00:00The boy stood looking at him, his posture regal despite his simple clothing.
00:05His dark hair fell in soft waves, and his eyes gleamed with curiosity and uncertainty.
00:11Their eyes met.
00:13Ji-yin hesitated, something about the boy drawing him in.
00:17Before he could turn away, the boy came closer, offering a hesitant smile.
00:22Excuse me, the boy said, his voice smooth yet carrying a nervous edge.
00:28Do you know where the royal tavern is?
00:31Ji-yin blinked.
00:32The royal tavern.
00:34The boy nodded.
00:36I'm, lost, he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.
00:40I'm new here.
00:42Ji-yin tilted his head, studying him.
00:45There was something off, something too polished about his demeanor.
00:49I don't know where it is either, he confessed.
00:53But we can look for it together.
00:54A flicker of relief crossed the boy's face.
01:00I'm Kyung-hoon, he introduced himself, offering a slight bow.
01:05Ji-yin, he replied, returning the gesture.
01:09They set off together, winding through the narrow streets.
01:13As they walked, Kyung-hoon's eyes lingered on the colorful stalls and bustling crowd in the night markets.
01:19His gaze kept drifting back to Ji-yin.
01:21You have a, unique look, especially your hair, Kyung-hoon said suddenly, his eyes softening.
01:29It suits you.
01:31Ji-yin blushed.
01:33Thanks, my grandmother was a foreigner.
01:36My mother once told me she was a French woman whom my grandfather had met during his merchant days.
01:42They fell in love, but her family didn't approve.
01:45She later died while giving birth to my mother and my father returned to his hometown alone with her.
01:52It's rare but we look like this, he muttered.
01:55You look nice, I mean it, Kyung-hoon chuckled.
01:59Do you come out often?
02:01Ji-yin shook his head.
02:03Not really.
02:05My father, he keeps me inside.
02:08Kyung-hoon's expression shifted, a shadow passing over his face.
02:12I know what that's like.
02:14My father keeps me locked away too.
02:18Their steps slowed, the weight of unspoken burdens settling between them.
02:22I guess we're both trapped, Kyung-hoon added, his voice quieter now.
02:27Ji-yin glanced at him, surprised by the vulnerability.
02:31Yeah, he whispered.
02:33But today, we're free.
02:36Kyung-hoon grinned.
02:38Exactly.
02:40Let's make the most of it.
02:41They wandered through the village, asking for directions but often getting distracted.
02:47Kyung-hoon's easy charm earned them smiles and laughter from passersby,
02:52and Ji-yin found himself relaxing in his company.
02:55At one point, they stumbled upon a small clearing with a massive tree.
03:00Ji-yin's eyes lit up.
03:03Watch this, he said, darting forward and scaling the tree with ease.
03:07Kyung-hoon laughed, clapping.
03:09Impressive.
03:10Impressive.
03:12Your turn, Ji-yin called from a high branch.
03:16Kyung-hoon attempted to follow, his movements less graceful.
03:20He slipped, landing with a thud and scraping his knee.
03:24Ji-yin was by his side in an instant, panic in his eyes.
03:27I'm so sorry.
03:30Ji-yin fussed, inspecting the wound.
03:33Kyung-hoon waved him off, laughing despite the pain.
03:37It's fine.
03:39Honestly, I've never even been free enough to get hurt before.
03:43This feels, good.
03:45Ji-yin blinked, confused but intrigued.
03:48There was more to Kyung-hoon than he let on, but Ji-yin didn't press.
03:54They found a small traditional clinic where an elderly healer cleaned and bandaged the wound.
04:00As they left, Kyung-hoon exaggerated his limp, leaning heavily on Ji-yin.
04:05You're pretending, I'm sure it doesn't hurt that much, Ji-yin accused, rolling his eyes.
04:12Maybe, Kyung-hoon admitted with a grin.
04:15But it's nice having someone care.
04:18Ji-yin shook his head, hiding a smile.
04:21Eventually, they reached the royal tavern.
04:24The regal building loomed before them, its wooden beams weathered but sturdy.
04:30Kyung-hoon turned to Ji-yin, his expression softening.
04:33Thank you, Ji-yin.
04:36I hope we meet again.
04:38Me too, Ji-yin whispered, waving as Kyung-hoon walked away.
04:43Moments later, a group of guards rushed past Ji-yin, heading straight for the tavern.
04:49He caught a glimpse of Kyung-hoon being confronted but managed to toss a playful bribe their way.
04:55Ji-yin's heart tightened with confusion and concern as he walked away,
04:59the mystery of Kyung-hoon lingering in his mind.
05:01Kyung-hoon sat in his royal chamber, staring at the elaborate ceiling.
05:07The conference his father King Jang sent him to attend had been stifling.
05:12According to his father, it was to prepare him for his future role as king.
05:17It was filled with tedious discussions and rigid protocol.
05:21He'd slipped away, once the guards weren't paying attention, craving a taste of freedom.
05:25Now, as he lay in bed, his thoughts kept returning to Ji-yin.
05:31I wonder if I'll see that boy again, Kyung-hoon murmured.
05:35But deep down, he knew this was the last time they would meet.
05:39The weight of his title, the chains of duty, ensured that.
05:43Yet, the memory of Ji-yin's smile lingered, a flicker of light in an otherwise dull world.
05:50Ji-yin darted through the narrow streets, his heart raced, not from fear, but from the exhilaration of the day.
05:57For once, he had felt truly alive, free.
06:01The thought made him grin as he slowed his pace, savoring the moment.
06:05The rhythmic clatter of hoofs echoed behind him.
06:09Ji-yin barely had time to turn before a familiar voice rang out.
06:13Ji-yin.
06:15Dae-hyun, his father's friend, reigned in his horses and leapt from his carriage.
06:20His face, a mixture of relief and simmering frustration, made Ji-yin's stomach twist with guilt.
06:27Do you have any idea what you've done?
06:29Dae-hyun demanded, his tone sharp.
06:32Running off like that, what were you thinking?
06:36Ji-yin shifted on his feet, staring at the ground.
06:39I just, needed some air.
06:42You can't just disappear, Dae-hyun snapped, his voice softening.
06:47Your father will be furious if he finds out.
06:51Ji-yin nodded, his lips pressed into a thin line.
06:54Dae-hyun sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.
06:58Get in.
07:00We'll talk on the way back.
07:02The carriage's wooden seat was cold beneath Ji-yin as he climbed in beside Dae-hyun.
07:07They rode in silence, the evening air brushing against Ji-hyun's skin.
07:12You seem, different, Dae-hyun observed, his eyes flicking over to Ji-hyun.
07:18What happened today?
07:20Ji-hyun's face lit up, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
07:24I made a friend, he said softly, almost to himself.
07:29For the first time.
07:31By myself.
07:33Dae-hyun blinked, caught off guard by the quiet joy in Ji-hyun's voice.
07:38He didn't press further.
07:41Instead, he nodded, a rare, genuine smile gracing his lips.
07:45That's a good thing, he whispered.
07:52Morning light bathed the grand hall in gold, but the warmth did little to soften the icy atmosphere.
07:58Kyung-hoon stood before his father, King Jang, the weight of his actions pressing down on him.
08:04The king's gaze was sharp, a mixture of disappointment and something colder, calculation.
08:11You ran away, the king said, his voice low but dangerous.
08:15I apologize, father, Kyung-hoon replied, bowing deeply realizing that someone had still told his father he had gone missing after the conference despite his bribe.
08:26Apologies are meaningless, I sent you there to learn but as always, you disobeyed me, the king snapped.
08:32Your actions have consequences.
08:35Do you understand the risk you've taken?
08:38Kyung-hoon kept his head down, his fists clenched at his sides.
08:42Our enemies are always watching, the king continued, his voice like steel.
08:48They would seize any opportunity to strike, and you, he paused, the weight of his gaze heavy.
08:54You are that opportunity.
08:56With a flick of his hand, the king signaled a courtier, who stepped forward with a stack of scrolls.
09:03You will rewrite every one of these Confucian texts.
09:07Until it's done, you will not leave your chambers.
09:10You will not eat.
09:12Kyung-hoon bowed once more, accepting the punishment without protest.
09:16The palace room was silent save for the rumbling of his stomach.
09:21Kyung-hoon sat cross-legged, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on his face.
09:27His stomach growled, but his mind was elsewhere, drifting back to the boy who had climbed trees with reckless abandon.
09:34A soft knock pulled him from his thoughts.
09:37The door creaked open, revealing his mother, Queen Myung-hee.
09:42Her expression was stern, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of concern.
09:47You're reckless, she said, stepping inside.
09:51Kyung-hoon bowed his head.
09:53I know.
09:54You don't, she replied sharply.
09:57Your father's illegitimate sons are watching, waiting for any chance to undermine you.
10:03If you slip, they will take everything.
10:06Kyung-hoon met her gaze, the weight of her words settling over him.
10:09Let them try.
10:12The queen's eyes softened, though her voice remained firm.
10:16You can't afford to be careless.
10:19Promise me you'll be careful.
10:21I promise.
10:23Satisfied, she gestured to the door.
10:26A young woman entered, her presence commanding despite her youth.
10:31She moved with a grace that was almost calculated, her eyes sharp and assessing.
10:35This is Lady Min-seo, the queen announced.
10:39The minister of war's daughter.
10:42Min-seo inclined her head, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips.
10:47It's an honor, your highness.
10:50Kyung-hoon forced a polite nod.
10:53She has the biggest potential, the queen continued, to be your future wife.
10:57She is beautiful, well-trained and not to mention, the minister of war's daughter.
11:04Marrying her will solidify your legitimacy for the throne.
11:08Min-seo stepped closer, her gaze unwavering.
11:12I will be your wife, she stated with quiet confidence.
11:16Kyung-hoon raised an eyebrow.
11:18There will be a selection process.
11:21Min-seo smirked.
11:22I can assure you, no one is more qualified than me.
11:27Kyung-hoon said nothing, his thoughts far from the room,
11:30wondering why he was born into a fate where he had to conform to everything.
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