𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀

Five

【CHAPTER 5】

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"You don't need to thank me, Minji," she said softly. "We're all human beings, worthy of respect and kindness."

★☆✼★☆✼★☆✼★☆✼★☆✼

Minji was surprised for a second by Haerin's words, but a luminous smile quickly appeared on her face. This smile made Haerin's heart beat faster, a sensation to which she was not accustomed. Embarrassed by this unexpected reaction, she looked away from Minji's face and quickened her pace, hoping to calm her emotions.

"Let's go and find somewhere to eat," said Haerin, trying to regain her composure.

Minji, still smiling, nodded and followed Haerin. They walked through the bustling streets, market stalls offering fresh fruit, pastries and various tempting delicacies. Haerin eventually spotted a small, discreet tavern away from the main hustle and bustle.

"Here," she said, pointing to the tavern sign. "This seems to be a quiet place."

They entered the tavern, where the warm ambience and tantalizing smell of the food welcomed them. Haerin chose a table in a corner, away from prying eyes. A waitress quickly approached to take their order.

"What would you like to eat, Minji?" asked Haerin with a gentle smile.

Minji glanced at the menu before answering shyly, "Whatever you choose will be perfect for me, Miss Hae."

Haerin nodded and ordered a few simple but delicious dishes. Once the waitress had left, silence settled again between them, but this time it was imbued with a certain serenity.

"So, Minji," began Haerin, seeking to know more about this young girl who had managed to touch his heart. "Tell me a little about yourself. Why did you want to take the academy exam?"

Minji, a little surprised by Haerin's interest, took a deep breath before replying. "I want to help my sick mother. I want to help my village. I don't want to see those around me suffer anymore. My teacher told me this was an opportunity for me to show my abilities, so I took the chance." She began to ramble, her words flowing like a torrent.

Haerin listened attentively, his face pressed against her hand. A smile settled on her lips. "Cute," she murmured, lost in thought as she watched Minji's animated face.She blushed as she realized she'd spoken aloud, quickly pulling herself together. Then she looked back up at Minji, her eyes descending briefly to his clothes before returning to his face. Haerin wondered why a stranger made her feel such emotions. She, who rarely showed her feelings, found herself smiling at a woman she hardly knew.

The waiters soon brought plates overflowing with food: roasted meats, grilled vegetables, fresh breads, steaming soups, and tempting desserts.

Minji froze, her eyes widening as she gazed at the abundance of food before her. She'd never seen so much food at once, and she didn't know what to do. She glanced at Haerin, who smiled at her reaction.

"It's... so..." Minji murmured, unable to finish her sentence. Haerin laughed softly, a warm, reassuring sound. "Don't worry, Minji. Eat as much as you like."

Minji hesitated for a few seconds, then began to eat. Haerin watched her with a smile, delighted to see Minji enjoying the meal. They continued to eat in silence for a while, enjoying the food and the company. Haerin found herself enjoying this simple moment, far removed from the responsibilities and expectations of her role as princess. She felt closer to Minji, as if an invisible but strong bond was being forged between them.

Minji broke the silence, her voice hesitant but full of curiosity. "Miss Hae, why are you doing all this for me? I mean, you don't even know me."

Haerin put down her fork, taking a moment to think. She suddenly felt nervous, searching for the right words. "I... I don't know either," she finally admitted, a little embarrassed.