章節 20: The delegation leaves

Securing the final hairpin, Nanny Na took a step back, her breath catching in her throat as she scanned Han Aeng with a mixture of admiration and bittersweet nostalgia.

Han Aeng sat before the mirror, dressed in Shangwei's wedding attire. Her hair meticulously fashioned into an intricate bun adorned with delicate pearls and shimmering ornaments, each one chosen with care to highlight her radiant beauty.

Without her everyday braid, Han Aeng appeared more mature, the vibrant red dress she wore enveloped her in a regal aura, accentuating her features and casting a mesmerizing glow.

Nanny Na's heart swelled with pride, mingled with a twinge of sorrow, as she realized that her beloved ward was no longer the little girl she had cared for all those years. Han Aeng had blossomed into a woman, ready to embark on a new phase of her life. The weight of this realization pressed upon Nanny Na, a mix of joy and wistfulness intertwining within her heart.

Countless times, Nanny Na had envisioned a day like this, imagining the joy of helping her daughter prepare for her grand wedding. But life had unfolded differently, and Nanny Na's dreams remained suspended, forever unfulfilled. She knew that she had a duty to prepare Han Aeng for this momentous occasion, yet never in her wildest dreams did she anticipate that Han Aeng would face it at such an early stage of her life.

It felt too surreal as if history was repeating itself!

Kneeling down beside Han Aeng, Nanny Na whispered softly, her voice tinged with a blend of longing and love,

"You look just like your mother—so elegant and real. She would be immensely proud of the brave woman you have become."

Han Aeng's met Nanny Na's reflection in the mirror, curiosity and fascination swirling within her gaze. "Do you think my mother would have felt the same way when she made her choices? She had to make a big decision in choosing to have me. Well, it's not like she was given much of a choice."

Han Aeng abruptly stood up and turned to face Nanny Na with a brilliant smile, "Do you think it was worth it, Nanny?"

Nanny Na's breath caught in her throat, her eyes conveying the depth of her emotions.

Was it worth it? Oh, my child, if only you knew the weight those words truly carried.

Nanny Na held within her heart secrets even Han Aeng didn't possess about her own life. She was the only one who could articulate the immense effort and worth of what everyone had sacrificed. She alone knew if it was worth it.

Her eyes softened as she gently clasped Han Aeng's soft hands in her own weathered palms. "I'm not sure if she thought that way, but I wouldn't trade the path we have walked together. Her sacrifice allowed me the privilege of raising the extraordinary young woman standing before me."

"I suppose anyone would be fortunate to have me in their life. I am a ray of sunshine, after all." Han Aeng's laughter filling the room as she headed out, leaving Nanny Na behind.

Meanwhile, near the entrance of her room, Prime Minister Han paced back and forth. The anticipation in the air weighed heavily on him. His eyes occasionally glanced towards the grand doors as if searching for answers or a fleeting moment of escape.

Han Aeng's observed her father, recognizing the turmoil he concealed beneath his composed facade.

"Hem," she cleared her throat and lightly twirled around, seeking her father's validation. "How do I look?"

Prime Minister Han turned around to see her meeting his eyes with a brilliant smile. He opened his mouth, but the words didn't form as he wanted them to. It was wretched because he wanted her to hear proud and delightful it was to have her as his daughter, how boundless his affection for her was.

But his emotions were always tangled up inside him, and he found it difficult to express them in words.

"Well..." she probed, patiently waiting till he collected himself as the wedding nannies rushed around to bring her veil, decorated with two cranes to match her dress's handiwork.

It was a systematic decision as cranes have long been symbols of longevity, peace, friendship, happiness, and good luck - prominent themes for this alliance. Moreover, since cranes mate for life, they further symbolize harmony, a long marriage, and respect for one's parents and ancestors - qualities he wished for her marriage.

As he carried out the delicate act of placing the veil, his hands trembled ever so slightly with a mix of emotions.

The weight of the fabric in his fingers served as a reminder of the passage of time. Parent's placing a veil over the bride's head held immense significance in Jeontu's custom. It represented her virginity, purity, and youthfulness, but it meant so much more to Prime Minister Han. It signified his permission for her to embark on this journey to her husband's family. The day Prime Minister Han had longed was bittersweet, reality was not as glorious as he had hoped.

As if time folded back upon itself, he recalled the moment they first met.

The weight of her small form wrapped in a blanket entrusted to him with utmost care. The warmth of her presence in his arms and the innocence in her eyes. Prime Minister Han couldn't help but be reminded of the overwhelming emotions that had filled his heart when he first held her, the instant bond that formed between them. The promise he made to protect and cherish her, to be her guiding light, resonated deep within him. "As gorgeous as the day I first saw you in your mother's arms."

Han Aeng tilted her head to the side; the fabric cascaded around, hiding her playful grin. "Surely I was covered in blood at that time, and you still found me pretty?"

"A father doesn't care about a little blood when his adorable baby girl is breathing right in front of him."

"What can I say? Even blood can't hide my radiating cuteness," she teased, lightening the mood.

Prime Minister Han smiled, his heart overflowing with love for his daughter. Taking Han Aeng's hand, he guided her toward the sedan without saying another word.

"You look absolutely stunning, Aeng. Like a vision from a dream," he finally managed, his voice filled with pride and wistfulness.

Han Aeng chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "A vision from a dream, huh? Is that your poetic way of saying I'm unrecognizable?"

"Mm, that's one way to put it."

The sound of their footsteps reverberated through the halls, a soft cadence. The echoes seemed to carry the collective emotions, a symphony of pride, nostalgia, anticipation and regret.

He squeezed her hand gently, silently conveying his concern. He had always been certain that he knew her best, but now, as she prepared to leave, he couldn't help but feel a sense of distance between them.

He was always so self-assured that he would always know her the best - they had a lifetime together to look forward to. Now it just seems like the wishful thinking of an old man. The two hadn't stayed together as long as he'd like. Sure, they wrote to each other, and she visited when she could, but it's undeniable that he wasn't there. For half her life, he was out defending the borders and regretted it daily.

He had missed out on so much of her life while he was away defending the borders. He regretted not being there during the brightest moments of her life. Yet, the time they spent together afterwards had been too short-lived.

"I want you to know, no matter what, you'll always be my little girl. I don't care what other people say or think. You're my daughter before anything else." Prime Minister Han's voice was filled with unwavering love and protectiveness as he patted her hands, assuring her of his support. "If things get hard in your husband's household, don't hold back or be wary of the outcomes. Your father is more than capable of defending you."

"With you by my side, I can conquer anything, even the emp-" Her words were cut short when her father unexpectedly stopped moving.

"Just know," he swallowed, his voice betraying a hint of anguish, "I will always be here for you."

Her lips trembled, trying to maintain her cheerful smile, but her father's heartbroken voice made her pause. A pang of guilt tightened around her heart. "...Mmm."

Shifting her gaze around, she had one question: Would she abandon everything she knew and loved?

They reached the end of the hallway, and the grand entrance of their home opened up before them. Sunlight poured in through the tall windows, casting a warm glow upon the scene. The air seemed still as if holding its breath in reverence for this momentous occasion.

The gravity of the situation finally hit her: she was leaving and couldn't return.

She was going to an alien land to become a stranger's wife, and that was her reality. It only took a moment for everything she had avoided to come crashing down on her—the anxiety of getting married, the reluctance to move away from home.

Despite having made the decision of her own free will, Han Aeng couldn't help but despise the parting that lay ahead.

Nonetheless, she understood the severity of the situation at bay because she understood what would happen if this alliance failed. If she failed. She could only steel her heart and prepare for a new chapter of her life.

Before getting into the sedan, she turned to face her father. "I look forward to whatever Shangwei offers me, Abeoji. I'm not a weak little girl anymore. So don't worry about me."

Prime Minister Han's shoulders drooped, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions.

Even now, she's worried about me.

Feeling his being sullen, she opted for a much more playful tone, "If you ask me, I know how to handle myself pretty well."

"That is exactly why I'm worried. Heavens only know if you'll play pranks on the Emperor himself," he replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Look at that. You read my mind again. I'll take you up on that offer to come to you whenever."

The two laughed together before falling into a comfortable silence, exchanging nothing but the moment they were together.

"Sheez, we're acting like we won't see each other when we're at Shangwei. Let's save the tears and focus on making this day memorable."

Prime Minister Han chuckled, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "You're right, my mischievous little girl. We'll have plenty of time to see each other in the future."

With that, they exchanged a final gaze filled with love, understanding, and an unspoken promise before she stepped into the sedan, leaving her father behind.

As the doors closed, Prime Minister Han knew Han Aeng was embarking on a journey that would test her strength, resilience, and character. But he also knew that no matter what challenges she faced, she would face them head-on, her true thoughts carefully veiled behind her carefree exterior.

And he, as Prime Minister and her father, would support her from afar, waiting for the rare days she'd come to visit.

On the other hand, Nanny Na, watching the scene, began reliving what she had seen 10 years ago. The little girl's eyes were adorned with dread and grief, and the young man was forced to accept reality. However, their roles were reversed; Han Aeng was leaving, and Prime Minister Han was bidding farewell.

Heavens, if you can hear my prayer, let my child be safe.

The delegation consisting of Prime Minister Han, Nanny Na and the bride-to-be at the centre departed that day.