A/N: Please play the song while reading💖

♈︎ ♉︎ ♊︎ ♋︎ ♌︎ ♍︎ ♎︎ ♏︎ ♐︎ ♑︎ ♒︎ ♓︎

Everyone in Daeho was abuzz with gossip about Dan-gu's pursuit of Lady Cho-yeon, and Namjoon was understandably uneasy about it. Word got out to the entire village, from the royal palace to Songrim. Even more perplexing for Nam-joon was the fact that the Jin matriarch wanted a Seo heir as her son-in-law.

He and Dan-gu had a near-fatal altercation three days earlier after the couple split up. Dan-gu was furious and urged Nam-joon and Yul to stay out of their romance and not approach Cho-yeon.

The tension among the friends really escalated when Dan-gu, who’s usually so chatty and full of energy, fell into a deep depression. Meanwhile, Cho-yeon found herself stuck at Jinyowon, waiting for her mum, Lady Jin, to decide when she could leave. She was unable to see her sweetheart.

Namjoon was studying in the library to keep his mind from running wild. He needs to find a means to get to Jinyowon and talk to Lady Cho-yeon. She needs to assist him. They really need to get out of here because the vibe in this place is getting way too dangerous. The magical energy was really overwhelming Namjoon, making it hard for him to focus on anything at all.

The powerful mages were out on different missions to hunt down soul shifters that had been munching on souls all over the place. Park Jin is dealing with his nephew's depression due to the loss of his beloved.

Just then, a young messenger entered the room where Namjoon was sitting and looking over historical scrolls. He wants to learn and study as much as possible. It was weird that he and 'Arin' were placed in their field of expertise from the modern world. As a history major, he is now a well-known literary historian of historical events, and Arin, as an Archival major in relic preservation, has become the protector of the most perilous relics in Joseon's history.

That was extremely strange!

He noticed the young kid who looked a bit out of breath, bowing several times in front of him while holding a small scroll like a message. He did not look up.

Namjoon furrowed his brow as he took the letter scroll from the youngster's outstretched hand, still bowed down.

"Young Master Seo, Lady Jin has asked your presence at Jinyowon right now," he said softly.

When Nam Joon opened and read the letter, he furrowed his brows. It was an invitation for Jinyowon to visit the Jin residence with Master Heo, his mentor and protector.

Namjoon wonders what the whole point of this was. He hopes it is not about marriage negotiations, especially since his mentor has also been invited to the luncheon. This is going to really upset Dan-gu, and he could end up in a pretty bad spot with Dan-gu's sword of fury.

Namjoon smiled and looked at the youth, saying, "Thank you, young man. I will accept the invitation."

The young man looked up, and Nam-joon's eyes widened in disbelief. He recognised his little brother's gorgeous boxy smile.

"Kim Taehyung---what, oh my goodness! Are you here as well? "He exclaimed in confusion.

Taehyung stared bewildered at the popular mage, wondering if something was wrong with him. His gorgeous features expressed his perplexity.

"Please pardon me, young Master Seo. Hi, my name is Choi Taehyun. Er, you might confuse me with someone else." He attempted to explain cautiously.

He heard that Seo Namjoon kind of lost it a bit after taking a tumble off the cliff. The poor mage. He is even started calling strangers odd names.

Namjoon sighed and pursed his lips, 'I am sorry, young Taehyun. I might have mistaken you for someone else." Namjoon's expression was calculated as he stared at his brother. He, too, was different.
His sibling was outgoing, somewhat corky, and just strange. But Taehyung appeared quiet, cautious, and shy. Oh, this must genuinely be an alternate reality.

Taehyun smiles politely, "I leave first..." as he bows and rushes out of the library, leaving Namjoon puzzled. He looked down at the invitation, which was written in exquisite Hangul letters. He wonders if he will be able to travel back in time with some relics. Perhaps not.

Namjoon let out a sigh as he stepped out of the library. Yoongi was at the King's palace, hanging out with the King's constellation team for a few days.

On his way, he ran into Master Seo, who seemed more flustered than anyone else around. He was too cheery and informed him that Master Lee was visiting Jang-uks' aunt. He looked more ecstatic than ever when he smiled at Namjoon.

"Come, Young Master, we have a lot to talk about with Lady Jin." He murmured, but it was clearly audible. Namjoon seemed conflicted.

"Why would Lady Jin like to see both of us?" His eyebrows furrowed as he asked.

"Oh, it looks like she wants to negotiate an arranged marriage with her single heir," Master Heo said with a laugh.

Namjoon's eyes widen. "Master Heo That seems wrong to me. Dan-gu is in love with Cho-yeon. Why create more conflict in Songrim. He already despised me for trying to take his love away. I do not want to be forced into a marriage."

Master Heo smiled, "I think Lady Cho-yeon always had a soft heart for you, Namjoon. My niece even stated that she will let go of her feelings for you, and her eyes are fixed on Jang-uk after he saved her from the soul shifter."

Namjoon expressed amazement, "Really...Yon-uk wants Jang-uk!"

Master Heo nodded, looking pleased. "Yong Master Jang has opened his energy gate! We are not really sure how it all went down. Perhaps with practise, he will become as powerful as his father. I believe he and Yon-uk will make a better match."

Namjoon smirked as he just shook his head. Suddenly, a dark carriage came to a stop right in front of them.

Master Heo waved him over, saying, "Come on... we’re not going to walk through the forest." I am too old to walk that far.

Namjoon smiled gently and hopped up into the carriage after the rider helped Master Heo get in safely.

The ride to Jinyowon was leisurely as Master Heo briefed him about the Seo family's legacy.

♈︎ ♉︎ ♊︎ ♋︎ ♌︎ ♍︎ ♎︎ ♏︎ ♐︎ ♑︎ ♒︎ ♓︎♈︎ ♉︎ ♊︎ ♋︎ ♌︎ ♍︎ ♎︎ ♏︎ ♐︎ ♑︎ ♒︎ ♓︎

At Jinyowon

It was a bit tense in the room as Lady Cho-yeon, Namjoon, and the elders sat around sipping on some ginseng tea after a light lunch.

Cho-yeon seemed weird, yet she was quite calm. She only responded blankly when her mother spoke to her. Namjoon could feel her calculated gaze on him. She was not exactly cold and distant; she was just more guarded and cautious around him.

Lady Jin grinned happily as she looked at the two youngsters, "Cho-yeon why don't you spent some time with Young master in the secret garden. Let him see our blooming flowers..."

Namjoon gazed at Lady Jin with amazement. With a fake,forced smile on her face, Cho-yeon nodded and motioned for Nam-joon to come with her.

They were walking silently besides each other until they reached the private place, and Cho-yeon turned to Namjoon.

Cho-yeon took a deep breath." Look Nam-joon. You know how much I respect you, but these marriage negotiations are ludicrous. I mean no disrespect by saying this, but I am head over heels for Dan-gu and would only ever want to be with him. "The whole experience had her looking completely devastated.

Nam Joon turned to her, his gaze serious. "Cho-yeon...you are nearly 20 now. I can not tell you who you should be with...but Lady Cho-yeon, do you honestly love Dan-gu?"

Cho-yeon glared at him, "Namjoon, what do you mean? Of cause I love him Nam-joon!" her eyes flared in his gentle ones.

Namjoon let out a sigh and suddenly pulled her close, leaving Cho-yeon wide-eyed and flustered. This really does not feel right. Her mind began to swirl as she recalled the intimate image she had of the two of them in an extremely improper position.

She cannot allow this to happen. Her maid servant is nearby and at a safe, polite distance. She does not want reports spreading in her household that she and the Seo heir will accept the marriage requirements. Dan-gu will be devastated and may do something unsuitable.

Cho-yeon yanked herself out of his arms, daggers in her eyes, and asked him, "Nam joon, are you crazy?" She whispered-yelled while nervously scanning her surroundings.

Namjoon smirked, "I am not Cho-yeon. I am ready to accept the marriage terms and marry you". He seemed entertained as her expression shifted to irritation and fury.

"You will not do such a thing! Are you completely insane?" She took his hand and ran with him through the greenery, just about reaching the entrance of the relic cave.

Namjoon was out of breath as he glanced at Cho-yeon, clearly annoyed.

"What the heck was that!"

Cho-yeon screams out in frustration, "Why are you trying to spoil my happiness, Nam-joon? You stated a few years ago that you would not want to marry even if we were legally betrothed.Since you were my first pick and we were childhood best friends, you broke my young heart. However, after that, my mother went to the Jangs. Jung-uk has run out of the marriage conditions, and now Dan-gu is trying to protect me from being mocked as the twice-ditched heiress!  "

She felt tears welling up in her eyes.

Cho-yeon sniffed and looked at him with accusation, "He loves me, Nam-joon. He is my only option, because my mother considered a high-ranking politician such as General Hong. Who is in his thirties and wants to marry me off. Why can not you be happy if love finds me? "She yelled at him.

The atmosphere buzzed with energy as Nam-joon noticed magical dust swirling around her, reflecting the intensity of her emotions.

Namjoon felt regretful and said in a sympathetic voice, "Cho-yeon...what makes you believe I do not have romantic feelings for you...that I might love you forever?"

Cho-yeon stared at him, puzzled, and laughed amusingly, "Nam joon please! You were never in love with me. In your opinion, I am just a spoiled princess..."She turned away from him and wiped her eyes.

Namjoon's eyes widen as he pulls her back: "Cho-yeon, why are you so oblivious. I love you."

Cho-yeon was furious, her eyes wild. "Love me! You do not Namjoon..." She turned and murmured quietly, "Not even in our previous lifetimes..."

But Namjoon overheard. When he caught the last few words of her sentence, his eyes nearly burst out of their sockets. A light flashed through him as realisation struck like a lightning bolt...

He jumped in front of her, his eyes startled, "Cho-yeon? You know of our past lives...are you out of nescience:". Oh goodness!The.  word 'shock' was an understatement. Arin was conscious in this lifetime. When..how?

Cho-yeon gave him a hard and determined expression, "Yes...Kim Namjoon. I had visions three days ago, but I only recently came out of the nescience. I remember it all... our relationship, the betrayal, the assignment, and that relic you accidentally touched that sent us back to this time. I AM AWARE NAM-JOON. I' M NAM ARIN! Remember the girl you despised?" She exclaims bitterly, her voice full of hurt, sadness, and deflation.

Astounded, Namjoon exclaimed, "Arin! You should have told me so that we must immediately leave from this dimension. We need to find the lost relic."

Cho-yeon 'Arin' frowned at him and said, "You knew too...why didn't you tell me first?"

"How could I Cho-..  I mean Arin?" Namjoon shook his head, Everyone in this realm was not aware. Pretending to have forgotten things was my only option. This is fantastic!!. You must assist me in locating the relic so that we can return home."

As she wrapped her arms  around her torso, Arin grinned but her eyes were icy, "So, you do not truly like me and you only want the relic to go back?" she asked. She laughed, but it was without delight.

"I do like you, Arin," sighed Nam Joon, "I have always like you despite your obvious dislike and contempt." He gazed at her sorrowfully.

"I enjoy my life here," Arin said, shaking her head," I am one of Daeho's fairest and a celebrity. What would make me return home to misery?  I enjoy being here. I found love in Dan-gu, just so you know. I am not going
anywhere. Once I exchange vows with Dan-gu, I will physically, emotionally, and spiritually shift into this world. My soul shall be struck. And I love it, and neither my 'new' Jin family nor you will stop it."

She stared stubborn and determined at a perplexed Namjoon, who could not believe she wanted to stay here in the past.

Namjoon glanced at her in surprise, "Arin, are you crazy! We do not fit in with this world. Our actions could alter the dynamic of the future. We have to get back. I need my life back."

Arin lifted her eyebrows, "Oh, really. Your life was magnificent, and you were joyful while I was miserable. You left me a broken and empty vessel. I really do not want to go back to that struggle. My brother's dealing with lupus, and my mom's been pretty bitter since the divorce. My father leads a wonderful life with his new family, which has destroyed our family. I am hoping to go to England and land a decent museum job. You are getting married, and you come from a wealthy chaebol family. You have no money issues...so no! I don't care for our past lives because mine sucked."

Namjoon looked bewildered, "Arin...you can not be serious! What about the baby you told me about? Hey, don’t you feel like going back to it? "

He was still in shock from becoming an unexpected father. It was a well-kept secret.

Arin's eyes welled up again,and with a strangled voice she said, "Our baby girl died of heart issues two days after birth. Namjoon, there is nothing left for me. Can't you see? " She looked at him with deep grief.

Namjoon stared at her with affection, saying, "I am sorry I left you hurting Arin; you should have told me. Thing would have been quite different for us if we had just communicated. However, this lifetime is not authentic. The place is clearly not right for us..." He closed his eyes briefly before looking at her, deflated, "Arin...I care for you. My heart aches for you. Let us go back home and work everything out."

Arin's eyes welled up with tears, "Oh Namjoon, I wished to hear that in our previous lifetimes, but I can not go back. Dan-gu is my ticket to stay, and Cho-yeon's soul is currently in love with him, even if 'Arin' may still have affections for you. Sorry, but I am staying."

Namjoon looked frustrated, "Arin..." He felt his hope fade. Arin has the ball in her court, and she intends to exact revenge in the worst way possible.

Arin just wiped her eyes and said, "If you really care about me... let me just stay here, and I can get you back. But only if you promise to tell my mum that we agreed
not to get married, I need to get my family on board with the idea that Dan-gu is the perfect match for me."

Namjoon seemed torn,"I can not leave without you, Arin...we have to go through the portal together to keep our timeline intact. I might die in the process or change the future..." he looked affronted.

"I am magical Namjoon," Arin said, turning to face him with a glimmer of mockery in her eyes," I can look for the relic in the sacred cave, but if it is cursed, I will require a different type of sorcery that I have not practiced yet. Give me at least a few days to master that summoning skill. It could be a bit tricky to manipulate the exact time, but it is definitely not impossible. My existence will change. My memories will fade from everyone's lives. My mother will only have one child, my brother. And...your life will continue as usual. You will have no memory of my existence. So,  prove your care for me, do we have a deal? " She extended out her hand with determination in her gaze.

Namjoon looked at her hand with reluctance, going back to a past life where Arin never existed. How will he live? He can not stay here with her as Dan-gus' wife. It will kill him every day for losing her. Living in this realm is too risky for him.

However, if he returns, he will have no recollections of his past with Arin, and the guilt, desire, and self-loathing will vanish. He would be free...maybe he would be able to escape his forced engagement with Min-ju and start a new life in Germany.

He nods and shakes Arin's hand, "Deal..."

♈︎ ♉︎ ♊︎ ♋︎ ♌︎ ♍︎ ♎︎ ♏︎ ♐︎ ♑︎ ♒︎ ♓︎

Lady Jin was stunned when Namjoon told the elders that he believes that love is the only foundation for a great union.

Namjoon gazed at Lady Jin thoughtfully, "Lady Jin, Cho-yeon is a beautiful young woman who has matured. She understands what she wants, and I believe Park Dan-gu will treat her as a queen. They love each other, and I have never seen Cho-yeon happier or more fulfilled."

Lady Jin smiles while her husband silently acknowledges Namjoon's words. Master Heo clapped his hands with approval. Marriage should be done purely for love. And he realised how Cho-yeon was Dan-gus' lifeline. He loved her with all of his heart. How can he steal that happiness from the cheerful boy?

Cho-yeons' eyes lit up as she smiled gleefully into Namjoons' eyes, which had a lost look in them. He loves Arin and will give up his love to allow her to be happy with Dan-gu, who loves her with all of his heart. That is really the only thing he can do for her—just let her go and find her happiness in this time. She really fits right in with this time period.

He really owes it to her, no matter what it takes, especially after all the pain and suffering he put her through...

♈︎ ♉︎ ♊︎ ♋︎ ♌︎ ♍︎ ♎︎ ♏︎ ♐︎ ♑︎ ♒︎ ♓︎

A/N:  Arin came clean.

Thank you for all the reads thus far. 'The Lost Relic' will  be ending soon. So please read, comment your toughts and vote.

1. Do you think Arin is right to choose to stay as Cho-yeon and get back to Dan-gu?

2. Do you think she truly believe that Namjoon loves her or only plays on her feelings to get back to the future?

3. Do you think the sacrifice for Namjoon is too severe?

4. What are your final thoughts on this chapter?