Culture Shock

Chapter Four

Under king's consent, Leonidas and I hurried to Leopold's house through a chariot. I really don't get these people. Palanquin wasn't necessary, then? What was the point of almost throwing up? Gosh.

His house was a little bit of a complex. Unlike Core Tower, it does not have golden chairs, yet way imposing with architectural design. No doubt Leopold is an aristocrat for infrastructural procedures.

Hanbok ladies welcomed us before his door, one with basin and towel. Upon couple of knocks, Leonidas twisted the knob and caught sight of a man standing beside Leopold's bed; doctor, I reckon.

He was pale.

The doctor, as well as Leonidas left us both. I drew in air between my teeth, unable to puzzle my words. "How are you?" was the first thing that came out my mouth.

He beamed and tried to pull himself up but I insisted it wouldn't be a good idea. "I feel better, Clare. Now that you are here." I rolled my eyes and shifting my weight on one leg.

"What happened, anyway?"

"It's nothing, my lady. Duty just disdains old men." Yeah. You're a freaking bald man. "I am most delighted of your presence."

Oh dear.

"Great, 'cause am not. I don't give a darn if you're dying. I just want you to stop this freaking arrangement and let me go home in peace."

His pale skin turned red and sat down the bed. Fury became visible as he grasped the blanket unconsciously. "You are fully aware of the contract, Clare. Any method would still not change any."

"Then kill me the way you dispatched Clarisse Van! That would change everything." My shoulders moved up and down, trying to dance the rhythm of my breathing.

The old man has taken aback. "You know nothing of my grief, Clare. My daughter has jeopardized the family's name and almost the realm's..."

"The reason you chose to see her dead?" I cut off. Image of mom's murder flashed once again. I'm grateful that it visits me every single day; I am grateful that at least, I get reminded.

He did not answer. I repeated, "Your reason of killing her? Your daughter." I pierced my glare at him. Say no, old man.

For seconds... "Yes."

I chuckled and raised a brow. "Cool."

"Giving the realm another heir would prevent the spark of rebellion. This would prolong the reign of the Senders and time pulls trust back."

"But why me?" I hissed.

"Because the people who brought you into your world have caused a Sender's death," he paused. "The prince was the only ruler the kingdom has looked forward to, and failure has lurched..."

I raised my palm as a motion to stop. "Enough. I've heard enough. I wish you well, my lord."

Leonidas was waiting, but before he could speak, I ran pass him as fast as I could. His voice thundered from behind. My legs won't stop from running, until I've reached an underpass. My left leg extended before the right and made my way down the tunnel.

Thoughts rumble inside my mind. I wanna go home. After me, his voice subdued until no more.

Hazy air saturated the underpass as noise does. I followed the indistinct voices until I've reached light, where clustered people formed in circle.

A man noticed me; everyone fell silent. The second he walked towards me, I noticed they were not wearing Jeogori nor Hanbok, just shirts and pants. My kind's shirts and pants. Women wore the same.

"Name," he demanded.

I did not answer. What do I say? Who are these people? I suddenly felt bumps on my skin. Shoot. What have I done?

So stupid, Clare.

"Bo Young." I tried to sound demure (yuck). "My name is Bo Young."

"From?" he again demanded.

I dropped my gaze and forced my expression to soften. "I apologize, but I know nothing about this place for I am an orphan who lived with my mother's sister," I stammered falsely. "She never allowed me to go out of the house and treated me as slave upon Mother's death. She has sent me to Lord Van's house to serve on her behalf, but I think I got lost."

The man studied my words and said, "A friend." Everyone burst a loud noise and continued babbling. "Join us, my friend. Come."

He handed a rusty cup full of no one cares. "Thank you."

He let me sit beside a lean woman and offered me their food. Of course, I had to eat because they might doubt me. Nobody must learn my identity for I might endanger myself.

"You said you serve House Van?" asked the man.

"Suppose to." I nodded.

"What have you heard of his granddaughter? The heir-bearer?"

F. I blinked softly and shrugged. "My mother's sister has only mentioned her arrival. Why do you ask?" The noise slowly became whispers, and all eyes were on me.

"The kingdom has waited for fifteen long years, Bo Young. As children of the land, we deserve the fulfillment to the pact," he uttered which triggered his fellows.

"What will happen if there will be no heir?" I tried hard to keep my voice. The more I wanted to stop panting, the worse I get.

"Blood will be as swamp, young friend. From those who have waited for the return of the one true king. They made an oath to crown more heads, to prolong the land's life until he rises up from grave."

I nodded as if I've figured his crap out. I did not understand any, honestly. One true king? Grave? Minutes later, he offered to walk me to "Lord Van's house". To my surprise, I caught a glimpse of Leonidas positioned beneath bushes. The man beside me didn't seem to notice, so I acted natural.

The men decided to leave me meters from the gates. Lucky Clare, guards weren't there. Those were the rebels, I suppose. Leopold was right. Rebellion will light up the moment no heir is born.

As I have secured myself, both my feet have agreed to lead home. Seconds after, Leonidas appeared from behind a wall. He abruptly step in front of me with flames.

"What were you up to, Lady Clare!" It wasn't a question. I rolled my eyes and kept on my feet. "Those men are..."

"I know, Leonidas. No worries, they wouldn't hurt me." I smirked. They won't for I am Clare Van.

"That still is undeniably disputable." His words are firm like his jaw became. I chuckled and shook my head as an expression of disagreement.

"Have you forgotten? No Clare; no heir."

I winked.

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