Let's Not Write A Novel Recklessly - Chapter 3
CHAPTER 3 – THE POISONED OFFICIAL
Two days later, having gained some familiarity with the world of the novel, Tae-ram, and Se-ho gathered to organize their story before the next event.
The prince’s room was more ornate than the guest room Tae-ram was used to, especially with a small fountain in the center, which gave Tae-ram a culture shock. On top of that, it was incredibly clean. Is this a model home or what? There’s not a speck of dust. Compared to his room, which he cleaned every day, he was in awe.
“Are you obsessed with cleanliness?”
“You’re the dirty one. Cut the crap and come over here. Let’s get the basics out of the way first, shall we make a simple map?”
Tae-ram was stunned by Se-ho’s words.
“…Is that necessary?”
“Of course.”
Se-ho dragged Tae-ram over to a desk with paper and pen and sat him down in a chair. He drew a large circle on the paper and labeled it the Kingdom of Runever.
“We’ll center it around here and mark the major countries, and you can do the rest.”
“That’s….”
Tae-ram looked at Se-ho with a puzzled expression.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t have anything specific in mind, other than the Runever Empire.”
“…Or at least the names of the neighboring countries.”
“Not really. There’s always a neighboring country, a country with developed commerce, a country with lots of resources…. and so on.”
“Are you sure you don’t….”
The sound of clenched teeth could be heard from Se-ho, an eerie sound that made Tae-ram suddenly become more polite.
“You, you’re hurting your teeth.”
“Does it matter now?”
“Don’t get too upset. In the first place, this novel was just a lighthearted joke with Min-ah.”
“I’m not angry.”
“Then don’t say it through clenched teeth… Did I know this would happen?”
Their voices slowly escalated.
“If you can’t remember a single setting, why are you making a big deal about it?”
“Even if I did, we wouldn’t be able to use it!”
“Even if you don’t write detailed settings, country names are basic!”
“So what! The last time turned out just fine, didn’t it!”
“Improvisation is not a good thing, that’s why we’re in this mess.”
“Can’t you call it flexible? It’s just quickly adapting to the trends!”
Not long into the conversation, the two glared at each other and growled.
Meanwhile, Tae-ram was feeling a little frustrated, angry, and on the verge of tears. He’s the senior, but he didn’t lose a word. He can’t wait to go back.
Seeing Tae-ram like that, Se-ho’s heart was weakened, so he reached out a hand of reconciliation.
“Haa…. we’ve been talking too much. Let’s organize the characters first, it’ll help you too.”
“…Okay, I’ll organize it.”
“I’ll write it down, and you can tell me.”
“So there’s a priest and a dragon. Oh, and there’s a demon.”
“Don’t just blurt it out, organize it properly!”
“You’re yelling at me again for doing it wrong, it’s so annoying.”
“Why don’t you speak nicer?”
“You’re being sarcastic!”
The peace lasted less than 10 seconds. The two continued to argue back and forth for a while before reaching a lull.
“Just write it.”
Se-ho handed Tae-ram a piece of paper and a quill pen, almost tossing it. Tae-ram took the pen, wincing at the thought of being stabbed by it.
“Thank you so much.”
“Name, age, race, personality, relationship to the main character, relationship to Prince Kirik. I think that should be enough. Please write in the order of appearance.”
Whether Tae-ram was being sarcastic or not, Se-ho only said what he had to say. Tired of arguing, Tae-ram nodded wordlessly.
“Some of them don’t even have an age.”
“That’s lame.”
“What did you say?”
“Nothing, just write what you think.”
Tae-ram was motivated by Se-ho’s dismissive tone. He wanted to surprise him by writing it to the end, so he used his anger as fuel to start writing the setting. Se-ho watched him like an editor watching a novelist on a deadline. Tae-ram felt overwhelmed, but he persevered.
* * *
Characters of “The Delicious Man”
Kirik Lu Persian. Swordmaster. Human, 23 years old. Third Prince of the Runever Empire. The youngest Swordmaster and the leading contender for the crown. He has a caring personality but can be domineering towards the main character.
Fran. Yandere. Human, 25 years old. Deputy official of the God Lian. Since childhood, he has wielded divine power and holds a prestigious position that cannot be taken lightly, even by other countries. He is gentle and kind to the main character but aggressive and sharp-tongued towards others. He has a particularly strained relationship with Prince Kirik and frequently gets into fights. He has attempted several assassinations.
Kairan. The massive hound. Dragon Lord. Age undetermined. Trained as a court mage. Possesses magical powers unrivaled among dragons. Pure and innocent personality. Fell in love at first sight with the main character, who has a special spirit soul. Neither good nor bad with Prince Kirik. Almost accidentally kills the prince in the second half due to a failure to control his magic.
Lucias. The beloved enemy. Demon King. 4266 years old. Tired of living and waiting for the day to die. Blunt, but kind-hearted personality. Has little contact with Prince Kirik, but fights for his life in the final episode at the Demon King’s castle.
* * *
There were quite a few parts that he couldn’t remember, but Tae-ram was proud of himself; he felt like he did a good job. Tae-ram handed the settings to Se-ho.
“Hey. I’m done.”
“Let me see.”
Se-ho pored over Tae-ram’s settings. As time passed, Se-ho’s face hardened.
“There’s a lot I want to say, but…. I’ll just ask one thing: How the hell does the prince survive?”
As the main ball, the prince was attacked indiscriminately like a neighborhood drum. Tae-ram felt unnecessarily sorry for him, so he explained as gently as he could.
“He comes close to death a few times, but he survives with his abilities. Rest assured, he’s the strongest among humans.”
“That’s not true if you include extraterrestrials.”
“Yeah, but… He’s still alive, he’s just struggling a bit.”
“That’s putting it mildly for something that could mean my life or death. Can you think of anything else?”
Tae-ram racked his brains, but his settings were limited.
“… I didn’t expect much. But there are things I’ve learned during the past few days while being Prince Kirik.”
His jaw dropped. Tae-ram was furious, but he felt sorry for him, so he kept quiet.
“What is that?”
“The scope of the setting. I inherited Prince Kirik’s knowledge, so I was able to fulfill his duties with ease. Did anything change for you?”
The main character was a college student who, like Tae-ram, had suddenly fallen into a fantasy world.
“Nothing has changed… I’ve become illiterate.”
“Illiterate?”
“I tried to read a novel at the library, but I didn’t recognize the characters at all.”
“It appeared naturally to me like Korean script, so I didn’t notice.”
“The main character is incompetent. Isn’t it a good thing that he can at least speak?”
After hearing Tae-ram’s words, Se-ho, who had been lost in thought for a while, spoke up.
“Please call the yellow creature. I want to know the details of the prince’s abilities.” “You can call him.”
“If I call it, it won’t appear.”
Se-ho replied bluntly.
“Is the yellow one very busy?”
Tae-ram felt a faint sense of guilt looking at Se-ho’s depleted energy. Well, he guess it’s not surprising he wouldn’t feel happy when he might die at any moment. Tae-ram wanted to cooperate with Se-ho as much as possible to lift his spirits. So, he immediately called the yellow creature.
“I’ll try. Yellow!”
[What?]
“You came?”
“Why only me….”
[You just dealt with my alter ego. It’s hurt.]
Se-ho says he threw Yellow out the window the first time he saw him.
“Isn’t it natural for anyone to be surprised when a talking bird appears?”
Tae-ram quickly silenced Se-ho. He didn’t want to lose him. Tae-ram coaxed the yellow creature with all kinds of cuteness and asked for permission.
“I didn’t do anything wrong. Tell me. Okay?”
[…Okay, okay.]
Yellow’s fluffy cheeks turned bright red. Tae-ram smiled triumphantly, thinking he had done something cute. Se-ho looked at him pitifully.
“I want to know all of Prince Kirik’s abilities.”
[It would take too much time to tell you all of Prince Kirik’s abilities. I’ll summarize it for you: power beyond mortal proportions. He’s about to surpass Swordmaster and become a Grandmaster. And an intellect beyond most court scholars, especially when it comes to magecraft].
“What a cheat. I envy you. What about me? Don’t I have any useful abilities like him?”
[You can feel things better than others, and you can tighten things up.]
“In other words, you can attract men.”
“You’re analyzing that again!”
Tae-ram’s insides burned. It was a fantasy world, and the ability was crap. What kind of a bastard was he to set up such a crappy ability! …Oh that’s him. Damn it.
Seeing Tae-ram in distress, Se-ho said quietly.
“If you want, I can change it for you.”
Tae-ram shut his mouth coldly. No matter how capable he was, his life was constantly threatened, and he didn’t want to fight dragons or demons.
[If there are no more questions, I’ll leave.]
“Thank you!”
As a token of his gratitude, Tae-ram patted Yellow on the head. The creature spun around the room a few times in a happy mood, then disappeared with a bang.
“Are you like that with strange creatures you’ve never seen before….”
“What?”
“…No.”
Se-ho looked even worse. Tae-ram decided that Se-ho had become depressed because he realized the gravity of the situation. Even with his abilities, he’s still going to suffer, and it’s not pleasant to think that he might die. He’ll comfort him as much as he can.
“I understand you’re depressed, I guess I’ve been too unmerciful to Prince Kirik as the main character.”
“That’s not the only reason.”
“Then?”
“Never mind, just don’t let it bother you.”
“It’s also my business.”
“It’s no one else’s business.”
Though disappointed, seeing Se-ho’s dark mood, Tae-ram felt more sorry for him. Should he try to lighten the mood with a joke?
“That…. should I have asked Yellow what happens if you die here?”
“Why would you ask that!”
“I was just wondering what would happen if you died.”
“Don’t be an asshole!”
Se-ho scowled. Tae-ram thought it was a sign that Se-ho had gotten up the nerve to get angry.
“I’m just kidding, I don’t want that to happen, and I’ll cooperate as much as I can.”
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
Se-ho said in a softer voice.
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Because in the future, you might have to be romantically involved with someone you don’t want.”
“Are you worried about me?”
Se-ho was silent again. Tae-ram grumbled inwardly, annoyed that Se-ho was only silent when he was inconvenienced. Still, he was grateful that he was thinking of him.
“I never really thought about it, but….”
As the main character, Tae-ram might have to engage in affectionate acts with other men. However, he realized that he hadn’t felt uncomfortable with the actions he had taken with Se-ho so far.
Did he have a calibrated mind, which would be scary, or was he just okay with guys?
He admits that he wasn’t uninterested, but.…
He was a little confused, but Tae-ram quickly answered.
“Not really… I don’t think it’s a problem?”
Se-ho felt his heart tighten as he watched Tae-ram say it was okay so casually. The thought of Tae-ram entangled with another man made him uncomfortable. The sharp words slipped out of his mouth.
“Well, you’re a senior who even has skinship with an unidentified creature, so I guess I worried for nothing.”
The warm atmosphere flew away in an instant and turned cold. Tae-ram didn’t understand. He hated Se-ho a little bit for being such a lone wolf, even though he cared for him.
“Why are you getting mad again?” “
What do you mean!”
“Look, you’re acting weird even now. I understand you’re frustrated, but don’t take it out on me.” “
I haven’t done such a thing.”
“Lee Se-ho, let’s talk…”
“If you like getting close to guys so much, go ahead and do that.”
It was impossible for Tae-ram, who was naturally short-tempered, to let such an argument pass.
“Don’t cross the line. Do you want me to hit you?”
“Does the senior want to pick a fight with me?”
Se-ho grinned wickedly and looked down at Tae-ram.
“Hey!”
“Or maybe you’d rather act cute with me.”
“I’d rather get close to a guy I’ve never seen before than deal with you!”
“Shut up!”
“Why, it’s a mouth that’s pierced to talk. Don’t hate it!”
Se-ho covered Tae-ram’s mouth with his lips. He was so feverish, he didn’t realize what he was doing; he just wanted to shut him up right now.
Tae-ram was distracted by the feel of Se-ho’s tongue forcing its way between their lips. This is crazy. Now that he’s consciously aware that he’s the main character, it feels even better.
Se-ho’s aggressive tongue skillfully explored Tae-ram’s mouth, gently teasing the roof of his mouth and making him unable to resist. Tae-ram could only passively accept it.
“This is the punishment for pissing someone off.”
With that, Se-ho set his teeth on Tae-ram’s swollen lips and bit down hard.
He tasted blood. Tae-ram was embarrassed. Did he just taste blood?
“The next event in the story is the king’s birthday, which is about three days away. In the meantime, I will familiarize myself with this body’s abilities.”
Se-ho slammed the door and left the room before Tae-ram had a chance to respond, and once he was gone, Tae-ram sank back in his chair, tensed. Was Amil there? Or even if he wasn’t, how could he bite someone? What the hell was that?
Even if he wanted to ask, the person had already left the room.
“…But this is your room.”
With no one to hear, Tae-ram’s last words rang hollow.
* * *
The day of the king’s birthday party finally arrived. Since the morning, there had been a commotion in Tae-ram’s room. The maids burst in, led by Amil.
“Prince Kirik has sent this for you.”
“Ah… Come in.”
In a flash, he was stripped of his nightwear and washed. Tae-ram, still groggy from sleep, offered little protest. By the time he woke up to their synchronized movements, it was all over.
“You look even more beautiful today.”
Amil smiled with satisfaction and nudged Tae-ram toward the mirror, the maids beside him chiming in with approval. Well-groomed hair and neatly pressed uniforms. It was different from the usual.
Well, it’s still weird to be called beautiful. If they said handsome, it would be fine. But at least it’s not an excessive frill or pumpkin pants.
“Where is Prince Kirik?”
“He said he would go to the banquet hall first.”
“I see…”
Tae-ram’s irritation spiked at Amil’s words. Se-ho hadn’t visited him once since that day. How petty. He expected him to go to the banquet hall alone? What is he doing, not escorting the main character in his own story?
At the king’s birthday party, the main character meets Fran for the first time, and even though Kirik’s presence wasn’t crucial for the storyline, he couldn’t help feeling hurt. Honestly, he still didn’t know what he did wrong that day.
As Tae-ram’s expression grew increasingly menacing, Amil glanced around cautiously and spoke carefully.
“Mr. Tae-ram, you look uncomfortable. Have I done something rude? If you let me know, I’ll make it right.”
“No, I was thinking of something else for a moment.”
“Or perhaps you have something to say to Prince Kirik….”
Tae-ram forced a smile to reassure Amil; he didn’t want him to think that Prince Kirik and Tae-ram had fallen out. The jewel might turn black in an instant.
“I’m just a little tired. Thank you for your help this morning.”
“No, it’s our job. I’ll take my leave now.”
With Amil gone and nothing else to do, Tae-ram flopped back down on the bed.
There was still time before the birthday party.
Free time passed, and his eyes were gently closed.
After dozing for a while, he woke up. When he opened his eyes, it was dark outside.
“The banquet hall! The birthday party! Oh, damn it…”
The meeting with Fran was a major event. If he let it slide, he might have to live in a book forever. It was horrible to think about. Tae-ram jumped to his feet and hurried out of the door, sprinting down the royal hallway toward the banquet hall.
He was in the middle of a run, his feet working hard. A harsh, screeching sound assaulted his ears.
“Stop! Get out of the way!”
A heavily laden cart was about to crash into him from the opposite direction.
No, wait. This wasn’t a servant’s corridor, was it? Could it be because of the force?
It happened so suddenly that he couldn’t react. He cursed under his breath and squeezed his eyes shut.
Damn it! Why did he take a nap? This is all because of Lee Se-ho, who neglected him! If he dies, he’ll come looking for him and haunt him! He should have asked Yellow what happens if he dies here!
Why doesn’t it hurt? It was strange. Even after waiting for a long time, it didn’t hurt.
When he opened his eyes, Tae-ram was wrapped in the arms of a mysterious man. It was the so-called princess hug.
“Are you okay?”
Lightly wavy mint-colored hair and deep green eyes. He was a beautiful man with lightly pigmented skin. His clean-cut, gentle features were somehow familiar. Without realizing it, Tae-ram said his name.
“…Fran?”
“Do you know me?”
Seeing the bewilderment on his face, Tae-ram thought he was screwed. It was the kind of thing anyone would do when someone they haven’t seen in their hometown in five years blurted out their name.
Well, what excuse should he come up with? Should he say he heard it through rumors? But according to the setting, no, actually, it hasn’t even been a week since he came here.
After much deliberation, Tae-ram decided to act brazenly.
“Thank you. Now please put me down.”
He was still uncomfortable in Fran’s arms.
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
Fran unwrapped his arms and gently lowered Tae-ram to the ground. Fran’s face was flushed red, like autumn leaves. He didn’t know if it was the main character’s power or not, but Tae-ram felt a tingle. This guy, Fran. He’s already falling for him. No, he hasn’t even done anything.
Tae-ram smiled at Fran for confirmation.
“Thank you for your help, if it wasn’t for you, I probably would have been badly hurt.”
“Oh, no, I’m glad you’re okay.”
Predictably, Fran’s hands clenched and unclenched, as if he didn’t know what to do.
Tae-ram was sure. He didn’t know what the hell it was, but Fran was already over it. Was this the setup buff?
“I’m sorry. I almost got you hurt.”
“No, you didn’t, it’s a priest’s duty to help those in need.”
Fran, unlike anyone else Tae-ram had met in this world, was gentle and emitted a pleasant aura. He looked even more beautiful than Tae-ram had imagined.
Maybe it’s not so bad to be in a novel? No, no, no! He should not think like this. But is it okay to meet Fran like this? He was supposed to meet him in the banquet hall… He’ll have to check the book. He doesn’t want the jewel to get cloudy…
Tae-ram’s mind raced. He could already picture Se-ho’s face as he glared at him with the tarnished jewel.
“Are you hurt anywhere? You should go get treated. Would you like to come to our temple?”
“I’m fine, I just had a little something to think about.”
“I’m glad to hear that, but….”
Fran looks at Tae-ram with concern in his eyes. Tae-ram felt that his eyes meant something.
“The servant who caused the accident got away.”
Fran’s gentle voice suddenly turned cold. Tae-ram was about to assume he hadn’t seen him.
“It’s okay, it’s been a busy day, he must have been distracted.”
It was true that the servant’s carelessness had nearly killed him, but no matter how he thought about it, it felt like an accident caused by force. Thinking about it, the servant felt more like a victim. It’s a sorry thing to take someone’s job.…
“I was careless, too.”
Tae-ram tried to smile.
“Still, you almost got yourself seriously hurt, and I don’t think we should let that go at all.”
“I’m not hurt, so that’s that.”
“I think the servant should get what he deserves.”
Fran’s mood turned cold. He was forced to face the truth he’d been trying so hard to avoid. It wasn’t an illusion after all.
“What if I say it’s okay?”
“It’s the law.”
Fran’s face was grim like he was about to beat someone with a law book.
“Fran, you chose to serve God because you don’t trust humans, so why would you want to follow a law made by humans?”
Fran was momentarily speechless.
How did he know why he chose to become a priest? He’d never told anyone, but.…
An adorable-looking man whom he saved. His small, lightweight body fits easily in his arms. He felt an inexplicable sense of contentment as he held his body. It was the strangest sensation he had ever felt in his life.
He couldn’t stop thinking about the man in front of him.
“Anyway, I’m not from Runever, so I’ll forgive the servant as I please. Can’t you do the same, Fran… Fran?”
Fran, who had been dazed by Tae-ram’s words, stammered as if he had just been thawed.
“Ah… I mean… If you don’t mind, I’d like to know your name.”
“I’m Han Tae-ram.”
“Tae-ram… Han Tae-ram. That’s an exotic name.”
“Haha… I do come from a very far place.”
“It suits you very well.”
Looking at Fran’s cloud-like smile, Tae-ram felt a tickle in his heart.
A beautiful man like a lily! Fran, his boy. He’s so handsome. Why did he do that? He shouldn’t have put that setting in. Remembering Fran’s hidden setting, Tae-ram felt a pang of regret.
“Oh! By the way, I want to show my gratitude, but I don’t have anything to offer right now.”
“That’s perfectly fine.”
“Still, I’d like to repay you, even if it’s just a small thing.”
“…If that’s the case, can I call you Tae-ram? Please feel free to call me Fran, as you did earlier.”
“Yes, that would be great. Take care, Fran.”
Warm air enveloped the two of them.
“By the way, I have one question for you.”
“What is it?”
“You said you’re not from this country, so when did you come here?”
“About a week ago.”
“How did you know me from the beginning?”
Tae-ram suddenly felt the genre change from romance to detective.
“I heard rumors.”
“I don’t doubt it, but I haven’t been in Runever in five years. And I just returned to the capital recently. You’re telling me that within a week of arriving here, you already heard stories about someone who hasn’t been in Runever for five years?”
The look in Fran’s eyes as he looked at Tae-ram was full of fondness, but there was also a little bit of depth. He tried to brush it off, but Fran was sharp. Caught off guard, Tae-ram quickly came up with an excuse.
“It’s just that… Prince Kirik told me, and I owe him a favor right now.”
Fran seemed somewhat convinced by Tae-ram’s lame answer.
“I see. Prince Kirik, the third prince. I haven’t met him, but I’ve heard rumors about him.”
“Yes, he has told me a lot about this place, which I knew nothing about.”
“I take it you have a good relationship?”
“He’s probably the one I rely on the most.”
“Most? I’m jealous, I’d love to get to know Tae-ram better too….”
Fran was still smiling, but it was chilly. Tae-ram was struck with an uneasiness he didn’t recognize.
“Well, from now on, we can get to know each other better! You’ll be staying here for a while, right?”
“Yes, I’ll be here. Please take care of me, Tae-ram.”
Fran’s smile was as beautiful as ever.
“I’m sorry, but I think I’d better get going.”
“I guess I’ve been holding on to you too much, you can go.”
“Sure. Tae-ram. May Lian bless you.”
After speaking, Fran lightly kissed Tae-ram’s forehead before disappearing in an instant, enveloped in a mass of holy light.
A soft touch, warmth still lingering. The faint waft of Fran’s body scent. Tae-ram’s face flushed as unfamiliar sensations returned one by one.
It smells like mint.
* * *
Having accomplished his goal of meeting Fran, Tae-ram headed back to his room, but just in case, he made his way to the banquet hall.
He thought he’d go get a bite to eat and watch Se-ho work. He also wanted to settle the cold war with Se-ho. After the banquet, he thought they could talk about it.
“Ah! Before I go in, I should check the book….”
He summoned the book, and to his relief, the brightness of the gem remained the same. It seems that major events don’t necessarily happen in a fixed place. This new information made him feel a little excited.
Entering the banquet hall, Tae-ram could see Se-ho bustling about, dancing skillfully with this woman, that woman, and even a man. The young ladies and young men at his side were all gorgeous.
Tae-ram knew this was what a prince was supposed to do, but he felt a pit in his stomach. An inexplicable irritation surged through him as he watched.
He should have gone back to his room and gotten some sleep. He should have enjoyed the feast. Ignoring the nagging feeling, Tae-ram shoveled food into his mouth like a hamster preparing for winter. All of it tasted like something he’d never tasted in his life: rancid.
While he was abusing himself by forcing down the food, a hooded man approached him. Unlike the royalty and nobility gathered here, he had a free-spirited gait and a rough, energetic air, as if he were a mercenary. In a booming voice, the man handed Tae-ram a glass.
“Drink this. It’s delicious!”
Inside the glass was a drink that glowed iridescently. Swept up in the momentum, Tae-ram stiffened and accepted the drink from the man.
“Thank you.”
The drink had an intense sour odor that went beyond refreshing and made him salivate. Should he drink this?
“It’s okay, it’s not poisoned, drink it.”
With that, the man began to gulp down the same drink that Tae-ram was holding. His gulps were rhythmic, almost cheerful. As he watched, Tae-ram plucked up the courage to take a sip.
“…Delicious.”
The sweet and sour fruit flavor spread in his mouth.
“It was pitiful that you thought it was tasteless and yet you scooped it up so ignorantly. What’s wrong with you, humans are so strange.”
The big guy talks a little too much. Tae-ram laughed softly, contrary to his inner thoughts.
“You make it sound like you’re not human.”
“Neither are you. Your soul is foreign and unusual, at least not of this world.”
The man’s casual tone made Tae-ram’s heart sink.
“Oh. No. What are you talking about all of a sudden?”
“It doesn’t matter if you hide it, I can see it. Your soul is from another dimension, and I can feel its presence.”
He’s the only wizard who can see souls. No, but… Why is he already here?
Confused, Tae-ram studied the man in front of him more closely. Red hair that stuck out like a sore thumb. Red eyes as round as coins and filled with mischief. Small fangs that conclusively marked him as a member of the dragon clan. Everywhere he looked, it was Kairan.
Kairan leaned in close to Tae-ram, who was lost in thought.
“You look very confused. Is it because of me?”
Kairan’s sullen face filled Tae-ram’s vision.
Se-ho, with his strong and cool demeanor. Fran is neat and beautiful. Kairan had a different kind of charm than those two. He’s like a big dog. He’s so big, but he’s so fluffy. He’s so cute.
“The Delicious Man” was a rambling, sloppy piece of writing, but the character settings were clear. Tae-ram felt satisfied after receiving all the main and supporting characters. Cool, beautiful, cute – they had it all. Everything. Honestly, it makes him happy.
“Am I getting comfortable? I’m suddenly getting positive emotions from you.”
Kairan stares at Tae-ram, shaking his head. Tae-ram pushed him away, trying to look away. No matter how much of an asshole… No, no matter how cute the character he created was, he couldn’t let it ruin the story.
“You can’t be comfortable with someone you’ve never met, so stay away.”
“No, I’m not, you know me well enough to know that I was happy to see you.”
“I’m busy, I should probably get going, then.”
As he turned to leave, Kairan grabbed his sleeve.
“Don’t go.”
“…Let go.”
He wanted to shake him off, but the look on Kairan’s face weakened him.
“Stay with me a little longer, okay?”
Kairan was slowly thinking of leaving Runever.
The repetitive routine with no meaning. He was tired of being a court mage. He needed a new stimulus. Then he met a human with a beautiful soul, a soul unlike any other. He wanted to keep it.
For now, it was a mild feeling, like collecting gems in a jewelry box. But it grew and grew, and he had a premonition that in the future it would consume him, dominate him, but he thought it was fun nonetheless.
“Do you want to come play with me?”
“I don’t want to.”
“If you come to my laboratory, I’ll give you a useful magic item.”
“I can’t, I have someone waiting for me.”
“You really can’t?”
“I’ll give you anything but time together.”
“Then will you marry me?”
Kairan’s sparks flew as he slammed in. Tae-ram was puzzled.
No, why is he skipping all the steps all of a sudden? Kairan has a very quick temper.
“I thought humans got married so they could stay together? I’m rich, I’m strong, I can protect you for the rest of your life.”
After giving Kairan a wary smile, Tae-ram suddenly felt his soul being drained. The power to impulsively submit a marriage certificate was overpowering. At least for Tae-ram, who tended to be easily infatuated, it felt that way.
Such cowardly cuteness… He might just give in. But he couldn’t. The main character is a prince.
“I have a good relationship with someone, we’re still getting to know each other, but it’s like fate.”
Tae-ram sighed inwardly, remembering Se-ho’s words about a community of destiny. It’s true that they’re still in a cold war and fight like dogs when they meet, but if they don’t connect anyway, they’re both screwed.
“That doesn’t sound like a very happy feeling.”
He was slightly resentful of Kairan’s ability to pick up on emotions like a ghost, and he was also angry at himself for setting it up.
“Anyway, I have to go.”
“Are you married to him?”
“Not, but….”
“Engaged?”
“No.”
“Well, no problem then. My brother told me, it ain’t over till you put your stamp on it.”
Tae-ram was genuinely amazed at how worldly the dragons were in such a shallow conversation about marriage. Mentally reciting his calmness mantra for the hundredth time, he calmed himself.
“It won’t work.”
“It won’t work? I thought it would since you like my face.”
Kairan looked a little disappointed, then kissed Tae-ram lightly on the forehead.
“I’ll see you again. Tell me your name then.”
When Tae-ram came to his senses after the sudden contact, Kairan was gone. All that remained was a slightly warm and fluffy feeling and a faint fragrance.
Come to think of it, what did Kairan mean by “presence”? The main character’s presence? He doesn’t know. He’ll just eat. Exhausted from dealing with the unpredictable dragon, Tae-ram ate his meal with gusto.
As he ate, he realized that the people around him were gossiping about him.
“That man is Prince Kirik’s favorite….”
“I heard a rumor that he’s from another world, is it true?”
“I heard he fell from the sky.”
“He’s shorter and uglier than I thought.”
Tae-ram felt like a monkey in a zoo as everyone in the banquet hall looked him up and down as if they were appraising an object. Tae-ram couldn’t help but clench his fists in anger to protect his image of innocence.
“He’s a man, so he can’t have kids….”
But the moment he felt a dirty gaze on his ass, he couldn’t help but stand up.
“Hey!”
Tae-ram opened his mouth to say something in exasperation.
He heard a thud and a dull thud behind his back. The banquet hall erupted with the sound of shouting people and boisterous youngsters.
“Prince! What should we do?”
“Guards! No, call for the priest!”
“What the hell is going on….”
The chatter grew louder and louder, and Tae-ram had an ominous premonition. There are five princes, so why isn’t Se-ho here? He turned cautiously, hoping for the best, but his expectations were betrayed, and Se-ho was lying on the floor of the banquet hall. The sight of him made Tae-ram’s head spin.
“Se-ho!”
He ran to him in a single, startled step. At least at this moment, Tae-ram didn’t care about the novel’s completion or anything else. The fallen Se-ho was bleeding and moaning in agony. Tae-ram’s heart ached for Se-ho as he gurgled and moaned in agony.
“Please wake up, Se-ho! Se-ho!”
“I’m fine… But more importantly, the form of address…”
Se-ho’s voice was faint as if it could break at any moment. Tae-ram rested his head in his lap, trying to make him more comfortable.
“Okay, stop talking.”
“It’s okay…. so….”
Se-ho purred and coughed up another handful of blood. The thick blood stained Tae-ram’s clothes red and smeared his face and arms.
“It’s not okay, you idiot, don’t push yourself!”
“Tae-ram… Don’t worry too much. I’m fine.”
The dying Se-ho played the prince. Tae-ram’s expression stiffened sharply. Seeing his seriousness, Se-ho struggled to his feet and whispered in Tae-ram’s ear.
“Don’t make that face. Thanks to mana, I’m regenerating.”
Se-ho’s words were true, and his breathing became more relaxed. Still, Tae-ram was worried. Especially after losing so much blood.
“Oh, really. Se-ho. Don’t say it.”
“You’re the one who told me not to say my name. People are watching.”
“You crazy bastard, does that matter now?”
“You said it yourself, Prince Kirik is strong.”
“Does it matter now that….”
Tae-ram’s eyes flickered like lanterns before the wind, and he wanted to look away in guilt. The settings and events he’d created without thinking, and now that he was actually facing them, he shuddered at the stark reality.
“What the hell happened?”
“The wine was poisoned.”
“…It was Fran.”
“An attempted poisoning. It was quicker than you said, I was caught off guard.”
“It’s all my fault, I’m sorry.”
The original plan was to have the antidote ready before Fran could pull his stunt.
“Have you met?”
Tae-ram nodded quietly at Se-ho’s question, minus the subject.
“It seems that Fran has taken a liking to the main character earlier than expected.”
“Not the main character, it’s you, senior.”
“…Yes, it was me.”
Se-ho’s words hit Tae-ram like an arrow in the chest.
It’s not the main character who’s here, it’s Han Tae-ram. It’s Se-ho, who’s suffering. He should have realized it a bit sooner…
“I’ll get up soon, so don’t worry if I fall and continue the story….”
Se-ho passed out without finishing his sentence. Tae-ram, too, let out a sigh as the tension left his body.
* * *
Tae-ram felt a mysterious sensation of floating. He opened his eyes to find himself in the club room.
The vision was like watching a movie, he thought. He looked around and saw a man furiously tapping away at a computer keyboard. It was Tae-ram himself.
“It’s uncharacteristic….”
The past Tae-ram, who looked even younger than he does now, was writing and erasing in agony. He looked at the monitor and saw the title “The Delicious Man” emblazoned across it. If this was a dream, it was a confirmed nightmare.
“Are you still worried about Fran?”
Min-ah spoke to Tae-ram from behind his back.
“Yeah. He’s not a bad-looking guy, but they all have distinct personalities, so he looks relatively bland.”
“It’s definitely bland.”
The Delicious Man is a novel that combines all kinds of popular themes besides the parody of pure literature that was popular at the time. At first, Tae-ram wrote with excitement, but as the story progressed, it became difficult to control, especially for Fran, who had many problems until the end. It was Min-ah who solved this problem.
“Why don’t we put in a yandere setting?”
“Yandere?”
“Our Tae-ram needs to study more. In simple terms, it’s the tendency to become pathologically attached to one person.”
“That’s good. I’ll throw in Fran’s obsession with the main character. He’s got a gentle, devoted exterior, but he’s a bitch on the inside.”
From there, the character began to take shape, with hardcore comments that he was afraid to say.
“I think it’s kind of boring to have just poison.”
As Fran’s characterization was being finalized, Min-ah made a terrifying comment.
Watching it, Tae-ram from the past joined in with excitement, Tae-ram, an irreligious man, found God in his heart. Lord. Please shut them up. Whether they did or not, the two from the past exchanged lively comments.
“Is that so?”
“How about pretending to make a mistake during battle and attacking the main character secretly?”
“Good idea. It’s fascinating to threaten the main character’s life discreetly.”
“Yeah, these days, creating suspense is more popular than straightforward storytelling.”
“Great. Is there a more innovative way to twist the plot?”
“What about making the prince completely impotent? How about making him a victim of something? It’s fresh, right? Love can deepen in the healing department.”
“I understand the need for drama, but it was a bit much. Not too serious.
I’d like a crisis that’s not too serious.”
“Like?”
“Falling off a cliff?”
Tae-ram swore at his past self. He’s an asshole. Tone it down. Please. This is serious enough.
“For a moment, they fall apart and realize each other’s importance. Sounds good.”
“Really?”
“Otherwise, we could kill the prince and switch to another character.”
“That might work too. Having multiple options is convenient.”
Tae-ram and Min-ah in the sunny past.
No, no. Don’t kill him. Tae-ram’s mind drifted further and further away from the past.
The screen switched to show Se-ho lying on the ground, bleeding.
‘I’m fine….’
Tae-ram’s heart sank, even though he’d seen the scene before. Since coming here, he had never really thought about the characters. He had dismissed them as fiction.
What if Se-ho dies because of him?
He didn’t even want to think about it. The story was already changing, which meant that Se-ho might be in more danger in the future.
Would he be able to fill the book without him? No. Even if he did go back, he wouldn’t be the same person he was before. He wouldn’t be able to…
He doesn’t want to do that. No way.
Tae-ram woke up from his dream with a scream,
“No!”
Se-ho looked down at Tae-ram with a worried expression.
“Senior, are you awake? Are you okay?”
“Se-ho… Where are we?”
“The prince’s room.”
The breeze that came through the window gently brushed across Tae-ram’s face. The vivid sensations made him realize that this was real, not a dream.
“You’re alive!”
Before Se-ho could answer, Tae-ram reached out and touched his face.
His face was warm and dry. He was relieved that Se-ho was alive.
“You’re dirty, so why don’t you clean up your spit?”
Se-ho wiggled his eyebrows and forcibly pulled his hand away. Tae-ram was offended, but embarrassment took over, and he quickly wiped the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand.
“If you’re that lively, then I guess you’re fine.”
“What about you, did you get treated well?”
“I was fine in a couple of hours, so I didn’t need any medical attention.”
“That’s good.”
“Swordmaster’s a good thing. I was in a lot of pain at the time, like someone was taking yarn to my pentacles….”
“I’m sorry.”
“…Why are you being so out of character?”
“Because it’s a novel I wrote, and because I met Fran earlier than expected… I guess I took your situation too lightly.”
“It’s not your fault.”
Se-ho’s large hand rested on top of Tae-ram’s head. He stroked his hair with a gentle gesture. At his gentle touch, Tae-ram felt his mind, a mess of guilt and anxiety, gradually stabilize.
“It was already a somewhat anticipated situation. You and I are neither true main characters, so we can’t perfectly reproduce the same story.”
“But…”
Se-ho hesitated for a moment, then bowed politely toward Tae-ram.
“And I’m the one who should apologize, I’m sorry. When I first came here, I took it out on the ship for nothing.”
“I’m more sorry, I’ve been pushing back and being a jerk to you too.”
“I apologize for biting your lip and for leaving you behind.”
“…Hey, the lip honestly wasn’t that offensive and… As for the neglect, I’m not a child and I wasn’t upset at all, I just thought the prince was busy with his work. Anyway, I’m more sorry.”
“No, I’m more sorry.”
“No. I guess I’m the senior, and I’m embarrassing myself, and I’m sorry.”
“If you put it that way, I guess I’m the junior, and I’m cocky, and I’m sorry.”
“No! I’m more!”
“…Let’s stop now, it’s never going to end.”
“…Yeah.”
“But you didn’t hate it, did you?”
“What?”
“The kiss.”
“That’s because… You’re handsome.”
“You don’t mind anyone as long as they’re handsome?”
“That’s not how you interpret it!”
A yellow creature intervened between the two, who began to argue again.
[What do you two think you’re doing, here comes Fran!]
Unlike Tae-ram, who was flustered by Fran’s unexpected visit, Se-ho seemed to be relaxed.
“Why is Fran here all of a sudden?”
“He said he’s here to check on my condition. He’s been coming often lately. But it seems like his purpose is you, senior.”
“…How long have I been sleeping?”
“Only one day since the banquet. I thought you were traumatized, but you slept through the night snoring.”
“You don’t have to put it like that…”
Just as Tae-ram was about to say something to Se-ho, there was a knock on the door.
“Prince. It’s Fran. Do you mind if I come in?”
Tae-ram was about to open the door without thinking, but Se-ho stopped him.
“Senior, please be as quiet as possible this time.”
“Why?”
“You missed the timing to say something, and the jewel got cloudy.”
“What!”
“I’m not sure what caused it, but I’m pretty sure you had something to do with it. Let’s minimize your contact with the characters for now.”
Tae-ram suddenly remembered Kairan from the banquet hall.
“Maybe it was because of Kairan…”
Just as he was about to say something, Fran knocked on the door again.
“We can talk about that later.”
Tae-ram nodded silently, and Se-ho quickly transformed into Prince Kirik’s form.
“You may come in.”
“Greetings, Kirik Lu Persian, Third Light of the Empire. I have a simple checkup for you today… Tae-ram!”
Fran’s businesslike demeanor broke into a wide smile as soon as he recognized Tae-ram.
“I see you’ve awakened, are you feeling well? Shall I heal you?”
The sight of Fran looking so human was an abomination to Tae-ram. He was terrified that he would try to poison him.
He looked like he could kill, and he was terrified that he was trying to poison him. But he was the one who made him look like that. He forced a bright smile, hiding his emotions.
“I’m fine.”
“You’re fine, but your face is halved….”
Tae-ram felt unnecessarily embarrassed at the sight of the fussing Fran. He’d had a nightmare, but he’d eaten well and slept well.
“Aren’t you here to examine Prince Kirik instead?”
Tae-ram slyly accused Fran of dereliction of duty. It was timid revenge. Whether he realized it or not, Fran merely smiled brightly.
“Perhaps you’re interested in becoming a priest? That’s great. Don’t worry about the prince, he’s very healthy. He’s a strong man.”
He’s interpreting it the way he wants to.… He’s tired. Really. While Tae-ram was feeling annoyed, Fran dropped a bombshell as if he’d suddenly remembered something.
“By the way, at the banquet, Tae-ram called Prince Se-ho, didn’t you?”
“Huh?”
Tae-ram failed to control his expression. He needed to defend himself, but he couldn’t think of anything.
Se-ho, who was next to him, took the throne.
“It’s an exotic nickname Tae-ram gave me.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes! Where I come from, we make up special nicknames for people who are close to us!”
“Special? That’s interesting. Why didn’t you give me one?”
“Uh… That’s… All right, I’ll keep it in mind until the next time we meet.”
“Really?”
“Yes! I’ll think of something pretty for Fran.”
“I’m glad to hear you’ll have a nickname for me.”
Tae-ram was mesmerized by the beautiful arc of Fran’s face as he smiled.
“I see you think I’m pretty, Tae-ram.”
“This is not something I would say to a man, but I think you are very pretty, Fran.”
“I’m glad it’s coming from you.”
“That’s nice.”
For better or worse, Fran’s little whisper and the chill in the air made Tae-ram’s spirits soar.
“What else do you think we should do to get closer?”
He’s scared. Fran’s gaze was half-hearted, and it was unnerving. Fran, ease up on your eyes. He’s scared, you know. Tae-ram decided to change the subject before Fran could change his mind for no reason.
“Hey, Fran, have you eaten yet?”
“Not yet, but… If you don’t mind, would you like to come with me?”
“Sure. I don’t know much about this neighborhood, so let me know.”
“Is there anything you can’t eat?”
“No, I can eat anything.”
“Then why don’t we go to a pasta place that’s only in the Runever Empire? Or a restaurant that serves unusual exotic foods. Or a commoner’s restaurant that’s not fancy, but has a simple flavor….”
“Uh… I was thinking….”
“Tae-ram decided to eat with me.”
Just as Tae-ram was getting indecisive, pressed by the momentum of Fran, who was pushing him without giving him a chance to reply, Se-ho jumped in and casually put his arm around Tae-ram’s back.
“The prince has just gotten out of bed, so leave Tae-ram to me.”
Fran, still smiling broadly, but somehow cold. Se-ho’s expression didn’t look good either. Tae-ram could feel the temperature in the room plummet. It was understandable that Se-ho would show such hostility. There was no way he was going to be nice to someone who had tried to kill him.
“I’m fine. You must have traveled a long way, so why don’t you get some rest?”
“You are the light of the empire, why don’t you rest a little longer, just in case?”
“Your own words assured me earlier that I am well.”
Tae-ram choked on his breath at the tension between them.
“Tae-ram. Are you going to eat with me?”
Drawn to Fran’s beautiful smile, Tae-ram nodded involuntarily. Man or woman, he was beautiful. The kernel was black, but on the outside, he was the idealized beauty in the setting he’d handcrafted.
He could feel Se-ho staring at him, but he tried to ignore it. Tae-ram rationalized that he couldn’t help it if Fran hated him because it would spoil the story.
“Tae-ram has a big heart and can’t easily refuse other people’s favors.”
“Isn’t that what the prince wants to think?”
“He hasn’t even seen the royal family yet. It’s too early to leave.”
“Is he a child and you’re being overprotective? He was interested in what I had to say earlier.”
Fran retorted to Se-ho, and the argument began in earnest. Tae-ram watched the two argue as a spectator. No matter what, he couldn’t deny it; watching people argue was the best entertainment. It’s thrilling, even though it’s a fight. He doesn’t know, he guesses the winning side is his side.
“I don’t understand how you can say you know so much about Tae-ram. You’ve only known him for a day. We’ve been together since he came to Runever.”
Tae-ram was impressed. Se-ho uses the aggressive word ‘only’ as a weapon to claim their long-standing relationship. The extra emphasis on the word “we” makes it seem even more intimate.
“Don’t you think you’re giving yourself too much credit? Tae-ram and I have only known each other for a day. But we weren’t strangers from the start, and you’re being abusive by using the word ‘we.’ Do you think the longer you’ve known each other, the deeper the relationship? You’re very young, Prince, to believe in something that’s just a number.”
Fran fires back with the air of an adult. Even though there’s a two-year age gap.
“Do you know what kind of food he likes to eat, what kind of books he enjoys reading, and how temperamental he is?”
Fran responded with composure and a mature manner, despite just two years of age difference. Tae-ram acknowledged that he was illiterate, but Se-ho seemed to be the epitome of an individual in today’s information-centric society, knowing all sorts of details.
“I thought I just told you not to trust numbers, Prince, you have a bad head on your shoulders. Even if you’re close, there are still things you might not know.”
There were thorns in Fran’s polite tone, especially the last word.
“Cocky….”
“That was quite rude, even for a prince of the Empire.”
The two glared at each other wordlessly. Tae-ram’s heart clenched. Se-ho’s lack of words meant he was really angry, but what could he do? He’d told him not to get involved, but it would be better than letting the fight escalate!
Tae-ram quickly stepped between the two men as the atmosphere became overheated and vicious.
“I’m a little scared of the two of you who are raising your voices, can we just go together?”
Tae-ram’s awkward behavior calmed the two of them down.
“Let’s go together then.”
“I apologize for my immature behavior, and for speaking so rudely to the prince.”
Se-ho, who had been as fierce as a snarling dog, regained his usual calm, and Fran, who had been standing on edge like a cat with its claws raised, returned to a friendly mood.
In the end, Tae-ram was the only one who felt like he lost out, having to put on an act that was beyond his control.
* * *
“The Delicious Man” Page 34
I feel really lucky.
I didn’t want to go on an errand all of a sudden, but oh my god. On the way there, I saw Tae-ram and Prince, Prince still looking gorgeous and Tae-ram looking cute, so I left my errand and followed them.
“Hey, Tae-ram. Please come next to me.”
I thought it was just the two of them, but next to them was the priest who was rumored to have returned to Runever after five years. Maybe it’s good, right? He’s prettier than I imagined. I thought he had a beauty that transcended his gender.
The beauty ball floated!
He has a gentle charm, the opposite of the prince, but he goes well with Tae-ram. I’m a Kirik-Tae-ram, but Fran-Tae-ram is also quite good.
“Tae-ram. Come this way.”
“I think you’re being too pushy with Tae-ram.”
“I don’t want to hear it from you.”
“I’ll go to the middle.”
The prince and the priest continued to bicker over Tae-ram, and I felt sorry for him, but I also loved him.
At that moment, a thought occurred to me. Come to think of it, I don’t have to eat just one menu item at a restaurant. It might be nice to have all three of them together.
Suddenly, I remembered the possibility of King’s Ham Toast that the maid had told me about. I made up my mind to stick with the three of them till the end, even if I get scolded by the court lady.
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