Chapter 10
927 Words
When the clock hits nine, drum rollings are heard all through out the palace to indicate the start of the selection.
30 ladies grace the wide Imperial courtyard including Kana who immediately go with the flow.
"Good morning ladies, I hope you had a good night sleep." The Emperor said, but Kana wanted to laugh when he saw Lady Park looking so tired.
She didn't sleep because she's paranoid, that's it.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," Everyone answered.
The judges has been introduced, before the Empress announces.
"So the start of this competition is Art, we already told you beforehand about art, so I am hoping that you have your materials with you on what you are planning to do as long as it is related to arts, I give you 10 minutes to prepare your things, and another 50 minutes to finish. Timer starts... now!"
Kana just shrugged it off, gladly he anticipated this, so this is like an art class in elementary schools, bring your own materials.
His servants came, carrying his things on the table he's sitting.
Kana waited for the 10 minutes to be done, he's already ready but he don't want to go ahead of the time, while looking at the buzzing ladies.
Kana didn't paint a lot, but he just paint a flower garden, the skies and the sun.
He did another one on the other side and after 50 minutes, he is done.
He raise his hand and look at the officiating Empress.
"Yes, Lady Han? Can we see?"
The judges look at his painting and they didn't show any appreciation and approval.
The ladies keeps whispering on each others as well.
"Even a kid can paint like that Lady Han." one judge said, making Kana frown.
"Pardon me Mister, but I thought you have knowledge about art that's why you are here as a judge." Kana said calmly with a soft smile, but deep inside he wanted to smack that face.
"Then perhaps, a kid cannot explain what is the thought of the painting Mr. Judge."
The judge look at the Emperor who motion his hands for them to stop.
"Go ahead Kana'er, tell us about your painting." the Emperor smiled and allowed him to talk.
Kana showed everyone his painting.
"Pardon this lady for the paint I used is of low quality, Your highnesses, these colors are made out from herbs that has been found in the Imperial garden and also on the woods, it is safe to use, I made these myself." Kana raise his dainty fingers, showing the mixed colors from the herbs they made. He explained so that the people watching this event wouldn't suspect on where he get some paints that he use.
Then, he started explaining.
"This garden symbolizes the whole empire. The Sun being the Emperor giving good life towards his people.
Then, this flower, the sunflower is the Empress. She's next to the sun and always follow its direction, the remaining flowers at the background is the harem, they will give extra color towards the garden but the sunflower will always stood out. The grass is the corrupt officials who will manage to get on the flowers to control them, to crawl on them, ask for their help to remain in the position so they can do more mischief," Kana turn his painting showing the backside filled with red and black. The garden looks bad and destroyed, and with filled with flames of fire.
"This will happen to an empire without an Emperor. A garden under and controlled by the grasses." Kana throw a glance on where the ministers are sitting, specifically to the Prime Minister Park.
Kana pointed the flames of fire on the other side.
"And this flames here, is meant to kill the grasses so the garden will be this beautiful again." Kana flipped his painting again showing the beautiful side of it.
Kana bowed to everyone and he go back to his table. The officials and ministers watching feels the chills because they saw the glint of anger in Lady Han's eyes when he said the the flame should kill the grasses.
Kana look happy in his creation, despite that, he gave those corrupt officers a plain and simple warning.
General Han who's still wondering why his son ask for wood earlier now felt proud on what he did. General Han felt accomplished as a father. Kana did his best and he is proud of him.
Crown Prince Sunwoo wanted to clap his hands but he is astonished when Kana manage to silence the judges.
The five judges was silence in awe, they who always judge for arts became silent with just a bare painting that can even be drawn by a toddler.
The Emperor was delighted on Kana's piece.
"Can you perhaps give that to me Lady Han? I will display it on my study."
"It's an honor Your Majesty." Kana stood with poise, and he walk towards the dragon throne and handed the painting to the Emperor, he bowed before going back to his spot.
The other ladies was filled with envy, specially Lady Park who darted her eyes on Kana, she keeps on questioning herself on what seems to be special on this lady?
The rest of the ladies feels happy, some of the ladies who came here are just force on the consequences. If they will lose this first round, they will be sent home and marry the man they wanted.
That day, at the end of the first round. Lady Han Kana, won.
- Writer
