Flower Dream Chapter 11

“Chief Eunuch Baek, distribute the rice and cotton cloth to those gathered here.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

For the past few years, crowds had flocked wherever he went, so Shin Ryuwon gave the order calmly, unshaken by the gazes and cheers directed at him.

“Open the carts!”

Chief Eunuch Baek, turning around, commanded the palace attendants. As they headed toward the enormous carts and began ceaselessly pulling out sacks of rice and piles of cotton cloth, the people’s cheers grew even louder.

“Thank you!”

“Long live the Imperial Prince!”

Shin Ryuwon raised his hand indifferently toward the crowd expressing their gratitude, then watched for a brief moment as the palace attendants moved in perfect, disciplined unison.

A few days prior, the imperial court had publicly announced that the Third Imperial Prince, Shin Ryuwon, would be touring the provinces by the Emperor’s command, visiting sacred sites across the nation to perform rites to the Divine Beast.

If it became known that Shin Ryuwon’s body required purification and that he planned to meet the imperial princess consort candidates selected by the court over the coming months, the risk of being targeted by enemies would be high. Therefore, this was a cover to hide the true purpose. Distributing rice and cloth was also part of the deception.

Of course, even on ordinary occasions, there was a custom of bestowing various foods and goods upon the local residents during a direct imperial descendant’s procession. By displaying a devotion to love for the people, they could build the imperial family’s authority and draw the support of the populace, achieving a dual effect.

Thus, imperial processions always drew large crowds. Even among those gathered here right now, many were here simply to receive free food and goods, apart from laying eyes on the Third Imperial Prince, currently called ‘the most perfect dragon’s bloodline.’

“Let’s go.”

Shin Ryuwon moved at a leisurely pace, leaving the countless gazes fixed on him behind. Chief Eunuch Baek, Senior Court Lady Kim, and Mun Sewon followed closely behind him.

Since no one knew when the distribution of rice and cotton cloth to the people would finish, they had previously agreed to leave the wrap-up to the palace attendants who would be waiting outside the sacred city.

“Please wait, Your Majesty.”

Hyeok Ryeoa, who had been giving orders to the Royal Guards, came running with a startled face when Shin Ryuwon headed toward the entrance. Then, she immediately signaled to the squad members who would enter the sacred city with her, having them guard Ryuwon’s left and right sides.

“I will take the lead.”

“There is no need to be so wary.”

“Accidents always happen suddenly. Lately, there are many ruffians targeting Your Majesty, so being cautious…”

“It seems you’ve heard some strange nonsense again somewhere.”

“No! The Eastern Depot directly sent a warning!”

Hyeok Ryeoa protested, looking extremely aggrieved. There was a reason she was being so strict.

“The Eastern Depot? What did they say?”

“That those feeling a sense of crisis over Your Majesty’s impending marriage are moving beneath the surface…”

“Hmm? It seems those who support my brothers are starting to feel the heat.”

“It appears they are watching the domestic situation not only from within but from outside as well. Since it’s the Empire’s succession issue, they are bound to be interested… In any case, we don’t know which bastards will try something when and where, so for a while…”

“You worry too much. Who would dare harm me?”

“…I know better than anyone how strong Your Majesty is. I am merely trying to fulfill my duty as a guard.”

“Fine, fine. Do as you wish.”

Realizing that dissuading her was futile, Shin Ryuwon waved his hand dismissively. He was well aware of Hyeok Ryeoa’s ever-serious personality. In times like this, it was better to just let her do as she pleased.

Step.

Shin Ryuwon walked along the smoothly paved path with his hands clasped behind his back, like someone out for a stroll. The closer he got to the entrance, the more strangely unsettled his heart became, and his blood ran faster. His blood was reacting to the power of the Divine Beast permeating the sacred site within the sacred city.

According to legend, the Divine Beast used its own flesh and blood to create the bodies of the Fragrant Ones, and placed the vitality of flowers and trees within them to create the Flower Ones and Tree Ones. The sacred sites were where the progenitors of each tribe, the first Fragrant Ones, were born.

Perhaps because these places held the vast vitality of the mystical beast, a fragment and one of nature’s mysteries, the Divine Ones always felt at ease when they went to the sacred sites, as if returning to their homeland.

“Welcome, Imperial Prince!”

“We behold the descendant of the Divine Dragon who upholds the Empire’s sky!”

As Shin Ryuwon passed the sacred pole, a thunderous greeting erupted as if they had been waiting. It was the Honghwa Tribe people who had come out to meet him. The sight of hundreds of Flower Ones holding flowers in both hands bowing in unison with full courtesy to the Empire’s Third Imperial Prince was quite a spectacle.

“Thank you for visiting our Honghwa Tribe’s ancestral home, Third Imperial Prince. We will serve you with all our hearts during your stay.”

Hong Haehwa, standing at the very front, greeted Shin Ryuwon on behalf of the tribe.

“It has been a while, Chieftain. Have you been well?”

“I have lived in comfort and plenty under the divine dragon’s protection. I heard you achieved great merit in this recent campaign. Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

“You must be weary from the long journey. We have prepared ‘Honghwa Pavilion’ within the holy ground for Your Majesty to rest comfortably.”

Hong Haehwa continued the formal conversation with a smiling face. The holy ground containing the sacred site had halls prepared for those like Shin Ryuwon who came to purify their bodies or spend their heat cycle.

“Since it is the place you always stay whenever you visit the sacred city, you would already know it well, but I will guide you there.”

“You, personally?”

“I would like to, but I have many matters to attend to by the end of today… I intend to entrust the guiding to another. Would that be acceptable?”

“Of course. One must not inconvenience a busy person.”

“Thank you for understanding. Then, I shall introduce the child who will take my place. Juyak, come here.”

Turning her head, Hong Haehwa called Hong Juyak in an affectionate voice. Then, as if waiting for this moment, a beautiful woman who resembled her stepped forward.

“My daughter will guide Your Majesty to Honghwa Pavilion in my stead.”

Hong Haehwa naturally introduced Hong Juyak. The plan to have Juyak attend upon Shin Ryuwon had failed even before it could be executed, but she did not give up. She intended to have her make an impression on Ryuwon beforehand like this, before the two met formally.

“It is an infinite honor to meet you, Imperial Prince. I am called Hong Juyak.”

With both cheeks flushed pink, Hong Juyak greeted Shin Ryuwon with an enchanting smile. However, her smile soon vanished.

“Are you saying you will entrust my guidance to a True Fragrant One right now?”

Shin Ryuwon did not even accept Hong Juyak’s greeting. Instead, he directed his gaze at Hong Haehwa, revealing displeasure. His thick eyebrows drew together, his brow narrowing tightly.

“Chieftain, do you take me for a fool?”

“…Pardon?”

Taken aback by the unexpected reaction, Hong Haehwa blinked. While she had worried the Imperial Prince might dislike her actions, she had not expected him to openly show his displeasure like this in front of everyone.

Whether he liked it or not, Hong Juyak was one of the consort candidates carefully selected by the Empress for Shin Ryuwon. She had thought he would at least accept this small maneuver even if he didn’t treat her warmly, but seeing his attitude, it was a clear misjudgment.

“Did my adjutant not request that all those attending me be Non-Fragrant Ones?”

Shin Ryuwon sharply retorted. He had not the slightest intention of accepting a trick that was so blatantly obvious. It would be the same even if the other party was a consort candidate. No, for that very reason, he needed to put them in their place here and now. That way, they would not dare to attempt any nonsense later.

“Knowing that, you still dare to push a True Fragrant One before me?”

A voice as cold as an icicle flowed from his slightly parted lips. Shin Ryuwon glared at Hong Haehwa and subtly drew up his divine power. The air quickly froze over from the energy emanating from his robust body.

“I, I apologize, Your Majesty. I was short-sighted. Please, quell your anger.”

It was a mistake. Bowing hastily, Hong Haehwa bit her lower lip. A cold sweat trickled down her spine. The head leading a tribe held authority comparable to most nobles, but before a direct imperial descendant, they were no different from a mouse before a cat. She was in a position where her head could fly off for the simple reason of having displeased them.

“M-Mother…”

Seeing the situation turning grim, Hong Juyak’s face turned deathly pale. The tribespeople watching their exchange were also at a loss. The atmosphere that had been excited by the Imperial Prince’s visit instantly sank into chill.

“Raise your head. This time, I will generously overlook it, thinking it a mistake made by a parent wishing for their child’s advancement. However, there will not be a second time.”

After a short sigh, Shin Ryuwon withdrew the pressure bearing down on the people and issued a low warning.

“I am grateful for your generosity, vast as the sea. Then, I will call those who will attend Your Majesty during your stay in the holy ground. I will entrust them with guiding you to Honghwa Pavilion as well.”

“Do so.”

“Dan Yuha, Ha Seokmun, Jeong Ryeon! Come forward swiftly!”

As soon as Shin Ryuwon gave his permission, Hong Haehwa hurriedly called for Dan Yuha. Then, the three Flower Ones whose names had been called by her came darting out.

“Chieftain.”

“Yes, it’s Yuha. Now, quickly, greet His Majesty.”

Her usual composure gone, Hong Haehwa pushed Dan Yuha, who had come out first, on the back without warning. Because of that, he momentarily lost his balance and staggered.

“Oh…”

Dan Yuha, who had swayed for a moment, soon put strength into his toes and straightened his back. Though one ankle twisted slightly, fortunately, the mishap of falling did not occur. Letting out a relieved breath, Yuha raised his head and then stiffened rigidly. Eyes as pitch-black as a starless night were right in front of him.