Chapter 68 - Temporary Farewell

“Umm…today is a little bit busy because many representatives from the provinces and towns are here to collect their monthly medicine rations as per the policy. The lines you see are representatives queuing up to receive the medicine so that they can bring it back to their hometown…” the doctor explained in simple terms.

“I see,” Ren said curtly.

We walked along to various counters that were busy preparing and distributing medicine. Well wrapped parcels were passed over the counter from the doctors and herbalists in charge to the representatives.

There were many questions that I wanted to ask such as what medicines and herbs were being given out. If there were diseases spreading in the provinces? However, I knew that asking questions now would seem out of place and I had to heed Ren’s warning.

The doctor already looked puzzled enough that I was with Ren on his surprise visit to the Royal Medical Office. He probably took me as someone that Ren brought along to ease his boredom as he looked over the medical office. Little did he know that the one who was truly interested in what was going on here was me…and not Ren.

After we finished with this building, we went for a tour at the other two remining buildings. The pattern of our visit was similar as the first two buildings with a doctor coming up to us to greet Ren and offer their assistance. I enjoyed the tour immensely and found it truly eye opening. Many things were different from my hometown and many things were completely new to me.

I admired how orderly everything was being managed for the wellbeing of both the patient and the efficiency of the doctors and medical staffs. By the time we were finished with the tour the sun was already setting. I looked up at the sky above us as we were heading out of the Royal Medical Office.

“Did you enjoy the tour?” Ren asked with a grin on his handsome face.

“Absolutely…yes!” I answered excitedly, my voice coming out much louder than I had intended.

Ren laughed openly at me as his large hand ruffled my hair.

“Ah…my hair!” I exclaimed as I lifted my hands to touch my now slightly messy hair.

“Learn anything new?” Ren asked as we walked along slowly hand in hand.

I didn’t know when or how it happened, but I had gotten very used to holding Ren’s hand and walking together leisurely by his side. I glanced over at Ren who seemed to be enjoying our little stroll.

“I learnt so many things. I don’t even know where or how to begin…” I replied honestly.

“That’s good,” Ren said.

“Ren…” I called out his name softly as I came to a stop.

Ren turned to look at me wondering why I had suddenly stopped walking.

“What’s the matter?” Ren asked, concern evident in his voice.

“Thank you, Ren,” I said in my most heartfelt voice. There was nothing that I could offer to him but still, I wanted him to help me. My most sincere thanks were all that I had to offer at that moment.

Ren chuckled softly to himself before he smiled at me.

“Now do you see why it’s a great idea to gain my favor?” Ren asked, his smile turning a little naughty.

Ren…he really has a way with words…

…

Ren walked me all the way back to the White Lotus palace. By the time we arrived back there, the sun had already set. The path back was lit by torch fires instead, dying the path in a warm orange light. I wondered if Ren would stay for dinner and found myself secretly hoping that he would.

Unfortunately, my wish wasn’t granted. When we arrived back in the main hall of the White Lotus palace, Ren let go of my hand as he bid me farewell.

“I really enjoyed our day together today. We should…do this more often,” Ren said with a warm smile.

The main hall was quite cold now that the sun had set for a while, but Ren’s presence made me feel so warm inside. I too wished that we could enjoy another day together just like today.

“It was. Thank you once again, Ren” I replied, offering him my best smile.

Ren looked like he was about to say something but then after a moment of silence he decided against it. I did wonder what he was about to say. I wanted to ask him since he looked so conflicted but then thinking better about it; I decided not to push him.

“I should be going now. Good night, Rin,” Ren bid me farewell simply.

“You’re not staying for dinner?” I asked, once again I did not think before I spoke, and I cursed myself for it.

“Unfortunately, I can’t stay with you tonight…” Ren said apologetically.

“Oh no…it’s ok. I completely understand…” I quickly said.

I offered him the best smile that I could muster despite the slight sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. It was then that I realized that I had been looking forward to spending more time with Ren. I guess I got lost in the pace of our fun time today and I was getting ahead of myself.

“Goodnight,” Ren said as he placed a large and warm hand on the top of my head.

I noticed that he’s been doing that more and more often lately and I didn’t hate it.

“Goodnight, Ren,” I said with a small smile.

Without another word, Ren turned on his heels and left the White Lotus Palace. I watched his broad back as he walked away from me. Just as Ren was about to exit the door and I was about to heave a sigh, Ren looked over his shoulder at me and my eyes widened in surprise.

“Make sure that you don’t get yourself into any trouble…” Ren said casually.

Then he was gone.

It only hit me a few days later that the words that completed Ren’s sentence were ‘…when I’m not around…’

I had no idea back then that it would be a full week until I saw Ren again.

--To be continued…