𝐃𝐘𝐍𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐘 [✓]

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟑

SOO-WON SMILED, watching the sight of the Princess genuinely enjoying the company of her people.

As they gathered around her, they began to share their stories, asking her for her advice and help every now and then.

They seemed completely at ease and comfortable around her, as if their differing statuses and titles did not matter to either of them.

The King of Kouka found himself being immersed in the community, seeing the town flourishing under the initial wealth gap.

As the residents continued to talk to her about their lives, their stories seemed to paint a picture of a town where food and clean water are scarce resources.

Yet, just as Ruelle intended, the people here were becoming stronger, less poor, and more connected under her leadership. It was all through her own efforts as the Princess of her people.

Soon enough, the townspeople began to cheer upon the completion of the new build– a large water plant.

"It would appear that these people, if not for your kindness, would've been doomed to live in such dreadful conditions," Soo-Won mentioned, surprising the Princess, "You have been working diligently to repair their town and their lives..

..If it would be any help, I can provide some of my soldiers to assist you in this endeavor. I would also be able to supply you with the necessary supplies and food you may need."

"You're back?" Ruelle gasped, slightly caught off guard at his change in appearance, "I've already told you that–"

"I've changed my mind," he interrupted, "I'd like you to reconsider my proposal of marriage."

The Princess sighed, crossing her arms as her expression hardened.

"Are you willing to get your hands dirty?"

Soo-Won's answer was immediate, with zero hesitation.

"Certainly. If that is what it takes, I am willing to do anything and everything to help our people, even if that means getting my hands dirty. I assure you I won't waste your time, Princess Ruelle."

A beautiful smile crossed her features, as the glows of sunset glistened against her skin. To his surprise, she grabbed his hand and pulled him to the other residents.

"Then help me put together this wall."

The blonde male followed her with no hesitation as she led him to the nearby building site. In front of him was the wall she mentioned, built mostly out of wood.

"A wall, huh? Is this someone's house?"

"It will be many peoples' houses," she smiled back.

Soo-Won's calm and collected demeanor showed no signs of fatigue as he began to nail the wooden planks together, creating an even stronger interior.

Under the guidance of the other workers as well as the supervision of the princess, the final wall had managed to sit upright with no problems. He turned his head to the Princess' laughing as she admired the building, the smile on her sweat-shined face growing ever larger.

"It's finished!"

Soo-Won couldn't help but smile in return, hearing her infectious laugh. He stepped back from the completed wall, satisfied with his work.

"I believe it should hold up against any strong winds and heavy rain we might face in the future. Excellent work, Princess Ruelle Jia."

The Princess glanced back at him, a small smile still present on her face.

"Just Ru-Jia is fine."

"Ru-Jia, I like that," Soo-Won smiled warmly, "Then please call me Soo-Won."

Ru-Jia nodded as the male went to sit beside her.

"I have a question. Why do you do this? Why do you spend your time and energy helping these people?" he said, looking up at the sky that was now falling into darkness, "You're a Princess. You don't have to work so hard. Your actions, might I suggest, are rather unusual."

"Here's a better question Soo-Won," she answered softly, "Why wouldn't you help these people? Isn't that what we Royalty stand for? Not all the politics and war nonsense. That helps nobody."

"You're right, my princess," he said slowly, "We Royalty do stand for these people. We do not exist solely for politics and war. But, there are other rulers who do not care..

..They only care about their own power and influence in the world. In such times, we need to take matters into our own hands and ensure the safety and well-being of the kingdom, even if it means we have to get our hands dirty."

Ru-Jia lifted a skewer, roasting some duck over the fire, "What makes you any different? You came here to marry me for that exact reason. For power, no?"

"I did say I was willing to do whatever it takes to marry you, Ru-Jia. I realize I was flawed in my original reasons, but your words struck a chord deeper than I thought it did."

"And that's why you decided against declaring war?" she laughed, watching the embers of the fire sizzle against the meat.

"Perhaps. I believe all people, whether they're from wealthy backgrounds or poor backgrounds deserve to live in a world where they do not have to fear about basic necessities such as food, drink, and shelter. Do you disagree?"

"Of course not."

"Then we are both in agreement," he smiled, "I would like to help these people build a more prosperous and stable community. I do not wish for Kouka and your kingdom to become one, but to be united together...

... I believe it's time to put the past behind us. We can ensure that these people live freely and comfortably if we work together. What we have managed to do today proves that."

Ru-Jia shook her head, a smile still prevalent on her face.

"Your persistence with this is truly something."

"Is it not a good thing that I haven't given up yet?" he grinned, "We have reached an agreement about the well-being of our people. The next step would be to agree on marriage, then all of this can become reality...

..In our lifetimes, you and I may not ever live peacefully but our children and grandchildren would. Don't you want this?"

The brown-haired princess watched the happy expressions of the children who were taking in the building they could call their home. She continued to watch them, her voice much softer now.

"If you're truly who you say you are," she murmured, "Meet me tomorrow at the terrace at noon. If you're late, do not bother showing up."

Soo-Won looked into her eyes, "I will be there, Ru-Jia. Do not worry, I'm a man of my word."

He smiled warmly, watching her figure stand up and walk away. He then turned back to the children, watching them play happily by the fire.

Listening to their laughs, he couldn't help but let out a light laugh himself. A feeling of warmth went through him, something he hadn't felt since he became King.

Princess Ru-Jia.. you'd make the perfect queen.