Joon-oh sat in the carriage, his mind preoccupied with the puzzling questions that had arisen from Na-ri's recent inquiries. Why had she asked Tina to look into the Blood Wing Assassins and the White Lily Illness? Was it a distant memory surfacing or some foreboding premonition? The shock of their sudden body switch still lingered, leaving him in a state of confusion and unease.
The carriage rumbled along the well-trodden road, eventually arriving at a checkpoint. This was the gate that led to the Kwon sect, a martial arts city perched atop a mountain and surrounded by a vast expanse of water. Though technically an island, the city's mountainous nature made it more of a fortress. The bridge connecting the gate to the Kwon sect was a marvel of engineering—sturdy enough to support a carriage, yet designed to collapse in times of war, severing any easy access to the city. The water below was a daunting fifty feet down, making any approach without the bridge nearly impossible.
As the carriage rolled to a stop, Ji-hoon looked out at the familiar yet imposing structure. The sight brought back a flood of memories, both joyous and bittersweet. She had spent just one years here, training under Master Hae Tae-kwon, creating memories that felt as intrinsic to her as if she had been born and raised there.
The guard escorting Ji-hoon's carriage approached the gatekeeper. "Her Highness, the Crown Princess of Arandal, has come to visit your city," he announced formally.
The gatekeeper looked puzzled. "What is her name?" he asked.
"Our princess's name is Princess Ji-hoon," the escort replied.
The mention of Ji-hoon's name caused a stir among the guards. There were five of them stationed at the gate, and they began to whisper among themselves.
"Is it really the Ji-hoon we know?"
"Is Ji-hoon back?"
"I thought she wasn't going to come back again."
Their excitement was palpable. One of the guards stepped forward and asked, "Can we see her face before we ensure her entry?"
The escort nodded and relayed the request to Ji-hoon. She leaned out of the carriage window, and the guard who had asked to see her immediately began to cry.
"Min, why are you crying?" Ji-hoon asked, recognizing the guard.
"No, it's nothing," Min replied, wiping away his tears. "We are just happy to see you again."
With that, he ordered the gate to be opened. As the massive gates swung open, he yelled to the guards at the other end of the bridge, "Ji-hoon is back!"
The guard then yelled to the other guards at the end of the bridge guarding the second gate, "Ji-hoon is back!"
Before the carriage reached the end of the bridge, the second gate was already open. Ji-hoon's escort guards began to question among themselves, "Exactly what did our princess do for them to appreciate her this much?"
The town was bustling with activity, but the news of Ji-hoon's return spread like wildfire, creating a palpable buzz of excitement and celebration. The streets, usually filled with the orderly pace of daily life, were now vibrant with townsfolk gathering to catch a glimpse of the returning princess. Merchants paused their bargaining, children stopped their play, and the elderly shared knowing smiles, each face reflecting a piece of the collective joy that Ji-hoon's return had inspired.
The carriage continued its journey, finally arriving at the grand palace where Ji-hoon had been trained by the esteemed Master Hae Tae-kwon. The palace stood as a beacon of strength and tradition, its walls adorned with symbols of the sect's rich history and martial prowess. Every martial artist of the sect was already assembled at the entrance, their postures respectful and their eyes filled with anticipation.
As Ji-hoon stepped out of the carriage, a hush fell over the crowd. Her presence commanded attention, and the air seemed to hold a collective breath. Emerging from the crowd, Master Hae Tae-kwon, a figure of authority and benevolence, approached her. Around her neck, Ji-hoon wore the half jade pendant he had given her long ago, a symbol of their unbreakable bond. The other half of the pendant hung around his neck, completing the connection between Father and daughter.
Ji-hoon knelt down in front of him, her voice steady but filled with emotion, "Father, I have returned home."
Master Hae's face lit up with a broad smile that reached his eyes, crinkling the corners with genuine happiness. He helped her to her feet and enveloped her in a warm, paternal hug. "Spring has returned home," he declared, his voice resonating with joy. "Tonight, we shall have a feast to celebrate."
The crowd erupted in cheers, their joy echoing through the palace grounds. The scene was a testament to Ji-hoon's impact on the sect and the deep affection they held for her. Her escort guards stood off to the side, dumbstruck by the reception. They exchanged bewildered glances, trying to comprehend the depth of the bond between Ji-hoon and the people of the Kwon sect.
"Did the Princess just kneel in front of that man?" one of them asked, incredulous.
"Even the Princess does not call her father, 'father,'" another commented, still trying to grasp the significance of the moment.
"Why does he call her 'Spring'?" a third guard wondered aloud, watching the reunion with fascination.
Ji-hoon was led inside the palace, where familiar faces greeted her warmly. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting famous battles and scenes of martial prowess. It felt like stepping back into a world she had once known intimately. She was guided to a spacious room, richly decorated yet simple, reflecting the martial austerity of the sect.
"Please, make yourself comfortable," Master Hae said, his eyes twinkling with happiness. "Tonight's feast will be grand, and we have much to catch up on."
Ji-hoon nodded, still overwhelmed by the reception. She looked around the room, feeling a sense of belonging that she had missed. The soft murmur of conversations outside her door reminded her of the many evenings she had spent here, training, learning, and growing.