He is so broad and tall, barely anything can be seen around him, whether room, or Yona--if she happened to be inside. He steps out into what space he can of the hall, though, between the door and Soo-Won. He shuts it behind him.]
[ah - he'll take a step back, if only to ensure that there's a respectable distance between the two of them. despite everything, he still errs on the side of formality
and offers a bit of an embarrassed laugh]
No, not quite - though I'm always happy for your company.
[he's so agreeable
a beat]
... I was a bit surprised, I suppose. Is the girl you're sharing a room with - Yona - is her throat better? It seemed a bit raspy yesterday.
but even though his expression doesn't change, his shoulders sink slightly in relief upon wearing that she's alright]
... she's an important person, so I think it would be for the best if she's safe. Please let me know if I can do anything to assist you with looking after her.
Carefully, he reaches up and pulls the funky shutter shades off Soo-Won's face so he can see Soo-Won's eyes. He isn't looking for the shock necessarily.
[he allows the shutters to be removed, which is fine. he's mostly still numb.
and thinking. he's always thinking. and so his expression has turned to one of contemplation as he searches for the same answer as blanca.
he clearly had no idea why the shackles existed.]
There's a time discrepancy between our memories - she's further ahead than I am. According to her, a conflict has broken out in the Northern region of our country and the larger empire that looms above.
His Majesty's advisor is involved... but there's no reason why the current monarchy would ever place shackles on her legs. Making someone like her into a prisoner of the state would only ensue chaos.
[and he would never.
blanca doesn't need to know that, though.]
So it's more likely that she and her companions were sent to answer the issues in the North... and she was made into a prisoner, whether to motivate her companions or to use leverage against the Kingdom of Kouka.
[he turns it over in his head a few times - there are still uncertainties, but.]
[He folds the arms of the glasses down, and then offers them out to Soo-Won. They are his, in the end.]
I did not ask her. I told her I would not pry. I'm sure if shackles were waiting for her, she has been through a lot, and she does not know me well. If something terrible has happened to her, she probably would not want to talk to me about it.
So what role did you play in all of this as a merchant, [it doesn't sound as if he believes this, of course] Mister Won?
[he'll take them and meet the gaze evenly. the disbelief doesn't seem to phase him much]
It sounds as though you're asking me to see the future when I don't know where I'll be - or if what I'll do will change, based on now receiving this information much earlier due to the time distortion.
[he's kang cheol right now
though - ] If you were hoping to respect her wishes of privacy, why ask the next person you meet that could give you answers?
Don't misunderstand. It isn't I didn't wish to know so much as I did not want to force her to talk about it.
[ALSO STOP, DON'T BE KING CHEOL]
I asked the person who would be able to tell me. I don't believe she thinks very highly of you right now, and I wanted to know what you would tell me without knowing I knew.
[His brows come together, but he doesn't look as if he is scared of following Soo-Won to another room. After a moment of searching Soo-Won's eyes and face, he nods.]
Very well. After you, Mister Won.
[He will walk beside Soo-Won, though, so he doesn't look creepy walking behind.]
so off they go, headed to the room. ange is out right now and soo-won's figured out how to use the access key to get in. as promised, he doesn't try anything funny now that they're out of the public eye, and his room is empty. he'll turn back to face blanca and offer a smile.]
My name is Soo-won and I currently serve as the King of Kouka.
I actually prefer "Won" everywhere, or Soo-won if it's just us, I guess.
[he's too honest. but really, titles and etiquette really don't matter to him - but he won't stop people either]
After all, it doesn't really matter here. If my title ever becomes relevant, I don't mind sharing it - but I have no riches, land, or command. Just myself. And so there isn't much to separate me from a common merchant. Title doesn't mean I'm different from any other person.
Is that what you wanted to know about me? Or is it whether or not I'll be a threat to Yona?
Currently, her safety has actually designated a priority in order to maintain peace between my kingdom and another vassal state. So I don't really intend on acting against her interests.
Alright. [He's going to at least call him "sir" or something because that's how he is.] Won then.
[Perhaps he made too quick of a judgment. There is not way Yut-Lung would sound this practical. Is this what Yut-Lung would have been like if he had taken Blanca's advice?]
I'm aware your business at home has nothing to do with me. But here, her and I share a room. I would prefer to keep her out of any danger until we learn more about this place.
She said others could probably trust you, but she didn't. It worried me, after I had seen the shackles.
Her reason for not trusting me can be summed as "politics", for all the pain and good that comes with. [he'll say it again, because he doesn't think it's ever enough on its own. but he also won't make excuses for the choices he's made.] I don't blame her, and I don't expect her to change her mind.
Our situation is more complicated in our home - but here, I don't have to put on quite so many airs. She won't believe you even if you tell her that I don't intend to see any harm come to her - but I don't mind telling you that bit of truth.
[there are no pretenses that he has to keep up here, nothing he has to do for the sake of a kingdom's peace and the trust of his confidants. he can be sincere about who he wants to protect.]
But all I have here now are words - I intend on letting my actions speak for themselves. I'd like to bring everyone home, as unharmed as possible, and dismantle the structure that brought us here against our will.
I understand if your trust is one that has to be earned, but as long as Yona is safe, you have mine.
[He sort of opens his mouth, but all he does is draw in a deeper breath and quietly sigh. Soo-Won has, as far as he can tell, been honest with him.]
Usually, my trust is irrelevant because I am obligated to fulfill contracts. That... was my job before I retired. But I do not intend to let anything happen to Miss Yona.
Though I suppose it is unfair we believe we have a say in this for her at all.
She's a very beloved person. [by who, he won't say] Even if we do not truly have ability or choice, I don't mind making play as though we do. It's the most we can do, as people who have feelings and emotions.
[you can't help who you want to take care of, who you want to protect. no matter the hurt that might come later.]
Are you permanently retired, Blanca? I wouldn't suppose it might be possible to hire you again.
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he's wearing these
he hopes it hides the surprise in his eyes (honestly they probably do)
before his expression melts into a sheepish smile]
Ah -
Forgive me. I must've spaced out.
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He is so broad and tall, barely anything can be seen around him, whether room, or Yona--if she happened to be inside. He steps out into what space he can of the hall, though, between the door and Soo-Won. He shuts it behind him.]
Were you looking for someone?
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and offers a bit of an embarrassed laugh]
No, not quite - though I'm always happy for your company.
[he's so agreeable
a beat]
... I was a bit surprised, I suppose. Is the girl you're sharing a room with - Yona - is her throat better? It seemed a bit raspy yesterday.
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Miss Yona is alright. I gave her some tea. [A pause.] Do you know her, Mister Won?
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[it's complicated.
but even though his expression doesn't change, his shoulders sink slightly in relief upon wearing that she's alright]
... she's an important person, so I think it would be for the best if she's safe. Please let me know if I can do anything to assist you with looking after her.
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He is quiet for some time, like he's debating what he wants to say.]
...is there a reason a pair of shackles were waiting on her here, Mister Won?
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there's no helping it.
even for all his control, a shocked expression slips on his face without his permission. he knows it does. shackles? for yona?
his mind races to find an acceptable answer, knowing all that he's learned.]
... as good of a reason as 'politics' ever is.
[if he had to hazard a guess.]
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Carefully, he reaches up and pulls the funky shutter shades off Soo-Won's face so he can see Soo-Won's eyes. He isn't looking for the shock necessarily.
He only wants to see any emotional truths.]
Explain, if you please.
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and thinking. he's always thinking. and so his expression has turned to one of contemplation as he searches for the same answer as blanca.
he clearly had no idea why the shackles existed.]
There's a time discrepancy between our memories - she's further ahead than I am. According to her, a conflict has broken out in the Northern region of our country and the larger empire that looms above.
His Majesty's advisor is involved... but there's no reason why the current monarchy would ever place shackles on her legs. Making someone like her into a prisoner of the state would only ensue chaos.
[and he would never.
blanca doesn't need to know that, though.]
So it's more likely that she and her companions were sent to answer the issues in the North... and she was made into a prisoner, whether to motivate her companions or to use leverage against the Kingdom of Kouka.
[he turns it over in his head a few times - there are still uncertainties, but.]
She didn't tell you why she had shackles?
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[He folds the arms of the glasses down, and then offers them out to Soo-Won. They are his, in the end.]
I did not ask her. I told her I would not pry. I'm sure if shackles were waiting for her, she has been through a lot, and she does not know me well. If something terrible has happened to her, she probably would not want to talk to me about it.
So what role did you play in all of this as a merchant, [it doesn't sound as if he believes this, of course] Mister Won?
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It sounds as though you're asking me to see the future when I don't know where I'll be - or if what I'll do will change, based on now receiving this information much earlier due to the time distortion.
[he's kang cheol right now
though - ] If you were hoping to respect her wishes of privacy, why ask the next person you meet that could give you answers?
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[ALSO STOP, DON'T BE KING CHEOL]
I asked the person who would be able to tell me. I don't believe she thinks very highly of you right now, and I wanted to know what you would tell me without knowing I knew.
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eventually he seems to ease, offering up a smile and a tilt of his head, as if they were talking about the weather.]
Would you mind joining me in my room for a moment, Blanca? There's something I'd like to retrieve before carrying on with my day.
[he holds his hands up - ]
I have nothing up my sleeve, as it were, in case you're wary.
I just don't think we should continue our conversation here any longer.
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Very well. After you, Mister Won.
[He will walk beside Soo-Won, though, so he doesn't look creepy walking behind.]
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so off they go, headed to the room. ange is out right now and soo-won's figured out how to use the access key to get in. as promised, he doesn't try anything funny now that they're out of the public eye, and his room is empty. he'll turn back to face blanca and offer a smile.]
My name is Soo-won and I currently serve as the King of Kouka.
It's a pleasure to meet you properly.
[said with all the intensity of a dandelion]
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This is just Yut-Lung, but without the brattiness.]
Your Majesty. [He sort of bows his head and shoulders without throwing himself over.] I assume you would prefer "Mister Won" around others.
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[he's too honest. but really, titles and etiquette really don't matter to him - but he won't stop people either]
After all, it doesn't really matter here. If my title ever becomes relevant, I don't mind sharing it - but I have no riches, land, or command. Just myself. And so there isn't much to separate me from a common merchant. Title doesn't mean I'm different from any other person.
Is that what you wanted to know about me? Or is it whether or not I'll be a threat to Yona?
Currently, her safety has actually designated a priority in order to maintain peace between my kingdom and another vassal state. So I don't really intend on acting against her interests.
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[Perhaps he made too quick of a judgment. There is not way Yut-Lung would sound this practical. Is this what Yut-Lung would have been like if he had taken Blanca's advice?]
I'm aware your business at home has nothing to do with me. But here, her and I share a room. I would prefer to keep her out of any danger until we learn more about this place.
She said others could probably trust you, but she didn't. It worried me, after I had seen the shackles.
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Her reason for not trusting me can be summed as "politics", for all the pain and good that comes with. [he'll say it again, because he doesn't think it's ever enough on its own. but he also won't make excuses for the choices he's made.] I don't blame her, and I don't expect her to change her mind.
Our situation is more complicated in our home - but here, I don't have to put on quite so many airs. She won't believe you even if you tell her that I don't intend to see any harm come to her - but I don't mind telling you that bit of truth.
[there are no pretenses that he has to keep up here, nothing he has to do for the sake of a kingdom's peace and the trust of his confidants. he can be sincere about who he wants to protect.]
But all I have here now are words - I intend on letting my actions speak for themselves. I'd like to bring everyone home, as unharmed as possible, and dismantle the structure that brought us here against our will.
I understand if your trust is one that has to be earned, but as long as Yona is safe, you have mine.
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Usually, my trust is irrelevant because I am obligated to fulfill contracts. That... was my job before I retired. But I do not intend to let anything happen to Miss Yona.
Though I suppose it is unfair we believe we have a say in this for her at all.
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She's a very beloved person. [by who, he won't say] Even if we do not truly have ability or choice, I don't mind making play as though we do. It's the most we can do, as people who have feelings and emotions.
[you can't help who you want to take care of, who you want to protect. no matter the hurt that might come later.]
Are you permanently retired, Blanca? I wouldn't suppose it might be possible to hire you again.
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You are quick to hire me without knowing who I am, or what we may be up against. [His smile is slight, and then it fades.] Why do you want to hire me?
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that said Soo-won is rather easy, and shockingly honest despite his title - ]
Because I'd like to trust you without worry of competing interests.
[the simplicity of it]
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I would like some time to consider, if that's alright with you. At least until we possibly know a little more about this place than we already do.
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[he doesn't seem bothered by the delay at least]
I suppose I simply wanted to try. Thank you for your honesty.
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