To celebrate the passing of the thirteen contestants, they were given a free day. That day unfortunately started with the farewell of the two girls who hadn't made the cut.

Iseul was standing in front of the gate, where Ae-cha and Ha-neul stood with their bags packed. They would be escorted back to their homes by a few of the Hwarang.

Both their eyes were red and by the looks of the dark rims underneath, neither of them had slept very well. Iseul hardly knew what to say. All she could think of was 'sorry'.

Ae-cha smiled bravely and hugged her farewell. Ha-neul merely sobbed and left Bongyo with her head bent down. Biting her lip, Iseul stared after the two. They had been so brave in coming here. And even though they truly had been naive by thinking they could vie for the title of crown princess without sincere intentions, they had managed to keep up with the Hwarang up till now. They didn't deserve a parting as cruel as this.

She didn't notice the people standing next to her until her servant Nari put her arm around her and gave her a sideways hug. A little startled she heard her whisper: "Don't worry too much, my lady, they will be alright. I heard some of the servants whisper about a compensation for those who entered. Apparently you won't leave empty handed."

The news made Iseul feel slightly better.

"So, my lady, where do you want to go, today? Home? To the market place? I'm all set to go." Nari joyfully padded the bag she carried over her shoulder. It was clear she was looking forward to a day off.

Iseul sighed, glanced over her shoulder and as she saw no one she knew, answered: "Home, I guess. Mother will be expecting me and I think grandfather will be there also. He probably already heard about my blunder with the tea."

Suddenly Nari's face darkened. "If I get my hands on the person who did that ..." She came really close and studied Iseul's lip as if she were a physician. "I'm glad the bruise is gone. Yesterday I really feared you would have to walk around with a veil for a few days."

Irritated Iseul pushed the girl away. "Nonsense, it was barely a burn. And I'm sure it was just an accident by a new servant girl or something. Why would anyone try to harm me? And then using tea? That doesn't make any sense."

Before Nari could express her obvious disagreement, Iseul walked past her towards the gate of the Hwarang school while saying: "Let's just forget about it, alright? This day is a treat from His Majesty the king himself. Let's not waste it."

She marched forward. As soon as she stepped over the threshold, two squealing voices greeted her. "Iseul! How have you been? We've missed you sooo much."

Two sets of arms were flung around her and all thoughts about boiling tea and malicious intents were banned to the back of her brain. "Do-yun, Binna, oh, I've missed you too."

They jumped up and down for a few moments until a humorous hum was heard from behind her. Iseul looked round to find the Jee brothers looking at the girls with glee in their eyes. Binna was the first to step back and lower her eyes. A sweet blush appeared on her cheeks and Iseul smiled. She straightened her clothes and said: "I believe you haven't been introduced yet? Binna, Do-yun, this is Jee Chul-yeo and his younger brother Chul-seok, they are in the selection as well."

Do-yun grinned and pricked her friend in her side. "We know, you've been parading through town, remember. We know all the participants."

"You do?" Iseul's eyebrows shot up.

"Of course. Everybody is talking about it. Everyone has their favorite. There are many wagers made on who will become the crown prince or princess."

Chul-yeo crossed his arms and with a grin he asked: "And? How are my odds?"

Iseul scowled and Do-yun make a sound of disapproval. Binna however, having overcome her embarrassment, softly said: "The common people like you and your brother. The marketplace is full of praise for your bravery."

Iseul's eyebrows shot up and when she looked from her shy friend to the two boys, she saw she was not the only one. Chul-yeo stared at Binna for a few seconds and then he quickly lowered his gaze. His ears turned slightly pink and he mumbled an apology before he turned and walked away. Iseul cocked her head. What was that about?

Chul-seok shrugged and was just about to walk away as well, when Iseul asked: "Aren't you going outside? We've been given a day off."

Chul-seok smiled and waved his hand in the direction of the practice grounds. "Later. We promised Du Ho to teach him a few tricks first. He's been feeling left out lately."

They waved goodbye and Iseul motioned Nari closer. "Can you go and tell my mother I'll be coming home later?"

Nari looked disappointed, until Iseul padded her on the back and added: "Come and find us in the marketplace right after that, alright?"

Happily Nari nodded and sprinted away. Iseul turned towards her friends and said: "Let's have some fun. This day I want to be a normal girl again."