第二花びら (Second Petal)   “Your Highness I think it would be wise to consider the Kingdom of Edolas’ proposal. If we could merge then those resources could be of great help to us.”   “Although we have not converse much with Edolas, I have heard many great things about their leader.”   “We shouldn’t make an enemy out of them.”   “Does all of you not realize what Edolas is proposing?!? How can I marry off my daughter to a stranger?” The King slammed his fists onto the table. “I am still as strong and as capable so I will take care of this country and my daughter. I do not need Edolas’ help.”   Cough. Cough. Cough. The King had a sudden coughing fit.   “I...WILL...NOT.” The King said in between coughs.   “Your Highness! Guards, bring his Majesty into his room now and get the doctor.” The Royal Councilor directed.   --   “Yes, it seems your coughing fits have worsen your Majesty. I’m afraid it should not be taken lightly. Your lungs are very weak.” The doctor shook his head in dismay.   “Stop beating around the bush and tell me how bad it is. Is there any way to get better?” The King said angrily.   “Your conditions are…” The doctor bowed his head. “Forgive me your Majesty.”   “What is it? You either tell me right now or I will order the Guards to take you away.” The King gave the doctor a stern look showing his impatience.     “You do not have much time left. Five months would be my best guess.” The doctor said with tears streaming down his face.   “Five months you say?” The King’s face darkens. “You are dismiss now. All of you. Get out...I SAID GET OUT!” The King exploded.   All the Royal Guards and the doctor hurriedly bowed out of the room not wanting to upset the King any further.   “What is this!? God are you playing with fate right now?” The King yelled into the now empty room. “I can’t leave my princess. Not now.”   Cough. Cough. The coughing started again.   He desperately tried to cover his coughs by cupping both his hands over his mouth.   “LET ME GO SEE MY FATHER!” A scream was heard from outside the room.   After what seems like a minute the door busted open revealing Chorong running into the room.   “Papa!” Chorong ran towards the King. “Are you okay?” She asked. Her faced filled with concern.   “Why are you running? I’m fine darling.” The King gave his best smile and caresses Chorong’s cheek.   “I got really worried, I overheard you shouting from the other room.” Chorong examined the King’s face just to realise how pale and weak her father have become.   “I just got angry over some trivial thing. Nothing to worry about.” The King chuckled.   “Stop lying to me. I overheard the Guards.” Tears started rolling down Chorong’s face. “Don’t you hide it from me Papa.”   “My princess, don’t cry…you have to stay strong no matter what.” The King said as he gently wiped away the tears streaming down Chorong’s face.   Chorong could not utter a word as she bury her face into the King’s shoulder embracing him.   “You trust Papa right? Everything Papa do is always because I want the best for you.”   “Of course I trust you Papa. Always.” Chorong sobs.   The King smiles squeezing Chorong’s hand. “Now be a good girl and head back to your room, Papa is trying to get some rest you know? With you here crying I can’t close my eyes.” The King teased Chorong and pinched her cheeks lightly making Chorong pout cutely.   Chorong sniffled and nodded. “Okay Papa, rest well.” She said and pecked the King on his cheeks before leaving the room.   How can I leave that child alone? The King sighed in despair. Knowing the reaper is on its way what could he do now?   The King closed his eyes and sat in silence. ... ... …   “Guards, summon Sir Rhen. I need to speak to him.”   --   “About Edolas...I have my reasons for changing my mind.” The King said folding his hands.   “I understand your Highness. Should I respond to them soon?” Sir Rhen said holding up the proposal papers.   “I want you to summon their prince. I shall give him a few tests to evaluate his skills. I am certainly not happy with this but I have no choice.” The King nodded. He wasn’t sure how this prince of this Edolas would be but if there were to be any mistakes he certainly will not hesitate to send the prince back.   “Understood. I’ll make my leave now Your Majesty. Do rest.”   The King waved Sir Rhen away and lie back down onto the bed.   I won’t let any harm come towards Chorong’s way. My only precious daughter. Let this old man protect you one last time.   -One week later-
  “Ah who is he?”   “He has such handsome features.”   “Look at his clothing. He must be from a rich family.”   Whispers were heard from the crowd as a young man on a horse pass by. He possesses golden hair with attractive blue eyes. Behind him were 5 carriages full of gifts heading straight toward the enormous gated castle.   -- “Your Majesty, the Prince of Edolas have arrived.”   “Send him in.” The King said sitting on his throne. I will see if you are fit.   Out steps in a tall young man with golden hair and blue eyes. He immediately kneel before the King on one knee and bowed his head.   “Greetings Your Majesty, I am Jung Eunji the Prince of Edolas. It is an honor to meet you. I have brought with me the finest wine made from the rarest grapes of Edolas along with the shiniest silk taken from the Far East. There are also many great foods and jewelry. It is a small token from my Father and Edolas.” “You may stand. Welcome to the Kingdom of Fiore.” The King said.   “Thank you Your Majesty.” Eunji gracefully stood up and smiles.   Nice manners. The King looked Eunji up and down. Eunji did not look bad but is his heart as nice as the outer appearance? The King was full of doubts but it was time to begin the tests. Let’s see how well you do.   “You are welcome to stay in the Kingdom of Fiore for the next two months. We have reserved a room for you. Be comfortable and treat Fiore as if you are in your own home. You are an important guest.” The King said.   “Thank you Your Majesty. Fiore is a very beautiful place just like what I have heard.” Eunji said.   “Have you had the chance to take a look around town yet?” The King asked.   “No, I have not Your Majesty.”   “Sir Rhen, I would like you to show Prince Eunji around.” The King ordered.   “Yes Your Majesty.” Sir Rhen bowed.   “Come with me please Prince Eunji. I will show you to your room and we will set off around noon. The night market is a very pretty place laced with lights when the sun is set.”   “Thank you very much Your Majesty and Sir Rhen.” Eunji bowed to the King. “I will take my leave to the room now.”   The King nodded at Eunji signaling his approval.   “This