Chapter 10 : Il Minjoon

It was a big day.

Maids were racing through the halls, loud shouts along with endless chatters filling through the gates. Countless people walking through a red carpet, into a large hall full of colors. Filled to the brim with grandiose decorations, lined with sumptuous cuisine. Luxurious robes with striking hues were worn by various figures, representing their stature and wealth.

It was a big day indeed.

On the middle of the hall sat 3 thrones. The highest being in the middle with the remaining two by each of its sides. The moment the guests enter, they would recognize the familiar golden patterns engraved in each seat, symbolizing royalty.

Once everyone is settled, the drums sounded. Deep and powerful rhythms stir the crowd. They knew this beat. The Emperor is coming.

The huge heavy doors were once again opened. Then a man with bright silvery hair wearing a golden robe advanced forward. His arms were at his back, his steps firm and precise. His gaze at his front, not looking at the side nor at the back. From the side, his eyes were firm, implacable. He walked with indifference, every step weighed with authority. The very epitome of power.

Daehyun, the emperor stopped in front of his throne. Looking at it with complexity, his lips in a slight frown. Averting his gaze, he turned to his front. Countless guests stared at him as he sat in his throne. A servant shuffles on his side with his head bowed.

"Your majesty, the empress and the crown prince are already close to the manor."

Daehyun leaned back on his seat, still peering at the door he answered.

"Escort them safely, and prepare to start."

The servant bowed and left, leaving Daehyun alone at the platform. He closed his eyes, praying silently.

It was, after all, Minjoon's 5th birthday. His first celebration, acknowledging his position as crown prince. In this very crucial occasion, no errors were allowed.

Outside of the gate, a child with his mother stood hand in hand.

The child's expression was steady, in contrast to his slightly shaking hands.

Hae Gi grasped his hands tightly, her brows furrowed. Not taking it any longer, she knelt in front of Minjoon clutching both his hands.

Her round blue eyes bore at Minjoon's own cerulean eyes. Her gaze looked troubled, although she smiled seeming to comfort him.

Hae Gi pinched his cheeks, making Minjoon frown. A heartfelt laugh followed afterward.

"Minjoon, It's your birthday today."

Minjoon's ears sharpened, hearing his own name he leaned forward.

Hae Gi held Minjoon's shoulders steadily, her lips turning into a tightlipped smile.

"You will meet lots of people."

Hae Gi looked at Minjoon with soulful eyes, staring, striking deep.

"Some are nice and some are bad."

"They will tell you words you'd like to hear the most. Heartfelt greetings and compliments. And of course, you should express your gratitude."

Hae Gi took a deep breath.

"But use your words wisely, and with caution."

Minjoon gazed at his mother's eyes, filled with discretion and unease.

"Remember, words are powerful. It can start wars."

Hae Gi stood up, her eyes beaming at the large, hefty doors.

"Do not forget Minjoon."

Then both mother and son stepped forward.

Suddenly, a servant shouted amidst the chaos.

"The Crown Prince has arrived!"

The drums thundered once again, following an upbeat rhythm.

The crowd peers over the door, looking at the child with a familiar silvery hair. He boots with equanimity. With his back straight and chin high, exposing his young, charming face. Combined with his young, devilish looks and his unique arctic eyes, It only takes a glance to see the resemblance of the child to the Empress, more so on the Emperor.

Daehyun examined his child, looking at the way he walks. Somehow he was reminded of his friend, Yoonjae.

Once Minjoon sat, Hae Gi started walking forward.

There were no drums heard, no announcements made. Yet the guests turned, catching a glimpse of dark ebony hair.

The woman padded forward, walking along the red carpet. Her long royal blue gown slides as she advances, the soft delicate fabric flowed revealing a twinge of silver.

She wore no makeup in her face, only a splash of rouge to brighten her pale features. There were not many accessories either, only a pearly pin decorated her hair, the electric hue resembling her eyes.

Hae Gi's steps were light, yet heavy. Every step impending her fate. This was it. After 5 years, she was back. Not like she was here once she woke up, but recalling the original owner's memories, she was once again reminded of this body's future.

She wore a blank face, yet her eyes were agitated. Deep inside, she was nervous. She hated to be stared at, she doesn't want to be in the limelight. Somewhere deep in her heart, she cries for help, for an anchor.

Seconds passed and she was almost halfway through. Nobody followed her, nor acknowledged her by bowing their heads. It was a very pitiful sight.

At that instant, her robe got tangled. Her steps faltered, her foot stumbling. She lost her balance, leaning backward.

Daehyun's eyes widened as he saw Hae Gi about to fall. Eunjung, who was amongst the crowd almost shrieked as she sees her friend about to tumble to the ground.

The General, Yoonjae, who was closest to the Empress, stepped forward, his arms wide.

But before the general catches the woman from falling, Hae Gi placed her foot at the back stabilizing herself. She shifted and turned, her skirt ruffling.

Yoonjae stood awkwardly with his arms outstretched. Realizing that he was standing in the middle, he coughed, composing himself.

Yoonjae placed his arms at his back as he bowed, the first acknowledgment the Empress receives.

"Your Highness, may I escort you?"

He exclaimed straightforwardly. To some, they might get offended by his speech. But to Hae Gi, He was still too polite.

Hae Gi glanced at the general for a moment. Then with a nod, she continued her path.

As she walked ahead, Yoonjae observed Hae Gi's back. It was still dainty and spare, just a little gust of wind and it'll break. But to him, it looked firm, unbending. He acknowledged her courage and strength, facing challenges that he sometimes cannot stand nor fathom.

He was used to warfare in the borders, blood and gore sprayed in the battlegrounds. He was used to seeing violence and torture. Hideous marks and gashes were what he was accustomed to. He would have never guessed to witness a woman being inflicted of wounds, though invisible.

Yoonjae marches forward. That svelte delicate back, that was trying to stay strong, he will aid and protect, just like she did back then.

As soon as he stepped forward, countless soldiers followed behind, filling the once empty trail.

The guest was aghast. This was a rarity, even for a king. Normally, an empress would have countless servants trailing behind. This represented her standing in the harem. When they saw her walking without any servants lagging at her back, they immediately thought of the rumors as true.

The empress, due to committing a grave sin, was cast aside by the Emperor.

Yet seeing countless soldiers marching, armors clanking as they walk-the supreme general of the Il Kingdom with his troops escorting the said Empress, they couldn't help but express their skepticism. Was she really unfavored? Then what of this level of prestige?

At long last, Hae Gi arrived safely at her seat. But before sitting down, she spun her body, looking at the general straight in the eye.

Her gaze, although domineering, looked very thankful. It was her way of saying thank you. Yoonjae understood this. Facing this crowd, one needs to be aloof and apathetic. One sliver of emotion and one will face provocation.

Once the Empress sat, the banquet started.

Baronial gifts were given and presented to the Emperor, intended to the prince. Sumptuous food was served along with the tinkle and chime of the instruments playing in the background. Magnificent plays and performances soon followed. The royal consort's musical piece highlighting the whole show.

It was now dark, the moon present in the sky. The children were with their mothers, rubbing their eyes as they yawned, trying to stay awake. It was almost near bedtime. The officials and nobles a bit sober, having been served a little bit of wine. The gossiping of women lessening as time passes by.

Noticing this, Daehyun, the Emperor decided to end the banquet by signaling a servant to declare his decree to the crowd.

A man with scholarly robes rushed to the side of the podium. Opening a scroll, he announced.

"This day marks the coronation of the crown prince of the Il Kingdom, Il Minjoon, on his 5th birthday."

"Along with his coronation, an engagement was decided upon."

Hae Gi's breath hitched, her heart thumping. She grasped the seat tightly with her clammy palms. This marks the start of the story, which she was tasked to change for the better.

"The crown prince, Il Minjoon, will be engaged to the daughter of the highest official, Min Woon Han."

"Min Woon Han, along with his daughter, step forward."

A tall astute stern looking man, with lines along his face, stepped forward. Behind him followed a young girl dressed in violet, her head bowed.

"Your daughter, Min Ji Ah, starting today, will be engaged to the crown prince, Il Minjoon. Are there any objections?"

The blue-robed man bowed with his hands in front.

"There is none. Thank you for your benevolence, Your Majesty."

Then the banquet ended. Guests parted with pleasantries, the once lively hall becoming bare.

The crown prince already retired to his bed while the Emperor left as soon as the guests were out.

Hae Gi was left standing in front of the throne.

She was entrusted with an important task. To save Minjoon and to have a happy ending. Yet she couldn't do anything. She wasn't even able to change a thing. Her shoulders slumped as she buried her face in her hands.

At this moment, she didn't know what to do, when to start.

A woman stood in a wide chamber with her back crooked, her hair sprawled on her face. Her head that was once bowed, buried in her hands, looked up. It was dim, little light coming in. The rays underlining the tears glistening in her cheeks.

This time, no one noticed her gloom. The woman stood alone, basking in her own anguish.