CHAPTER 75
Footsteps echoed briskly behind him.
"Your Highness,"
Dohyun called, dramatically fanning himself.
"We've returned from our perilous mission."
Taejin followed, less theatrical but equally amused.
"And your man-to-be survived the fashion battlefield… barely."
Muwon turned toward them, hiding a smile.
"So? How did it go?"
Dohyun grinned wide, leaning in like he was about to share classified information.
"He nearly set a robe on fire just because I said crimson brought out his 'brooding energy.'"
Taejin laughed.
"That wasn't even the worst part. He wouldn't touch anything at first. Said everything looked too clean, like he was committing a crime by wearing it."
Muwon raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained.
"Did he at least pick something?"
Dohyun nodded proudly.
"After enough glaring and sighing, yes. Midnight blue. Gold trimming. Subtle but sharp. Matches his whole… dangerous enchantment aura."
Taejin added,
"He even admitted it looked nice. I almost dropped dead on the spot."
Muwon chuckled under his breath, the corner of his lips lifting into a soft smile.
"I can't wait to see him tonight."
Dohyun crossed his arms, smirking.
"You're really gone for him, huh?"
Muwon replied without hesitation,
"Completely."
Taejin grinned.
"Well, then brace yourself. He may not know how to walk in formal robes, but he'll definitely steal everyone's attention tonight… especially yours."
Dohyun bumped his shoulder against Muwon's.
"And if he trips on the carpet, just catch him like a hero in one of those tragic romance plays."
Muwon gave him a side-eye.
"He'll set me on fire if I do."
They all laughed.
Muwon looked up at the glowing sky, his expression thoughtful.
"Still… I want him to feel proud of himself. Even just a little. He deserves it."
Taejin patted him on the back.
"He'll know. Especially if he sees you watching him like you always do."
Inside Sihyun and Yuhyun's Chamber – Nightfall
The gentle hum of festive music drifted faintly through the palace halls, carried by the cool breeze of night. Inside the chamber, lantern light flickered across silk and gold-trimmed robes draped over a wooden stand.
Sihyun stood in front of the mirror, half-dressed, robe awkwardly draped over his shoulders, his hair slightly ruffled. His fingers trembled near the collar as he cursed under his breath.
He was clearly struggling.
Then the door creaked open.
Yuhyun stepped in, fully dressed in a modest but formal robe, his hair neatly tied and a small ornamental pin sitting on his collar. He paused in the doorway, blinking at the mess.
Sihyun's eyes lit up.
"Yuhyun!"
Without warning, he rushed over and hugged his twin tightly.
"I'm glad you came. Help me. Please."
Yuhyun blinked, surprised at first—then sighed dramatically, patting Sihyun's back.
"What now? You've fought soldiers, destroyed curses, and tossed a demon sorcerer across a ravine—but dressing for a feast is your downfall?"
Sihyun groaned, pulling back, robe slipping halfway off his shoulder.
"This isn't funny. Everyone's already dressed. Everyone's waiting. Staring."
He stepped away, hands gesturing wildly.
"I don't know how to behave. What if I trip? Or I say something wrong? Or someone spills wine on me—"
Yuhyun raised a brow, clearly holding back a laugh.
Sihyun shot him a sharp look.
"Don't."
Just then, there was a soft knock from outside.
A muffled voice followed.
"The royal feast is beginning. The king and guests are assembled."
The footsteps faded as quickly as they came.
Sihyun turned pale.
He began pacing, fingers clutching the fabric of his robe as if it were armor.
"Nope. Can't do it. This was a terrible idea. I'll just pretend to be sick. You go tell them I fainted or died or whatever."
Yuhyun chuckled, moving to stop his brother mid-pace.
"Sihyun."
"What?"
"You're going."
"No, I'm not."
Yuhyun grabbed the robe, flicked it straight, and began dressing his twin like an older brother would with a squirming toddler.
"You're going. Because if you don't, the prince's going to burst in here and carry you out himself."
Sihyun flushed.
"He wouldn't."
Yuhyun smirked.
"He would. And he'd enjoy every second."
With that, he finished tying the sash around Sihyun's waist. He stepped back and looked him over with pride.
"There. Now you look like the sorcerer who saved the entire kingdom."
Sihyun shifted uncomfortably.
"Do I have to talk to everyone?"
"Just don't curse anyone and you'll be fine."
"…No promises."
Palace Hallway, Leading to the Banquet Hall
The polished floor shimmered under the lanterns that lined the wide corridor. Laughter and music swelled faintly from ahead, where two tall doors stood shut—guarded and gilded, glowing like the entrance to another world.
Sihyun's steps were slow and reluctant, his fingers clutching tightly onto Yuhyun's sleeve like a child about to be left in an unfamiliar place.
"You're walking too fast…"
Yuhyun glanced back at him with a smile, adjusting his pace.
"You're walking like we're heading to an execution."
"It feels like one."
"You faced an army once. This is just a room full of wine, food, and people who want to cheer your name."
"Exactly. They'll be looking at me. Talking to me."
Yuhyun stopped just a few steps from the banquet door, turning fully to face him.
"Look… You don't have to be anything special tonight. Just be Sihyun. That's more than enough. You didn't survive all this just to hide in a hallway."
Sihyun's eyes flicked to the closed doors, then down to his feet. His hand still clung to Yuhyun's sleeve like a lifeline.
"You'll stay close, right?"
Yuhyun gave a firm nod.
"Always."
A beat of silence passed, then Sihyun nodded, loosening his grip slightly but still keeping contact—like letting go, but not entirely.
Sihyun mutter
"You're better at this than me anyway… you should've been the one getting honored."
"Maybe. But you're the one who burned like a comet. Everyone just finally sees it."
Sihyun looked at him—really looked—and smiled faintly, nervous but grateful.
From inside the banquet hall, a voice called loudly, announcing:
"Presenting the honored guest…
Sihyun of the Moon."
The doors opened slowly, light and warmth pouring into the corridor.
Yuhyun nudged Sihyun's back gently.
"Ready?"
Sihyun inhaled deeply, straightened his shoulders, and took one step forward…
Still holding onto Yuhyun's sleeve.