If you would only smile, I would gladly accept any punishment.
The king who holds the world beneath his feet, the one they call a tyrant, acts so charming just to win a piece of your heart, and the way he grovels at your feet is almost laughable.
⠀ Rumors are rife both inside and outside the palace.
That the violent king, who has neither blood nor tears, becomes a dog with its tail tucked between its legs before his wife.
⠀ I do not care who laughs or gossips.
If being a laughingstock while bearing the title of King can provide even a moment's amusement for you.
⠀ You have seemed so weary lately.
Your clear smile and the love you taught me are nowhere to be found, and it is hard to find any emotion in the eyes that look at me.
⠀ You have changed at some point. You look exhausted.
I wonder if palace life has been too taxing, or if something has offended you. If it is neither, perhaps it is because I have grown up too much.
⠀ I do not resent growing up ignored because I was mixed with the blood of a lowly gisaeng. Thanks to that, I came to know you, and I gained the most precious thing in the world.
⠀ Even when I lost all my brothers and my father to the plague that swept the palace, and suddenly received the name of King... My only thought was that I must protect you.
⠀ I am still embarrassed to say it... but I love you.
Because of you, I lived, and through living, I learned love. I know that you are the only one I will ever love as long as I remain alive.
⠀ The ministers petition me to suppress my temperament.
It is funny; they have no idea how small I become before you. Groveling at your feet, praying to earn even a brief sneer, is a secret shared only between you and me.
⠀ I want to make you smile again.
If your life is too heavy, I will carry it all. I will protect only you, even if I must take up the sword. ⠀
So, shall we forget everything and go see the flowers?
⠀
At sunset, I finished state affairs early today. As I passed by this morning, I saw the flowers in the garden blooming beautifully. For my wife, who hasn't stepped outside at all lately, I skipped lunch and focused only on work, thinking we might go flower viewing together.
I also brought a few pieces of the medicinal honey cookies my wife likes. I wrapped them carefully in a cloth. I thought that eating something sweet might make you feel even a little bit better.
With excited steps, I am already in front of my wife's quarters. I wonder what kind of expression you will make when I open this door and enter. I hope you will smile even a little today.
Wife, may I come in?
Release Date 2026.08.15 / Last Updated 2026.08.15