1681

Scroll 35

Joy hung her last piece of wet clothes up on a clothesline.

Done with her laundry, she wiped the sweat off from her forehead. Noticing how her bun had become messy, Joy redid her hairstyle into a ponytail and used a ribbon to secure it. Once done, she lowered herself and picked up the empty bucket.

Holding the bucket in her arms, she begins to walk off but suddenly stopped. Her eyes focus in front.

"Missed me?" That person asked.

Joy looked at the King for a moment before she smiled. "It sure took you long enough to be here." She had not seen this person for months.

The King returned her a smile. He remains rooted to the ground as he admired her. Even though he had not seen her for months, he had never lived a day without missing her. Numerous times, he wanted to escape from the palace to see her but Eunuch Kim always managed to stop him.

The King looked at his Queen's funny hairstyle. Though he finds it funny and weird, it looked good. Keeping his smile like a fool, the King walked up and took the bucket away from her. He placed the empty bucket on the floor before he regains his standing posture.

"Let's head out, shall we?"

"But Eunmin--"

"I have already informed her," The King interrupted. "I am the King, she wouldn't dare to say no." He smiled cheekily.

Joy chuckled. She sure misses this kid. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"I will be back." The King said to Eunuch Kim as they head out.

"Can I follow?" Eunuch Kim asked, his head tilted down and eyes looking up. He remained standing by the gate though.

"No." The King replied firmly in less than one second, ignoring Eunuch Kim's puppy eyes.

Joy chuckled when she saw Eunuch Kim's expression. He looked like a little puppy begging his master to bring him out for a walk.

Ignoring Eunuch Kim, the King turned and walked away. Joy followed the King. They walked down a flowery path. Since they are in the countryside, there is nothing out there except for big lands and more lands. No other houses in sight, the only house there was Joy's.

As Joy had never once stepped out of her hanok since the day she came, she had no idea how plain it was outside her house. Nonetheless, with the green plain lands and the clear blue sky with fluffy clouds that shaped like cotton-candies, it is very picturesque. Seeing the view before her, Joy wished that she could capture it with her camera.

"But why are you here?" Joy turned to ask the King as they walk. The King walked slowly to match Joy's pace.

"To see you. There's no other reason."

"What if the Prime Minister knew?" Joy somehow started her interrogation. "I remember you saying that no visitors are allowed when I'm in exile.

"The King stopped. He looked at Joy. "I also said unless permitted. I permitted myself to be here." He smiled before he continued walking. "I also lied to Prime Minister Heo that I am visiting some brothels. Since he couldn't wait to make me stay out of court matters, he didn't stop me."

Joy pressed her lips together. So my house has become a brothel? She can't help but think sarcastically.