Chapter 9. The Sea Dragon King’s Gift

Cheong quietly gazed at Haewon’s lonely figure from behind.

Somehow, the sight stirred a sense of pity in her.

Was that why?

Staring at his massive but forlorn back, Cheong finally spoke.

“Your Majesty is still a person—or rather, a dragon. It may sound odd, but even someone like you needs time to rest in a quiet place like this. You can’t govern all day, every day.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Cheong clapped a hand over her mouth.

How dare a lowly human try to comfort the Lord of the Sea?

Even she thought she’d been rather presumptuous.

“You talk too much.”

Haewon finally spoke, breaking his long silence. His gaze was still fixed into the deep sea beyond.

Fortunately, his voice was softer than before, suggesting he wasn’t offended.

“I’ll keep my mouth shut now,” Cheong said quickly and mimed zipping her lips.

Haewon let out a brief chuckle.

“And yet you’ll start chattering again in no time. Just speak as you normally do.”

He turned to look directly at her, as if waiting for her to say something amusing.

“Um…”

Feeling the pressure of his gaze, Cheong turned her head to glance around aimlessly.

“This garden… is really beautiful.”

Even she thought her answer was pitiful, but it wasn’t a lie.

Now that she looked, the secret garden had a certain elegance to it.

A forest of giant seaweed lined one side, blending with the deep blue sea in a breathtaking display.

The long, broad leaves—resembling green beryl—swayed gently, creating a mysterious atmosphere.

If it were daytime, the sunlight piercing through the surface and striking the leaves would have made the scene even more stunning.

Opposite the seaweed forest, where Haewon was sitting, a sheer drop into a deep sea trench created yet another magnificent view.

It felt like looking out from a mountain peak—an expansive, open panorama.

Navy, sky blue, green, turquoise…

A kaleidoscope of colors blended together into something beyond beautiful.

Sometimes, schools of fish glided leisurely by, offering another kind of delight.

Beside the cliff near the trench, a single golden flower tree stood.

One might question the existence of a flower tree under the sea, but it fit in surprisingly well with the surrounding scenery.

Its glittering branches and lush blossoms looked like a rich coral reef.

“Does it look that way to you?”

At Haewon’s dry question, Cheong nodded sincerely.

“Yes. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

“I’m tired of the endless depths of this ocean.”

“How could you be tired of such a stunning view? I don’t think I’d ever get bored, even if I saw it every day.”

With her hand over her heart, Cheong turned to admire the garden again, slightly flushed with excitement.

She was genuinely moved by the incredible scenery.

For a moment, she forgot all her fears about the future.

“You are a strange human.”

Haewon tilted his head as he looked at her in puzzlement.

The way she stood so unguarded before a divine being…

The way she calmly admired the scenery even with her life on the line…

He couldn’t make sense of it.

“What do you mean by ‘strange’?” Cheong asked, tilting her head in confusion.

“I mean you’re far too relaxed given your situation.”

“Ah.”

Finally understanding, Cheong gave a short response.

A shadow briefly crossed her clear and transparent face—but it disappeared almost instantly.

“What good is worrying with a twisted-up mind? It’s more productive to center myself and build up the strength to face the crisis.”

“You sound very confident.”

“I’ve done all I could. I believe an answer will come one way or another.”

Haewon had felt it when they first met: Cheong was nothing like her delicate appearance.

Even now, with her life hanging by a thread, she had boldly claimed she would cure his illness.

‘That was ridiculous at the time.’

Normally, he would have dismissed such talk as nonsense.

But for some reason, her confidence had intrigued him.

So much so that he wanted to keep her nearby and watch her.

He had wondered where such boldness came from—it turned out it stemmed from faith in herself.

‘Not bad for a human.’

Haewon smiled faintly as he looked at Cheong.

Since ascending the throne, he couldn’t recall being so interested in anything.

What started as simple curiosity was slowly changing into something else.

But Haewon didn’t realize it yet.

“What is your name?”

At his indifferent question, Cheong looked up from the golden flower she was admiring.

“I’m Sim Cheong.”

“Sim Cheong.”

Haewon repeated her name under his breath, and Cheong nodded.

“Sim is my family name. Cheong is my given name.”

“Cheong…”

Still turning her name over in his mind, Haewon stared at her.

‘Why is he looking at me like that?’

Feeling awkward under his intense gaze, Cheong fiddled with a golden petal.

Just as her patience was wearing thin, Haewon spoke.

“You seem to like it.”

“P-Pardon?”

“The golden flower.”

Only then did Cheong realize how much she’d been touching it.

“I—it’s just pretty, that’s all…”

Afraid he might scold her for coveting something of his, she quickly withdrew her hand.

Haewon stood up from the rock he’d been sitting on.

Then, he strode over to the golden tree where Cheong was standing.

When he reached her, he extended his arm toward her.

As his large hand approached, Cheong instinctively squeezed her eyes shut.

But his hand bypassed her—and reached for the golden flower behind her.

Cheong thought he was checking to see if his precious item had been damaged.

“I touched it, but I didn’t break it—really…”

She began to explain, but—

“Huh?”

The solid object in her hand cut her sentence short.

She looked down.

“A golden flower?”

Haewon had casually broken off a branch and placed it in her hand.

“Take it.”

“But this…”

“It’s a token of thanks for your promise not to reveal my secret garden.”

Cheong looked at him, bewildered.

“I thought you’d already forgiven my mistake as payment for that promise.”

When she tried to return the flower, Haewon’s brow furrowed in displeasure.

“So you won’t accept it? That flower would easily buy you a tile-roofed house by human standards…”

“N-No! If it’s Your Majesty’s command, of course I must accept it. Absolutely not because of the money, so please don’t misunderstand!”

As soon as he mentioned the price of a house, Cheong clutched the flower to her chest.

Haewon let out a short laugh.

“Now that I’ve rewarded you, it’s time for you to go.”

“But I don’t even know the way ba—”

Snap!

With a snap of Haewon’s fingers, Cheong vanished.

The once lively garden fell silent, as if nothing had ever happened.

“That flower will prove useful in many ways,” Haewon murmured toward the spot where she had stood.

Then, without another word, he turned and disappeared into the seaweed forest.

* * *

“Ugh! That scared me!”

Cheong groaned as she steadied herself, swaying from sudden dizziness.

Her body had floated up, her vision had blinked out—and it had shocked her to the core.

She clutched the golden flower Haewon had given her to her chest and looked around.

“Huh? This is… my room?”

It seemed Haewon had used his divine powers to return her to her quarters.

A gift, and now this kindness? She still felt dazed.

“Well, since I’ve received it, I’ll keep it safe and use it as travel funds later.”

Grinning, Cheong examined the golden branch.

It was heavy with blossoms, each one crafted as delicately and richly as a real flower.

“Wow. Even the stamens look alive.”

She couldn’t help but admire the workmanship.

“Wait—hang on.”

Her smile faded as her expression hardened.

“Yes! This is it!”

Struck by sudden inspiration, Cheong cried out and dashed toward the door.