Chapter 75 - Welcome Back

The next day marked the seventh day since I’ve last seen Ren. In other words, it’s been a full week since our tour of the Royal Medical Office together. I would be lying if I said that I felt like time just flew by because it didn’t. Each day felt long, and all the lessons were just my way of killing time.

Now that I knew that Ren was at war, I couldn’t sit by patiently and wait for him to come back. There goes my peace of mind and my peaceful days. Last night, I couldn’t sleep at all. Honestly, I was too worried about Ren. If there’s a war going on, then people are getting hurt and injured. Worst, people were probably dying out there.

At least this time Ren wasn’t the one attacking. He was the one defending his boarders which I guess is acceptable to maintain the security of his own empire. I sat up on the bed and stretched my arms above my head.

…

It was early in the evening the following day that I had a special visitor. As usual, I was sitting in my room reviewing some medical notes. I haven’t treated a patient in a while, and I haven’t collected herbs either. If this continues, then my medical skills would become rusty, and I couldn’t allow that to happen no matter what. Trading my medical skills for Jeely’s graceful movements and watercolor painting skills was not a good trade in my opinion.

I was focused on my studies until I heard light taps on my door.

“Yes! You may come in,” I called out, without getting up from my seat.

It’s probably one of the maids. Sometimes they would come in to offer me tea or some snacks in case I was still hungry after dinner. The maids were nice, although, they barely spoke to me unless spoken to. However, I could tell by the way they took care and looked out for me that they had a good heart.

I heard the door slide open and someone enter the room. However, I wanted to focus on my studies, so I didn’t look up from the notebook in my hand.

“If it’s just tea, you can leave it on the table…thank you very much,” I said without taking my eyes off the page that I was reading.

“And what if it’s not just tea?”

A man’s voice answered, making me realize that it wasn’t a maid that was in my room with me. I quickly turned around and stood up.

“Ren!” I cried out without bothering to hide my happiness at his return.

I ran up to him and was about to throw my arms around him but then somehow, I was able to get a hold of myself. I offered him a bright smile as I stood in front of him instead.

“Did you miss me?” Ren asked, cocking his head to the side as he took my hands into his.

“Maybe…a little…” I mumbled.

“Just a little, huh? Well, I guess that’s better than nothing…” Ren said with a small laugh.

The warmth of Ren’s hands and they held mine reassured me that this wasn’t a dream. Ren is really here. Finally, he’s back.

“Where were you?” I asked. My tone sounding sharper than I had intended.

“I was a little busy…” Ren said as he led me after him to the wooden sofa so that we could talk while seated.

“Where did you go?” I continued to ask persistently.

Ren went silent and I could tell that he didn’t want to discuss things further with me. However, I wanted him to tell me the truth. I hated having to hear about him from someone else.

“Why are you asking if you already know?” Ren asked, his tone suddenly cold.

Ren knows…that I know?

“Because I want you to be the one to tell me…I hate hearing it from someone else…” I said, honestly.

“Who told you? Not that many people know that I went to the boarders” Ren asked, his eyes narrowing suspiciously as he peered closely at my face.

“Umm…” I hesitated to tell him.

“Was it Kin?” Ren asked, his tone certain.

“How did you know?” I asked, surprised.

“I just made an educated guess. Why did you see him?” Ren asked, clearly displeased.

“Am I not supposed to see him?” I asked.

I hated how the tables have turned against me.

“Rin…I warned you to stay away from Kin before,” Ren replied. I could see his face darkening in an instant.

“I ran into him, and we just talked. That’s all…so I asked him where you were since I haven’t seen you for days,” I said. It was practically true.

Ren sighed as he closed his eyes. I could tell that he was exhausted. Although he was pristinely dressed as always, his hair was damp and tied back in a basic ponytail. He probably headed directly to see me after he had a shower after returning from his journey. Perhaps, I could go easy on him for today. Afterall, I was truly happy that he was back safe.

“Welcome back, Ren,” I said as sweetly as I could.

“It’s good to be back…and I hoped you didn’t cause any trouble while I was gone,” Ren replied. His tone had softened but I could tell that he wasn’t completely over the fact that I had met Prince Kin.

If we keep living in the Imperial palace together, I was bound to run into Prince Kin eventually. It was impossible to avoid him all together and forever. I hoped that Ren understood this.

“You make me sound like such a big troublemaker…” I said as I pouted at him.

“Maybe you are…” Ren replied without a moment’s hesitation.

“Honestly, you look tired. Are you hungry?” I asked.

“A little. Can you cook me something?” Ren asked.

“If I’m allowed to…then, sure,” I willingly agreed. If all he wanted me to do was cook for him, I certainly could do that much. No fancy dishes though…

--To be continued…