The Crown Prince (Taegi AU)

Chapter 7

Taehyung returned to the peach blossom manor and Shao Lan was nowhere in sight. This was to be expected. Maybe he had really scared the weak-hearted man.

The next day, Hyun stumbled on his way towards the crown prince with unrestricted excitement, upon seeing which, Yoongi could somewhat already guess what message he had wanted to deliver.

"As per your orders, the two generals have returned." Hyun beamed.

Yoongi unconsciously smiled but the smile, hidden behind the veil was seen by no one.

This was a certainly joyous occasion where the two generals or more like their two childhood friends whom they hadn't met for a whole year were finally returning.

"Where are they?" Yoongi asked in a calm voice, concealing his emotions.

Hyun smiled brightly, "General Jeon is resting in his manor recovering from the exhaustion. General Park is waiting outside for your highness."

Yoongi nodded, "I hope you served him tea."

"Yes, your highness. Herbal Tea and rare delicacies from the north have been served for the general."

"Good!" Yoongi stood up, "We don't want to make our guests feel unwelcomed."

Hyun frowned, "How can they be considered guests?"

Yoongi chuckled in turn. The two generals were certainly not some random guests, they were more like brothers who had returned home.

Hyun quickly led the crown prince to the place where General Park was waiting for him; gently sipping the fragrant tea, sitting with a dignified posture in a manner like that of a scholar. His light blue robes with eye appeasing designs flowing ever so slightly with the gust of the light breeze, engrosed in a scene that would elude elegance and grace; painting an image in one's mind, opposite to that of a general's who is accustomed to fighting in the front lines.

General Park looked up as he noticed the light footsteps approaching him and upon seeing the all too familiar black veil, he slightly smiled as he stood up to greet this 'long time no see' friend.

Why did he call him 'long time no see' friend?

Precisely because those were the first words this crown prince would utter whenever they met.

"Long time no see, old friend." Yoongi returned the greeting, "How have you been?"

"With the blessings of heaven, I am yet to kick the bucket." General Park chuckled, thinking in his mind; This friend of his hadn't changed a bit.

"And I wish those blessings to keep showering upon you."

General Park and Yoongi sat down at opposite sides of the table. The table was small and served on top of it were two cups of light pink colored herbal tea and delicious looking snacks on the side just waiting there, tempting someone to take a bite out of them.

"I hope the time you spent at the borders has been smooth sailing?"

"Luckily, your highness."

Yoongi nodded in satisfaction, quietly picking up the cup of tea and sipping at it.

The general looked up as if wanting to ask something but daring not to.

"With the heavens looking after us, I hope our country would remain this prosperous." Yoongi smiled, glancing at the face of the elegant youth, "When peace is achieved, the borders would no longer need you. I hope you can return home and stay here thereafter, resting for as long as you like; that's the prize I'm willing to offer as my gratitude."