Dohyun followed this ethereal figure like a happy, loyal dog, as though his master had finally forgiven him for an unknown mistake and taken him in again. If he had a tail, it would have wagged without restraint. With that invisible tail wagging, he followed closely, his eyes brightly lit, unable to hide his joy.
Hwa Miye could feel a radiance behind him. It was so bright that it felt as though it could pierce straight through his back. However, he chose to say nothing to this little dog. Instead, a small part of him felt a sense of warmth, something he had long forgotten how to embrace. Unknowingly, the corner of his cherry-blossom lips tilted upward, just slightly.
They stopped before the large open doors of the very room Dohyun had been in earlier. He had never expected to return after being dragged away like that.
Two women stood guard at the front, their silver helmets gleaming. Upon the Princess's approach, they bowed respectfully. Hwa Miye nodded slightly in acknowledgment before moving forward and entering the room.
Dohyun couldn't help but think that this princess was truly magnificent. The aura surrounding Hwa Miye felt almost unreal, like a celestial being sent down to earth from the heavens themselves. With the Flower Princess's cold expression paired with quiet kindness, it felt as though he had been bestowed upon the world as a blessing.
How could Dohyun have stayed so ignorant of this celestial figure?
He regretted it - regretted never taking interest in the Flower Princess before.
Shaking off his thoughts, Dohyun looked ahead. Two women he recognized stood before a large red throne, adorned with blooming white chrysanthemums and small white crystals nestled between the flowers.
How beautiful.
This throne suited the princess far too well.
The distance between the entrance and the throne stretched long, nearly five hundred meters. Behind the throne was a small door, where the princess resided to take notes on his subjects' concerns, where Hwa Miye had supposedly been seated earlier.
Dohyun realized that he hadn't truly noticed the throne's beauty before. With so many people crowding the room back then, it had been difficult to focus. Now, there were only four people present, including himself.
The throne shone the brightest.
As Hwa Miye approached, he ascended the five steps with near elegance. Then he turned swiftly, his white robe embroidered with intricate golden patterns swirling with the motion like a dancing flower. As he stood before the three: Dohyun, Sung Chunhee, and Shin Haerin, bowed deeply in respect.
Slowly, Hwa Miye lowered himself to sit, legs crossed, his long fingers resting against the arms of the throne.
He plucked a small chrysanthemum petal between his index and middle finger, studying it indifferently. Then his intoxicating, lustrous gaze fell upon the three figures still bowing before him.
"You may rise."
The command was clear.
Dohyun's heart seemed to forget how to beat once more. A strange tension filled the room, as though a single wrong movement would result in death by a mere glance from Hwa Miye.
Even Prince Hwa Yugwon hadn't been like this. He was stern, yes - but his sternness came from arrogance and royalty.
The princess was different.
There was no arrogance. No overt sense of royalty. Only utmost dignity and respect.
Like a god.
A part of Dohyun wished he could build a temple for the princess and worship him alone.
Unaware that he had wandered so far into his thoughts, his cheek slowly flushed red.
"I have called you all to discuss certain important matters," Hwa Miye began. "I will begin individually."
His gaze landed on the farthest figure from Dohyun - Sung Chunhee. Her hair bun was hastily done, and she stared at the floor as though she had committed a grave mistake.
Dohyun didn't know that Chunhee had exposed her actions earlier and was now awaiting punishment.
Naturally, Chunhee believed she was about to be punished.
Fidgeting with her frail fingers, she finally spoke.
"Your Highness, I apologize for my absence earlier. I was unaware of the situation at the front gate. I have once again proven myself incompetent. I am willing to accept any punishment-"
"I did not summon you to punish you."
Chunhee lifted her gaze, relief flickering across her face.
Hwa Miye continued, "I have tasks to assign to each of you. Starting with Sung Chunhee." The petal now rested against his index knuckle. "Report me of the burial."
"Yes, Your Highness. They are cleaning the body as we speak. The little girl is with them."
"…Anything peculiar about the corpse?"
Chunhee hesitated before speaking carefully.
"The corpse was covered in ash, almost as if it had been thrown into burnt fodder. However, Lady Haerin found the body near the courtesans' house. Moreover, only the face was injured, almost as if…" She hesitated again, biting her lip.
"As if it was done deliberately to prevent recognition," Hwa Miye finished.
"Yes..."
He flicked his fingers, the petal landing at his feet.
What was Yugwon thinking?
First, a severed tongue. Then the owner vanished. And now, a murder within the Princess's own province.
Everything was happening too fast. Too deliberately. It was only natural to assume that Yugwon was the mastermind behind this.
Wait... do we know the name of the corpse?
"What is the girl's name?" Hwa Miye asked.
"Choi Myeong-ok, Your Highness."
Choi? Then that means...
His breath stalled.
"Then her mother?"
"Choi..."
Hwa Miye stopped breathing altogether. His heart beat violently, as though demanding an answer he didn't want to hear.
"Yeon-ah, Choi Yeon Ah, Your Highness."
A sense of relief escaped his mouth.
Perhaps it was coincidence. Perhaps it was another woman with the same surname.
Now it made sense.
Yugwon must have severed Yuna's tongue and sent her away, only to later sentence her to death. He must have sent assassins, but they may have killed the wrong woman.
But...how does that explain the silver chain they'd found? It was unmistakably Choi Yuna's.
He didn't want to beat his head on it further. Right now, he was relieved to know that Choi Yuna was still alive.
Hwa Miye then shifted his gaze to the next person, Shin Haerin.
Haerin stood stiffly at attention, her head raised high. She truly resembled the protector she was. Though her eyes were swollen from incessant crying, she still maintained her vigilant façade, refusing to let her weakness show.
Before Hwa Miye could speak, Haerin suddenly spoke aloud.
"Your Highness, I misjudged and presented the wrong person before you. I apologize for my incompetence! Please accept my apology! I am also willing to accept any punishment!"
She bowed deeply after her declaration. It was as if she wished to punish herself, as if she were pleading for Hwa Miye to bestow upon her a brutal sentence.
Her long bangs fell over her eyes as she bowed, the wolf cut framing her face and giving her a more masculine presence. Paired with her strong, unwavering voice, she carried an energy that felt resolute, almost forceful.
Really… why are you all so hell-bent on receiving punishment? Hwa Miye sighed inwardly.
"Rise," he said, closing his eyes briefly -- half a sigh, half an acknowledgment. "You have done well."
She had stayed up the entire night, wandering through the province on his orders, searching endlessly for one person. After all, it was only because of this relentless search that Haerin had managed to find Myeong-ok's mother.
Haerin rose at his command, placing her arms behind her back, once again standing at attention.
"I have a very important task for you," Hwa Miye continued. "You will train Dohyun and assist him with the same responsibilities entrusted to you."
…?
Without allowing Haerin time to respond, Hwa Miye finally turned his gaze toward Dohyun.
Dohyun's flushed face immediately snapped back to awareness. Almost instinctively, he mimicked Haerin: standing straight, hands behind his back, chin raised.
"How about a formal introduction first?" Hwa Miye said.
"I am Wang Dohyun, aged nineteen. I am the strongest among my peers, and I hold a golden badge for swordsmanship and defense. I previously served in the Prince's quarters as a trainee soldier. I aim to climb higher and become strong enough to hold a position worthy of respect and dignity. I am honored to serve you, Your Highness."
Dohyun bowed deeply.
Though he looked somewhat foolish in his current attire, he delivered his speech well. Right now, he didn't care whether he wore blue robes or maroon ones. All that mattered was proving to the princess that he was reliable.
"Hwang Dohyun?" Hwa Miye asked, ensuring he had heard correctly.
"Wang Dohyun."
"I've never heard that surname before," Hwa Miye said calmly. Yet the name stirred something faint within him, an inexplicable familiarity he couldn't place. He dismissed it, assuming he must have been mistaken.
"It is my mother's surname, Your Highness. She is from the great Qing Empire. My father relinquished his family name to marry her. That is how I came to inherit my mother's surname."
Ah.
Now it made sense why this young man had said he had nowhere else to go.
Because he truly didn't!
Hwachon was a powerful kingdom, maintaining trade across continents to secure its standing. But that didn't mean it lacked enemies.
Qing.
Once on amicable terms with Hwachon, the peace had only lasted briefly. Political disputes had revealed starkly opposing perspectives, eventually forcing Hwachon to distance itself and enter rivalry instead.
And not long ago too… something had happened.
This young man carried the blood of both Hwachon and Qing. With rival blood flowing through his veins, neither side would accept him. It was almost surprising that he had survived this long.
That was also why he had been sent here, an exile.
He had never truly belonged in Hwachon, he had no place here. He was sent here to be discarded, stripped of what little he had left, tossed away like refuse. No one cared about the wrapper once the candy had been consumed.
"I see," Hwa Miye said calmly. Then he continued, "Wang Dohyun, I hereby appoint you as my Official Royal Guard. You will be provided shelter, food, and… clothes."
"Forgive my intrusion, Your Highness! I object!"
The voice echoed sharply through the room.
It was Shin Haerin.
Her blazing brown eyes burned with an unextinguishable flame. Her face was scrunched with anger, teeth clenched, fists trembling at her sides.
"How can you trust him, Your Highness? He is a man!"
"…I know." Hwa Miye lowered his gaze slightly, as though enduring an unforgivable overstep.
"You cannot accept him! Didn't you hear? He is the son of a traitor! He was born to be one! I alone am enough for you, Your Highness--"
"That is enough."
Hwa Miye's voice was stern, unmistakably final.
His calm façade remained intact, but beneath it simmered a quiet, dangerous anger.
"Will you now command me on whom I may accept or dismiss?" His voice darkened. "Have you forgotten, Shin Haerin, that I hold enough authority to dismiss anyone as I please?"
His gaze sharpened.
"Including you."
Was this real? Had Shin Haerin heard the Princess correctly?
She had served Hwa Miye for nearly seven years. Never once had the Flower Princess spoken of dismissing her, not even when she committed her most foolish mistakes. Over time, Haerin had come to believe that she was enough. She had made herself strong enough.
And now…
The princess was prepared to discard her over an unknown, untrustworthy man.
How could this be?!
Haerin stood frozen, mouth slightly open, trying to gather words that refused to come. She was utterly speechless.
"I… I apologize, Your Highness," she finally said, lowering her head, shame and anger tangled tightly within her. Her fists clenched so hard she could have snapped wood in half.
Everyone else believed Haerin had surrendered.
However, they were wrong.
She had apologized for what she was about to say next.
"I apologize, but… Your Highness," Haerin continued, never daring to lift her head, biting down hard on her lip, "do you not remember what happened when you kept male guards around you?"
She didn't want to see his expression.
But Dohyun saw everything.
Hwa Miye's face twisted with anger and disgust, a strange, crawling discomfort seizing him. His fists clenched instantly as he stood up.
"Shin Haerin!" he shouted. "You dare speak against me?! You dare impose your desires upon me?! How dare you speak of something so...SO VILE!"
His voice cracked with fury.
"Scram! SCRAM!"
What memory was so unspeakable that would make the calm and composed Princess to lose all control? Certainly, it was a story that explained why men were forbidden in the Princess's quarters. Dohyun was smart enough to connect the dots. Perhaps, this was also what the servant women were discussing.
But...
Surely, it wouldn't have been so bad to get triggered like this?
Dohyun wondered what it could be, but part of him was also not ready to hear the story. He glanced at Haerin, hoping she would dare to speak more and spill out the tea.
But Haerin only bowed once more before turning to leave. Just before she did, she glanced at Dohyun.
Their eyes met.
Dohyun caught the unmistakable disgust in her gaze. Her lips twisted slightly as she leaned closer, her voice dropping into a sharp whisper.
"This isn't over."
Then Haerin was gone.
Hwa Miye remained standing where he was, silent, anger still simmering beneath his calm exterior. His fists were clenched tightly at his sides. In his mind, there was only one thought repeating itself: Dohyun must never learn of the past. Never.
This man was only meant to stay for a short while anyway - a temporary presence.
He must not know. Absolutely not.
"Your Highness," Dohyun finally spoke.
It was the first time in his life that someone had stood up for him so openly. No, this was the second time.
"Thank you… for everything," he said sincerely. His eyes held a quiet kindness, the kind he rarely showed, perhaps because no one before had ever deserved it. "Please… unsee Lady Haerin's actions. I believe her reaction is normal. After all, I am of mixed blood. I hear this every day. I'm used to it."
"To punish or not," Hwa Miye replied coldly, "is for me to decide."
The warmth Dohyun had felt moments ago vanished. This was no longer the person who had defended him seconds earlier.
"You are all dismissed."
....
Chunhee and Dohyun later walked through the courtyard together.
She familiarized him with the surroundings: the large backyard visible from the Princess's windows, the hot springs that were almost always empty, the breathtaking flower lake adorned with white and pink water lilies floating gracefully beneath the sun. Finally, she showed him the drill grounds where swords were practiced daily.
Every corner of the palace felt enchantingly beautiful.
He was to live here now.
The thought alone made his lips curve into a bright smile.
"You look happy to be here," Chunhee said gently, smiling at him.
"Of course!" Dohyun replied without hesitation. "Compared to the Prince's quarters, this place is really beautiful. It's quiet, too." His smile widened, the dimple on his cheek deepening. "The drill grounds are especially big. Since not many people practice there, I'll have more space to myself."
"Haha, that's true," Chunhee chuckled. "I hope you get along with Lady Haerin as well."
At that, Dohyun's smile slowly began to fade.
Noticing this, Chunhee continued, "Lady Haerin may seem hateful now, but it's because she loves the Princess dearly. She has served Her Highness for almost seven years, it's only natural. She knows things about the Princess that not many people do."
She lowered her voice further.
"And… she has sworn to dedicate her life to Her Highness. To never marry, and to remain a virgin for that sake."
"What…?"
Dohyun was stunned.
Why would someone go to such lengths for another person?
Then again, he wasn't in a position to judge. Hadn't he thought, just moments ago, about building a temple for the Princess? Perhaps Hwa Miye was simply that kind of person, someone people couldn't help but devote themselves to.
"Haha, now you see why she reacted that way," Chunhee said softly. "Don't worry. Once you prove yourself worthy, she will learn to trust you. Just give it time."
Chunhee was kind, genuinely so. She tried her best to comfort Dohyun, and she was the first person to show respect for his father's legacy. Truly, he owed her for this kindness.
"I promise you," he said firmly, "I won't let you down."
Chunhee smiled and nodded in response.
....
Meanwhile, in the Prince's quarters…
Under the cover of darkness outside the palace premises, a figure lurked behind a massive zelkova tree, its wide branches spreading outward as though watching over the kingdom itself.
Before the tree, a veiled man knelt on his left knee, one hand resting on his raised right knee.
Lowering his head, he spoke quietly.
"They found the corpse."
"I see." A deep voice answered from the darkness, its owner completely concealed. "Did he see it too?"
"Yes, my lord. As we expected, he hurried to see the corpse."
"Mm." The faint sound of metal clanked softly, as if pieces of light armor brushed together. "Keep watch over his every move. What of the new one?"
"I don't believe his time will last long," the veiled man replied. "Should I kill him as well? Just give the order."
"No. Not yet," after a pause, the voice continued, "For now, kill the girl. Myeong-ok."
"…Understood."
"She knows too much. She has even seen you. Kill her, and seal all lips."
"As you wish. When shall I execute the plan?"
"The Prince's birthday is in less than two weeks. Preparations will begin soon. Kill her quietly, outside the palace grounds. Then report her missing."
"Understood. Consider it done."
The man bowed once more, then leaped upward, vanishing from tree to tree, using the shadows as his path.