Chapter 13

Due to the emperor's decree, Kang stayed in the Cheonggeum Palace's chambers during the daytime. Once the curfew ended, he entered the emperor's garden. Only those granted permission by the emperor were allowed inside, but Kang didn't need permission. With his hair neatly tied, Kang moved his short legs and entered. The palace guards, watching him come in, couldn't help but smile approvingly. Bathed in sunlight, the child ran in, laughing cheerfully, just as the emperor adored. He was lovely, armed only with the innocence befitting his age.

"Are you here again today?" a palace guard asked, bowing slightly. Kang grinned broadly and nodded. The guard opened the gate of the garden, meant solely for one person.

On the east and west sides of the garden, flowers bloomed abundantly. Combined with the carefully planted shrubs, the scene was visually stunning. Walking along the stone path, Kang breathed in the scent of flowers as he made his way to the emperor's study.

Chairs designed for the emperor's relaxation were visible. They were made to lean back comfortably, almost inducing sleep just by reclining on them. When the emperor entered the study, instead of reading, he leaned back in his chair and placed Kang on his thigh. Absently, he pinched and stretched Kang's cheeks, which, no matter how gently he touched them, seemed to yield easily due to their softness. Kang would then lift his head with a whimper. The emperor, observing Kang's tears, gently picked him up and took him to the flower garden to enjoy the flowers.

Despite his tears, upon seeing the flowers, Kang brightened up. Moving his short arms and legs, he eagerly told the emperor the names and meanings of the flowers his mother, the beautiful woman, had taught him about. In truth, the emperor had no interest in flowers, but he listened attentively to his son's words, nodding in acknowledgment.

Kang wanted to share everything he knew with the emperor. Though he had little compared to the emperor, he felt he should give something to him. Having frequently visited the emperor and the garden, Kang used all his knowledge to create a gift for the emperor.

This gift wasn't something made in a day but was hidden in a corner of the study, where Kang would work on it whenever he had time. Watching the palace guards inspecting the surroundings and leaving, Kang waited by the study window. As soon as the opportunity arose, he sprang up and rushed to find the gift he had hidden behind a large statue in the study.

The gift for the emperor was a crown made of flowers from the garden. Not as elaborate or refined as his mother's creations, it was rather crudely made. The flowers, woven around a wooden base, were tangled and amateurish. At seven years old, Kang's fingers had limitations.

"Hng..."

Kang held the crown with a dejected expression. Should he give up? He wanted to make it as beautiful as his mother did... With a deflated spirit, he looked at the crown and then descended from the study, heading towards the flower beds on the east and west sides. Some flowers had already been picked. Feeling guilty, Kang moved some flowers from one spot to another.

Kang walked towards the Red Lilies[1], which he could proudly claim as the most beautiful in the garden. Named after their fiery, flame-like appearance even in the darkness, Red Lilies symbolized endless love. Kang pressed his nose against the petals and deeply inhaled their scent.

It felt like his eyes were going blind. The scent should have been overpowering, dulling his senses, yet strangely, he couldn't seem to focus on the flowers for long. Kang looked at the Fire Lilies with blurred vision. They seemed to be burning under the sunlight, gathered in one place, almost as if the fire had transferred onto them.

Kang envisioned the red crown adorning the emperor's silver hair. It seemed like a perfect match. He plucked the withered flowers adorning the crown and carefully added the Red Lilies. Despite the pain from the thorns pricking his hands, the thought of the emperor's happiness upon wearing it filled Kang's heart with joy.

As the afternoon sun began to tilt, casting longer shadows, Kang remained still, completely absorbed in making the crown. So focused was he that he didn't even hear the footsteps approaching from behind.

The emperor, who had entered the garden after finishing his afternoon duties and studies, stood somewhat quietly behind his son. He had dismissed all the attendants and guards, wanting to be alone with his son. With eager anticipation, he watched Kang crafting the crown.

Of all he had ever seen, it was the least impressive. Yet, it was the most radiant and enchanting. Perhaps it was because of the sunlight streaming down. Anything would appear beautiful within the cascade of light, like shattered jewels tumbling down.

“Baby," the emperor called out, unable to watch silently any longer. It was always the same tone, the same words, the same emotion. Kang, hearing that voice, turned to the emperor with the same enthusiasm. As soon as he saw the emperor, Kang grinned, holding the crown made of Fire Lilies in his hand.

The face blooming with flowers smiled at him and called out, "Abamama, your son has made a crown for you. Would you like to see?"

With his bloodied hands, Kang pushed the crown forward. It seemed like it would collapse with the slightest touch, but the emperor bent down and sat. He gazed into his son's eyes with a tender smile. Kang looked at the emperor with a face full of embarrassment and anticipation, his heart pounding with excitement palpable.

The emperor silently watched his son for a moment, then slowly moved his hands to undo the straps holding the crown in place. With a soft sound, the straps swayed from the emperor's cheek. The emperor removed the crown with his own hands, a crown he had never worn or removed himself.

A hairpin used to secure his hair was revealed. Kang hesitated, standing still. The emperor gently touched his son's chubby cheek, observing his reaction, and spoke in a soft tone.

"I wish I could have put it on you myself."

"Me too?"

The emperor's smile deepened. Kang blinked with calf-like eyes. The child's innocent beauty spread through the emperor's sight. Kang blushed at the unfamiliar beauty. He took a step closer.

Kang, with his hand stained with blood from making the crown, placed it on the emperor's head. The emperor chuckled as he lightly touched the crown placed by his son.

"How does it look? Does it suit me well?"

"Yes, Abamama."

Kang responded enthusiastically, having no qualms about placing the insignificant crown. The emperor laughed again. He extended his hands and lifted his son's body, Kang gasping and then wrapping his arms around the emperor's neck. The emperor held the crown in place with one hand and slowly walked through the garden.

"It's the most pleasing gift. Thank you, baby."

He cherished his son in the pouring sunlight and the leisurely passing time, immersed in the cozy atmosphere where no one could intrude.

[1] Hongyeom. The title of this novel is Hongyeom 😊 

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