A/N: Hello! I am back from my long hiatus, and I am so sorry it took so long to get out another chapter. I just had way too much to do and couldn't fit any time for any of my writing. But, here is a new chapter for Faith! Thanks to everyone for waiting patiently and enjoying! Let me know what you think, and hopefully from this point, the story continues to remain interesting!
Thanks again, and enjoy!
"So.. The King.. He wants to see you?" asked Eun Soo quietly as she watched Choi Young dress in his armor. For a second, his features scrunched up in what appeared to be discomfort, though he attempted to hide it by avoiding her eyes. Regardless, being the doctor she was, Eun Soo was very well aware that the armor put a slight strain on his body. She knew it wasn't because he was exhausted or injured, but rather from the lack of proper exercise. However, Eun Soo wasn't too concerned, since she knew that the strain would be minor.
"Yes. I haven't been to see him since.." Choi Young's voice trailed off slightly as he figured out what to call Gi Cheol's death. "Since the incident."
Oh? So that's what we're referring to it as?
She nodded her head slowly in understanding. "I see. He must be worried about you."
Choi Young glanced at her briefly, looking a little confused at her comment. "Worried about me? He's simply curious about my current condition and if I am still capable of leading the Woodalchi. That is most important for his Majesty."
Eun Soo's lips curved into a frown and she hit the General lightly on his shoulder in a scolding manner. "And you need to quit thinking so lowly of yourself! I didn't save you so you could degrade yourself.. He cares about you. Trust me.."
"Imja." His tone fell flat as he turned to face her. "Where you came from...you see everyone worthy of praise. But it's very different here.. Here your worth is based on your abilities. His Majesty...he needs to only worry for himself. He can lose as many soldiers as necessary to remain alive."
"So then what is my worth?" she challenged, folding her arms across her chest. "I'm not like you. Or any of the Woodalchi for that matter.."
"You saved her Highness, Imja. That is more than any of the Woodalchi have ever done." He placed his hands reassuringly on her shoulders, giving a small smile as if to prove sincerity in his words. "Now come on. His Majesty is waiting for us."
Eun Soo forced a smile onto her lips as she nodded in agreement. "Then let's go. I think you've kept him waiting too long.. He's probably feeling anxious this entire time and that isn't healthy."
Together, side-by-side, the two strolled out of the General's quarters. As they made their way to the King's quarters, the two were often greeted by some of the court ladies and Woodalchi they passed. Eun Soo peered occasionally over at Choi Young to match his stride. However, the one thing she could not match was his posture. He stood with his back straight, and the range of his steps were all balanced evenly, or so it appeared to her. In simpler terms, Eun Soo just saw him as the perfect soldier, and despite being a heavy sleeper and oftentimes challenging to his comrades—especially to the King—Choi Young still managed to maintain the appearance of the perfect General.
His focus never shifted to her. Instead, it remained in front of him until they reached the large doors leading to the King's quarters. And only then did Choi Young shift his tranquil gaze over to the officers guarding the doors. Within seconds of making eye contact with the General, the officers opened the doors willingly, and Eun Soo followed Choi Young into the room. It was a beautiful room, painted with ordinary colors, but also decorated with paintings suited to the King's liking, or so Eun Soo assumed. And as her gaze traveled around the room, she finally spotted the King in the center, right before his desk. His gaze was also calm, similarly to Choi Young's. However, as Choi Young and Eun Soo approached him, she noticed his lips twitching into a subtle frown, indicating some type of unhappiness.
For a few, uneasy moments, the King of Goryeo remained completely silent as he stared down at the two—more specifically, Choi Young. Curiously, Eun Soo peered over at Choi Young, whose seemingly emotionless gaze bore into the King's. Then, almost right after the awkward silence, Eun Soo watched as Choi Young dropped down onto one knee, bowing his head to the King. Eun Soo was about to do the same—out of respect to her King—when King Gongmin cleared his throat abruptly.
"That's enough. You may stand." Once Choi Young shifted back onto both feet, King Gongmin continued. This time, however, his attention was shifted to Eun Soo; his gaze remaining tranquil, similarly to Choi Young. "How is his condition?"
Eun Soo breathed in before speaking in a clear tone. "He's doing much better, your Majesty. He has almost completely healed up, but from my perspective—as the High Doctor—I believe a few more days of rest should be all he needs to fully recover. I recommend exercise, to help as well. But nothing too overwhelming," she added quickly. "I truly think… that the most difficult part of the recovery is over. He has remained strong and very well rested, might I add." A small smile formed on her lips as she bowed her head to the King.
"...I see." There had been a short pause before Gongmin responded. "If that's the case, then so be it—"
"Your Majesty," began Choi Young suddenly, interrupting him like he normally did. "It is only a recommendation."
"Wait a sec—" objected Eun Soo before she was cut off completely.
"If you need me, I can return to my duties right away.."
"No," Gongmin stated firmly right after, furrowing his brows. "High Doctor just confirmed that your full recovery will take a couple more days, at the least. Do as she says. It's an order."
At his command, Choi Young fell completely silent. However, despite Gongmin's harsh reaction, Eun Soo simply knew—from his expressions, tone, and choice of words—that he felt strongly about Choi Young's situation. It was more than clear, time after time of seeing patients, that King Gongmin was genuinely worried about Choi Young. And although Choi Young wouldn't believe such an absurd fact, Eun Soo knew this was exactly how the King felt. Even Queen Noguk would agree.
Suddenly, Gongmin made eye contact with Eun Soo and spoke up one final time to her. "High Doctor, I need a word alone with the General."
Almost immediately, Eun Soo understood and bowed her head, though a bit reluctant to leave Choi Young on his own. Rather, she was concerned he would do something insane—brilliant, but insane. That's just how he was. It was almost admirable, if he almost didn't get himself killed several times. But she believed that the King would plant his foot firmly on the ground to any absurd suggestions against her professional recommendation. She eyed Choi Young sternly, opening her mouth slightly and mouthing the word "don't" secretly to him; though, after hearing the King clear his throat—explicitly implying that she leave—Eun Soo offered a smile up once more before turning away and leaving as he commanded.
However, after she left the room with the guards closing the door shut, Eun Soo couldn't help but feel tired suddenly. Almost as if the exhaustion from staying awake—being unable to sleep well—was finally hitting her. As she waited outside the doors, almost tempted to wander, she heard footsteps approaching her, along with a call of her name.
"High Doctor."
Eun Soo quickly turned to face the woman she had grown so familiar with. Just by hearing the sound of her voice, Eun Soo was able to picture a face and name. Smiling warmly—and hiding her exhaustion—Eun Soo greeted the court lady as she came to a slow halt in front of her. "Lady Choi, is there something you need?"
"Yes, actually. Her Highness requests your immediate presence," explained Lady Choi.
"My immediate presence?" Eun Soo's voice filled with concern at the sudden request. Initially, Eun Soo thought something was wrong. "What's wrong..?"
"Oh, nothing is wrong, High Doctor. Her Highness simply wishes to speak with you at the moment. It is of no emergency, but her Highness understands how busy you are, caring for Choi Young." Lady Choi sighed in slight irritation herself, shaking her head. "That boy.. He is quite the handful at times, isn't he? But do not worry, if he happens to finish his meeting with his Majesty, then I will send him your way."
"Is that so.." Eun Soo nodded her head, understanding the Queen's sudden request. "I'll go see her right now." Just as she began to make her way off to the Queen's quarters, Eun Soo turned toward Lady Choi and expressed her appreciation. "Thank you. And you are right, Choi Young is really...really a handful."
Admittedly, Choi Young found humor in Eun Soo's sternness and attempts to act professional. Oddly, at one point in time, he would have found it bothersome and annoying, but then again, Choi Young was well aware she wouldn't have put that much effort into his life. Because, once upon a time, the two simply had no relations to each other; their bond was weak and could have easily been broken, similarly to a string. But their connection had grown quite stronger—stronger than Choi Young could have ever imagined.
Because once upon a time, he was a simple General.
And she was a plain Doctor.
However, despite his hidden enjoyment, Choi Young remained completely composed, with not a single hint of a smile on his features. Rather, he remained calm and silent, waiting patiently for the King's words. And he waited a few minutes, surprisingly. Normally, Choi Young noted that King Gongmin usually had a lot on his mind and definitely a whole lot more to say. Most of the time, it was directed towards Choi Young, who he desperately wanted to be his most loyal and trusting soldier. However, Choi Young was still uncertain and hesitant about such an idea. It was wrong to place so much trust and hope into one single soldier; especially one who would eventually die in times of war.
And if he did happen to die, by chance, then that would leave King Gongmin in a very vulnerable position, which would again, leave Goryeo in a vulnerable state. Choi Young couldn't possibly allow such selfish desires endanger all that Choi Young cared and fought for.
It was best to remain distanced.
That's how Choi Young saw it. As harsh and cruel as it may have been, Choi Young wasn't ready to take a risk like that.
Finally, after a couple more minutes of silence passing and King Gongmin staring intently at Choi Young, he spoke. "Are you certain you're well?"
A question such as that caught Choi Young off guard and had him startled. It was almost as if his word wasn't trusted. And more importantly, Choi Young found it odd that King Gongmin felt the need to persist.
"Your Majesty, do not let High Doctor's concerns worry you. As a doctor, it is her duty to be in a worried state, especially since…" His voice trailed off for a couple seconds.
Since...she cares personally about me.
Choi Young would have been honest, although it was irrelevant and personal. Nothing for the King's ears.
"...she has to keep an eye on her patients, constantly. I'm certain there is no real concern for me."
"General." There was a sudden strictness in the King's voice. "Give me a direct answer. Are you certain you're well?"
Choi Young was surprised that the King decided to demand a more direct answer. But regardless, he answered, "I am well, your Majesty. High Doctor has done well in helping my recovery."
"When will you be ready to resume your duties as General of the Woodalchi?" persisted King Gongmin. "And I do not want to hear 'right away,' I will be following High Doctor's recommendation. But I want to be sure you feel ready to resume your duties after your time off."
"Whenever you need me, your Majesty, I will be ready," Choi Young answered genuinely. "If you were to need me this moment, I am here to resume my duty as General. If you were to need me ten years from now, I will still be here, to continue being your Majesty's General." By now, Choi Young bowed his head respectively, clearing his throat silently. "Even if I were on the verge of death, and you needed me, I would return to your side."
Such an answer silenced the King as he stared at Choi Young. "And of High Doctor?"
Choi Young's jaw tensed at the question, though he answered his curious King. "High Doctor understands my duty. But I do not see reason to consider her in this situation.."
Is he testing my loyalty?
"Lift your head," commanded King Gongmin. He paused briefly before finally agreeing with Choi Young. "You are right. Let us discuss a more important matter." Once Choi Young lifted his head, King Gongmin continued, "I have your next assignment ready, as the General of the Woodalchi."
Choi Young rested his unwavering gaze on the King, remaining quiet, as he waited patiently for the King's briefing on the next assignment.
"Thank you, your Highness. This is really generous of you."
Eun Soo smiled warmly at the kind Queen who had poured tea for Eun Soo. As always, Queen Noguk looked absolutely beautiful. Wearing beautiful outfits, adorned with pretty accessories—all fit for a Queen like the one before her. Eun Soo couldn't help but be a tiny bit envious of the beautiful woman in front of her. However, she pushed aside such envy so she could focus on her conversation with the Queen.
"No need to thank me. Anything for you, High Doctor." Queen Noguk returned a sweet and kind smile to Eun Soo, making brief eye contact with her. She lifted her hand and brushed her fingers across her neck, where fatal wound had once been. Now, to Eun Soo, it felt as though ages ago. "I would not be here, speaking with you, if you had not saved my life."
"The one you should be thanking is Choi Young, actually," commented Eun Soo as she took a sip of her tea. "He's the one who dragged me here to save you."
Eun Soo's commented earned a light-hearted laugh from Queen Noguk, and she dipped her head in acknowledgment. "You are right. The General also deserves our gratitude. Not only for saving my life, but for being the General he is. Without him.." Queen Noguk's gaze lowered slightly to her own tea cup. "...Everything would have been different."
For a moment, Queen Noguk seemed to be reminiscing. Eun Soo decided to change the subject, only because she figured that the Queen would end up overthinking Choi Young's role in her life, as well as everyone else's.
"Do you think his Majesty feels the same way?" asked Eun Soo curiously, wanting to confirm her own suspicions. "Do you think he is just as grateful?"
Queen Noguk lifted her gaze, nodding in agreement. "I do believe so. Our General.. He has been loyal to his Majesty. Even when the General's intentions were misunderstood, and deepest longings ignored, he remained completely loyal to him." A humored smile formed on Queen Noguk's lips. "And a lot of the time, his Majesty gets worked up by those decisions and desires. But by now, I have learned that, no matter what the General does, he can be trusted. Sometimes his Majesty never understood the decisions of his General, and I have certainly seen him at his worst, but now.. Now I think his Majesty has finally come to understand the General."
"I agree," responded Eun Soo, grinning slightly. "I had a feeling his Majesty had a better understanding of Choi Young.."
"He does. I also believe he cares very much about the General." Queen Noguk watched Eun Soo carefully. "You seem to also care a lot about the General, High Doctor. It's almost hard to imagine you two not getting along."
She was referring to the beginning, where Eun Soo did not like Choi Young a single bit. Eun Soo rubbed the side of her neck awkwardly, averting her own gaze as she tried to find the right words to say. "I.. I do care a lot about Choi Young. But that's probably, really obvious by now to everyone.."
"You like him very much, don't you?"
Eun Soo was surprised by such a question from the Queen. At first, Eun Soo didn't know what to say. Sure, it was beyond obvious that she and Choi Young had feelings for one another. But to hear in words felt a little embarrassing because their personal relationship had seemed to reach the King and Queen.
Despite the embarrassment, Eun Soo answered honestly. "..I.. I do." Her words were quiet, but then Eun Soo continued with some kind of confidence. "I like him quite a bit. It was a surprise to me too when I realized how much he meant to me.. But it didn't take me long to realize that our feelings for one another had just...blossomed; just like everyone else.. It's weird, sometimes. How you could fall in love with someone you hated so much.." Eun Soo's voice trailed off into silence, and eventually she cleared her throat, realizing how personal she got with the Queen. "Sorry, I rambled."
Queen Noguk's smile reassured her otherwise. "I found what you said to be very beautiful, High Doctor. Like a flower, relationship's blossom, and for the most part, they are something beautiful." The Queen's persistent questions never seemed to stop, though. "High Doctor, I have one more question.. Though, I do not know how comfortable you will be with answering it."
"No, no; go on, your Highness," insisted Eun Soo. "I don't mind answering any questions of yours.."
Queen Noguk nodded firmly. "Then, forgive me for my curiosity, but since you and the General share mutual feelings with one another, have either of you discussed raising a child of your own?"
This had been the wrong time to take a sip of tea. Eun Soo had almost—almost—spit out her tea when she heard the Queen's question. Slapping a hand of her mouth, Eun Soo forced the liquid down her throat, almost choking. "P-pardon..?"
How am I supposed to answer this question?