Suddenly, Genie's heart clenched with understanding. Jade had misunderstood her words—felt the sting of unspoken disappointment, believing her affection was born only from gratitude for his protection, nothing more.
With a calmness that belied the ache in his chest, Jade spoke, his voice steady but distant. "Your Majesty, it is late at night; please go rest now. I will take my leave as well."
He bowed deeply to her—the weight of duty heavy in the gesture—and then, without waiting for a reply, turned and walked away, his steps quiet but resolute against the cold stone.
Genie stood frozen, her breath caught in her throat as she watched his retreating form fade into the shadows. She longed to call him back, to bare her heart and confess the truth of her feelings—the hope, the affection, the quiet longing that had taken root within her. But no words escaped her lips.
She was the queen of this land, the sovereign who bore the burden of a nation's stability on her shoulders. Since ascending the throne, she had learned a harsh truth: as monarch, she must guard her heart as fiercely as her kingdom, never allowing vulnerability to fracture the order she was sworn to uphold.
She understood now, with a sorrow that cut deeper than any blade, that she could no longer offer anyone—no matter how dear—a special place in her life. No preferential care, no whispered intimacies. To do so risked everything.
And so she stood there, alone beneath the moon's pale glow, the distance between them growing wider with every step he took.
Her eyes, glistening with unshed tears, followed Jade's silhouette until it vanished completely, carrying with it the echo of a love she dared not claim.
Through the crisp, biting air of the cold dawn, tendrils of warm steam curled gracefully from the bustling royal kitchen, filling the space with a comforting promise of nourishment. The scent of sizzling grilled croaker mingled with the earthy aroma of barley rice, weaving a delicate symphony of flavors that stirred the senses.
Enna, the Master Cook entrusted with the care of the palace's meals, stood with quiet authority amid the gentle clatter of pots and pans. Her voice was calm yet resolute, carrying across the busy kitchen like a steady beacon.
"Please bring the grilled croaker with soy sauce and barley rice to the left side," she instructed, her words clear and measured.
The kitchen court ladies, trained to near perfection, moved seamlessly in response—each step purposeful, each gesture precise. Plates were filled with care, the golden fish carefully arranged beside steaming mounds of rice.
Suddenly, Enna's voice softened with warmth, halting their work. "Wait a moment...!"
The clatter of serving ware paused, hands suspended in midair as her gaze swept over the young women bustling around her.
"Please serve it in brass bowls."
A murmur of surprise rippled among the court ladies.
"Brass bowls, Master Cook?" one asked, eyebrows raised.
Enna's eyes shone with quiet conviction. "Serving the food in brass bowls will make the warriors feel more honored. It is a small gesture, but one that speaks of respect and gratitude for their sacrifice."
A ripple of understanding passed through the room.
The court ladies nodded together, voices rising in unison.
"Yes, Master Cook."
One of the younger court ladies stepped forward, her eyes shining with admiration as she approached Enna amidst the warm bustle of the kitchen.
"Though today is your very first day working in the palace," she said with a gentle smile, "the quality of the food prepared for the warriors has already changed remarkably."
She gestured toward the beautifully plated dishes arrayed before them—each one meticulously crafted, steam rising softly from tender grains and perfectly grilled fish.
Enna shook her head, cheeks tinged with a bashful pink.
"No, not really. The kitchen's standards were already excellent before."
The court ladies' smile widened, excitement bubbling in her voice like a child's eager laughter.
"It was good before, yes, but the meals you supervised today—they're incomparable. They remind me of the royal dishes served to Her Majesty herself!"
Enna's blush deepened, a warmth spreading through her as the praise settled gently in her heart.
Outside, a long line of warriors had begun to form in front of the dining hall. Their faces, worn from battle and fatigue, now glowed with bright anticipation. Whispers floated through the crisp morning air, lively and full of hope.
"The new Master Cook prepared the meals today!"
"The one appointed by Her Majesty for us warriors?"
"Yes, that's right!"
Their voices mingled in cheerful chatter, a rare moment of lightness amid the hardships they bore.
After concluding his work in the office, Jade made his way toward the warriors' dining hall. As he approached, the line of soldiers straightened instantly, and all bowed in unison, a solemn mark of respect and loyalty.
Jade inclined his head in acknowledgment and stepped inside.
Within the hall, the scene was alive with energy. Kitchen court ladies moved swiftly, balancing plates laden with nourishing food, while the warriors ate with grateful enthusiasm, their faces softened by the comfort of a good meal.
A faint smile curved Jade's lips as he took in the lively atmosphere. Seeing his troops—who had fought bravely against the bandits just days before—enjoying such care and nourishment filled him with a quiet pride and heartening relief.
For a moment, amidst the clatter of dishes and low murmurs of contentment, the burdens of war felt a little lighter.
At that very moment, as Enna moved through the bustling dining hall, her eyes swept across the room, carefully checking for any signs of food shortages or unrest among the warriors. Their gazes met unexpectedly—Jade's steady, commanding eyes locking with hers. A flicker of mutual respect passed silently between them.
Without hesitation, Enna bowed her head swiftly, a graceful gesture of deference and professionalism. Jade responded with a slight, measured bow, a quiet acknowledgment of her dedication.
Before Jade could move further, a kitchen maid approached him with a respectful nod.
"Minister, a seat has been prepared for you over there."
She gestured toward a place at the far end of the hall, close to where Enna stood, her posture composed and attentive.
"Thank you," Jade replied with a calm, appreciative tone.
Enna watched as Jade made his way through the room with deliberate, calm steps. When he reached the seat, he bowed once more before settling down with quiet dignity.
Only then did Enna find her moment. She stepped forward quickly, her voice warm but tinged with a subtle nervousness as she began to explain the dishes she had carefully prepared.
"This here is grilled croaker with soy sauce," she said, pointing to the delicate plate before him. "Croaker is sweet and warm in nature, believed to invigorate the internal organs and aid recovery."
She moved to the next dish, her fingers lightly touching the edge of a steaming bowl. "And this is a soup made from brisket broth. It's rich and hearty—designed to help restore your strength after the hardships of battle."
Jade's lips curved into a faint smile.
"You've worked hard even on your first day, Master Cook. Thank you. I will eat well."
With that, he lifted a large spoonful to his mouth, the warmth of the broth evident even in the cold hall.
Enna's cheeks flushed a gentle rosy hue as she observed him savor the meal. In that quiet moment, a mixture of pride and relief bloomed within her—gratitude that her efforts were met with such sincere appreciation.
At that tranquil moment, Queen Genie sat gracefully in the indoor royal garden, the soft light filtering through the lattice windows casting delicate patterns on the polished floor. She set down her spoon with a gentle clink against the porcelain plate and lifted her serene gaze toward the royal stewards gathered nearby.
"Today is Master Cook Enna's first day overseeing the royal kitchen's nutritious meals, isn't it?" she asked, her voice calm yet curious.
Chief Han bowed his head respectfully. "Yes, Your Majesty. I have just received word that the warriors are enjoying a very joyful meal. The nutritious dishes prepared are perfectly suited to replenish those who fought bravely against the bandits yesterday."
A faint, appreciative smile curved Genie's lips as she nodded thoughtfully. "It is fortunate that the steward arrived at just the right time."
Lady Park stepped forward, her tone warm and pleased. "Minister Jade is also very satisfied with the meal."
Chief Han shot Lady Park a subtle, almost imperceptible glare, as if to remind her of proper decorum.
Queen Genie rose gracefully from her seat, her movements fluid and poised.
"Your Majesty, have you finished already?" Chief Han inquired, a note of surprise in his voice.
Genie smiled softly.
"Now that you mention it, I realize it has been some time since I last inspected the palace grounds. Today is free of official meetings, so I thought it would be a good opportunity for a personal inspection."
At her words, the queen's attendants instinctively moved closer, ready to accompany her on this informal yet purposeful stroll.
Lady Park's voice was gentle but eager. "Where shall we begin, Your Majesty?"
Genie's eyes sparkled with quiet determination.
"Let us start with the warriors."
The attendants nodded in unison, their steps falling in harmony as they prepared to follow their queen's lead—a leader both compassionate and attentive to all who served the kingdom.