Chapter fifty-nine: She's up to no good
The Eastern palace looked eeriely desolated and quiet sending shivers down the spine of observers. For the past few weeks, the crown prince became hard to serve , thrashing and sacking anyone that makes any sound. Pin-drop silence welcomed the visitors.
In his study room sat the prince who laid down on his desk gazing at the portrait of a young girl made by a famous painter following his description. He has exhausted all his resources in finding her but she's like a morning mist that dissipated after the sun rose up.
He went as far as keeping tabs on his mortal enemy thinking he might know something about her ,but even him is looking for her according to the report of his spies.
For the past few years, he invested his time and money on training his private soldiers and builder strong relationships with the officials who has power in court and can pull weight, preparing himself for the unknown. In terms of strength he has grown ,both physically, intellectually and politically. If worst comes to worst, he has the military strength to hold the reins of power and the political strength to keep the scholars in line.
In the next two months, he will celebrate his 17th birthday. What comes next is his consort selection which the officials has started writing petition about headed by the prime minister.
Using his left hand to support his head, he drummed the right one on the desk creating an incomprehensible rhythm. Stifling a yawn he called out to his chief eunuch but remembered that he has sent everyone away when he was clamoring for some peace and quiet. Only the guards guarding outside his palace and his shadow guards blending with the darkness remained.
He made a call and one of them appeared and knelt before him. " Extend your searches, even if you search under the sea I don't care, what I want is results".... under the sea? That word hit him like a bullet and something occurred to him. They have been searching the mainland but not the hinterlands. Could it be where they hid her? It's quite possible as even the prime minister is unable to find her since the hinterlands is the last place to look for someone because of the far distance of it from the rest of the world.
"Search the hinterlands, the one closest to the sea". If they are in the hinterlands, they should be depending on the sea resources to survive since they are not coming to the mainland for their necessities. His spies has been unable to find them eventhough they have been parading the marketplace as thugs. That's it, he has neglected a very big pawn during his game of chess.
"Yoona, hold on. I will find you and atone for my crime against you".
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Eun-hye kept on making continuous visit to the prime minister's manor. In the eyes of the servants, their friendship is blossoming while their parents saw them as inseparable friends that can't keep away from each other. Only the both of them know that it's nothing close to both. As for Seo-yun, it's a torture anytime the former comes to visit while Eun-hye takes it as a stress reliever. The close to tears look on Seo-yun's face each time she plays a prank on her is amusingly adorable making Eun-hye look forward to the next visiting time.
The servants has gotten used to her presence such that each time she comes, she is led directly to the main yard or her friend's room. In fact, the place is now like her own home as she had explored every nook and cranny of the house. On one of the occasions, she ran into Seo-yun mother who thanked her for being friends with her daughter and even encouraged her to visit from time to time. A request she would have fulfilled without permission anyway.
On today's agenda of her mischievous act, she tricked her into a game of Rock Paper scissors. Seo-yun felt it would be easy to win and accepted but she didn't know that Eun-hye had a trick in her sleeves. During the three rounds of the game she lost miserably to her who always presented rock when she has scissors. She switched to paper and Eun-hye presented scissors thereby winning the game. She wanted to opt for rematch but the Eun-hye refused and stated her first rule of the day as the winner.
"Escort me to somewhere".
Seo-yun quivered when she asked where that is but didn't get a reply. Knowing her personality, it can't be somewhere good for her. In order to uphold her dignity she accepted but almost regretted it when Eun-hye brought another set of cloth and changed into a male outfit while offering her a similar one which she blatantly refused.
"We will be riding horses, so you better accept". She reluctantly accepted it but refused to ride a horse as she has never rode one before.
"Then you trek, it's not that far anyway". Eun-hye didn't give a care , as far as she is concerned the other lady will trek if she can't ride. Seo-yun gazed at her with horror filled in her eyes and wondered what she did to deserve such a person as friend. Even a dog is better than her because at least, dog has loyalty.
Eun-hye hastily mounted her horses and gestured that she should do the same ,but on second thought she offered her hands to pull her up on her own horse so that they will share one horse. The last thing she wants is delay because she has many fun things to do.
Seo-yun volleyed glances from horse to human contemplating. If she rides the horse on her own, the horse might throw her off to the ground but if she rides with the human, she will only get an earful but at least, she will be gentle on her. She accepted the offered hand and climbed, sitting behind.
Eun-hye nodded that the servants should follow behind then spurred the horse into a racing beast almost throwing her off the horse.
Who talked about Eun-hye being gentle? Gentility be thrown into the winds, she breath. Holding tightly onto the waist of Eun-hye holding the reins of the horse, she regretted ever agreeing to her demands. Dignity be damned. Next time, even if she loses, she will insist on rematch till she wins.
They traveled for about 30 minutes before they reached their destination.
As they approached closer, the chattering and laughing of children was heard. Faint at first but very loud when they made a C-curve turn arriving at place similar to an abandoned village.
The buildings looked dilapidated with some roofs blown off by the wind. The painting looked old with some of them peeling off. The children created a half-domed shape around what appeared to be a swing. Considering the rickety buildings and structures, the swing looked fairly new.
The child being pushed in the swing cackled and squealed in delight calling out to Eun-hye, thereby drawing the attention of the rest of the children that came swarming around her almost brushing them down.
"Unnie, Noona... we have been waiting for you". They all chorused looking happily at Eun-hye that gathered them in one big hug.
They eyed the new stranger that scrunched her nose at them as if they smell and asked Eun-hye of her identity. She gathered them together and in a conspirational whisper told them something that made them burst into a fit of giggle.
"What did you tell them?". Seo-yun know that the other lady have said something bad about her , considering the look the children gave her and their laughter.
"Only one way to find out, ask them". She made to ask but Eun-hye interrupted her. "Don't say I didn't warn you, but they won't tell you anything since you look unfriendly". Seo-yun looked at the children that shook their head, telling her she must work for the information.
Huffing, she ignored them and walked towards the horse enjoying it's company rather than endure the musky smell of some of the children. Eun-hye invited the servants to play and they all tied the horses to a noose and left . Only one personal maid of Seo-yun who Eun-hye allowed to come with them remained together with her miss.
Humph!
You guys won't make me come close. You reek. Seo-yun shuddered.
Eun-hye whispered to one of the children and the child left. Locking gazes with Seo-yun, she smirked. Cold shivers ran down the spine of Seo-yun when she saw her short and fleeting smile.
She's up to no good. This can't be good.