WebNovels

Chapter 2 - Beyond the palace walls

Prince Lee, the only child of the king and queen, had grown up with the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. As the sole heir to the throne, he had been groomed from a young age to take on the duties of ruling the kingdom.

With a keen mind and a strong sense of justice, Prince Lee had always tried to live up to his parents' expectations. But as he grew older, he began to feel the pressure of his royal duties and the limitations they placed on his personal freedom.

Despite his reserved nature, Prince Lee had a deep sense of compassion and a desire to do what was best for his people. He was well-versed in the classics and had a keen understanding of politics and diplomacy.

As the prince prepared for his future role, he couldn't help but wonder what lay ahead. Would he be able to balance his duty to the kingdom with his own desires and aspirations?

Prince Lee stood before the mirror in his chambers, smoothing his jet-black hair, which was styled neatly, showcasing his sharp features. His piercing almond-shaped eyes, a deep shade of brown, gazed back, sparkling with a hint of mischief. He adjusted his traditional attire, his firm lips curling into a subtle smile as he fussed with the intricate silk embroidery on his hanfu.

With a final glance, he nodded to himself, feeling confident in his appearance. His eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement, and he chuckled to himself, wondering what the evening would bring.

As he turned to leave, his gaze caught on a stray thread on his sleeve, and he absently plucked it away. With his refined features and impeccable attire, Prince Lee exuded an air of confidence and poise, ready to face whatever lay ahead.As he walked outside to the palace hall

On reaching the palace hall he meet both parents who welcomed him with those great smile and told him about their plan for the evening

Prince Lee stood before his parents, his expression sullen. "Why must I attend this meeting with the advisors?" he asked, his tone bordering on disrespect.

The king's face darkened. "You will attend because it is your duty, Prince Lee. You are the future king, and you need to understand the intricacies of state affairs."

Prince Lee scoffed. "I'm tired of listening to old men drone on about politics. Can't someone else handle it for once?"

The queen's eyes widened in concern. "Lee, show some respect. Your father and I are trying to prepare you for your future role."

Prince Lee's jaw clenched, but he bit back a retort. Instead, he nodded curtly and turned to leave. "I'll attend the meeting. But don't expect me to pretend to be interested."

The king's voice followed him. "See that you're on time, Prince Lee. And try to show some enthusiasm. It's not just about you; it's about the kingdom's future."

Prince Lee's response was a dismissive wave of his hand.

*Outside the palace*

As Prince Lee walked through the bustling streets, he noticed a young man sitting by a street corner, his fingers moving deftly as he worked on a intricate piece of calligraphy. The man's eyes sparkled with creativity, and his brush strokes were bold and confident.

Prince Lee was drawn to the man's talent and his calm demeanor. He watched him for a moment, mesmerized by the way the brush danced across the paper. The man looked up, catching Prince Lee's gaze, and smiled warmly.

"Would you like to see my work?" he asked, holding up a beautifully written scroll.

Prince Lee nodded, intrigued. As he examined the scroll, he noticed the intricate characters and the flowing script.

"You're very talented," Prince Lee said, meaning it.

The man smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Thank you. I've been practicing calligraphy since I was a child."

As they talked, Prince Lee found himself feeling more at ease than he had in weeks. The man's calm and creative energy was infectious.

The man's name was Min-soo, and he was a talented calligrapher. As they spent more time together, Prince Lee discovered that Min-soo was not only skilled with his brush but also had a quick wit and a kind heart.

Despite their different backgrounds, Prince Lee and Min-soo quickly became close friends, bonding over their shared love of art and literature. Min-soo's friendship brought a new sense of joy and freedom to Prince Lee's life, and he found himself looking forward to their daily encounters.

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