One-Two Millennia Isn't Very Different than Before

Chapter 32: Sparks to Add onto the Flame

Jessica's POV

Soo-won has impeccable timing. Not too long after our group passed over the boarder, a messenger bird dropped off an 'official order of the king'. In other words, Soo-won needed my help.

Again.

After I broke the news to the group, Jae-ha dropped me off as close to the capital as he could get, which was only a town over, "Thanks, Jae-ha."

A pair of strong arms wrapped around me, "Be careful. Yona-dear and Hak don't seem to like this guy. Zeno isn't happy you have to leave either."

I smiled softly, "I understand. I have a feeling that Li Hazara will attack." Jae-ha froze, "Relax. I'll come and help if you guys need it."

There was a pat on my head before Jae-ha jumped into the air back towards the others, "You all stay safe as well."

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I had recently gotten to the palace where I was provided with some priestess clothes: a white kimono shirt-thing with a red hakama (I'm almost positive that's what the pants are called) with red accents and a pair of white flats. 👇🏻

Seeing as how everyone is acting, I went with the flow and changed. I then found my way to the archery field. Don't ask me how, I always end up lost at the palace.

I walked up to a bow and quiver before slipping on a glove to help me refrain from hurting myself with the bow.

I readied my first arrow. Thunk! I blinked before reloading.

There's a squeak from a creaky board and I whip around and am barely able to keep from impaling King Soo-won, "Woah?"

"Jeez!" I burst out turning towards the target, "If you sneak up on me like that, I'll end up killing you!" Thunk! Another bullseye.

"Sorry," the young king muttered, "You're very focused." Thunk!

I tried to ignore the idiot king and kept shooting. Thunk!

"Miss Jessica?"

I sighed releasing another arrow, thunk! "Why did you choose now to call me. I'm traveling with a group, and they're a little unnerved by me leaving."

There was a sigh from Soo-won, "I'm afraid I may need your help. There has been some speculation about the fire tribe and northern Kai."

I bit my lip, "What kind of role would I play if you can't even contact me through the shrine?" I was treading on dangerous waters, but I very well could not call upon my own army to help Soo-won if he couldn't do such a simple thing as contact me correctly.

By now I was facing him awaiting his answer my bow hanging from my right hand and my quiver hanging off my hip. We stared at each other before he muttered, "What must I do to be able to get your support?"

"The heavens are aware of your sin, and it's quite bad actually. Everyone sins, that isn't new, but in your current spiritual state, I could not even allow you on the shrine's grounds."

He broke eye contact before glancing at the bow in my hand, "What's done is done, I could not take it back if I wanted to."

"I understand."

"What do you want me to do? Lee Geun-Tae will be here soon–"

I interrupted, "You've got his trust."

"Yes, but will it be enough?"

I sighed, "What's the point in consulting me? Your father banned priests and priestesses from the castle."

"I'm different from my father," Soo-won said as I placed the bow, quiver, and glove back where they belong. "You're avoiding the question at hand. What do I have to do to get your support?"

I gulped, "What was your sin?"

"Ha?"

I walked close enough to him for us to keep our gaze locked, "Confession and repentance. Are you aware of the power it holds? You, of course, have to be sincere."

"Why would you–?"

I crossed my arms, "I'm a priestess. People come to me with confessions because they'll reach Kami-sama quicker. You should know I really couldn't help you in any way until you have confessed and repented."

He slammed his fist into the wall, "You're going to stay here until you're willing to help!"

"Am I?" He growled, "I'm much more dangerous than I seem, Soo-won-sama. And if you aren't going to confess and repent, I'll be on my way."

He grabbed my wrist, "You're not going anywhere!"

"I also will not be responding to your summons until you decide to see things my way. You should also be informed that the shrine will not take you as a visitor and you can count on not having any support until you confess and repent."

I yanked my wrist from his grasp and walked out of the archery station, "Good day, Your Majesty."

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I've updated again today! Whoop!

Anyway, hope you like it, things are getting better and better!

Keep reading,
~Ashley