Pretence : Darling Enemy (GwiRyeong)

She Is My Daughter

    Moon Ryeong has been staring out the window since they left the mansion. Even though she maintains a straight face, her eyes sparkle with excitement. Smith can't help but smile when he sees her in the rearview mirror.

   "Is there a specific place you'd like to visit, miss?" the scientist inquires.

    "Gyeongbokgung Palace," she responds immediately, as if the answer was already prepared.

   Yes, the first place she wants to go is Gyeongbokgung Palace, Korea's largest palace and the place where she used to live with her husband, King Lee Yoon. Since the first time she came to Korea, she was trying desperately to find a place that could remind her of her previous life 300 years ago. She is desperate to find a place that will serve as proof that she has ever lived like a normal human, a place that will remind her of her beloved late husband.

   Fortunately, the place where she spent the most time with her late husband still exists. Despite the fact that the palace had previously been destroyed by the Japanese army, leaving only 30% of the original structure, the government rebuilt it to look exactly like the original. Moon Ryeong hopes to find something that will serve as a constant reminder of her previous life.

   They finally arrive at the palace's front gate after a long drive. Smith immediately exits the car and assists Moon Ryeong in opening the door. The female vampire inhales deeply and stares intently at the sunlight. She prepares to face the sun directly for the first time. Moon Ryeong lifted her face and closed her eyes as she exited the car. She can clearly feel the warmth of the sun's rays without feeling burned. She had a calm expression on her face. She finally can feel this warmth again after hundreds years that feel like forever.

   "You can go as far and as long as you want by yourself, and I will keep a close enough distance from you to observe you without invading your privacy. So don't worry, miss." Smith informs her politely and forces Moon Ryeong to open her eyes. She nods and takes a few steps toward the palace gate before turning around and coming to a halt in front of her.

   "Thank you," she says with a genuine smile. Smith gives her his best smile and bows politely, sending the vampire into her memory of her life.

  When she enters the gate, she notices a large number of tourists walking around the palace. She also notices that some of the visitors are dressed in hanbok, a traditional Korean garment. It brings back a lot of memories from the past. Moon Ryeong takes in her surroundings while her gaze is drawn to the main building. Everything around her appears to be the same as it was hundreds of years ago. In her eyes, every visitor transforms into a court lady and eunuch. Each step she takes deeper into the palace brings back more vivid memories, much like watching an old movie.

   As she walks down the path, the figure of the late king gradually appears. Moon Ryeong recalls walking with King Yoon, who was followed by tens of court ladies and eunuch. The flower was blooming beautifully at the time, and its petals were falling down and being swayed by the wind.

   "What a delightful and peaceful setting. It would be very nice if civilians could enjoy this peaceful period and live their lives without worry as they do now "With such sadness in his eyes, King Yoon gazed upon the beautiful blooming flowers. He regrets that he is still unable to make his people live in peace in the presence of a cruel vampire among them.

   "I am sure the civilians are grateful to have a King like you who prioritizes them above all else, my king." Moon Ryeong notices that her husband is bothered by the weight on his shoulders, so she tries to lighten his burden with her words. Lee Yoon smiles heartily at her statement and looks at her with a gentle yet sad gaze.

   "I apologize for not paying you enough attention since you arrived at this palace. What an ungrateful husband I am, constantly talking about my dream and civilians, causing me to rarely inquire about you and your interests "The king takes his queen's hand in his and holds it tenderly. He gently strokes her palm.