The journey is started .

Scene 27

Location: Inside the main hall of Spring House

Jigu is running as though her life depends on it. She's searching for Maam Fiona to relay what Astraea had said. With growing anxiety, she reaches Maam Fiona's room, but upon entering, finds it empty.

Jigu (huffing): Where is Maam? Where could she have gone?

She resumes running, checking the shower room, dressing room, liquor room, music room, dance room, and servant quarters, but Maam Fiona is nowhere to be found.

Jigu (huffing): I’ve searched the entire villa, but she’s nowhere. Where could she be?

Jigu leans against a pillar, exhausted from her frantic search but disappointed she couldn't find Maam Fiona. Despite her strict nature, Maam Fiona was a soft-hearted woman who never forced anyone.

Jigu (still huffing): She usually goes to the shower room or the pond garden when she’s feeling low... Wait—pond garden?

It dawns on her that Maam Fiona could be at the pond garden. After all, she seemed to feel connected to Astraea. Perhaps this was one of the rare times she allowed herself to feel a bit guilty.

Jigu (thinking): She must be at the pond garden. Please, let her be there . Maam Fiona.

With that thought, Jigu started running again, heading towards the pond garden.

Location: Downstairs of the stage

Merchant Nior brings Astraea down from the stage after she was sold to a prince. Astraea stands to the side while Merchant Nior reviews the slave papers, satisfied with the terms written on them.

Merchant Nior: Now that’s a good deal. Astraea!

Astraea (looking at him): Sir Nior?

Merchant Nior: You’ll serve a prince, alright? A prince! So make sure he’s impressed with you, and whatever happens, never involve Spring House in your troubles. Understand?

Astraea (nodding): Yes, Sir. I understand and will keep that in mind.

Astraea (thinking): But I’ll make sure you regret ever crossing me, whenever I get the chance.

Merchant Nior (pleased): Good. Fiona trained you well.

Merchant Nior walks toward the staircase, waiting patiently for the prince to descend, showing no sign of irritation.

Astraea (in her mind): Look at him, so smug, so content. This smile won’t last long. I’ll be the one to bring your downfall.

Location: 2nd floor of the hall

Kael paces back and forth anxiously, while Karlus watches him with growing irritation.

Karlus: For heaven’s sake! Stop pacing—you’re making me dizzy!

Kael (rubbing his palms together, approaching Karlus): What if she doesn’t like me?

Karlus: Then she can like me.

Kael glares at Karlus after hearing this.

Kael: What did you say?

Karlus: If you’re so scared, you’ll never win her heart.

Kael (flustered): Wh-who said anything about winning her heart?

Karlus (standing, placing a hand on Kael's shoulder): You did, my friend. Even if you think you don’t look great, you’ve got to make an effort.( teasing)

Kael: Effort?

Karlus: Yes, effort! She might not fall for your looks, but women often have kind hearts. They appreciate the ones who make an effort. ( teasing )

Kael: Who said I’m trying to impress her? Hmph!

Karlus (exasperated): Oh, come on! Just admit it already, or both you and that girl will live in confusion for the rest of your lives.

The words "rest of your lives" echo in Kael’s mind, sparking a vision of him and the girl laughing, surrounded by their children, sharing happy moments.

Karlus, noticing Kael’s far-off look, moves in front of him only to see that Kael is lost in his daydreams.

Karlus: I can’t believe it—you’re daydreaming! Right now? Of all times?

Kael snaps back to reality, catching Karlus’s annoyed expression.

Kael: Quiet down. Once you start talking, you never stop.

Karlus: Fine! I’m going downstairs. Join me when you’re ready.

Kael: Go, go, go.

Karlus (smirking as he heads out): Just remember, I’m too handsome to ignore.

Kael (giving him a side-eye): What does that have to do with you leaving?

Karlus: Everything. Don’t blame me if she falls for me when I get downstairs before you. See you!

Karlus’s parting words send a jolt of panic through Kael. Without delay, he sprints after him—he can’t risk losing her to anyone else.

Location: Pond Garden

Jigu finally arrives at the pond garden, a peaceful place with small ponds surrounded by benches where people often come to relax.

She reaches the center of the garden, where the largest pond is, and spots Maam Fiona sitting on a bench, singing softly with her eyes closed. It’s unusual for Maam Fiona to sing—she only does so when she’s feeling down.

Jigu approaches the bench, still out of breath from all the running.

Jigu: Maam... Maam, I’ve been looking for you.

Maam Fiona: Is Astraea sold?

Jigu: I... I don’t know. I ran off after Sir Nior took her to the stage.

Maam Fiona: Why? Why are you so out of breath?

Jigu: I heard something from Astraea about her , something that left me shocked. I’m not sure if it’s true or not.

Maam Fiona: That girl has quite the imagination. She likely said something just to throw you off, especially since you’re still young.

Jigu (kneeling in front of Maam Fiona): She said... she owned a harem.

Maam Fiona opens her eyes, shocked and astonished by Jigu’s words.

Maam Fiona: What nonsense are you spouting, Jigu? Do you even understand what that means?

Jigu: I do, which is why, when she said it, it felt like the ground was pulled from under me.

Maam Fiona (grabbing Jigu’s arm): Tell me the truth, Jigu. Tell me everything she said, without leaving out a single detail.

Jigu starts recounting everything Astraea had said, word for word, along with her reactions.

****************

Scene 28

Location: Main Stairwell Leading to the Second Floor

Merchant Nior and Astraea have been waiting for the prince for a while, but he seems to be running late. Despite this, Sir Nior shows no sign of irritation, as the prince is the most significant buyer of the year.

Astraea (thinking): This prince seems to be a bit of a latecomer.

Just as Astraea is lost in her thoughts, the second-floor gatekeeper announces, "Beware! The prince is coming downstairs!"

Astraea snaps out of her thoughts and looks towards the stairs, where the prince is descending.

Merchant Nior straightens his posture, appearing pleased and content.

The prince and his companion make their way down the stairs. Astraea, with her head slightly bowed, catches sight of a handsome man with striking green eyes, sharp, eagle-like features, and thin lips. His hair, parted on the left, is slightly tousled. He is dressed in a blue kaftan adorned with intricate embroidery.

This is the man she saw from the stage, but now he’s right in front of her, allowing her to clearly see his features, even from a distance.

Astraea (thinking): So this is Prince Noah! He’s definitely one of the most stunning man I’ve ever seen.

Merchant Nior is busy fawning over the prince, but the prince, on the other hand, holds a deep disdain for him due to the sale of the girl.

Merchant Nior (smiling): Your Highness, here is the slave document. If you sign it, you will be able to take the girl with you.

Kael (thinking): Smile, fool, smile. Let's see how long you can keep showing your teeth.

Kael: Give me the paper.

Merchant Nior hands the document to Prince Kael, who begins reading it carefully, ensuring his girl is entirely freed from the clutches of this establishment.

Karlus, standing behind Kael, keeps his attention solely on the newly acquired girl. He notices her gaze fixed on Kael, feeling a twinge of irritation and disappointment, though he keeps his expression neutral.

Suddenly, Kael grabs Sir Nior by the collar and yells at him,

Kael: If anything happens to her, she should either be returned or killed? How dare you include such terms in this document? Are you tired of living? (He releases his collar.)

Astraea (thinking): So he can get angry too. He looks cute. It will be fun to handle him. (She feels pleased but keeps it hidden.)

Merchant Nior (kneeling in fear): Your Highness, I will include whatever terms you wish and remove those you don't. Please, just tell me what you want in this document. Please... please don't be angry.

Sir Nior knows that if anything goes wrong, the prince could take his life, and no one would question it. No one can ever upset a royal—neither in this empire nor in any other.

Astraea (thinking): He’s quick-witted, that’s why he’s survived till now. (She nods slightly.)

Kael, still fuming, prepares to throw another punch when Karlus stops him and whispers in his ear,

Karlus (whispering): Behave yourself! Your girl is watching. What if she gets scared by your actions? She won't come close to you.

Kael looks at Astraea, who quickly lowers her gaze as their eyes meet. His anger dissipates instantly, and he regains his composure.

Kael: Whatever happens in the future, this girl will not return here. And if anything happens because of her, I, Prince Ka— ouch.

Karlus subtly nudges him as a reminder that he’s in disguise as Prince Noah.

Merchant Nior: Is there a problem, Your Highness?

Kael: No. What I meant to say is, if anything happens because of her, I, Prince Noah, will take full responsibility. Put that in the document and bring it to me right now!

Merchant Nior (rising): Just a few minutes, Your Highness. I will return with the revised document.

Merchant Nior hurries off to amend the document, fearing for his life.

Location: Pond Garden

Maam Fiona has just learned everything about Astraea and Jigu's conversation. She holds her head in her hands, too shocked to speak.

Jigu (placing her hand on Maam Fiona’s knee): Maam, say something.

Maam Fiona (utterly frustrated): What can I say, Jigu? What can I say? If what you’ve told me is true, then... then we’ve dug our own grave.

Jigu: What should we do now?

Maam Fiona (lowering her hands, looking at Jigu): We need to stop the sale. Astraea can’t be sold.

Jigu: But Maam, can you go against Sir Nior?

The mention of Sir Nior’s name sends a shiver down Maam Fiona’s spine. She shudders, holding herself.

Maam Fiona: I have to. Otherwise, the Spring House will be turned upside down.

Jigu: I don’t know if she’s still in the hall area.

Maam Fiona: We can’t waste a minute. Let’s go, Jigu!

Maam Fiona starts running, holding hands with Jigu, sprinting with all her might.

Maam Fiona (thinking): I can’t let Astraea become someone’s servant. I won’t let it happen.

Location: Main Stairwell

Kael notices Astraea standing with her head bowed and starts making his way towards her. Karlus, following closely, advises him,

Karlus (softly): Be gentle, soft, and calm with her. Don’t scare her.

Step. Step. Step.

Astraea feels the deep, steady steps approaching her. Keeping her head down, she nervously clasps her hands together.

Kael, now standing so close that his shadow falls on her, is unaware of Karlus resting against a nearby pillar.

Kael: Look at me!

Karlus smacks his own head in frustration, thinking, This kind of commanding tone won’t work with girls. No matter how often I tell him.

Astraea hesitates, battling with her thoughts, unsure whether to look up. Before she can decide, Prince Kael, disguised as Prince Noah, gently lifts her chin with his thumb, making her look at him.

Astraea, slightly surprised, thinks, He is quite demanding and doesn’t like to repeat himself.

Kael, gazing into her innocent bluish-purple eyes, is captivated. His heart races, and he feels like it might explode. Everything around him seems to stop as he looks into her eyes.

Kael (thinking): Beautiful! So beautiful! She’s like a celestial being. I’ve never seen one, but her beauty surpasses that of any human.

Astraea (thinking): Why is he looking at me like he’s never seen a woman before? Is this prince a lecher?

Kael and Astraea are lost in their own thoughts when Merchant Nior arrives with the revised slave document and hands it to Prince Kael.

Kael reads the document and signs it. He hands over the promised money to Sir Nior, who, delighted, officially transfers Astraea to the prince.

Astraea and Kael begin their journey together, their paths intertwined by fate, unaware of the challenges and destinies that await them.

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