Wind Petals

Chapter 2

"As my father said, I cannot deny that my thoughts have often lingered on the palace, shaped by what I have read and heard. Yet, my feelings remain unchanged. Regardless, I have no wish to ever be bound to the palace."

The summer sun bathed the sky in a warm glow, its golden light shimmering softly. Wisps of ivory clouds drifted lazily across the vast blue, gently nudged along by a faint breeze. Below them, the capital stirred with quiet murmurs-whispers of a murder from the previous day mingled with the heated discussions of the crown princess selection, a subject that stirred Seri's frustration but brought Yumi a sense of satisfaction.

Even as they neared their destination, those whispers followed them.

As their journey came to an end, they paused before the household. Yumi, walking ahead, parted the entrance and stepped inside, trailing behind Seri.

"Sister, we are over here!" A young girl, part of a pair, called out excitedly, waving her hand to grab their attention. Spotting Seri and Yumi approaching, she rushed forward, her eyes bright with excitement.

"Sister Seri!" the girl exclaimed, darting towards her and wrapping her arms around Seri's. Despite the frustration yet simmering beneath the surface, Seri's gaze softened at the sight of the girl's beaming face.

"Sister Seri, are you a candidate for the crown princess selection? Will you become the crown princess? Sister So Yang and I lost our patience!" She gushed, her voice echoing through the yard.

"Myeong-ah, do not shout. Master will scold us," the other girl, So Yang, warned as she approached them. Her expression held a mix of curiosity and concern; her eyes settled on Seri. "Seri-ah, is it true? Are you a candidate for the crown princess? Do you awear?"

Seri sighed, lowering her head slightly. "I am."

"Everyone is talking about it," Myeong chimed in eagerly. "They are all guessing you will be chosen. Sister So Yang and I have been hoping for it too!"

Seri shook her head firmly. "That would not happen. The selection process is strict, there are many other candidates. I doubt I will be chosen."

"But none can compare to you! Who is the graceful and elegant granddaughter of the Prime Minister? It has to be you!" Myeong insisted, her voice full of admiration.

Seri's expression turned somber. "It would not happen, nor will I allow it. I intend to withdraw from the selection. Therefore I would not be." she admitted, her tone resolute.

Both So Yang and Myeong stood in stunned silence, their eyes widening as they absorbed her words.

Yumi, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke. "Our young lady has no interest in becoming a candidate for crown princess selection. She has no desire to enter the palace at all," she added, confirming Seri's intentions and leaving the two girls even more taken aback.

"Sister, why?" Myeong asked, her brows furrowing.

"Seri-ah, what made you decide so?" So Yang echoed, equally puzzled.

The shadow of discontent returned to Seri's gaze. "The palace is filled with endless rules and complications. I have no wish to be a part of it. I wish to remain as this, without being bound by any restrictions," she explained softly.

Their eyes remained fixed on Seri, attempting to comprehend her confession. However, eventually, So Yang's face softened with understanding of her dear friend, empathy gleaming in her eyes as she sighed in quiet acceptance, refraining from further questions.

Myeong, however, was not as simply swayed. "Sister, that was absurdity," she protested. "Everyone dreams of becoming the crown princess! If you have become, you could achieve anything. You might even become queen one day. People would fear you-even your own sister!" she added with wide-eyed seriousness.