The Lotus Of East Palace
Chapter 5 (Yeon-Hwa)

They chase again. Goddamnit!

I finally decided to take a leave of absence. Though I half-deadly wanted to linger in the Main Palace in order to meet again with General Leon. But I wouldn't be able to say anything more if he was in front of me. And after all, according to the words of the people, the Queen brought the Lion from the South to her residence. That certainly triggers a variety of speculation among all those who want to know. Why did they go there?

I thought it would be difficult to apply for a sabbatical, especially since my reasons must have sounded absurd to the northern people. I received another letter from my father. He confirmed that he would come to Nordhalbinsel and drag me back to Westeria if I didn't come home soon. So I gave permission to Her Majesty for a two-week leave on the grounds of the memorial service of my mother's death. Praised for all her generosity, Queen Eleanor allowed me to take two weeks off.

And here I am tonight. In the forest border region between Nordhalbinsel and Westeria. Preparing to return to my house while running because somehow the horse-drawn carriage I was riding was broken, the streets were closed because the night was very late and as I began to walk through the dark forest without adequate lighting, the wolves came back after me.

Just like in my dream, the Snow Wolf led his team of wolves. I'm tired not playing. My feet could not run any longer. My energy is drained. My lungs rebelled, asking me to stop and take a breath. But I can't stop running.

Another bit. I just need to cross this border and get to Westeria. They may not be allowed to roam in Westeria. Queen Eugene won't allow it. Not just Wolves, but people from outside Westeria who were not Westerians would not be allowed to enter just like that. The process of entering Westeria was very complicated and required permission from Queen Eugene. Westeria is very closed off from outsiders because it maintains its status as a peaceful and anti-conflict state.

But I'm not an outsider. I am the Westerian. I was born and raised in Westeria, had the name Westeria and my parents were Westeria citizens. It would be very easy for me to get into Westeria. I just need to show you a document confirming that I'm a Westerian.

Therehewas. La Gran Puerta's. A huge gate that anyone who was about to enter the Westeria region had to pass through. The gate was guarded by the people from the Ortiz Clan and the Torres Clan. The two leading Clans who had been for generations guarding the integrity of Westeria thanks to their strength. The Ortiz clan are those who have Sapphire eyes and are known to be able to read minds and even control minds. While the Torres Clan is the owner of Ruby eyes that can mimic the abilities of others whoever their opponents.

Even from a distance I could already see Sapphire eyes burning in the darkness belonging to an Ortiz Clan. I screamed for help in my mind. Aide-moi! Aide-moi! Then I realized it was Nordhalbinsel. When I panic, I sometimes forget what language to speak. Helpme! I shouted in Westernia in my mind. I told him I was Westeria and I was being chased by a pack of wolves. I hope that whoever an Ortiz is in charge of guarding the gate tonight can read my mind and open the gate for me immediately.

I'm Honey Welsh. The only daughter of Daniel and Sally Welsh. Granddaughter of Tania Welsh. Born and raised in Westeria.

I mentioned my address, my birthplace and the serial number of my confirmation document in my mind in Westernia. A language I haven't used for a long time because in Nordhalbinsel I don't need that language. While when sending a letter with my father, we use Orient language. I kept repeating all of that as each of my gasping breaths went on. I can't run anymore.

How comfortable I was when I looked from a distance, the gate was wide open. I continued to speed up my run until I was actually several meters into the Westeria region inside the gate.

"Welcome back, Welsh." Greet someone.

"Thank you..." I said while panting. I didn't find out who that guy was. I immediately looked behind me. My eyes were busy looking for signs of the wolves. The gate is closed tightly. And I don't see a single wolf out there like I've been hallucinating. Or maybe I was hallucinating the effects of nightmares continuously.

"Hey. They won't be able to get in." Said the man again.

I looked at him. Sapphire Eyes. Ortiz Clan. The one who read my mind and let me in. It was not just because of the data I was shouting in my mind. Except because that guy knows me. I-i know him.

He's my fiancee's candidate. The youngest son of the Ortiz Clan. The Prince of Ortiz. Raphael.

"You okay? Your face is pale." she asked.

He's an Ortiz. He shouldn't have to ask. He just needs to get into my mind.

"If you don't like it, I won't read your mind. Though the content of your mind always amuses me." Her smile was always so charming. Charming asshole. But I won't be fooled. There's a reason why she's 'my fiancee' and not 'my betrothed'. I'm still trying to avoid that engagement. The Ortiz clan was indeed a distinguished family, a distant relative of Queen Eugene, wealthy, no doubt. My life will be assured if it goes to their families. Honey Ortiz, the noble mistress of Westeria who has a flirting husband on every woman she meets. No. gabe. Thank ye. "Oh, heart! Your gaze is still as sharp as usual. Not bloody?" Raphael said as he pretended to hold his heart.

I rolled my eyeballs. Without serving him, I stepped away from the Ortiz Clan guard post.

"Want you to take me?" Ask Raphael. He was still following beside me, trying to align his steps. "It was very night. Danger."

I laughed cynically. "The most dangerous predator in the country is right next to me."

"I mean the wolves" he said, looking back as if the wolves could have broken through the gate. Worry if that's true. "How's the story going so you can be chased by wolves anyway? You might attract the attention of wolves. They have good taste, apparently."

"They won't be able to get in. Otherwise, you'll lose your job and your family will lose your good name." I said with a ketus. Actually, it sounds more like a threat. I really meant it. For me, it is hope. The hope that the gate will forever banish the wolves. The hope that the Ortiz Clan and the Torres Clan would forever keep that gate tightly shut. Westeria is the only safe place for me right now. Somehow it would be if the wolves were able to enter the territory of this kingdom.

"Your Western is still good when you haven't been home for a long time. Miss you. Really." He's trying to shift the subject. I have memorized his habits. Anyway, you could say he was my childhood friend. I have lived in the territory of the Ortiz family since I was born. "You don't really want to go home on foot, do you? It's faster and more practical to ride a horse with me."

"And let you get inside my mind for the seven-hour ride? No, thank you. I still remember the way home. I have the money to rent a nearby inn and rent a horse carriage tomorrow morning. Goodbye, Raphael."

...****************...

There was a small village on the edge of town, in the Blue Hill of Pueblo Azul territory controlled by the Ortiz Clan. In the ancient Western language, Pueblo Azul means Blue Village. Not only because it is controlled by the Ortiz Clan people who have Sapphire blue eyes, or because most of the houses are painted blue, the lakes are bright blue, and the, but also because of the Blue Iris flowers that stretch throughout the hills. It was in that village that I lived with an old father and an elderly grandmother.

It's been years since I last walked down this street full of blue flowers. I should have forgotten my way home. But it didn't. I remember even getting to every pebble I had to avoid tripping over. I was born and raised in our humble home in this village.

After my mother's death, my father was devastated. He became more protective of me and prevented me from going anywhere. I'm not actually the dissident type of kid, but I don't like being locked up. So one day, I decided to run away from home, go to Nordhalbinsel and become a female soldier.

My journey is not that smooth. Before being accepted to Montreux Castle, I was a young traveler with an Orient face amidst a snow-skinned northern people. I have no money, no acquaintances and no one wants to accept Orient people to work for them. Even when I was a dishwasher at one of the suburban beer shops, I was vilified for stealing and ended up being fired without severance pay despite working there for days.

Even when I try to be an honest person, they still accuse me of being a thief. So I just stole.

I was taught science by my mother since childhood. Weird, right? But in fact my mother who is just an immigrant used to master various sciences such as politics, history and language. I'm good at dancing and playing Zhuitar, a traditional stringed instrument from the Orient, thanks to my mother who taught me. I also speak many languages thanks to my mother. But not only that, I was also trained by my father since childhood. I can do martial arts, can fight and fight. I can also walk without making a sound. Using all that knowledge and training, I took the streets. I'm a pretty good thief and an even more reliable con man. I live by my hard work stealing and cheating. Until one day, I stole something from the wrong person. I accidentally stole from Empress Selena.

I should have died by then without even having time to apologize to my father. Empress Selena is the most powerful woman in the Palace and the most powerful witch in the Tower. But the Empress forgave me and told me that my talents could be used. I worked for him and became a spy at Schiereiland. I spied on members of the royal family of Schiereiland. That was why when I first met Anna, I knew right away that she was Princess Anastasia of Schiereiland because I had seen her.

It was then that, while I was spying on members of the royal family of Schiereiland, I learned of General Leon, the adopted son of King Edward and Queen Isabella. I've never met him at Schiereiland Palace. I've only seen his face in paintings of members of the royal family and heard about him from everyone who talked about it. I was inspired by him. From there I began to realize that the path I took was wrong. I escaped from Schiereiland and went to Montreux, where General Arianne accepted me as his disciple and then as one of his soldiers.

And since then, I've been sending letters to my father. I apologized to him for leaving the house. I didn't tell you the part where I stole and became a spy. It was a dark part of my life and I didn't want you to know. I would be very disappointed if I knew my daughter was living such a life. I told him that I was now a knight of Montreux and that I had never been this happy. Beyond a doubt, Dad supported me. All this time he didn't force me to go home even though I knew he was looking forward to my return. But for some reason, lately my father often asked me to go home.

Then that's what I'm doing.

"Appa..." I called my father in Orient while knocking on the door of our house made of oak. "Na wasseoyo." I'm h-home.

"Durrect son!" he said from behind the door in Westernia.

I thought this would be how it would be. That's why I brought my sword and opened my scabbard as soon as Dad opened the door. He is my father and I know him more than anyone.

He swung his sword very quickly. But I still managed to repel his attack. Dad came forward and launched a series of attacks on me. I remember all the lessons from him. Let the. Withstands. Then when the opponent has started to get tired and off guard, attack. The science of swordsmanship from my father I always remember even though I had learned the style of swordsmanship in the style of the northern people of General Arianne Montreux.

I took every step back, Dad. We got further and further away from home and started to enter the path with Blue Iris flowers along the roadside. Let the.

When we were far enough away from home, and convinced that Abuela—the way we called Tania— grandmother wouldn't hear the clinking sound of our swords clashing against each other, I stopped retreating. I started to fight. Withstands.

Then when dad started to let his guard down, I attacked him faster. Dad didn't know what I learned in Nordhalbinsel, so I tried to practice it. The movement overwhelmed him but not enough to make him stop. Even so, there is one advantage of mine. I still have my eyes. Blind dad.

I took a few steps away from him, walking very quietly. I memorized this arena because we practice here often. I know every rock and twig. I memorized which lands I should not tread so as not to make a sound. I know how to walk without a sound. After being out of his range, I attacked back quickly from behind. Dad immediately turned around as soon as he realized my existence. But that sudden movement was really beyond her expectations. Every move I counted well. Dad tried to fend off every attack from me but he finally gave up.

I smiled broadly. That's a compliment. "Appa is old."

My father laughed when he heard it. It's good to hear Dad's laugh again. My mother told me once that she fell in love with my father for the first time because of his laughter. Because I rarely laugh. And when she laughs, she will usually cry too. Sure enough, she wiped away her tears that were welling up in the eye pelupuk.

I wasn't blind from the start. A terrible incident took away her sight. I don't know how Dad went blind, but it happened when I was very young. Even so, sometimes I forget that dad is blind. Fathers can 'see' much better than any man who has a healthy pair of eyes.

"Yes, Yeon-Hwa. Your looks are old." He said, saying my birth name. Yeon-wa's chat. Lee Yeon-Hwa, that's my name. A name I haven't used in years. Lee was my mother's surname, not my father's. Dad never told me his birth name. He had always been Daniel Welsh, the foster son of Tania Welsh the good-natured virgin who made my father his son so we got permission to become Westeria citizens. "So when are you going to meet Mr Ortiz and talk about marriage?"

For Dragon! Orient people and their anxiety towards unmarried girls! In Nordhalbinsel I have never heard such a question. Even the previous Queen of Westeria, Queen Elizabeth, did not marry. Meanwhile, the father is still with the typical Eastern colot thought that girls should be married immediately. I'm gonna show my dad the scar on my waist that I got in Montreux. The scar will undoubtedly repel any applicants who come.

"Me and Raphael were childhood friends, Appa." I gave an excuse.

"It's even better then. You don't need to get engaged first to get to know each other. Since you already know each other, you can just get married."

"Gee!"

"Lee Yeon-Hwa's..." I began to be horrified that my father had mentioned my full name like that. He sighed. I suspect he did because he was tired after the sword session. His gaze was straight towards my eyes as if he could really see me. "Appa won't force you if you don't want to get married. Truly, Appa tried to think like a Westerian that marriage was not a duty. But who will look after you when I get back to your Eomma? Your Appa is old, soon to die and no one will take care of you and Abuela Tania."

"I can take care of myself, Appa. I can take care of Abuela too. So stop talking about death or marriage. Both are equally terrible." I started walking towards our house. Appa followed beside me. I don't need to lead him because like me, Dad has memorized this street. Anyway it would hurt her pride if I tried to help her. I glanced at my father beside me. From the look on her face, I knew she still wanted to insist on talking about my marriage. "Again, no one would dare to bother me. I'm Appa's son." Add me in a spoiled tone while holding my father's scar-filled hand, this way, I can help him without really feeling like I'm helping him.

How good I am at lying. My statement to Dad was a lie. I was bullied last night by a pack of wolves. I can only hope Raphael didn't tell my father about the wolves. Father will forbid me to return to Nordhalbinsel if he finds out about the wolves and I will be locked up again at home.

...****************...

The memorial service of the mother's death went smoothly and quietly. Only me, father and Abuela were present because mother had no other family besides us. At least that's what my father wanted me to believe.

Dad lied to us all.

Dad's been making up my whole life. My mother was orphaned, indeed, but my grandparents didn't die in an accident. They were killed. My mother's entire family was murdered and only my mother survived.

Lee Seo-Hwa's. That's my mother's birth name. Not Sally Welsh as everyone believed. My mother was an Orient from the Han tribe, the Lee Clan. My mother was not a Westerian who lost her parents and was taken care of by Abuela. My mother was not a single daughter, my mother had many dead brothers and sisters, except for one half-brother who was now the Orient Emperor. Is correct. My mother is Princess Orient.

I was told by her a few years ago when mom started getting sick a lot. It seems like the mother knew that her illness could not be treated. So he could only give up while waiting for his death. One day, he asked me to accompany him. He told me a story from the east about a princess and a general.

The princess lost her memory due to the terrible tragedy that befell her family. The general, who loved him dearly and wanted to protect him, created a new identity for him and took him to a land of peace. They then worked to care for the garden of the old virgin who lived alone on the hill and was adopted by the old virgin. A few years later, they married, had children and lived happily ever after.

But the Princess lives a lie. And 'forever' turned out to be very short. 'For ever' always bumped by death. Man is not eternal. We don't really know the meaning forever. 'Forever' has a deadline. 'For ever' has an end.

"So all this time Eomma remembered everything? Eomma lies to Appa by pretending to forget the memory that Eomma is the Orient Princess?" I asked at that time. I feel betrayed.

"It's not. I forgot his early memory. But a few years later, I slowly started to remember everything. At that time I was very much in love with your Appa. Appa did everything to protect me and make sure I lived well. After all, I do want to live a quiet and peaceful life with your Appa. So from then on, I decided to completely forget everything, and then I asked her to get married. Your Appa was so shocked back then, he repeatedly asked if I was serious about it. Am I willing to live simply with him. I told him it was the most perfect life I could ever dream of."

I remember those words. As I said that, my mother's eyes twinkled as if stars were living there. I don't understand love at all, but I think it can make an Emperor's daughter forget her past, leave everything behind to start a new life with her love. A quiet and peaceful life. A simple life with loved ones. Sounds good, beautiful, like a fairy tale. But what would it mean if they lied to each other?

Father lied to mother by not telling her that mother was Princess Orient. I lied to my dad by not telling him that I remember everything. And they both lied to me and Abuela and everyone around us, just so they could live a quiet and peaceful life. Living with love. Love spiced up lies. Is love really like that?

I don't want to know love. I don't want to fall in love. It's too complicated and hard to understand.

...****************...

While I was at home, I helped Dad take care of Abuela's garden in the morning, then practiced all day. In the evening we relax on the veranda with Abuela sitting on her rocking chair, drinking warm tea and father-made Lotus cakes. My father could do everything from cooking, tending to the garden, taking care of Abuela, to hunting. All that he could do without looking. Father said, when vision loss, humans can see in other ways. Vibration, sound, texture, aroma, all being something that can be 'seen'.

When it was very late, my father went in to prepare Abuela's bed. Abuela was so old that she was not strong at night. So I'll make sure the bed is comfortable enough and the fireplace is lit. Meanwhile, I accompanied Abuela and chatted with Westernia.

"Daniel worries about you to the point of almost going crazy." He said as he sipped his warm tea casually.

"Appa always does that."

"You're all he has now."

"Appa still has Abuela."

Abuela laughs. The laughter of the old grandmother who had survived being single all her life. "Yeon-Hwa..."

"Honey. My name is Honey Welsh."

"Basin' stubborn boy! Your name's Yeon-Hwa. Who you want to be out there, but in this house you're Yeon-Hwa." Abuela couldn't be argued, so I kept quiet and listened. "Don't go again. Stay in this house. You can refuse marriage to Ortiz's youngest son, you want to be forever single like me it's okay, but stay here with your Appa. He needs you."

"Appa can take care of himself even without his eyes."

"That's not what I mean."

I know what that means. I felt so devastated when my mother died. When the mother died, you could say the mother left by bringing her whole heart with her. I'm all that's left of mom. I am very similar to my mother and my existence might be a solace to my father. Reminders that the presence of the mother in her life is real. That she really lived with him. That they really love each other and live happily. And I am the proof of that life.

I stared at Abuela Tania for quite a while. Abuela has a typical Westeria old woman face, a round face, tanned skin that is already wrinkled, a large nose, wide round eyes with thick eyelashes and thick eyebrows. When she smiled, the wrinkle on the bottom of her eyes would look very clear, but the frown looked beautiful. She looks beautiful. But now his eyes are not smiling. His eyes were staring back at me, an unruly granddaughter who was unruly.

"Abuela's... I have a job in Nordhalbinsel. My salary was big enough that I would be able to instantly buy a mansion in Noord city complete with servants and horse carriages after a year of work. I'll have Appa and Abuela stay there with me later after I buy a house. I promise."

That's how our conversation ended. Abuela just sighed heavily as if what she breathed was rock instead of air. Abuela did not want a new home any more in Nordhalbinsel, in a cold place where she could not have a garden. I know that, but I won't be living in Westeria anymore. Westeria will always remind me of her mother and her life of lies and hiding.

After more than a week—I'm not sure how much time has passed exactly, I tidied up my things and prepared to return to Nordhalbinsel. Almost. Something stopped me. That morning, I got a very shocking news through a notification letter from Nordhalbinsel sent to all the guards who were taking a day off or leave.

King Vlad died, allegedly poisoned by his own son-in-law, Queen Eleanor. And all his guards will be tried. All those who serve Queen Eleanor will be considered as a plot of the Queen and put to death.

Now I can't go back to Nordhalbinsel.

...****************...