Chapter 41, Princess Your Highness!

"My homeland wrenches my gut, willow branches fresh day and night."

"Wild geese fly south under the gloomy moon, rumored to return upon reaching this place. I have yet to finish my journey. When will I return?"

"Glancing back at Purple Gold Peak, rain soaks through a haze of smoke. In a river of spring waves, confoundingly sobering up. I've kept the tears from the day before on my robe, to share with the migrating swans."

------

In the ambiguous night, the mountain forest was eerily still.

The entire Mount of Regret was shrouded in darkness, except for the high platform where several large trees held torches made of pine resin oil. The flames roared fiercely, sizzling and crackling as if they were the background music to the verses being chanted.

Unbeknownst to all, it had started to rain, adding a layer of sorrowful departure.

The rain fell like fine needles, landing on the face and body of each mourner.

It didn't prick the skin; it pricked the hearts saying farewell.