02

He went to the city of Joseon where he had a lot of flings. A handsome face like mine should be put to use. And they do not even know that I am a prince, and I won’t let them know that because death would probably be my punishment. He thought.

He’s the next king in line and no one knows that except the King, the Queen, Jun, Prime Minister Jang, and the loyal people in the palace. He went to a place in the City of Joseon where parties are held every Friday and people were also having fun when he got there.

His smile was gone in an instant when people started to stare at him and started whispering with each other. He heaved a sigh. Do I really look that handsome to be stared this way? He asked himself and didn’t mind the attention he was getting. 

He went to the usual place where he hangs out with Wikyung, Huyan and Kwanghee but he couldn’t find them. Where are my play dolls? He thought because this is the first time they didn’t attend the event. 

“Maybe this isn’t my lucky day…” He whispered to himself and slightly shook his head.

He right away left the place but was caught off guard when he saw the guards that were chasing him so he hid and tried to camouflage himself with the normal people. He was fine at first, but he realized he hasn’t changed his clothes causing him to almost curse himself. That’s probably the reason why people were whispering about him a while ago. Of course, my shining armor and decent clothes would gain so much attention, especially because this was made by some important people in Hanyang. 

He shook his head; I still do not want to go home. I’m sure a lot of soldiers would guard me and at this time, a lot of them are looking for me. He thought and decided to just rent a room in the nearby, even if I do not have money here with me.

“Do you have money to pay?” asked the old owner and he just nodded, not wanting to make the conversation go on.

“Of course, I also plan to eat my dinner here, so if you please, just bring it in my room.”  He tried to façade a serious face to hide the mischievousness in his thoughts. 

“I think so… and you also look like someone who could afford the services. Come and follow me.” As to which he nodded.

“What do you want to eat and how long do you plan to stay here?” asked the old lady as we walk by. Strictness is visible in her voice and he shook his head. Is she still going to treat me this way once she knew that I am a prince?

“Anything you could offer right now would be good enough.” He answered.

She stopped into a room and handed me a key, “This is going to be your room. When the time reaches nine p.m. everyone should be staying in their room already. I don’t want nosy people staying here.” 

He nodded in respect and entered the room. It looks plain… not so cozy but is decent enough, “This would be good. Thanks!”

“Then I’ll go ahead.” She started walking away but stopped and uttered something, “You’re a handsome kid but I still wouldn’t tolerate your noise. I’ll just ask someone to bring your food up here.” And she left.

He closed the door and rely on it while caressing his face, “You’re so attractive, Minseo! You’re too good-looking.” 

Happiness and conceitedness are evident in his face. He went to open the window and stared at the night sky, the sky full of stars and a moon. But the wind blew hard as if telling him to close the window, and so he did. 

A lot of questions are still lingering around his mind, and his chest is contracting as if he’s in pain. People who are below them are living their lives happily, but why can’t he? When would I be truly happy? One of the reasons why he declined to be a King is because he yearns for freedom, of becoming free and showing that he really is. Unlike now that he needs to escape or run away to be in the places he wanted to go. But nonetheless, deep inside, he still knows that he needs to face and accept his fate, and the responsibility bestowed upon him in this dynasty… in no time.

A lot maybe wants to be in his position but here he is, trying to avoid it. Why do they want it? Is it because of power? Is this because they wanted to control people?

But would they really be happy doing that? You have to say goodbye to your freedom and every action you do must be calculated… there’s no room for mistakes.

On the next cry of the rooster, the sacred door would open towards the present and you can’t do anything to escape that. He remembered her words again. Is there really a present place? If so… am I a part of the future or in the past? The world I’m living right now has a king, queen, princes, princesses, soldiers… A lot dies and a lot are misjudged for the things they didn’t do. I wonder what place does the present have. Do they have their freedom? If so… they must be lucky.

He is known as someone mischievous and playful in their palace, but he knows that deep within lies a kid so broke, trying to escape the horror of the things his Father wants, that he won’t ever do.

“Have you seen the Prince?”

“Not yet…”

“Wander around the city of Joseon, as well as the city of Gwangha… no one will go back to the palace without the prince.” He heard the guards talking.

“We need to catch the prince without getting the attention of a lot of people…”

He peeped at the hole where only his eye would fit and was surprised when he saw the guard talking with the old lady. He tried to run away… but it was too late. He’s now being surrounded by a lot of soldiers and guards. Holy Cow!

People have been eyeing him and whispering.

“He’s too handsome to be a criminal.”

“Why did he disrespect the King? Poor kid…”

He nearly laughed in his place. So they choose to make me a criminal than tell them I’m a prince, huh?

Tsk.

He’s now being surrounded and even though he wanted to use his peculiarity, he knows he couldn’t especially because common normies are watching.

“Did he really have the guts to go against the King? Is he even thinking properly?”

“What do you think is his sin?”