Irene

With the help of the prince, the church, and trusted aids, the incident concerning about the prince of the rival kingdom has been solved. Because of my eagerness to clear the misunderstanding, the imperial court is pleased with my assistance; thus, I won the first stage of the selection. 

     Now the second stage is approaching. Everyone already knew about the results: the prince will choose Seulgi. 

     Seulgi and I are in the greenhouse – reading books. We just finished our daily horseback riding activity now we are resting in our special place. We talked about the result of the second stage, and she mentioned about quitting. I wasn't pleased by it at the same time, I want it to happen. I want Seulgi to quit so that she won't end up with the prince, but that would also mean she will return as the baron's daughter – and she will leave me... and I will become Regina.

    I want to become an empress because that is my goal. However, becoming an empress comes with a heavy price.

     Seulgi sighed, "I'm tired..." 

     I can tell Seulgi is only doing her duties as a candidate because she is a noble lady – I can read her like a book. Although, there are times I can never understand her at all. Her actions, the way she talks to me, the way she looks at me – they're difficult to comprehend. I don't know if Seulgi wants to be Regina or if she doesn't want to be. She never mentioned anything about her new role - at all. She's just... doing things not to taint her noble name and avoid trouble within the palace.

     I led her head on my shoulder for her to lean on. "I can always be your home. So, if you are tired... you can find solace and peace with me, Seulgi." 

     "I never knew I have that kind of privilege, your highness." 

     I muttered, "You always have..." 

     That is right. The moment I gave Seulgi permission to call me by my name, that is where it all began. That day in her room – the day when she made me smile – is the day I gave her all the rights to me. Yet, she never realized it at all. Why? Because to her... I am only her friend. But I don't think that she is just my friend though. 

      Wait, friend? The selfishness, the greediness, the fear, the excitement, and the joy – all mixed together – is this normal to feel for a friend? No. That is not normal, rather, it isn't what one should feel for someone who is just a friend. I want to laugh at myself. Hah, how insensible can I be? I get it now. The reason why I am feeling this, and the name of this feeling – I finally got my answer. 

     How foolish of me for realizing it just now.

     At first, I thought these feelings exist because I care for her as a friend, but as I keep pondering about it – it turned out to be more. Seulgi understood me like a book even though we only got acquainted because of the selection. Seulgi listened to my shallow problems; I can break parts of my walls around her - I can be me around her. Her presence felt like the old home I used to love. Her mind? Oh God above, I thank you for making such an outstanding mind - I ca