Chapter Text
The first time he met that man was when he was tasked to collect some raw materials on behalf of the royal advisor.
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“Hey—can you get me some materials from this area on the map? I’m busy” Sooyoung told him as she readjusted her coat, shoving him a handwritten map with the paper looking like it was torn from one of the books in the office and headed towards the door in the office. It was obvious she was off to have a make out session with the librarian. Joonghyuk didn’t even bother asking, just sighed deeply and followed in her direction until they had to part at the gates. It wasn’t like he had a buttload of work to do, there were fewer papers to sign and look through today so it wasn’t impossible.
Before leaving the castle grounds, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a vial of cloudy purple potion. He stared at it for a moment, his expression unreadable, then downed it in one go with the practiced ease of someone who’d done this way too many times. The magic slid over his skin, dulling the sharpness of his features, muting the telltale glint in his eyes, even changing the scent of his own slightly..
Now he looked like any other citizen. Average height, average face, completely ordinary. Perfect for avoiding the inevitable swarm of admirers who liked to throw extravagant gifts at him like he was some kind of deity.
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After what felt like hours of riding on the horse, Joonghyuk finally reached the shop. His legs were aching as he hopped off the animal, that was now kicking it’s hooves on the pathway. It was located on the outskirts of the city where it was surrounded by nothing but nature. Was it even considered a shop?No, it was certainly a house. A short set of steps led up to a wooden door. On it were unevenly carved letters, written: ‘Home sweet home’.
Joonghyuk stared at it for a long second.
Did Han Sooyoung send him the wrong address again?
He could already hear her voice in his head— “Trust me, it’s legit. Totally worth it. A lot of people say that it’s a hidden gem.”
A hidden gem? Yeah right, if it was anymore hidden, this would be pocketed in another dimension. There were no traces of human beings apart from the house itself.
He approached the door, boots softly creaking on the wooden floor, and gave the wood a cautious knock.
Silence.
Then, something creaked inside followed with the soft sound of an object hitting the ground.
Joonghyuk’s hand instinctively hovered near his sword, just in case. Sooyoung’s idea of “worth it” most likely involved danger, excessive loud noises, or mild psychological trauma.
The door creaked open by an inch. No one appeared in the doorway.
He frowned. “I’m here to pick up materials on behalf of Royal Advisor Han Sooyoung.”
More silence.
Then, a voice from the inside, quiet and oddly cheerful. “Come in, esteemed guest. I’ve been expecting you.”
Joonghyuk blinked.
Okay. That was never a good sign.