The morning air was cool despite the bright sunlight shining over the palace.
Guards and servants hurried across the courtyard preparing for the journey ahead—organized chaos filling every corner of Shenguang Palace.
“Put those with the second carriage.”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
“And make sure everything is secured properly.”
After giving a few final instructions, I dismissed the servants with a small wave.
“You guys go ahead… I’ll be there soon.”
“Understood, sir.”
As they walked away, I turned and unknowingly found myself heading toward the gardens once again.
It felt different being here up close instead of watching from the balcony above.
I slowly walked between the flower paths, softly humming a tune under my breath.
I could not even remember where I had heard it before.
As my fingers brushed against the flowers, their petals bloomed brighter and larger beneath my touch.
The power of the Dryad bloodline.
“Haha…” I let out a quiet laugh before sighing softly.
“I must be in a good mood today.”
Even though I was leaving home, I was not overwhelmed with sadness.
I was not even sure if what I felt was relief.
It was simply… something different.
And maybe different could be good.
Lost in thought, I continued humming quietly, completely failing to notice the sound of footsteps approaching behind me.
“Qiang.”
The sudden voice startled me enough to nearly freeze.
I quickly turned around.
“Father…”
Standing a few steps away was King Li Zhang himself.
“I-I didn’t expect you. Do you need something?”
“No,” he replied calmly.
“I was passing by when I saw you here. I thought perhaps I should give you some final words before you leave.”
Really now?
Passing by?
I had never once seen him walk through this garden in fifteen years.
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
“Is that so?” I answered quietly.
A short silence settled between us as we both looked toward the blooming garden.
Then suddenly—
“You resemble her more every year.”
“Huh?”
I looked at him in surprise, not expecting him to continue speaking.
Father slowly turned toward me.
For a brief moment, it felt like he was truly seeing me for the first time in years.
His eyes softened slightly before he spoke again.
“When you stand at the academy…” he said quietly, “do not let them make you feel small.”
I stared at him silently.
He turned away before I could fully read his expression, his voice becoming stern once more.
“After all, you carry the duty of Shenguang upon your shoulders.”
It took me several seconds to answer.
Was he… giving me advice?
I honestly did not know what to think anymore.
“Yes, Father,” I finally replied.
“I understand.”
He gave a single nod before leaving the garden without another word.
I stared after him for a long moment.
…What was that?
After saying a few quiet goodbyes to the flowers in the garden, I finally decided it was time to leave.
As I stepped into the courtyard, a graceful figure stopped in front of me.
“Mother,” I greeted automatically upon seeing Li Hua.
What is with all these unexpected conversations today?
I just want to leave already.
“Li Qiang,” she said calmly.
“I came to say goodbye.”
“Oh… thank you.”
The slight surprise in my voice slipped out before I could stop it.
“Walk with me.”
I hesitated briefly before nodding.
As we walked side by side through the courtyard, she spoke without looking at me.
“At the academy, people will smile while measuring your worth.”
I turned slightly toward her.
Her expression remained unreadable as always.
“Be careful who you choose to stand beside,” she continued.
“…I understand.”
We continued walking until the main courtyard came into view, servants and guards making their final preparations around the carriage.
Then Li Hua spoke once more.
“Your father personally selected your escort knights.”
I looked at her quietly.
A strange silence settled between us before I finally replied.
“I see.”
A guard soon approached and bowed respectfully.
“Your Highness, preparations are complete. We are ready to depart whenever you wish.”
At the same moment, Maya walked over holding my personal bag.
“Your Highness,” she greeted with a small bow.
I turned back toward Li Hua.
“Then I will take my leave, Mother.”
She gave a small nod.
I followed the guard toward the carriage, Maya walking quietly behind me.
Just as I was about to step inside—
“Wait!”
I turned at the sound of hurried footsteps.
“Brother, wait!”
Xiao finally reached me, slightly out of breath.
“How could you leave without properly saying goodbye to your little brother?”
I blinked in surprise before awkwardly recovering.
“Sorry… I didn’t mean to.”
“It’s okay,” he said quickly.
“I just wanted to tell you… even if you only visit once a year…”
His voice softened.
“Don’t forget me.”
Something in my chest tightened unexpectedly.
“And maybe…” he continued hesitantly, “when you get the chance… you could send letters too.”
A small awkward smile formed on my face as I gently patted his head.
“Alright,” I said softly.
“I promise.”
His face immediately brightened.
“Great!”
As Xiao returned toward Father and Li Hua, I realized I had not even noticed when Father arrived in the courtyard.
Quietly, I climbed into the carriage while Maya followed behind me.
The soft cushions shifted beneath me as I settled into my seat.
Outside, the head guard called for departure.
The carriage slowly began moving forward.
And as Shenguang disappeared further behind me, I realized something for the very first time.
Leaving home did not feel like a loss.
It felt like breathing.