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

Third Flag - Don't Fall For the Main Protagonist

Wasn't he supposed to be married to Queen Mina, or something like that? I know for a fact that he had a couple of kids, too – they all fought for the throne in a rather bloody manner after King Bang passed. But how are they supposed to have heirs if the Queen is actually a guy!?

"You can lift your eyes, little one – I can assure you that no harm will befall you here." Hesitatingly, Felix did as told, and the first man he locked eyes with offered him a warm, welcoming grin. "Hello, there. How nice to finally meet you."

King Bang, then, he easily guessed, tentatively glancing to his side where the other man – a beautiful man, really, dressed in heavy robes and sparkling jewelry. And this must be his consort, then – Queen Minho.

"Lee Felix, is it?" the Queen spoke, his tone and expression unreadable... until a very small smile graced his lips. "We heard-tell of your sacrifice, and we are grateful for it. Without you, we would have lost Hyunjin. Our family is forever in your debt."

Felix felt the tips of his ears grow red, embarrassed from being put on the spot. "It- it wasn't anything grand like that... erm, Your Highness. Didn't really think about it, really. And- and Prince Hyunjin saved my life in return by bringing me here in time, so..."

King Bang shook his head. "He wouldn't be standing before us had you not put your life at risk in order to save his. No matter how you look at it, you saved his life, and that is a debt that will not go unpaid – you can rest assured of it. Now, Hyunjin has already elected to reward you with the position of personal guard, which is only fitting considering your skills he's told us so much about, but I would like to reward you personally. So tell me, what is it you wish for, Lee Felix?"

"I... That's not really necessary, Your Majesty..."

"Indulge him," replied Minho, shooting a small smirk to his husband. "He won't rest at ease until he feels as though he's appropriately shown his gratitude."

Felix nodded awkwardly, nervously twisting his hands. He'd been warned that the royals might attempt to reward him even more, but he genuinely didn't think he'd get to pick, of all things. He simply figured they'd give him a bunch of gold and silks and call it a day, but he supposed they were a lot more genuine in their sentiment of gratitude if they decided to let him choose.

Felix didn't need anything, though. He already had a roof over his head, with clothes and food guaranteed. He'd already gained a considerable status thanks to Hyunjin, and he was also going to be paid for it, so money definitely wouldn't be an issue. But then what? The only thing Felix genuinely wanted...

"If- if it's not too much trouble, then... Would it be possible to gain access to the palace's library...?" he tentatively asked, immediately lowering his eyes when the Queen quirked a brow in surprise. "Or- or I can ask for something else, if that's forbidden..."

The King shook his head, pensive. "No, no, it's quite alright. The library is usually only open to our scholars and our Ministers, but I see no issue with it, really. I'll have a seal prepared for you and sent to the Rising Moon Palace before the end of the day, then. Are you certain there isn't anything else you'd like, though?"

"Ah, well..." After a few more seconds of hesitation, Felix finally figured that there was no harm in asking, and he straightened his back a bit as he finally looked at the King again. "I'd like permission to talk informally with Prince Hyunjin."

There was a moment of startled silence... before the King burst out laughing, and the Queen promptly brought up one of his long sleeves to hide the amused smile now stretching his lips. To his side, Hyunjin's jaw had fallen a bit, the Prince obviously not expecting such a request, and Felix tried his best not to smile at the sight.

After a few seconds, the King finally calmed down, and he offered Felix a grin.

"Why, that must certainly be a first. You were granted the opportunity to ask for whatever your heart may desire, from noble status to the purest gold... yet that is what you wish for? An entrance to the library and a bit of leeway with social protocols?" He laughed again, and Felix felt a weight lift off his chest when he realized the King truly wasn't upset by his request. "Very well, I shall allow it. You may speak with Hyunjin informally to your heart's content – and if anyone gives you trouble for it, I shall correct them myself!"

Relieved, Felix bowed with a bit more confidence. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Of course. The two of you may take your leave, now. And Hyunjin? Don't cause too much trouble for your new friend."

Hyunjin scoffed. "Me? Cause trouble?"

The King outright snorted, and Felix couldn't help but smile a bit at the exchange. The two obviously loved each other dearly, and he understood better why Hyunjin's death had pushed King Bang to break his vows of pacifism – he obviously cared a great deal for his brother, and the thought warmed his heart.

Hyunjin and him bowed once more, then finally left the room. As Hyunjin exited the room, however, the King's voice made Felix pause on the threshold.

"Felix?" He glanced back... and was quite surprised when both the King and Queen bowed their heads. "Thank you, for saving my brother."

"... of course, Your Majesty."

Felix bowed once more, for good measure, then finally stepped outside, where Hyunjin was waiting for him. When the doors finally closed behind them, the Prince heaved out a heavy sigh.

"I can't believe it," he huffed, side-eyeing Felix without any real bite to his tone. "Of all things to ask for as a reward for saving the Prince's life, that is what you picked?"

"Hm. I'd rather not get in trouble for calling you an idiot," shrugged Felix.

"Oi!"

The freckled man snickered a bit, finally feeling a bit lighter on his feet. Truly, his situation was far from ideal, but he supposed things could have gone worse, in a way. As it was, he'd already met a few people who appeared trustworthy enough, and he already had the King's favor. Truly, when thinking about it, there was no position better than his own at the moment.

Though, I'll have to work hard to keep it that way, he sighed internally. Sticking this close to the royal family is bound to get me in trouble, isn't it?

A hand suddenly fell on his head, startling him out of his thoughts. He flinched a bit, looking up at Hyunjin with wide eyes. His throat went a little dry when the handsome Prince offered him a smile.

"Like I said, you needn't worry, Felix," he murmured, gently stroking his hair. "For as long as you stay by my side, I shall keep you safe."

"R- right..."

The Prince then pulled away and began walking ahead, and Felix couldn't help but stare after him, doing his best to ignore the blush rising to his cheeks—

No, don't even think about falling for the handsome Prince from the past – that's just asking to be targeted by a petty concubine! Get a fucking grip, Lee Felix: if you don't want to die, do NOT fall in love with the main protagonist!

He had a feeling that would be easier said than done, though.

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In case it wasn't already a bit obvious, I have no intention of digging too deeply into realism, so to speak. Though inspired by traditional dramas, this is meant to be mostly for shit and giggles. So, please don't look into any of this too seriously and just have fun!