Hyein's POV
The night festival was luxurious. The knights of the kingdom were firing fireworks into the sky. They exploded and gave colors to the night sky, in line with the queen's dress. It was so different compared to the clothes I'd seen before.
I wanted to keep my composure in check, but I found my foot kept tapping the ground, growing impatient with the situation.
"People of my kingdom." The queen had begun her speech. Y/n unnie was still nowhere to be found. I guessed the queen wanted to introduce her in the later part.
People shushed the others, so only the queen's voice could be heard.
"Thank you for the warm welcome. In this festival, I'm gratified to inform you that we have expanded our sovereignty to the east, obtaining a region with crude oil to be extracted. I believe that our golden age will not end here, but it's just the beginning."
I was amazed by how the queen managed to create such synergies between the people. They were cherishing and celebrating as if they were directly involved in the process of expansion.
She's very much suited to the role of a queen. To move people's hearts... I didn't know if it was caused by her boldness or sincerity.
"However, ..." the queen suddenly continued.
"We have sat too long in our beliefs and old tradition, intentionally dismissing the role of a certain race. No one should be constrained by who and what they are. That's why... I shall lead you all to the world of inclusivity."
That's where Y/n showed up. She walked toward the empty space beside the queen.
I could hear the gasps coming from the majority of the people. They might have noticed that she was the same person they avoided that afternoon.
Y/n nervously cleared her throat before she finally began to speak. If this festival wasn't a big celebration, I would say that it was kind of a loser behavior...
"I'm sorry for any misunderstanding this afternoon, I truly don't mean any harm to any of you. I'm here to accompany important people in my life. I know that it's hard to turn away from your old perspective, but I want to prove to you that I'm a decent creature too, that I want to live for the same purpose as you people, that there are precious things in my life I want to protect at all costs, that... I'm not that different."
She clenched her fist, showing her determination to the people in front of her, "Let me contribute to this kingdom."
The queen patted her shoulder, giving her a 'good job' sign. "Here, I appointed her as one of my comrades-in-arms as she has shown me her courage and dignity. She will serve this kingdom to overthrow our kingdom's discontent."
Rather than glorious cheers, she received an enthusiastic ovation from the public.
This scene would probably be in her mind until the day she chose to forget it.
The festival ended not long after that, we left the town bringing some food for the people at home. Even the trip home was quiet, but Y/n unnie was being giddy all the way home.
While Minji unnie walked far in front of us, Y/n took the chance to walk right beside me. She leaned forward a little to see my face.
"Is there something bothering you?" still in her leaning position.
I turned my face away in the opposite direction, "Nope, there's nothing."
"You look... angry... and sad."
"You can think whatever you want."
Y/n stopped her pace, "Is it because I take the queen's offer?"
"No?" I replied almost immediately. Y/n unnie probably went home with us just to pack her things before moving out to the kingdom. It's quite far from here, and the people who serve the kingdom were usually provided with a place to live near there.
I wondered what their reactions would be if I told them that Y/n unnie was going to go. Maybe they would be supportive of her decision. Why should I think about this anyway?
"You know, I will always choose you guys over everyone. Don't ever doubt that." Y/n unnie suddenly stated.
"What do you mean?" It was a little bit ironic when I remembered something not even a day before, but I chuckled a bit.
"I negotiated with the queen earlier." And she showed me her eye smile, "About that."
Of course, I knew what she was referring to.
W-wait, what?
"Huh? Negotiate? With the queen?!" I almost yelled with my eyes wide open. I thought I underestimated this girl too much.
"Yeah, as you said earlier, I feel like there's no right or wrong in my decision, but there's no best option I can choose, soooo... I decided to make one myself." She smirked playfully and proceeded to show her smug face.
"What did you tell the queen?"
"Oh, I asked Kazuha for flexibility. I will work in the kingdom for one term, I still want to live in our home. Instead of a place to live, I asked her to facilitate transportation. I demand a difficult thing, so if she were to refuse, I would definitely reject the offer."
The distance between the kingdom and our house was undoubtedly far. The fact that she chose to do that meant she had to wake up much earlier.
"You can just... visit us when you have some days off," I mumbled that silently because I kind of liked the idea of her staying.
"You guys reach my hand first when I need it. I won't be the first to let it go. That's my vow."
-
The door blasted open and Y/n unnie greeted the people at home warmly. She would surely tell them about her day.
"I bring FOOD!" and that's how the other 3 girls just hugged her excitedly.
I couldn't contain my laughter anymore as I chuckled a bit.
Minji unnie went beside me after closing the door.
"You look happy? Something happened on our way home?" Minji unnie confusedly said because she had seen my face this whole day. She's way too sensible not to notice something.
"Yeah, I underestimate Y/n unnie and it's making me happy."
"Hmm... Care to elaborate?" she scratched her nape, not understanding what I meant.
"I'll tell you the detail later, one thing for sure..."
"One thing for sure...?" Minji unnie repeated.
"She's so damn adorable."
Minji unnie was shocked for a while before finally laughing in her signature way, "I'm about to reprimand you for language, but it's a damn truth, so I'll let it slide."