Royal Coup d'État - Chapter 46

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 46
Crash!
The Glass Cup shattered into fragments the moment it struck the floor.
The cup in his hand became sharp shards that bit painfully into his palm. The small wound gaped wider, bleeding freely. Blood dripped onto the carpet below, yet Ui Gu Dae Gun didn’t move an inch. Broken pieces scattered across his shoes, but he didn’t even spare them a glance.
“……How dare you.”
His voice emerged in a low murmur, but the weight beneath it was unmistakable.
Soon Heung Gun, who had been jostled from behind, ventured to speak first, his words hesitant.
“B-brother. The media, they always…….”
“Be quiet.”
At Ui Gu Dae Gun’s frigid words, Soon Heung Gun’s mouth snapped shut. Cold sweat ran down his jaw and dripped to the floor.
Ui Gu Dae Gun turned slowly toward the window.
The glittering nightscape of the city spread before his eyes, still radiant and bright.
[The Imperial Household demands a thorough investigation into this matter and has pledged to conduct an internal audit that will bring all misconduct to light, regardless of rank or succession rights.]
In the silent room, only the footage of Cheong Yang Hyeon Ju’s press conference played on repeat. Even those standing nearby held their breath, unable to lift their heads—only the figure on the screen appeared unflinching.
Standing at the center of Donhwamun with keen eyes fixed on the camera, he looked different from the Cheong Yang Hyeon Ju they had known. Ui Gu Dae Gun’s eyes narrowed slowly.
Cheong Yang Hyeon Ju.
As that name flickered through his mind, the corners of Ui Gu Dae Gun’s mouth twisted into a mirthless curve.
“So Father and my dear nephew have been playing amusing games.”
When anger burns too fiercely, it tends to cool just as quickly. Ui Gu Dae Gun had never been more rational.
The information revealed at the press conference was nothing extraordinary. Yet the world seized upon it eagerly, speculating about who had killed the Crown Prince and turning their suspicions toward him.
Him—the man destined to wear the Imperial Crown.
An Heung Gun ventured to speak, sensing Soon Heung Gun’s silent plea for help.
“Surely there’s no need to be overly concerned? Public opinion may be turbulent now, but there’s no way to connect you to it…….”
“Connect me?”
Ui Gu Dae Gun let out a soft laugh, as though he were hearing such an absurd thing for the first time. His laughter continued to flow, yet his eyes remained utterly devoid of warmth, making the moment feel far more sinister.
Even if he were the one who caused the Crown Prince’s death, nothing would change. No matter how curious the world became, there would be nothing for them to discover.
“Tell me, An Heung Gun—what could possibly connect me to this?”
An Heung Gun swallowed hard at Ui Gu Dae Gun’s composed question.
A chill descended as Ui Gu Dae Gun’s gaze fixed upon him—the look of someone stained with blood, the gaze of a murderer.
Ui Gu Dae Gun had never soiled his own hands. He always chose the right pieces and moved them precisely, discarding them without mercy when they became unnecessary.
People followed him not because he was affectionate and merciless—they followed for one reason alone: his rewards were certain until you earned his enmity.
The false faith that one would not be abandoned became Ui Gu Dae Gun’s most formidable shield.
As long as his followers maintained their loyalty, Ui Gu Dae Gun remained untainted by any crime.
“My future as Emperor will not change.”
He spoke with self-assured certainty, clenching his fist. Only then did he notice his bleeding palm. With an indifferent gaze, he regarded his blood-stained hand before moving slowly toward An Heung Gun.
As Ui Gu Dae Gun drew near, An Heung Gun flinched visibly. At this display of servile weakness, Ui Gu Dae Gun’s lips curved upward with clear satisfaction.
Yes. This was how it should be. Everyone ought to bow their heads before him and present the Imperial Throne to him. Only then could he claim the highest, most noble seat in this kingdom and command all that lay within his grasp. He had labored for countless years toward this very day.
Swish.
Ui Gu Dae Gun extended his bloodstained hand. As An Heung Gun squeezed his eyes shut, Ui Gu Dae Gun emitted a hollow chuckle and pressed his palm against the pristine Silk Shirt.
“Brother, brother?”
Though Soon Heung Gun dared call out with trembling courage, Ui Gu Dae Gun didn’t even acknowledge him.
He wiped the blood from his palm across the white fabric. The once-immaculate silk garment was now stained with crimson streaks. The sight of An Heung Gun paralyzed by fear in stark contrast to Ui Gu Dae Gun calmly smearing his own blood across the shirt created a grotesque tableau.
“Uncle.”
From among those who had remained silent, a figure stepped forward—one possessed of a different sort of courage.
It was Gwang Pyeong Jung, a man of few words who rarely participated in such gatherings. His address caught even Ui Gu Dae Gun’s attention, his brows rising slightly.
“I believe it would be prudent to see to your wound first. The cut seems to be deepening.”
“Ah, Gwang Pyeong Jung. Indeed. Your wife’s family has been physicians for generations, haven’t they? It appears you’ve picked up something from observation and learning.”
Ui Gu Dae Gun smiled with only his lips. His cold eyes continued to study Gwang Pyeong Jung with an unsettling intensity.
“Then show me—what else have you learned from observing this moment?”
“I’m not certain what you mean, sir.”
Though his words had clearly been spoken from genuine concern, Ui Gu Dae Gun seized upon even this small opening and pressed in. An Heung Gun, closest to him, instinctively felt alarm at the sudden brightness in Ui Gu Dae Gun’s tone.
“To prevent my nephew from attempting anything foolish, what would you say is the first step?”
……
“Ah, it seems your learning is still incomplete.”
Ui Gu Dae Gun explained in a tone of gentle instruction.
“It’s simple, really. All that’s needed is to ensure my nephew can never covet the Imperial Throne, wouldn’t you agree?”
The blood-soaked palm had stopped oozing fresh blood, thanks to the pressure he’d maintained against the shirt. Yet the sharp, throbbing pain lingered stubbornly.
Ui Gu Dae Gun finally withdrew his hand from An Heung Gun’s chest, swallowing down his irritation. The glossy designer shirt, once pristine, now bore only the mark of Ui Gu Dae Gun’s vindictive satisfaction.
“I’d like you to handle this matter, Gwang Pyeong Jung. I would appreciate your assistance to this uncle of yours.”
“M-me, sir?”
“A man with a clean exterior draws less suspicion when he moves. Besides, this task won’t be difficult for you.”
The serpentine smile coaxing Gwang Pyeong Jung looked positively demonic. Gwang Pyeong Jung knew he’d stepped into a trap, yet he also knew there was no way out.
Gwang Pyeong Jung’s adam’s apple bobbed several times. Then, reluctantly, he nodded.
Ui Gu Dae Gun exhaled shortly, as if satisfied.
“Well then. Let’s start by disposing of that troublesome youngest first.”
Referring to his sole remaining full brother in such cheerful terms seemed excessive. Yet no one in the room dared contradict or stand against him.
The moment Ui Gu Dae Gun shifted his target, everyone present became equally insignificant—mere flies whose lives hung by a thread.
* * *
Staying at Deok Yu Dang didn’t mean life had become leisurely.
She simply didn’t attend to Dae Gun Gung matters; instead, she burned through the nights searching for evidence related to the Crown Prince incident and material that could serve as leverage over Ui Gu Dae Gun.
On top of that, word came that the Police Department had formally converted the TF Team into an official investigation unit last night. Since she still attended meetings frequently as an advisor to the investigation team, time had become precious.
“Hah…”
A final sigh escaped her lips.
Seok Chul diligently brought her documents every day. Since she’d entered Gyeonghuigung, he seemed to have cultivated another network—he’d even managed to obtain Grade 2 classified documents that were previously considered unobtainable.
“My lady.”
At the sound of someone calling her from outside, she set down her pen.
The palace attendants assigned to Deok Yu Dang had been carefully selected by the Empress herself. Perhaps for that reason, they were tight-lipped and moved with perfect composure.
If a maid would call during official work hours, it had to be something urgent. She finished her thought and spoke.
“What is it?”
“A visitor has arrived, my lady. Word came from Moo Deok Gate. What shall we do?”
A visitor?
Her mind raced quickly.
Even outside the palace, she didn’t receive many visitors.
Though her public recognition was high, her reputation within the Imperial Household wasn’t particularly favorable. And she had no friends among the non-royal classes either.
“What’s their name?”
Besides, anyone who hadn’t cleared Moo Deok Gate couldn’t be royalty.
She asked, half-doubtful. The maid’s answer came shortly.
“Kwon Tae O, my lady.”
Bang!
Without thinking, she brought her fist down. She struck the corner of the desk a glancing blow, and the pain was sharper than the sound.
‘Am I insane? Really? What if someone sees this!’
She kicked back from her chair, and her footsteps rang out louder and more chaotic than usual.
‘It has been a while, though.’
Amused at herself for feeling even a trace of joy in all this, she let out a small laugh.
“That’s my guest. Show him in, would you?”
In the end, as she prepared to receive her visitor, a deep sigh escaped her.
That detective who she hoped would stay within the palm of her hand was always someone who might leap elsewhere without warning. Though it was also true she’d gained help because of it.
Her conflicted heart swallowed annoyance and pain and welcome all at once.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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