Was it the fact that Siriporn Thirasak was born under a lucky star that played a role in this, or did the Gods simply take pity on two souls who sincerely loved one another, allowing something truly miraculous and extraordinary to come to pass? In all likelihood, it was a confluence of these forces, bolstered by no small amount of fortune. Alone, this had once been insufficient to secure a throne, yet it proved enough to grant the chance for happiness. Siriporn loved and was loved, and that in itself is a blessing, a magic, and a fortune of no lesser magnitude.
Yet, henceforth, Siriporn was no longer the ruler of the once-prosperous Kingdom of Arichayan; he was Siriporn no more. In this new existence, he was given the name Yunsheng. The world into which he was born differed vastly from the one he had inhabited before. Previously, born into royalty, his destiny had been ordained long before his first breath; here, however, he was born into the family of an official, and while his choices were limited, they existed nonetheless. His new appearance, vessel, and physical attributes did not frighten him, despite his vivid memory of his former countenance and station. It is simply that when one beholds the same face from childhood, watching it mature imperceptibly day by day, one grows accustomed to it.
He also retained the memories of his past life and the recollection of why and for what purpose he was here again. As a child, it felt somewhat different, akin to a game, but as he matured, his perspective on what had been and what now was began to shift. A multitude of questions, doubts, and a deep melancholy emerged.
Yunsheng had not the slightest notion of what to do next, where to direct his path, or how to seek out Athit. For he, too, must have a new life, a new face, and most importantly: did he retain his memories as well? Where is he now, how does he fare, with whom does he reside, is he safe? Every day he woke, fell asleep, and passed his hours tormented by these questions.
But one day, a thought struck him quite by chance: if by the mercy and will of the Gods he had ended up in this very place, at this specific time, and in this body, then all was proceeding as it should; he was exactly where he needed to be and would meet Athit at the hour destined for them, just as before. He would simply allow events to take their course and surrender himself to Fate.
After this realization, his soul felt significantly lighter; the paramount truth was his certainty that he and Athit would inevitably meet. No matter how much time it required, Yunsheng would find him.
Beyond his memories, his skills and prowess—such as his mastery of the blade—remained intact, and so he resolved to forge a career in military affairs. While in the army, he even managed to find a friend. Yin Houwei.
A tall, well-built, striking young man. At first, his demeanor was peculiar and suspicious, but in the end, he proved a worthy comrade. Upon the completion of their service, they continued their path together. When Yunsheng rose to the rank of Commander of the Special Guard, he enlisted Houwei into his squad. Their duties included guarding and escorting high-ranking dignitaries and patrolling routes. A profession of responsibility and risk, but one of constant motion. Over the past two years, he had traversed nearly half the country. This was precisely what he needed.
"What will you do now?"
The men were unsaddling their horses upon their return to the city.
"I have some matters to attend to," Yunsheng retrieved a small bundle from his saddlebag and transferred it to his own satchel. "I shall go ahead."
"Farewell," a fleeting sadness crossed Houwei's face.
Yunsheng ascended to the roof of a building on the city outskirts. He often came here when he wished to be alone, or simply to reflect upon this life and recall the previous one. The night was warmer than usual, and the heavens were clear.
"It's because you are beautiful."
Yunsheng pulled the bundle from his bag and unfurled it. It was a paper lantern. He had purchased it at the market earlier that day. He smoothed it out and reached into his pocket for his flint, but found nothing. It could not be. It was certainly there but moments ago. Had it fallen during the journey? He checked his bag, patted his trouser pockets. Nothing.
"Curses."
"Is this what you seek?"
Yunsheng turned to see Houwei standing there, the flint in his hand.
"Thank you."
"May I?" The young man gestured with his eyes to the spot beside him.
"If you wish," he took the flint from his hands and proceeded to light the lantern, then released it into the sky.
The night was exquisite and starry, and the drifting lantern lent the atmosphere an even greater serenity.
"What day is it today?"
"The birthday of a very special person," he replied, his gaze fixed on the receding light.
"Is that so," Houwei's expression grew somber and gaunt.
"And where is this person now?" moments of silence later, the young man resumed the conversation, looking at Yunsheng while the latter continued to gaze into the distance.
"To be honest, I do not know," he sighed heavily. "Somewhere far away."
"Did you part ways long ago?"
"Long ago," he nodded. "The night back then promised to be just as beautiful and quiet, and nothing foreshadowed the tragedy to come."
"It is strange, but… I understand you. I sense a profound yearning for someone, yet looking at you, I feel… peace."
Yunsheng looked intently into his comrade's eyes, in a way he had never looked at him before. He sought to find within him that familiar essence, so dear to his heart.
He still had no idea how he would recognize Athit, or if he would recognize him at all. What must happen? Would it be on the day they meet? Or the day of death? Would birds sing, or would lightning strike? He feared missing the sign. It was foolish; he had not been like this before. It is unbecoming of a King to doubt, to fear, to lack confidence. But when it came to Athit, all his postulates crumbled to dust. Previously, he had heard that a soul could be recognized by the eyes, for they are the only thing that remains unchanged. And now, gazing into Yin Houwei's eyes, he recalled his beloved and found nothing in common. And his heart did not flutter in the slightest. No, Houwei was definitely not the one he sought. Though there was indeed something familiar about him.
"Ahem," Yunsheng looked away, breaking the overly prolonged silence.
"They say she is a beauty," Houwei also decided to shift the topic, sensing the hanging tension.
"Who?"
"The Governor General's fiancée. Do you think it is true?"
"I have no idea. You should listen less to gossip," he nudged him amicably in the shoulder.
"But everyone around is speaking of their engagement; one would have to be deaf not to hear of it."
"Listen only to what is necessary, agreed?"
Yunsheng sometimes felt like an older brother, trying to guide Houwei. He knew not why he felt somewhat responsible for him. Surely, it was due to having an entire lifetime of experience behind him. Once he had possessed a Royal Advisor; now, he himself played the role of a mentor.
"Save your listening skills for tomorrow's mission," he draped an arm over his comrade's shoulder.
"As you command, Commander."
A few minutes later, they parted ways. Tomorrow was a significant day and a new mission. That night, he dreamed of Athit.