The winter sunlight poured softly through the lattice windows, casting delicate patterns on the floor of the Queen's quarters. A crisp breeze slipped into the room, brushing gently against the silk curtains and bringing with it the faint scent of pine from the palace gardens.
Queen Genie sat near the window, a thick book resting lightly in her hands. The fire in the brazier crackled quietly nearby, but it was the rare tranquility of the moment that warmed her most. For the first time in weeks, her sword lay untouched, her quill idle. In the quiet hush of the royal court's afternoon lull, she allowed herself the luxury of stillness.
'So this is what peace feels like,' she thought with a soft smile.
"Your Majesty, lunch is ready," came a gentle voice behind her.
Genie turned her head slightly. It was Lady Park.
She placed a silk ribbon between the pages and closed the book with care. "Let it in," she said.
Moments later, four palace maids stepped through the door, moving with practiced grace. Each held a lacquered tray adorned with silver bowls and delicate porcelain dishes. The soft clinking of utensils echoed lightly in the chamber as the attendants set the food before her.
The table was filled with steaming delicacies—roasted root vegetables glazed in honey, golden millet rice, abalone porridge, and a dark, fragrant soup at its center.
Genie's eyes scanned the feast.
"It looks like another delicious meal today. Thank you," she said warmly.
The court ladies bowed deeply and exited with silence and precision, leaving only Lady Park and Chief Han seated across from her.
Chief Han studied her carefully before speaking.
"Your Majesty, I've noticed that your strength has waned since returning from your last covert mission. So I've instructed the kitchen to prepare several restorative dishes to aid your recovery."
"Thank you," Genie said with a smile.
She picked up her chopsticks, pausing to take in the colorful array before her. With so many dishes carefully prepared, she hesitated, unsure where to begin.
Lady Park leaned forward and pointed to a dark, simmering bowl.
"Your Majesty, may I suggest the black-boned chicken soup? It's been simmered with black goat meat and black sesame seeds. It's an old remedy believed to restore strength to even the most weary."
"Black-boned chicken..." Genie murmured thoughtfully. "I'll try it."
She set down her chopsticks and lifted her spoon, gently dipping it into the dark broth. The aroma was rich and earthy, and as she brought it to her lips, the warmth of the soup spread through her like a quiet comfort.
A silence settled over the room as the Queen took another sip, letting the warmth and nourishment soak into her tired bones.
Genie brought the spoon to her lips and closed her eyes for a brief moment as the rich, savory flavor of the broth spread across her tongue.
"This broth is truly exquisite," she murmured with quiet delight.
Curious, she pointed to another dish laid delicately on the table.
"What is this one?"
Chief Han stepped forward respectfully.
"Your Majesty, that is a specialty made from a rare deep-sea fish from the western oceans—called the Ungo fish. It has a delicate, buttery flavor and is said to be excellent for strengthening the bones."
Genie picked up her chopsticks and sampled a bite. The fish melted in her mouth, its subtle taste lingering on her palate. For a while, she ate in thoughtful silence, her gaze resting softly on the food before her.
Then, without warning, she gently set down her chopsticks and looked up.
"I've been thinking," she began, her voice quiet but firm. "It feels as though I'm the only one enjoying meals like this. All around me, soldiers are training tirelessly, and the palace maids move endlessly from dawn until dusk. And yet… it is only I who dines like this."
A tender silence followed, broken by the warm laughter of Chief Han and Lady Park.
"Your Majesty," Chief Han said kindly, "we are honored simply by your heart. Few rulers would give such thoughts to their servants."
Lady Park added with a soft smile, "If the people of the palace knew you felt this way, they would be deeply moved."
A glimmer lit the Queen's eyes—subtle at first, then brighter, as if a sudden clarity had washed over her.
"Then why not do something about it?" she said, sitting straighter. "Wouldn't it be a beautiful gesture to provide nourishing, tonic meals to the soldiers and maids—at least twice a week, starting from the New Year? Not every day, of course, but just enough to remind them they are seen. And valued."
Chief Han and Lady Park exchanged a quick glance, surprise flickering across their faces. It was Lady Park who inhaled softly, but it was Chief Han who spoke.
"Your Majesty," she began cautiously, "your heart is noble, as always. But to prepare such meals for the entire palace… we may not have the personnel to manage it. And there is currently no one to oversee such a large operation."
Lady Park nodded gently.
"That is true, Your Majesty. It would require careful planning and leadership."
Genie's face brightened with a radiant smile, her earlier solemnity replaced by a spark of resolve.
"Then let us find someone capable of overseeing the preparation of these tonic meals," she said, her voice brimming with quiet determination. "Surely, among our people, there must be someone with the skill and heart to handle such a task."
She turned to Chief Han and Lady Park.
"Please look into this without delay. Seek recommendations, even from the noble families if necessary. Talent and sincerity may be found in unexpected places."
Her eyes gleamed with excitement, as though the idea itself breathed fresh life into her. It was clear she was not speaking from obligation, but from genuine joy at the thought of doing something kind for those who served her so faithfully.
"I hereby declare the first government meeting of the new year adjourned," Queen Genie announced, her voice calm yet commanding as it echoed through the vast Grand Assembly Hall. "Before we close… is there anything else you wish to bring forward?"
Seated upon the high throne beneath the ornate golden canopy, she let her gaze sweep across the gathered ministers and officials. Silence lingered for a breath—formal, composed—until one voice broke through.
"Yes, Your Majesty," said Lee Baewon, stepping forward with a dignified bow. "There is one matter I would humbly raise."
Genie tilted her head slightly, granting him her full attention.
"Proceed, Minister."
"I would like to submit a recommendation for the position overseeing the preparation of tonic meals for the palace maids and soldiers," he said. "As per Your Majesty's request at the start of the year."
A flicker of surprise lit Genie's expression. She leaned forward slightly, eyes brightening.
"Ah… I had nearly forgotten about that," she said, a smile touching her lips. "And who is it you recommend?"
"Her name is Enna," Minister Lee replied with composure. "The daughter of the esteemed Elder Park of Westen Village."
At the sound of the name, a single thought stirred in Genie's mind.
'Enna…? Lady Enna? That Enna?'
Her fingers, resting on the carved armrest of the throne, tightened subtly. She masked the shift in her expression, but her gaze briefly wavered. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, her eyes drifted toward the center of the hall—toward Jade.
He stood tall and silent among the royal guard, his posture unwavering. Yet something about him felt… closed. Guarded. His expression, while outwardly composed, was unreadable—a wall she could not yet see behind.
Queen Genie turned her gaze once more to Minister Lee Baewon, her eyes narrowing slightly in thoughtful curiosity.
"And what is the reason for your recommendation?"
Lee Baewon bowed respectfully.
"Your Majesty, Park of Westen Village is an old and trusted friend of mine. As such, I have known his daughter, Enna, since she was a child. Over the years, she has traveled across many provinces, offering her time and skill to the sick and the poor. She has prepared countless restorative meals with her own hands—always with care, always with heart."
He paused, his expression softening with a tinge of personal memory.
"Her ability to craft nourishing food is widely spoken of in the countryside. When I served as a provincial official, I myself benefited from her cooking. More than once, I recovered from weariness and colds thanks to her meals. Her talent is not only genuine—it is a gift."
Queen Genie listened in silence, her chin lightly resting on her knuckles. For a moment, she said nothing, lost in quiet contemplation.
'She sounds like the perfect choice… So why, then… why does something in me hesitate at the thought of bringing Park's daughter into the palace?'
It was an unformed feeling—a flicker of unease she could not yet name.
Still, duty and fairness outweighed instinct.
"Thank you for your recommendation, Minister," she said, her voice measured. She turned her gaze to the rest of the ministers seated in the Grand Assembly Hall. "Do any among you have another candidate to put forward?"
A solemn hush fell across the chamber. The officials exchanged glances, but none stepped forward. One by one, they bowed their heads, an unspoken agreement passing among them: there was no one more qualified than the daughter of Park.