I-jun's POV
It was already morning, and we were packing our things to travel again. As Min Yun mentioned, this time we would be crossing the rivers.
I thought about what had happened last night. It was so awkward that I couldn't bring myself to confront Min Yun.
Why did a thunderstorm have to appear? I don't like thunderstorms, and it makes me scared.
"I-Jun..." Min Yun called me.
"Huh?"
"Drink this before we go."
He handed me a cup of tea, and I drank it.
After we finished drinking, we started traveling.
Min Yun didn't ride the horse, nor did the other soldiers. I was the only one riding it.
"Min Yun, you know that I can walk," I said.
"You'll get tired."
"I won't."
"Just let us do the job."
"You know that I came here with you to be helpful."
"I know that. You are helping us."
I frowned. "Here we go again."
He just chuckled, and I grimaced.
I stopped my tantrum when I saw a light coming from the bag.
Min Yun was busy walking while holding the horse, so I didn't bother him. He didn't even notice the light because I was the only one who could see it.
I opened the book and started reading it.
"Chapter 15," I read in my mind.
"Do not cross the river. The Kibashi people are waiting for their prey..."
I closed the book and called out to Min Yun.
"Min Yun..."
He stopped walking and glanced at me.
"Yes?"
"Let's not cross the river," I said.
"What?"
The other soldiers looked at us.
"Can you please help me down?" I asked.
Min Yun helped me get down.
I grabbed his hand and led him to a distant place where the soldiers couldn't hear us.
"Let's not cross the river," I repeated.
"Why?"
I showed him the book. "The book warned us. The Kibashi people are waiting for their prey."
"But we can't reach Shibuya Town if we don't cross the river."
"Is there another way?"
"There is another way, but it will take us more time."
"Should we just ignore what the book says?" I asked.
I saw hesitation and frustration in Min Yun's eyes.
I knew he believed in the book, but taking the longer route would mean more days before we reached Shibuya.
"Let's take another route. I don't want to sacrifice our lives just because we ignored the book's warning."
I nodded as Min Yun went to his soldiers and announced his decision.
"We will not cross the river," he said.
"Why, Captain?"
"It might be dangerous," he answered.
"Why do you say so? I think the water level isn't that high since yesterday's rain didn't last long," another soldier said.
"We all know Kibashi Town. There are many people who hunt travelers just to satisfy their greed—and we are not exempted."
"But it will take days if we reroute."
"So you want to die?" Min Yun asked, daring them to argue.
The soldiers fell silent. None of them objected further.
"Just trust me on this one," he said.
"Okay, Captain. You know we always trust you."
"Thank you." Then, he looked at me.
I gave him a small smile. Since we weren't crossing the river, Min Yun and his soldiers rode their horses.
Instead of crossing the river, we passed through a dark cave. Luckily, Min Yun and his soldiers had brought a lamp.
"It's so scary here," I whispered to Min Yun.
"There is no other way to Shibuya Town, and we will be crossing this cave for days."
"Days?" I hadn't realized my voice had gotten loud until the soldiers turned to look at us.
"Yes."
"I guess it's okay as long as we're safe," I said.
"At least if it rains, we won't have to worry about getting wet."
I nodded. After that conversation, we fell into silence for the rest of the journey, only stopping when the horses grew tired.
"I guess we can call it a day," Min Yun said.
The soldiers found their spots to rest.
"Are you hungry?" he asked.
I shrugged.
"Why? We haven't eaten since lunch, and it's already dinner."
"I'm just... bothered."
"By what?"
"It's just that the book told us not to cross the river. Do the soldiers really believe what you said?"
"I guess so..."
"How many extra days will this reroute take?"
"It will add three more days."
"That means we'll be traveling for over a week. I'll be gone from the palace for weeks."
"Do you regret coming with us now?"
"Of course not. I'm just worried if the king can keep hiding me. I'm sure Kim Man Shik will be a problem for him."
"Are you worried about him?"
"Of course. We all know how much of a bully the ministers are."
"If I were in the king's position, would you still be worried about me?" Min Yun asked.
His question seemed odd, but I answered anyway. "Of course. I'm already worried about you now."
I saw him smile. "Let's have dinner."
"But I'm not hungry."
"I won't allow you to skip a meal," he said, then pulled my arm.
We spent the night eating, talking, and drinking. The soldiers drank alcohol, but Min Yun and I had tea instead.
"Captain, why aren't you drinking alcohol?" one of the soldiers asked.
"It's for everyone's safety. If we all get wasted, who will stand guard? We don't know if someone else is here or not."
"Your Highness, do you want to drink alcohol?"
I pouted. "I told you not to call me that."
I didn't accept their offer because I was afraid I might do something I'd regret later. Alcohol never did me any good. It always got me into trouble—whether with the king or with Min Yun.
"I thought you loved alcohol," Min Yun chuckled.
"No, I don't," I defended myself.
"Yeah, if you say so."
"I mean it."
"Yes, Your Highness."
I pouted, and he laughed at my reaction.
"Why don't you get some rest now?"
"I'm not sleepy yet."
"Really? But your eyes tell me otherwise."
"I'm just tired."
"Then get some rest."
Min Yun's POV
I stopped sipping my tea when I felt someone lean on my shoulder.
It was I-jun. She had just said she wasn't sleepy, yet not even five minutes had passed, and she was already asleep.
"Captain, if we didn't know she was your cousin, I might think you like her."
"Yeah, I thought the same thing."
I just chuckled at their comments. "You should stop drinking now. We need to get up early tomorrow."
"But we were just getting started."
"Are you disobeying me now?" I used my authoritative voice.
"No, Captain."
"Good. Now, get some rest."
The soldiers sighed but obeyed, heading to their respective places. Meanwhile, I-jun and I remained where we were.
I didn't move an inch—I didn't want to wake her.
"Hmmmm." I-jun moaned softly, and to my surprise, she shifted onto my lap and continued sleeping.
I froze, completely stunned. I'm a man, after all.
When she finally settled, I found myself watching her sleep peacefully.
Who wouldn't fall for her?
****
I-jun's POV
"Hmmmm..." I moaned and stretched my arms.
I stopped when I felt like someone was near me.
I opened my eyes, and to my shock, I realized where I had been sleeping—on Min Yun's lap!
I was about to apologize, but then I noticed Min Yun sleeping quietly. Actually, even the soldiers were still asleep.
I glanced at Min Yun's face. He looked peaceful—and undeniably handsome—while he slept. This was the first time I could fully examine his features.
I smiled, reminiscing about the first time we met. It had been memorable—yet terrifying for me.
I must have been staring at him for a good ten minutes, lost in thought, until Min Yun suddenly spoke.
"Am I that handsome for you to stare at me like that?"
My eyes widened in shock, and I quickly stood up, but Min Yun grabbed my hand and gently pulled me back down.
"Just stay here. I don't mind if you keep staring at me."
"You sound so full of yourself," I teased.
"Maybe just a little," he teased back.
I chuckled. "By the way, I'm sorry."
Min Yun finally opened his eyes. "Sorry for what?"
"I slept on your lap. I didn't realize it."
"You don't need to apologize. I offered my lap."
"But I know it must have been uncomfortable for you."
"Not really."
"You're lying."
"Why would I?"
"Why are you so good to me?" I asked curiously.
"Are you asking for my reasons?"
I nodded.
"If I tell you my reason, will you still talk to me?"
"Why not? Everyone has their own reasons in life."
"I won't tell you just yet," he said, his voice calm. "But hear me out first."
I listened intently as he continued.
"Did you know... I once wished to be king?"