The Enchantress

73.

Prince Chaeyoung.

Ever since we came back, life somehow felt boring. There were no missions, no war and no kidnapping. Not that I want those to happen again. I'm happy that we finally got the peace we've been fighting for so long. But there's nothing as thrilling out there anymore.

Yet I feel... I don't know what to feel anymore. Momo said yesterday that I became lifeless. Maybe I really am lifeless. For almost 4 years my life was focused on not just getting all of the kingdoms in Kyria to sign the treaty, but also to find her. I dream about her almost everyday.

When I found her, I thought everything will be alright. But it's not how it works. Nothing's ever easy. It was more complicated than I thought it was.

She became the light of my life. Now that she's gone everything seems dark. I am lifeless, indeed. My thoughts were interrupted by a sudden movement from my left. I quickly threw my dagger towards whoever it was as a warning.

My dagger flew an inch from Tzuyu. Of course he wouldn't flinch for he knows that's coming.

"Momo said not to tell you but I think otherwise. I have a different take on what's happening on you. I may be lacking experience, but books could be useful at this times too."

He took a bow and arrows.

"I once read a son of a farmer dreamt to become a knight. So he trained himself. He was laughed upon for no son of a farmer had been a knight before. One night he and his friends went to a nearby city. That is where he first laid his eyes on a beautiful girl. He later learned she was the daughter of the Town's mayor. The next day he picked flowers from the forest and went to where the lady lives. He gave the flowers to the lady. She was delighted to see the beautiful flowers. The mother of the lady was with her. She asked the farmer's son what's his profession. The lady's mother laughed on what he replied. She belittle him and even told him he will never be a knight. He got hurt and the lady pulled her mother away. She looked back and gave him a apologetic smile."

Tzuyu released 6 arrows in a row and all hit twice the rim around the bullseye and 4 times on the bullseye. He then continue his story.

"After that he worked hard, trained hard and he even joined a fighting match just to gain experience. He lost at first but started to win on his 4th match. He kept winning and soon he was spotted by a man who talked to him. He turned out to be the general and he's in charge of the Kingdom's Knights. He offered him knighthood."

Tzuyu went to reload his bows. "Years had passed he went back home. He also visited the nearby village. A woman shouted a thief stole her purse. He spotted the woman, who's back was into him and he also saw the thief ahead running away. He ran so fast that he eventually captured the thief. The woman turned out to be the Lady he met years ago. He reintroduce himself as a knight. They began dating, eventually got married. 4 kids later, he died in battle. He was later known as the hardworking son of a farmer who became a Knight."

He shot his arrows first before continuing on.

"The point is. Even if you repeatedly fail, nothing is impossible when you put your head into it. You have to work hard to achieve your goal." He put down the bow and went beside me. "You've waited for years, you could wait more. No matter how hard, fight for her. I'll be at the library. I'll leave in half an hour, just in case you change your mind."

Oh. I forgot. He asked for father's approval to visit the kingdom of Once. He already told father about his intentions to Princess Sana.

I paced around the room. She did hurt me but should that be enough to keep me away? Enough for me to stop loving her?

I suddenly feel ashamed of myself. I shouldn't have given her up just because she told me to. I began to ran out of the room towards the library. I open the door fiercely.

A startled Tzuyu appeared at the far end of the room.

"Wait for me, I'll get my things."

I went out and ran towards the main hall and went past the hallway. I saw two staff walking along the hallway. I told them to come with me and help me pack. I then ran up the 2 levels of staircases with them trailing behind.

I reached my room. Ordered the two to get my luggage. I then threw at them my clothes. I asked them to carry it downstairs and load it on Tzuyu's carriage. I took my sword and gears then ran towards father's office.

I stopped and opened the door.

"Was that you who kept running along the hallway?" He said as he saw me panting.

"Yes. Father, I'll be gone a few days. I'll go with Tzuyu."

He then smiled. "So he was able to convinced you. Then you two should go. Ride carefully."

"Wait, you didn't gave Tzuyu permission yet?"

"I did, in a condition that he'll be able to convince you to come. Oh by the way."

He gestured for me to come closer while he rummages on the cabinet of her desk. He then produced a small black box and gave it to me.

"What's this?"

"That belongs to your mom
I gave it to her."

He then let me go and put his hand on my shoulder.

"Win her over, I can feel she cares about you. Just do it smoothly."

"Okay. I'll see you soon." I went out of his office, ran downstairs and head to the castle grounds.

Tzuyu was already there by the carriage along with Momo.

"So he's right. You've decided to pursue her. Tsk... You want me to come and support you? I could give you advices on how to charm..."

"No thanks Momo. You'll be more of a help here. Take care of the kingdom and father while we're gone. And hands off the lady staffs. I'm so done with reports of them fighting because of you."

"I know. I know. It's getting late why don't you go in and leave now since it'll be along journey." He pushed me towards the carriage.

"You're going without telling me!"

"Oh no." Me and Tzuyu said in unison. We both turned and saw a red faced Lady Jyung.

She went nearer and spank both of us in the arm. "You! And You! Will just leave like that."

I hurriedly hugged her. "Lady Jyung don't be mad at us this is a spontaneous trip. I just joined him at the last second."

"And you? You have planned it all along and never told me."

Tzuyu quickly hugged her too. "I did planned it but father will only allow me if I was able to convince Chae to come. I just did convince him minutes ago."

"Hmmp. You two!"

"Sorry Lady Jyung!" We said in unison and hugged her. She then cried but let us leave with a basket full of her sandwiches and jams.

We started our journey. It'll be a two day journey. We only brought 4 guards and two carriages. One is for us and the other is for the luggages.

"By the way. I asked the staff to include your formal clothes in your luggage. There will be a ball three days from now to celebrate Sana's birthday."

"Oh that's why you're eager to visit."

"What are you planning to do?"

"Honestly, I have no idea. Maybe take it slow. Did you tell father how long we'll stay there."

"No. He didn't asked. When I ask permission he just told me yes once I convinced you to come."

"Well. Let's just see how long we could stay."

I looked at the window. I suddenly feel nervous. How would she feel seeing me once again?