章 19: They prepare to farewell her.

Prime Minister Han's heart weighed heavy as the day of Han Aeng's departure approached. The once-distant future had arrived too quickly, leaving him grappling with a tumultuous mix of emotions. Watching his daughter diligently prepare for her wedding and new life in Shangwei, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness and nostalgia.

The sight of Han Aeng's return from Noonan seemed so vivid, as if it had only happened yesterday. He recalled the joyous reunion, the pride that swelled within him as he witnessed her growth and accomplishments. But now, just when he had begun to savor their renewed bond, she was slipping away once more.

Rare were the moments when Han Aeng found rest from her preparations, and even rarer were the instances when their paths crossed. Reasonposiblities the King placed as an effort to distract Prime Minister Han consumed him—overseeing the intricate details of the alliance, ensuring the appropriate number of troupe members and the weight of the gift exchanged. Despite the King's well-intentioned belief that busyness would alleviate Prime Minister Han's worries, the truth was far from it.

He couldn't escape the gnawing feeling, it wasn't resentment that brewed within him, but rather an unspoken ache, a longing for the time they once shared.

Tonight, as they gathered for the private farewell party, the air seemed thicker. The strain that settled between the King and himself since the announcement of Han Aeng's betrothal had grown more palpable, shrouded with remorse.

"Time flies. It feels like just yesterday our dearest Han Aeng returned to us from her training in Noonan, and now she's preparing to leave again, this time for her husband and her new life. Like myself, she has truly been doing the best for our kingdom." The King's words were kind, as he raised his cup to Prime Minister Han. But they couldn't erase the undercurrent of tension that flowed between them.

With a heavy heart, Prime Minister Han raised his cup to the King. His expression formal and distant. "Your Majesty, this minister understands that you have the best interests of the kingdom at heart and consider the greater good."

As Prime Minister Han uttered those words, he couldn't help but notice the tight press of the King's lips and the disappointment that flashed in his eyes. Understanding is not the same as forgiving!

In that quiet moment, their unspoken words hung in the air, waiting to be deciphered. It would take time, patience, and forgiveness for their relationship to mend, but the King could only hold onto the hope that, in time, Prime Minister Han would come to accept the reality they were facing. However, for now, all he could do was walk the path he had chosen and patiently wait for Prime Minister Han's forgiveness.

Han Aeng, ever perceptive, observed their uneasy exchange.

The strained atmosphere weighed on her, and she felt a pang of guilt for unwittingly contributing to the growing rift. In an attempt to ease the tension and divert their attention, she interjected, "It's a shame Chancellor Yi had to leave already. He would have enjoyed the food and wine. But he is busy preparing for the arrival of the Great Han Aeng, as well as taking care of the engagement gift for Shangwei, sent by none other than the Battlefield God himself, Prime Minister Han Seungkyu, my dear father."

"Han Aeng, don't be so cheeky as to boast about yourself." Princess Sunmi reprimanded, her perfect brows drawn together in a light scowl.

Yet, the ever free-spirited Han Aeng, stuck out her tongue playfully, defying the princess's admonishment. "Where's the fun in that."

"Han Aeng!" Princess Sunmi's worry for Han Aeng weighed heavily on her mind, even as they gathered for the farewell party.

She had witnessed firsthand Han Aeng's mischievous nature and playful behavior, often finding herself at the receiving end of her impractical jokes. While Han Aeng's spirited nature had always brought a smile to Princess Sunmi's face, it would be the cause of concern as they prepared for the journey to Shangwei.

Unlike Jeontu, where Han Aeng was accustomed to the customs and rules, Shangwei was an unfamiliar territory with its own set of foreign protocols. If Han Aeng acted out or failed to adhere to the decorum, it could be perceived as a sign of disrespect or rebellion and she would be left vulnerable, without the protection and support she enjoyed back home.

Trying to contain her worry, Princess Sunmi leaned forward, her voice laced with gentle concern. "Han Aeng, repeat after me: 'I will not cause any trouble for Jeontu, Shangwei, and especially my husband.' And please, please, keep those words close to your heart."

Come on, was she that unconvincing? "Ai, show me a little trust. I may be a tad bit cheeky, but do you think I would risk anything when so much is at stake?"

Princess Sunmi gave her a stern look.

"Alright, alright!" she played along, raising her hand in a mock pledge. "You have my word. If something goes wrong with this alliance, I'll wash my hands clean from all accusations."

King Suk Seokju pointed his finger at Han Aeng, slightly shaking it in an accusing manner, as he chuckled, "Still so cheeky. I hope your husband knows how to handle you."

As Prime Minister Han's gaze shifted back to Han Aeng. The word "husband" sounded unpleasant, souring his expression. He was trying to come to terms with Han Aeng's marriage, but it was proving to be harder than he had anticipated. What made it even more challenging was the fact that they hadn't had a chance to fully talk it out due to their busy schedules.

He couldn't even imagine his daughter standing next to a man, let alone having a husband—someone she would spend the rest of her life with. In his eyes, she was still a little girl. How could she raise a child when she started her own family? Could she handle her mother-in-law? How would she navigate palace schemes? Would she have to fight for her husband's favor? The worries of a father ran wild in Prime Minister Han's mind. From her everyday life to the future, everything that could possibly go wrong was causing him distress.

As he watched Han Aeng engaging with the King, he couldn't help but yearn for the opportunity to speak openly, about his displeasure, to dispel the unease that plagued his heart. Yet, time had betrayed him, leaving them both entangled in the rush of preparations, their conversations curtailed by the demands of duty.

Han Aeng's eyes brimming with joy and mischief as she continued to charm the King. "This little one only hopes that her husband has a sense of humor like Your Majesty's. Otherwise, life would be so boring."

"Such a sweet talker," Princess Sunmi reprimanded.

Prime Minister Han couldn't help but crack a faint smile at his daughter's antics, momentarily easing the tension within him.

The King's followed suit, his hearty laughter filled the room, releasing a trace of the burdens he carried. At that moment, he was overjoyed, for the alliance had been secured through great efforts. Han Aeng's departure might be the start of something beyond the dreams he had envisioned, but it was too early to think of something so significant and in the distant future.

The tension in the room lifted as laughter erupted, a temporary respite from the weight that hung in the air.

The night passed away with laughter and joy as Prime Minister Han and Han Aeng braced themselves for their departure.