Bound by Fate: A King's Redemption

The sound of rushing footsteps grew closer, followed by a cheerful voice calling out, "Daddy! Daddy!" Lia, who had just returned from school, ran excitedly toward the palace garden, where her father was engaged in light gardening after his recovery. The gentle afternoon sunlight danced through the leaves, casting a serene ambiance over the garden.

Yosan, who was tending to the flowers in front of him, looked up and smiled warmly at his cheerful daughter. "You're back, my dear. How was your day? You seem so happy today. Am I wrong?" he asked, gazing lovingly at her.

Lia leaped forward and hugged her father tightly, her laughter warming his heart. "Today was amazing, Dad! Even Mattias, who usually teases me, praised my brilliance! And not just him, my friends and teachers also showered me with compliments!"

Yosan smiled, gently stroking his daughter's head. "Oh, really? What did they say, dear?"

"They said I'm a genius, know everything, and am so talented. They even said my parents must be very proud to have a child like me," Lia replied as she pulled back and struck a proud pose.

Yosan chuckled softly and patted her head. "You are indeed a clever child. I'm proud of you."

"Of course! I'm Dad's genius daughter!" Lia replied confidently.

"And this hairstyle you did for me got so many compliments too!" Lia added, twirling happily.

"That's why I'm so happy today. It's all thanks to you, Dad, for always teaching and guiding me and giving me the best. Thank you, Daddy!" she continued, flashing a bright smile.

"You're welcome, Lia. I'm happy to see you this cheerful," Yosan responded warmly.

Lia's attention then shifted to a pile of yellowing, hole-ridden leaves that didn't look as vibrant as the rest of the plants. Tilting her head in thought, she soon realized what her father was doing in this part of the palace garden. She looked up at Yosan, who kept smiling at her as he gently fixed her hair.

"What are you doing, Daddy?" Lia asked, pointing at the pile of leaves beside him.

Yosan followed the direction of her pointing finger, then nodded. "I'm tending to the plants. I'm separating the healthy leaves from the damaged ones to keep the plants from being affected. Do you want to help me?"

Lia nodded eagerly and immediately joined in. Even though her father was still in recovery, the activity felt light and enjoyable, especially since they had gotten permission from both her mother and the palace physician. Lia had done similar activities before while gardening at school.

As they worked together, Lia couldn't stop talking about the praise she had received at school earlier, along with other stories that brought smiles and laughter. Occasionally, Yosan would chime in with a comment or answer her many curious questions. Their bonding time was filled with lighthearted banter until their hands and clothes became quite dirty.

But the mood shifted when Lia suddenly fell silent, staring at a small flowering plant in front of her with a melancholy expression.

Yosan, who had been enjoying his daughter's chatter, turned to her and noticed the change in her demeanor. Concerned, he gently asked, "Lia? Why did you suddenly go quiet? Is something bothering you?"

Lia lowered her head and bit her lip briefly. "Dad .... I just remembered Grandfather's field. It's been so long since I last visited it. I miss it... I wonder how it looks now. Is it still the same as before?"

Yosan fell silent for a moment, memories of her grandfather's field flashing through his mind. It was where he first met the farmers of the Lumina Kingdom while helping Reina lead temporarily. Since Lia moved to the palace, they hadn't visited the field again. Seeing his daughter's sorrow, he understood her longing.

An idea crossed Yosan's mind. He smiled, walked closer, and gently held Lia's small hand. "What if we visit it, Lia? We can go to Grandfather's field, visit his grave, and also your parents' graves. It'll be a nice outing to get some fresh air. We rarely leave the palace, don't we?"

Lia's eyes lit up with hope. "Really, Dad's? We can go to Grandfather's field?" she asked excitedly.

Yosan nodded. "Of course, Lia. But we need to ask your mother's permission first. If she agrees, we can go together. I also want to see the outside world again. It's been a long time since I left the palace."

"Your mother never allows me to leave the palace, not even for a moment. I need some 'refreshing' too!" Yosan crossed his arms over his chest with a frustrated expression, recalling how Reina hadn't allowed or invited him to leave the palace for months, not even briefly. He also remembered the last time he had stepped outside the palace.

Lia giggled at her father's exaggerated expression. "I can't wait, Dad's! I want to see Grandfather's field again. Can we bring flowers for Grandfather's grave and my parents' too?"

"Of course, dear. We'll prepare everything. But for now, let's finish the work here in the garden. After that, we'll talk to your mother," Yosan replied warmly.

"Okay, Daddy!" Lia said enthusiastically.

Outside, the cool evening breeze carried the fresh scent of blooming flowers. The serene atmosphere of the garden created a warm moment for Yosan and Lia, as if marking the start of a new journey they would embark on together.