1. Won't you read the letter ?

To the next ill-fated heir, if ever you recall this:

Learn that sorrow shields from greater losses. Our attempts to fend it off are but unfruitful risks, for which I dread the inevitable price I will pay.

°❀ ***** ❀。

The kingdom of Seortel, the place Min Leenho grew up in, yet felt too far away from. Every break of dawn, unloading cargo by the docks, in revery, lost gazing upon where the strait stretches up to the capital. The end of fall made itself known, this year again, blue petals finding their way back to their island, sticking to boats, ramps, and merchandise cradles. Moreover, this time, it announced a novel start.

"It still seems so unreal to me that a few weeks from now, our orphanage will enroll you. Like Woo-hyung.", exasperates the brunette longshoreman to his older brother. Altho, he seemed more frustrated at the wet petals clinging to his hands and clothes rather than the reminder.

"AH but! Don't get me wrong! I'm elated that you're closer than ever to your's and hyung's dream.

I just..."

It had always been just the three of them. Well, ever since the youngest, Jin-Hyun, was severed from his parents. His brothers were now the only family he had, and so was he to them.

"Mm, I know.", reassures the other, chestnut curls bouncing slightly as he briefly meets Jin's eyes.

"I'm not leaving you. Neither did hyung.

Well, it would be nice if that idiot sent us news more often." he huffs, carrying his load back to the carriages, his appeased kin walking along.

The kingdom's legislation requires that foundlings be appointed to work for the crown by their 20th birthday. It had been a little over a year since the oldest was sent off, and soon enough, it would be Leenho's turn to be dispatched.

Growing up, the two older boys contemplated the day they would join the army corps. Dreaming of climbing up the ranks, one day becoming legendary royal knights. They would embody their favorite characters from old legends, sparing with wooden swords. Ultimately, Leenho would uncover a gift for archery, qualifying him for more simulating small jobs, like assisting hunts.

Children in the kingdom of Seortel are much involved in their local workforce. Such a prosperous country, for its lack of land and power, demanded a high level of production and expedition. So families and businesses ought to higher as many as they can afford, ensuing skimpy pays for the said helpers. But the work conditions were good. Villages were small, growing pleasant and amicable environment. Jin-Hyun would not mind making a living out of his small jobs. Contrary to his brothers, he had a love for craftsmanship and would sit by a tree, weaving or drawing, as he watched his siblings play.

"Oh right, hyung! Do you truly intend to wait till your birthday before opening Woo-hyung's letter?

He did tell you to, but I'd bet he figured you wouldn't."

"I will.", he gruffs unloading the transported crates. "Plus, knowing that mama bear, the message's most definitely going to be nothing but an earful. I'm enjoying these last moments."

"Hhh..

...I want to read it."

"Mm, I know."

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