Iris

A Glimpse of the Past

Flashback...

Hak and Nari are listening at Jae Ha and Kija. Nari's tears are flowing. Hak patted her head. "They're so loyal to princess. Im so glad she met people like them", Nari smiled. It caught Hak's attention. They walked away and went at the porch. "Nari, back at the palace when you were being dragged away by that psychopathic Queen. Sorry, I wasnt able to protect you. I just stupidly stood there watching you be taken away", Hak looked away. "There's nothing you have to be apologetic for. We were all young back then", Nari gave a weak smile.  "It's getting dark. Let's talk again tomorrow", Hak yawned and started walking away.

"Princess is also lucky to have you, Hak. Good night", Nari gave a bow at the guy.

After a while, she sat at the porch alone. Would it be possible to support Yona in shadows while serving Soo Won? Yona didn't do anything wrong. It wasnt pity but the awe she developed when Yona was able to shoot Kumji down. It was Yona's determination that moved her.

"What are you doing here alone?", Zeno startled the girl who was having a deep conversation with herself. "Zeno", Nari called his name. "I have some steambuns here. The old lady gave me some but the rest are already sleeping so I guess I'd share it with you", Zeno sat down with her. "No, it's okay. You can save that for them tomorrow", Nari looked at the steambun and remembered something.

"If you insist", Zeno ate one and take the others to the side so he wont be tempted. "Steambuns are the best when their hot", Nari chuckled for herself.

Back when she was 13 years old, she was abandoned in a deserted area with no food and water around. It was so barren and she was challenged to reach the other side of the mountain. As her reward, she will be given a seat at the palace by the Queen. After a while month of traveling, her body finally gave up. She lied down the road with tattered clothes and her body covered in dirt. A passerby went to help her and dropped water in her lips. "Kid, are you okay?", he asked. His hands are warm and he has a relaxing aura. She thought that the death god is already there to take her. "Here's a steambun. It's not that hot because I bought it before I came here. Eat up", the man made her sit. He asked her of her name. She cannot see clearly but she saw a medalion. After a while, she found herself lying on a hut. She looked around and no one was there but only three piece of steambun on the floor.

In the end, the Queen was just bluffing about the reward. She ordered Nari to be kept at the cellar for she is disgustingly having a lot miracle to stay alive.

"What happened to that girl?", Zeno asked. "Well, she's living a promising life, I guess but she's lost", Nari answered. "Lost, why?", Zeno asked. "It's true that you cannot serve two masters at the same time. She's having a dilemma of who she is to serve", Nari informed. "She should serve someone whom she has in heart. Not because of debt. , guilt or anything else but because she loves that master and look up to the master", Zeno smiled brightly. "Your smile is blinding me", Nari teased. "Thank you, Zeno. Just watching you guys makes me learn a whole lot of perspective", Nari stood up and bowed.

On the way to the Village.
At Dawn

"But it's unfair that you are leaving", a voice startled Nari. "Zeno, why are you here?", Nari asked. "I just knew that you are going to leave. Are you sure of doing that to princess and Hak? They're going to be sad about you leaving so early", Zeno informed. "Zeno, it's good that you are here. Actually, I wanted to leave something for Shinah, Kija, and Jae Ha", Nari passed a bag.  Nari held the yellow dragon's hand and placed a gem. "The price of this gem is not a joke . Whenever you guys need something, use this wisely", Nari smiled. She started to walk away.

"Nari, your made a good choice. Dont feel guilty about it", Zeno shouted. Nari turned back and was curioused how Zeno knew about her name. Nari saw the same medalion and her eyes turned teary. "Zeno, you...", Nari was about to go to the yellow guy but Kija was approaching them. "Go Nari. I will hold him from here. We'll meet again, dont worry", Zeno smiled. Nari clenched her fist and ran away so fast.

I wasnt able to thank him for the steambun.

Come to think of it, he doesnt seems to age that much.

Present
Hot Spring Inn

Kija is crying while Zeno was telling them how Nari went her way because she thought she might be a hindrance to them. "She's so frustrated that she must leave Shinah, here's your candy", Zeno gave a pack of candy. "You might have been so itchy on your journey, Kija", Zeno gave an ointment to ward insects away. "Here is something for Yona", Kija gave it but Yona shook her head. "Its something that Sai gave to you. You should treasure it", Yona lectured.

Finally, Jae Ha was excited for his gift. It was nothing but a piece of paper.

Are you expecting something? Hahaha ,I got you in there. Didnt I?

Jae Ha, you're the oldest of them. Take care of Princess Yona. Once we meet again, claim me your erhu. I heard from Princess that you are a great musician when it comes to that.

"Its so fast but I kind of miss her", Kija smiled. "We'll see her again, dont worry", Zeno assured. "We're going to the priest and ask what we should do next", Yona informed.

On the way to the Priest

"Hak, what do you think of Sai, she's so pretty. Do you think Kija and the rest were captivated by her beauty?", Yona pouted. "Even if they were, she wasn't able to beat you since they are still following you", Hak sighed. "She reminds me of someone, Hak. Someone I really hated before. Whenever I think of her, it always brings me to regret", Yona remembered a young girl being sent away by King Il back to their kingdom. She remembered Soo Won begging King Il to have her back. She hated her but at the same time, she felt that pain seeing the one she loves crying for her.

"Princess, what would you do if Nari is still alive and kicking?", Hak suddenly asked. "I would be the happiest person in the world and something in my chest will be pulled out", Yona answered. "Guilt, shame, and regret", Yona enumerated. Hak was about to tell Yona about Sai being Nari but Kija suddenly butted in showing a wild flower.

Kouka Capital
Palace

Nari sneezed while pulling out weeds from the garden. "What are you doing?", Judo asked while passing by. "I don't have anything else to do. Well, I kind of became aware of the saying that a person who doesnt work doesnt get to eat", Nari explained. "You left your post for how many days and here you are giving me that statement", Judo cannot help but feel irritated taking her place as a personal guard whenever she's not around. "Sorry to ask you this but you look so frail and thin. What can you do to protect his highness?", Judo asked. "I will be his shield General. Dont worry", Nari have a serious look in her eyes.

I plan on becoming stronger.

Princess is also growing stronger.

I cannot be left out.

Chapter end.

Credits: to the photo :)