M 67

He opened the passenger door and pulled out the curled Lee Sehwa from inside. He looked so weak and withered… Even a cow dragged to the slaughterhouse would have a brighter expression than this.​

“Excuse me, but when you say registering as a guardian for a pregnant person… Are you just here to help with the procedure, Brigadier General, or…”

“I’m the guardian.”

Ki Tae-jeong pulled Lee Sehwa, who kept trying to back away, to his side.

“This person is carrying my child.”

Don’t avoid it. As if warning him, he rubbed the hollow area where his wrist and palm met twice, and his rounded shoulders shook slightly. That gesture felt like a rejection directed at him, so Ki Tae-jeong intentionally held Lee Sehwa’s hand tightly. No, he intertwined their fingers tightly and locked them. To prevent him from thinking nonsense.

He felt Lee Sehwa’s body tremble through their clasped hands, but that was only at first. After that, he showed no particular reaction and silently followed Ki Tae-jeong’s steps. It was strange. He had brought him along forcefully because he didn’t want to see him stubbornly refusing, but now that he was being obedient, that was unsatisfying in its own way.

“Ah, I see. As you well know, it’s not common for officers to volunteer as guardians, so… I asked an impolite question. Congratulations. Your husband is truly kind.”

At this tactless compliment, Lee Sehwa just smiled ambiguously. It was hard to guess whether he was displeased, nervous, or embarrassed. Maybe it was all of those things.

Ki Tae-jeong’s mood also gradually sank as he watched him. He could understand. It was so sudden that Sehwa couldn’t accept the truth, was shocked, and still couldn’t believe what he said and hesitated.​

But does that mean he could ask Lieutenant Na to be his guardian? Without saying a word to him who had been taking care of him all along? Moreover, as soon as Lee Sehwa heard that it would be permanently recorded on the military server, he shook his head even more vigorously. He also said he didn’t want that kind of responsibility. It was still unbelievable thinking about it again.

While it’s true that registering as a guardian for a pregnant person is a legal obligation, it’s not common for high-ranking public officials like Brigadier Generals to step forward personally. In fact, it was almost unheard of. Especially in cases like Ki Tae-jeong’s where he had parental rights over the child.

When others, including direct family members, stepped in, it didn’t apply, but for those with parental rights, from the moment their name was listed as a guardian in the resident registration, it became more than just an emergency contact. It created an obligation to be responsible for the other person until delivery.

If the purpose was for a smooth delivery, the pregnant person could legally access all of the guardian’s information. Not only location tracking but also inquiry into private property was possible, and if the guardian refused, they could even demand forced execution.

For ordinary people, this might not be much of an issue, but the situation was different for those in high positions. The more decorated the rank, the more likely there were things to hide. Moreover, the personal information of an officer inevitably directly relates to state secrets.

That’s why in high society, even for couples who married after dating, it was common for a direct family member other than the spouse to act as the guardian. No, it was expected.

Nevertheless, Ki Tae-jeong intended to become Lee Sehwa’s guardian. This way, Lee Sehwa would receive treatment equivalent to a Brigadier General during pregnancy, and could freely use the assets of Ki Tae-jeong, who was both the parent and guardian. Of course, withdrawals would be limited to child-related matters, but excuses could be made, couldn’t they? He could say he bought some jewelry to wish for a safe delivery, or buy prime real estate saying he wanted to build a playground for the child later.

A high-ranking parent stepping forward as a pregnant person’s guardian meant they were willing to bear all of that. Ki Tae-jeong had hinted at this the previous night with the intention of turning a blind eye even if Lee Sehwa did such things in his name.

Ki Tae-jeong laid Lee Sehwa, who had fainted from crying, on the bed and wiped his gaunt face with a towel soaked in warm water. Although it was on Sergeant Major Choi’s advice, it was the first time he had provided such intimate care. And he filled the room with all the luxury items he could buy that day. He also prepared a large flower basket as his subordinates had suggested, and tucked the check card that Lee Sehwa hadn’t touched since first buying ice cream among the flowers.

He endured even when Lee Sehwa, after coming to his senses, irritated him by saying nonsense like it being payment for s3x. Remembering that he had liked standing on his feet before, he embraced him that way too.

While doing so, he whispered that he would grant any wish. He even gave a hint, saying there must be something he needed, so think carefully.

As expected, Lee Sehwa looked bewildered. As if he didn’t understand. So Ki Tae-jeong laughed briefly to himself. Looking forward to Lee Sehwa’s face when he would realize belatedly that he needed to register a guardian and bring it up with difficulty.

Although that was his inner thought, he didn’t intend to be spiteful to Lee Sehwa about this issue. He planned to answer right away that he would do so willingly, without making him cry or teasing him, if he asked. He was going to tell him the story behind the 12 billion won on the check card too. Not to boast about how he had dealt with Boss Son, but just… thinking that Lee Sehwa might feel more comfortable using the money then.

But this frustrating person only asked to be allowed to dress freely from now on. As if being stripped at the House had been so miserable, he turned his back and cried again while talking about it.

Well, at the time, he seemed to have said such things without even knowing there was a guardian registration law…. But seeing how Lee Sehwa was acting now, even if he had known, he probably wouldn’t have asked him. Since Lieutenant Na refused, would he have gone to Sergeant Major Choi or Lieutenant Park next? He would have even given money to the people at the House and asked them before it came to his turn. That was certain.

Ki Tae-jeong looked anew at Lee Sehwa’s hand that he was holding. Even though he was binding him so he couldn’t move an inch, he didn’t know why Lee Sehwa felt so precarious.

“Welcome to the government building, Brigadier General. And to madam well.”

As soon as they passed through the entrance, people rushed out from inside and bowed deeply. It seemed the word that an officer had arrived had spread quickly.

“We heard you came to register as the guardian for your wife.”

At the strange title of ‘madam’, Lee Sehwa looked up at him hesitantly. He seemed to want him to draw the line, telling people not to use such terms. Of course, Ki Tae-jeong had no intention of doing so.

“Get used to it.”

“……”

“Whether you like it or not, as long as I’m your guardian, people will call you that from now on.”

“…But…”

“You must have had a hard time getting here.”

As the civil servants standing in front pressed close and spoke, Lee Sehwa closed his mouth like a clam after hesitating a couple of times. If he wanted to object, he could, but Ki Tae-jeong wasn’t interested. It was obvious what he’d say anyway—probably that he didn’t need a guardian.

“You must be tired. Let us escort you directly to the reception room.”

The lined-up people treated Lee Sehwa even more graciously than Ki Tae-jeong. Considering that a Brigadier General had volunteered to be the legal guardian, they seemed to have judged that they should make a good impression on the ‘madam’ who was surely influential.

“Please be careful of the floor.”

They were making such a fuss even though they were just walking on a marble corridor with nothing to trip over. Even court ladies attending to a pregnant empress probably wouldn’t be this excessive.

In truth, Ki Tae-jeong didn’t like this kind of reception. The more they fussed about taking care of them, the slower things got done. But he didn’t mind seeing people exalt Lee Sehwa.

Despite everything, Lee Sehwa was sentimental. He wouldn’t reject hands that cared for and cherished him. So Ki Tae-jeong, while slightly furrowing his brow… decided to leave alone those bustling about, saying they’d bring refreshments and to let them know if anything was needed. He thought maybe Lee Sehwa’s heart would soften a bit if he received such lavish treatment.

“Please rest while we prepare everything.”

The reception room on the highest floor looked more like a luxurious hotel lobby than a government office. Or perhaps a museum showcasing the most glorious period of history. As soon as the door opened, a large, intricate sculpture came into view, and looking up, baby angels could be seen frolicking on the ceiling. Whether equipped with a device to directly reflect the weather, the spread sky was full of life.

As they sat on the sofa, a soft and sweet scent reminiscent of fabric softener wafted up. Fresh flowers placed at regular intervals at eye level also caught their attention. While Ki Tae-jeong found the scene somewhat overwhelming, it seemed to suit Lee Sehwa’s taste for sweet things quite well.

“Oh, did you bring the medical certificate?”

“Medical certificate?”

Damn. He hadn’t thought of that. Ki Tae-jeong, scratching his cheek awkwardly, suddenly remembered the two holograms he had put in his pocket. Lee Sehwa had been fiddling with them endlessly even in the car, so he had taken them away and kept them out of frustration. He thought that clumsy fellow might cut his finger on the sharp edges.

“Can’t we start the registration process with this? The baby looks exactly like him, so I think this should be sufficient as supporting documentation.”

“Of course, you can supplement the medical certificate later… Oh my!”

The official who peered at the hologram over his shoulder pushed up his glasses in surprise.

“It’s the spitting image of your wife. How can it be so beautiful… What’s the baby’s gender?”

“Well, I didn’t ask…”

“…Brigadier General.”

Lee Sehwa, sitting on the opposite sofa, called out to Ki Tae-jeong. His voice was so low it was almost a whisper, but it carried undisguisable discomfort. Or perhaps annoyance. He seemed to greatly dislike discussing the baby with strangers.

“Oh dear, I’m sorry for holding up someone who must be so tired. I’ll hurry and finalize everything.”

Sensing the ominous mood, the official bustled about and left. Only then did Lee Sehwa seem to relax a bit, letting out a long sigh. It meant he was starting to freely show his discomfort towards Ki Tae-jeong without worrying about others’ gazes.

“Brigadier General, I’m sorry, but…”

“Hah… give it a rest.”

“……”

“What’s your problem? Didn’t you see how surprised everyone was earlier? Do you even understand what it means for a military officer to step in as a guardian?”

“No, that’s not it…”

“Then what?”

Lee Sehwa’s fists on his thighs were trembling terribly. Now that he looked closely, there was even cold sweat on his forehead.

“If it’s not that, why are you making such a face? Is it so horrible that I’m becoming your legal guardian?”

“No… I… The scent here is too strong, ugh!”

Lee Sehwa suddenly bent over, covering his mouth with his hand. He looked so distressed that even Ki Tae-jeong, who had been harshly pressing him, hesitated for a moment.

“Urgh…!”

With a face turned pale blue, Lee Sehwa staggered to his feet. He looked around as if searching for a bathroom, but even that seemed too much for him, so he just gripped the back of the sofa and barely managed to take shallow breaths. It definitely didn’t seem like he was faking it.

“Huurgh, ugh…!”

Ki Tae-jeong stared blankly at Lee Sehwa, who was curled up and dry heaving. It wasn’t that he was deliberately neglecting him. When he had fainted from fever before, it was enough to call Lieutenant Na to check his condition and give him an IV, but seeing Lee Sehwa suffer like this with a clear mind for the first time… he wasn’t sure what to do.

“Sob, ugh, urgh…”

“…Lee Sehwa.”

Did he have indigestion? Thinking he should perhaps rub his back, Ki Tae-jeong belatedly tried to approach, but Lee Sehwa shook his head slightly. Now it seemed even speaking was difficult for him, as he barely managed to raise his hand. The gesture was so small that it was hard to understand its meaning, but since he had just said the scent was too strong, Ki Tae-jeong thought he might be asking to open the window.

“You want me to get fresh air? Is that enough?”

There was no response even when he asked. He wasn’t even vomiting properly, just making violent “urgh” sounds in his throat. Ah, shit. Ki Tae-jeong hurriedly pressed the controller buttons. Not even waiting for the window to fully open, he threw out all the damn flower decorations through the slightly opened gap.