The Brothers Kim

Chapter 39- Crux of Everything

Those odd-coloured eyes.

Etched in Jimin's mind were the contrasting colours of obsidian brown and ocean blue. Throughout the meeting, Jimin couldn't help but be fascinated by the exotic hue of Vernon's irises. They were unfamiliar, strange, foreign.

Everything about him was a blatant reminder that Jimin was at the presence of the Waekugin: the very beings who had slaughtered his ancestors a century ago. From the pair's fair hair to their distinct westernised attire, Jimin regarded their presence warily. For Jimin, having the Waekugin before him was like plucking a mythical creature from a fairy tale and inserting them into reality: it was surreal. And despite studying as much as he could about them, nothing could prepare him for the abrupt meeting of their eyes and the cold vibes that emanated from their steely glare.

They mean business.

After much debating and negotiation, the meeting with the Waekugin concluded in a stalemate. Having allowed his ministers to be the forefront of the negotiations, Jimin had passed the time in court as a passive onlooker, merely speaking when required to but mostly observing as the drama in court unfolded. But despite their presence unnerving him, what astonished him the most was how the consul of New Britannia was so fluent in their tongue.

Quietly, Jimin observed Vernon from afar.

His speech, though quite informal at times, was articulate nonetheless. Like a native, Vernon spoke confidently, his high command in their language giving him an edge to his rhetoric that, at times, almost persuaded Jimin to agree with his outlandish proposals. By the end of his lengthy oration, Jimin concluded that Vernon Montgomery of New Britannia was a dangerously persuasive man-a master in the art of manipulation.

But little did the consul realise that Jimin was immune to such talents.

"It is therefore declared that the negotiations betwixt the kingdom of Saim and New Britannia will be adjourned to a later date" the royal eunuch announced.

An eruption of murmurs swept across the court as everyone clustered into smaller groups to discuss the verdict. But while everyone voiced out their dissatisfaction, Jimin continued to maintain a watchful eye. He frowned when he spotted an arrogant smirk lace Vernon's lips as he nodded to his companion.

What could he be smirking about?

"Chim? Hello? You there?"

Jimin opened his eyes at the sound of Zeren calling him. "Hm? Did you say something?"

"I was asking if you were excited."

A puzzled expression riddled Jimin's face as the pair continued to amble through town. "Excited? Excited about what?"

Zeren curled his lip. "You haven't been listening to anything I've been saying, have you?" He rolled his eyes. "Typical."

"I apologise" Jimin murmured distractedly. "There has been a lot on my mind..."