Ice Stone Child

08 The Queen's GOAL

Kinaumagahan, pasibol palang ng araw, ay inabangan niya si Yui sa labas ng kuwarto nito. He blocked her way when he didn’t noticed him. Pinatawag ito ng Ina nito sa kwarto.

“Saan ka pupunta?” Tanong niya dito.

Napalitan ng ngiti ang nakasimangot nitong mukha. “Yeon Seo.” Niyakap niya ito nang mahigpit. “You woke up early. Bakit? Mamaya pa biyahe natin ah.”

“I just missed you. At may napanaginipan ako kagabi. Min Yu kissed you and you changed your mind. Binalikan mo siya—”

Tinakpan nito ang bibig niya at hinalikan siya sa pisngi. “He did kiss me last night, in the cheek. But it doesn't feel the same as your lips. So don’t be bothered.” Nakangiti nitong sabi. “Sigurado na ko sayo.” Saka hinawakan ang kamay niya at inakay siya kasama sa pupuntahan nito.

“Now, I know. Pero bakit ako? Aside from your explanation last time that I inspired you. Is there any other reason why?” He was so curious. Kung hindi siya makakatulong dito una palang ay paano ito nagkagusto sa kanya. She was not her type and they didn’t get along.

“Cause you’re you. Ikaw ang pinakaunique na tao na nakilala ko. I’ve been searching for my husband all over the world, to be honest. But you are the only one who made me want to stay and dreamed of living where you live.” She excitedly said.

“Well that's a boost.” Nakangiti niyang sagot. Then gently squeezed her hand.

Hindi na siya nagsalita pa uli at nagpatangay na siya dito. They walked quietly holding hand until they’ve reached the Queen’s room. Wala rin naman siyang tanong pa parang dito.

“Antayin na kita sa dining room.” Paalam niya dito pero hindi nito binitawan ang kamay niya.

She sighed. “Kinakabahan ako. Can you wait here?” She pointed at the side of the door.

“Come on, this is not the first time your mother called you here.” Pampalubag loob niyang sabi kahit nakakadama din siya ng kaba. It was like they were being judged.

He noticed something off in them yesterday after he told them about their decision.

“Just stay here, in case.” Huling sabi nito bago tuluyang pumasok roon. He have no choice but to wait.

After a minute, the door opened and the Queen’s maid went out to give them privacy.

Nang masiguro niyang nakaalis na ang mga katulong na dumaan at siya nalang ang naiwan ay dinikit niya agad ang tainga niya sa pinto. Katahimikan ang bumungad sa kanya. Then after a minute he heard Yui clearing her throat, loudly. Tapos tunog mula sa upuan ang sunod niyang narinig. Umupo ata ito o tumayo ang Ina nito.

“What is so important that you needed to tell, Mother? Hindi na ba ito makakaantay sa pagbalik ko?” She straightly asked.

“I just want you to think twice before deciding about marrying Yeon Seo. Malaki ang utang na loob natin sa ama niya. And I can’t give his son to the falls as an offering.” The Queen answered.

Hindi agad sumagot si Yui. Weighing her mother’s word. “W-what do you mean, M-Mother?” Nalilito nitong tanong kahit alam niyang malinaw nitong naintindihan ang ibig iparating ng kausap nito.

If she marry her, he will be a gift. Pero parang hindi maganda ang dating noon sa Prinsesa. So it must be not good.

“Your husband will be a sacrificial gift to the falls.” Palilinaw ng Ina nito. “Alam kong napansin mo ang panghihina ng talon. It needs a new source of energy and I also noticed that you already knew your true connection to it. Your father’s energy is fading. And it needs someone to consume, again, in order for you to live.” Paglilinaw ng Reyna. That made him step back.

“And you are telling me this now, because!?” She asked with a loud and shaky voice. “You mean, I have to break up with Yeon Seo or he will die for me. I can’t give up on him either way.”

“I only intended to change your mind. I care for your happiness, Yui. Pero hindi ko gustong dagdagan pa ang utang natin kay Master Jang. We haven’t even started paying him. To make it even clearer, either you die or he will. O kung sinuman ang ipapalit mo sa kanya. Or maybe you have other plans to save your blinking life.” Her mother made it sound like there were no other options.

“This is nonsense! Where exactly do you get this idea?” She bursted.

“We are just trying to help you. At iyon ang naisip namin.” Queen Tae Ri attempted to calm her.

“No, I'd rather die than see someone sacrifice their life for me and you know that. I got stronger not because I want to follow my father’s shadow but to help save lives. Kung mapapahamak ang kahit na sino dahil lang sakin. I would gladly kill myself, Mother. I won’t and will never demand anyone to extend my time. I had a wonderful life and I am satisfied with how I lived. Even you, the Queen, I forbid you to question the end of my existence.”

“That is why I never wanted you to know.” The Queen explained strongly.

“No, Mother. It’s either you let me die or I am not staying here anymore.” Pagmamatigas din ni Yui sa Ina nito. She was surely not going to end someone else’s life.

Biglang bumukas ang pinto at niluwa nito ang dalagang inaantay niya. She stopped wiping her tears. She looked at him like she forgotten about him at the door. Saka hinila siya palabas sa palasyo.

Huminto ito sa pagkatakbo nang makalayo na sila sa kastilyo. Nakailang lingon ito sa paligid at tumingin sa kanya. She sighed. Saka hinarap siya nito.

“I never wanted to sacrifice anyone. I just wanted to experience love. Nung makikila ko si Min Yu, akala ko napakaswerte ko na. Thinking a guy like him might like me. Then I started liking you but you have a lot of things on your plate. And I was never in those plans, I see it now. I was—”

Inawat niya ito ng yakap. “I know, I heard everything. And I never told you that  I like you because my friend likes you. I just thought I could never help you, you need someone better, better than me.” Sagot niya.

“Ngayong, alam mo na, pwede ka pang umatras. I’ll be fine.” Saka dahan-dahan siyang tinulak nito dahilan para makalas ang pagkakayakap niya dito.

“Yui, I don’t even care if I die. I rather see you alive than not live without you. Mas kakayanin ko.”

“You don’t understand, Yeon Seo. Isa satin lang ang mabubuhay kapag itinuloy natin ‘to. And we both didn’t want to be the one who will live. What we found out is clearly suggesting us to be apart. Paglalayuin din tayo ng panahon. So while we still didn’t have many memories with each other. We can still change our heart.”

“What choice do we have? Kaya mo bang magpapakasal sa iba? Can you break up with me and hurt me like that? Can you really change how you felt about me? Most importantly, can you just forget about me that easily.”

“If necessary, I can’t—” Muling niyang niyapos ito pero mas higpit. She pushed him but he didn’t let her go. And he waited until she hugged him back while crying.

“You promised. You already sworn to me. Walang bawian. Unless, you accepted my life. I know we barely knew each other. But can we at least try to work this out while looking for a solution.” He suggested.

“I know I did. But I can’t just be with you, I don’t want you to exchange your life or anyone with mine.” Malungkot nitong sagot. She was still not convinced.

“So we won’t. We won’t let you abandon your principles, you will not have me as your sacrifice. Hahanap tayo ng paraan. There must be another way somewhere.” He hugged her tighter.

Lalo itong napaiyak sa sinabi niya. He can even hear her sobbing loudly. Habang hinahaplos niya ang likod nito.

Huminto lang siya sa ginagawa niya nung bigla itong tumigil ito sa pag-iyak kaya sinilip niya ito. She was looking for something behind him. Nilingon niya iyon habang ito naman ay inaangat ang kamay nito. Then pulled the person who’s looking at them. Sa isang iglap lang nasa harap na nila ang taong nakamasid sa kanila.

“Min Yu!” Pareho silang nagulat makilala nila ito.

“Did you hear everything?” Tanong ni Yui nang matauhan ito. She wasn’t bothered but relieved.

Tumango ito nang hindi lumilingon dito. His friend was shocked. Pero hindi bakas dito ang pag-aalala.

“Min Yu, I need to ask you a favor. Pakiusap, huwag mo itong babanggitin kanino man.” He begged his friend.

“It’s not like I have a choice.” Min Yu replied.

“Well, you don’t. My mother won’t let you leave Gaenda if any of you even raised this topic. Kaya kung ako sayo, kalimutan mo na ang lahat ng narinig mo. If my mother didn’t tell me today, I was clueless like the two of you.” She added.

“Can I at least help you two on finding a solution?” Malumanay nitong tanong. “I have access to the libraries in Soongrim.”

Tinignan siya ni Yui saka hinawakan ang kamay niya. “I guess, we need all the help we can get.” Sagot nito sabay yakap sa kanya.

Niyakap niya rin ito. “For now, we can look for a way to save you, I promise.” Sambit niya habang hinahaplos ang buhok nito.

Min Yu tapped their shoulders. Saka naglakad pabalik sa palasyo. He was their friend who joined the Queen’s goal.

***

After an hour, they all left the palace by horse-drawn carriage. At sumakay sa pribadong barko ng Chang. They all make their last glaze at the Gaenda before looking for a seat.

Kaagad hinanap ng mata niya si Yui. He found he still watching her country getting smaller and smaller while standing at back of ship’s deck. Nilapitan niya ito.

Niyakap niya ito mula sa likod. She can’t help but cry. She wanted him to be her husband, it was clear. Pero hindi nito kayang ialay siya.

“I am so glad, I found that out because there was no way you would ever tell that. Pero hindi ibig sabihin noon, hahayaan kitang iwanan ako. You can’t do that to me either.” He said with teary eyes while holding her face.

She was speechless. Sandali itong tumingin sa kanya na parang gumuho na ang mundo. But she can even stared at him in the eyes.

“You have all the right to have me by your side. But you can’t die on me or before me.” She finally has something to say.

“Promise. I won’t. Pero kailangan mo parin akong pakasalan. No marriage, no deal. Okay?” He happily response.

She nodded and held his hand. “Deal.”

He smiled and thought of a topic to cheer her on. “I forgot to tell you, I already started to merge Master Heo’s energy and mine. Nakabisado ni Shin Na ang paghinga ni Master Heo nang tulungan niya ito noong malasing ito kahapon.” He narrated.

“Wow, that’s a progress. Mabuti at alam ni Shin Na ang gagawin. And she didn’t waste time.”

He just nodded and pulled her inside the deck. Sinamahan niya ito sa higaan nito sa barko hanggang makatulog ito. Nakahiga ito sa kandugan niya. When he was about to sleep Shin Na appeared in front of him.

Tinignan nito si Yui sandali saka bumaling sa kanya. “Since you have learned some of the basic spell. Pwede kang magpahinga nang isang araw kasama si Yui. Just don’t be late to our meeting place, next day. One more thing, don’t let Master Heo retrieve his torrent energy.” Bilin nito bago umalis.

He sighed. His life is more complicated now that he has his energy. But he was happy. “At least now, I can protect anyone, I need to.” Then he closed his eyes.

***

Nagising sila sa tapik ni Min Yu. “We’re in Daeyo.” Bungad nito.

Inalalayan niyang tumayo si Yui. “Ang bilis ata natin. We almost traveled for 12 hours last time. Parang napaaga ata tayo.”

“Our shipped were control by our mages. Sila ang nagpabilis ng paglalakbay natin. Time is precious in our country.” Paliwanag ni Yui. While fixing his crumpled clothes.

Napangiti si Min Yu sa ginawa nito na di nakatakas sa paningin niya. “Why?” Tanong niya.

“Wala. I mean, now that you two were this close, I see the chemistry. Noong una akala naman ni Jin Ru si Shin Na ang gusto mo. Yui and I also discussed it. We, we are past.” Sagot nito bago umalis.

“You two, talked about me and Shin Na. Wala talaga sa isip naming dalawa yan. But now, he mentioned. I think I realized now. Masyado atang kaming closed. Ganoon ata talaga pag magkaedad.” He turned to Yui.

Natatawa nitong inakay siya palabas ng barko. But he saw something unusual from laugh of her. Pero hindi na niya isinatinig. Alam niyang kaya nitong magbasa ng alaala sa kahit anong anyong tubig. She might know something but she wasn’t saying anything for good. Merong itong mas kailangan intindihin.

Matapos maihatid si Yui sa tutuluyan nito ay nagpaalam siya dito dahil pinapatawag siya ni Master Heo.

“See you, tonight.” Paalam niya dito.

Ngiti lang sinagot nito sa kanya bago tuluyang pumasok sa tinutuluyan nito. She was with his ten guards and five maids. Hindi na niya ito kailangang isipin sa ngayon.

Nang mahanda niya na ang regalo niya kay Master Heo ay gumayak na siya at hinarap ito. The old mage was always fond of expensive wines. Kaya nga alam niyang natuwa ito sa bakasyon nito sa Gaenda dahil sa inuman doon.

Yumuko siya agad nang matanaw siya mito. Kasama si Headmistress Kim ay binigay nila handog niya dito.

“Gusto ko pong pormal na magpasalamat ginawa nyo para sakin. I didn’t have time to speak with you alone for the passed weeks. I—” Hindi siya pinatapos nito.

“I know, would you like to join me. Saluhan mo ko sa dalawang paso ng regalo mo. We can also celebrate your engagement with Princess Yui.” Alok nito sa kanya. While pouring the wine into their glasses. He gifted him five jars.

Nagtatakang bumaling sa kanya si Headmistress Kim dahil sa huling sinabi ni manggagamot na guro.

Patay-malisya niya itinuon ang pansin kay Master Heo at tinanggap ang alok nito. He wouldn’t mind drinking. Saka na niya kakausapin ang tumatayong Ina niya.

“Mauna na ho ako, Master Heo.” Paalam ng Ginang nang mapansin nitong wala pa siyang balak kausapin ito.

He waved at her. Nginitian niya rin ito bilang hudyat na magpapaliwanag siya dito tungkol sa kanila ni Yui. She smiled back before leaving.

They finished drinking around three in the afternoon. Masaya silang naghiwalay sa harapan ng Soongrim. Ibinilin niya ito sa mga salamangkerong nakita niya kasunod nito. “He was tired given we were just from a journey. Pakialalayan nalang siya. I have a special event to attend.” He can’t even enter the place without his spirit plaque. Napabuntong hininga siya. He lost it. For now, he needs to stay away or join his friends that will surely go in and out of the barrier.

Mabilis siyang naglakad pauwi para inahanda ang sarili. He rented a horse to get home immediately. Dumiretso siya sa silid niya at naghanap ng maisusuot.

He found a beautiful unfamiliar blue clothes on his bed. May nakita siya papel sa tabi nito. “I asked Ryujin to make one cloth for you too. Hindi ko alam anong style ang gusto. But I know your favorite color. So I let her decide. Yui.”

Masaya niyang tignan ito sa tapat ng salamin. It suits him well. Blue was his color. Binalik niya ang damit sa higaan niya at nagpunta sa paliguan.

He usually take a bath alone until Shin Na. Kaya mabilis niyang naihanda ang mga kailangan niya at nakapagsimula ng ligo. He enjoyed the cold water now that he has the energy to tolerate it.

Naabutan niya si Shin Na sa kwarto niya nang bumalik siya. “You have a date. Nice. Kamusta usapan nyo ni Master Heo?”

“I gave him a gift. He seems distracted for now.” Sagot niya dito. She turned around to privacy.

“Good. Mamasyal lang din ako sa tiyangge. Be careful. Keep Yui safe.” Sandali itong natigilan at napaisip sa huling sinabi nito saka tuluyan itong lumabas. Leaving him alone to prepare.

Ilang uli din niyang inaayos ang buhok bago naglakad palabas at papunta kay Yui.

Naabutan niya itong naghihintay sa labas ng tinutuluyan nito. They walked out of his property and ride a horse. Habang tahimik na nakasunod ang mga bantay nito sa paligid.

She wearing a salmon-orange dress and outline of coral shade on the edge. Mukha itong bulaklak na tinatangay dahil bilis ng takbo nila. He wanted to show her the best scenery, he have always love at night.

Dinala niya ito sa pinakamataas na bahagi ng Daeyo at pinaupo sa punong malapit sa bangin. She gasped as she witnessed the difference of night glows between the city’s capital, country port, Soongrim, Chwireonsu and forest side. Pero hindi pa iyon ang pinakainaantay nila roon.

“Close your eyes.” He whispered to her ear after sitting beside her.

Kaagad naman siyang sinunod nito at pumikit. He tapped her shoulders to signal her that she can opened them. Muli itong napasinghap sa ginawa nakita nito.

They were surrounded by fireflies but not with yellow light. Kulay lila ang mga ito. It was like the whole place was violet.

Kumikislap ang mga mata nitong tumingin sa kanya. He can’t help but kiss her. Pero hindi niya iyon tinagalan. He didn’t want to her guards get mad. Hindi lang talaga siya nakapagpigil.

Yui smiled widely and leaned at his shoulders. “I wished I could freeze this moment and paint it.”

“You can paint?” He asked.

“Not much but mostly landscapes. It was my hidden talent. I love looking at them. Sa totoo lang isa yun sa mga paborito kong gawin. But I never told anyone, I never tried other subjects, just nature. My mother mostly keeps them in her room. She even made a room for my paintings. Sayang at hindi ko napakita sayo.” She sadly smiled.

“There will always be a next time.” He happily smiled. “We will surely do it on my next visit.”

Inakay niya ito sa pinaayos niyang sapin sa mga bantay nito na sinenyasan niya kanina bago ito sundan. Their food basket was set too. Mabilis itong tumakbo doon at umupo.

“Wow, may baon pala tayong pagkain.” Natutuwa nitong sabi.

“Headmistress Kim prepared that. She kinda heard about us. But I didn’t have time to tell her in details, yet. Pero nakaplano na rin iyon.” He explained.

“She will understand. Darating din naman tayo doon. We already sworn it. And a promise is a promise. She even packed for my guards. Kaya pala.” Sagot nito habang sinubuan siya ng sandwich. “How long this fireflies show?”

“Just 20 minutes max. I discovered this after we met. Kapag nalulungkot ako, naglalakad-lakad ako dito. I got scared to come to Gaenda when I found out, not everyone can visit the country. I can’t afford to get caught.”

Natawa ito. “Akala ko natakot ka sakin. You acted different when you find out that I am a princess. Parang nagsisinungaling ka kasi nung sabi mo hindi iyon ang dahilan.”

“I don’t lie. I omitted some details but I never lie.” Tinitigan niya ito. “Pero sa totoo lang, gusto ko uling bumisita noon. To see you but I just have prioritized looking for a master.”

She smiled and watched the fireflies again. “Well, I guess, we are really meant to be where we are now. Hindi ko talaga balak pumunta dito sa Daeyo. This is the nearest country but this wasn’t my top list. Kahit ang Reyna, di rin ako inudyukang pumunta dito. Now, I know why.”

Bumaling siya sa mukha nito. “Don’t be sad. Your Mother have a point. May utang na loob na nga naman kayo sa Ama ko. So didn’t want to use anyone from Daeyo. Kahit ako, kung ako nasa posisyon niya. Gagawin ko din ang ginawa niya.”

“She could’ve stopped me, in the first place. Eh di sana ako pumunta dito. And we—”

“We wouldn’t have met again.” Siya na mismo ang kumompleto ng sasabihin nito. “Sa tingin mo, di talaga tayo magkikita uli? Or worse, we wouldn’t like each other?”

“The worst is I would have avoided you, if I knew. Kaya di tayo magkikita o magiging close. I just couldn’t involve you in my life, period, if ever.” She added and sighed.

“Well, I will surely be sad. Without someone to look forward to everyday. Puro siguro ako ensayo. Like Min Yu, he never rests.”

“You could’ve ended up with Shin Na. She is kinda cute wearing my country’s clothes. Kahit si Jin Ru napansin na may something sainyo. We all saw it.”

“I’m not saying I couldn’t but she already likes someone else. And you already mesmerized me when we met on Chwireonsu.”

“Come on, be honest. Kung sakaling wala nga ako dito. If you and Shin Na get closer. What do you think?” She leaned on his shoulder and hugged him.

“I wouldn’t know. Sa totoo lang, di ko na iniisip ang mga bukas ko. I lived in the present, always. Luckily, I can do that.” He embraced her too and sighed. “I could be forever alone if you never looked for me, that's all I know. But if she and I happen, I don’t think we will be like us.”

Ilang minuto din silang nanatili sa ganoon ayos bago sila nagligpit. He carried the basket. At nagsimula na silang maglakad.

“Nabanggit sakin ni Shin Na na meron tiyangge sa ganitong mga oras sa kapital. Maybe we should go there. Paunahan tayo.” Huminto ito sa paglalakad at tinignan siya.

“I am not a fan of running, to be honest. Do we really have to?” He replied lazily.

“Come on, we can test your energy.” Udyok nito. “Please.” She begged then started making cute faces.

“Okay.” Napilitan niyang sabi.

Sumenyas ito sa kaliwa niya. Then basket on his arms was snatch. Yui started counting for signals to run. Saka tumakbo ito nang mabilis.

Sinundan niya ito agad. She was leading. He can see her smiling while running. “Wag ka masyadong magmadali.” Sigaw niya dito.

Umiling lang ito saka tumakbo. They almost ran for five miles. Hanggang matanaw nila ang sentro ng Daeyo.

He took the lead and blocked her. “That’s enough.” Nilapitan niya ito agad at binuhat. “Keep your energy.”

Maglalakad na sana siya nang dumating si Seong Cheol sakay ng kabayong dala nila kanina. “Use this, Young Master Jang.” Sabay abot ng tali nito at nawala nalang ito bigla.

Inakyat niya si Yui sa kabayo bago siya sumakay sa likod nito. He completely forgot about the horse. Mabuti nalang ay nagdala sa mga bantay nito.

“You really learned Master Heo’s breathing.” Komento nito habang nasandal sa dibdib niya. “You also feel warmer.” She stated then closed her eyes.

***

Nang makarating sila kapital ay naglakad-lakad na sila. Iniwan nila uli ang kabayo sa mga bantay ng prinsesa. She was happily walking. Masaya itong namili ng ilang bagay para sa mga alalay at bantay nito.

“Do you like something?” Tanong niya dito nang huminto ito tapat ng tindahan ng alahas. “This suits you.” He place the cute white necklace on her neck to show her.

“I couldn’t even wear that even if I have it.” Malungkot na wika ni Yui. Saka binalik ang kwentas. “The Queen doesn’t want me to wear that kind of jewelry.”

“Why?” Tanging nasabi niya pero muli niyang kinuha iyon at binili. “You like this, I’ll keep it for you.”

“She said I am a princess and I should wear what really suits my title.” She added then sighed.

“That’s boring. Ibig mong sabihin, di ka pa nakakasuot ng ibang gamit o damit nang di alam ng Reyna?” He was shocked.

“Anyway, thank you for this. But I will keep it.” Agaw nito sa hawak niya. “This is really cute.” She smiled widely but she stopped when she heard a solemn whistled music and started following it. “Is that Min Yu?” She pointed to a guy on the other side of the capital’s river.

Sinundan niya ang tinuro nito. “Oh, anong ginawa..?” Natigilan siya nang makita niya ang tinitigan nito.

Shin Na was on a little bridge playing the bird whistle. Min Yu was standing a few steps away from her. Watching her using it with a mesmerizing stare.

Bahagyang natawa si Yui. “I would’ve interrupted that if I call Min Yu ahead. Mabuti nalang at nakapagpigil ako.”

Tumango nalang siya saka naglakad palayo pero inawat siya ng prinsesa.

“Saan ka pupunta?” She asked. Habang hawak ang braso niya.

“Giving them their moment.” Sabay akay dito. But she strongly stood and pulled him back.

“Sssshhhh, I can hear them from here.” Saka sumenyas ito sa hangin. “Come closer.” Then put her hand on her ear between them.

Nakailang kurap si Min Yu bago naglakad palapit kay Shin Na. She stopped playing the whistle when he reached her. Sandaling nagtitigan ang dalawa bago nagsalita si Min Yu.

“I only heard a few people play that so well. I’m impressed you’re one of them.” He was still staring at her.

“Di lang halata pero marami akong kayang gawin.” Pagyabang ni Shin Na bago pumormal. “May kailangan ka po ba?”

“Akin yang pito. It must’ve fell in my pocket.” Paliwanag ni Min Yu.

Inabot agad ni Shin Na ang hawak nito. “Pasensya na kung ginamit ko. Akala ko walang may-ari.”

Napalingon siya kay Yui nang napagikgik ito na pigil. Kinikilig ito sa eksena ng dalawa. “Ssshhhh, mapapansin tayo sa ginagawa mo eh.” Tinakpan niya ang bibig nito mula sa likod. Halos parang nakayapos siya dito.

“Just look at them.” Paliwanag nito. With her dreamy eyes.

Napangiti siya. He was aware of Shin Na’s feeling. Pero hindi niya alam ang sa kaibigan niya.

“Ayos lang, hindi naman ako masilan.” Nakangiti ni Min Yu binulsa ang gamit nito.

“Napansin ko lang, Young Master Seo, mukhang luma na yan pito na yan. Bakit tinatabi mo parin po?” Usisa ni Shin Na.

Sandali itong nag-isip bago sinagot ang kausap. “It was my friend’s. Binigay ko yan sa kanya.”

She nodded. “Binalik niya po ba sayo iyan? Or is she gone?”

“She’s gone, dead. Kailan ko lang din siya nakita uli.” He sadly said.

Natigilan si Shin Na. Malungkot ito bumaling sa gawi nila. Nagulat ito pero sinenyasan niya ito na ituloy ang pakikipag-usap.

Tinitigan lang siya nito ng masama. “Young Master Yeon Seo.” Sigaw sa kanya para makaalis sa sitwasyon nila.

Natauhan naman si Min Yu na matamang nakatingi kay Shin Na at nginitian sila. “Kamusta ang date nyo?”

Inakay niya si Yui palapit dito. Binaba naman agad ng prinsesa ang kamay nito na nasa tainga nito.

“Hello. Ayos naman ang date namin. Kayo kamus—?”

Inawat siya ni Yui ng pagsiko. “Napadaan lang kami. We are heading on the other side of the bazarre.” Paliwanag niya. “Gusto nyo bang sumama?”

Hinila ni Yui sina Min Yu at Shin Na nang di makasagot ang mga ito. Saka inakay ang mga ito sa lakad nila. He wasn’t sure if he should be happy about it. Kanina pa silang di makapagsolo.

He sighed and sighed until she noticed him.

“Why?” Bumulong nito. Looking at him worried.

“Cause this was supposed our date.” Pinagdiinin niya ang ‘our’ para makarating dito agad ang gusto niya. He disappointedly walked faster.

Hinabol siya nito agad. “I just want them to have another moment like us. Hindi ko naman nakakalimutang araw natin ‘to.” Hinawakan nito ang kamay niya.

“Just stay by my side.” He pulled her closer. Nakailang kurap siya upang kalimutan ang pagnanais niyang halikan ito. Then hugged her.

“Young Master Yeon Seo, mauna na kami ni Young Master Min Yu.” Paalam ni Shin Na nang mapansing nauuna sila nang lakad.

He immediately waved goodbye. Saka hinila muli si Yui at tinuloy ang paglalakad nila. They walked holding hands. Naghiwalay lang sila nang makauwi sila. She kissed her in cheek.

“Good night, my Yeon Seo.” She said farewell to him when they reached.

***

Kinabukasan pinatawag siya ni Master Park. Naiwan si Yui dahil meron pa itong kailangan gawin.

Bumungad sa kanya ang lahat ng salamangkero sa Soongrim. He felt so happy. Pakiramdam niya ay tatangapin na siya ng lider doon. Natigilan siya nang ilabas ng kanang-kamay nito ang espada ng ama niya at nilagay iyon sa harapan niya.

“Gusto ko pong humingi ng paumanhin sa huling insidenteng nangyari dito dahil sakin.” Inunahan niya itong magsalita. Then vowed at Master Park. “I, Jang Uk, only son of Jang Ki Yeon, want to join Soongrim and practice casting spells.”

“No need to apologize, Yeon Seo. Ginawa mo lang ang tingin mong tama para sayo. At bilang malapit na tao sayo ay ginawa rin namin ang lahat para iligtas ka. That is why Soongrim decided to banished you here. Please return your spirit plaque and keep your father’s sword. Iyon lang at maaari na kayong umalis. ” Sagot nito. Then turned around to walk away.

“Sandali, Master Park! Anong ibig sabihin nyo sa ‘banished’?” Awat niya dito. “I deserve an explanation, a real one this time.” Naiinis niya sabi dito.

“I never knew you would be this desperate to live up to your name. Simple lang, inaasahan ng ama mo na hindi mabubuksan ang enerhiya mo. And Soongrim didn’t want to pursue going against his will. We will not train you, just like before, no one will take part of your mage journey. You may continue looking for someone who can help you. We will not go against your will. Pero hindi na kami papayag na magamit mong tuluyan para masuway ang bilin ng iyong ama.” Pagtatapos nito bagong inikot ang mata at nagsalita uli. “Just to be clear on that, no one here should encourage him, I forbid it.”

Natawa siya paliwanag nito. “I guess, I should really break this in front of you, one day, just like a promise.” He picked up his father's swords. “About the spirit plaque, I lost it.”

Lalo itong natigilan nang sa sinabi niya. “How did you even lost something like that? Do you even know the consequence of losing Soongrim’s spirit plaque?” Tuloy-tuloy nitong tanong.

“A 100 flogging, my lord.” He answered. Ignoring his first questions. He wouldn’t want them to hurt Shin Na again.

“Then I hereby ordered a 100 flogging for Yeon Seo for losing the spirit plaque.” Utos ni Master Park. Then he initiated walking to the training hall.

Sinundan nilang lahat ito. He kneeled at the center of the hall. At walang salita niyang tinanggap ang parusa.

Ngunit bago pa niya matanggap ang natitira niyang hampas ay dumating na si Yui at pinahinto ang parusa niya. They were at 97 whipped when she came. Walang sabi-sabi nitong pinatalsik ang lahat ng nakapaligid sa kanya.

“Stopped it. I know who is responsible for Yeon Seo's spirit plaque.” Naluluha siyang nilapitan nito. “Leave him or you will all regret it.” Wika ng Prinsesa at pinabuhat siya sa mga bantay nito. “I will fix this.”

“You shouldn’t involve yourself in Daeyo’s business, Princess Yui.” Sita sa kanya ni Master Park. And walked closer to her to stop his guard in picking him.

“I will help you find the plaque, Master Park. Yeon Seo is special to me. At hindi ko maaatim na sisihin nyo siya sa isang bagay na hindi niya kasalanan. Just stop hurting him, please.” She begged the old mage.

Gusto niyang pigilan ang dalaga pero tuluyan na siyang nanghina nang hawakan siya ni Seong Cheol. At dumilim ang buong paligid niya.