Chapter Twenty-Three: The Town of Gokhor
Dusk came and they have finally arrived at the Town of Gokhor. Wangchul would occasionally visit the said town for it was where he grew up with his mother, where he was still being called Lee Beomseok. He still could picture how lovely the town was, people dilly-dallying along the wide streets, children running and playing and of course, the merchants who would try their very best to attract customers and empty their shelves before midnight.
However, when Wangchul roamed around his eyes, the once lively town was now quiet and the once busy streets were now deserted as if it was an abandoned place. For the reason that it is now dominated by those dreadful monsters. Wangchul can't help but clench his fist. The Demon realm could truly break a rule out of their greed and would purposely release their monster at the Mortal realm to find some good food.
When they arrived at the gates, A fine man who appeared to be forty-something greeted them with a smile showing his relief that someone would finally solve his and the townspeople's problem. His facial expression is soft and warm— slightly exhausted, his eyes filled with kindness and his lips pale. It was maybe because of what's happening to the town.
The latter bowed with utmost respect before greeting with a kind voice, "Blessings and Glory upon the Empire of Han. His Majesty, the Emperor, and Her Majesty, the Empress. I am Ong Sungjoon, the Governor who is in charge of the Town. This way, please."
Sungjoon guided the party through the direction of his home. Wangchul especially requested for their troops to stay at the Governor's house for he missed the said residence.
Wangchul nodded his head as they walked and smiled slightly as if familiar and friendly, "It's nice to see you again, Governor Ong Sungjoon. However, I do not like the situation about how the town is suffering today."
Ong Sungjoon still looked the same as in his memories; His posture straight and upright his chestnut eyes kind and cozy, and his brows relaxed as if letting his guard down to every people he's meeting with.
Sungjoon replied with a faint smile, his voice unchanging, "I am extremely depressed with what's happening in our Town, your Majesty that is why I hope that you did not take my request for rushing you here in an unpleasant way."
Sungjoon paused for a bit to heave a heavy sigh before continuing, "And here I promised to take care of the town years ago for this to happen. I disappointed his Majesty." He ended in a low-spirited voice.
Wangchul shook his head lightly, "The monsters appearing in the town is out of your control, do not blame yourself. You have done a great job."
Ong Sungjoon just looked at him and smiled, reminiscing about the past. It was years ago when the young Wangchul visited the town for the first time. He was alone and without escorts when Ong Sungjoon saw him and let him stay at his place. He hosted the young guest with hospitality without even knowing that he was a prince.
After two days of his stay, Wangchul was picked up by his imperial advisor and that left Sungjoon stupefied. He then would often visit Ong Sungjoon and after finally being crowned as the Emperor, he let Sungjoon be in charge of the town.
Albeit their social statuses were far different from each other, Wangchul treated Sungjoon like a father. Sungjoon, as well, treated Wangchul like a son. And up until now, they didn't treat each other indifferently.
The old acquaintances chatted along the way about life and would occasionally mention Haneul. Haneul would only laugh awkwardly and answer kindly when asked about the relationship between the two.
When they arrived at Sungjoon's residence, he immediately showed Wangchul and Haneul a clean and spacious guest room as if it was in fact meant for the two of them.
Wangchul chuckled lowly when he remembered something, "This is where I used to stay when I visit the old man's crib."
Hearing this, Haneul nodded her head and oh-ed with amusement on her face.
'So this is where he manifested his Blessing the first time? Totally outstanding! I'm seriously in the room where one of the main character's story highlights happened!'
On the other hand, the man outside the room waiting for them scowled, "Old man, your majesty how could you say that in front of her majesty? I am still a young fellow."
Hearing this, Wangchul looked at him, his face expressionless, "With all that signs of aging, surely you jest."
Sungjoon playfully pouted and laugh afterward when he heard Haneul pfft-ed, "Dinner is ready, pray come to eat with this old man together."
Haneul nodded and smiled warmly, "We will just get ready for dinner and come afterward."
Sungjoon then bowed his head and walked away after closing the door of the room.
Haneul roamed her eyes around the room with awe and amusement. The room was as spacious as hers at the palace, however, it was as neat and organized with less furniture as the Emperor's.
"Here, change into these clothes." Wangchul handed her a set of clothes. It was an ordinary dress; not heavy, not light, probably suitable for dinner.
She grabbed and looked at Wangchul, her eyes squinting, "Okay then, turn around. I'm going to change my clothes here."
Wangchul, who remained inert, cleared his throat. "You..."
With the clothes that were lent to her placed on both of her hands, Haneul replied with a perplexed look, "I what?"
"Do you not need a helping hand?"
Hearing this, Haneul tilted her head slightly. She was mentally reckoning about how could the Almighty Han Wangchul help her in any way. First of all, even though he is close to the perfect main character, he had things that he can't do especially when it's about women because he is a man. Secondly, let us say that he had some experience with ladies, Wangchul is not the type of person to help her dress up first thing in the morning. And lastly, even she is having a hard time with dressing up, how could he help? Haneul then came up with a conclusion that there is honestly nothing he could offer.
'Do you even know how to help me with this dress?'
Haneul looked at him before answering. "What kind of help can you offer?" she said in a curious yet challenging voice.
Hinting that Haneul was challenging him as if doubting, he replied with brimming confidence, "Just tell me, I can do anything so I'm quite confident with helping you."
Haneul's eyes widened in a mocking manner hearing Wangchul's reply.
'Says the one who can't cook a proper dinner!'
As a matter of fact, Haneul was kind of expecting for him to answer that way. However, it is still different when voiced out. She gave up thinking and accepted Wangchul's helping hand.
When they finally finished getting ready, they stepped out of the room and was greeted by four maidservants and a head maid, their heads bowing as if meeting directly into Wangchul and Haneul's eyes are worth their heads.
"Blessings and Glory upon the Sun and the Moon of the Han Empire." Everyone said in unison.
Knowing that the people in front of them would not dare look at her, Haneul did not bother to curve her lips into a smile, instead replied with a "Hm."
On the other hand, Wangchul was busy fixing the back ribbon of Haneul's dress hence, he did not bother to utter a single word. In any case, the cold Emperor still would not be greeting back, be it doing something or not.
However, being cold towards his people does not make him a tyrant Emperor. It even boosted his reputation, take the young maidservants for example. The cold treatment is one of the Emperor's charms that they started giggling softly instead of showing any signs of being intimidated.
Hearing this, the head maid fake coughed and motioned her head, her eyes still locked on the floor before speaking. "This head maid will be leading his Majesty and her Majesty to the dining hall. Please."
The maidservants schooled their expressions and positioned themselves at the back of the Emperor and the Empress, whereas the head maid's in front of them— leading their way.
As soon as they entered the Dinner Hall, a warm and cheerful smile greeted them. Ong Sungjoon guided them in their seats, his smile unfading.
"Your Majesty, I personally cooked your favorite food. Pray her Majesty would fancy the food prepared for this dinner." He said in a kind manner.
Hearing this, Haneul shook her head lightly with a flustered expression, "Oh no, I'm not a picky eater. Many thanks to your utmost hospitality."
Wangchul, on the other hand, was digging in firstly taking a taste of his favorite food— Ox Bone Soup. Seeing the Emperor who was enjoying his meal, they started to pick up food and enjoyed their hearty meal as well.