Chapter 85: Hand In Hand

“Ok, then. Sit,” Ren said as he pointed towards a chair that was on the opposite side of the table.

Ren sat back down as well. I waited eagerly for him to start his explanation. This was the first time that Ren would tell me something about his work as the crown prince, aside from his responsibility to wage war.

“These reports are reports from the governors of each town in the empire. They outline the overall situation of the people. When it is time for tax collection, they will report the tax revenue as well. Then in times of draught, flooding, or any other problems, they may write to request for aide from the capital,” Ren explained as he handed me one of the reports.

So, I surmised, that from these reports, Ren would know what was happening in each town of his empire…and that includes my town. It reminded me of home. Even if I couldn’t go back now, perhaps, it would make me feel better if I asked Ren how my town was doing.

“Other reports are from the generals stationed at the boarders or other battlefields…but I guess you’re not interested in those…” Ren said, guessing correctly that I had no taste for news related to warfare.

“Ren…” I called his name hesitantly.

“What is it?” Ren asked, as he looked up from the report and at me.

“…how is…my hometown doing?” I asked.

“Do you still miss your hometown?” Ren asked instead of replying to my question.

“Of course…I do,” I replied honestly.

Ren just nodded his head a little in silence as he seemed to be thinking of something. I watched him as I waited patiently for his answer. All I wanted was to hear that my hometown and everyone else was doing well.

“Your hometown is doing well. After being absorbed into the empire, the people have been collaborative and the relationship with the capital has progressed smoothy. There’s nothing for you to worry about,” Ren replied as he smiled gently at me.

“Really? That’s a huge relief…” I said as I smiled at him happily.

“Keep gaining my favors and your town will be treated well,” Ren said.

“I don’t like the townspeople enough to work hard for their sake,” I muttered.

“I’m only joking. As the crown prince, I try to treat all provinces and towns in the empire fairly…but if you anger me then things might just change…” Ren said before smiling sweetly at me.

I should have known by now that this man was the devil himself regardless of what kind of smile he wore.

“Now you’re making threats…” I started complaining.

“Now now…enough serious talks. Let’s go walk around before it’s time for dinner,” Ren said as he got up from his seat once more.

“Ok…” I said, going along with Ren’s idea.

…

Ren and I walked leisurely side by side as we strolled around aimlessly in the garden next to his palace. I glanced down at our hands as they held each other with fingers entwined and wondered since when it had become second nature to us to always hold each other’s hand while we walked.

Back when we first started this charade of a relationship, I remembered that Ren asked to hold my hand to make our relationship seemed more real to other people. However, nowadays, even without anyone else around, Ren still held my hand in his.

I glanced up at the side of Ren’s face as he continued to tell me about the meaning of various flowers that were currently blooming his garden. My eyes followed his hand as it pointed at the yellow flowers that he was referring to.

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“Do you like flowers, Ren?” I asked, looking at him curiously.

I guess flowers didn’t seem to naturally fit into the image that I had of Ren. Of course, I’m not saying or thinking that there is anything wrong with men who like flowers.

“I don’t,” Ren replied flatly.

“Oh…since you were talking so passionately about them, I thought that perhaps you liked flowers,” I said, this time in confusion.

“I thought you liked them…the flowers…” Ren replied but his eyes wouldn’t meet mind.

Is he…feeling shy?

“Well, you got that one right. I do love flowers. Thank you for telling me…about them. What about that one over there?” I said happily to encourage him while pointing my finger at another type of flower that was a little way off.

“This orange flower is called the Sunrise of Joy. It’s from the south and I think it was gifted to my father when the governor of that town visited and it was planted here since then,” Ren said as he smiled at me.

I bent down to peer closer at a Sunrise of Joy flower. The flower looked round and cute with many small orange petals. I guess I could sort of see why it was called the Sunrise of Joy.

“It’s very pretty. So round and brightly colored…” I said in admiration.

“Do you like it?” Ren asked.

“I love it…” I said, honestly.

The sun was starting to set, and I could see the reflection of the sun’s rays in Ren’s gorgeous brown eyes as he looked straight at me.

“This reminds me, Shin mentioned that there is a very large herbal garden in the palace. Would you mind taking me to see it?” I asked, breaking the silence that seemed to stretch on between us.

“Of course…” Ren readily agreed.

“Wow, that was easy,” I said as I grinned and looked up at him.

“Rin…” Ren suddenly called my name softly when I was walking a step ahead of him.

“Hmm?” I made a questioning sound as I turned around to look at him.

“Nothing…nevermind,” Ren said. I cocked my head curiously to the side as I watched him. I have never really seen Ren hesitate to say something to me before.

“We went to the Royal Medical Office before so I had thought that I would see the garden then…but we didn’t…” I continued.

“That’s because the garden is very big and located on the edge of the palace grounds. It’s so big, it’s basically a mini forest to be honest,” Ren said.

“Really? Now I feel like I have to see it…and soon…” I said in excitement.

--To be continued…

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