I was about to go out in my room when suddenly the book lit up.
I stopped and looked at it.
I sighed.
I was frightened because this will involve the king again.
I was hesitant to look into it but my urge told me that it was something important.
I got my book then put it in my bag given by Min Yun.
I will read it later while we walk.
" You look stunning in your dress" Min Yun complemented me.
" Thank you"
" Shall we?"
"Yes."
Then, we left the house .
While walking, the book continued to light up.
It bothered me a lot that Min Yun noticed it.
" You don't look good" he said.
" I'm fine"
We continued walking until we arrived at the palace.
" Min Yun, I need to pee. Can you wait for me a little bit?"
" No problem. Let me carry your bag"
" No! it's okay"
Before he grabbed my bag, I walked away.
When I thought that Min Yun was far away from me, I opened my bag and got my book .
"Chapter 6" I uttered.
I silently read the book trying to absorb everything.
" The minister was so angry that he planned on killing all the family and distant relatives of the king. He cursed the park family. "
Wait.
The surname given to me was park. Min Yun was also a park. That means were distant relatives?
Woah. I totally missed the puzzle. How come I didn't remember the things I had read in the book? And in these simple things? like names?
" be careful with the poison. The minister's revenge will start now"
I closed the book after I finished reading it. My heart beats faster. Does the minister have no plan to take a rest in doing something bad to the king?
poison in food? Does this mean I need him to stop eating?
I can't do it now. Not that I looked suspicious to the king.
I sighed . What should I do? Should I let him poison himself? But what if he dies?
I went back to Min Yun after a long thought.
" Is something wrong?"
" Park Min Yun and Park Ji Hun. You are not just a best friend but you're a relative."
" Why so sudden?"
" I just noticed it now. "
" Come on. The king is waiting for us"
He started walking but I held his arm. Min Yun looked at me , confused on why I stopped him.
" You don't look good" he said.
I bit my lower lip. I sighed deeply and said " Please protect the king"
He looked at me blankly and confused me. " What do you mean? I don't get it"
"You don't trust Kim Man Shik, right? He planned to poison the king tonight".
"How did you know? What are these things you are saying to me?"
" I don't want the king to be more suspicious to me. I want you to stop what will happen to him".
" I don't know what you are saying. How did you know that Kim Man Shik will poison the king?"
" I will explain to you later. We need to hurry. Make sure nothing will happen to the king".
Even though he looked hesitant, he agreed with me without any questions.
We went to the king's room and we were welcomed with much food and drinks.
" Good evening, your majesty" we both greeted the king with a bow.
" Let's enjoy the food." he said.
I looked at Min Yun.
" I wanted to talk to you in private. " he said with a serious tone.
" Why so sudden? shouldn't we eat first before talking?"
" Did you start eating or drinking?"
" I waited for you. " said the king . Now he looked really confused about what was happening.
" Don't eat or drink ."
" Why? You're confusing me"
Min Yun signalled the court ladies to check on the food and drinks. They followed Min Yun while the king was just looking and didn't know how to react. I was just standing there observing what would happen.
The room was filled with gasp made by the court ladies. So it is true. The food and drinks have poison on it.
The King was so shocked at what was happening. The eunuchs and other court ladies entered the room to see what happened. All of them seemed frightened.
" Who put the poison on the king's food?" the head eunuch shouted. I could hear the crying of the court ladies and eunuch . As if they did something terrible.
They bowed down and started chanting " Your highness, this is an unforgivable sin. We deserve death."
The king stayed still ,trying to figure out what happened. Min Yun was just standing beside the king.
At last the king said, " Min Yun, how did you know about this?"
Min Yun looked at me. I shrugged my head trying to tell him not to tell what I had said a while ago.
" I smell poison." he said.
The king smirked and closed his fists. He looked really angry at the same time scared.
" Kim Man Shik" he uttered.
" When will he stop doing evil things against my family? Wouldn't he stop until he sees me die?"
I looked at the king's face and I could see how hurt he was. If I were on his shoe, I would feel the same.
" Don't report what happened tonight. I don't want anyone to know that something happened to me. I won't give them the pleasure they need." said the king.
" Yes, your highness" The head eunuch uttered.
" Just leave the place. I' m sorry but I have to cancel the dinner" he said then the court ladies started cleaning the room.
We were just left alone. Just the three of us. The king was just sitting like he was just alone.
" I'm sorry for what happened" Min Yun spoke.
He shrugged. " You just saved me. "
Then he looked at me. " You two just saved my life"
I looked away and bowed down. My conscience is getting bigger. I don't even know how to talk to Min Yun and explain myself.
" I wanted to rip off Kim Man Shik if I had the chance. He's really getting on my nerves. He will never stop harming the king" the king said with disgrace towards the minister of war.
" I will investigate what happened tonight. I will conduct the investigation myself." Min Yun said.
" I-jun, will you stay by my side for a while? Right now I need a companion. Min Yun will surely be busy with his investigation. " the king pleaded.
I looked at Min Yun and bowed to the king. Even if it would reveal my true identity I still agreed to what the king has said. After all ,he kept on mentioning that he wanted me to accompany him at the palace.
" I would gladly accompany you, your highness."
" Is that okay with you, Min Yun?"
" Why not, your highness? it is your order"
" You know that you have the right to decline if you don't like my order."
" You know that my mission is to protect you no matter what. It is not only my mission but our family"
" I will let the court ladies bring your things. starting tomorrow you will be staying here in the palace."
I looked at Min Yun. Even though I was too hesitant and I know Min Yun felt the same way but we have no choice but to protect the king. I just need to be double careful not to expose my true self.
After a short talk , the king already slept and Min Yun and I went out of the room. The night is getting darker and colder. We could only hear the sound of the crickets outside. I looked at the sky . I couldn't see the stars . Maybe later it will rain.
" Thank you" Min Yun started.
I looked at him. He was staring at the sky.
He continued," thank you for saving the life of the king. I don't know what to do if something might happen to him."
" I just did what I know is right." I answered.
He looked at me. I looked back . I could see his tired eyes after what had happened.
" Tell me everything. " He said.
I took a deep breath and said. " I don't belong here".