Thief of Twilight

Part Three: Chapter 87

I wasn't expecting my art studio to be completely trashed. I found it to be a bit comical. It's also childish. To think...someone went that far to destroy a room of the palace. But who would do something like that? I doubt it would be someone sent by Oliver. But then again...I wouldn't put it past him. Now that I think about it...it has been a bit quiet considering how petty and vengeful he is.

"Zurine! Zurine!" Min-ji ran up to me with a smile on her face. "Dojin said you were looking for me! I hope I didn't make you wait too long! I was cleaning the library with Yu-na!"

"It's okay! There's no need to apologize."

"How are you? I take it you've met Emperor Kang Ji-hun, right?"

"Yeah...unfortunately." I laughed. "I don't really like him. But I guess I can put on a smile when he's around since he's Yohan's brother."

"If it makes you feel better, no one really likes him. He's very rude."

"Yeah, he is. But how are you?" I asked. "I barely see you these days."

"I'm sorry. But I'm mostly...working...and it doesn't help that Beom always manages to distract me."

"I take it that the two of you are getting along pretty well. I'm glad."

Min-ji nodded her head. "...May I...ask you something?"

"You can ask me anything."

"...Do you think..." she nervously fiddled with her fingers. "Do you think people...of two different statuses can be together...?"

"Yeah, I don't understand why not." I laughed. "I mean look at me and Yohan."

"You don't count! You were picked out of a group of noble women!"

"But I'm not any different from a commoner."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, when I met Yohan, I didn't have a title. To be honest, I was just a commoner who happened to live in the Baldwin Manor. I wasn't a Lady or a Duchess. And thinking back, Yohan's wealth and social status didn't win me over."

"...It didn't...?"

"Nope." I crossed my arms. "What won me over was his consistency, determination, and patience." I looked up at the sky. "He was consistent from day one. Even if he didn't speak much at the time. He might have been a bit awkward at first but he always made sure to show me how he felt about me. He never really left room for question, even though I was very unsure of his intentions and mistook them for not being genuine. Even when I ran away from the palace and hid in the village, he was determined to get me back. And most of all...he was patient. He let me figure things out on my own and at my own pace. He didn't push me and kept the door open for me if I decided to leave or stay."

"Leave or stay!" Min-ji shrieked.

"Yeah." I laughed. "I thought of ending the engagement a few times. But looking back, that was very stupid of me. I sure put Yohan through a lot of hell huh?"

"So then...do you think it's possible? Truly? For Beom and me?"

"Yeah, I think it is. You just have to look at each other as people and get rid of the status and labels. Besides, I'm sure Beom really likes you and will be fine with whatever you want just as long as you two communicate."

"...Okay..." she took a deep breath. "I'll try that. Is that...what you wanted to talk about?"

"Oh, no that's not why I called you. Here come with me." I took her hand and led her to the art studio. As I opened the doors, her mouth dropped to the floor. She cautiously stepped inside covering her mouth with her hands.