The Trustees of the Palace of Goryeo
request the pleasure of the company of

Park Ji-min, son of Park Jin-ho of the southern Liquis

at a royal meeting in the presence of the King of Goryeo and his Crown Prince
on February the 4th, 3701 Lunar at 10¨
¨Morning | .. Night

Jimin looked at the invitation that was dropped off at his shop by the guards of the palace earlier. He smiled and snapped his neck, right away getting up to iron another one of his father's elegant Hanfus.

"You really need to buy some of your own" Mina said, walking into the house after her weaving class "What are you even doing with that?" she asked.

"Thow an eye on that red envelope sister" he told her from where he stood and watched her reaction as she read the words, carefully re-reading to make sure she didn't hallucinate. She turned with a shocked expression on her face, she had never seen that type of invitation even when her father was the royal doctor. Those were mostly sent to important families and famous tradesmen in the kingdom. What did Jimin do to deserve one.

"Are you marrying a princess? Am I marrying a prince? Why..." she asked, incredulous.

"Forget marriage Mina, we've reached the palace with our craft" he said and walked over to her, putting his hands on either of her shoulders and looking at her in the eyes.

"They asked for me because they appreciated my gift a lot, can you believe it?" he explained and she smiled.

"You're a genius Jimin! What do you think they want to talk about?" she'd asked excitedly. They sat down close to the unfolded Hanfu and he explained to her everything he did so far, however keeping the goal of his actions concealed.

"That's why we have that many Dracni? I see... I should've realized it wasn't just for the flower, your obsession had grown unhealthy" she pointed out and he chuckled.

"It is a little bit about the flower, but yes there was a reason behind it. Tomorrow, I'm going to talk to both of them about my work and hopefully they will be interested enough to offer me a title" he elaborated.

"Is general Jungkook going to be okay with that? He doesn't seem the type of person to allow such things easily" she pointed out and he agreed.

"I remember dad telling us about him having a heavy opinion in appointing palace workers. I'm almost sure my mixture was convincing, but he might desist when I mention my conditions" Jimin spoke thoughtfully.

"You have to be ready, brother. On another note, I saw Woobin earlier. I've been seeing him a lot lately, odd" she said, getting up to start preparing dinner.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"I meet him in the streets or by my weaving classes, we just greet each other most the time" she replied and he pinched the bridge of his nose.

He couldn't believe Woobin had still not started courting her, it has been so long since he asked for it and he seemed pretty sure of himself. It appeared he was indeed quite shy around his sister and he can't help but find that endearing.

---

"I presume you have an idea why you were invited to share this discussion with his Majesty and I" Crown Prince Jungkook spoke from where he sat in the Throne room.

Jimin was a bit nervous. Compared to the last time when he knew his gift was good enough and had control over the situation, this time he was completely dependent on their questions. Granted, he prepared himself plenty, but he realized anything could go wrong at the unpredictability of their thoughts.

"I believe it is about my gift for the new dragon year. I hope I wasn't honored with a royal invitation just to be thrown behind bars" he started with a little pleasantry to lighten the serious mood, succeeding to make the King chuckle.

"Rest assured son, it was impressive. Queen Sunmi was rather jealous she didn't have a set of her own I might add" he said, calming his anxiety with his encouraging reply.

"Speaking of impressive, the herbal medicine was very efficient, congratulations" Jungkook started.

"I'm glad I was able to help the bravest of my Kingdom" Jimin praised, watching Jungkook's eyes fill with some unknown emotion, which he concealed with a tight smile.

"Park Jimin, the Crown Prince invited you on the behalf of myself to offer you a position in the palace" the King started and he internally jumped in contentment. He aimed to be taken in as a pharmacist of the palace so that he could tend to the King, the Queens and their heirs all while keeping an eye on the General.

"That is so generous of you my King, it is my pleasure to accept your offer" Jimin replied, not hesitating for a second.

This was different. In his first meeting with the King, he was invited to stay in the Palace as a guest and nothing more, he would be relying on the royals' good grace, hoping he was likeable enough not to be kicked out. This time around, he was sought for his know-how, popularity is an accessory.

"I'm glad to hear that sir Park, because I am to announce that you will be appointed as the Crown Prince's pharmacist" General Jungkook chimed in, boring his eyes right into the other's as he spoke, almost in a challenging manner.

Crown prince? Is there another one? Because there is no way I'll spend my days here around him alone.

Jimin stayed silent for a bit, looking between the Prince and his King, careful not to show too much of his hesitation not to anger or -God forbid- offend either of them. He chose to bow again, buying some more time to think.

I'm sure you're happy to know you'll be seeing my face everyday. Jungkook thought, quite satisfied with the reaction he was receiving.

"Of course my Prince. I'll make sure to work hard enough to create miracles if need there be" Jimin said, his face still lowered but voice definite. His eyes weren't kind anymore so he couldn't show himself until he's regained his composure. When he did, he found the King with a smile on his face.

"Your devotion is very much appreciated son. Being his pharmacist won't stop me from seeking some of your medicinal teas however" he chuckled, making Jimin smile again.

"Of course my King, I will make Your Majesty a new assortment first thing" he assured and the other laughed a little louder in satisfaction.

"Great, now let's discuss the logistics. I hope you realize that this title means you'll also be providing relevant medicine to my troops" Jungkook informed and he nodded.

"That is not at all an issue" he replied.

"Since larger quantities of that medicine will be necessary, I suggest you make them in the palace, with the help of our pharmacists" Jungkook said and he shook his head, making the other raise an eyebrow.

"That would be a good idea, if we don't include the fact that I will have to disclose my secrets to the other pharmacists of the palace" he said and turned to the King, who was silently listening.

"I hope to be subject of your great compassion. My craft is my expertise, it is how I earn my life, and if one day dawns where that expertise becomes obsolete to you, I wouldn't know what to do to support myself and my sister who is my only family left" he said, knowing this condition is quite hard-hitting. As expected, the General started becoming a bit wary, so he will now be relying on the King's big heart.

"How can I trust that you will make such a large amount on time by yourself, sir Park" Jungkook's face was serious, he was negotiating.

"I've made much larger orders in my store my Prince, I'm no stranger to augmented load" he replied.

"Was your sister involved?"

"She indeed was, but only for the first preparation steps and nothing else. I don't let her take part in the making of my medicine as she does not qualify" Jimin started to feel nervous all over again.

"How can I make sure of that? You will be working for the palace and only authorized people should meddle with something as important as-"

"Crown Prince" the King called in a warning tone, making Jungkook stop in the middle of his words. "He's the son of the man who was a royal doctor for 15 years, I believe he knows enough about palace ethics" he instead spoke and Jimin was grateful.

"Thank you my King, I apologize for the very troublesome request" Jimin truthfully said and the other hummed.

"It is indeed not very transparent, but it is my duty as your father's friend to trust you with that. Although, I will not involve myself in anything else from now on, it will be completely up to the Crown Prince to assess your work and discuss all the other details" he informed and Jimin nodded in agreement.

"I understand completely my King" he simply replied and turned to the General who, surprisingly, looked satisfied.

"I believe it is settled now. If you'll excuse us Your Majesty, sir Park Jimin and I will be discussing the details of his new title elsewhere, we shall let you rest now" Jungkook said, standing up and walking towards the man standing ahead of the throne.

"Excused" the King said and they bowed together.

They were walking in the garden side by side, Jungkook's arms behind his back and Jimin's across his chest. Jimin couldn't believe he was truly so close to the man he despised so much, at arms reach. One full swing would be enough to do the unspeakable. Yet there he was, docile and patient as he listened to the Prince's words.

The Pyre was explaining a few things about his troupes and what he was expecting from Jimin, they talked about when they would be meeting during the week and how many times he should be present in the palace to make the tea with the other pharmacists.

"Of course my Prince, I will be here when you need me" Jimin confirmed, his voice reflecting as much excitement as he could muster. Jungkook knew none of that was real, he couldn't see it in Jimin's eyes as he spoke because it appeared the other was very skilled at disguising his true emotions, but something in him knew he was up to no good.

They were interrupted with a court lady's attempt at grabbing the Pyre's attention. "My Prince" she said with a voice as shaky as her fingers were, not daring to meet his eyes and keeping her gaze glued at her feet. Some would say out of respect, but they all knew it was out of fear. The lady delivered her message and left as soon as she could.

Jimin didn't blame her, they were in the presence of a ruthless man after all. Who knew when his temper would get the best of him.

"Sir Park Jimin." Jungkook called.

"Your highness?"

"Did you want to work at the palace?" he asked.

"It is an honor to do so"

"What about working for me. I believe word goes around amongst the people of this kingdom, not much to my favor unfortunately" Jungkook started, seeming all the more conscious about his reputation after the brief interruption. His eyes looking deep inside the shorter's, trying to draw something that would reveal his true motives.

"As a new official of the palace, it is my duty to inform you of what is happening outside these walls, but it would be immoral for me to take a side other than yours" Jimin replied wordily to stay on the safe side.

"You have a way with words, it reminds me a lot of your late father sir Jin-ho" Jungkook said, his tone a little condescending, aiming to hit a sore spot and sink the other's plans while they were still at their dawn.

'Don't you dare say his name, selfish tyrant' Jimin thought, although he knew better than to let any of his hatred slip. Being around him almost everyday will be a striking challenge Jimin realized.

"He was very wise and taught me many things, including how to speak to people of high relevance and especially the royal family" Jimin explained and he nodded.

'Not even that made you snap, Jimin? Consider me impressed' Jungkook mentally praised.

"That is a very good skill to have, your tactfulness can get you out of many sticky situations"

"Indeed, I believe it already has" Jimin replied, earning a tight smile from the Prince.

"Back to the business, what other medicine can you provide my men with, teas and soaps aren't exactly what I need from my pharmacist" Jungkook said, asserting his high expectations.

"Aside from regular medicine for illnesses, I have a paste for sore muscles, I can make large quantities of it as well, however not until next month. The plant needed for it only grows fully around 25days from now" Jimin informed.

"What does this paste do"

"It contains certain herbs that heat up the skin down to the sore muscle and relax it"

"I'm not going to ask if it has been tested before, it will need to go through testing in the palace anyway" Jungkook stated.

"It has been tested, it is one of my popular medicines, but I completely understand"

"Well then, I will be seeing you tomorrow, the palace pharmacist will meet you to show you how everything is done here"

'Finally'

"Of course my Prince, have a blessed rest of the day"

---

New Chapter! I hope you liked it!

-Aida-