The morning sky over Pingyuan City was covered with thin clouds, softening the sunlight into a gentle, warm glow. The quiet rustle of leaves and the scent of spring flowers filled the air in a tranquil park. Among the fish ponds and the blooming cherry trees, Aveline sat on a long wooden bench. Her dress was simple, and her hair was loosely tied, masking any trace of her aristocratic past.
She was watching a small bird alight on a branch when light footsteps approached. A young man sat under a tree not far from her, engrossed in a book. Aveline glanced at him; that face... seemed vaguely familiar.
Minutes passed in comfortable silence until the wind played with the young man's book, detaching a page that drifted toward Aveline. She quickly caught it.
Aveline (smiling politely) :
"This belongs to you. It seems the wind is playing with your book."
The young man turned, his eyes widening for a moment, then he smiled.
Shen :
"You caught it fast. Thank you."
Aveline looked at him intently, then a recognition dawned on her.
Aveline :
"We... have met before, haven't we? That night. On the road near the border..."
Shen (nodding):
"I didn't think you would recognize me. Your hair isn't stained with blood now."
They shared a small laugh, and the awkward atmosphere began to melt away.
Aveline :
"I never got to thank you properly that time. If it weren't for your help..."
Shen (humbly) :
"I only happened to be passing by. You looked gravely in need of assistance."
Aveline (with a faint smile) :
"Not just assistance... perhaps a bit of luck, too."
Shen closed his book and slowly stood up.
Shen:
"I usually come to this park every morning. It's peaceful. It calms a burdened mind."
Aveline:
"I like this place, too. It feels like a world that doesn't demand anything."
Shen (looking at her deeply) :
"You are not an ordinary person, are you?"
Aveline fell silent. The question was like a knife touching an old wound. But Shen's gaze was not judgmental, only... curious.
Aveline (softly) :
"I am someone who has lost everything. But now, I am just trying to be ordinary."
Shen nodded in understanding.
Shen (smiling) :
"You are doing well."
They sat together, sharing a comfortable silence. Birds sang, and cherry blossoms drifted down gently.
Shen (playfully) :
"If you like this park, perhaps you should come often. But don't steal my favorite bench, alright?"
Aveline (laughing) :
"If I arrive earlier, then the bench is mine."
Shen :
"That means... we'll have to come together."
Aveline blushed, her cheeks turning pink.
That day, under the cherry trees, a new acquaintance began. They didn't know who the other truly was. Aveline was unaware that this young man, Shen, was the Crown Prince, disguised to understand his people's lives. And Shen had no idea that this simple girl had once been part of the very noble circle that now harbored a grudge against him.
But in that park, they were just two strangers beginning to find peace in each other's presence.