Decisions

Birthday Occasion

Another update from me. Don't be too surprised now ;) Again, please let me know what you think by leaving a comment. I would greatly appreciate it :)

P.S. That 7th episode of Goblin...omg. Can't wait for the next one :3

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Soo was once again at her desk recording daily notes in her notebook. It was customary for her to keep track of all events ongoing at Damiwon, whether a new shipment was needed for certain supplies, or the activities of her court ladies. When she was done with that, she would usually write in her diary. She had already filled up one journal on their journey, so So had given her a new one. This journal was bound with royal blue silk, with small peonies embroidered in a pattern on the covers. She had just begun a new entry when she heard someone knock on her door.

"Come in," she said as she dipped her brush in some more ink. Out of the corner of her eye, Soo saw Chae Ryung enter.

"Your highness!"

"I told you not to call me that," Soo admonished gently as she continued to write.

"It became a habit, so I cannot fix it. Besides, it would be improper for me to call you agasshi now."

Chae Ryung giggled to herself before quieting, and moving closer to Soo.

"Are those words as well?"

Soo's hand froze slightly, belatedly realizing she had been writing in Hangeul when Chae Ryung had arrived. However, she continued to write to make it seem natural.

"Yes, they are. I made it up so I could write things easier, but it's quite childish. It would be better for me to write in Hanja."

She closed her journal abruptly before setting down her brush. Turning her head towards Chae Ryung, Soo looked at her curiously, trying to change the subject.

"So what did you need to see me for?"

"Ah!"

Chae Ryung had been holding her hands behind her back, and brought them forward to reveal what looked like a brace, embroidered in colorful silk and flowers.

"Happy Birthday! Today is your birthday, your highness. I am giving this to you because your knee is still not feeling well."

Soo smiled and reached out to receive the gift. She had forgotten that today was Hae Soo's birthday. She had never celebrated it here in Goryeo, seeing how she had arrived after the day had passed. As for last year, she was a water maid so there was no reason to have it celebrated.

"It's so pretty," she said as she ran her thumb across the embroidered flower. "Thank you. I will use it whenever my knee hurts."

Lowering her hands, she looked back up at Chae Ryung.

"Still, the best gift is having you here at Damiwon."

"That is because I was emancipated on your behalf by the 8th prince!"

Soo nodded, turning to store away the brace before standing up.

"Let us go. There is much to be done today."

"Yes, your highness!"

And the both of them exited the room to begin their day at Damiwon. The morning was relatively busy as Soo supervised a new shipment of herbs and prepared for Queen Yoo's arrival at Damiwon. Luckily she managed to handle that with as few thinly veiled comments from the irate mother-in-law as she could, and counted that as a birthday gift. She had been leaving after preparing a bath for the Queen when a court lady arrived, saying that the 13th prince had summoned her to his quarters. Soo nodded and thanked the court lady before making her way to the 13th prince. When she arrived, she was surprised to see that So was also present, and they both smiled at each other.