PROFILES

PROFILES

Harem!Au

Bewitching

Talented

Scholars

- the seven most powerful person in the harem aside from the ruler, themself.

Masterlist

Kim Taehyung

Status: Royal Consort

He is the first person that had joined Y/N’s harem and ultimately became one with the most power in it. He had joined Y/N in their mission to become the ruler. Born into a matriarchal family, he was deemed lesser than a slave. Y/N was the one who became his first ever true friend, one who understands him and protects him. Even though he was not born with a stealthy body, he has an extraordinary mind. He along with Y/N were the sole contributors to the successful plan at raiding the palace.

Taehyung has a bubbly person despite his childhood trauma but he only shows that side to people he trust. For the rest, he is cold yet kind which earned him a lot of respect from others. As a result he is deemed as the perfect role model for many. He has an okay relationship with the rest of the harem but is secretly jealous of having to share Y/N. Is one of the clingier members but it is because of his close relationship with Y/N.

Kim Namjoon

Status: Royal Physician

Despite his status, everyone knows that the relationship between Y/N and himself is anything but normal. Before the actual raid, Namjoon acted as the spy who gathers the inner secrets and information for the organisation. He was a war child from a distant nation who had been sent here to fight as an attempt to steal land. Unfortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful and he found himself stuck here. Because of his creative and witty mind, he managed to escape but the attempt almost killed him. Thankfully, Y/N was training nearby and decided to save him. He then went through rigorous training to learn about medicine and drugs, making him one of the best doctors in the organization.

As the royal physician, he is incharge of Y/N and the harem’s. Meaning that he is only responsible for them but he only truly cared for a few. He has a close relationship with Taehyung as they are both apart of the organization.

Jung Hoseok

Status: Noble Consort

Jung Hoseok was Y/N’s second consort. He was a minister’s son who had join Y/N’a rebellion. After Y/N became the ruler, the minister wanted to rise to a higher position and gave them Hoseok. As a result, Hoseok’s first impression of Y/N was tyrannical. They were the one who killed the king and most of the disatisfied ministers. But as time goes by, he realizes that Y/N is not what he had thought.

Hoseok’s aura is very similar to the sun once you get past his shield which is painstakingly hard. He has quite a close relationship with Min Yoongi as they are childhood friends; he was also meant to be Yoongi’s attendant when he ascends to the throne. His personality made the cold-blooded prince adore his little friend. Despite having feelings for Y/N, he suprisingly has a great relationship with all members of Y/N’s harem.

Min Yoongi

Status: Imperial Consort

Despite his title, Yoongi found himself in the middle of the harem’s hierarchy. Yoongi was the crown prince of the previous dynasty but he had always expressed as not willing to ascend the throne resulting him to be unfavored my his father. He was distinguishly soft-hearted which causes dissatisfaction on his paternal side. As a result, he would constantly get torture until he could teach himself to act a certain way. When Y/N came and snatched his mask away, he find himself resembling a broken child, Yoongi then began to cling up to her as she is the only one who could protect and heal him.

His first interaction with Y/N was not very ideal. It was minutes before Y/N managed to kill the emperor when he appeared. Before Yoongi could even process what was happening, dozens of guards were already surrounding him. They made him watch his father’s execution before their attention turned to him. He thought that he was also going to have the same fate as his distasteful father but Y/N saved him. They then began to break his mask and help him build up a healthier one. Now, even if he doesn’t publicly show it, he is happy by Y/N’s side. As a result, he is also a part of the clingy group who sticks to Y/N’s side.

Jeon Jungkook

Status: Bodyguard

As the bastard child of the previous Empress, he was hated the moment he was born. Everyone viewed him as an unlucky omen who brings everyone bad luck. He, himself had also believed such lies since many of his trusted family had died because of him. He managed to survive the raid because of pity; the rebels pitied his condition and did not think of him as a threat. He then got placed as a normal soldier but quickly soar through the ranks for his extraordinary skills.

The first time he met Y/N was when he won his first competitive tournament against other soldiers as an attempt to get a better position. Y/N became interested in him and offered him the position as their personal bodyguard. At that time, he was desperate to survive so he desperately agreed. Despite his great physiques, his mind is not very logical nor strategic. As a result, he is currently forced to learn said things. Despite this, he is still considered to be quite bright, playful yet cute. He is not apart of the clingy group as he only viewed himself having to be at Y/N’s side most of the time.

Kim Seokjin

Status: Merchant

People who knows him says that he is a very chatty and friendly guy. That might be true in some cases but he is also quite egoistic and arrogant. Suprisingly, he was Y/N’s childhood friend who they got acquainted to because of their mother. He was also Y/N’s fiancé but the agreement got cancel when he moved away. Over the years, he had dreamed of being with Y/N and had returned to fulfill that promise.

When he heard that Y/N became the ruler, he decided to go and meet them. Since his company was one of the best, he decided to use said reason to approach them. He was suprisingly cheeky and even offer himself during their first meeting. In order to stay inside the palace, he used the reason of having to check each shipment to do so. Y/N does not recognized him which he find troublesome but unexpectedly doesn’t have the guts to tell them so he decided to woo them with his charms.

Park Jimin

Status: Noble Consort

Jimin is the oldest prince of a neighbouring country who had sent him to help keep the two nations at peace. Since it was a matriarchal country, they naturally favour female over him. As a result, he had been trained at many feminine arts. He became so good that it made everyone charmed every time he passes by. Because of his training, his real self hides under a flirty and sly facade he had succefully built over the years.

As mentioned from above, Y/N had a natural talent for understanding and read people so when they saw him, it became their goal to help him. At first, he refused their attempts to help him but as time goes by, he learned to open up and let them help him. After opening up, he still managed to hold some of the flirtyness and slyness but he is getting there. Taehyung and him had quite a positive relationship as they come from similar environment. He is also apart of the clingy ‘union’.

L/N Y/N

Status: Empress/Emperor of Corea

Y/N was born into a family who was one of the leading families in the organization. In other words, they were born to be a skilled killer. As a child, Y/N did not understand why their organization hated the Min Royals so much but that stopped when they successfully completed their first mission at 9 years old. They quickly climbed up the ranks and became one of the most skilled individuals in the organization and earned respect from many. Their greatest and longest mission yet is to lead Corea to a bright future and then secretly escape after finding a good replacement.

As of currently, they have 3 official consorts and a few other who has yet to confirm about their relationship. Y/N tries to remain at least a neutral relationship with each of them since they would have to leave one day. Unknowingly, all of their lovers had fall too deep to even think of climbing back up.

~ MintVender

~ Special thanks to @lilallama for the decor inspo~

Copyright © 2021 Mintvender

All rights reserved.

The Final Chess Piece

HaremAU!

Synopsis: As a child, he found himself buried in the warmth of his mother. When that is taken away, he desperately clings to other. But of course, Taehyung with his unique mind found himself fated to be alone; like the bright stars that together light up the sky but is forever separate by the thousands of miles between them. Amidst the darkness, however, there is a guaranteed light source in every black hole. When Taehyung found his, it is guaranteed to be a euphoric moment. 

Warnings: Profanity, child abuse, indirect kills, Angst

Word Count: 11.6k

A/n: Finally finished the first part of the ongoing serie. This is an introduction to how Taehyung has meet Y/N. Took me over a week but here we are. If you spot any errors, please simply skip it. Thank you and enjoy 🌿

Masterlist 

His first memory was of a brunette, one with very stunning and bright eyes. Their eyes were comparable with the stars above him as he found himself sobbing, unable to stop himself. The lady, as he later found out, held him weakly and she tried to swing back and forth to help him sleep. Unfortunately, he was a newborn back then so he did not understand her and continued crying; it only stopped when he heard the door slam open.

Turning his weak body to gaze at the direction of the ruckus, he found himself being stared at by a black-haired male. He looked so delicate that if a gust of wind were to pass by, the force would probably knock him over. His face, however, clearly showcases a malicious intent but quickly dissipated when the person who held him raised her voice. They then began to exchange their opinions but the conversation ended with the female raising her voice. The sudden loud roar startled him while causing the male to run out of the room.

The brunette quickly brought him closer and ushered him to quiet down. She then turned to one of the maids and silently whispered something into their ear before turning back to him. The next thing he knew was her roughed hands interacting with his, gently playing with them. He then looked up at her after hearing a soft chuckle above him.

Suddenly, another person was in his view, blocking his view of the person who held him. Instinctively, he let out little whimpers that escalated to thundering screams. Unexpectedly, the woman only offered him a forced smile before leaning down and kissing his little forehead.

“ Everything will be fine, Taehyung-ah.”

♟ ♟ ♟ ♟ ♟

Taehyung’s next significant memory took place on his 23rd moon cycle. It was the night when the moon was at its peak in the bright night sky. The young boy had decided to slip away while his nanny was distracted to gaze at the midnight sky. As Taehyung was still young and was protected by his mother, he was not accustomed to the format of the courtyards within their property. As a result, the young boy wandered through the unfamiliar place as he tried to return to his courtyard.

Unfortunately, it was nearly impossible for the 2 year-old as he was unable to see where he was going under the pitch-dark sky. The gleaming moon was likely to be teasing him, not allowing him to use any bit of its light to find a way back. It was as if the moon wanted to forever trap him within its webs and not let him leave.

Burdened by the thought, the poor child was unable to refrain himself from breaking down, little sobs turned into loud, painful screams that seemed to go on for hours.

Taehyung was now sitting on the dirty ground, his clothes covered in mud and dirt, seemingly having a tantrum. It only increases as the moment lengthens as the poor boy wanted his mother and nanny to come and rescue him.

*****

General Kim’s main husband, Minjun, had found himself unable to sleep and had decided to go on a walk through the Lily Blossom Pavilion. Unexpedly, he had decided to by himself instead of getting guards to accompany him.

He had a lot of problems on his mind and if a servant were to ask about his well being every time they saw him grimace, he would most likely deduct their salary before kicking them out.

With that settled, he took his time to walk to the pavilion. Once he got there, he gently walked through the countless flower bushes to admire the various types of flowers.

The Lily Blossom Pavilion was created by the previous general who gifted it to her lovely main husband as a gift. It was designed to host different types of flowers from around the world which was why the temperature inside the pavilion is so different compared to the outside.

Minjun unconsciously scoffed at the thought when he compared the couple to his current wife. The current General Kim was far different from her parents. She was instead cold, and distasteful; not caring about his health at all. Granted, they married for the benefits of alliance for the family but still, she should have reserved some affections for him and not for a lowly concubine. He is, after all, the main husband who has absolute control over his wife’s harem and was the one who helped create 3 daughters. What does that whore have that he does not?

Angered by his wife’s clearly unfair treatment, he kicked the flower bush nearby. Unexpectedly, the bush let out a painful screech which surprised him so much that he tripped over his robe and landed on the rock-covered floor, scratching his pale knees in the process. He then desperately yelled out, alarming countless people.

Soon enough, everyone in the Kim household was awakened by the terrible sounds. Many quickly rushed to the pavilion finding the main husband still on the ground, yelling for help. Minjun only stopped when he saw how many people had come. He then motioned to the nearest guard to see what was behind the bush.

The said servant then unsheathed his weapon as he strategically approached the bush, separating the branches to see what was underneath. When he was finally able to see who was hiding in the bush, the result surprised him. A boy was sitting behind the bush, with an arm clasped over his other one, tears running down his swollen cheeks, looking at him with a terror-filled gaze.

The guard quickly comforted the boy before he carried the bruised boy out. This, however, caused the boy to cry louder when he saw the amount of eyes staring at him.

Embarrassed that he was scared by a boy, Minjun quickly rushed to the boy, “ HOW DARE YOU INJURE ME!” After that, he raised his hand and swinged it with most of his force.

The sudden reaction caused the guard to freeze making him unable to shield the boy from the attack. This caused the boy to receive the full force of the slap, almost causing injury to his neck.

The next time Minjun attempted to cause harm to the boy, the guard was quick to intervene, quickly shielding himself.

“ You filthy servant, who dare you block me? I’m your master, you betrayer.”

“ Main husband, should not do this. He looks like the young master.”

The comment made him stop his yells, as he tried to examine the boy after the guard had removed himself. The crying boy in front of him did somewhat looked like the young master but he had not seen him ever since his birth, that he was not so sure. Believing that it was a bluff, he continued his glare at the guard.

“ Filthy servant, you dare to say that this is the young master? Do you think that you have made a severe mistake? Guards, bring him down and give him 50 sticks to avoid future lies.”  

The guards then immediately rushed to the soon-to-be-ex guard and dragged him out of the pavilion and towards the punishment yard. Some quietly scolded him while some apologized.

After he was dragged out, Minjun turned his attention back to the rest of the servants and ushered them to leave. After they left, it was only the 7 daughters that are still present there.

“ Daughters, if this were the real young master then we should cripple him. How dare he take all of General Kim’s attention away from us? Hmph, and a boy just at that. Does the sluttiness run through the family? From your father to you? Such an interesting bloodline.”

“ Father, what if he is not the main master?” Minjun’s youngest daughter asked.

Minjun turned towards the girl, and gently patted her head, “ Sooyoung-ah, don’t worry. If he is not the young master just pretend he is and vent your anger, alright?”

The comment made her nod, and she confidently walked to word the boy. Slowly she crouched down to the boy, looked at him and grabbed the material behind his neck and lifted him up.

The boy instinctively started to struggle against the grip that was slowly choking him, yelling and kicking to attempt release.

Chuckling at his weak attempt, Sooyoung dropped his fragile body to the ground. “ You are young, but you fall like a sack of potatoes... What are you waiting for just standing there?” Sooyoung yelled back at the crowd.

Slowly, some people decided to join Sooyoung until all of them did.

Laughters and threats were heard as the girls enjoyed their time torturing the poor boy.

One of the daughters was about to kick him in the stomachs when she was stopped by an angry scream.

“ WHAT ARE YOU DOING?”

The group of people turned towards the voice’s direction and was stricken with waves of anger. Immediately, they all kneeled down, scared that they might have made a terrible mistake.

“ W-w-we did nothing, general,” Minjun stuttered.

General Kim looked at him unconvinced before she glanced at the hidden figure behind all of them. She squinted her eyes as the familiar body but soon realized who it was.

Angered by their outrageous actions, she kicked Minjun out of her path and quickly went to the boy’s side. Gently cradling the boy into her chest, she looked back at the group and contorted her face in distaste. Quickly standing up, she made her way out of the pavilion not sparing them any comfort.

“ If Taehyung does not make it, then consider yourselves done. I will properly punish you when he has recovered.”

And with that, they were no longer able to see her.

*****

“ Physician Kwon, is he alright?”

“ General Kim, he suffered many deathly injuries but he is thankfully past the risky point.”

General Kim quickly nodded her head, motioning him to continue but when she saw him hesitate, she didn’t know if she truly wanted to be informed of the upcoming news.

“ sighs, my general, even though his condition is stable. I am not able to predict that he would be able to wake up or not. I’m sorry for my mediocre abilities to not be able to help the young master. “

“ …” the comment shocked the general but quickly got morph into anger. She would definitely punish them when Taehyung has recovered… if he would even wake up.

“ Thank you, physician Kwon. Hwa, escort him out.”

When the door closed, General Kim made her way to Taehyung, and slowly caressed his hair.

That was the start of her own journey of taking care of Taehyung. So when he finally opened his eyes, general Kim was by his sides.

The poor boy started crying as waves of memories rushed into his head before he lost consciousness. Holding onto his mother as best as he could, while explaining what had happened. All the general did was to hug him and comfort him as best as she could, promising to punish the people who had caused him harm.

Slowly he began to recover and by the time he turned 2, he was back to his little minx self. Taehyung, however, acted as if he had not experienced such dangerous events but everyone else did not dare to forget about it, especially Minjun.

After Taehyung had awakened, general Kim punished her 7 daughters and Minjun, disappointed that he could act in such a way in front of a child. General Kim had decided to let each of her daughters sent to a temple to retrain their behaviours, and have Minjun get hit 30 times.

Sighing as she returned back to her room from a stressful day, she quickly changed into her night outfits and gently climbed up to bed and hugged Taehyung. She played with his hair and began to calm down. Before she fell asleep, she kissed his forehead.

“ Everything will be alright, mother’s here.”

And with that, the tired women went to sleep.

♟ ♟ ♟ ♟ ♟

“ Mother, what are you and uncle doing?” a 5-year-old taehyung asked his mother. His bambi eyes looking at the board curiously.

“ Mother is playing chess with uncle, do you want to see?”

Taehyung quickly nodded, holding his arm out wanting her to carry him.

The woman chuckled as she carried Taehyung into her lap. “ Aigoo, Taehyunggie is getting so big.”

The comment made the person opposite of them unable to refrain the laughters bubbling inside of him. When general Kim looked over at him, questionably, he let out a chuckle.

“ Is this the young master of the Kim household?”

“ What do you think?” General Kim asked as she looked at the man, wearing an annoyed face, “ Taehyung, this is Park Jinsung, he’s my right hand.”

“ Nice to meet you, I’m Taehyung.”

Jinsung smiled at how cute the boy was but was drawn back to the game as Taehyung continued to ask about it.

“ Mother, what is this?”

Before she could answer, Jinsung beat her to it, “ This is called chess.”

Taehyung tilted his head cutely, “ Chess?”

“ Yes, chess. Do you want to learn it?”

Taehyung quickly nodded and got of his mother’s lap, and quickly headed to get an apple?

The adults looked at each other confusedly, curious at what the young boy was doing but could only chuckle when Taehyung with an apple in hand.

Taehyung quickly made his way to Jinsung before bowing, offering the apple to him.

“ Master, please accept this disciple’s offering.”

General Kim then let out a snort before cracking up while Jinsung pretended to think before carefully accepting the apple.

“ Hmm… I will accept the disciple’s gift. Now come, let me show you.”

Taehyung did a quick celebration before running to Jinsung’s side.

General Kim watched the two fondly, finding how they somewhat resemble each other.

Jinsung started to explain each of the piece’s worth and from the start, he was already impressed by Taehyung’s unique thinking.

“ There are 8 pawns on one side so does that mean that older sisters and I represent each of them?” Taehyung unconsciously asked.

General Kim, however, was shocked by how he managed to know that the ones who had beaten him were his half-sisters.

Bewildered, she asked, “ Taehyung, how do you know that you have 7 older sisters?”

Taehyung, who had previously been focused on the board froze at his mother’s question. His curious expression slowly changed to one that was almost guilty, his doe eyes refused to look at hers, hands repeated grasping to further indicate his nervousness.

Seeing how uncomfortable Taehyung is, Jinsung teasingly shielded his petite body and defended him. “ Yah, Taehyung is still young, why are you bullying him?”

“ I’m his mother, I should be asking him why he lied to me.” General Kim eyed Taehyung, “ I’m waiting, Taehyung.”

Taehyung gulped hearing his mother’s calm tone, knowing that he is unable to escape her questioning this time around. Begrudgingly he lift his head and looked at her piercing eyes, and answered, “ Siwon and I were secretly playing with each other, a-and she told me about the rest of my sisters.”

“...”

Hearing his mother’s non-responsive reaction, the poor child continued to quiver in his seat on Jinsung’s lap.

“ I-I-I also sometime play with Sieun... and she would tell me stories from different books that I couldn’t read yet.”

“ …”

General Kim then looked at Jinsung before she subtly nodded her head, she then stood up and began walking out of the room.

Not knowing what was happening, Taehyung cried out for his mother.

“ Mother! Mother! Mother come back, I won’t lie to you anymore.”

Seeing how distressed Taehyung was, Jinsung tried to comfort him, “ Your mother isn’t mad at you, Taehyung. She just had some businesses to take care of.”

Taehyung's eyes then looked into Jinsung’s, searching if he was being truthful or not.

“ Really?” Jinsung nods his head, silently patting his head.

“ Mother loves you too much to leave you.”

Taehyung then turned his gaze to the floor, “ If she loves me, then why does she always prevent me from playing with my sister?”

The comment made Jinsung sighed, knowing that he would never be able to fully explain the child.

“ Your mother is trying to protect you from the outside world, Taehyung. Because you were born into this family, you will face a lot of dangers and she is trying to prevent them.”

“ Then what does my sisters have to do with this? They are not outsiders!”

“ They are not outsiders but you never know what they will ever do to you. Now, how about we get back to chess, alright?”

Taehyung begrudging nodded, not satisfied with the answer but knows that he won’t be getting any more information out of Jinsung.

*****

“ Jinsung, how was it?”

“ What do you mean?”

General Kim looked over to Jinsung, before smacking him in the head, annoyed.

“ OUCH! You didn’t have to hit me, I was just joking. Taehyung is doing great.”

“...”

“ Alright, alright, he is proceeding at an incredible speed. Understanding the logic of chess and how to play it would take one at least a few days but he managed to learn all of that within one day. He could even be compared to mine… no even I won’t be his opponent if he is nurtured correctly.”

“ …”

Seeing general Kim not utter a word, Jinsung started to agitate, not knowing what was inside her head.

“ General?”

“ Is he really that outstanding?” Jinsung nodded, reconfirming his statement.

“ That boy is becoming more like his father— stubborn yet witty, he even said that he was part of the 8 pawns along with his sisters. If this continues, I believe that he will become the queen, the most important piece to…”

Jinsung then immediately turned his head up to look at general Kim’s figure, who was standing by the spacious window, staring at the bright sunset. He was shocked that Taehyung could even get involved in such a game.

“ General, he won’t be part of it. We will do our absolute best to protect him.” Jinsung then kneeled down on his right knee, bowing to her, showing his definite loyalty.

General Kim, however, does not look at him, her face not showing any emotion.

“ How can I ever guarantee that he will always be under protection? Especially with him being a male in a matriarchal family? When he turns old enough, people would want his hand in marriage to secure ties with our house. Even you know that this is almost impossible. After all, we are only pawns who are loyal to the throne. We cannot rebel because of the oath.”

“ You are right, general but we are only pawns for the citizens. We swore an oath to protect them, not the royal family. Even though we are not able to protect Taehyung forever, it is within our abilities to protect him until he matures enough to stand his own battle.”

Jinsung’s statement made General Kim look at his bowed figure, before she chuckle.

“ I always knew that you and Jinkyu were interesting kids… good, we will train him when he is able to stand on his own. Tell Jinkyu to secretly teach him physical combats, while you teach him chess and military planning.”

Jinsung happily nodded, before doing his last bow before he stand up.

“ Yes, general.”

General Kim nodded and started to leave the room before she halted in her steps, seemingly forgetting to mention something. After a moment, she then turned around, “ Jinsung, let Siwon and Sieun play with Taehyung more openly but make sure that those three are always protected from Minjun and his daughters. “

“ Of course, general.”

Satisfied with his answer, she then turned around and left the room.

“ … you hear that, Jinkyu? You have another disciple to take care of.”

From one of the poles holding the building, a shadow jumped down meeting Jinsung in his spot. The two, surprisingly, looked very similar that if someone were to pass by, they would not be able to differentiate between the two.

“ It’s because of your stupid mouth that I have to train a brat.”

“ If you say that in front of the general, she will kill you.”

“ I’m not saying it in front of her.”

“ You don’t believe that I won’t backstab you and report to her?”

“ She won’t believe you.”

Jinsung sweatdropped at his blunt answer, somewhat understanding where he was coming from.

“ It is her command, you have to do it even if you don’t have to.”

“ Of course, she is my master after all.”

“ … there is a chance that he will be involved so make sure to train him well.”

“ I always train them well when they are in my hands but it’s hard to escape them.”

“ sighs, I know, we were a part of it after all. Two little knights for their little playground.”

“ We are still those piec—“” but just on the opposite side,” Jinsung interrupted, “ Living happily at that.”

“ Mhm”

“ Young master will become a legend.”

“ Let’s see.” The two brothers then looked at the dark sky, each with their own opinion but just about the same person.

♟ ♟ ♟ ♟ ♟

“ I want a rematch!” an annoyed voice yelled out.

“ Admit that you lost already, fourth sister,” Taehyung teased Siwon.

Siwon then stood up from her seat and turned her head arrogantly, “ I did not lose against a brat like you! I just went easy on you since you’re still so young.”

Taehyung giggles before turning his attention towards the other girl, asking her for help.

“ Fifth sister, what do you think? Did she win or did I win.”

Sieun, however, did not dare to look at Taehyung, already knowing that he looking at her with his infamous doe eyes. Sieun sighs at the thought, silently apologizing to Siwon.

“ Fourth sister, you already know that you can’t win against him.”

Siwon then looked at her, bewildered, looking shocked that she took Taehyung’s side but they all knew that none of them could escape Taehyung's cute acts.

“ HAH! I did win!” he cheered, running over to Sieun, “ I knew you would understand me, fifth sister! You are the best!”

Sieun patted his head, and congratulated him while Siwon went back to her previous position, and demanded another round which was wholeheartedly agreed by Taehyung.

*****

From the other side of the pavilion sat both Jinsung and Jinkyu as they were supervising the general’s children.

“ How is he?”

“ What do you mean?”

“ You know what I mean.”

“ …”

“ Aishhh, how is the young master doing with his training.”

“ …”

Jinsung turned to his twin brother, annoyed, “ YAH, an—” “ He is terrible.”

Jinsung then looked over to meet Jinkyu’s eyes, trying to detect if he was saying the truth or just bluffing, “ Are you serious?”

Jinkyu holds his gaze as if to silently challenge the worth of his words, “ What do you think?”

“ sighs, I guess there is no one in this world who is good at everything. Even the young master, who is amazing with strategic planning has a weak point.”

“ The young master is the worst. He can’t even run a lap without quitting and it has been 2 years already.”

“ Don’t be harsh on him, you just need to train him to help strengthen him, he doesn’t need to master it.”

Jinkyu then turned towards Jinsung and denied his suggestion, “ When he’s under my care, he has no choice but to become a master.”

Jinsung could only sigh, deciding that it would waste his time if he were to reject the idea.

“ It’s been two years since I’ve become his master. He will sooner or later surpass me.”

“ That would never happen with me.”

Jinsung then suddenly launched towards Jinkyu, knocking him down before trying to injure him.

“ You damn brat! How dare you be so rude to your older brother? Where is your manners?”

Before Jinkyu could open his mouth to retort, they both heard footsteps coming their way. The brothers turned their head around to see that Taehyung, along with Siwon and Sieun had approached them when they heard a loud sound.

“ Are you okay, master?” Siwon hurriedly asked as she quickly ran to them, attempting to lift Jinsung off her master, “ Jinsung, get off my master!”

“ Fourth miss, what do you mean? This brat is annoying so as a brother, I should help to get rid of that nasty habit.”

“ I don’t care, get off him!”

Jinsung and Siwon continued to argue with each other until Sieun was forced to stop the two, complaining that they were behaving like children which they both denied.

“ What is this commotion?” A sudden voice asked from behind the group.

Taehyung turned around to quiver under his burning gaze while the others stopped what they were doing and properly stood up.

“ You must have misheard something, main husband.” Jinsung said.

“ You think you can lie to me, right hand?”

“ We do not dare.”

“ Hmph,” Minjun then turned his attention to Taehyung, “ Young master, I see that you have grown up very well.”

Taehyung, who was now hiding behind Siwon flinched under his gaze. Too afraid to utter a word.

“ What had caused the main husband to be in the Lily Blossom Pavilion?” Siwon asked.

The main husband then looked at Siwon, before letting out a disgusted expression.

“ Oh… isn’t this one of the backstabbers? Wait where is the other one?”

Minjun began to look around before setting his eyes on Sieun, who was wearing a very ugly expression.

“ Ah there you are. How are you both doing.”

Before Siwon can blow him up, Sieun pulled her back to prevent any physical damage.

“ We have been doing extremely well these past few years? Especially after getting beat up, we have change for the better, right fourth sister?”

Siwon immediately nodded, “ We have become better people and befriended the eight brother.”

“ So you called him eighth brother now?” Minjun amusedly asked, “ I used to remember when you guys were younger, you used to call h—”

Sieun interrupted, knowing what trap he was about to set, “— that was the past, main husband. I prefer that we should forget about the past and move on. If we compared ourselves to you, the main husband was… much worse than us.”

Seeing that Sieun managed to help the memories of such humiliating actions resurface into his conscious mind, the main husband was not very pleased.

“ Good, really good, you dare to even mock me. Fourth and fifth miss, you must remember what you have done today.” He then turned away and walked to the opposite direction of the group.

“ Whew,” the entire group except the youngest slouched their previously tense posture.

Sieun then turned around to look at Taehyung, who was still frozen in his spot. Slowly, taking his little hand and gently caressing them while waiting for him to come back.

“ Taehyung-ah, he’s gone now. It’s safe, older sister promise.”

Slowly but steadily, Taehyung began to relax until he was able to move again.

“ How about we go back now, you look exhausted,” Jinsung suggested.

Taehyung nodded as he rubs his eyes, seemingly becoming sleepier as the moment passes.

“ Jinkyu, carry him.”

Taehyung then let himself be tug onto Jinkyu’s back before the group walk back to Taehyung’s courtyard.

On the way, Siwon suddenly had an excellent idea.

“ Sieun, I should go to the market and buy something for Taehyung.”

Before Sieun could even react to Siwon’s words, Taehyung had yelled out excitedly, “ Fourth sister, are you going outside? I want to go outside! Take me with you.”

“ No you cannot.” Sieun firmly replied.

“ Wh—“ Siwon was about to ask but stopped when she saw three people glaring at her.

“ But I want to go outside. Please, please, please, fourth sister.” Taehyung asked using his infamous bambi eyes, practically begging to allow him to follow her.

“ No, young master,” Jinsung said, “ It’s too dangerous.”

Taehyung pouted, “ It won’t be if the fourth sister is by my side, right fourth sister?”

He then looked over at Siwon but she had decided to look anywhere except him. Taehyung’s irises gloomed down after seeing her reaction but went back to its previous form when he found another solution.

“ I know! Jinkyu can accompany us to prot—“ “ I will not, young master. I am too busy for that.”

The young boy huffed, frustrated with the rejection, “ Fine, if you will not let me then I guess I will have to ask mother.”

The group then returned quietly to the young master’s courtyard, the tension between them and the young master was so tense that no one wanted to utter a word, afraid that it would worsen the situation. Looks like the young master’s mother would be dealing with this matter now.

*****

Later on that night, general Kim and her three children were having a peaceful dinner before Taehyung thought that it would be a good idea to bring up his peculiar request.

“ Mother, may I go outside with my fourth sister tomorrow?”

The seemingly-innocent question made the general stop her from grabbing another piece of vegetable. Setting her pair of chopstick down, she looked over to Taehyung, confused by his sudden request.

“ You want to go outside? Why so suddenly?”

“ I heard that the markets are very fun, with many food stalls and games. OH, there are also many people that I can befriend with, too!”

“ If you want those foods, I will send someone to get them for you. There’s no need for you to go by yourself. It is true that the market is filled by many people, but if you were to get lost in them, what would you do?”

“ I won’t be there by myself! I will go with my fourth sister and Jinkyu.”

“ People know Jinkyu’s face as my left hand, if you were to go with him, they would know your identity.”

Taehyung frowned, “ He can just wear a mask.”

“ Still a no.”

“ Why, mother?”

General Kim sighs, exhausted from her audience with the emperor, “ Do you want me to say it, Taehyung?”

“ Yes,” Taehyung nodded, “ I will try my best to be able to go outside.”

“ You don’t know enough about the outside world to even grasp the most basic concept of it. How do you expect me to let you do outside.”

Not knowing what to say, Taehyung could only try to protest, “ BUT, but, I really want to go outside. Won’t you let me, mother?”

General Kim looked into Taehyung’s curious eyes, before shaking her head, sighing, “ If Jinkyu can approve that you are qualify to go outside then you will be able to go outside.”

Taehyung’s mouth then dropped, “ NO, mother, that would take forever. I am not even able to run a lap after 2 years training with him so how could I? Please, please, please, mother. I want to go outside.”

Taehyung the jumped down from his spot before waddling his way over to his mother’s spot, arms wrapped around her right bicep, begging her for permission.

“ NO,” general Kim firmly answered.

Frustrated, Taehyung released her bicep before angrily stomping his feet, “ I HATE YOU MOTHER! YOU NEVER LET ME DO ANYTHING FUN! IT’S ALWAYS STUDY AND TRAINING. I HATE YOU!”

After his rant, Taehyung then left the dining room and ran back to his room while the rest were just frozen in their spot, shocked at the young master’s words.

General Kim then sighed before standing up and left the room along with Jinsung and Jinkyu. After that, the rest began to leave until no one was left there, too stunned to even comprehend that the food was yet to be taken down to the kitchen.

*****

“ Jinsung, was I too rough with him?”

“ No, general. He was so used to you spoiling him tha I believe that denying him of one of them is necessary. Besides, going outside is too dangerous for someone as young and inexperienced as him.”

General Kim could only nod, not knowing what to say.

“ I’m afraid that I won’t be able to apologize to him.”

It was now Jinsung and Jinkyu’s turn to be confused.

“ Why is that, general?” Jinkyu asked.

General Kim stood up from her spot before walking over to the window, silently admiring the moonlight.

“ During today’s audience, his majesty had announce that every general will have to go to the south to help with the ongoing battle.”

“ WHAT!” Jinsung yelled out.

“ How could he do that? It’s too risky,” Jinkyu added.

“ I have no choice but to leave tomorrow.”

“ So soon? Is he crazy?”

“ Careful, Jinkyu. You can get your head chop off if anyone were to hear.”

“ Will you go, general?”

“ Of course, I have to after all.”

“ You don’t have to, my general.”

“ I don’t but if I were to deny it, Byungseok would also deny it. Other ministers would start to get more suspicious, it will be too much of a problem. Besides, we are just play toys. Just two little rooks that could easily be replaced by someone else.”

Jinkyu immediately denies her claims, “ General, you are wrong. Right now, you are one of the strongest pieces on the board, against the king, himself. You cannot be replace by just anyone.”    

General Kim chuckled, hearing his almost immediate response, “ You’ve mature, Jinkyu. Both of you have grown so much that if I were to not be here, I would not be able to recognize the two of you.”

“ We’ve matured because of your care. You’re our savior and we swore our absolute loyalty to you because of that.”

“ Yes, without you, we would probably be dead that night,” Jinkyu added.

General Kim shook her head, “ You both have done too much, there’s not much more to do except the last few steps and we will be done.”

“ Even when we have accomplished our goal, we will still follow you, general.”

General Kim turned around and faced them fully, observing their body language before letting out a proud smile.

“ Fine, you both better stay true to your words.”

The two nodded before kneeling down, “ We will accompany you until we are unable to. Even then, our loyalty will still be yours.”

“ Sounds like you guys are courting me,” she laughs, “ Remember what you have say today. Now go and pack up, we have a lot of things to deal with.”

The pair quickly stood up before running out of the room, getting ready for tomorrow’s trip.

“  They never really change right? Right?”

General Kim then made her way back to the table, before pouring herself a cup of tea. The tea was now lukewarm yet she still found it tasty. Setting the glass cup down, she made her way out of the room and left.

“ Taehyung-ah, mother is sorry. Mother won’t be there for you anymore. Mother hope you will be able to grow up safely and happily.”

*****

As the sun started to creep up on the horizon, Taehyung found himself unable to fall asleep. All night long, his body was constantly in discomfort and itches causing him to create some rashes along his arms. He did not know why this was happening to him until his nanny came running into his room.

“ YOUNG MASTER, YOUNG MASTER, quick get change!”

“ Nanny? Why are you yelling? It’s still early in the morning.”

As the old woman bounced around the room trying to find an appropriate attire for him to wear, she announced, “ General will be leaving soon, you must greet her before she goes.”

As the mentioned of the general, Taehyung huffed and denied to go meet her, “ If mother needs to go, then she will go. There is no need for me to go and greet her.”

The nanny stopped herself when she heard the young master’s odd words. The nanny was unable to comprehend what he means? Doesn’t he adore his mother that when she has to go to the palace for her weekly audience, he would whine and cry, begging for her not to leave?

The nanny dropped multiple articles of clothing that was previously in her hand before running over to the young master. She then proceeded to set her hand on his forehead, trying to examine if he was ill or not.

“ Young master, are you ill?”

Taehyung quickly shook his head, pulling the nanny’s desperate arms off him.

“ I am fine, great at that! I will not greet mother, end of discussion.”

The distressed nanny sighed, knowing that it was not her position to yell at him.

“ Young master, the general will be gone for a very long time. If you don’t greet her now, you will regret it.”

Yet, Taehyung only huffed and ignored her. Not knowing that his rash decision would make him regret for his entire life and even beyond that.

*****

Six months have now past since the day the general has left. Taehyung was now starting to feel the regret of now greeting her but was too prideful to say anything. He was also starting to get anxious if his mother was safe or not.

“ Fourth miss and fifth miss! I received a letter from the general’s camp!” A maid announced, running towards the group with a letter in hand.

Sieun quickly stood up and the maid immediately handed her the letter. She then hurriedly opened the letter and read its content. Unexpectedly, she dropped the slip a few moments after, her face showcased a horrified expression.

Seeing how shocked Sieun was, Siwon rooked over the role and read the slip. It says,

The battle against the Ryrgs is proceeding extremely well and we currently have the upper hand. Unfortunately, during the last battle, we had some major fatalities. 200 soldiers had died along with some commanders. Within them General Kim and her left and right hands were included. They had died trying to defend the camps and were killed by a spy that had managed to enter our camps. As one of the commanders, we were unable to save them. They all had made great contributions to the nation and will forever be honoured.

Commander Park Jaekyun

By the end of it, the group was stunned from the unexpected news.

Sieun was the first to come back and quickly commanded the maid to inform everyone in the house of the general’s passing.

Taehyung, who had not uttered a single word, was impacted the most. He was the general’s only son and was the most treasured by her but what did he do? Ignore her when she could possibly not come back.

“ MOTHER! MOTHER! Taehyung is sorry, Taehyung is sorry. I won’t disobey you again. I will not be a bad son! COME BACK, MOTHER!” He yelled out before he ran towards the door with Siwon and Sieun behind, chasing after him.

“ Taehyung!” Both of them yelled.

Taehyung, who has tears running down his cheeks by now, did not hear them as he continued to run towards whatever direction. Because of his weak physique, Siwon quickly caught up with him before capturing him into a tight embrace.

“ Taehyung, it’s alright, we are still here.”

“ Mother is gone now. It was because of me! IT WAS MY FAULT THAT S-S-SHE…”

“ NO! It was not your fault that she passed away. She died on the battlefield, Taehyung. It wasn’t your fault,” Sieun quickly intervened.

Taehyung, however, continued to cry in Siwon’s embrace, unable to comprehend Sieun’s words amidst the moment.

The two sisters did not know how to comfort the boy but before they could do such things, all Taehyung could see was red.

In front of him were his fourth and fifth sister lying on the floor, each with an arrow penetrated in their backs.

Terrified, Taehyung could only freeze in his spot on the floor. Apparently, he was knocked onto the floor when the impact on the arrow caused Siwon to release him.

“ The traitor’s daughters are here.” A familiar voice said.

Taehyung looked over to the voice to see a crowd of guards that was lead by the main husband.

“ Main husband,” he whispered out, shock.

“ Ah, young master, … no I should say Taehyung, how are you?”

Minjun’s eyes were somehow red and had a bloodlust that Taehyung had never experienced.

“ …”

Minjun then turned towards the guards before motioning them to come over. The soldiers then quickly ran over and picked up the fourth and fifth miss’ lifeless bodies.

“ Main husband, what about this little boy?”

“ You can leave him, I will deal with him on my own.”

“ Yes, main husband.”

As they were carried, Siwon managed to insult Minjun one last time.

“ You will pay for this, you whore!”

“ Of course.”

After all the guards had left, Minjun and Taehyung were the only ones left.

“ Taehyung, do you know why I despise you so much?”

Taehyung was now too terrified to even answer, unable to keep his gaze away from Minjun’s burning eyes.

“ It all started with your damn father, he was just a commoner but he managed to even capture the general’s heart. How he did it, I will never understand.”

Minjun began to walk towards Taehyung, his steps were silent yet powerful.

“ When the general and I had three daughters, I thought that she would finally look at me but no. She continued to look at that whore like he was the best thing that came into her life. I understand that we were tied because of a political reason but she could have been more courteous and showed me some face.”

Minjun’s expression surprisingly saddens when he talks about those memories.

“ I decided that I won’t harm him if the general at least shows my children some affection. That was what happened for some time until she had you! Your damn father had died during the process but she still managed to keep you. After your birth, you became her most treasured child.”

His steps were now much harsher as it landed on the ground.

“ Just like your father, you managed to woo the general and left the rest of us desperate for her affections. YOU GREEDY BRAT! YOU CAUSED ME AND MY CHILDREN TO SUFFER FROM HUMILIATION! Do you even understand how humiliating it was, you brat!”

Taehyung, still on the ground, was now crying as he continues to plead for forgiveness.

“ But now it’s all good, the general is gone now so no one will be able to protect you. My eldest will inherit the position as the head of the house and no one will be able to bully us again.”

By now, Minjun had finally reached Taehyung. He then kneeled down and took Taehyung’s face into his grasp, tilting his chin for him to look up into his eyes properly.

“ You will become our slave and serve us for the rest of your life. You will suffer humiliation and pay for what you and your father had done to us.”

“ I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” Taehyung continued chanting yet Minjun was unfazed by it.

“ Welcome to your new life, Taehyung. A little queen that has been captured.”

♟ ♟ ♟ ♟ ♟

“ You damn brat! Do something right for once!” Sooyoung yelled while continued to kick the frail body of a servant.

“ Sooyoung, you shouldn’t kick his body like that. If you managed to injure him, he would not be able to serve us.”

“ HMPH!” Sooyoung let out before walking back to her original seat.

“ Taehyung, you may leave.” Seoyoon said.

Taehyung then gently lifted his limp body up, one hand instinctively shielded his stomach before bowing to them and left.

“ Second sister, you ruined the fun. I was going to beat him up until he couldn’t even stand.”

Seoyoon scoffed, “ For what? You’re going to beat him up like 6 years ago. He could barely even work for us and had to heal for a month.”

“ Unnie, he’s older now, stronger than when he was 7.”

Seoyoon then hit Sooyoung’s head using her knuckles, “ With how much you beat the boy, it most likely will be the opposite. He’s probably a child in an old man’s crooked body.”

“ OUCH! But he just annoys me whenever he is nearby! How can I prevent myself when there is a delicious prey in front of me, literally waiting for me to conquer?”

Seoyoon sighed, and continued to drink her tea, too tired to talk back with her younger sister.

*****

As Taehyung continued to make his way back to his shared room, he began to hear the same old words from the other maids again.

“ So filthy!”

“ Was he really the young master?”

“ He deserved it! A spoiled brat should understand how we commoners live.”

At the beginning, he would constantly stand up and defend himself but that only resulted in more humiliation and even getting beat up. 4 years later, he knew better than to just speak out.

Finally arriving at his shared quarters, he unexpectedly got a surprise visitor.

“ Nanny? What are you doing here?”

Sitting on his bed was his nanny that had helped nurtured him before the incident. Taehyung ran towards her and captured her into a tight hug.

“ Oh, young master I have finally found you!” The nanny hushed out, “ Oh, young master! Why are you so thin?”

Taehyung ignored her questions and continued to hug her, “ Nanny where were you?”

At his question, the nanny only sighed and patted his head.

“ Young master, I apologized that I wasn’t there when you needed me the most. After the main husband got notified that the general had passed, he immediately sent me to another place to work. Over the years, I had tried to sneak into the main house to help you but I couldn’t. I finally managed to sneak in after so long but we need to hurry.”

Taehyung then let go of her, confused at what she was hinting.

“ What do you mean, nanny?”

“ Young master, there is a secret that the general and her right and left hand have always kept hidden. Only people that are involved in it know. When she first had you, she never wanted you to find out as it would cause you to be in danger. She knew that the moment you are announced, many eyes will constantly be on you so she was very protected by you.”

“ What do you mean, nanny?” Taehyung grasps his nanny’s hand and held them tightly, “ What was my mother involved in?”

The nanny then quickly stood up before opening the door and peeked her head out, looking to see if anyone was around. After making sure that no one was, she then proceeded to close the door and returned to her previous spot.

“ Young master, you must not tell anyone,” the nanny then leaned into Taehyung’s ear and whispered, “ We are a part of the Scarlet Phoenix organization.”

Taehyung looked at his nanny in disbelief, “ No, you must be lying. My mother has always been loyal to the nation that she won’t be a part of an organisation of another nation.”

“ No, young master you are wrong. The Scarlet Phoenix is not a rebellion group, they are much more than that. The organization has at least a branch in every country but not many know that. For example, our clan is one of the branches of Corea.”

With the added information, taehyung was even more confused, “ If we are the one of the branches of the organization, then does that mean that Seolhee is the head?”

“ No, of course not, young master. Minjun was married into our family because of a political marriage. Except for him and your father, everyone is a part of the organization here.”

“ My father wasn’t a part of it?”

“ Yes, young master. He was a commoner that the general had fallen in love with. He is also should have been name main husband.”

“ Then if it was like that, then why did Minjun…”

“ He became the main husband because of his majesty’s direct command. He was also the only one that had children with your mother except for your father.”

“ … you mean that except for the three eldest, the rest are not my sisters?”

“ Yes, young master. They are your cousins that have been brought from your mother’s side to make it easier for interacting with each other. Their ‘fathers’ are also a part of the organization and have been secretly working with them. Unfortunately, the fourth and fifth miss’ got exposed and was… disposed of.”

“ If they were part of it, why did they not tell me?”

The nanny then stroked his head, trying to comfort him.

“ I know that this is a lot of many but you were too young to be exposed to it.”

“ So I’m old enough now?”

“ No, my little master. It’s just that I am not sure if there will be any opportunities to escape in the future.”

“ Escape?”

She excitedly nodded, “ Yes escape, young master. You will be able to be free from the main husband.”

“ How?”

“ Listen to me, young master. Today next month, a group from the organization will arrive in Corea. I have already sent them a message that you will be waiting for them near the river. You just have to find a way to go there before the moon is at its peak, and they will help you.”

“ … you will not be going?” He asked, looking into his nanny’s eyes, desperately finding any trace that could tell him the opposite.

“ My little master, this nanny is too old to do that. Besides I need to be here when the time comes when one of the other miss takes the head role.”

“ I don’t understand. No… I don’t want to know. Will we ever meet again when I have to escape, nanny?”

She sighs, not knowing what to say except for a hesitant nod.

Seeing how uncertain she was, Taehyung could only stay silent, trying to absorb all the information that was given to him.

“ I understand, nanny. I will go.”

The nanny perked up at his decision, glad that he had decided to escape.

“ Young master, I’m glad that you have made this choice. There is not much time left before someone would grow suspicious of my missing presence so I will leave now.”

Taehyung nodded, not looking at her, knowing that if he were to see her leave, he would not be able to let her leave.

Before she left, the nanny looked into his eyes.

“ Young master, you must know that even if your loved ones have left you, they will always be in your heart,” she then motioned to his chest, “ When you get there, make sure to train hard and become someone outstanding, alright?”

After she said that, Taehyung could then see her figure leave the room before falling on top of his bed, exhausted of the recent events. After a few moments, he fell asleep in the same position.

*****

A month quickly passed by with Taehyung’s usual routine; wake up, work, get beat up, work, get yelled at, work, eat, and sleep.

The day before the grand escape, he got beaten up quite badly that he was unable to work properly. Of course it was by the hand Sooyoung, who had vented her anger because one of the maids had ‘accidentally’ destroyed her precious vase that was given by her lover.

Unfortunately, the maid knew that Sooyougn especially has a distinct distaste towards him so they blamed them.

“ You damn brat, you’ve done nothing helpful in this house yet you even dare to destroy my stuff?”

“Oof!” He called out on a partially sharp hit to his stomach. That would probably take a few days to heal.

The treatment continues Seoyoon had to intervene, claiming that it was enough. For him, Seoyoon was a very neutral person. He didn’t know if he should hate or like her. She was always the one to intervene when Soonyoung decided to beat her up, yet she always chose to stand by when others bully him so he doesn’t really know her true intentions with him.

“ HMPH! Because of my second sister I will let you go, if you repeat the same mistake then don’t think I will repeat mine! NOW GO!”

Taehyung hurriedly pushed himself up despite his obvious injuries and ran out the door.

“ Just another day, just another day, just another day,” he tiredly muttered.

“ Just another what?” A voice behind him asked.

“AH!”

Turning around, he was met with a pair of amber eyes looking down at him.

“ Sixth miss! Pardon me, I d—“

“ You don’t need to be that formal, come with me. Looks like you got beaten up quite a bit.”

If he didn’t know about the organization and how many people were involved in it, he would not do something so rash. But because he trust his nanny, he decided to follow Siyeon.

The two walked in silence to Siyeon’s room, not knowing how to start a conversation with each other as they have never been close.

When they arrived at her courtyard, Taehyung was invited for a cup of tea offered by the miss herself.

“ There aren’t much servants here.”

“ We prefer little to none as it becomes quite difficult to gather and plan when there might be a potential spy,” Siyeon nonchalantly answered as she brought out a medical kit from within her room.

“ You know how to disinfect wounds?”

“ Are you that surprised?”

Taehyung quickly shook his head, trying to not offend her.

“ No, of course not. I just didn’t expect you to be knowledgeable with medicinal herbs”

“ You don’t know a lot about our organization. Nanny must be in a hurry and didn’t explain it to you.”

“ Explain them to me, then.”

Siyeon chuckled, “ Such a curious child… the Scarlet Phoenix organization is infamous for its skills in a wide range of aspects. From medical to physical, financial to materialistic items, the Scarlet Phoenix is at the top of the rank. As long as their customer has a good enough currency to exchange for our service, we will literally do anything.”

Using tweezers to grab a disinfectant cotton ball, she skillfully dabbed them onto Taehyung’s minor wounds.

“ Like many other members, we are born into a family that is part of the organization. As a result, we are trained about a specific skill starting at a very young age.”

“ If you say it like that then shouldn’t I also be trained at a specific skill?”

Siyeon looked up at him, before pointing her pointer finger against his forehead.

“ Taehyung, you have been training ever since you were 5. Starting with chess, you were already training with your logical mindset. Seeing how much talent that was hidden in your tiny little body, the general must have seen that and told Jinsung to train you. He frequently notified me about your progress and I’m truly impressed with your talent.”

Met with an unexpected compliment, Taehyung could feel his cheek slowly turn crimson.

“ When you reach a certain level, you will be able to take missions.”

“ Missions? Have you ever done them?”

“ Yes, Taehyung, I have. Countless, even. I accomplished my very first mission when I was 13, just around your age. Siwon, Sieun, Sora and I became a group that very day also.”

At the mention of their names, Taehyung’s expression saddens.

“ I’m sorry, it was my fault that they are not here anymore. I’m so—”

Taehyung’s words were interrupted by a pat on the head.

“ You don’t have to apologize, they died during a mission in which they understood the risks very clearly. Instead, I should apologize to you for not being there when you needed me.”

Taehyung quickly shook his head.

“ No I understand that you didn’t have a choice.”

“ I’m happy that you can forgive me.”

Siyeon then came closer to him and gave him a hug, avoiding the bruise on his stomach.

“ Alright, now let me apply some medicine on your bruise to hopefully make tomorrow’s plan easier for you.”

“ You know about the plan?”

“ Of course, Sora and I are in charge of it after all so you won’t have to go alone.”

“ Really? You would do that?”

Siyeon happily nodded, “ Of course, just think of it as a way to compensate you for our negligence these years.”

“ Mhm.”

“ Listen to me, Taehyung.” Siyeon crouched down to look into his eyes, “ When you are dismissed from your duties tomorrow, immediately go back to your room. Make sure that no one is suspicious of your doings and start packing your belongings. Only bring things that you absolutely need, make it as light as possible. After that, quickly run to my courtyard but make sure that no one is following you. We will be waiting for you here.”

Taehyung nodded, determined to escape.

“ We will then help you go to the destination where the people from the main branch will pick you up. After that, it is up to you to train hard. Maybe in the future we would be able to meet each other again.”

Taehyung this time, however, did not reply and the two spent the rest of their time in Siyeon’s room in silence. After Siyeon finally finished disinfecting his wound, she lead him to the entrance of her courtyard and bid him goodbye.

After he left, she sighs, “ Please, let tomorrow go smoothly.”

*****

“ You are dismissed, Taehyung.” The head maid said.

Taehyung then thanked her before making his way back to his quarter and started packing.

Initially, he had very limited belongings but after he finished packing up, he barely has anything in his luggage. Before another person entered the room, he quickly exited the room after rearranging his bed to how they were before he had entered. He then secretly made his way over to Siyeon’s courtyard as promised.

When he got there, he saw both Siyeon and Sora were both present. They were sitting on the table near the entrance, drinking tea and acting like everything was normal.

The moment they saw Taehyung, the two quickly led Taehyung to Siyeon’s private quarter.

“ … wow…” Taehyung uttered out as soon as he entered Siyeon’s quarter.

There were weapons of many kinds displayed on the walls as a map was placed on the table in the centre. This was not what he expected.

“ It’s not what you expected?” Sora asked.

“ Mhm.”

“ Come, Taehyung. You can’t wear that when escaping.” Siyeon said motioning at his outfit.

Taehyung was currently wearing a servant’s clothing which was quite bright in color and will be easy to spot out. He walked over to where Siyeon was which was in front of a massive closet. Siyeon then proceeded to take out a black cloak and told him to wear it.

“ I don’t think you will be able to fit any of these so just a cloak will do.”

After getting it on, Siyeon and Sora did the same, wearing similar cloaks that hid their figure and face.

After that, the trio hurriedly ran out through the back door to avoid anyone possibly seeing them leave. They all knew that there was a time limit until someone has notify the head that one of the servants was missing. Especially if it is Taehyung, they will immediately start their search right away.

As Sora carried Taehyung on his back, his anxiety started to overwhelm at the thought of getting caught. Gripping on to her cloak tightly, he prayed that he would safely escape.

The closer they are to the river, the faster his heart beats, scared that he would be caught.

“ It will be alright, we’re almost there.” Sora whispered, feeling how fast his heart was beating.

Not knowing what to say, Taehyung could only nod.

However, the exact scenario happened to them as soon as they reached the river. A group of guards had surrounded them, their weapons unsheathe and ready to attack.

“ We were waiting for you, sixth and seven miss.” Minjun greeted from behind the guards.

“ Took you long enough.” Sooyoung said, standing with her father and sisters.

Siyeon looked at them and the guards around them, trying to prolong their time.

“ What do you want?”

“ What do I want? I want that boy… no I want to finish all of you.”

“ Why?”

“ Are you really asking me that sixth sister? You are a traitor by being a part of a rebellion organization. It is my job as a minister to help get rid of any threats.” The current head of the clan answered.

Sora smirked, “ Soonyi, you finally decided to appear. It’s been a while since we have met. Can you still beat me?”

“ Me beating you or not does not matter. What matters now is that I am a minister and head and you are neither.”

“ Really? If I remember correctly you can barely even understand politics, how did you even get that position when you were 20? I bet you are still unable to fully understand what politics truly mean.”

“ YOU Dare to mock me? I might not be smart and talented as you but my family is much more powerful than yours. Besides, mine is loyal to the Min unlike you.”

“ I don’t fucking care about those damn royals. I will never ever be loyal to a family that kills and uses dirty tricks to win a battle.”

“ Good, good, Sora. GUARDS, ARREST THEM!”

Immediately after Soonyi’s command, dozens of guards from all sides rushed towards the trio. Sora and Siyeon then unsheathe their weapons and the fight begins.

“ YAH!” A guard yells behind Sora, aiming to slash Taehyung to distract her.

“ You damn guard, don’t you dare injure that child!” the main husbands yelled out.

Fortunately Siyeon managed to spot the guard and quickly threw multiple needles towards him, killing him on the spot.

Siyeon and Sora then looked at each other before moving towards each other until Taehyung and Siyeon’s touched each other.

“ We need to lengthen the time, the moon is almost at its peak.” Siyeon whispered.

Sora nodded while Taehyung was desperately clutching Sora’s body, his face covered by the cloak and hidden in her neck.

Siyeon kicked the guard near her, opening a space for them to move forward. The two sisters continued to fight, not breaking their formation. It was until one of the guards managed to slash Someone's right arm that they broke.

“Gah!” Siyeon yelled out after the guard had managed to injure her. She was about to fall from the impact but was quickly pulled towards Sora for balance.

“ You alright?.”

Siyeon gritted her teeth and nodded as she continued to attack the guards.

“ How much longer?”

Taking a look at the moon as she managed to slash another guard’s chest, she answered, “ A little bit more. Hang on.”

“ Mhm.”

They continued for what seem like hours, each slowly getting more injuries until they were no longer able to fight any longer.

“ Do you admit defeat?” Soonyi asked as she tightly gripped Sora’s hair, tilting them to get her to meet her gaze.

“ Never!”

“ Hmm, you are so close to death’s door but still struggling. Why do you have that much motivation?”

Sora did not answer but only spit at her.

“ YOU DARE!” Soonyi yelled out as she wiped her face disgustingly, “ Fine if you really want to die, I will do you a favour. But not after killing him.”

Knowing who she was referring to, Sora let out a threatening growl.

“ Don’t you dare!”

Seeing how affected she is, Soonyi continued to tease her, “ Why can’t I? Especially when he had ruined my childhood. Because of him, mother began to disfavour me until she no longer cared about me. I was only able to become the head because of her sudden accident. Ah, how coincident, just when I wanted to be the head.”

Soonyi then walked over to Taehyung, who was now lying on the floor. Grabbing a guard’s sword, she slowly raised her arm up.

“ Soonyi! Don’t you dare! You must let him live!” her father yelled out.

Rolling her eyes, she turned around, annoyed by him interrupting her playtime.

“ Father, you have no right to control me.”

Minjun, angered by his daughter’s arrogant answer, lifted his hand and pointed at her.

“ You unfilial daughter! How dare you disobey your father!”

Soonyi, however, ignored his words and turned around.

“ Guards, the main husband is exhausted from today’s event. Escort him back and do not let him leave.”

Some guards began to approach Minjun’s direction before grabbing him and dragging him away.

“ How dare you filthy servant touch me! Seoyoon, Sooyoung! Why aren’t you helping me? HELP ME!”

The two mentioned daughters ignored him as they made their way to their eldest sister.

“ Eldest sister, continue.”

Soonyi once again lifted her arm along with the sword and let it fall with gravity.

Unexpectedly, before it can reach the boy, a powerful force penetrated her arm.

“ GAH!”

The two other sisters turned around, alarmed at whoever just attacked Soonyi.

“ Who?”

Behind the cherry blossom tree nearby then walked out a figure.

“ I didn’t know that this was a part of this escort.”

“ Me too,” another voice said as he slowly brought out multiple figures that all of them were able to recognize. It was the guards that had escorted the main husband not long ago.

“ Gosh, you guys are a mess, Windflower, Black Wolf.”

“ You are finally here, Phoenix.”

“ Of course, I’m always on time.”

“ Doesn’t hurt if you arrive a bit earlier,” Sora said.

“ Hush, let us deal with this and we’ll talk later,” Phoenix said as they turned their attention towards the crowd. Skillfully they began to skillfully finish all of them with the help of Bear.

“ YOU CAN’T KILL ME! I HAVE VALUABLE INFORMAitON tHAT CAN be USEFUL! PLEASE, DON’T KILL ME!” Seoyoon cried out as she saw Phoenix moving towards her.

“ Boring,” they said before slashing her.

“ Is that it?” Bear asked, looking around.

“ That must be it. They probably did not expect reinforcement would come and help. Such stupid people.”

“ … Phoenix, that’s the boy you need to escort.” Siyeon said pointing at Taehyung.

“ This is Taehyung? Are you sure he’s 13? He looks like a baby… nevermind, Bear, Panther, go and help them get back to their quarters. I’ll escort this little guy here,” Y/N said, “ you guys are lucky, having the chance to be escorted by the two bishops. 

Phoenix then crouched down and faced Taehyung, smiling at him to try and comfort the terrified boy.

“ Hi, Taehyung. I’m Y/N but use Phoenix for now, alright?”

Taehyung nodded. If his sisters trusted you, then he will trust you as well. Grabbing your offered hand, he stood up and patted his clothes.

“ Taehyung, your mother has told us how talented you are. We are willing to offer you a spot and help train you. After you have finish training, you will forever be part of us and never betray us, alright?”

“ My mother told you about me?”

“ Mhm, she told me very wonderful things about you.”

“ Really? But she is gone now, how can she guarantee that I am that talented?”

“ She is… was the infamous General of the Wind, I believe that she has enough nights that she can differentiate who is special and who isn’t, Taehyung.”

“ Was… my mother there a lot? The main branch I mean.”

“ Aside from her home, she probably is there the most. Just seeing you now, I can understand why your mother assigned you queen.”

“ Queen?” Taehyung asked, curious, “ What do you mean?”

“ Ah, it’s a tradition for an older family member to name our alias. Mine was given by my mother. Your mother has decided that yours will be Queen. Just like the most valuable piece in chess.”

“ Haha, that sounds like mother.”

“ Of course. Oh! Before she left last time, she gave me a letter that was meant for you.”

Taehyung looked up to gaze at Y/N’s eyes, surprised

“ Really?”

“ Mhm so let’s quickly go back and ready it, shall we?”

Taehyung excitedly nodded and pulled Y/N towards the direction of the sunrise.

♟ ♟ ♟ ♟ ♟

“ Taehyung? Are you ready?” Y/N asked him, entering his room.

“ Mhm. I’m ready.” He said, pulling Y/N out of his room and ran down the stairs, pulling them with him.

“ You look excited.”

Taehyung then pouted, “ You know why, Y/N. Don’t act why?”

“ I know? Really? Wait let me see…” Y/N said, pretending to think.

“ Aish, how can you forget such an important day? Today is the day where I get my first mission!”

“ AHAH!” Y/N sarcastically yelled out, keen on teasing the hell out of their junior.

“ Don’t you dare, Y/N!” He said chasing them.

“ Don’t be hasty, little junior. As your senior, you need to respect me.” Y/N sassily said, pointing their finger towards Taehyung.

Taehyung rolls his eyes, “ If you are my senior, act like one. No senior would forget their junior’s first mission day.”

“ OH! You will be surprise of how many people have done that.”

Instead of answering, Taehyung only pouted, obviously sulking that he was never going to win their little competition.

Y/N then walked towards the door and offered him their hand, “ Come now, Queen. You have a busy day in front of you. Don’t want you to be late now do we?”

Taehyung then happily nodded, grabbing onto their hand, the pair made their way out of the building to their first ever mission together.

At that moment, Taehyung was unlike the past. Instead of being a pawn, he had become a knowledgeable queen who is worthy of respect, alongside him is a king then cannot be captured and will always be there for him.

Copyright © 2021 MintVender

All rights reserved. 

Lovely 😊 , thank you ☺️

Hi! Recently found your blog and am loving your yandere BLACKPINK characters!!! I was wondering how the girls would react if you are a mafia leader? One with strong influence as well. Will be waiting ... also happy New Years ❤️

Happy new years love!! <3 Thank you for your ask!

Jennie herself has a very strong influence. This would be a very heated fight of power between her and you. Especially since one of her main power moves is having power over you, being able to bribe you, control you, etc. With you having a lot of power, possibly even more than her, it’s going to be very risky. She’s going to have to be more careful, more thoughtful of her actions. A more calm, collected, and smart Jennie will come out. She’ll plan her moves accordingly and rarely let her naturally angered side come out like usual. She’s already powerful, but slithering her way to you side will only make her power grow. She’ll convince herself she’s doing it to gain more influence, more money. However, it’s clearly for one reason alone. She’s in love with you.

Jisoo is a famous model. That’s it. Although she’s very well known throughout her school, hometown, and certain parts of the world where a lot of her online fans are located, she has no where near the amount of power a mafia leader would have. She admires you for it. It makes her proud of you. Of course someone so perfect and amazing would have so much power and influence. How could Jisoo have ever thought differently? Her grip on morality will start shifting, warping into whatever ideas you want her to have. Your mafia steals and threatens? Oh, I guess that is okay! You sometimes torture people and kill them? But of course! They deserve it!

Rose is popular for her singing/guitar covers and singles she releases on platforms like Youtube, Spotify, and Soundcloud. However, she doesn’t hold world destroying power. Much like Jennie, a more thoughtful, careful Rose would be brought out. She can’t just be her silly, “dumb”, hopelessly in love self that she normally is. As I’ve said before, she’s very smart. In no way is she delusional (other than thinking what she feels is love, of course). So she’d start showing a more mature side, someone who can manipulate and control things. She already manipulates people subtly, and is definitely the best one at doing it, but having her be cynical... thoughtful. That’s dangerous. She’s smarter than she’ll ever let on.

Lisa would find it bothersome. She’s a stalker, a watcher. She’s amazing at leaving no evidence behind, at staying hidden from sight, and at being completely quiet. However, you’re a mafia leader. Not a simple college student. You don’t just walk home by yourself, you have body guards watching your every move. Although with careful planning and consideration, she could find her way inside of your home undetected, and get any sort of information she wanted, she finds the rush of not knowing to be.... infuriating in a sensational way. Her yandere side will burn bright. She can’t stand not knowing what you are doing, where you are, and who you are with. It’s driving her crazy. A much more irrational and impulsive Lisa will be pulled out. Someone who is unhinged.

I thought this whole copyright thing was over but guess not. The best thing you can do now is wait for them to reply and hopefully they will understand the problem. If not, report them. Publicly tell who and the name of the book to let people report it. Hopefully if there are enough reports, it will be taken down. Let’s all hope that this will end soon. Until then, happy holidays.

Today someone messaged me that a story has been published on Wattpad that is almost identical to Eunoia. Most parts of the story are copypasted from my story, whole scenes, paragraphs and even many individual lines. The author has never contacted me and I had to find out by someone else. Although not every single word is copywrited from Eunoia most of them are. I don't know what to do and I feel really hurt. I have messaged the author but I don't know what will come of it. If they don't co-operate I have no idea what to do.

My self-esteem is getting spoiled 😆!

hello! i reaaaaally really reaaalllllyyyy love your writing! I'd like to know how both clubs would react to their beloved texting them? it could be anything you want! I trust your creative mind:D i hope you're doing well~(´∩｡• ᵕ •｡∩`)

[Thank you so much, cinnamon bun ❤ that makes me really happy ^^. I'm doing very good, I hope you do too. Hobis picture didn't fit on here (TT), so I will post it by itself. 💕🍑]

Hoseok

The young boy layed on his silk sheets, on his four thousand dollar mahogany bed, while drowning in the sounds of his best friend. On his phone he kept repeatedly playing the recordings of their calls. Hearing their voice felt like heaven to him, if he could he'd make them talk forever just so he could dwell in the sound of their voice. Suddenly his euphoria was interrupted by a notification.

Y/n 💕

Have you got the homework for today?

If yes, could you please tell me, thanks.

He sat up and put on his glasses. Yes, it really was Y/n. Although they consider him a best friend, Hoseok still cannot stop his heart from racing in his chest. He quickly typed an answer and jumped up to send them a picture of his finnished work.

Seokjin

With his soft black hair pulled back my a fluffy, pink headband and him wearing an evenly fluffy but white bathrobe, he sat in his private bathroom and applied his expensive skincare products. He hummed and sang a bit [I love you, Y/n~] before being interrupted by his phone notifying him that he got a message.

Prince/ss 👑

Have you got the homework for today?

If yes, could you please tell me, thanks.

He immediately threw his fifty dollar "protection and hydration, for a longer lasting youthful look" cream away and hurried to type back. Why should his love have to do homework, when he'll have one of his butlers do it for them. Silly Y/n.

Yoongi

The newest Rap music blasting in his ears, Yoongi hugged a photo of Y/n, his gorgeous [not yet] lover, to his chest. He dispises most of the new music. It's all money, sex and parties, none of which has anything to do with him. He's an anti social virgin, who has to work two part time jobs to be able to provide for himself and his alcoholic mother. But in that moment he didn't care. The sobs escaping his mouth got interrupted by a notification, no one ever texts him.

Angel 🎶

Have you got the homework for today?

If yes, could you please tell me, thanks.

His red, watery eyes widen. They actually wrote him. They noticed little, boring him. Without thinking he typed a response and made his way to give them what they asked for.

Namjoon

The sound of a pen scraping against paper, leavibg behing dark blue, inky lines that are formed into neat writings. As student council president, Namjoon made sure to set an example to everyone. Diligent, devoted, intelligent, responsible Namjoon. Just as the last sentence was brought to an end, a notification popped up on his phone. He was going to ignore the message, but then spotted the name of the sender.

Darling ❤

Have you got the homework for today?

If yes, could you please tell me, thanks.

His pen rolled out of his hand and hit the polished floor of his room. His love just texted him. They asked for his help! Is he dreaming? He must be. Oh, how he longed for such a moment. He can finally be useful to his darling.

Jimin

The music came to a stop and so did Jimin. He pushed his pink hair out of his sweaty face, while whiping some of the sweat away with his already soaked shirt. The white fabric sticking uncomfortably to his body as he tried to catch his breath. After all there's no time for breaks, he has to impress his baby with his skills! But before he could start the music again, his phone buzzed in his backpack. He walked across the practice room with an annoyed look on his face.

Baby 🥰

Have you got the homework for today?

If yes, could you please tell me, thanks.

Jimins vision went hazy for a second and he lost balance. Now on the floor, he still stared at the message. His face flushed even more than before while thinking about their cute face, distraught at having forgotten the homework. He smiled and took a picture of him winking, making sure to take it so they could see his sweaty shirt, stuck to his back in the mirror. He'll send you it once he gets home, until then how about you talk for a bit?

Taehyung

The artistic boy kept his eyes on the canvas before him. His apron had multiple dried up colour stains, while fresh paint coated his fingertips. Some of the paint got smushed on his face as he brushed his bangs aside, while sone of the paint also got stuck in his locks as he tied them into a small bun. He stepped back, the painted face of his love smiling back at him made him break out into a lovestruck boxy grin. But then his phone buzzed and his smile immediately disappeared.

God/dess 🌹

Have you got the homework for today?

If yes, could you please tell me, thanks.

With his mouth slightly agape, his almond eyes stared at the slightly stained screen. Was he imagining things, was his god/goddess really giving him the chance to serve them. After a few seconds he snapped out of it and hurried to grab his homework.

Jeongguk

In the dark of the night, Jeongguk slouched through the streets. He just got in a fight, boxed the guy so hard that he broke his nose, arm and maybe a rib, just to leave that pathetic, shaking pile of shit whimpering on the ground. As the streetlights softly shone down on him, illuminating his face, he received a message.

Spouse 💍

Have you got the homework for today?

If yes, could you please tell me, thanks.

He stopped in his tracks. A cold wind surrounded him, messing up his hair even more. A bright smile appeared on his face, revealing his bunny like teeth. After jumping around and twirling once or twice he stopped to reply. He couldn't repress the laugh that escaped his dry throat. Now he only has to hurry home!

Jennie

She was feasting with her parents at the gisnt dinner table, but they completely disregarded her existence, only having eyes for each other. She chuckled and cleared her throat, catching her parents attention who bashfully laughed along with her. Jennies parents are exactly how she wishes her future marriage to be. They started talking when her phone notified her of a message.

Y/nie 😘

Have you got the homework for today, girl?

If yes, could you please tell me, thanks.

Before her mother could scold her on her lack of etiquette, she squealed in a high pitched note, that her Y/n just texted her. Of course, her parents knew about you as well as her feelings for you, they were the exact same when they were younger. They sighed lovingly and huddled together while their daughter excitedly texted her love.

Jisoo

Just a few minutes ago, she was busy going through all her Y/n pictures that have she took these past months [5732, not counting her digital copies]. She was just brushing her silky black hair when her phone let out that obnoxious tone. Jisoo snapped around to her phone on her bed, her 20th one this month [her phone keeps running out of storage room from all her photos, yet she refuses to delete any. So she just gets a new one once her current runs out if storage]. She looked at the screen.

My Muse

Have you got the homework for today, girl?

If yes, could you please tell me, thanks.

As soon as she read these messages, her expression brightened. He brush was thrown into a corner of her big room, making a clack sound as it hit the tiles. In a matter of seconds she typed her answer and send you the homework, as you requested.

Chaeyoung

Soft, gentle fingers stoked the strings on a wooden guitar, filling the room with a sweet melody. An angelic voice joined the guitar play, creating a fairytale like song. As it slowly came to an end, the girl to whom that angelic voice belongs, leans over to her nightstand, grabbing her phone. With longing eyes she stared at the screen while muttering please under her breath. Just then, she received a text message.

My Lovely Y/n 😊

Have you got the homework for today, girl?

If yes, could you please tell me, thanks.

She jumped up, placing the guitar on her bed while dancing around. Her eyes, filled with love and adoration, focused on the text. She took a screenshot and replied while singing out of happiness.

Lisa

After she had finished her last pirouette for the day, she scated off the ice to remove her scates. The young girl sat on the cold bench, letting her hair out of her bun, to flow over her shoulders in smooth waves. While removing her skates, she received a notification on her phone.

Sweetheart 🌸

Have you got the homework for today, girl?

If yes, could you please tell me, thanks.

Lisa smiled as she exchanged her ice skates for a pair of warm boots and placed them back to where they belong. While texting her love, she walked out with poise and flipped her hair back. Of course her love would rely on her. She is the most trustworthy person after all.

Between The Bloodshed | Chapter 6

Genre: Mafia!AU, Angst, Romance, Fluff

Pairing: OT7 x Reader

Characters: Doctor!Reader, Gangster!Namjoon, Gangster!Seokjin, Gangster!Yoongi, Gangster!Hoseok, Gangster!Jimin, Gangster!Taehyung, Gangster!Jungkook

Summary: Being a freelance doctor, this was just supposed to be any other job, helping a private client and taking care of him through his recovery. But you were not expecting to get caught in something so much darker that would change your life entirely.

The boys patiently waited for you to give them an answer. Were you really going to leave like nothing happened? Or bite the bullet and continue, possibly putting your life at risk?

Warning: This story is fictional and has nothing to do with real life events or the actual members of BTS. It may contain depictions of violence, blood shed/ gore and mentions of abuse. Please read at your own discretion.

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