Ice Stone Child

10 His Father's SECRET

Nagising siya uli nang maramdaman niya ang paggalaw ni Yui sa tabi niya. She carefully removed her arms on his waist. She was so nervous, he can hear her heart beating so fast. Hindi niya alam kung dahil sa sobrang lapit nila o kinakabahan itong mahuli.

Naalimpungatan na siya kanina dahil sa malakas na huni ng mga ibon sa labas ng kwarto niya. He smiled as he traced his arms holding Yui’s hands. Magkatapat silang nakatulog kagabi.

Pinagmasdan niya ito ng ilang sandali. Memorizing all the details on her face and how she breathe while sleeping. Then he moved to her closer quietly. Hindi niya gustong magulo ito sa pagtulog. He place his right arms under her neck slowly and placed her head under his chin. Saka mahigpit itong niyakap.

Kusa naman siyang niyakap ng prinsesa sa baywang. She even moved towards him without opening her eyes. Akala siguro nito nananaginip ito.

Masigla siyang bumalik ng tulog, makalipas ang ilang minuto. He was so happy that unconsciously, she hugged him back. Wala siyang paki kahit magalit ito paggising nito.

Ngayon ay hinayaan niya itong mahirapan sa pagtayo. He pretended sleeping and never opened his eyes. She successfully freed her both arms that was under his waist and his arms. She sat next to him then moved around. Hindi ito umalis sa tabi niya kaya ramdam parin niya bawat kilos nito. She was whispering something to someone when he decided to hug her again. Niyakap niya baywang.

“Yui? Saan ka pupunta?” Usisa niya dito.

“I need to go. Bago pa dumating si Headmistress Kim. Baka kung ano pang isipin niya satin.” She replied.

“I don’t care.” Sagot niya habang nakapikit parin ang mga mata. Then he pulled her under the blanket.

They heard a loud exclaimed nearby. Muli itong kumilos para hanapin ang pinanggagalingan nito. While he was still unbothered.

“What is the meaning of this? At habang nanood pa talaga ang mga binatang ito, Young Master Yeon Seo!” Shin Na exaggeratingly stated.

Saka lang siya napamulat. He looked around immediately. His sleepy vision got widen as he found Wooshi, Joshwa, Seon Cheol and Seungkwan not far from them. Bumaling siya agad kay Yui at inayos ang damit nito.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t noticed them, earlier.” Paumanhin niya dito. He wouldn’t have grabbed her a while ago if he knew.

“We just got here, Lord Yeon Seon.” Paliwanag ni Wooshi. Then signed the other guards to vow at him.

Bahagya din siyang yumuko sa mga ito bago bumaling sa kasintahan niya. “Good morning, my Princess. You should join them. Kita tayo uli mamayang tanghali.”

She watched him with loving stare then placed a light kiss on his lips. “Good morning too, my Yeon Seo. See you later.”

Bumaling ito kay Shin Na at tumango. “Salamat sayo.” And she stood next his guards then signed Wooshi to make them invisible. Saka isa-isa itong naglaho.

Naiwan sila ng guro-slashed-katulong niya sa kwarto niya. She stared at him for a while with a mischievous smiled on her face. Bago ito lumabas ng silid niya nang walang salita.

She returned holding his breakfast. “Enjoy, Young Master Yeon Seo.”

Nagsimula din siyang kumain agad nang mawala ito uli sa paningin niya. They have training before lunch. Bago sila magkita ni Yui, gusto niyang may matutunan kahit kunti.

Matapos kumain ay naligo na siya at naghanda sa pag-eensayo niya. He was about to go out of his room when Headmistress Kim came. Meron daw siyang bisita sa labas.

Shin Na followed as they welcomed his visitor. Nakilala nila agad ang bisita niya. Mabilis silang yumuko bilang paggalang dito. It was the prince of Daeyo, Hyung Im Gon.

“Where do I owe the pleasure of your royal visit?” Tanong niya dito nang pareho na silang nakaupo sa silid-akalan niya. He invited him with his guard inside his house without question.

“I was here for Nakki’s sword it was Cheonbugwah’s property. Pinagkatiwala ng Hari ang espada doon at dahil wala ang mismong Gwanku. It was only rightful to be handed to the Assistant Gwanku, Jin Ra Mil.” Paliwanag nito.

“I agreed. Although, I was going to use it now that I have gate of energy open. I should give it back to him.” Sagot niya dito habang sumisenyas kay Shin Na na kunin ang espada. He didn’t want to argue with him.

Inabot niya agad ang pakay nito. But he was still sitting. “Anything else, Prince Im Gon?” Usisa niya dito.

Ngumiti ito sinabi niya. “Now that you asked, I remembered I heard that you have your father’s sword. I was never informed that you could have it. Binigay iyon ng Hari kay Gwanku Jang Gang. Gusto ko ring bawiin iyon, ang alam ko Soongrim ang may hawak nun dati.”

“You should also know that it was given to me by the Soongrim, voluntarily. Hindi ko iyon hiningin.” He straighten his explanation.

“Well, I guess, I should say, you don’t have what it takes to have it. Hindi sa minamaliit kita. You can take it from me once you have the right training to use it.” The Prince still refused.

“But it was his father’s, Prince Hyung. May karapatan siya itabi iyon habang wala ito.” Headmistress Kim explained.

“He does but… it wasn’t entrusted to him. Isa pa, hindi mo rin naman magagamit ang espada na yun. Useless, you’ve been training Raesu skipping Japsu.” He glared at him, unbelievably.

“What if I can use it?” Tanong niya uli dito. He can’t just let go of sword. “And although I didn’t remember you have the right to take it. Did Soongrim asked you to seize it or you just want to have it too?”

“You didn’t have to my reason, I’m the Prince. I should acquired all the unused swords of my kingdom so I could gave them to it’s proper user.” He explained while laughing.

He joined him by giggling too. “I didn’t want to be rude. Hindi naman siguro lingid sa kaalaman mo, Prinsepe, na may mga di kumikilala sakin bilang anak ng Gwanku. I might not have the ability to use it, now, but I can put it on display. Decorating things is one of hobby.”

“Well, if that’s the case. You won’t might fighting for it, today, right here. If you win, it will stay here with you. Saka ako papayag na gawin mong dekorasyon ang espada iyon.” Lalo itong pangiti sa naging takbo ng usapan nila. He must’ve still holding grudge to him because of his relations to Yui.

“Well, I can say ‘no’ to that.” Kung tama nga ang hinala niya ay hindi niya ito aatrasan. He will show him that he have the capacity to handle the sword. And that Yui and him were right for each other too.

***

Prince Im Gon drew a line were he should push him out to win his father’s sword. Pareho silang may hawak na espadang kahoy. Simple lang pero tulad nga ng sinabi ni Shin Na kanina ay wala siya laban sa lakas nito. He was still a trainee while the prince was already a fighter.

He sighed. Wala naman siyang ibang pagpipilian. If he declined the challenge, he will be humiliated and lost the sword. Kung papayag naman siya ay mapapahiya parin siya. But he should still try.

Hinala siya ni Shin Na sandali at kinausap siya sa mata. He knew what she meant. Kailangan niya lang ituon ang pansin niya sa pagtulak sa prinsepe para siguradong manalo siya.

He smiled and nodded. Bago hinarap ang Prinsepe.  “Alam kong wala ako sa kalingkingan ng galing mo. I haven’t trained for battle. But I won’t back down, someone is rooting for my vigorous effort and I have no plan on letting her down.”

Natawa ito pero hindi iyon umabot sa mata nito tulad ng kanina. “I’m more intrigued how will she react after this. Sana lang ay di kayo magkalabuan.”

Bulls eye, Yui was one of his reason. Napangiti siya sa naging sagot nito. Luckily, her fiancée wouldn’t might him being a loser. Plus, he have his master that won’t leave him unless he was at his best.

He walked further from him and stand in his fighting position. The Prince do the same. Then he started his attack.

Ilang beses siyang sumugod dito at napatalsik nito. Prince Im Gon keeps on striking to him until he remembered that he felt a weird energy surging out of like when he was being flogged. Lalo niya itong hinayaang mahampas niya ng paulit-ulit . Napatunayan niya rin iyon nang banggitin iyon ni Shin Na kahapon sa paliguan.

“Kamusta pakiramdam mo? The princess was worried. She even call Min Yu to check on you.” Tuloy-tuloy na sabi nito saka sinalat ang noo niya.

“I don’t feel anything unusual but I feel warm. Kahit wala naman akong lagnat. Sabi ni Yui dahil daw iyon sa tuluyan nang nagsasanib yung enerhiya ko saka kay Master Seo. While it was helping me on my backaches it somehow changes my temperature that is why I have this feeling.” He answered.

She sighed. “Pero ngayon ang lamig mo na.” Kinuha nito agad ang tuwalya niya at binalot iyon sa kanya. “Stay here. Ikukuha kita ng gamot na binigay ni Min Yu.” Then she sprinted out.

Mabilis namang umepekto ang medisinang ininom niya. Yui didn’t even noticed his unwell. Binalikan niya ito agad ng matapos siya maligo.

“Ano, Yeon Seo, suko ka na ba?”Pukaw sa kanya ng Prinsepe sa kasalukuyan.

The Prince rapidly began attacking him until he slowly felt a warm energy coming in his right arm. Confidently, he countered all of Prince Im Gon charges.

Natigilan lang siya nang bigla siyang nakadama ng panlalamig. It was the same as what he had on bathroom. Nabitawan niya ang hawak niya kahoy saka dinama siya maputla niyang kamay. His opponent took that as a chance to hit him until he was on ground. Lalo siyang nanlamig sa ginawa nito.

While Prince was on his next offense, he was still trying wait the cold feeling of his arm to wear off. Hinanda niya ang sarili niya sa susunod nitong hampas. But it never landed instead a dirty water splashed at the prince made him stepped back. Mabuti nalang at sumakto ito sa labas ng ginuhit nitong linya. So he won.

“What the hell is that!?” Sigaw ng Prinsepe nang malanghap nito ang amoy ng hinagis ni Shin Na sa pagitan nila. “Shit!” Then he covered his nose.

He was shocked but he can’t help but smile. Tumayo siya at pinagpagan damit niya. He found Shin Na carrying a pot.

“Galing po iyon sa palikuran.” Lahad ng katulong niya.

Tinitigan ito ng masama ng Prinsepe. “And why are you throwing it here? Who are you again?”

“I serve Young Master Yeon Seo.” She replied again.

“How dare you, a maid, intervene our sparring!? Damn, this so disgusting. Muntik mo ng paliguan  yung braso ako sa ginawa mo. Do you even realized what you’ve done?” Prince Im Gon was furious.

He moved between them. “You should go home and changed.” Utos niya dito. “Cause I won. You were out of the line. Kahit iniwasan mo lang yung maduming tubig. But you still lost. Please keep your word and let me keep my father’s sword.” He paused to observe his hand. Normal na ang temperatura nito. “As you can see, I’m really not in good condition. I’m sorry but I can’t see you off. Thank you for visiting.”

Prince Im Gon calmed himself and looked at him. “I will keep my word, you have Gwanku Jang Ki Yeon’s sword. But I will only leave once I’ve punished your maid. Hindi ko pwedeng basta bastang kalimutang tinapon niya mismo sa harapan ang mabahong tubig na yan. She tainted my clothes. I hope you understand.” Then he pulled out his sword and walked towards to Shin Na.

He hastily pick up his father’s sword. At sinalag ang atake ng nanggigil na prinsepe. He continued defending her maid. Nang mapagtanto nito na di siya aatras ay siya naman ang sinugod nito. But his planned of taking all his incursion changed when a force started controlling his arms.

He hands seems to have it’s own life. Dahil iyon siguro iyon sa espadang hawak niya. While the Prince was being lead back, he arm was aggressively swaying his sword to him.

“Yeon Seo, tama na! You can’t win!” Sigaw ni Liyah. She was suddenly on his yard.

He turned at her she was with Jin Ru and Min Yu. Ngayon niya lang napansing nandoon pala ang mga ito. They were all looked surprise at the scene they’ve found. He tried to let go the weapon but it was like glued to his fingers.

“Yeon Seo! Ano bang ginagawa mo? Put the sword down!” Sigaw ni Jin Ru.

“Believe me, I am trying. But…” Di na siya nakapagsalita nang muling gumalaw mag-isa ang kamay niya. He was pointing the sword to prince.

Gumanti ang Prinsepe sa bawat sugod niya dito. He didn’t let him got a chance to had the upper hand. Bawat sugod niya ay umaatake din ito.

Nang makakita ng pagkakataon si Min Yu ay hinarang nito ang Prinsepe. “Tama na, Prinsepe. He was obviously struggling on fighting you. Pakiusap.”

Hinawakan naman siya ni Jin Ru pero sinugod din ito ng kamay niya. The young royalty, hastily move between him and his friend. Min Yu kicked him and pinned his violent arm down.

Liyah throw something on his hand. Umikot iyon sa pulsuhan niya at naging pulsera iyon. “That will help you tamed your bursting energy.” Paliwanag nito. Then she walked to him with Jin Ru.

He immediately tossed the sword away from him. Nakahinga siya maluwag ng kumalma na uli ang kamay niya. His exploding energy was suddenly gone.

Pareho bumagsak ang mga kaibigan niya sa lupa. While breathing harshly. At sabay na tumingin sa kanya.

“No!” Sigaw ng prinsepe. “Take them off, Yeon Seo, now. Kung matatalo mo ko. I will let your disrespectful act forgotten togetherwith your maid’s punishment.”

He didn’t have a choice. Hindi pwedeng pabayaan ang guro niya. He pulled the bracelet and gave it to Liyah. He smiled bitterly.

Again, the Prince and him exchanged full forced attack. Until someone with a familiar force came and pushed them away from each other.

“What is going on?” Mula iyon kay Yui. Pumagitna ito agad sa kanina. “Whatever is this, I am begging for the both of you to talk it out before anyone get hurt.”

“We already did, Princess Yui. Itong manliligaw mo ang may problema, ayaw niyang ibigay sakin sa espada ng Master Jang.” The prince shortly replied.

“Manliligaw? I’m her fiancé.” Pagtatama ni Yeon Seo dito.

She sighed deeply. Bumaling ito kay Min Yu nang may nalilitong ekspresyon. He was few steps from her.

“They were just sparring, the winner takes Master Jang’s sword. Kaso si Shin Na kasi… tinapunan si Prinsepe Im Gon ng maduming tubig para awatin sa paghampas kay Yeon Seo. Now, the Prince wants to punished her because it dirtied his clothes.” He paused and looked at his soon-to-be-husband. “He tried to stop the Prince but he seems to have a problem controlling his energy after holding the sword for some time.” Min Yu explained.

She disappointedly look at the Prince of Daeyo. Bago lumingon sa kasintahan niya at napansing ang maliit nitong sugat sa pisngi. She hurriedly walked towards him and healed his wound.

“You both end up wanting to hurt each other just because of that dirt. Ang nakakainis pa, walang gustong umatras ni isa man sa inyo. I guess, it’s my fault to expect so much of you two.” She breathed sadly.

“It wasn’t Yeon Seo’s fault. Si Prinsepe Im Gon ang unang bumunot ng espada. Pinagtanggol lang niya si Shin Na. If I were Shin Na, I will also do what she did. Master’s Jang sword was the closest thing Yeon Seo can have that was from his father. Gusto niya lang namang mapasakanya iyan tapos di man lang siya binigyan ng pagkakataong makontrol muna niya ang enerhiya kaya niyang magamit iyon. He just opened his energy, he didn’t have enough training but he able to unsheathe that sword. Kung hindi niya inawat ang Prinsepe baka si Shin Na ang may sugat, mas malala pa. When I realized that I could do something to Yeon Seo’s arm, I put that binding bracelet.” Naiinis na kwento ni Liyah. While glaring at the Prince.

“Hindi niya ako basta sinalag. He attacked me. Bakit pinapalabas mong kasalanan ko, Binibining Jin?” Naiiritang sagot ni Im Gon.

“I didn’t, that’s what happened. Di porke Prinsepe ka kakampihan ka namin? Sumigaw na nga si Yeon Seo kanina na hindi siya ang nagpapagalaw ng espada eh. Gumanti ka parin.” Liyah added.

“Kitang-kita nyong pagsugod niya sakin tapos--”

“Kitang-kita mo ring nahihirapan si Yeon Seo. And yet you choose to swing your sword to him.” Nanggigil na singit ni Liyah dito. She was obviously irritated with Prince explanation.

She can’t helped but laughed. Naaliw siya sa kadaldalan ng dalagang kaharal niya. Im Gon face turned into slightly annoyed from being angry. He realized that he was arguing with a younger lady. Nabalot ng tawa nila ang paligid. She can hear everyone’s giggled except her fiancé. She quickly looked at him.

Nakatingin ito sa kamay nito na may pulseras dilaw at itim.

He was still stunned on what happened. “My energy suddenly exploded out. Kasalanan ko dapat hindi ko kinuha ang espada. Paano kung nasaktan ko si Prinsepe Im Gon? I’m lucky Liyah was here. Without this bracelet, I could hurt anyone.” Isa-isa nitong tinignan ang lahat ng nasa paligid niya. Dahan-dahan siyang humakbang palayo kay Yui. Then he turned away from them.

“Yeon Seo!” Tawag nito ng kasintahan niya. But he didn’t stop until he found himself alone.

He can’t face Yui, right now. Gusto niyang magalit. And he didn’t want to show to her.

“Young Master?” Humahangos na sigaw ni Shin Na. “Yeon Seo, stop!” Hinala siya nito paharap. “You can’t do that to Yui. Nag-aalala lang siya sayo. To be honest, you needed more time to hold any powerful sword. I know you want to help but…”

Di niya na napigilang umiyak. “I don’t have time. Yui needs me. You might not need me but obviously this is taking much longer that you expected.” Sagot niya bago kinalas ang yakap nito.

She sighed as she let him took off her arms. “Just calm down, okay? Madali ka namang natuto. You have what it takes to save her and help me. Sa ngayon, kailangan ko munang ibigay yung espada ko sa Prinsepe. At least you have your father’s sword.”

He nodded and waited for his maid to go. Bago siya bumalik sa loob ng bahay. He want to meet his friends and Yui.

Unfortunately, Yui left after he walked away. Bibisitahin niya nalang ito sa ibang araw. He found Jin Ru and Liyah in his living room.

“Hello, what brings you all here?” Kaswal niyang tanong sa mga ito nang bumaling ang mga ito sa kanya. As he entered where they were still in worried face.

Katahimikan muna ang bumalot sa kanila bago nagsalita si Liya.

“I wanted to give you some medicinal tea. Maganda ang mga ito para masanay agad yung kawatan mo sa enerhiya mo. If you wanted to adjust you body composition.” Lahad nito habang nagsalin ng isang baso ng gamot para sa kanya. “Even though, I was a little late, I hope it helps.”

“Don’t worry about it. Nasaan si Min Yu?” He asked after he drunk the tea.

“He must be with Shin Na. Nakita namin kaninang kinuha niya yung espada ni Nakki saka tumakbo palabas. I came to visit you, I wanted to make sure you’re fine.” Jin Ru answered

“Kanina pa?” Gulat niyang sagot kay Jin Ru. “Thanks, Liyah.” Baling niya dito.

“I think so.” Jin Ru was now busy eating the snack his other maid brought to them.

“I should check on them.” Saka mabilis siyang tumayo at lumabas uli. He wanted to make sure Shin Na was not endangered with the crazy prince.

Naabutan niyang magkaharap sina Min Yu at Shin Na.

“Nandumihan ata yung damit mo kanina. You can use this.” Inalok ni Min Yu ang panyo nito kay Shin Na.

Napabuntong-hininga si Shin Na bago tinanggihan ang alok ni Min Yu. “Wala ho yung dumi na yun sa nagawa ko, mukhang nakasama pa yung ginawa ko kanina. Mabuti nalang at dumating kayo nina Binibining Liyah at Ginoong Jin Ru.” Saka inamoy ang kamay at natawa sa nalanghap nito.

“You did a good job. It would have been worse if one of us intervened. Salamat sa lahat Shin Na. But that doesn’t mean you can sacrifice yourself again with Yeon Seo or his with you, vice versa.” Min Yu exhaled deeply and put the handkerchief on her pocket. “Use it to dry your hand later.”

“My young master is all I have. At saka pareho naman kaming handang iligtas ang isa’t isa sa kahit anong senaryo. I just didn’t know that he will be more sad.” Sagot nito saka naglakad paakyat sa hagdang at umupo sa bukana ng pintuan ng bakuran habang pinupunsan ang kamay nito. “He was like discouraged.”

“Normal naman naging reaksyon niya. Yui needs him as soon as possible.” Paliwanag ni Min Yu.

She sighed too. “Kaya nga.” Then she stand up. “Pasok ka na Ginoong Min Yu. I’ll just wash my hand to river nearby if Young Master Yeon Seo asked.”

He was felt dismal but he didn’t know that Shin Na was concern too. Sinundan niya ito at hinayaang itong maghugas sa ilog. He watched her and wonder if they never met. She had nothing to loss before, now that she looked after him, she had something. Hindi lang naman siya ang nahihirapan sa nangyari. But he never thought how much they both should keep each other alive.

“How long are you going to wash your hand there?” Usisa niya dito nang paulit-ulit nitong nilublob ang kamay nito sa tubig. “Let me help.” He walked towards her after picking a flower near by.

“Kanina ka pa dun?” Balik-tanong nito nang makalapit na siya.

“Medyo. I’m sorry, I thought I could control it, now. Akala ko tapos na magsanib yung energy ko saka kay Master Heo, di pa pala. Salamat sa tulong mo kanina. Kundi dahil sayo baka wala akong malay ngayon at wala narin sakin yung espada.” He smelled her hand. Saka kinuha yung panyo ni Min Yu sa bulsa nito.

Natatawa nitong inagaw ang kamay nito. “Kaya ko na yang patuyuin.”

“Each one of my friends and Liyah did help me too. Kung wala si Min Yu may hiwa na ko galing sa Prinsepe. While Jin Ru bravely grabbed my armored hand. Habang si Liyah naman ay binigyan ako ng pulseras. Paano wala sila at nabugbog ako ng Prinsepe tapos kusang gumagalaw parin yung kamay ko.” Pigil ang ngiti niyang sabi dito. He was trying to make him feel better.

She sighed again. “Salamat naman at kalma ka na. You should talk to Yui too.”

“I can’t. Not until I’m sure that I won’t hurt her or anyone.” This time he smiled wider. “I will talk to her soon, promise.”

***

After two days of training with Min Yu in the morning and Shin Na in the afternoon. He finally got to hold his father’s sword in full control. It was time to meet Yui.

Pasikat palang ng araw ay pinahanda niya ang karawe niya para sa pagbisita niya sa kasintahan niya. He was so happy that he learn so much in two days. Dahil bukod sa sekretong ensayo nila ni Shin Na ay marami siyang natutunan kay Min Yu.

Luckily, no suspected them staying on river for long time. Di naman din sila tinanong ni Headmistress Kim. She was busy on her house duties because of his especial visitor, Yui. No one should know about his practice with Min Yu. He didn’t want him to be involve if anyone ask about his energy.

Tahimik ang buong bahay ng tinutuluyan ni Yui nang makarating sila. He didn’t expected her to roam around his property that early. Akala nila ay nasa loob lang itong kwarto nito.

Sinamantala ni Shin Na kasama ang ibang katulong niya ang pagbakante ng kusina at nagsimulang lutuin ang mga dala nila sangkap. She wanted to thank the Princess for saving him. Kahit kasalanan niya ang nangyari.

Bago magtanghalian ay dumating ang mga ito. Enough time for Shin Na and his other maid to finish all the dishes she was preparing. Masigla nitong sinalubong ang mga naninirahan sa bahagi ng lupain niyang iyon.

“Prinsesa Yui, gusto ko pong pormal na magpasalamat sayo. Alam kong natagalan iyong pagbisita namin sayo, gusto lang makasiguro ni Young Master Yeon Seo na di ka delikado kapag kasama mo siya.” Panimula ni Shin Na habang pareho silang nakatulala ng kasintahan niya sa isat isa.

“I get it, I understand. That is why I waited for him to come here.” She smiled and walked to him. Niyakap nito ang isa niyang braso niya. Then lead him to sit next to her chosen seat.

He didn’t know what to say. Pakiramdaman niya malaking kasalanan ang nagawa niya. He swallowed hard to ask her how her day is but she tapped his arm.

“Let’s just eat. Let’s talk later.” Sambit nito bago nagsimulang magsalita. She was trying to cheer him up.

“I’m fine now, really.” He cupped her hand and show his wrist. “I will be able to learn Japsu soon. Sana kaya mo pa kong intindihin kung…” He paused and stared at her apologetically.

“Yeon Seo.” She turned her palm facing his then place her fingers between his. “I’ll always wait for you. Kahit gaano katagal. As long as I breathe.”

Nakahinga siya maluwag sa sinabi nito. “Thank you, my future wife.” Masaya niyang sagot dito sabay halik sa likod ng palad nito.

After lunch, they strolled in the backyard of guesthouse.

“To be honest, I wanted to see you badly. Natatakot lang ako masaktan kita. So I focused on getting rid of the bracelet.”  He started and stepped in front of her then hugged her.

Tinitigan siya nito sandali bago nagsalita. “Akala ko kinalimutan mo na ko.” Naiiyak nitong sagot.

“No, no way. Parang sinabi mong mababaw lang ang nararamdam ko sayo. Since when you lose your high confident. Ang bilis mo naman atang mawala ng lakas ng loob.” He lifted her face.

Hindi ito sumagot at punasan lang ang luha nito

“My Yui.” Niyakap niya ito uli. “Sorry na talaga. Di ko naman talaga sinasadyang pag-isipin ka ng kung anu-ano. I only intend to control it as soon as possible.”

She hugged him tighter. Tahimik parin ito nakasubsob sa balikat niya. She was about to say something when someone appeared in front of her.

Kusa naman niyang sinundan ang umagaw ng atensyon nito. It was Headmistress Kim. He was confused. He didn’t remembered bringing the head of his household. Inakay niya si Yui sa harapan ng tagabantay niyang ginang.

“Young Master, pinapatawag po kayo ni Master Park sa Soongrim.” Lahad nito matapos yumuko ng sandali sa Prinsesa ng Gaenda.

Nagtataka ito at mukhang may nais na tanungin sa sundo niya kaso hindi nito isinatinig. She smiled and immediately removed her arms from his waist. “You should go.” Saka hinawak ang kamay niya para iparating sa kanya na ayos lang itong maiwan niyang muli.

He nodded then held her head lightly with his other hand and placed a gentle kiss in her forehead. Bago marahang pinisil sa kamay nito nakahawak parin kamay niya. He slowly let her palm go then waved at her before turning away.

***

Naabutan niyang ang lider ng Soongrim sa gitna ng silid-pulungan. Sitting with the Assistant Gwanku, Leader of Jinyowan and Master Heo. Seryoso ang mga mukha nito.

“To what I owe this pleasure of meeting all the leaders of Daeyo at one place?” He quickly asked while roaming his eyes to room.

Kinawayan agad siya ni Jin Ru nasa loob din silid katabi sila Liyah at Min Yu.

“I heard you fight the Prince when he visited you few days ago. Personally, I won’t mind it but Master Park wanted to see for himself how far you’ve got with Master Heo’s energy. How you beat the Prince.” Assistant Gwanku Ra Mil explained.

“I didn’t know you were all interested in my progress. Kanino ko po ba dapat ipagpasalamat kung paano nakarating ang balita sainyo? I bet, I know them.” He was curious who was news bearer.

“Oh you do know them well.” Sagot ni Master Park sabay linggo kay Jin Ru pamangkin nito. Then he looked at him again.

Natawa siya nang mahina. Of course, Jin Ru was that kind of friend. Nagsisisi tuloy siyang binisita pa siya nito ng araw na yun. He will know the full story once his done talking to the old folks. Kahit nang mga sandali iyon gusto niyang sakalin ito.

“My sword have the same proficiency as your father’s if you can do the honor of showing us your raw ability.” Komento ni Master Park sabay abot ng espada nito sa kanang kamay nito. He wanted to test him.

“You are really son of your father, Yeon Seo.” Master Heo happily said.

Agad niyang tinanggap ang armas ng lider ng Soongrim. He have no choice. “I would be glad to show it. Gusto ko lang malaman kung alam ba ng Prinsepe ang pagpupulong na ito?”

Natigilan ang mga matandang pinuno. They were all confused. “Well, you can always say ‘no’, Yeon Seo. Sigurado akong hindi nais ng Prinsepe na palakihin ang nangyari.” Komento ni Ginang Jin.

“Salamat po.” Pasasalamat nito sa nag-iisang babae sa grupo ng matatanda room. “But Assistant Gwanhu, you should stay and filled your curiosity. Alam ko namang interesado ka din sa kalayaan ko. Although, I didn’t want to show off but maybe there is someone I should spar with. Anyone?” He will not back down if his right of being Jang was on stake. Even though Shin Na was been pinching him to stop his air heading.

“I volunteer.” Sigaw ni Min Yu. He pulled his sword and stood meters away from him.

“Then it’s settled then. Simulan nyo na.” Master Heo signaled them.

Siya ang unang sumugod at ginaya ang lahat istilong nakita niya sa Prinsepe at mga turo ng kaibigan niya. While his power following his thoughts. Nangunguna siya sa laban ngunit nang gumanti si Min Yu at tumalsik palayo dito. Halos lumabas na siya sa pintuan ng kwarto.

“That’s enough.” Awat sa kanila ni Master Park. “You did a great job controlling and owning Master Heo’s energy then merging it your own. You could’ve performance better if you have training. Tungkol sa pag-eensayo mo, pag-iisipan ko pa kung kailan ka magsisimula.”

“I agreed to Master Park. I also wanted to raise my concern about your fight with the Prince. Nabanggit kanina ni Binibining Liyah na muntik na kayong magkasakitan ng Prinsepe. I am so proud the Prince handled it, no one noticed. But I’m afraid I have to talk to your maid, who almost ruined the royal dress.” His father’s assistant commented.

He sighed and looked at the her maid that wasn’t bothered.

“Maybe you should consult the Prince, first, Assistant Gwanku. Kung hindi ito nakarating sayo, ibig sabihin walang problema ang Prinsepe sa nangyari? My concern is where did the Prince got the idea of picking up the two swords. Kung meron mang dapat bumawi sa dalawang espada ay ikaw at ako lamang. We both gave the those freely, don’t we?” Usisa Master Park sa bantay ng Cheonbugwah. He didn’t want to make the issue bigger.

“Salamat, Master Park.” He thanked his second father then turned to Assistant Gwanku. “Prince Im Gon, already forgave my maid. Para mas malinawan ka ho, kausapin nyo po akong talaga ang Prinsepe dahil bukod sakin, siya lang naman ang tunay na makapapagpaliwag sayo ng lahat.” Sabay yumuko sa mga pinuno ng Daeyo.

“Follow me, Yeon Seo. Mag-usap muna tayo bago ka umuwi.” Master Park called him. Dinala siya nito sa sekretong silid ng Soongrim. He looked around then smiled at him. “You did a great job, holding your father’s sword. I’ve never been prouder.”

“Salamat, Master Park.” Maiksing sagot niya. Inantay niya itong magsimula sa pakay nito sa pagdala sa kanya doon.

“Yeon Seo, to be honest, I can’t really accept you in Soongrim as a mage. Pero hindi pa naman huli ang lahat. You can still changed your course. Matalino ka naman at madali ka namang matuto. Pwede kita i-assign kay Master Heo? You can learn making medicines. It’s a win-win, you have your training and we don’t have to disobey your father.” Paliwanag nito. With a big bright smile on his face.

Nawala ang ngiti sa mukha niya sa sinabi nito. “No, my Lord. I would like to be train in Jeongginyak and be a mage. Hindi na po magbabago ang isip ko.”

“Why? Bakit ayaw mo ng makinig sakin? Is it because you want to be like father. Ano pa bang kailangan kong sabihin para maintindihan mo ko?” May bahid na ng galit ang boses ito. But he was not backing out on his decision.

“I stopped listening to you when I realized you never did the same to me.” He sadly replied.

Natawa ito ng pilit. “Akala mo ba madali lang lahat sakin. If you were just aiming for taking the lead for Cheonbugwah or being a Gwanku? Sinasabi ko sayo na hindi madaling marating sa lugar na iyon.”

“It was just one my of dream so I won’t mind struggling. At hindi ako titigil hanggang di ko napapakita sa mga taong humusga sakin at sa Ina ko na mali sila. I am a Jang and I will make them speechless.” He strongly said.

“You… are Jang by name. Pero hindi ka niya anak.” He calmly said. Wala bakas ng pagsisinungaling dito. “Your father never confirm to me who he is. But based on his face, he never said he is.”

Right now, he was the one who can’t find a words.

“You are a result of your mother’s love affair. Tinanggap ka naming isang Jang bilang respeto sa iyong Ina. But we can’t let you be a Gwanku or have Cheonbugwah. Kaya kung pwede lang? Nakikiusap ako, Jang Yeon Seo. Let’s not dig up your mother’s graved sin.” Pakiusap nito sabay hawak sa balikat niya. He paused to take a deep breathe.

He was still speechless. Nanghihina siyang napaupo higaan sa likuran niya. He suddenly lost all his strength.

“I wanted to kept this to myself cause I don’t want this to come from me, believe me. Kaya nakikiusap ako uli na sana maging sekreto din natin ang usapan na ito. And just be a clueless Young Master of the Jang family. So we can still take care of you while keeping your father’s will.” He added.

Hindi niya mapigilang maiyak. This a big news to him. Pakiramdam niya pinagsakluban siya ng langit at lupa. Imposible namang nagsisinungaling ang kinikilala niyang ama. He was known for his honesty. At sa mga oras na iyon, alam niyang totoo ang sinasabi nito.

“Stay here for five hours, you did put the Prince life endangered with your father’s sword that we gave to you.”

Master Park sighed again before leaving him alone. Labag man sa loob nito ay nasabi nito ang tinatago nito sa pagkatao niya. It’s because he was being stubborn.

Napabuntong-hininga din siya sabay punas ng luha niya saka dahan-dahang humiga. He was about to fall asleep with his tears keep falling when Jin Ru came with Min Yu and Liyah. Sapilitan niyang inawat ang mata niya sa pag-iyak at hinarap ang mga ito.

“Sorry talaga, Yeon Seo. Napag-usapan lang namin ni Liyah nang magkita kami dito. Kinamusta ka kasi namin kay Min Yu. We didn’t notice that elders were done talking inside.” Kwento ni Jin Ru.

He tried to calm himself again. Pahamak talaga madalas itong kaibigan niyang ito. Aside from being talkative, he sometimes spread stories that was not for tell.

“Wala naman na tayo magagawa sa nangyari. I was already here being punished. But I’m okay, I’m not mad to anyone. Ako nga ang dapat humingi ng tawad, nadamay lang kayo sa problema ko.” Paumanhin niya sa mga ito.

“Yeon Seo?” Nag-aalalang lapit ni Liyah sa kanya.

Napayuko lang si Min Yu. He was never good at consoling anyone. Pero madalas itong naabang kung may kailangan siya.

“I’m fine, Liyah.” Hinawakan niya ito sa balikat. “Min Yu, pakibantayan muna si Yui ngayon. You can tell her everything, just don’t let her talk to Master Park. Marami ng inisip ang guro nyo, ayoko namang makagulo pa siya ni Yui.”

He slowly turned away as soon as his tear started to accumulate. “Pakisabi narin kay Shin Na at Headmistress Kim na wag muna akong abalahin dito. Kailangan ko lang mapag-isa. They can all go home, first.”

“Okay, no problem.” Sagot ni Min Yu.

“Sige, Yeon Seo. See you in Soongrim.” Paalam ni Jin Ru.

“Good luck, Yeon Seo.” Masiglang sabi naman ni Liyah.