Chapter 13: Protective Mission

***

August, 9, 1898

Ryujin's POV

We were suddenly called to Taehyun's 'Office' he said, he wanted us to get some field experience which we really don't get. If, you're going to be an assistant court herbalist, then shouldn't you be more in the field of like, studying, measuring, cleaning, fixing, filing, taking notes, and stuff like that. But, what he said makes no sense at all. He said that we will get some field experience literally outside the castle and the kingdom.

We ran towards the castle infirmary, as it was our rest day. But, Taehyun said, this is an urgent matter. Once, we got in, we quickly went to Taehyun's 'office'. We knocked and then, opened the door, and saw him, frustrated and that rarely happens to him, by what Mia eonni said and explained to us. So, before we ask, what's the thing that's so, Urgent, and comfort him first.

"Hey, Taehyun-ah... Are you okay?" Chaeryeong asked him.

He quickly looked at us, and then shook his head so bad. Okay, now I think, this is literally an urgent matter or maybe, he is just crazy for Chae?

"What's the matter, Tae?" Chaeryeong asked him, in a comforting voice.

"What's the matter?! The matter is somebody stole the plant that is literally rare, and got away with it!" He said, and threw his hands up.

Okay, so, this is all about the herb that somebody got him? Okay, apparently he has gone haywire, or in other words, Crazy. I still don't think that's a reasonable and urgent problem, to make me and Chae, ran here, as if our lives depends on it.

"Okay... let me get this straight. This is all because of an herb?" I asked him, which he just nodded at.

"Okay. Let me say this straight forward. You literally are a super crazy intellectual person, but made things super complicated for us." I said which made him look down.

"I'm sorry..." He said, while his looking down at the floor.

"It's just, it's one of a kind and it's hard to get by or maybe get it." He said.

"Okay, so let's get to the point where you ask us to get the plant back or get more, shall we?" I asked him, which he looked surprised.

"W-What... H-how? It's literally one of a kind." He said, while looking at us.

"Well, not every single herb and medicine couldn't be found anywhere. It's just hard to find, and that's why it's rare." I said, making my point.

"You're right... but, where can we get it?" He asked.

I literally face palmed on his really stupid question, and I thought Beomgyu was the stupid one, turns out he has a younger version of him. Although, Beomgyu did say, that he has a younger brother, we haven't seen him yet. But, Yeonjun oppa and Yeji eonni said, that his brother is out of town as of the moment, he is visiting Alynthi. Yeji unnie's kingdom.

We were starting to talk, about what we should do, to get the herb that was stolen. We searched every single book, in the infirmary but, there was nothing about it. But, then I remembered that I have a book that, Taehyun was borrowing.

'Maybe, that book has something in store for us.' I thought.

"Taehyun, can I get my book back, from you?" I asked him, which he looked confused at first but suddenly got the idea, and answered it with a nod. And quickly left the room, to look for it. After a couple of minutes, he returned with a book in his hands.

We quickly looked at it, and scanned the whole book, to see clues about the herbs, that was or wasn't stolen. After an hour, we finally saw a clue. It was called: "Marigold Blue Magic Leaf". And it doesn't really say that much about the herb, but it did say where we will most likely find it. And I must say, this book is quite helpful.

"Okay, since we all know, where to find the herb, I'll go to look for it while you two, stay here and keep on creating excuses, why I'm not here." Taehyun said, and stood up, to pack his things. But, suddenly stopped qhen Chaeryeong held his hand. He looked at us,

"We will not let you go there, right Ryujin?" She asked and looked at me, which I quickly nod at.

"You are one of the superiors here. So, that mean you going there just to get it, is equivalent to trouble for the whole kingdom." She said, trying to reason out with Taehyun.

He quickly sighed, but then, it suddenly got to me. She was trying to persuade him to stay here. And was telling him to send us, instead of him.

"No, I can't do that Chaeryeong. You two aren't the ones who- Got it lost?" He said but got cut off by me.

"Oh please... It wasn't you either. Plus, to add you have more things to do here, but for the two of us, we don't have much to do so it's okay, for us to get. After all, we know where it is and lucky for us it's just near here." I said.

"And since I'm both older than you two, I'd say, me and Chaeryeong should go and get it, for you." I said, while making a plan.

"Well, that is after you make a letter that says you allow us to go outside and have some field experience." I said, and started walking outside.

"And then send it that annoyingly stupid obnoxious Prince of yours." I said, and left.

I walked towards the Courtyard and just sat under one of the trees. I was just relaxing when I suddenly heard, people running, I looked up and it was their maids, they keep on murmuring. "The First Prince is here, hurry up..." I was so confused; I thought the First Prince of Clarines weren't supposed to return, until their father says so.

And speaking of their father, I haven't seen him or the Queen. And Beomgyu, keeps on reasoning the same thing, "They're both busy as of the moment, you know? Kingdom stuff?" And then laughs awkwardly.

I was standing up, when I saw somebody a tall guy, talking to a guy shorter than him. I guess he felt that somebody was looking at him, so he quickly glanced at my direction and smirked, then quickly walked towards the Castle. Which, I find it weird as I don't really have anything related to him, although I did take his younger brother's first dance, but other than that, I did nothing else.

Soobin's POV

Finally, I've returned to my own kingdom, after being back after so many years, memories suddenly came back to me, some are bad, and some are good. But, mostly good ones, I always had a good time every since I was so little, and I was with my Younger brother who is probably stupid, right now. I was walking with my personal aid, and was telling me things that are new here in the Castle.

A certain topic caught my attention though. Beomgyu, bringing two people back into the kingdom and the two of them are both from Roselia, and are working here in the Castle as court herbalists.

I was still in deep thoughts when I felt somebody was looking at me, I quickly glanced at that person, and when I saw her, I quickly smirked and quickly walked inside the castle.

Beomgyu's POV

I was literally, nervous because this is the first time that I will see my older brother! After such a long time! I was so excited but at the same time nervous. I know Yeji noona knows my brother, as she said on our first meeting that she was his, Secret Pen Pal.

I'm currently in my bedroom, getting ready because I know my brother, will be calling me anytime soon, and I feel something odd about it. I feel like it won't be good news for me, instead it would be bad news, and good news for him. I'm just going to wait for his personal aid, to come and call me, even Yeonjun hyung and Yeji noona dressed up for this matter.

I swear, if he drags either Ryujin or Chaeryeong in this mess, he'll have to deal with me, first. Before, getting through them, and I swear, if he does anything that will destroy our relationship, I don't think I'll take that out the easy way. I can also sense the seriousness of these two as well.

We were just waiting here for us to be called. We were all doing our own things, Yeonjun hyung, looking outside, at the balcony. Yeji noona, reading a book, while being seated at one of my arm chairs, while I was still getting ready. When somebody knocked on my door, calling all of our attentions. I noticed Yeji noona, sighed and stood up to get the door.

Once, she got the door, she was talking to the person, who knocked, about who knows what, and immediately closed the door and looked at us.

"He's here. And He's calling you to his office." She said, while looking both me and Yeonjun hyung in the eyes. But, something tells me, there's more.

We immediately walked towards the door to meet up with Yeji noona. She looked at me straight in the eye, and gave me a warning look, meaning something is up. I knew it.

"Beomgyu... You should know, that something's up, I think he figured out about Ryujin and Chaeryeong, and is about to do something about it. You should be smart about your actions; you know your brother will be doing something about this matter. Act smart, Beom." She said reminding me, and left me and Yeonjun hyung inside the room.

I looked at Yeonjun hyung and he looked at me as well, we nodded at each other, and decided to just like not do stupid things, as we are in my brother's office. As we continued walking towards my brother's office.

Soobin's POV

I was looking out the window in my office, waiting for my little brother, and another person who caught my attention, to get in my office, well, that's for Beomgyu, and for the other person, that would be the waiting cubicle.

'I just hope that everything in my plan will end well.' I thought.

I was lost in thought, until I heard a knock on the door, I quickly turned around.

"Come in." I said, while looking at the door.

When I saw who entered, it was the girl, she kind of looked familiar, but I don't know when and where I saw her. She also has an intimidating aura surrounding her. I quickly coughed, and tried to fix my composure.

"Oh, it's you. Please wait in the waiting area." I said, and turned around.

"Umm, okay?" She said, as I hear footsteps, meaning she was going on the waiting area.

Ryujin's POV

I was literally going back to the infirmary to get Chaeryeong, and pack for our so called "Field Experience", while I was walking back, I heard somebody calling me so, naturally, I turned around to look, I was genuinely surprised as I saw the personal aid of the First Prince. I didn't know what to do, so I quickly bowed to him.

"Hello, what are you doing here?" I asked him.

"The First Prince of Clarines, requests to see you in his office." He said, while bowing.

I was taken back when I heard that the First Prince was requesting for me, which is weird. Because, I don't even know him. I would get it, if it was Second Prince of Clarines, but the First?

'That's just absurd...' I thought.

I decided to shake that thought off, and smiled and followed him towards the First's Prince office. Once, we reached it, he signaled me to knock, and so I did. I heard his signal, and came in. When he saw me, I think he was surprised then, I guess he was judging me by my looks.

"Oh, it's you. Please wait in the waiting area." He said, and turned around, I was getting ready to attack him, but I think I shouldn't after all he is the first prince of this fine kingdom. So, in the end I decided to just obey, his orders so he won't be able to see through me.

"Umm, okay?" I said, and walked towards the waiting but, before going in; I decided to stick my tongue out at him.

Once, I got in, I quickly scanned my surroundings, and to think, I never thought that I will be actually in a waiting room, ever in my life or meet the first Prince of Clarines. This is such a big turn of events for me while, I was busy scanning the place, I heard a knock, which startled me.

'So, that's why you made me go here, thinking that I'm nothing, huh? I'll have you know, that I was a princess.' I thought, but quickly erased it.

I decided since, there's literally nothing here; I should eavesdrop on their chat.

Soobin's POV

I was looking outside once again, when I heard another knock came in, I quickly turned around and walked towards my chair, and signaled my personal aid, to let them in, and leave. He quickly did what he was asked to do, and left me alone.

I heard the door unlock and when I looked at it, it's Beomgyu and his so called 'Bodyguards'.

"I'm sorry, if we are ever late, Brother." He said, and bowed.

But, I was too busy looking at Yeonjun hyung and Yeji, but of course it's mostly Yeji, who caught my attention. She changed so much, I didn't think that she'll change so much. I sighed mentally, knowing that she'll probably kill me.

"It's fine..." I said, and looked at him, and he returned the favor.

"Brother, may I ask, why did you call me here?" He asked, in a straight forward manner. I slightly smirked.

'He was thought very well...' I thought.

"Anyway, I'll just keep this in a straight forward manner as well, then." I said, and stood up, walking towards a vase which has Roses, and pluck one of them.

"Do you know... that the First Princess of Roselia, went missing and died?" I asked, while playing with the Rose on my hand.

"Of course, I know... in fact, everybody knows about it. Everybody has been talking about it... ever since it had happen." He said, I'm sensing he's feeling guilty.

"So, you also know, that the borders for all of the Kingdoms are closed, right?" I asked him, while twirling the Rose on my hand.

"Yes." He said, answering my question in a really straight forward manner.

"So, you also know that you just let two of their villagers enter our Kingdom." I said, and started plucking the Rose petals that looked odd or dead.

"Yes." He said.

"But, in my defense, one of them said, that she was originally from Clarines, and they just visited her Sister there." He said, defending himself and the two girls.

"Beomgyu, do you... know that.... or are you even aware one of them, has a resemblance, with the first princess of Roselia?" I asked and stood up.

"It's only her name, brother. There's literally nothing else about her that resembles the First Princess of Roselia." He said, while also glaring at me.

"You literally are stupid. If dad were to, assign you as the king of this kingdom, it will surely go down." I said, walking towards the waiting area, where the girl is staying.

"Do you know that, she resembles her looks as well?" I asked him, in an ordinary way, but showing some of my angry side.

"What? What are you trying to imply brother?" He asked me, and then crossed his arms.

"If, you don't get it. Then, I don't blame you, you can leave now. I still have somebody to talk to, after you, so hurry up and leave." I said, and opened the curtain revealing the girl.

She was shocked when she saw me and the others. I quickly gave her the Rose and bowed.

"Wait, Ryujin?!" He said.

"Prince Beomgyu?" She asked, looks like I underestimated her, it looks like she figured out my plan.

"What are you doing here?" He asked her.

"Your brother called for me. I mean the First Prince called for me." She answered him, and bowed to him.

"But, more over why is the first prince bowing down to somebody as low as a measly villager?" She asked, and I can feel her stares.

'She literally knows how to get into somebody's nerves, huh?' I thought.

I then heard footsteps, I looked up and saw my brother, going in the waiting room, and held her.

Ryujin's POV

I was literally having so much fun, getting into the nerves of this idiot of a prince. When, Beomgyu suddenly walked towards me and held my hand, then closing the curtain.

"Don't do anything stupid. He may look like somebody who would be helpful, but, trust me, he isn't. Don't say anything about what happened to us back in the forest, don't do anything he wants you to do, and don't accept anything from him." He whispered, and then looked at me, still holding my face.

'I was literally having fun playing with him, though....' I thought, and pouted.

He then, quickly kissed my cheek, which surprised me. I quickly turned red because did that. I heard him chuckle before leaving me, with his brother. I saw Yeji eonni, worried look before she got out, and closed the door.

Okay, so the only thing I need face is this tall bunny guy? I got to say, he is handsome, but Beomgyu, is in a really different level.

"So, mind telling me what's your relationship with my brother?" He asked, or maybe just maybe more like investigating me.

I was thinking of a way to get out of here, when a thought came in my mind.

'This is going to be fun...' I thought.

"And why should I tell you?" I answered him, while crossing my arms and raised my eyebrow at him, which surprised him.

"Don't you dare answer me like that? I'm the first prince here! You are just nothing but a villager who works at the Castle because you're just a Court Herbalist! Remember that! Remember your place!" He shouted at me, and pointed his finger at me.

"That's why you should stay away from my brother and the others!" He shouted at my face.

At this point I was already filled to the brim, who does he think he is?! Controlling my life and choices! All of those belong to me and me alone. I answered him angrily, "So what, if I'm a Court Herbalist?! Just because you're the First Prince that doesn't mean you can look down on us! Just because you have a higher rank than others you should use that to your advantage! As a royalty, you should use your power to help others and not look down on them!" I said, and left him in his own office.

Once, I got out, I saw the three of waiting for me, but they had surprised expressions on. But, instead of talking to them, I just walked away from them, ignoring every single call of them, and ran away. I ran away once again, to escape every single problem. I ran towards the infirmary and bumped into somebody when I looked it was Taehyun, he had a worried expression.

"You okay?" He asked me, while helping me to get up.

And at that point I broke down in front of him, I can't take it anymore, I ran away almost every single time I encounter a problem. I'm pretty sure, Taehyun is surprised that I was crying right in front of him, but none the less started to comfort me.

Once, I calmed down he took the opportunity to ask me. "What happened?" He asked, still comforting me.

I started telling him what happened in that guy's office and Beomgyu's thing, and then them waiting for me, and I ran away from them. He continued to comfort me but, he was walking me towards my sleeping quarters that Chaeryeong and I share. When we reached I saw the four of them talking to each other, I guess they noticed our presence and looked at our direction.

Chaeryeong, ran towards me and throw a hug to me, I was taken a back and when I was back in my own senses I quickly hugged her back. She asked me how I was doing, I told her I was just tired and I need to rest for awhile, so I excused myself from them. While, I was walking inside our sleeping quarters I saw Beomgyu looking at me with a sad expression that was mixed with a worried one.

"Ryujin..." He said, and grabbed my hand to prevent me from walking, any further.

But, I quickly shook it off, and ignored him. Although it hurt me to do this, I have to so I won't get hurt in the end. I continued to walk towards our sleeping quarters, and once I reached it I opened the door and went in. Once I was inside, I locked the door, knowing Chaeryeong has a spare key with her. And went to my Bed and cried myself to sleep. For now, I don't feel like eating or anything, I just want to be alone, and think about what just happened, between me and Beomgyu.

Because I know, I'll be the one hurting in the end. Because what his brother said was true. We both don't fit each other. He is a Prince of this wonderful kingdom, while me? I'm a runaway princess of my own kingdom, Roselia, no matter how much time I put myself to not think about it is impossible.

I don't even stand a chance with him, I'm not pretty, I'm not cute, I'm not smart, I'm not a girl who needs help. I'm not the damsel in distress type of girl, I'm not what he should be dating or going out. I'm not what people expect me to be, I'm just a disgrace to our family, I left because of my sister, and she's probably thinking how selfish her own sister is, leaving her with all the kingdom work to handle.

I'm just somebody who is a villager who met with a Prince in the forest, and who got into his kingdom with their help. From now on, I won't rely on him or the others, I'll be independent, and I won't be a push over.

And with that promise, I unwillingly went to sleep; hoping to wake up in this terrible dream, if you even call it that, I think this is a nightmare. That, won't let me live my life, the way I want it to be, and it's making me pay for what I have done in the past. And letting me know that what I did is unforgivable, and unacceptable.

***

August, 12, 1898

We are currently waiting for Taehyun, to finish writing the letter that we will give to Beomgyu, and make him sign it. He was still busy writing on the letter the reason why I and Chaeryeong have to go to that place.

And I also want to have some time alone, as it's just getting pretty awkward between us, I've been avoiding him ever since that "incident" happened. I want to be away from him for now. I just want to be peaceful just for once.

While, me and Chaeryeong were talking on how we should take the leaf, without actually breaking it, because we heard it was so fragile it was more fragile than glass, one wrong move then, it will turn into ash.

We were still busy talking when, Taehyun, suddenly stood up and went over to us, and showed us an envelope, looking at the stamp, and the address it was the letter, we both looked at him, and smiled.

"Okay, since this will be sent today, and reach him later." He said, while we continue to smile like idiots in front of Taehyun.

"You two can go and pack your things; I'll be the one who'll send it to him." He said, and walked towards the door and left us in the room.

I quickly looked at Chaeryeong, and we smiled at each other. "Finally!" I said, while throwing my arms up in the air.

"Why are you suddenly acting like a kid, Ryu?" She asked me, while looking at me weirdly.

"Hmph. What do you mean 'kid'?" I asked her, putting air quotations for the word kid.

"You do realize that I'm older than you right?" I asked her which she only nods at.

"But, the way you are acting right now is defying that, you know?" She asked which I quickly raised an eyebrow at.

"Hmph. Just because I act just like this, that doesn't mean, I'm a kid, you know." I said, while glaring at her.

She stood up, while closing the book she was reading and walked towards one of the shelves, and returned the book she was reading. "You know what? I give up." She said, and left the room as well, leaving me alone, in the room.

I quickly got up, and closed the book and returned it as well, and ran outside to reach her. Once, I saw her, I quickly ran and looked at her. She had an expression that was new to me; I hadn't seen this expression from her.

"Hey, Chae? You okay?" I asked her, while waving my hand in front of her face.

"Huh?" She said, and looked at me.

"Since when, did you get here?!" She said, obviously surprised by my sudden appearance, here.

"Oh, you know. I followed you? Now, tell me, what's bothering you, and don't you dare try to lie, you know me, and I don't like people who lie." I said, while glaring at her.

She sighed and told me the reason why she's down. So, it's basically because of Taehyun, because he became cold to her once more.

I mentally sighed because 'Why couldn't they just, confess already?' I thought, asking myself. 'It's just so obvious that they both like each other.' I thought, and mentally face palmed.

We continued to talk about her, problem on the way to our sleeping quarters. Once, we reached it, we started to pack the things that we will be needing for the journey, while talking and laughing.

'I must admit this feeling is nice. I could get used to this.' I thought, and smiled.