Chapter 2: The mystery book

While walking, the guard kept talking about anything.

"This is the first time he brought a strange woman to his house," the guard said with a smile.

I gave him an awkward smile. I didn't even know how to reply. Right now, it seemed safer not to talk about anything—especially about myself.

"You don't know who you are?" he asked.

I nodded.

He looked at me from head to toe. "You dress differently," he said, then glanced at my bag. "Even this."

I wanted to explain that it was a backpack, but then again, I tried not to spill anything.

"You're too quiet—or am I just too talkative?" he laughed.

"I'm sorry. I don't know how to react. It feels like an awkward situation since I don't know anything about myself," I explained.

"No, no, that's okay. I understand your situation."

"Thank you. You look kind and jolly," I said sincerely with a smile.

"Everybody tells me that," he laughed again.

After the long walk, we finally arrived at the soldier's house.

I looked around. Everything I had seen in Korean dramas looked exactly like what was in front of me.

"Come inside."

He opened the wooden door, and we entered.

"Sit here."

"Thank you."

"Wait here. I'll get some tea while we wait for the captain to arrive."

I nodded and thanked him again.

While waiting, I entertained myself by looking at the expensive decorations, displays, and fresh flowers. I never imagined I would experience something like this.

For now, I think I am safe. But what will happen to me in the future? What if they find out I came from the other world?

"Here's the tea," he said excitedly as he placed the glass on the table.

"Thank you," I said.

"Are you hungry?"

"No, I'm not."

If you were in my situation, do you think you could eat well? I might not even be able to fall asleep later.

I silently drank my tea while the guard kept talking. I didn't even understand the terms he mentioned, but I just pretended I did.

"At first, I was shocked because of the commotion earlier. I thought the people would hurt you, but thanks to the captain, everything is fine."

"Where did he go?"

"He fixed your problems. He makes sure they don't reach the king."

Right. Since I am in this time and place, there is a king and a queen in this country.

"Let's go back to where we stopped. I really can't believe he brought you here. You see, everyone likes him—some even ask for marriage—but I've never seen him with a woman. Not until today. And the fact that he didn't even know you..."

Thanks to this guard for being talkative. Even if I didn't ask, he still spilled the tea.

After I finished the tea, the soldier arrived.

"Captain, you're here."

He nodded. "Go back to your post. I can handle it here."

He bowed in front of him. I also uttered a quick thank you.

"Are you okay now?" he asked.

"Yes. Your guard took good care of me."

"Did he spill something?" he asked again while sitting.

"Like how you've never brought a woman to your house?"

For the first time, I saw his genuine smile.

"He is talkative."

"I like his personality."

"Me too."

—silence—

"Is it okay if I just stay here for a while until I retrieve my memory?" I asked, breaking the short silence.

Then I continued, "What will be my name?"

"Park I-Jun."

"Park I-Jun?" I repeated.

"Yes. That's your name. Wherever you go, you will use the name I gave you. No one should know that it's not real. As for your identity, I'll take care of it and register your name at the office. If someone asks, just tell them we're cousins."

"Thank you for helping me."

"But you know what? It's still a puzzle to me—where you came from, why you carry those unfamiliar things, and why you wear that thin dress. A while ago, I thought you were an alien."

I think "alien" is better than explaining that I'm inside a book.

"I don't know how to thank you. I have nothing, so I can't give you anything."

"I don't need material things. I'm just here to help you."

"What's your name?" I asked.

"I'm Park Min Yun. A captain of the palace."

"Meaning you serve the king?"

"Yes, and I'm his best friend."

I've already watched a Korean drama with a similar setting.

"Does he know about me?"

"I just mentioned earlier that you came from our hometown and are visiting my place."

I felt guilty. Park Min Yun is too kind. I don't deserve his help.

"You look pale and exhausted. We'll talk more tomorrow. I'll try to investigate your life."

Investigate? That means he'll dig deeper into my background?I feel guilty about what I'm doing now.He'll be wasting his time trying to find a non-existent person.

"I will show you your temporary room."

I stood up and followed him.

" Luckily, my sister left some clothes here. You can use them."

"About the commotion earlier... will people still talk about it?"

"I already fixed that. Don't worry—you can go out and roam around. It might help you remember things about yourself."

"Thank you."

"I'll leave you here. Just get some rest and have a good night's sleep."

I nodded and waved goodbye.

I looked around the room. It was filled with girly and pink stuff. Maybe his sister loves pink things.

I opened the traditional cabinet and took out the clothes I would need.

It felt strange to sleep wearing something like a gown. I love pajamas and loose shirts, but for now, I guess I can't use them.

After changing, I lay on the bed. That's when I realized how tired I was.

I sighed deeply. I was still worried about myself. I didn't know what would happen to me in the next few days. I was also worried about Von. What if she finds out that I'm missing?

I never thought Von's dream would come true. I never took it seriously. I didn't even realize it was a warning.

For now, lying is the only thing that could help me survive in this place. I need to be careful. I shouldn't do anything that could put me in danger.

While thinking deeply, I noticed a light coming from my bag.

I stood up and opened it. The light faded. I checked the book and flipped to the first page.

"Chapter 1," I said.

On the first page, there was Chapter 1. I flipped the other pages, but nothing was written—only the front page up to the fifth page, where Chapter 1 was written.

I sat on my bed and read it.

In this chapter, the writer mentioned the names of the characters. Even the name of Park Min Yun was written here…

"Park Ji Hun"—that is the name of the king.

Park Ji Hun is the main character of this story.

"He never falls in love because his heart is not open to it. He is still grieving and couldn't accept that the former king died. The pressure is on him; he faces mockery and ridicule from his people. He is too young to handle the responsibilities. Not until someone enters his life."

I read the last paragraph of Chapter 1. I started to get curious about who the female lead character of this story was.