The sun had just started to set, casting a warm glow across the royal gardens of the kingdom. In an act of rebellion against the stifling confines of her bedroom, Princess Jimin decided to venture out for a tranquil stroll along the meandering paths. She walked quietly, enjoying the sound of her own footsteps crunching on the gravel.

While turning a corner, her ears caught the sound of raised voices resonating from a nearby training field. . Intrigued, Jimin's curiosity took hold, and she followed the source of commotion. Drawing nearer, she witnessed a group of knights engaged in rigorous training, led by the captivating figure of Minjeong, a beautiful and fierce young woman.

Minjeong was screaming at one of the trainees, her eyes ablaze with fury. Her lip was cut and blood trickled down her chin, staining her white training uniform with crimson. The terrified trainee shrank in the presence of Minjeong, who stood tall, fists clenched by her sides.Though tempted to intervene, Jimin hesitated, sensing the intensity of the situation. She observed silently as Minjeong stormed away, leaving a trail of unresolved emotions in her wake.

Driven by curiosity, Jimin chose to follow Minjeong, the winding path leading them both to a secluded lake nestled within the hills. As she approached the tranquil waters, Jimin discovered Minjeong seated on a rock, her face buried in her hands.

"Are you alright?" Jimin asked softly, not wanting to startle the other girl.

Minjeong looked up, her tear-stained eyes red and swollen. "No," she replied, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm not. I'm exhausted from this endless training. No matter how hard I work, it never seems enough."

Seating herself beside Minjeong, Jimin observed the ripples on the water's surface, stirred by a gentle breeze. Sympathetically, she responded, "It must be incredibly challenging. Training to become the commander of the army carries immense responsibility."

Minjeong scoffed bitterly, wiping away tears. "Responsibility? It feels more like a curse. My father places such high expectations on me. He envisions a warrior princess, but deep down, I'm just a girl. Today, I was defeated by a stupid boy."

Jimin frowned sympathetically. "That's not fair. You shouldn't have to put up with that kind of treatment."

Exhaling heavily, Minjeong leaned back against the rock. "I know, but what can I do? I have to be tough if I want to lead my troops into battle someday."

Jimin took a moment to contemplate before offering her perspective. "Maybe being tough doesn't mean never showing weakness. Maybe it means being strong enough to admit when you need help."

Minjeong looked at her, surprised. "You're wise beyond your years, Princess."

A shy smile played on Jimin's lips. "I've had a lot of time to think, being cooped up in the castle all the time."

For a few moments, they sat in comfortable silence, observing the sun's descent below the horizon. Finally, Minjeong rose, wiping away her tears. "Thank you, Princess. I already feel better."

Standing alongside Minjeong, Jimin watched as she retraced her steps toward the castle. On her way back to her own chambers, a profound sense of admiration blossomed within Jimin's heart for the young commander-in-training.

Beneath Minjeong's tough exterior, Jimin detected a vulnerability and humanity that she found deeply intriguing.

In the following weeks, Jimin and Minjeong would often cross paths during Jimin's garden walks. Their encounters were marked by polite nods and exchanged smiles, fostering a sense of familiarity without venturing further.

One serene afternoon, Jimin found solace on a bench nestled near the rose bushes, indulging in the sweet fragrance that enveloped the air. Suddenly, the distant clamor from the training field reached her ears, stirring her curiosity once more.

Curious, she made her way towards the source and discovered Minjeong engaged in a sparring session with another trainee. Minjeong's movements were fierce and nimble, deftly dodging and parrying her opponent's attacks. Jimin couldn't help but be impressed by her skill, and the way the sunlight caught the sweat on her skin, making her look even more interesting.

As the match ended, Minjeong turned to face Jimin, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips. "What are you doing here, Princess? Are you a fan of our training exercises or what?"

Jimin blushed, feeling suddenly self-conscious under the other girl's gaze. "I was just curious," she replied. "I think it's important for me to know what's going on in my kingdom."

Minjeong chuckled. "Fair enough. Would you like to join us next time? Maybe you have some hidden talents as a warrior."

Jimin shook her head, laughing. "I don't think so. I'm much better suited to reading and writing than fighting."

Minjeong shrugged nonchalantly. "To each their own. However, should you ever change your mind, we are always open to new recruits."

As they walked back towards the castle, Minjeong fell into step beside Jimin. They chatted about inconsequential things, but Jimin couldn't help but feel a spark of connection between them. There was something about Minjeong's strength and determination that she found inspiring, and she felt drawn to her in a way she couldn't quite explain.

As they reached the castle gates, Minjeong turned to Jimin, her eyes sparkling. "It was nice to talk to you, Princess. Maybe we'll see each other again soon."

Jimin smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "I hope so," she said. "Take care, Minjeong."

As she walked away, Jimin couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement about the possibility of getting to know the young commander-in-training better. She had a feeling that there was more to Minjeong than met the eye, and she was eager to uncover the mystery.

Days later, Jimin found herself meandering through the castle gardens once again, lost in thought. As she turned a corner, she stumbled upon Minjeong, seated beneath the shade of a grand willow tree. Minjeong's head hung low, her shoulders trembling with an unseen weight.

Pausing momentarily, Jimin debated whether to respect Minjeong's privacy or offer her a compassionate ear. However, her intuition nudged her forward, whispering that Minjeong needed for someone to confide in. Taking a deep breath, Jimin approached slowly, mindful not to startle her.

"Minjeong?" she called out softly. 

The other girl jumped at the sound of her voice, looking up with red-rimmed eyes. Jimin could see that she had been crying again, her cheeks streaked with tears.

"Oh, Princess," Minjeong mumbled, her voice heavy with emotion. "I didn't notice you. What brings you here?" She hastily attempted to wipe away her tears, aware that shedding them in the princess's presence this often would not bolster her image.

Jimin sat down beside her, feeling a sudden surge of empathy for the other girl's pain. "I was just taking a walk," she said. "Are you okay? Is there anything I can do to help?"

Minjeong shook her head, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. "No, it's nothing," she murmured. "Just...personal stuff. You know how it is."

Jimin nodded, treading gently to avoid prying. "Of course. But if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here for you."

Minjeong glanced up, her searching eyes meeting Jimin's gaze. "Thank you, Princess," she whispered, "That means a lot to me." 

For a few moments, they sat in silence, embraced by the gentle rustling of leaves in the willow tree. Jimin felt a serene tranquility wash over her, as if being in Minjeong's presence held an innate solace.

Finally, Minjeong broke the silence, her voice soft-spoken. "You know, Princess, I must apologize for my vulnerability and the tears. It's embarrassing to expose this side of myself before you."

Jimin reached out, gently placing her hand on Minjeong's arm and couldn't help but smile mischievously, a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh, Minjeong, there's no need to be so hard on yourself," she teased gently. "Even fierce warriors like you are allowed a moment of emotional release. I won't tell anyone about the warrior shedding a few tears. It'll be our little secret."

Minjeong's expression shifted from embarrassment to a mixture of surprise and amusement. "Are you mocking me, Princess?" she retorted, her voice laced with playful defiance.

Jimin grinned, her hand reaching out to gently wipe away the lingering tears on Minjeong's face. "Just a little friendly teasing," she said, her tone filled with affection.

Minjeong's laughter subsided, her gaze meeting Jimin's with a mixture of gratitude and fondness. "I suppose you're right," she admitted, her voice tinged with amusement.

Relishing in their lighthearted banter, Jimin playfully leaned against Minjeong's shoulder, a smile dancing on her lips. "You know, Minjeong, it's moments like these that almost make me wish you had more tearful episodes," she teased, nudging her gently.

Minjeong scoffed, trying to maintain a stern facade, but a hint of amusement escaped her. "Watch it, Princess," she retorted, rolling her eyes. "Don't get too comfortable. I'll be back to training soon, and you'll have to find someone else to tease."

Jimin feigned a pout, batting her eyelashes dramatically. "Oh no, who else will withstand my witty banter and endure my playful jabs?" she mock lamented. "You're truly one of a kind, Minjeong."

Minjeong couldn't help but chuckle, her stoic demeanor giving way to a genuine smile. "Count yourself lucky, Princess, for having such an entertaining sparring partner," she remarked, a glint of mischief in her eyes.

They sat there, enjoying each other's company, exchanging playful remarks and laughter as time ticked away. Jimin leaned comfortably against Minjeong's shoulder, cherishing the closeness they shared. As the hour approached for Minjeong to return to her training, they both knew that their time together was limited. But they made the most of it, savoring the teasing  that had become a cherished part of their friendship.

Days passed after their conversation under the willow tree, and Jimin and Minjeong's bond continued to deepen. Their friendship grew stronger with each passing moment, and Jimin found herself eagerly seeking out Minjeong's company, relishing in their shared laughter and heartfelt conversations.

Late one night, as Jimin was preparing to retire to bed, a gentle knock interrupted the quiet of her chamber. Curiosity piqued, she rose from her bed and opened the door, revealing Minjeong standing there in a simple yet elegant dress, an air of urgency about her.

"Minjeong, what brings you here at this hour?" Jimin asked, both surprised and intrigued by her unexpected visit.

Minjeong's eyes sparkled with a mixture of anxiety and determination. "Jimin, I need your help," she whispered urgently. "Will you come with me?"

Without hesitation, Jimin grabbed a cloak and joined Minjeong, her heart pounding with a mixture of concern and anticipation. Together, they maneuvered through the castle corridors, their steps hushed and purposeful.

As they approached the castle gates, Minjeong revealed her need to venture outside the safety of the castle walls to meet someone in secret. Jimin's initial instinct was caution, aware of the risks that lay beyond the castle's protection. Yet, the sincerity in Minjeong's plea compelled her to stand by her side, willing to face the unknown for the sake of their friendship.

Stepping beyond the castle gates, the moon cast a gentle glow upon their path, guiding their way through the darkened countryside. Jimin's senses heightened, excitement coursing through her veins, but she remained steadfast by Minjeong's side, her unwavering support evident.

At last, they arrived at a tranquil clearing by a babbling stream, where a young man awaited Minjeong's arrival. Jimin recognized him as one of the knights in training, though she knew little else about him.

"Minjeong, what's going on?" Jimin asked, her voice low.

Minjeong turned to her, her eyes pleading. "Princess, please stay with me," she said. "I can't do this alone."

Jimin nodded, realizing that Minjeong was putting herself in a dangerous situation by meeting this knight in secret. She stood with her, watching as Minjeong and the young man spoke in hushed tones.

Suddenly, there was a rustling in the bushes nearby, and Jimin tensed, ready for danger. However, it was another knight, one of the castle guards who had discreetly followed them.

"What are you two doing out here?" he questioned sternly, suspicion evident in his voice.

Minjeong's face fell, and she looked to Jimin for help.Stepping forward, Jimin adopted a composed demeanor, determined to protect her friend. "We were just out for a walk," she replied smoothly, hoping to persuade him to let them be. "Is there a problem?"

The guard eyed them warily, but after a moment, he relented. "You should be more careful, Princess," he said, before disappearing back into the darkness of the forest.

Jimin breathed a sigh of relief, and she turned to Minjeong, who was still shaking. "Are you okay?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Minjeong nodded, her eyes welling with tears. "Thank you, Jimin," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I don't know what I would have done without you

Jimin put a comforting arm around her, feeling a sudden surge of protectiveness. She knew that Minjeong was still a mystery to her in many ways, but she was determined to be there for her in whatever way she could.

After the close call with the guard, Jimin knew they needed a safe space to talk, disregarding the young guard's protests. She led Minjeong towards the serene castle gardens, a haven of fragrant flowers and towering trees where they could find solace.

Upon reaching the gardens, Jimin settled on a bench and gestured for Minjeong to join her. 

Minjeong hesitated, her gaze darting anxiously, but eventually, she took a seat next to Jimin, her hands tightly clasped in her lap, betraying her inner turmoil.

"Minjeong, what's going on?" Jimin asked, her voice gentle.

Minjeong lowered her gaze to her hands, her troubled expression deepening. "I apologize, Princess," she whispered, her voice laced with remorse. "It was truly foolish of me to ask for your assistance. I couldn't even do what I had hoped, and I unintentionally exposed you to potential danger."

Jimin's hand reached out to rest upon Minjeong's arm, offering comfort and reassurance. "No apologies are necessary," she reassured sincerely. "You needn't blame yourself."

Minjeong met Jimin's gaze, her eyes reflecting gratitude and a hint of self-condemnation. "You show me kindness beyond measure, Princess," she murmured softly. "As your protector, I failed you today." Her voice quivered, "If you wish to punish me, I understand."

She reached out and gently grasped Minjeong's hands, her touch reassuring and warm. Jimin locked eyes with Minjeong, her voice filled with a heartfelt plea. "Minjeong, please listen to me. This is the first time in my lonely life that I have genuinely connected with someone. I care deeply for you, and I promise you, I have no intention of hurting you, no matter what. Just... trust me enough to tell me what's going on. Share your burdens with me."

Minjeong took a deep breath, her gaze locked with Jimin's as she prepared to share her secret. "Princess, the truth is...I have reason to believe that certain individuals are working together, plotting against the kingdom's stability. The guard I met with tonight possesses vital information that could expose their plans. I feared that if I went alone, I could be in grave danger. I needed you by my side, someone I trust implicitly, to ensure my safety."

Jimin's brows furrowed, her voice laced with worry. "Working together?"

Minjeong glanced around cautiously before continuing. "I couldn't risk discussing it within the castle walls or the training halls, as there are ears everywhere." Minjeong locked eyes with Jimin. "I assure you that I will protect you at all costs. I won't let any harm come your way."

Jimin nodded, concern etched on her face, as she took hold of Minjeong's hand. However, her attention was immediately drawn to a peculiar rough patch on Minjeong's skin. She reached out and touch it gently. "Minjeong, what happened to your hand?" she asked, her brow furrowed.

Minjeong's gaze flickered down to her own hand, and a soft sigh escaped her lips. "It's nothing," she replied dismissively. "Just a callus."

Jimin shook her head, not satisfied with the answer. "Let me see," she insisted firmly, taking hold of Minjeong's hand and examining it closely.

As her fingers traced the calloused skin, Jimin couldn't help but notice Minjeong flinch slightly at her touch. Realization dawned upon her as she connected the dots. The callus was a result of intense sword training. "Minjeong, did someone hurt you during training?" she asked, her voice low.

Minjeong averted her gaze, her cheeks flushing with a mixture of embarrassment and sadness. "I just...I wasn't very good," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "And the commander, he...he said some things."

A surge of anger surged through Jimin as she listened to Minjeong's confession. "What did he say?" she demanded, her tone turning icy.

Minjeong hesitated, but then she looked up at Jimin, her eyes b with tears."He said I wasn't fit to be a knight," she whispered, her voice trembling. "That I was weak and useless."

Jimin's heart broke for her friend, and she pulled her into a tight embrace. "Minjeong, that's not true.You possess incredible strength and capability. You will prove them wrong and become an exceptional knight."

Minjeong sniffled, seeking comfort in Jimin's embrace, her arms squeezing tightly around Jimin's waist. "Thank you, Princess," she mumbled, her words muffled by their closeness. "You're too kind to me."

Jimin beamed, returning the embrace wholeheartedly, a warmth spreading throughout her chest. Although much remained unknown about Minjeong, she was determined to stand by her friend's side.