Under the Same Sky • Ryeji

11

Lisa approached Princess Ryujin with a concerned expression. "Your Highness, are you not going to follow Yeji?" she asked gently.

Ryujin looked puzzled. "Follow Yeji? Why would I?"

"She left but she didn't receive her payment," Lisa explained. "It's late at night, and anything could happen out there."

Ryujin's sense of responsibility kicked in immediately. "Let's go find her right away."

Lisa was right—anything could happen, especially at night, and she couldn't bear the thought of Yeji walking alone through the dimly lit streets of Queenstown. She got out of the car, ensuring that she remained unnoticed by the focused florist. Determined to keep Yeji safe, Ryujin followed at a distance, making sure to stay in the shadows. Lisa stayed inside the car, vigilant and ready to intervene if needed.

Yeji was able to go back to their shop safely. As Ryujin stood outside the door of the flower shop, she couldn't help but overhear the conversation from inside. Her heart sank as she recognized Yeji's voice and realized that they were talking about what had happened earlier in the garden. It was clear that Yeji and her friends were not happy with how Ryujin had handled the situation with Madame Olivia and the maid.

Guilt washed over Ryujin as she listened to their words. She knew they were right—she had the authority as a princess to intervene and put a stop to Madame Olivia's harsh treatment of the maid. She knew that being a princess meant more than just wearing a crown and having a title—it meant using her power and position to protect and uplift others, especially those who were vulnerable and in need of support.

"Go on, Your Highness. Do what you must, I will wait for you here outside." Lisa motioned her hand to the front door for the princess.

Taking a deep breath, Ryujin gathered her courage and stepped into the flower shop. She saw Yeji and her friends talking, and there was a moment of hesitation before Ryujin approached them.

"Y-your Highness!" Chaeryeong stood up and bowed down.

"Your highness, good evening." Karina spoke and then bowed down to show her respect to the unexpected visitor.

"What are you doing here?" Yeji asked without even looking at the princess. Chaeryeong elbowed her friend for sounding disrespectful towards the princess.

"May I ask what brought you here, Your Highness?" Chaeryeong nervously asked knowing that the princess could've heard what they were talking about few minutes ago.

"You left your journal, also I would like to ask if you could reconsider to pursue the tutoring lesson you had promised me." Ryujin smiled shyly, her charming side is definitely showing.

"My answer is final. I'm tired, I should head home now, I'll leave the shop to you guys." Yeji looked at her two friends who are clueless what to do.

"I see, well then, at least let me pay you for the lesson today and apologize for what happened," Ryujin began, her voice tinged with sincerity. "I've overheard your conversation and you're right. I should have done something to stop Madame Olivia. I had the authority to intervene, I am truly sorry for not using my position as a princess to protect the maid."

"Your Highness, you don't owe us any explana–" Chaeryeong was cut off.

"I want to change, to be a better princess, and a better person. I need your help, Yeji. I want to learn from you and understand how to be more dauntless, to stand up for the people, just as you said."

Yeji's expression softened, and she nodded slowly. "I can teach you," she replied, her voice gentle yet firm. "But you have to be open to change."

Ryujin met Yeji's gaze, her determination shining through. "I am willing," she said earnestly. "I want to learn, and I want to be a princess who makes a difference."