“So… what brings you back to Korzan?” Sunghoon asked Sunoo shyly, glancing at him from the corner of his eye. “Why do you want to move back here?”

The two walked side by side through the quiet village, Sunghoon’s curiosity growing with each step. To him, Sunoo was a mystery worth unraveling. To Sunoo, however, Sunghoon was simply a kind and approachable king. Nothing more, nothing less.

“Well…” Sunoo adjusted Steve on his hip, pausing to think. “It’s my home. I heard news of a new king, and my little sister needs better education and friends.”

Sunghoon turned to him, intrigued. “Did you know the last king? Is that why you left?”

Sunoo chuckled nervously, though his thoughts raced.

Does he think I'm old? I mean... I've lived much longer, but he doesn't know that.

He didn’t want to share his past traumas with someone he barely knew, nor did he want to risk disrespecting the king.

“Actually, I left to take special herbalism classes,” he replied, his tone even.

Perfect. Not a complete lie.

“You’re a herbalist?” Sunghoon asked.

“Yep! I’ve always had a passion for it,” Sunoo said, blushing as he spoke about his interests.

Sunghoon smiled, his gaze drifting to the distant woods. “What’s your favorite herb? The one you use the most and always keep on hand?”

“That’s a tough one.” Sunoo gently petted Steve’s fur in tiny circles as he thought. “But I’d say stinging nettles. They’re incredibly versatile. Want to see?”

“Sure!” Sunghoon clasped his hands behind his back, watching curiously as Sunoo pulled a small cutting from his bag and held it out.

“These aren’t hard to spot,” Sunoo began, “and one touch can help with arthritis. They’re great for skin problems like eczema, insect bites, and even urinary or kidney health.”

Sunghoon leaned in, fascinated by Sunoo’s explanation. He reached out to touch the plant, but immediately recoiled as the sting spread across his hand.

“Ah, how are you holding it? Doesn’t it hurt?” he asked, wincing at the sensation.

Sunoo burst out laughing but quickly stopped, bowing apologetically. “It doesn’t sting me. Some people don’t feel the effect.”

Sunghoon shook his hand, grimacing. “Guess it doesn’t like me.”

“How is that possible? You’re so nice,” Sunoo said with a teasing smile, his head held high as he walked with natural grace.

The comment brought a smile to Sunghoon’s face. He wanted to be the kind of king people trusted and felt comfortable with.

“Let’s try something simpler,” Sunoo suggested, changing the subject. “What’s your favorite color?”

Sunghoon scratched his head, thinking. “White. It matches everything, and I just think it’s beautiful. What about you?”

“I love all colors, but if I had to pick, I’d say mint,” Sunoo replied, stroking Steve’s fur again.

“Mint’s a herb too,” Sunghoon noted with a grin. “Do you like it?”

Sunoo’s smile widened. “Yes! It’s very medicinal. Great for digestive issues. And let’s not forget anything with mint extract tastes amazing, especially ice cream. Is it too late to change my favorite herb to mint?”

Sunghoon chuckled. “It’s never too late.”

“Then mint it is,” Sunoo declared with a playful smirk.

The two continued chatting as Sunoo visited various stores, buying herbs, oils, and eventually a bottle of vodka.

“You drink?” Sunghoon asked, surprised.

“Not really,” Sunoo admitted with an awkward laugh. “I’ve only tried it on special occasions. This is for my tinctures and extracts, not for drinking.”

Sunghoon nodded sheepishly, feeling a little foolish for not realizing sooner.

“What about you, Sunghoon? Any hobbies or interests?” Sunoo asked.

Sunghoon looked down at the dirt path as he considered. “I enjoy sports. Like football, and dancing. But I haven’t done either in a long time.”

“Why not?”

“When I got older, I had to start training for war and prepare for marriage with the princess. My duties left no time for hobbies.”

Sunoo’s eyes widened. “You’re married? I thought you were single.”

Sunghoon flushed, laughing awkwardly. “I’m not married. She ran away to the forest with her lover.”

“I see…” Sunoo hummed thoughtfully.

I guess there wasn't any love between them. People shouldn't be forced to marry.

Sunoo, who had never experienced love himself, couldn’t quite imagine how it felt. He had always spent his time with women, but no romantic feelings had ever emerged.

Stopping in front of Taki’s house, Sunoo turned to Sunghoon. “Thank you for being so kind and keeping me company. I truly appreciate it.”

Sunghoon nodded, smiling. “It’s no problem. See you around.” He waved as he walked away.

When Sunoo entered the house, Yumi rushed to greet him. “Sunoo! You met the king? Is he nice? Evil? Handsome?”

“One question at a time, Yumicorn,” Sunoo said with a laugh, shaking his head. He set his new items on the table and gently placed Steve in Yumi’s arms. “Yes, I met him. He’s nice. I don’t know about evil.. He doesn’t seem like it. And yes, he’s handsome.”

Yumi grinned, nuzzling her nose into Steve’s fur.

Taki entered the dining room, his expression unusually serious. Gone was the cheerful demeanor he’d had before Sunoo left.

“Sunoo… can I talk to you alone for a moment?” he asked, lingering in the doorway.