CHAPTER 80: CHAPTER 80: ANYTHING TO MAKE HIM CHEAT

Min-jae’s lips quirked into a faint smile. "Taller than most men.." he said evenly. "Even Jahan is only an inch or two taller than me."

The round-faced sister laughed. "Well, that settles it! You’re not as intimidating as we imagined."

-_-

When did he ever look intimidating?

"You’re lucky.." Min-jae replied dryly. "Most people would be disappointed."

The third sister, quieter but sharp-eyed, leaned in. "And tell us, why are you here? Surely not just to see Jahan?"

Min-jae shook his head. "I’ve come to explore the pleasures of Abdel-shafi.." he said vaguely, "And also... to visit a friend."

Tariq, leaning back with his nose in the air, let out a low scoff. "Ah, how novel..." he said, eyes narrowing. "I suppose Jahan sees something... special in you."

-_-

Min-jae met his glare without flinching. "I’m sure he does.." he said evenly. "Though I wouldn’t assume it makes me deserving of approval from everyone."

Tariq’s smirk tightened, a brittle thing. "Approval? I give that sparingly. Especially to people who arrive unannounced, thinking they can simply stroll into my home without consequence."

-_-

Sure, it’s not like I need your approval. You can take it your grave for all I care.

Min-jae inclined his head slightly, deliberately slow, calm. "Unannounced, yes. But I’m hardly here to ask for anyone’s permission. Only to see a friend."

The prince’s eyes flicked with irritation, but he didn’t look away. "A friend? You certainly have a way of showing respect for others’ households."

Min-jae’s gaze sharpened trying to hide the way his eye twitched. "Respect isn’t measured by flattery, nor by pretending to be taller than everyone else in the room." He let the words linger, even as Tariq’s jaw tightened.

The tension in the hall was thick, charged like a string pulled taut. Neither spoke for a heartbeat, letting the silent standoff hold the room’s attention.

The tension in the room eased slightly as the king cleared his throat, trying to bridge the lingering awkwardness. He leaned back in his chair, a wide grin spreading across his face. "So... you are married, yes? Children?" he asked, his tone warm but teasing.

Min-jae shifted slightly, feeling the attention settle on him, and gave a small, polite nod. "Yes, we just got married. No plans for children right now, perhaps in a few years."

The queen laughed, the sound bright and full. "After raising children for two decades," she said, shaking her head with mock exasperation, "I would not encourage anyone to have one just yet. They are so... persistent."

Min-jae chuckled, the awkwardness tightening around his chest. Of course, with both him and Meical being men, children weren’t exactly on the immediate horizon, but he played along. "Understood.." he said lightly, trying to meet the humor with his own.

Why was everyone so interested in marriage? He didn’t want to be reminded about the dumb husband he left at home.

The king clapped his hands together, a booming laugh following. "Well then! You and your family are always welcome in Abdel-shafi. My doors are open at any time. You must visit again, bring your wife too. We shall make a proper feast of it!"

Jahan sniggered when he heard his father say wife, both he and Kaizar knew who exactly was the wife in the relationship.

-_-

Min-jae smiled awkwardly, the weight of diplomacy and politeness keeping him in check, though a part of him still wanted to disappear into a quiet corner.

Jahan, noticing the shift, stepped closer with that signature mischievous grin. "All right, enough of formalities for now..m" he said, a hand on Min-jae’s shoulder. "I’ve introduced you to my family, no need to linger. Come with me."

Min-jae arched an eyebrow. "And where exactly are we going this time?"

Jahan’s grin widened, a gleam in his eye. "To meet my women."

-_-

Min-jae blinked, caught somewhere between curiosity and a very faint trepidation, the corners of his mouth twitching as he tried not to let his expression betray him. "Your... women?" he asked, voice even but cautious.

"Yes.." Jahan said, chuckling at the subtle note of disbelief. "They’ve been eager to meet you. Think of it as... a special introduction. Don’t worry, I warned them you are married. I would not allow anything... improper."

Min-jae shook his head slightly, half laughing, half incredulous. "I suppose this counts as an adventure.." he muttered, adjusting the folds of his fine silks.

Jahan clapped him lightly on the back. "Adventure is the only way to travel through Abdel-shafi properly.." he said, leading the way through the long corridors of the palace, the sunlight streaming through the stained glass and casting multicolored patterns across the polished floors.

Min-jae followed, glancing around at the lavish details, the intricate mosaics, the hanging lanterns, and the subtle scent of incense drifting from side chambers.

The palace, alive with sound and movement, was nothing like the calm of Aldoria, yet the energy was invigorating in a way he couldn’t deny.

Guess if I don’t cheat, Jahan won’t let me off.

Jahan paused at the door to a private wing, turning to him with a teasing smile. "Ready for this?"

Min-jae exhaled quietly, straightening his back. "I suppose I have no choice."

With that, Jahan pushed open the doors, revealing a room filled with laughter, soft music, and an air of lively expectancy. Min-jae stepped inside, heart pounding faintly, aware that this next encounter would be as unusual as it was unpredictable.

The women inside looked up and greeted him warmly, a few with playful bows, others with curious glances. Min-jae gave a polite nod in return, keeping his composure as best he could. He knew very well where his thoughts lingered and it wasn’t on the colorful display before him.

As Jahan closed the door behind them, he leaned close and whispered with a grin, "Relax. You’re safe here. Think of it as... a welcome, nothing more scandalous than it needs to be."

-_-

Yeah right.

Min-jae let out a quiet laugh, the tension easing just enough to let him breathe. "I’ll trust you on that.." he replied, though a small, skeptical smile lingered on his lips.

Min-jae was gently guided to a chair, one positioned close to Jahan, whose presence made the seat feel less intimidating than it might have otherwise.

The floor beneath them was polished wood, and the light filtered through the tall windows, casting warm patterns that flickered with the movement of the women.

As the musicians began to play, a delicate, lilting melody, the women stepped forward.

Their robes swayed with every motion, the fabrics catching the light, glimmering as they moved. Min-jae’s eyes flicked across the room, noticing the subtle grace in their steps, the way they moved in perfect harmony with the rhythm.