RED ROSE | Seungjin

Chapter 3

Seungmin's POV

"As you enter the main door of the surrounding wall that protects 'The Great Four', you will be immediately greeted by a field of sunflowers. A sign that you're in the territory of Anthos. They are known for their hospitality and kindness towards outsiders, tourists, and strangers. They would welcome you as if they knew and had a deep relationship with you. The kingdom of Anthos is ruled by Princess Aglaea. She is extremely beautiful and kind. Every man wants her hand in marriage but she refuses every proposal and no one knows why." Mother states with conviction and seriousness.

Probably because she doesn't even like men in the first place, I thought while preventing my lips from curving upward. I've read about people like her. They feel romantic and sexual attraction towards the same gender. I thought it may be the same case for our Princess.

"As you exit the territory of Anthos, immediately cover your nose for this new territory reeks of burning coal, the kingdom of Helios." Paracia continues.

"Wait, is Anthos and Helios related to each other? Both of their names are quite similar to each other." I asked, unintentionally interrupting mother. Suprisingly, she wasn't annoyed by my question but rather happy.

"Actually, yes. They are related to each other. The name of the two kingdoms came from the twin brothers, Helios and Anthos. Helios is known for his intellectual capabilities and leadership skills while Anthos is known for his warm attitude towards people. Both were greatly respected and praised for their characters and fun fact: The name of Helios means Sun and Anthos name means Flower.  So, if you combine the two word, you get?" My Mother asks as she raised her left brow.

"Sunflower! And that would explain why their representative flower is Sunflower!" I answered with full enthusiasm, feeling like a kid who got the right answer.

"Exactly! Now moving on, the kingdom of Helios is known for their technology, machinery, and inventions. They are the complete opposite of the previous kingdom. But, they just act rather stricter and much more scarier. It is ruled by General Phaetus. Some say the General has other names such as Juno and Levana but the most famous rumored of him is Jeongin."

Quite a weird name. His name sounds like Fetus, does that hint that he looks young? I asked myself while listening to my Mom.

"Now, listen carefully, boy. As you leave the field of sunflowers, White glow that seems to illuminate will appear. You are in the field of white Chrysanthemum which is an indication that you're in the kingdom of Chrysanthemum. The land seems dead even in broad daylight. They are acknowledged as the creepiest of the four. But, ease your nervousness because you are under strong protection when you enter their land. They forge magicians and fighters as offense and defense against odds. 'The Four Great' is already in protection provided by the kingdom of Chrysanthemum but they still created one for themselves for good measures in case someone was able to breach the main barrier."

"The kingdom of Chrysanthemum is ruled by the one and only Kraton. He is known for his bloodthirst and ruthless behavior during wars. It is better for you if you don't linger in this place. It is much safer for you to immediately enter the last kingdom, The Kingdom of Roseate. They're known for their extravagant and regal traditions. The most royal of the rulers live at the castle. One thing that you will immediately notice is that all of them are extremely attractive. They only answer to those who radiate power. All the members of the royal family has a crown and in the center, a ruby jewel that is in the shape of a rose."

"That's it?"

"That's it for what?'

"The kingdom of Roseate, why is the information you gave me limited and much shorter than the others?"

"Probably because they are only known for their riches and beauty." My mother answered as she closes the book.

"That doesn't make sense, you say that the most important and royal of people live there." I answered back at her.

"Hey, wouldn't this upcoming journey of yours help you answer your question? It might fill that gaping hole of curiosity in your brain right now." She then flicks her fingers at my forehead. That's how she shows affection to me. "True. I might as well start preparing for my travel. Goodbye, mom." I then waved at her as sign of my departing from her safe place.

Paracia's POV

"Is he gone?" A small voice behind the bushes asked quietly but enough for me to hear. "Yes, you can stop hiding from the bushes now."

Denzel, my niece, got up and patted his body and shirt, removing the dirt that got stuck on it. He was much older than Seungmin but smaller than him.

"Are you sure about this? You do realize your breaking his trust to you?" Denzel then asked, crossing his arm at me. He always sassed at me. He sure did got it from his mother, my dead sister.

"I have no choice. He's the miracle I want to protect. I don't want to lose someone again." I said as I try to hold back the tears that is forming in my eyes.

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A/N:

Hello, Everyone!!! I'm back with  another chapter!!! YAY!

All the names I used are linked to Greek Gods and Goddesses.

I wanted to use symbolism in this story. I hope you like it!!! Thank you!