ii. The First Meeting

--Flashback--

A lively wedding. A year ago.

"Unbelievable! This is the biggest wedding since this city was built!" Someone shouted, grinning. Raising his glass aloft. Other guests agreed, laughed as well.

The entire city was present. Neatly dressed, the gentlemen came with hair slick with oil, the ladies came wearing frilly dress that for years just hung in their closet. Children wore colorful ribbons, running around freely. The guests came bringing gifts, though the gifts were meant nothing for the host. The host were the richest and the most respected family, also the ruler of the city.

The family hosted the wedding of their fourth son. The last marriage in that family. The youngest son married with a noble daughter from across the country, from the mainland. It could easily seen from the clothes of the bride's family. They wore long turban, frock that flapping with each steps, big belt from fabric and curved, pointy shoes.

Not too unusual to see such culture in this city. Trade relations had long made people with various culture came to this city. Grapes from this city was the best in the entire northern continent, and it was enough to invite many merchants.

But watching the trinkets worn by that mainland guests was still fascinating. Beads of gems hung on their neck, hands full with bracelet, and rings in almost all fingers. Their clothes made from the best silk. And one or two even wore belt made from gold. Big and sparkling. All shown how great was the bride's family. A merchant from the mainland.

"Come on, Sunggyu, start it! You don't want us to fall asleep due to our glut before hearing your play, do you?" Someone exclaimed from the crowd.

People applauded excitedly.

"Yeah, play it!" The others replicated no less enthusiast. Cheering. Laughing.

Sunggyu grinned, stepping forward. It had been difficult for him since earlier to move in the middle of the crowd in that wedding party. Especially when he was bringing something.

People clapped their hand once again when Sunggyu finally reached the stage, sat on the provided chair there. The bride's family looked at each other, didn't understand a thing. One or two of the groom's family kindly whispering explanation to them. Nodding.

Sunggyu had pulled out his violin.

The crowd waited with bright face.

Sunggyu turned his head to the host's seat. The city ruler who already in his sixties nodded his head, his wife who was still look beautiful in her middle-age sat beside him, smiling.

"Play a beautiful song, Sunggyu!" The groom in his  robe as white as a stork shouted cheerfully from the middle of the room. Winking. Pointing his thumb.

Sunggyu laughed out. "Of course I'll do it, Heechul!" Sunggyu nodded his head. Put up the violin on his left shoulder, then started the soulful show.

The strings vibrated softly, soon the whole room filled with a new vibrant pleasure. People clapped their hands. Some shouted. Began waving their body cheerfully. Sunggyu