What if she dosen't like me ?

Scene 27

Location: Inside the main hall of Spring House

Jigu is running as though her life depends on it. She's searching for Maam Fiona to relay what Astraea had said. With growing anxiety, she reaches Maam Fiona's room, but upon entering, finds it empty.

Jigu (huffing): Where is Maam? Where could she have gone?

She resumes running, checking the shower room, dressing room, liquor room, music room, dance room, and servant quarters, but Maam Fiona is nowhere to be found.

Jigu (huffing): I've searched the entire villa, but she's nowhere. Where could she be?

Jigu leans against a pillar, exhausted from her frantic search but disappointed she couldn't find Maam Fiona. Despite her strict nature, Maam Fiona was a soft-hearted woman who never forced anyone.

Jigu (still huffing): She usually goes to the shower room or the pond garden when she's feeling low... Wait—pond garden?

It dawns on her that Maam Fiona could be at the pond garden. After all, she seemed to feel connected to Astraea. Perhaps this was one of the rare times she allowed herself to feel a bit guilty.

Jigu (thinking): She must be at the pond garden. Please, let her be there, Maam Fiona.

With that thought, Jigu started running again, heading towards the pond garden.

Location: Downstairs of the stage

Merchant Nior brings Astraea down from the stage after she was sold to a prince. Astraea stands to the side while Merchant Nior reviews the slave papers, satisfied with the terms written on them.

Merchant Nior: Now that's a good deal. Astraea!

Astraea (looking at him): Sir Nior?

Merchant Nior: You'll serve a prince, alright? A prince! So make sure he's impressed with you, and whatever happens, never involve Spring House in your troubles. Understand?

Astraea (nodding): Yes, Sir. I understand and will keep that in mind.

Astraea (thinking): But I'll make sure you regret ever crossing me, whenever I get the chance.

Merchant Nior (pleased): Good. Fiona trained you well.

Merchant Nior walks toward the staircase, waiting patiently for the prince to descend, showing no sign of irritation.

Astraea (in her mind): Look at him, so smug, so content. This smile won't last long. I'll be the one to see your downfall.

Location: 2nd floor of the hall

Kael paces back and forth anxiously, while Karlus watches him with growing irritation.

Karlus: For heaven's sake! Stop pacing—you're making me dizzy!

Kael (rubbing his palms together, approaching Karlus): What if she doesn't like me?

Karlus: Then she can like me.

Kael glares at Karlus after hearing this.

Kael: What did you say?

Karlus: If you're so scared, you'll never win her heart.

Kael (flustered): Wh-who said anything about winning her heart?

Karlus (standing, placing a hand on Kael's shoulder): You did, my friend. Even if you think you don't look great, you've got to make an effort.

Karlus saying this to the most handsome man in the empire . Kael has been in the battle field since he was 12 year old, so he couldn't make public appearances at all . But if he stayed in the palace , there is no way that anybody can match his level of handsomeness and classic style.

Karlus gets to tease kael beacuse he is nervous to meet someone who he likes. While kael is in tension , karlus just enjoying the scene.

Upon hearing karlus comment kael again spoke,

Kael: Effort?

Karlus: Yes, effort! She might not fall for your looks( joke), but women often have kind hearts. They appreciate the ones who make an effort.

Kael: Who said I'm trying to impress her? Hmph!

Karlus (exasperated): Oh, come on! Just admit it already, or both you and that girl will live in confusion for the rest of your lives.

The words "rest of your lives" echo in Kael's mind, sparking a vision of him and the girl laughing, surrounded by their children, sharing happy moments.

Karlus, noticing Kael's far-off look, moves in front of him only to see that Kael is lost in his daydreams.

Karlus: I can't believe it—you're daydreaming! Right now? Of all times?

Kael snaps back to reality, catching Karlus's annoyed expression.

Kael: Quiet down. Once you start talking, you never stop.

Karlus: Fine! I'm going downstairs. Join me when you're ready.

Kael: Go, go, go.

Karlus (smirking as he heads out): Just remember, I'm too handsome to ignore.

Kael (giving him a side-eye): What does that have to do with you leaving?

Karlus: Everything. Don't blame me if she falls for me when I get downstairs before you. See you!

Karlus's parting words send a jolt of panic through Kael. Without delay, he sprints after him—he can't risk losing her to anyone else.

Location: Pond Garden

Jigu finally arrives at the pond garden, a peaceful place with small ponds surrounded by benches where people often come to relax.

She reaches the center of the garden, where the largest pond is, and spots Maam Fiona sitting on a bench, singing softly with her eyes closed. It's unusual for Maam Fiona to sing—she only does so when she's feeling down.

Jigu approaches the bench, still out of breath from all the running.

Jigu: Maam... Maam, I've been looking for you.

Maam Fiona: Is Astraea sold?

Jigu: I... I don't know. I ran off after Sir Nior took her to the stage.

Maam Fiona: Why? Why are you so out of breath?

Jigu: I heard something about Astraea, something that left me shocked. I'm not sure if it's true or not.

Maam Fiona: That girl has quite the imagination. She likely said something just to throw you off, especially since you're still young.

Jigu (kneeling in front of Maam Fiona): She said... she owned a harem.

Maam Fiona opens her eyes, shocked and astonished by Jigu's words.

Maam Fiona: What nonsense are you spouting, Jigu? Do you even understand what that means?

Jigu: I do, which is why, when she said it, it felt like the ground was pulled from under me.

Maam Fiona (grabbing Jigu's arm): Tell me the truth, Jigu. Tell me everything she said, without leaving out a single detail.

Jigu starts recounting everything Astraea had said, word for word, along with her reactions.