16. Meeting with My Father!

[말레이]

16. Meeting with My Father!

Once Hwanwoong’s wounds healed, the Tiger Tribe leader guided him to King Ebel. Upon hearing of Hwanwoong’s arrival, King Ebel, along with the Tiger Tribe leader, warmly welcomed Hwanwoong as his son. He expressed gratitude for Hwanwoong’s healthy growth and recounted the circumstances when Hwanwoong was sent as an adopted son.

"God blessed me with a second son named

Joktan after my first son, Peleg.

One day, my great-grandfather, the King of Assyria,

visited and said he had no children.

He couldn’t continue the lineage of faith passed down from Noah to Shem and then to himself through his brother.

He asked to adopt my second son,

Joktan, to continue this lineage.

Hearing this, I believed it was God’s will to continue the lineage of faith. Even though I wouldn’t be with you, God would guide and accompany you, making you a person of faith and love. So, I sent you as an adopted son. I heard that Nimrod killed the King of Assyria and took the throne, but fortunately, he didn’t kill you and raised you as his adopted son. I always hoped we would meet again, and seeing you grow up so well is truly God’s grace! Although you were adopted twice, neither the King of Assyria nor Nimrod passed the throne to you. If you inherit the country as Nimrod’s adopted son, you would continue the lineage of Ham, not Shem. We don’t know what the future holds, so we must trust God’s guidance.

God will protect and guide you, and I believe He will use you greatly. For now, focus on your current duties and roles, as the matters of the King of Assyria and Nimrod are already past. God will lead you to a better path."

Although it was their first meeting, Hwanwoong felt his father’s warm and understanding love and decided to become such a person himself. Meeting his older brother Peleg for the first time, he was warmly welcomed and encouraged for enduring hardships, believing he would become a great person. Peleg also thought Hwanwoong would become a great king like their father. As Hwanwoong returned, he remembered his father’s words to contact him anytime for help, feeling a tear roll down his cheek.

Returning to the Tiger Tribe village, Hwanwoong found the Bear Tribe leader, whose wounds had healed enough to move. However, he wasn’t as vigorous as before due to severed tendons in his leg. Nonetheless, he was grateful for his recovery. Hwanwoong and the Bear Tribe leader stayed there for a few more days. Despite the short period of a couple of months, Hwanwoong felt deeply moved, having survived life-threatening situations thanks

to the tribe members and Suroa’s care.

On the last evening before leaving, Hwanwoong walked around the village with Suroa, sharing various stories.

“Suroa, thank you for all your hard work and care!”

“No, Prince! I’m grateful to have been able to help you recover, and I’m glad you’re well.”

“Suroa, not only your appearance but also your heart is truly beautiful!”

“Oh, Prince, your words make me feel shy.”

Suroa’s face flushed. Meanwhile, Hwanwoong felt a sense of regret about leaving the place where he had spent so much time. As they walked, the full moon brightly illuminated the night sky and their figures.

The next morning, Hwanwoong and the Bear Tribe leader prepared to leave early for their long journey, bidding farewell to the Tiger Tribe people. Hwanwoong promised the Tiger Tribe leader to call him in the future and stay healthy until then. He then looked at Suroa, whose eyes were already filled with tears. Considering her situation, living isolated in the mountains and becoming close friends with Hwanwoong and the Bear Tribe leader, it was understandable how sad she felt about their departure. Hwanwoong’s heart ached at the thought.

“Suroa, we will meet again someday!

Stay healthy and well until then!”

Suroa nodded, her eyes wet with tears. The Tiger Tribe members also watched the two with a sense of sorrow. After saying their goodbyes, Hwanwoong and the Bear Tribe leader began their journey back to the Bear Tribe village. Suroa climbed a ridge to watch them leave, waving and praying for their reunion.

The return journey took much longer than their arrival due to the Bear Tribe leader’s changed condition and Hwanwoong’s still heavy body. However, Hwanwoong used this time to observe and understand people’s lives and thoughts, experiencing various environments. Finally, they arrived at the Crystal Valley, home of the Bear Tribe.

The tribe members, who had been anxiously waiting beyond the expected time, were overjoyed to see them return safely. Especially Asanya, who blushed upon seeing Hwanwoong. They shared their experiences and near-death stories with the tribe members, who were relieved and grateful for their safe return. After some time, Hwanwoong prepared to leave for the palace, where his news was eagerly awaited. Asanya came to see him off at the valley entrance.

As they descended the mountain, they walked in silence for a while. Nearing the valley entrance, Hwanwoong spoke first.

“Was everything alright while I was away?”

“Yes, but we were worried when you didn’t return on the expected day, praying and anxiously waiting.”

“Thank you! I believe I returned safely thanks to you, Asanya!”

“I’m just glad you returned safely, Prince!”

As Asanyeo rushed into Hwanung’s arms, Hwanung also embraced her tightly. At that moment, a rustling sound came from the forest. Both Hwanung, who had been attacked by tigers in the Tiger Tribe village, and Asanyeo, who had grown up in the mountains and was highly vigilant, separated from each other’s embrace and stood on guard. Suddenly, something jumped out of the bushes, startling them both.

Prepared for such an event, they quickly drew the wooden spears from their waists. Just as they were about to throw them at the object that emerged from the forest, they realized it was a deer. They sighed in relief. The deer, seemingly curious about the two, had come out of the forest and was blinking its large eyes at them. Seeing this, Hwanung and Asanyeo couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

After laughing for a while, they suddenly felt awkward as it was time to say goodbye. Hwanung spoke first.

“Well then, be careful on your way back.”

“You too, Your Highness, be careful!”

Hwanung bid farewell to Asanyeo and hurried back to the palace. As Asanyeo watched Hwanung walk away, her heart fluttered with an inexplicable happiness. She stood there, watching his back until he was out of sight.

Meanwhile, at the palace, there was great concern as Hwanung had not returned for a long time without any news. Upon hearing that Hwanung had returned, Nimrod set everything aside and went to find him. Hwanung greeted Nimrod and briefly explained that he had encountered some accidents during his travels but had recovered with the help of people, omitting the stories of meeting the Bear Tribe chief, the Tiger Tribe chief, and his father. Nimrod, relieved that it was a blessing in disguise, asked if Hwanung was still in pain or discomfort. Hwanung assured him that he had fully recovered. Nimrod, greatly relieved, hugged his adopted son Hwanung tightly.

To celebrate Hwanung’s healthy return, Nimrod held a grand feast in the palace. Such was Nimrod’s deep affection for his adopted son, Hwanung.