Sakura's Petals
Returnees

In the early hours of the morning, Hwa Ryong is secretly escorted home by the Crown Prince's bodyguards.

“Please promise me to come by the end of the week.” said the Crown Prince before Hwa Ryong left. Hwa Ryong nodded, squeezing the Crown Prince's hand before then stepping out of the Crown Prince's residence.

Once at her home, Hwa Ryong is greeted by a slap from her mother, which is then immediately followed by a hug. Hwa Ryong was stunned for a moment before then returning her mother's embrace.

“My boy! God, you almost made your mother die a hanger! Don't ever repeat it again, do you understand?”

“I'm sorry, Bu.”

“From now on, you'll get three times more escorts than before. So, do not try to escape from home.”

Hwa Ryong looked at his mother. In his heart, he remembered his promise to the Crown Prince. Will he be able to get past his mother's strict guard? Triple over, Hwa Ryong doubts his ability to keep his promise to the Crown Prince. “But..”.

“No but, tapi. The crown princess election day is near. You can't be seen by anyone so you don't have to contest the election. So take good care of yourself. Wandering outside is not only unsafe but also damaging to your reputation, you understand?” Hwa Ryong could only duck, puzzled at what means he could take to escape the house once again. “Now, come on, come with mom inside. I miss you so much.”

“... ten, eleven, twelve.” Hwa Ryong sat down next to the window of her room, peering out of the window. “Ah, what should I do?”

Seol who had just finished preparing his nonanya bath water, looked confused. “What is Miss counting?” He sat next to his nona.

“No, not nothing.”

Seol looked at the window and he finally understood. “Ah, definitely it is. The bodyguards, yes?” Hwa Ryong. “Don't say Miss will run away again.”

Hwa Ryong nodded. “Yes, I'll run away. But different than usual. There's something important I have to do out there.”

“Already, don't think of anything, Miss. Prince Yunti of China is coming today. If until Miss runs away again, I will definitely be expelled by Madam. Besides, does Miss want me to hang up every time I think about Miss?"

Hwa Ryong sighed, walking towards the bathroom.

THE NEXT DAY

The white bone Jeogori with cherry blossom embroidery and pink chima in color with jeogori embroidery, made Hwa Ryong look even more charming when she finished dressing. Assisted by two other servants besides Seol, he berias and use a cherry blossom-shaped pinch on the side of his head.

When Hwa Ryong finished, one of the servants smiled with satisfaction. “Beauty Miss is indeed matchless, just like Madam. I'm sure Miss will be the Prince's most beautiful main wife (fujin) later in Qing Empire.”

Hwa Ryong sighed, hearing his servant's words. “If only I could be happy when I heard your praise earlier, my life would be happier. The thing is, my life is no longer that simple now.”

The waiter was surprised. “What does Miss mean?”

As soon as he got to the door, he knocked on the door slowly. “Abeonim, it's me.”

“Come in.” his father said.

When he entered, his eyes immediately fell on Prince Yunti, the fourteenth prince of the Qing Dynasty who had been his friend ever since he was ten years old. It was only about four months ago that he came and today he is coming back, secretly of course, to Joseon. As usual, Yunti's smile shimmered like the light the fireflies produced in the starless sky. Yunti is indeed a very cheerful person. Especially with the Korean pronunciation that still needs a lot of improvement, he looks very funny.

Hwa Ryong sat next to his mother after paying respects to Prince Yunti.

“Emperor so misses Mr. Shim's presence in Beijing. His Majesty would love to drink tea in the palace garden as he did with you last year.”

Mr. Shim laughed. “Ah, really? I honestly want to visit His Majesty the Emperor as soon as possible because I miss those times so much. But since the affairs of the palace these days need a lot of attention, I have to postpone it until the end of the year. Please convey my utmost apology to His Majesty the Emperor, His Majesty.”

Prince Yunti nodded. “Of course. Don'worry. But regarding the offer of Fathers to make you a high official in China, are you really unable to agree to it? I know moving to Beijing is tough, but Ayahanda will make sure that you don't lack anything. You are a good friend of Ayahanda. Is it good to refuse a friend's request? Moreover, Hwa Ryong will soon be my wife. It would be very good if both parents were next to him, wouldn't you?”

“Hamba is very grateful for the kindness of His Majesty the Emperor and also the attention His Majesty gave to the servant child, but I am more comfortable living in Joseon. Joseon needs me a lot. I believe Beijing is full of people who are more talented than me. But if indeed His Majesty the Emperor needs me, I promise to come to Beijing as often as possible.”

“Just like the story of the Emperor's Father, you are indeed a stubborn person and love the country. But, for the sake of Ayahanda, please reconsider this offer.”

“Alright, I will reconsider. But I don't promise I'll be able to accept it, Your Majesty.”

“No problem. It's just, please really reconsider.”

Mr. Shim nodded, then glanced at Hwa Ryong who had been sitting daydreaming since then, thinking of the Crown Prince. The rice he had chopped, fell on the table.

“Oho! This girl! Don't daydream while eating.”

Prince Yunti laughed amusedly, making Hwa Ryong instantly embarrassed.

_____________________________________________

"And tonight, I will sleep with you in my heart."

- NN

Hwa Ryong Clothing Overview :