Culture Shock

Chapter Three

Ash flakes fall down the ground as more ascends. Blaze still swallows but I wonder why I do not feel any. He's standing there, as what I expected, but to my surprise, I am too. Screams thundered all throughout the field and it seemed too familiar. My eyes widened.

Neon?

"My lady?" I held a long gasp and turned towards the voice. Blank face turned down at me as she hid her both arms underneath a rectangular part of her white ballooned dress.

Why is she wearing a Hanbok? I mean, I thought the people of his island are Chinese. Her eyes and skin confirmed her nationality—— a Korean. How I wished to see Korean traditional attire in actual and it would have been more remarkable if hers were a lot more colorful.

Sadly, Earth will never be fair. One's life status becomes more visible through the cloth she wears. White contrasts prism.

"Who are you?" I asked her as I pulled myself up the bed. She can't be a servant with a face that lovely. If every maid would be that attractive, all marriage life will be at risk.

"My name is Bo Young, my lady. The king has sent me to be your handmaiden. Sun has risen and I have boiled you water for your bath," she explained. Bo Young, a Korean name apparently.

Before I could reach for my slippers, she handed it to me. "Thanks," I said. A frown formed through my face as the scene flashed back. "Bo Young?"

"Yes, my lady."

"You're not like them, are you?" Bathing me naked is beyond the line and what happened the day before felt really humiliating.

"My lady?" Her face was filled with questions. I sucked air between my teeth and pierced my gaze into hers.

"I felt mistreated when they persisted on bathing me. In Antique, no one showers another, and I hope you won't mind," I clarified. Imagine a tub with three women trying to disrobe you. Vile, isn't it?

"I understand, my lady." Bo Young picked up a towel and gracefully handed it to me. I smiled and entered the bathroom. Never in my life have I inhaled scent this sweet.

After snaking two towels, one around my hair and the other around my body, I went out and saw Johann sitting on a chair with Bo Young. He was on Jeogori, long-sleeved upper of Korean men with baggy pants. She immediately stood up as she saw me.

"What are you doing here?" I hissed as I covered. This is my room and he shouldn't be here. Neon isn't allowed and he is?

"My lady..."

"Do not call me that." I glared.

He drew in air and pushed his lips together. "My lady, as prince, it is my duty to undergo the process of being acquainted with his betrothed. Get dressed and we'll have important matters to confer," he said sternly and dashed out the chamber.

I told her to go out for a while so I could change clothes. Typical shorts and shirt.

Eyes, as predictable as they were, stuck onto my skin like it was the year's main issue. Servants whispered and buzzed like they were born for it. Perhaps, they were. Filthy witches. The heck you care.

My handmaiden was trailing me, I was aware, as I marched to what they call Goldenlane. It's Johann's room. I knocked three times and twisted the knob.

"Johann?" I called.

"Come in."

I stepped a foot inside and looked around. His room is colored pale red, lighter than the bricks outside. His bed was uncomplicated unlike what I anticipated. He was standing beside his table with a book on his left hand.