ETHTKE chapter 53

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This isn’t fair, not by a long shot.

We’re both dressed in dull, ordinary clothes, but while I look like some strong farmhand from any small village, Baek Yigang looks like a noble’s son out for a bit of adventure.

How does that even make sense?

Ugh, this world…

I wore beige pants and a black shirt, while Baek Yigang donned a gray shirt and black pants.

We were dressed perfectly to blend into the crowd without standing out.

Anyway, we successfully snuck out of the palace, avoiding the guards.

Not just because of our clothes, but because the capital was open to the public for the festival, we slipped out without much effort, blending into the crowd in no time.

“Hey, Yigang, pull your hat down properly.”

Seeing a strand of his white hair sticking out, I tucked it back under his black hat.

White hair like Baek Yigang’s was rare, and if I remembered correctly, he was the only character in the original story with white hair.

Since his hair alone would give away his identity, he had no choice but to wear the hat, no matter how uncomfortable it was.

“Hey, Yigang, there’s another bit sticking out on the other side.”

“Tuck it in for me.”

“You do it yourself.”

Despite my grumbling, my hands were already reaching for his hair as he leaned his head towards me.

“All set?”

“Perfect. But with so many people and lights around, no one would notice even if a bit of your hair stuck out. Still, better safe than sorry.”

“Yeah.”

Watching Baek Yigang nod obediently made my chest feel oddly warm.

Weird… What’s this feeling?

“Shall we go?”

“Yeah, let’s.”

I took his outstretched hand, and we started walking together.

The sun had almost completely set, and it was fully evening now. A slightly chilly breeze swept past our ears.

The farther we walked, the more it felt like we were stepping into the heart of the market.

Street food stalls beckoned from all sides, and children, thrilled by the festival, were shouting excitedly.

Everywhere we looked, people were wandering around with joyful faces.

A cacophony of lively sounds buzzed in the air—joyful laughter, the groans of people losing games, and the excited cheers of someone winning their prized stuffed animal.

It was all familiar, yet strangely foreign at the same time.

“Wow, there’s really a lot of people.”

It felt like the night markets I’d seen in Korea, but on a much grander scale, with a more majestic atmosphere.

“It’s been a while since I’ve come out here myself.”

Baek Yigang’s usually expressionless face showed a faint hint of excitement.

I wondered if, from his perspective, he was watching the people he would one day rule over.

I couldn’t really relate to that, but I could certainly share in his enjoyment.

“It’s my first time here. You’ll have to show me around.”

Hearing that, Baek Yigang’s lips curved into a smile, and he gave a small laugh before nodding.

“Of course. I know just the place.”

“Where?”

As expected, he had a destination in mind.

It seemed like he hadn’t spontaneously run out of the office.

Did he plan this from the moment he stepped into his office three days ago?

Maybe he worked without complaint, all for this moment with me.

I kind of liked that thought.

“But we’re not in any hurry. Let’s explore first.”

“Sounds good. As long as we don’t draw too much attention, it should be fine. It could be dangerous otherwise.”

“Well… there are so many people, it shouldn’t be an issue.”

Baek Yigang tilted his head, seemingly unconcerned.

“Yeah, that’s true.”

Everywhere we went, there were game stalls. I recognized many of the games, starting with cards.

“Cheong Dowoon, how about this?”

“…Baek Yigang, have you ever caught a fish before?”

He had stopped in front of a booth where people were catching goldfish with tiny fishing rods.

The area was packed with frustrated kids and adults, and it didn’t look easy at all.

On top of that, I couldn’t picture someone like Baek Yigang, who’s only used to seeing cooked fish, handling a live one.

“No.”

“Can you even do it?”

“Why not? It looks simple.”

Baek Yigang nonchalantly eyed the fishing booth, watching others for a moment before getting two rods from the vendor.

“You’re really doing this?”

“Why, you think I’m joking? Here’s yours.”

Baek Yigang casually plopped himself down on the cheap plastic chair and cast his line into the water.

Caught off guard, I took the rod he handed me, my hands shaking slightly.

Even without looking closely, I could tell the goldfish in the water were battle-hardened veterans, dodging the bait like experts.

They’d clearly suffered at the hands of humans for too long.

I did some fishing in Korea myself… but honestly, the fish in this game are even more skilled at escaping than wild ones.

In other words, it’s harder than it looks.

No way Baek Yigang, the Crown Prince, could catch one easily.

If he doesn’t catch anything, I should comfort him instead of teasing him, saying it’s really hard anyway…

“Wow!!!”

“Whoa, what’s going on? He’s amazing!”

“Oh, how many has he caught? Who is this guy?”

“Hey, move aside! I want to see too!”

Suddenly, I was shoved back from my spot behind Baek Yigang.

It wasn’t intentional. With the sudden rush of people, I was pushed back without realizing it.

I had no time to be shocked at being pushed.

The crowd that had suddenly gathered was simply overwhelming.

What… what is going on?

I squeezed back through the gaps in the crowd, and an unbelievable sight unfolded before me.

“It’s a big one!”

“A huge catch.”

“A record breaker.”

Everyone was cheering while looking at Baek Yigang.

“Ba-Baek Yigang…?”

“Cheong Dowoon, I caught it.”

Baek Yigang, noticing me approaching, proudly held out a bucket filled with fish.

As I awkwardly lowered my head in surprise, I saw the tightly packed red and black goldfish angrily swimming around, their bodies plump and firm.

The bucket wasn’t small, but the goldfish were so fat it looked like it was overflowing.

“Wow, this is insane! He totally nailed it!”

“Hyung! You’re amazing! You’ve flipped the goldfish scene upside down!”

“He’s so cool! He caught all these stubborn little creatures!”

The people beside me, looking into the bucket with me, let out exclamations.

Especially the kids, who burst into thunderous applause.

Thanks to them, even passersby started to gather, wondering what was happening, and the crowd kept growing.

“Step right up, folks! As you can see, even a young man like him can easily catch fish! Just 50 Donghwa for three tries!”

The shopkeeper running the fishing booth was, unsurprisingly, the most excited.

It was just five minutes ago when he told us to stay low-key. Now this guy is attracting even more people!

What are you doing calling people over instead of laying low?!

Whether he noticed me glaring daggers at him or not, Baek Yigang cast his fishing rod again.

I’m losing my mind…

Well, it’s too late now. No backing out like a coward.

“Let’s do this, Baek Yigang.”

“Oh? A challenge?”

I plopped down in the chair next to him, and Baek Yigang shot me a smug look.

A challenge?

This guy, seriously!

He’s fishing for the first time in his life! I’ve got experience! In the sea! And rivers!

Do you even know how much more experienced I am than you?

“Cheong Dowoon, how about the loser pays for everything today?”

“Deal. You’re going to regret saying that.”

“Hmm… we’ll see.”

Baek Yigang’s sly grin was infuriating.

Ugh, I can definitely catch twice as many as him!

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“Mom, did that guy lose? He didn’t catch a single fish…”

“Don’t stare. He must feel bad.”

“Maybe it’s his first time fishing. That happens.”

“But still… how can someone not catch even one…”

The murmuring of the onlookers fell sadly into my ears.

“Cheong Dowoon, don’t feel too down. It was a good match.”

“Shut up, seriously.”

I could clearly sense Baek Yigang trying to stifle his laughter as he patted my shoulder consolingly.

I wanted to bite my tongue.

Normally, you’d get to keep the fish you caught, but since Baek Yigang caught so many, the goldfish in the pond ran out.

So instead of taking the fish, Baek Yigang accepted a giant teddy bear as a prize.

The store owner gave it to him as a special reward, and then Baek Yigang immediately handed it over to me, calling it a gift.

“Here. Think of it as me and take good care of it.”

“I’ll use it as firewood when I get back to the palace.”

“Don’t you dare.”

I ignored Baek Yigang’s threat and turned away sharply.

Whatever, as soon as I get back, I’ll give it to Anna and tell her to crank up the stove in winter.

Though, the purple ribbon tied around the teddy bear’s neck was a bit strange.

It was the same color as Baek Yigang’s eyes…

Wait. So you’re telling me to think of this bear as you?

Fine. I can do that.

Wham.

I punched the plush, chubby teddy bear’s cute face, feeling a bit better afterward.

Luckily, it seemed like Baek Yigang didn’t notice, but I shouldn’t push my luck… one punch is enough for now.

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