The poisons master

Chapitre 3

Bang Jae-cheon was waiting for his daughter in front of their new house. Yi-seo rushed to him.
- Father ! I'm so glad to see you. I missed you.
- I missed you too, my dear daughter, he answered. Welcome home ! I hope you'll like this house.
- I'm sure it's perfect.
- I'm aware that being in Hanyang might bring back some painful memories but I'll do my best to make you happy. I don't know when or even if we'll be able to go back to our quiet countryside village. The king really needs me by his side and it's my duty as a citizen and as a friend to serve him the best I can.
- Don't worry, Father. I totally understand. And I'm not a child anymore, I'll be fine.
Bang Jae-cheon smiled.
- You're right. And as a young woman, you'll surely enjoy the charms of a big city. Now, let me show you around.

Yi-seo followed her father inside. He'd chosen for her the biggest room of the house and had garnished it with delicate furniture. He'd also bought several rolls of beautiful fabrics so Ae-wol could sew her new clothes, and he told his daughter she could buy anything that'd made her feel comfortable. That was his way to show his affection as he wasn't much of a talker. Yi-seo was grateful for everything her father has done for her and she knew he was worried about her, but she wanted him to know that she could take care of herself now. She wasn't the carefree girl she used to be anymore. She'd experienced grief and pain. She'd seen how the poor lived and realized how privileged she was. She'd acquired medicine knowledge and had been able to heal people. Her confidence had grown and she wasn't afraid of anything now. So it was her turn to take care of her father so he could focus on the tasks he had been entrusted with by the King.

Besides, coming back to the capital hadn't been as harrowing as she'd expected. Of course, she missed Seol-geum. But being in Hanyang meant that she could meet Jin again. This thought filled her with hope and joy. It would probably take some time before their paths crossed again but she didn't mind. Before she met Jin, she believed that living as a healer in the countryside would be enough to make her happy, dedicating herself to others. But now, she wanted more. Jin had made her feel like a woman worthy of someone's interest and love. Thanks to him, she now dared to dream high.

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Nevertheless, it took Yi-seo a month to feel confident enough to leave the house. Her father was concerned that the more she'd stay at home, the more difficult it'd be for her to venture out, so he kept talking about all the things she could do in the city, like going to the market or strolling along the river. None of his suggestions seemed to interest her until, one day, he came back with a book about medicinal plants he'd bought and told his daughter he had found a library where she'd probably find plenty of other books of the kind. That struck a chord with her. The next day, Yi-seo asked Ae-wol to come with her and headed to the library. She put her veil on and prepared herself to the pitiful or intrigued looks she'd get along the way. But in this big busy place, few people paid attention to her and she soon felt comfortable, wandering about the city streets.
Her father was right about the library. It was the most amazing place she'd ever been to. After going through all the shelves of books, she finally chose two to buy and sat on the floor in a remote corner to read a third one.

She'd been there for a while when a soft masculine voice interrupted her.
- Excuse me, my lady ?
Yi-Seo lifted her head and blushed. Jin was standing in front of her, smiling. He had taken her completely off guard. She didn't expect to cross his path on her first time out of the house but here he was, calm and confident, clad in delicate silk clothes, looking like he owned the whole city. She'd found him handsome when he was all scruffy and bloodied but now, he was even more attractive.
Jin, on the other hand, felt like the happiest and luckiest man in the world. Since his father had told him that Bang Jae-cheon had accepted to be the ministry of Justice and asked his daughter to come to the capital, Jin had sneaked out of the palace everyday, hoping to meet Yi-seo. With no result so far. Eventually, fate had brought him to the library and here she was.
He held his hand out to help her to get back on her feet.

- I'm a regular customer here and today, the owner told me that he didn't know how to get rid of a veiled young lady that have been reading his books for three hours now. I offered to help, hoping that it was you , and here you are... Your eyes are as beautiful as in my memory.
Yi-Seo got up but remained silent. She was thrilled to see him but she didn't want to make it too easy for him. She was still upset that he'd left her without a good bye.
- What's happening to you ? Have you gone mute now that you can't scold me anymore ?
- Well, I should definitely scold you for leaving like this. I worried about you. I knew you weren't alone and that your servant would take care of you but still, ...
- I'm sorry, I really had to go, but I saw a doctor as soon as I came back here, and I remembered and followed your advice. As you can see, I'm perfectly fine now and it's all thanks to you.
- Well, I'm truly relieved that you are.
Yi-Seo was trying her best to look indifferent. Jin didn't seem to mind her apparent coldness and was staring at her with a bright malicious smile on his face, which melted her heart.
- Tell me, were you angry at me ? he asked.
- Of course I was.
- What for ? Because I left too soon when I was supposed to rest a couple more days, or because I didn't say good bye to you ?
Yi-Seo looked straight in Jin's eyes.
- Both.
The young man smiled widely.
- Did you miss me ?
"Bold, as always", Yi-Seo thought." I can do that too".
- Yes, I missed you.
- I'm glad you did. I missed you too. Come with me. Let's walk a while.

Before she could say a thing, Jin had took her books and walked away.

They were walking in the market main street, with Jin holding Yi-Seo's books. Ae-wol was strolling a few paces behind them.

- So, your father is the new Minister of Justice ?
- Yes. It's not the first time that he gets a position at the palace. Three years ago, he was working at the Royal Investigation Bureau.
Jin couldn't tell her that he'd heard of Bang Jae-cheon from his father, who considered Yi-Seo's father as a competent and loyal minister and a close friend. It seemed that there were strong links between their two families.
- Well, he'll have a lot on his plate. Things are pretty tense at the palace.
- How do you know ? do you work there ?
- Kind of ... Come !
He took Yi-Seo's hand and led her to a stall where all kinds of head accessories were displayed.
- Now that I've come to think of it, I still haven't rewarded you for saving my life. Choose what you want.
- You've already bought me books.
- I want to buy you a beautiful head pin, one that'll match your sweet eyes. What about this one, with the mother-of-pearl butterfly ?
- I don't want any of them. You owe me nothing. As a healer, I just did what I had to do.
- And as the marvelous woman that you are, you deserve much more than everything here.
- You shouldn't say things like that.
- Why not ? I mean it. So, if you don't pick one, I'll have to buy them all.
- That will not be necessary. I'll choose one. In fact, I'd really like you to choose it for me.
- I'll be honored to.
Jin picked a head pin decorated with two enamel flowers.
- What do you think of this one ? he asked.
- I love it.
- May I put it in your hair ?
- yes, you may.
When it was done, Jin looked at Yi-Seo.
- I look forward to the day you'll remove your veil and let me see your pretty face.
- Maybe you'll find me ugly, even without the scars.
- I won't. You are the beautiful, kind, strong and witty woman I've fallen in love with.
Yi-Seo's heart fluttered.
- I ...
But she couldn't go further.
- Your Highness !
A palace guard strode to them and bowed.
- Your Highness ! You must go back to the palace at once. The King needs you.
"Your Highness ?" Yi-Seo was bewildered.
Jin turned to her.
- I must leave you ! Meet me tomorrow at noon at the library. I'll explain everything.
Yi-Seo couldn't take her eyes of him while he was dashing toward the palace.
It was the second time that he left her in an unexpected way. And she felt even sadder than the previous time. Jin wasn't a nobleman, he was a prince. Even if they met again, there was nothing to expect.