Painful sacrifice

Diary Entry - Eundeok Married Life (Baekhera)

Eun’s diary

We boys yesterday talked about lots of stuff…I’ve got to admit…I did start bluffing just to impress them. But everyone does that! What’s wrong with me wanting to brag a bit in front of them? Thank goodness Soondeok didn’t say anything wrong. I lied about me and Soondeok sleeping together…about how she loves me a lot and I love her a lot. About how good I am on bed, when in fact, to honest…I’ve never done it. Let’s hope they’ll forget about it next time we meet. I saw Soondeok dressed up formally this morning, I wonder where she went. How rude of her, not letting me know where she’s going again! I ought to scold her for that. Don’t tell me, she had gone out to meet one of the boys! Come to think of it, she did dress pretty today…I didn’t know she could look so beautiful. If she dares meet them, I’ll break their legs for sure! Wait, why…why do I feel angry? Am I overreacting? I must be! She could be just going out and…meeting her family. Yes, that’s right, there’s nothing to worry about. She called me ‘little dove’ last night – I was annoyed, of course I was! But I actually smiled after hearing her call me that, it’s like when someone actually jokes around with you and both of you laugh at the same thing. I guess we do have one or two things in common. This morning she helped me wash up again – I’ve been missing that actually, all the days she had gone to the temples, I had to wash my feet, my face all by myself. It sure is nice to have someone do that again for me.

 

---------- Soondeok in palace ----------

‘Ah, Grand General’s daughter Park Soondeok. Please, do come here and sit down.’

‘Greetings, Your Majesty! May you live forever! How have you been, Your Majesty?’

‘How good can an old man be? And you, my daughter-in-law, how have you and Eun been?’

‘Yes, thanks to your blessings, we’ve been living very well.’

‘Hahaha, that’s good to hear. Initially he didn’t like this arrangement, I’m glad he’s finally coming through. Here, drink some tea.’

‘Thank you, Your Majesty. Mmm…the fragrance sure is refreshing. Is this chrysanthemum?’

‘Hahaha, looks like fighting is not the only thing you know how to do. Ah, you remind me of your mother, very much.’

‘Your Majesty…my mother, you mean…’

‘Your deceased mother, the grand general and I were childhood friends before they got married.’

‘My mother?’

‘Yes, such an elegant young lady, always full of energy, full of compassion, and had this lovely smile I see you wear as well.’

‘Really?’

‘Your father asked for my help in going after your mother – he’s not really a love expert so I helped out. I’m glad he succeeded in the end. Heeheehee, oh, those old days. You should’ve seen him walking nervously to your mother with a bundle of flowers in his hand! Hahahahaha!’

‘Forgive me, Your Majesty, for asking but, would you mind telling me more about my mother?’

‘Ah…It’s been years, but I’ll never forget her smile. Ah, she’s crazy about painting – she would hike to different mountains just to paint the sceneries. She once had gone missing for days so your father and I had to find her. At last we found her on Geumgang mountain!’

‘Really? My mother actually went there all by herself?’

‘Yes! She wasn’t exactly strong, but she sure is a brave woman – she even jumped off the waterfall with us when we were still young. Yes…good old memories…I do have to apologize for one thing though.’

‘Your Majesty…’

‘Uh…when you were born, she passed away. I actually knew about that, but I kept it away from your father. We were at war then, if he had left, we would’ve surely lost – so I didn’t tell him about your mother’s death, he only found it out after he returned. I’m sorry, Soondeok ah…’

‘Your Majesty, I understand. It’s all for the greater good. I’m sure father will understand as well.’

‘Thank you, for growing up strongly even when you didn’t have your mother around. I see you carry her charisma with you.’

‘Thanks to Your Majesty, I’ve been able to feel what it’s like to have a mother now.’

‘How so?’

‘I…actually I came here because of this…Your Majesty.’

‘What’s that?’

‘It’s my painting, Your Majesty…a gift I have come to deliver.’

‘Hoho, don’t tell me you went to Geumgang mountain to paint this as well, like your mother.’

‘No, Your Majesty.’

(The king looks at the portrait – his smile vanishes)

‘I…Your Majesty, I know it’s very rude of me…to give you this…but this was mother’s last wish. Upon her sick bed…she asked me to give this to you…’

‘Time really is frightening…it washes everyone with age…even a beautiful lady will turn old one day. I’m glad she’s still fine.’

‘Your Majesty…’

(The King puts the portrait down)

‘I’m grateful you’ve brought this to me, really. I must seem to be a bad king to you, and a bad father too, am I right?’

‘Your Majesty…’

‘It’s fine for you to think so…as a king, you have to lose something to gain something else, to sacrifice something to protect something else. This had been one of my most painful sacrifice…’

‘I apologize for asking but…may I ask what did Your Majesty protect by sacrificing mother?’

‘Not “what” Soondeok, but “who”.’

‘Who then…did Your Majesty protect?’

‘Eun.’

‘Yes?’

‘By sacrificing my wife, I protected Eun.’

‘I…I don’t understand, Your Majesty…’

‘The Queen’s target was not Eun’s mother, but Eun himself. She indirectly attacked Eun by attacking his mother – if I didn’t kick her out, she would’ve taken a step further and get rid of Eun. Now do you get it?’

‘But…why? Why would she do that to the prince?’

‘If I had known, I would’ve called your mother back by now. I’m sorry, Soondeok, but this will be something no one but the queen will ever know.’

‘Your Majesty should tell the prince the truth. The prince still hates you so.’

‘I wouldn’t blame him for that. It’s best things are left the way it is. Let him, what he’s doing now is protecting himself. My dear, your husband is brighter than you think. Did you honestly think that he’s the only son who’s not talented out of all my children? My own flesh and blood?’

‘Are you saying that Eun actually is…had been a threat to the Queen’s sons?’

‘I’ll leave that here. Now, I guess it’s time for you to go – it’s been nice talking to you. Thank you for the gift, tell your mother that I’ve received it well.’

‘Yes, Your Majesty. Then, I bid you goodbye.’

(As Soondeok is about to leave)

‘Ah, Soondeok ah.’

‘Yes, Your Majesty?’

‘Our conversation today – is just between you and I. You’re a smart girl, I’m sure you understand.’

‘Worry not, Your Majesty. I will bear that in mind.’

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SPEEEDYGONZALES #1
Chapter 131: Thank us for reading? Thank YOU for creating a story as consistent and well-fitting for the characters Baekhera were able to portray. You write so well and stay true to their personality from the start to the end, I enjoyed reading this book so much. Tbh, The chapter count surprised me and I didn’t think I’d be able to finish it because I was only looking for a small fanfic to satisfy my Baekhera fantasies yet you accomplished that and more! Your story was captivating and well paced, I finished the book in three days! I don’t think many got to fully appreciate I you so on behalf of us shippers, I thank you! ;)
KimN97 #2
Chapter 131: Beautiful story. For so long I looked for a story to read for this couple. You gave them the story and ending they deserved 🥰 can’t wait for the sequel
KeemNoona #3
❤️❤️❤️
ezakimsoo #4
I cant believe this ended already
ezakimsoo #5
I cant believe this ended already
Turellia_Del_Rynn #6
Chapter 131: Thank you so much to have written this! I’ve been reading this fic for a month and I sure enjoyed every second of it ?!
SabrinaM
#7
Chapter 131: Thanks to you we, Baekhera shippers, got to spend an amazing time while reading your fiction!
Thanks to you again, a lot ?
PS: WE NEED AN EPILOGUE WITH SOME BABIES!!!!
KimFaSooBaek
#8
Chapter 131: THANK YOU SO MUCHHHHHHHHHH
ezakimsoo #9
Chapter 131: Wheres the baby?? I need spin off?
pandaxonce
1241 streak #10
Chapter 131: Thank you so much for this ^^