Incompetent Joseon figurehead? Naive Self-righteousness? Indeed! Hwan's eyes narrowed at the banter at the adjacent table. Furtively, Hwan studied the man comfortably occupying the space next to Jay Yi that should have been his. Lithe and tall, the man had an oval face, a sharp jawline and jaded but well-crafted eyes that seemed to know too much. He itched to grab the offender by the collar and haul him to a dungeon from which he would never see the daylight again.

Who was he? Why was she so at ease with a perfect stranger?

The raw jealousy that raked his inside felt like a seething inferno - a feeling he knew he had no right to.

What do you plan to do with Maiden Jay Yi? Sung On's voice reverberated in his ears.

Hwan grimaced.

The question should have been, where and how in his life as the king of Joseon - entrusted with caring for all his people, needing allies to navigate a serpentine court, expected to perform like a puppet to sire a palace full of heirs with women who were little more than ornamented political baby producing dolls, with each of them trudging through barren, loveless life - could he fit someone like Jay Yi, just so that his heart did not die a little every day?

If it had to be like this, why did it have to be Maiden Jay Yi?

Hwan wished he had an answer for Sung On. He could no longer rationalize his insane need for Jay Yi. A world without her was as inconceivable to him today as when that idiot had almost lain her head under the executioner's blade to save him. His upbringing had not equipped him to swim in the tumultuous waters of an aching heart without drowning.

Hwan knew it had not been wise of him to come to the Inn today. He had managed to keep himself away from Min Jay Yi for all these months, but seeing her during the Procession burst open a dam he could not control.

In the tussle between the personal feelings of the man he was and how he ought to be as the Sovereign of the Country, Hwan knew the former was gaining the upper hand, his once seemingly impenetrable fortress of restraint crumbling like sand-castle, his formidable self-control fighting a losing battle. And he did not care. He had to meet her for his sanity, even if it was just for this one time.

Hwan had spent most of the evening waiting for Jay Yi and watching Myung Jin and Ga-ram waste themselves, talking loudly and being their happy self. Myung Jin droned on and on about his many failed experiments while Ga-ram cheered him for all of them regardless, much to Hwan's fond amusement. Hwan had wanted to go to them, but knowing how uncomfortable Ga-ram tended to become around him, he left them be. Waiting for Jay Yi so he could surprise her also seemed like a good idea. His wait had been long, but he had been patient, though at times he had grown impatient too. Where was the woman? Next moment he would take deep breaths and go back to waiting. He was Hwan, patience was his other name. Even if he had to wait the entire night to just catch a glimpse, he would.

Hwan had almost given up on her when Jay Yi had walked in, looking cross and - beautiful. A breathlessness overcame him that was not due to exertion. It tickled him to learn she had chased him across the town for a better part of the day, smiling as he sipped the wine. A more defiant part of him wished for a world where she could have ridden with him by his side as his Queen. He took his fill, his gaze resting on her delicate face topped by her hat, beads enticingly touching her soft cheeks as she moved her head, the cooling green and rust tunic enhancing her golden complexion. Similar to the day of the Procession at Manyadeong two days prior, today, too, she had chosen to dress in fabrics handpicked by him.

She was beautiful no matter what she wore, but the fact she deliberately donned his choices made a thrill of pleasure gush through his veins. Hwan had lowered his head over the bowl of soup., smiling, his heart thumping at the prospect of her astonished face upon seeing him.

"What is wrong, Master Min?" Hwan's head had jerked up at Myung Jin's question.

"I don't know...I felt-felt like someone I know is nearby," Jay Yi's voice trailed off. He had looked up to see her turned around, her back to him, her neck a delicate column of stress as she swept her eyes around the Inn bustling with hordes of people from inside and outside the town.

Could she sense his presence? Was she trying to locate him? Hwan had wondered in amazement, his heart flipping.

Belatedly he wished he had dressed in his usual flamboyant self. Hwan had pushed his bowl, emptied his cup and stood up, willing her to turn and look at him, when he heard a fourth person he had never seen before confidently slide down beside Jay Yi.

"Were you looking for me, Master Min?" the man asked.

Hwan had lowered his large frame back on the bench, clenching his jaw in frustration until it hurt.

He glared at the table. Now, all he could do was watch Jay Yi's table surreptitiously. She looked tiny next to the man they called Mun Jeon, her obtrusive hat shielding most of her lovely face.

The green monster clawed through Hwan to plant its horns firmly on his head.

Hwan toyed with the red bean soup in front of him. Despite looking miffed whenever Hwan was spoken of in derisive terms, Jay Yi seemed to enjoy the man's company. How did she know him? Through Myung Jin? Their association looked more familiar than that. She had never mentioned meeting anyone remotely similar to him before.

Hwan shifted in his seat, trying to quash his jealousy whenever he heard Jay Yi talk to or laugh at Mun Jeon's words. Hwan attempted to divert himself by observing the five men, his companions at the table, all busy spooning their bowls. He helped himself to some more wine. He smiled at the young shy Innkeeper girl with a baby, who looked to be about two years old, secured to her back with a baby-carrying sling. He asked for soybean soup, although he was already up to his neck with all the red bean soup bowls he had emptied while waiting for Jay Yi.

Futile effort. Hwan's eyes darted back to studying the offending creature sitting too comfortably with her.

The man Jay Yi referred to as Mun Jeon had about three to four years on Hwan. His grey hanbok was fashioned out of imported silk, possibly from Ming. The multicoloured beads hanging from his hat signalled a luxurious station in life. Hwan wracked his brain. The Mun family was old, wealthy and illustrious. Many had cleared state examinations and were a part of his current talent pool. However, the name Mun Jeon did not ring a bell.

Hwan watched as Jay Yi pried open the wine tumbler from Ga-ram's hands.

"Ga-rama, stop drinking!" Jay Yi warned a very tipsy-sounding Ga-ram, tut-tutting at her sloppy attempt to pour into her cup.

Jay Yi removed the tumbler and set it away from Ga-ram's reach.

"How much did he drink?" Jay Yi asked Myung Jin worriedly.

"He just had a few on an empty stomach while he waited for you," Myung Jin whispered as if sharing some top-state secret.

"It's more likely an entire jar," Jay Yi said accusingly.

Hwan chuckled at Jay Yi's stern tone. He had forgotten how bossy she could be.

"Ah! Student, you never listen! Did I not tell you to eat first and then drink?" Myung Jin complained to Ga-ram, who ignored him completely.

"Master Min, I only drank a few. You know I never get d-drunk! I wish Scholar Park were here; you would not be this grumpy." Ga-ram slurred gloomily.

"Right? Right? I agree. Ah! How I wish he were here too," Myung Jin seemed least bothered about Ga-ram getting drunk. Not surprising as Myung Jin had a very low threshold for alcohol himself. "Eh! Scholar Park, that man!" Myung Jin sighed in nostalgia.

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"The ever elusive Scholar Park - the man who took so much help from you last year has not shown up since. How do you call him your friend?" Mun Jeon interrupted.

"Ah! A friend is a friend!" Myung Jin admonished. "Myung Jin misses his friend!"

"Ugh! A man who seeks help and then vanishes once his task is accomplished cannot be trusted." Mun Jeon said drily.

Hwan's hackles went up.

"You cannot say that of Scholar P-Park!" Ga-ram came to his defence. "He....is the best in all of...no one can hold a candle, he.... hic !" Myung Jin clamped her mouth.

"He is drunk, don't mind him, Master Mun," Myung Jin obviously was not that drunk.

Hwan promised himself to reward Ga-ram for her fervent loyalty.

"Scholar Park is a very busy man!" Jay Yi said with pained exasperation. "Master Mun, can you spend at least half an hour not criticizing someone?"

Hwan's lips spread in a broad smile, a chuckle escaping him. God help anyone who crossed swords with his fiesty Jay Yi over him, Hwan thought happily. Now only if that invisible sword could impale that aggravating unwelcome guest at their table or, better still, make him crumble into dust.

"I only criticize your undeserved bias, Master Min," the offending man was undaunted by the rebuke. "If Scholar Park was indeed that good of a friend, would he have avoided you for such a long period?" Mun Jeon's annoying voice drifted to him.

"Master Mun, Scholar Park is n-not avoiding; he is shovelling," Ga-ram informed. And promptly passed out.

Jay Yi jumped up in alarm. "How am I going to get him home!"

"Do not worry; I can carry him on my back," Myung Jin offered as he poked an unresponsive Ga-ram in her cheek to see if she would wake up.

"No, thank you, last time you tried giving her a ride when she hurt her ankle, she had to spend days tending to your back after your mother found out." Jay Yi reminded him reproachfully, eliciting a long-suffering sigh from Myung Jin. "I have never seen Jung Ga-ram pass out from drinking!"

Neither had he! Hwan laughed as he helped himself to a spoonful of delicious soybean soup. Despite not sitting at their table, he was thoroughly enjoying himself. Oh! How he had missed them!

"Do not worry about him, young scholar. He can stay with us tonight," a familiar voice piped in. Astonished, Hwan looked up. Man-Deok! What was he doing here?

Hwan noticed he was not alone; Bok Soon was also with him.

Myung Jin and Jay Yi jumped up, ecstatic. Myung Jin hugged his friend. Bok Soon squeezed Jay Yi's hands.

"How come you are here?" Myung Jin asked, his voice surprisingly clear.

"We came for the Procession," Bok Soon said.

"How could we miss it, Young Master?" Man Deok was poignant, which earned him another hug from Myung Jin. Hwan swallowed a lump, immensely grateful for the love he had from these people, his friends. He made a mental note to meet up with them later at night.

"Are you staying in the Inn?" Jay Yi asked.

"The young woman running this Inn is my neice" Man Deok smiled.

"Really?" Jay Yi clasped her hands in delight. "But we did not see you during the Procession," Jay Yi said.

"We learned of the Procession a few days ago, so we reached Hanyang a little late. By that time, it was impossible to come all the way here. We arrived at the Inn only a few minutes ago."

Jay Yi nodded in sympathy. "The rush has been unbelievable."

"It had to be; our Crown Prince, now His Majesty, the King, is loved by all, is he not!" Bok Soon choked, her voice proud.

"Did I not tell you our Joseon will see good days!" Myung Jin slapped Man Deok's back.

Hwan's eyes misted, his keen ears picking up the unmistakable tone of pride and a sense of accomplishment.

"How are the children?" Jay Yi asked.

"Oh, I have something for you all. Dal Rae made it." Man Deok said.

"It's so fortunate you came here today," Bok Soon said.

Man Deok handed over four small money bags, sewn from satin and exquisitely embroidered.

"The pink one is for you, Young scholar; the green is for you, Young Master," Man Deok said as he handed the pouches to them.

"This blue one here is for your student, Young Master; I will give him when he wakes up," Bok Soon said.

Jay Yi lovingly traced the pink satin embroidered with a purple ribbon wrapped around the hilt of an exquisitely stitched silver dagger, her voice catching. "I miss them."

"This red one.....I don't know if we will meet....tall scholar, so can you please give it to him?" Man Deok extended the beautiful satin bag flawlessly embroidered with a small dragon intertwining a sword against a tiny, almost indiscernible, plum blossom - a flash of red, gold and black - to Jay Yi.

Mun Jeon leaned forward. "Scholar Park again? How will you give it to a man who seems to have forgotten all of you?"

Jay Yi snapped back. "That's none of your business!"

Mun Jeon's answering snicker grated on Hwan's nerves. Pulling his hat down a bit more, Hwan wrapped his fingers around the wine cup. If the critter did not stop, he could soon find his neck in Hwan's grip.

Taken aback at the odd arguments between their friends and this new person, Man Deok and Bok Soon exchanged glances.

"Ah! Do not fight children; I believe I can send it to him," Myung Jin extended his hand.

Hwan clenched his hand, wanting to sock Mun Jeon and announce he was right there, but he knew the surprise could blow off his cover.

"How about we hold it? We are here for a few days. If we do not meet him, we can leave it with you, Young Master." Man Deok ended the debate.

Jay Yi withdrew her hand. Did her shoulder slump? Hwan could not tell.

"I am not sure I have seen you before, Master," Man Deok asked Mun Jeon politely.

Launching into a rousing introduction of his new friend, Myung Jin informed Master Mun Jeon was now a significant donor to his scientific endeavours.

Hwan leaned back. Ah! So that was why Myung Jin was lugging the fool around. He made a mental note to increase Kim Myung Jin's funding, even if that meant tapping into his no less considerable personal royal resources.

Hwan watched as Man Deok and Bok Soon helped Myung Jin carry Ga-ram to their room. Jay Yi wanted to join, but Myung Jin motioned her to be at the table.

"What is so special about this Scholar Park you all seemed to put on a pedestal?" Much to Hwan's chargin, Mun Jeon did not even try to conceal his distaste.

Jay Yi traced the rim of the wine cup, a slight smile on her lips. "He is special because he is...unique."

Leaning to his left, Hwan strained his ears to listen to Jay Yi's words.

Mun Jeon grunted, the Inn lanterns around them throwing an eerie glow on his face.

"He is tall and handsome, a master of both academics and military arts, and he has immense fortitude. Scholar Park is compassionate and paves new paths for people who have faced injustice - as I said, he is unique."

Each word felt musical, elation lifting his heart, transporting Hwan back to the Palace when Jay Yi had tried to tell him in so many ways about the man she loved - himself.

Mun Jeon twirled the spoon in his hand. "Let me guess - he also belongs to a powerful political family?"

Jay Yi's face was no longer in his clear vision, the man sitting on his left wearing an identical straw hat like him blocking his view, but Hwan saw her shrugging. "How does it matter? There is no one in Joseon like him."

"I disagree. I have never heard of anyone like that. And even if this man has all those capabilities, I still say your taste in friends leaves much to be desired. You said he lives close by. As a scholar, how busy can he be? It's doubtful he values your friendship as much as you do." Mun Jeon reasoned.

"Please refrain from speaking on matters that do not concern you. I am sure Scholar Park has more pressing commitments that have tied him up," Jay Yi said. "Moreover, why are you always so interested in him?"

"It's not about me; I find your interest in him concerning."

"I would appreciate your dropping your worries about me, Master. I don't particularly like speaking about my friends behind their backs. I would also extend the same courtesy to you if such an occasion arose."

"Look, Master Min; please do not take this wrong. I am honoured that you consider me a friend. I worry about you. I also owe that much to your brother. All I am saying is if there is a will, there is a way. If this Scholar Park wanted to meet you or keep up his friendship with you, he would have. He would have found a way."

Brother? Hwan frowned, a niggling suspicion taking hold. Mun Jeon's voice was unusually gentle and oddly informal at times, usually reserved by a man when speaking with a younger woman of acquaintance. Did he know Jay Yi was a woman? Why did Mun Jeon refer to Jay Yi's brother? While Jay Yi now had no reason to hide her identity from those close to her, nevertheless, it would indicate a familiarity that extended beyond the Inn or even Myung Jin's company.

Who was this man?

Unfortunately, the rest of the conversation was lost to him because the shaggy-looking man sitting across Hwan suddenly decided to grab Hwan's hand and pull it towards him.

Hwan recoiled instinctively, jerking himself free.

"What are you doing!"

"How are your hands be so clean?" the shaggy-looking man's gravelly voice matched the unabashed curiosity of his beady eyes.

Hwan blinked.

The man, unfazed, dragged Hwan's hand again across the table. He flattened his own next to Hwan's meticulously groomed hands, comparing it to his calloused skin and broken dirt-crusted fingernails.

Hwan snatched his hand back.

The other four on the table also turned towards them, interested. They inspected their hands, agreed with the shaggy-looking man, and looked at Hwan, askance. Hwan squirmed. Where was Jay Yi when he needed her the most?

The one next to Hwan peered at him, bending to look closer at the face under Hwan's hat. Hwan visibly shrunk in his seat. "Your clothes look all right. How is your skin be smooth and pale? Look like you never seen the sun!"

Hwan's mind went on overdrive, trying to hunt for an answer.

"My Master is very kind. I only work inside the house," Hwan was proud of his reply.

In his periphery, he saw Jay Yi get up from the table.

"Nah! You look like never polish a floor, or wash a horse, or even work on kitchen grime, and you speak uppity like," one of the men snorted.

Desperately trying to recall the interior of houses he visited as a young child, Hwan quickly attempted to map the areas he could work without soiling his hands.

"My Master and Mistress only make me work in their bed chamber," Hwan said triumphantly.

Five sets of eyes stared at him.

That had come out so wrong.

Hwan had an out-of-body experience where he could see his ears go red, his face awash in hues of magnolia berry.

And he had lost sight of Jay Yi.

What a disaster! Stammering, he tried to escape. "Y-You all enjoy your meal. It's on me. You said such good things to me, Khamsamida! " Hurriedly he drew out some coins, placed them on the table, and fled, leaving the men gaping after him.