Chunho leaned back slightly, his expression contemplative. "I see. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. We must bolster our defenses, especially in those critical areas. I want to see the commanders of both the naval and eastern coast forces. It's imperative that we understand their needs and challenges directly."
The regional commander nodded. "Of course, Supreme Commander. I'll arrange for a meeting with them immediately. They've been eager to discuss the situation with you, especially the naval commander. He's been struggling to maintain morale among his men."
Chunho glanced at Jeoyoon briefly before returning his attention to the commander. "Good. We'll head to the naval base first. I need to inspect the ships and speak with the crew as well. Afterward, we'll visit the eastern outposts. I want to see for myself the conditions these soldiers are facing."
The regional commander hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Supreme Commander, if I may, the journey to the eastern outposts is difficult, especially for someone who may not be accustomed to such travel." His eyes flickered toward Jeoyoon, clearly concerned about his presence.
Chunho's expression remained calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to his voice as he responded. "He's with me by choice, Commander. He is capable, and his presence will not hinder our mission. If he enlisted in the army, hell be the best one there so you have nothing to worry about."
The commander quickly bowed his head. "Of course, Supreme Commander. I meant no disrespect."
Chunho waved off the apology, his focus returning to the matter at hand. "We'll depart as soon as the commanders are ready. And Commander Woojin," Chunho added, his voice lowering slightly, "I want detailed reports on the status of all forces under your command. Leave nothing out, no matter how minor it may seem. And one more thing, I'll discuss with the emperor and make sure food is delivered to the eastern region, we will also recruit more men using that method. I'll send you a message in a few days."
The regional commander nodded again, his face showing a mix of respect and a bit of annoyance. "Thank you commander, I'll have those reports prepared and delivered to you by the time you return from the inspections, sir."
Chunho stood, signaling the end of the discussion. "Very well. We'll meet again after the inspections. Ensure that everything is ready."
The regional commander bowed deeply as Chunho and Jeoyoon left the quarters, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily on all of them. As they walked out into the courtyard, Chunho glanced at Jeoyoon, who had remained quiet throughout the meeting.
"Are you okay, Jeo-ah?" Chunho asked softly, his voice laced with genuine concern.
Jeoyoon looked up at Chunho, his resolve firm. "Yes. I want to be by your side, don't leave me alone."
Jeoyoon stuck close as he wrapped his hands around Chunho, a sight that didn't go unnoticed by commander Woojin.
Tch.
So the rumors were true, the supreme commander had taken a male lover, his lips tugged down in disgust as he spat on the ground.
Sodomy was the most disgusting and offensive crime to commit, did the emperor really let Kang Chunho off just because he was the supreme commander? Or because he was Kang Chunho?
Chunho nodded, a small smile playing on his lips as he patted Jeoyoon's head.
As Chunho and Jeoyoon they got closer to the entrance, Jeoyoon suddenly felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. His vision blurred, and before he could utter a word, his legs gave out beneath him. Chunho, quickly reacted, catching him just in time as he laid in his embrace.
"Jeoyoon!" Chunho's voice was laced with concern as he cradled Jeoyoon in his arms. The regional commander, who had been following them out, rushed forward, his expression alarmed.
"Supreme Commander, shall I call for the physician?" the commander asked urgently.
Chunho nodded curtly, his focus entirely on Jeoyoon's pale face. "Yes, immediately," he ordered, his voice tense.
The commander hurried off to summon the physician as Chunho carried Jeoyoon back into the quarters, carefully laying him down on a nearby mat. Chunho's mind raced as he tried to figure out what could be causing Jeoyoon's repeated fainting spells. He knew that Jeoyoon's constitution was special, but this seemed beyond what even Jeoyoon had hinted at.
Moments later, the physician arrived, quickly setting to work as he checked Jeoyoon's pulse and examined his condition. Chunho watched silently, his jaw clenched in worry.
After what felt like an eternity, the physician looked up, his expression grave. "Sir, his condition appears to be related to exhaustion and stress. His body is struggling to maintain balance due to it. This leads to his frequent fainting spells as there are a lot of things eating his energy. It's vital that he rests."
Chunho nodded, his eyes never leaving Jeoyoon's face. "Do everything you can to ensure his recovery."
The physician bowed and left the room to prepare a tonic, leaving Chunho alone with Jeoyoon. Chunho knelt beside him, his hand gently brushing a few strands of hair away from Jeoyoon's forehead.
"Jeo-ah," Chunho murmured softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "You need to take better care of yourself."
After some time, Jeoyoon began to stir, his eyelids fluttering open as he regained consciousness. He blinked a few times before his eyes focused on Chunho, who was watching him intently.
"Chunho…," Jeoyoon's voice was weak, but his gaze was steady.
Chunho leaned in closer, his expression softening. "How are you feeling, Jeo-ah? You gave me quite the scare."
Jeoyoon managed a faint smile, though it was tinged with exhaustion. "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to worry you."
Chunho shook his head, his hand still gently resting on Jeoyoon's arm. "Your health is more important than anything else right now. We'll postpone the trip to the coast until you're better."
Jeoyoon shook his head slightly, a determined look in his eyes. "No… it's not that," he said softly. "Chunho, it's time for me to visit my grandmother."
Chunho's brow furrowed in confusion. "Your grandmother? You've never mentioned her before."
Jeoyoon hesitated, biting his lip as he gathered his thoughts. "She lives in the mountains, away from the main towns and villages. She… she's the only one who understands my condition. Whenever I feel like this, she's the one who can help me recover. I haven't visited her in a long time because I didn't want to burden anyone, but… I think it's time."
Chunho listened carefully, his expression thoughtful. "If she can help you, then we'll go to her immediately. Your health is my priority."
Jeoyoon looked up at Chunho, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Chunho. I didn't want to trouble you, but I don't think I can manage this alone anymore. I don't know what's going on each time I close my eyes…. it's harder to open them."
Chunho's lips pressed into a thin line as he squeezed Jeoyoon's hand reassuringly. "You're not alone, I'll have the carriage prepared, and we'll leave as soon as you're ready."