At the break of dawn, the crisp morning air carried the soft clatter of hooves and hurried footsteps through the quiet Foreign Affairs courtyard where the diplomatic delegation was lodged. A courier appeared at the gate, burdened with dozens of tightly bound bundles of letters, his breath visible in the cool air.
With practiced ease, he handed over the thick stacks to Akan, who waited eagerly. She tore open the bindings and swiftly scanned the pages, her eyes darting until they suddenly widened with joy.
"Surun, you've got a letter!" she called out, her voice bright and urgent.
Startled by the unexpected shout, Surun, who had been dressing inside the modest courtyard quarters, froze for a moment.
'Finally…!'
Her heart leapt.
She hurriedly pulled on her jacket and dashed outside into the crisp morning light, her feet barely touching the ground.
Akan greeted her with a radiant smile, extending the precious letter. "Your younger sibling finally sent a letter, it seems."
Surun's fingers trembled as she unfolded the parchment, her eyes instantly recognizing the familiar handwriting. She read aloud silently:
Tears welled up in Surun's eyes, glistening like morning dew as the weight of the letter settled softly in her heart. Akan watched her with gentle warmth.
"See? You don't have to worry so much. Your sibling is doing fine, isn't he?"
With tears shining on her cheeks, Surun nodded again and again.
"Yes... Luckily, I'm doing well..." Surun whispered in the air.
Akan's hand rested gently on Surun's shoulder—a tender, steadying touch, like a mother consoling a daughter left behind in a distant hometown, both caught in the ache of separation and longing.
"Don't worry too much about your home while you're here," Akan murmured softly, her voice wrapped in quiet reassurance. "And tell your sibling not to worry either."
Surun's breath hitched, tears spilling freely down her cheeks.
"Yes, of course..." she whispered through her sobs.
Without another word, Surun hurried back to her modest quarters, the morning light filtering softly through the window as she settled at the wooden table. Her hands trembled as she took up a brush and began to write her reply.
"I don't know how long I've waited for your letter…"
Her eyes blurred with tears, but she pressed on, each stroke deliberate and filled with heartfelt emotion.
"Now that the stipend has come, you'll go back to the academy, right?"
Every word carried the weight of hope and love, carefully woven with earnest longing for her sibling's safety and well-being.
When the letter was finished, Surun folded it with care, standing tall with a quiet pride shining in her eyes. Thinking of her younger sibling—whose burdens might now be lighter—she allowed herself a small, warm smile, a fragile moment of peace amid the distance and uncertainty.
Bathed in the golden glow of the morning sun, Queen Genie and her warriors finally descended from the rugged mountain trails. The long, tireless night of travel behind them, they had at last reached the heart of the Hana Kingdom—the fertile central region where life hummed quietly in the waking light.
"Your Majesty, shall we take a short rest?" Deputy Commander Danjin's voice was careful, respectful.
Genie turned her gaze back to the weary faces behind her. Though their eyes still burned with loyalty, faint shadows of fatigue traced their features.
"Yes, let's rest," she agreed softly. "Is there a tavern nearby where all of us can stay?"
Jade opened his mouth. "There probably isn't a single tavern large enough to house all of us, Your Majesty. But if we head to the tavern village, we'll find many inns gathered close together. That might be the best option."
"That sounds perfect," Genie said, a note of relief in her voice. "Jade, please lead the way."
With a slight tug of the reins, Jade moved ahead, guiding the group along the quiet countryside road bathed in spring's tender light. The clean, endless blue sky stretched above them, while gentle breezes stirred the green rice plants lining the fields—like soft waves welcoming their arrival.
Genie inhaled deeply, the fresh March air filling her lungs as she took in the peaceful scenery unfolding around her, a momentary calm washing over her heart amidst the long journey.
'Just a little beyond the palace gates, and the world opened up like a fresh canvas—alive with the hum of daily life and vibrant colors.'
Genie inhaled deeply, savoring the freedom of being outside the palace walls after such a long time. The crisp air seemed to wash away the weight of courtly duties, replacing it with something lighter, almost playful.
"Even though we're here to suppress bandits, it feels more like we're on a picnic," her bright voice rang out, warm and carefree.
Jade's lips curved into a small, genuine smile.
'As expected, Your Majesty loves the open world.'
Seeing her so alive and at ease, his own heart felt lighter, the burdens of command momentarily softened by her joy.
After some time, the group arrived at Gawon Village's tavern district—a bustling stretch lined with countless inns and taverns spilling life onto both sides of the wide street. Warm smells of cooking drifted through the air, mingling with laughter and the clatter of carts.
"Your Majesty, is there a particular tavern you would like to stay at?" Jade asked, glancing at the rows of buildings that all seemed to blend together in the soft morning light.
Genie's eyes swept over them, thoughtful but relaxed.
"Anywhere is fine."
She gracefully slid down from her horse. The warriors behind her quickly followed suit, their armor clinking softly as they dismounted.
"Everyone," Genie called out, her voice steady but inviting, "enter whichever tavern you prefer. Let's meet back here after lunch."
A chorus of enthusiastic voices rose in response.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
As the warriors dispersed like leaves on a gentle breeze, the village seemed to breathe in harmony with their momentary reprieve—a brief pause before the storm.
The warriors melted into the lively taverns, their footsteps fading into the murmur of bustling rooms filled with chatter, clinking cups, and the aroma of roasting meat.
Danjin stepped forward, his gaze settling on a modest thatched house to the left.
"Your Majesty, I will take that one," he said with quiet certainty, nodding respectfully toward the queen.
"Very well," Genie replied, returning his polite bow.
Danjin moved away with steady steps, leaving only Jade and Genie standing together in the sun-dappled street.
Genie's eyes flickered nervously, glancing around as the silence stretched.
'So, will Jade be coming with me?'
The question hung unspoken, thickening the air between them.
Just as the moment threatened to grow awkward, Jade's voice broke through smoothly, steady and sure.
"Your Majesty, I will accompany you."
Genie's relief was subtle but clear as she nodded.
"Good. Then let's go to the tavern just ahead."
Leading her horse with gentle confidence, Queen Genie moved toward the welcoming tavern at the front on the right side of the street. Though she tried to keep her composure, a faint, pleased smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
Jade, walking quietly beside her, felt a quiet warmth swell inside him—a happiness mirrored in her expression.
As the soft morning sunlight bathed them both in golden light, Jade's heart whispered a silent prayer.
'Please let me stay by the Queen's side like this.'
Beneath the gentle embrace of the warm morning sunlight, Genie and Jade stepped side by side into the tavern's humble entrance. The soft creak of the wooden door echoed faintly behind them as the scent of aged wood and brewing herbs mingled in the air.
From the shadows of the hearth-lit interior, a middle-aged woman emerged, her face lined with years of care but softened by a welcoming smile. She wiped her hands on her apron and beckoned them forward.
"Come on in," she said warmly, her voice carrying the rich timbre of familiarity. "Would you like me to prepare a room for you?"
Genie and Jade exchanged a glance before shaking their heads in unison. But Genie, ever attentive, stepped forward with a polite inquiry.
"Do you happen to have two empty rooms?"
The tavern owner's smile widened, her eyes sparkling with hospitable warmth as she gestured toward a dimly lit hallway that stretched beyond the main room.
"There are plenty of spare rooms. Feel free to take whichever you want," she assured them.
With a respectful bow, Genie and Jade moved toward the hallway. Their footsteps fell quietly on the worn wooden floor, a soft rhythm against the stillness of the morning. Just as they were about to disappear from sight, the woman's voice called out behind them.
"By the way, are those warriors who came rushing in your party?"
The two turned simultaneously, meeting the woman's curious gaze. Jade's expression carried a quiet pride tempered by duty.
"Yes," she answered firmly. "We are inspectors from the capital city. We'll rest here briefly before continuing on."