How To Avoid Doom Flags? : A Guide By Lee Felix

As promised, the special seal guaranteeing access to the library was delivered barely an hour after their meeting with the royals. Hyunjin also informed him that this special jade seal marked his status as his personal guard, which made Felix belatedly realize that he actually possessed considerable influence, now.

Hyunjin and him went through the basics of etiquette, mostly how to recognize those of higher status and how to treat them accordingly. Thankfully, the Prince was a patient teacher, and he answered all of Felix's questions without expressing any sort of annoyance or discontent.

Finally, they breached the subject of his actual duties as the Prince's guard.

"I really have to follow you everywhere? All the time?"

"Why, yes. Though this is but a cover to ensure your protection, I can't exactly do that if we're not together, can I?" reasoned Hyunjin, obviously a tad amused. "The only times we won't be together is when we're sleeping, or whenever you're dismissed by either my brother, Queen Lee, or myself."

"Are you saying I don't have to answer to anyone but the royal family?"

Hyunjin smirked. "Like I said, this is an esteemed position. Plus, despite your common background, you were chosen for it – that alone ought to be enough to keep anyone from causing you any grief."

"I see..."

It was a bit scary, to be told he held this much power, in a way. Usually, characters who reached such influential positions never lasted long. Felix would have to be extra careful not to make the wrong enemies if he didn't want to end up either killed out of spite or framed for a crime committed by a hidden rival.

"With that being said, chances are that we will be pitted against some foes or others eventually," then stated Hyunjin, growing more serious. "Though I will do my best to protect you, there's no denying it would be a lot easier if you knew how to defend yourself. You managed to hold your own against the assassins, which is already a commendable feat—"

"Pure luck and sheer adrenaline," sweatdroped Felix, promptly pushing down the bloodied memories before they could overwhelm him. "I don't know how to wield a sword, if that's what you're going to ask."

Hyunjin simply nodded. "I figured as much. That is why I will personally train you – though we will have to keep this training a secret, for the sake of your cover."

"That'd be for the best, I suppose. But I'm not..."

He wanted to say "I'm not a killer" but the words got caught in his throat. After all, who knew how many had fallen under his arrows, all those weeks ago? Hyunjin had killed most of them, true, but Felix's hands were still tainted in red, no matter how he tried to justify his actions.

"You're not...?" echoed Hyunjin, curious.

Felix shook his head, lowering his eyes. "Ne- nevermind."

He could feel Hyunjin's inquisitive stare digging into his head but, after a few seconds of silence, the Prince let it go and launched himself into explaining how, exactly, they would proceed with their training. Felix simply did his best to listen, trying his hardest to hide the mild tremor in his hands.

.

When evening came, he and Hyunjin began making their way back to the main palace, where they would share dinner with the King, the Queen, and some other officials. Hyunjin was dressed in more formal clothes (he only looked more handsome, if possible, though Felix quickly slapped himself for even thinking it), though he assured Felix didn't need to. He explained that tonight was a more formal event, a banquet to officially celebrate his safe return – even though it'd been well over two weeks by then – and that, usually, only a select few people ate with the royal family every night. With that being said, tonight would be Felix's first public appearance, meaning he needed to be on his best behavior.