Diary 13
There was one thing I forgot to write in the last diary. That is Van Kiep was back.
That night, I was too troubled to fall asleep, so I waited for Long Dao and Kim Sat to sleep first. Then, I secretly teleported back to Long Dao house to see if Van Kiep had gotten back already. I nervously walked inside the house and had already prepared myself that she wouldn't be back, but there she was, sitting on the dining table drinking tea in the middle of the night.
"Van Kiep!" I was too excited that I couldn't keep my voice down.
She got startled by my voice and turned to me. "My prince!" she got up, smiled happily as she saw me.
I went up to her and hugged her. There were no words that can describe how happy I was knowing for sure that she is safe now.
"When did you get back?" I released her from my arm and asked.
"Thi...this morning," her face was red. I guessed she was shy from the hug.
"Really? I am so lucky to come back at the right time then," I smiled so happily.
"Um… the servants said that you and general Quy went on a mission several days ago. Why are you here?" Van Kiep asked.
"I just can't sleep tonight, so I teleport back to see if you are back yet. I didn't know I could be this lucky," I replied.
"So…" she turned her eyes away from mine. "Are you going to leave now?" she asked.
"Not yet. I want to talk with you a bit more, but I will have to go when the sun is about to come up," I answered.
"Really? You are going to stay, my prince?" she looked happy now.
"Uhm," I nodded. "Let's go out and not disturb the servants," I suggested.
We got out to the front yard and sat on a bench while watching the bright moon.
"So," I said as we sat down, "How was the trip?"
Van Kiep thought a little and replied, "It went smoothly, better than I have thought."
"That's great... Were you able to meet my brother?" I jumped right into the main topic.
Van Kiep hesitated a bit before answering, "Yes, even though it was quite difficult to sneak into the palace and avoid the guards, I was lucky enough to meet his majesty in secret."
"What did you tell him?" I am really focused now.
"Um... " she thought a bit to verbalize that scene. "I told his majesty that I have found you and that you told me to come so that his majesty can stop the war."
"What was his response then?" I continued.
"His Majesty didn't believe me at first, but after some convincing, even though he was still doubtful, he agreed to temporarily order his army to stay put. His majesty said that if I can't bring you, my prince, back by next month, then he will continue his attacks but more aggressive this time," she finished.
"One month," I thought. "I wonder if I still have enough time to finish the mission with Long Dao," I slipped my mouth.
Van Kiep frowned when she heard that. "My prince, how can you still think of that when you only have one month left?"
"Huh?" I turned to Van Kiep with a confused face, "Why does it sound like I'm about to die when you said one month left?"
"Uh…" she quickly waved her hands in front of her face. "That isn't what I meant. I just think that you should do what you want in the next month while you have this freedom. When you come back to the palace, my prince, your every move will be looked at and criticized," Van Kiep gave her a long excuse.
"I understand," I replied but still have some doubt whether Van Kiep has told me every detail of that trip. But nevertheless, she is back now, and that eases my mind tremendously.
We then talked about random stuff, like weird things she saw during the trips and other small talk things that I don't even remember. It was a very fun and enjoyable chat. Before one of us noticed, the sky was turning slightly orange already.
"Oh look at that, I didn't know that we talked for that long," I said and stood up, looking at the sky. "I guess I have to leave now," I turned to Van Kiep who was still sitting on the bench.
She didn't reply and lowered her head. I can kind of figure it out that she didn't want me to go. I stood there and thought for a while. After some consideration, I finally said, "Do you want to come with me?"
"Really?" she raised her head up instantly, and her eyes were glowing like a puppy.
"Hm," I nodded. "But you have to agree with me first," I said.
"I'll do anything," Van Kiep didn't even have a second thought.
"Besides Long Dao, there is also another person. I want you to hide until that person leaves," I told her.
"Another person?" she raised her eyes and tilted her head a bit. "Is it a girl?"
I could feel her eyes turned from pure to dark real quick. "It's a man," I tried to keep my cool, I forgot how scary of a yandere Van Kiep is. "I better not tell Van Kiep about Phai for her safety," I swallowed nervously. "So, do you agree with my condition?" I brought us back on track.
"Yes, anything you say, my prince," now she gave me a big smile and I could feel sparklings around her.
"Do you need to bring anything before we go?' I asked.
"I still have my clothes unpack, please wait here. I will be back quickly," she then ran inside and came out with a small bag on her back.
I told her to come close, then whispered, "Teleport."
[Teleport activated. 3 hours until cooldown refresh] with the old and familiar pop-up screen of the system, we were on our way.