Chapter 36 - Happy Times

“It’s not as big as the one at the Imperial palace back in the capital but it’s got some unique local herbs that can only be planted here on this mountain,” Shin explained.

“Thank you for suggesting this. I can’t wait to see it,” I said, unable to hide my thrill.

I hurriedly follow Shin along the path through the garden until we arrived at the medical garden that he had mentioned. Although he said that it was small, what I saw before me was anything but. If this herbal garden was considered small, then I couldn’t imagine how big the one back at the Imperial palace was.

“You see these small yellow flowers here. These are golden lion tears. They’re good for healing burns and cuts to the skin. Supposedly they hurt less than the other herbs and are popular for usage in children,” Shin began explaining as he touched his finger gently to a very small yellow flower.

I crouched down to examine the yellow flowers closer. Their petals were so cute and small. Golden lion tears, I have never seen or heard of them before.

“They’re cute right? These purple flowers over here are also a local herb around these parts. These are called Amethyst dream. Medically they can lower your body temperature when you have a fever but if you smoke it enough, it can cause hallucinations,” Shin explained as he pointed to a row or purple flowers.

“That’s why they’re called Amethyst dream, right? They can cause hallucinations…” I said, filled with interest.

“That’s probably right,” Shin replied with a small laugh.

I smiled back happily before returning my gaze to the purple flowers. It was clear that despite being a war general, Shin was very knowledgeable about herbs. Although he said that he was no expert, the explanations that he gave me made me believe otherwise. I laughed at little to myself at Shin’s modesty.

I walked around the herb garden with Shin as he pointed out various other plants and flowers that had special medical properties. I recognized some of them; however, most I have never seen or heard of before. Fortunately, I was able to share some of my knowledge with Shin and so I didn’t have to feel like a complete free rider.

“Watch your step. The mosses here make it slippery, and the path is narrow,” Shin warned as he walked slightly ahead of me.

He was right the stone path was suddenly narrow and it looked very slippery. It was clear that only one person could walk the path at a time.

“I’ll be ok. Thanks for the warning,” I replied, sounding more confident than I actually felt. I would be fine if I wore normal shoes or was barefoot but these high platform shoes had me feeling very uncertain.

I took a couple of steps on shaky legs. The path was much more slippery than I had imagined.

“Give me your hand, Rin,” Shin said as he extended a hand towards me.

“Thank you very much, Shin. I thought for a second there that I would fall flat on the ground,” I said with a laugh as I took his hand.

His much larger hand wrapped around mine as he supported me. I was able to walk forward steadier than before thanks to my hold on his hand. Soon, I could see the end of the narrow path where the path would widen to its normal width.

“Careful! Rin!” Shin cried out in a panic.

I think he realized before I did that, I have lost my balance. I tripped forward slightly and landed in Shin’s outstretched arms.

“I’m so sorry!” I apologized loudly.

“Are you alright?” Shin asked with worry.

“…Yes. Thank you…for catching me,” I replied. That was so embarrassing. How did I manage to trip when I was so close to the end of the narrow path?

“You have to be more careful…” he said with a small laugh.

I looked up at him and smile and that was when I realized how close we were. Oh, Shin still has his arms wrapped around me…

“Umm…I’m ok now…” I said in a whisper.

“Oh right. Sorry…” Shin apologized as he came to the same realization.

He quickly let go of me before bending down to adjust the hem of my dress and dusting the dirt away from it.

I was thankful to Shin for spending time with me. I knew that he wasn’t any less busy than Ren and he was spending his precious time with me to keep me company. I didn’t know exactly how much time had passed, but when I realized it, the sun was already starting to set. The sky above was dyed a reddish orange color with the setting sun.

“I didn’t realize that it’s gotten so late in the day. Let’s call it a day,” Shin said as he looked up at the sky.

“I guess time flies when you’re having fun…” I replied.

“I’m glad to hear that you had fun, Rin,” Shin replied warmly. His smile was so friendly that it made me feel warm and fuzzy all over.

“It’s all thanks to you! Thank you, Shin,” I thanked him earnestly.

“You were on your way to the hot springs, right? Follow me, I’ll show you the way,” Shin said as he beckoned for me to follow him.

“Oh, right. Thank you,” I replied, remembering my original destination.

Since Shin helped me kill a couple of hours enjoyably in the herb garden, it was now the perfect time of the day to soak and relax in the hot spring. I have never seen or been to one before and so I felt quite excited. I heard that hot springs also had medical properties and was recommended as a way of treatment by many doctors.

Surprisingly, the hot springs were only a short walk from the herb garden. Shin and I arrived there in a few minutes. It was unfortunate but it seemed like my time with Shin ends here for today.

“Here we are. The hot springs are through that wooden door. There should be maids there to help you should you need them,” Shin said as he pointed to the door.

--To be continued…