Dashing out to find a missing person is quite easy to actual finding of the person. Daejong couldn't believe there was no trace of his beloved despite all wasted resources as four days flew by.

Against better judgement, he had been out of the palace for four days without any intention of returning back to his duties causing dereliction of his duty as an emperor and unfilial piety as a royal son. For those days, he slept, ate and bathed at the inn hastily.

The inn was situated at a busy marketplace but for his safety has become less busy. It's roof were made of straws which gave off a palish yellow coloration that complemented the ash colour of the walls. The floors were well polished as can be seen from the sheen it gave, the wooden tables were of rectangular shape as the benches and were reddish brown in color; a colour pleasing to the eyes.

Four tables were arranged outside in a parallel line, one faced directly to the entrance from where an incoming visitor or intruder can be seen but Daejong chose one facing the entrance of the inn as he knew guards surrounded him. His known enemies wouldn't make an attempt on him as they haven't gotten what they want, the likes of Choi sang-min knew his death would bring them no gain as his daughter is not even an empress nor with child.

They would secretly be watching and protecting him as Daejong's life was precious more than gold. Seeing as Choi sang-min hasn't confronted him of his absence yet, it could only mean Seo-yun had told him something far from the actual reason because she's aware of his true motives.

Seo-yun, poor beautiful Seo-yun who would be any man's treasure but, she chose the wrong man.

A tall handsome man with his comic nature which can never be hidden or eradicated sauntered towards him at the bar where his younger brother sat dejectedly. He saw the struggle in his face which portrayed self-restraint from gulping down the rice wine filled in his cup, probably, he wondered what his beloved would think if he's to be found drunk or not sane of mind.

He playfully patted the back of one of the many guards who surrounded the inn, as he usually did, then sat across a shell of what used to be his brother.

Hey sister-in-law, though I haven't met you but please be alive, or I might lose my brother, he lamented in his mind.

"Your Majesty?" he said which was replied with a low grunt that may not really qualify as one.

"You should really get back to the palace, court affairs has piled up and are in dire need of your attention," he coaxed softly.

He looked up at his brother, then at the temptation in form of liquor.

Restraint be damned!

He took the wine straight from the kettle and gulped everything down at a go.

"You know that woman has suffered alot because of me," he began as he took sip out of a kettle he poured out for himself.

With a smile of self-pity, he glanced squarely at his brother and comrade .

"Each time, there is a cloud of misfortune revolving around her because of me. " He paused, swirled the liquor tiredly then set down the rest on the table.

"Her only crime is that I loved her. I promised to protect everything I love from predators but couldn't protect the most precious treasure I have. Hyung, you were right to call me weak, I guess becoming a mere emperor didn't eradicate my weakness. I am really pathetic, right?"

Hearing his brother pour out his heart in such a manner shook Song, Daejong, who men feared and respected believes himself to be weak!

Daejong, the nightmare of enemies has really sobbed pitifully though no tears were visible, but this side he has never shown any living being.

He grabbed him suddenly and dragged him up.

"Lamentations won't bring her back! What she really needs is man strong as mountain who would be her refuge and fortress on her return, if she returns to find a weakling as her man, will she still stay with you? Seriously, Soon, it's not your fault things keep happening for every challenge thrown at you made you stronger, ever test remoulded you to the being you are!"

He sat down and chuckled softly, then gazed at his still standing brother and almighty emperor, "Do you know you are a god? You are a demigod my brother, so never think you are a weakling."

Daejong sat heavily on the bench like a sack and finally let out his true thoughts, "I'm afraid... I'm afraid she has been..."

He was cut off immediately, "Never you think with such mindset, that lady according to what you told me, is very special. There is something a little peculiar about her. Good luck, if you could call it that seems to follow her wherever she went; unexpected circ.u.mstances happen to her yet she defies mother nature, and like a forgotten flower bud in the dead of winter she blooms beautifully and magically!"

Daejong who felt he was listening to fairytale almost clapped when he finished, as expected of Song, he always delivers.

"How many poor ladies have you beguiled with this tongue of yours?" he asked lightly and playfully.

Placing his hands crossed on his chest , he acted hurt. "Your Majesty! I have truly repented a long time ago and have set my eyes on one special lady who has disappeared from my sight!" he harrumphed like a child and with the air of an arrogant adolescent whined, " I feel so betrayed, your Majesty!"

For the first time in four days, Daejong laughed.

"Prince Song, I don't really know how to repay you but I wish to thank you immensely."

Song smiled at his brother and did an unimaginable thing, something Daejong never expected but nonetheless soothed him.

Prince Song embraced Emperor Daejong!

A healing hug that takes pains and anxieties away, a hug of true brotherhood.

"Your Majesty can let go of me now and return to the palace, this servant will bring back your woman,"he teased lovingly after he felt him sigh in relief.

Daejong felt a little bit awkward. Who was it that hugged him first?

Clearing his throat, he made his final request.

"Bring my Yoona safe to me!"

The guards got the signal to leave so they came closer to shield and protect their emperor on his ascension into his palanquin.

Song who felt frozen all of a sudden recovered his senses only when they had left.

Of all names, why did you have to choose Yoona? He soliloquies.