Whispers of the Mystery Book

Chapter 5: The Palace Gates

The next day, V started searching for the mysterious woman in every street, checking all the women's stalls, but had no luck. After two days with no sign of her, he began to feel upset and started missing his family. Jimin felt bad seeing V so down and wished he could help.

One day, Jimin had to work at the palace because they needed extra guards for the festival. He didn't tell V, thinking it would keep him out of trouble. But Jimin's mom told V about his work in the palace and asked him to take Jimin some food, as he might not come home for a while.

V was excited to go to the palace. He took the hairpin and put it in his pocket. When he reached the palace, he was amazed by the huge walls, the detailed carvings, the small majestic castles, the gardens, and the blossoming trees. He was so entranced that he didn't even notice the guards stopping him.

Guard 1: "Who are you, and why are you here?"

V: "I came to see my friend, Jimin."

Guard 2: "You are not allowed in the palace without permission."

Jimin's friend, working nearby, saw V and called Jimin over. Jimin rushed to the gate, surprised to see V, and told the guards, "He's with me."

Jimin pulled V aside and asked, "Why are you here?"

V: Without taking his eyes off the palace, V handed Jimin the lunch bag. "Your mom sent this for you."I thought I'd see the palace. It's amazing!"

Jimin: "Yeah, yeah. Amazing. But can you not get me killed?" Jimin turned V's chin away from the palace. "Look at me. Stop thinking about sneaking in.

V: "But you promised you'd help me get inside!"

Jimin:  Groaned. "I know, I know. Just go home for now, okay? Please?"

V:  Nodded, pretending to leave. But as soon as Jimin turned, V followed. Jimin glanced back. "Seriously? You're following me?"

V: "I'm just...admiring the view!" V said, eyes on the palace.

Jimin:  Okay, fine. After the festival, I'll get you in, hoping to appease him.

V:  smiled brightly. "You promise?"

Jimin: "Yeah, yeah," grumbled. "Just let me work."

As V was about to leave, he saw the mystery woman showing the coin to the guards. 

V's POV: So she's from the palace. That's why I couldn't find her outside.

V: "Jimin, look! It's her! The woman with the eyes!"

Jimin: rolled his eyes and said "Everyone has eyes, V. You're obsessed. Just go home."

V: "No, Jimin. I'm talking about the woman who owns the hairpin."

V's POV: If I had that coin, maybe I could get inside too. How will I get that coin?

Jimin noticed V's distraction and turned to see the woman. "Oh no, don't even think about it, V."

V grinned mischievously. "I wasn't thinking anything..."

Jimin: "Yeah, right," Just promise you'll go home now."

V: "Okay, okay. I promise," but, still glancing back at the palace.

 V watched her disappear into the palace.

V: "I need that coin, Jimin. I have to get inside. What is that coin? Do you have one?"

Jimin:  sighed dramatically, rubbing his temples. "You're going to be the death of me, V. The absolute death of me. That coin is a palace pass. Only palace workers and those with special permissions have them."

V: "Then how do I get one? Can you get me one?"

Jimin: "V, you can't just get one. They're not like festival tickets. You need royal permission."

V: "Come on, Jimin. There must be a way. Think of it as an adventure!"

Jimin: "An adventure, huh? More like a disaster waiting to happen. If I help you with this, you owe me big time. Like never-ending chores big time."

V: "Deal! Anything. Just help me get inside."

Jimin: "You're relentless. Alright, Listen, they're going to hire more palace guards after the festival. They're also moving me to the palace. I'll speak with a high-ranking officer to get you a job in the palace. Till then, don't try anything."

V frowned. "But what about sneaking into the library as we planned?"

To be continued!!!!! 

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