadable as the Saintess led them deeper into the building.
They emerged into the lush, well-manicured garden of the manor. Sangah gestured towards a table with an elegant tea set laid out.
"Please have a seat, Your Grace and young miss," she said, her smile warm and inviting. Joonghyuk made his way to the table, taking a seat. Mia, still visibly confused, hesitantly followed, sitting on her brother's lap.
The other knights lined up, standing at attention with their eyes fixed on Joonghyuk, waiting for their prince to speak.
Sangah poured the tea, her movements graceful and practiced, as she continued to smile at the group.
"Now then," she said, her gaze sweeping over the assembled party. "Our dear Joonghyuk has some important news to share with you all," she said, her lips curling up conspiratorially.
After taking a sip of the fragrant tea, Joonghyuk finally broke the silence, directing his question towards Sangah.
"Are all the preparation done?"
Sangah answered swiftly, "Almost, there's only one thing left to do." Joonghyuk nodded to her once, before turning to his knights. Many of them had begun fidgeting with anticipation for what he was about to say, while Mia angled herself to see her brother's face, searching for any clue as to what was going on.
"When you followed me, you all expected me to become a commoner, without the means or influence to truly make a difference," he began, his gaze sweeping across the faces of the knights. "And despite needing to sacrifice the futures all of you had worked toward until now, all of you abandoned your duty as knights of the royal family and valiantly came along, and for that you have my eternal gratitude."
"But now you all must know the truth – with Saintess Sangah's authorization, I am to inherit Kaizenix Dukedom as its duke, continuing my mother and grandfather's legacy. And with that title comes the power, resources, and ability to truly fight against the corruption that has plagued our empire." He paused, his gaze unwavering. "So, from this day forward, you are no longer the knights of the royal family. You are the knights of the Kaizenix Duchy, and your loyalty and service will be to me, as your future Duke."
A heavy silence blanketed the garden as everyone tried to comprehend his words.
"…A duke?" Mia breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Oppa is going to be a duke?"
Sangah nodded lightly at her in affirmation.
"Yes, my dear," she said, "After all the preparations are complete, we will officially make him the Duke of the Kaizenix Dukedom."
The knights exchanged glances, shocked. Just moments earlier all of them had been preparing themselves to work side by side with their leader as commoners, perhaps as farmers doing honest work to make a living for themselves. But all along, he had a plan to pick himself up and continue to try to change the empire for the better. It didn't matter if they served him as royal knights or as commoners getting by day to day, if it meant serving their leader then any path they took would be noble. Whether it be the struggles of a common man or the struggles of a nobility, they would help Yoo Joonghyuk pave a way through.
Hyunsung stepped forward, his eyes shining with a renewed sense of purpose. "We have followed you this far, Your Grace," he said, his voice clear and steady. "And we have no intention of turning back, no matter what challenges lie ahead. The Kaizenix Duchy is our new home, and we will fight to protect it until our last breaths."
The other knights nodded in agreement, their expressions mirroring Hyunsung's. They had made their choice, and they were prepared to see it through, no matter the cost.
Sangah watched the exchange with a satisfied smile, seeing relief and optimism replacing the initial shock and confusion. Joonghyuk now had the unwavering loyalty of his trusted allies. With them by his side, the future of the Kaizenix Duchy – and the empire as a whole – was in good hands.
-end of flashback-
Over the coming days, the children or grandchildren of the knights, maids, and butlers who previously worked for the Kaizenix Duchy had begun to show up to the property in response to the letters and messages that Sangah had been sending out. Most joined as new knights to be trained under the watchful supervision of Joonghyuk, Hyunsung, and Jihye, but others had joined the growing staff and become attendants, maids, and servants. All were eager to serve, the title of the Kaizenix Duchy and their reverence for it being ingrained in their families for generations as they patiently waited for the day they'd be called back.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Dokja turned his attention to Jihye, "Now go and rest for the meantime, I'll tell Sir Hyunsung that you're on a break" He gently patted her head as he spoke.
After hesitating for a moment, Jihye nodded gratefully and bowed as she turned to walk away.
Dokja watched Jihye's retreating form, his gaze following her until she disappeared from view. He let out a soft sigh, the weight of the day's events settling on his shoulders. As Dokja was about to move, he suddenly felt a wave of nausea wash over him. His face paled, and he immediately broke into a run, desperately searching for the nearest bathroom.
Fortunately, he was able to locate one just in time. Dokja flung the door open and rushed inside, barely making it to the toilet bowl before he began to violently vomit. The retching echoed through the small space as Dokja emptied the contents of his stomach. His body shook with shivers, and he gripped the sides of the bowl tightly, knuckles turning white.
After what felt like an eternity, the heaving finally subsided, leaving Dokja feeling drained and disoriented. He sat back, wiping the sweat from his brow with a trembling hand.
It was clear that the events of the day had taken a toll on him, both physically and emotionally. Dokja took a few deep breaths, trying to steady himself before slowly getting to his feet and making his way out of the bathroom.