Promises

Chapter 4: The Southern Tower

I was accompanied by a guard to the south tower where her highness resided.

"I'm quite nervous," I thought to myself.

The guard took notice of it and questioned me, his voice resonating deeply, "Are you alright?"

"Yes, I am. W-why are you asking?" I replied.

"That's good to hear. Remember that you need to be strong to protect her," the guard exclaimed.

"Yes, I will. Thank you for your advice," I replied with a kind gesture.

"No need to act so nice. I don't like you anyway. You were chosen over me after all. Just for clarification, if I sense even a little mistake or get a hint of your mischief, I will not hesitate to rip your throat off," he grunted in anger.

"Aha, he is scary... not to mention they were all giving me looks earlier," I thought to myself again. "Yes, of course. I will not disappoint you."

"Mmhm..."

------------------

We walked for more than 20 minutes, and slowly the southern tower came into sight. "It is so big and wide... the mountains, waterfalls, all those cherry blossoms, lanterns-all of these are such a breathtaking view. This southern tower is entirely different from the outside world; it's so magical, almost as if I walked into a different dimension. Sigh, but those walls?" This thought lingered in my mind since I set foot in here. "It's almost as if those walls were made to isolate this place from the outer world..." I mumbled to myself.

As we walked a little deeper, the aroma changed suddenly, from joyous to uneasy. The servants there all seemed to be blind; it's like they were especially chosen for this work. In the entrance to the main hall, we were greeted by the Court lady, Lady Choi. "This is it; from here, Lady Choi will escort you," the guards informed me, and we parted ways. Before leaving, he again threatened me, "that arrogant bully"...

"Greetings, young man," Lady Choi bowed. "Greetings to you too."

"Allow me to accompany you," she replied and led the way as she explained to me all the laws and rules.

But the only thing that ran in my head is that there is no man or not a single soul that can see; even Lady Choi herself is also blind.

As Lady Choi continued to guide me through the southern tower, I couldn't shake the realization that blindness seemed to be a common trait among its inhabitants.

The enchanting surroundings and the unique atmosphere heightened my curiosity about the mysteries concealed within the walls of the magical southern tower.

And then finally, we came across the chamber where her highness, my beloved Lady Ying Tian Mu, resides.

Suddenly, my heart started beating fast; I could almost hear my heartbeat. "What is this feeling!?... I waited for this time for a long time. When the time has finally arrived. Then why am I getting nervous?"

Lady Choi sensed my uneasiness and asked, "Young man, are you alright? Do you want to take a rest?" She asked with worry.

"Yes, I am all good. It is nothing but an overwhelming feeling of not wanting to disappoint anyone," I explained.

"Young man, in my nineteen years of serving her highness, I have never seen a man set foot in this southern palace. His Majesty himself chose you; there must be a good reason for it," she proclaimed.

"I think... you are right. I was chosen by his Majesty among all those amazing competitors. There really must be a good reason for it. Forgive me for doubting his Majesty's choice," I replied.

Then she reached out her hand, handing me the blindfold. "Here, young man, it's time you wrapped it around your eyes. Remember to never take it off, even if your life is at stake!" This time there was seriousness in her voice.

I took the blindfold from her hand. "I promise not to take off the blindfold even if my life is at stake," I proclaimed.

Then, with a deep breath, I secured the blindfold around my eyes as Lady Choi guided me into the chamber where Lady Ying Tian Mu resided.

The anticipation and nervousness intertwined within me as I stepped into a world of darkness, both physically and metaphorically, determined to fulfill my duty and uncover the truth within the enigmatic southern tower.

"Who is it?" A sweet female voice came from a distance. "Oh, 'Choi,' it's you... and who is this!?" She asked.

At that moment, my heart stopped beating; every surrounding noise disappeared.

The only thing I could hear was her sweet voice, like a melody. "It's her... it's her voice."

Then, Lady Choi introduced me, "My lady, this is Kai Li Feng, the one chosen by His Majesty to serve as your personal imperial guard."

Lady Ying Tian Mu's voice softened, "Kai Li Feng, you say? Welcome. I hope you are as dedicated as they claim."

My heart raced, and with a bow, I replied, "I am honored, Your Highness. I pledge my unwavering dedication to ensure your safety."

In that moment, even though I couldn't see her, I felt the weight of her presence, and the journey that began as a dream became a reality.

And as I stood there in her presence, I couldn't help but marvel at the realization that my impossible dream had transformed into a tangible moment. Lady Ying Tian Mu's voice resonated, breaking the silence, "Very well, Kai Li Feng. Your dedication is noted."

Lady Choi then guided me further into the chamber, and I embraced the responsibility that came with being the chosen guardian of the enigmatic Lady Ying Tian Mu.

The journey ahead promised challenges and mysteries, but my heart remained steadfast, driven by an unwavering love and a determination to unravel the secrets hidden within the southern tower.

"Choi, prepare a place for Sir Li Feng to rest," Her Highness commanded.

Then, Lady Choi swiftly acknowledged Her Highness's command and led me to a designated resting area within the southern tower.

The chamber prepared for me was not too far from Her Highness's,

Allowing me to be in close proximity to fulfill my duties as her personal imperial guard.

The mysterious atmosphere of the southern tower enveloped me, and

As I settled in, the reality of my role as Sir Li Feng, the personal imperial guard to Lady Ying Tian Mu, sank in.

The journey that began with dreams and determination had now become a living chapter of my life, filled with challenges and the captivating presence of the woman I had longed for.