AT NIGHT
The new recruits had already gone to their rooms to rest for the day in preparation for tomorrow's decorations.
"Sister, aren't you going to bed already?" Soo-bin said.
"Don't worry, go to bed… I'll sleep later. I still have to tidy my things," Soyeon replied as she sat in front of the mirror.
"Okay, then sleep early," Soo-bin said before going to bed.
Meanwhile, Soyeon sat quietly before the mirror. She slowly pulled her cloth down to her upper chest region.
"Paa… I'm back," she whispered to herself while staring at her reflection.
THE NEXT MORNING
The entire palace was busy preparing for the upcoming grand event. High-ranking officials and wealthy guests from different states were expected to attend the celebration.
"Sister, please bring the tray of flowers from the corridor!" Soo-bin shouted.
"Okay!" Soyeon replied as she went to get them.
On her way back, she accidentally bumped into a young man. The tray slipped from her hands, and flowers scattered across the ground. He caught her just in time, preventing her fall.
For a moment, they stared into each other's eyes.
"My hands are getting numb," the stranger said, breaking the silence.
"I'm really sorry," she said, bowing her head as she tried to leave.
"Wait."
She stopped.
"Have we met before?" he asked.
"I am new to the capital. We couldn't have crossed paths," she replied.
Unbeknownst to them, everything was witnessed by Princess Gyeong-hwa.
Just as Soyeon took a few steps away—
"Gyeongwon," the princess called.
Soyeon froze instantly, the name echoing in her mind like a memory from her childhood.
The princess noticed.
"Why aren't you leaving?" she asked.
"I—I'm leaving right away," Soyeon replied before quickly walking off, her eyes filled with both joy and confusion.
"Where is the flower tray?" Soo-bin asked.
"Well…" Soyeon stuttered.
"Never mind, I'll get it myself," Soo-bin said and left.
Meanwhile—
"My princess," Gyeongwon greeted.
"I've told you to drop the formalities," she said with a smile.
"That's not possible, my princess," he replied coldly.
"Well—"
"If there's nothing more, I'll take my leave."
"You…" she muttered as he walked away.
"He didn't even look at me…"
"Hye-ji," she called.
"My lady."
"Find out about that maid and report immediately."
On her way, she encountered Cheng Ji.
"How dare you pass without paying respect to the princess?" Hye-ji snapped.
"Ha-yoon," Cheng Ji called calmly.
"Yes, my lady."
"Did you really see anyone pass?"
"Well…"
"Never mind," Cheng Ji said coldly. "I can't bow to a princess who doesn't own up to her responsibilities."
Gyeong-hwa smirked.
"Coming from someone who hasn't even touched a strand of her so-called husband's hair—even after marriage."
The servants giggled.
"You—"
"Let's go," Cheng Ji cut herself off. "I won't waste words on someone like her. Not today."
As she walked away, her expression darkened.
"Good, Gyeong-hwa… I'll make you pay for this humiliation."
Meanwhile, Soyeon wandered through the palace, trying to learn its layout. She passed corridors, gardens, and even the library.
Eventually, she found herself near the king's chamber.
Just as she was about to peek inside—
"What are you doing?"
She froze.
"I—I'm new here and got lost. I'm trying to find my way back," she said quickly, keeping her head low.
"It's you…"
She looked up.
"Have we met before?" she asked.
"Are you pretending not to know me?"
"And who are you?" she asked boldly.
"I—"
"My prince!" Joon-Oh rushed in.
"What is it?"
"The queen summons you."
"Why now?"
"How would I know?"
"…Alright. Let's go."
He turned back—
But Soyeon was gone.
"Where did she go?" he muttered.
"My prince, we must go," Joon-Oh urged.
"…Fine."
"I can't afford to get caught," Soyeon whispered as she hid behind a pillar.
"Sister!" Soo-bin called.
"I'm coming!"
THE BANQUET NIGHT
The long-awaited night finally arrived.
Guests and officials filled the grand hall as soft, pleasant music played.
"His Royal Highness arrives!!!" the imperial guard announced.
"Long live His Royal Highness!"
Everyone bowed as the king took his seat.
"Her Royal Highness arrives!!!"
"Long live Her Highness!"
The queen joined him.
The king raised his cup.
"As we gather with joy in our hearts, let us drink and celebrate through the night!"
Everyone followed.
The celebration began—music, laughter, and wine flowing freely.
Then, the dancers entered.
Soyeon's eyes shifted to Gyeongwon.
His expression changed.
His fingers tapped against his wine cup—slow… deliberate… counting.
Her heart skipped.
It's an attack.
Suddenly—
The dancers lunged toward the king with daggers. Assassins stormed the hall.
"ASSASSINS! PROTECT THE KING!"
But it was too late.
A blade flew toward Jae-yang—
And Soyeon stepped in.
The dagger pierced her stomach.
She collapsed into the prince's arms.
His eyes widened in shock.
The assassins retreated as chaos erupted.
"Call the imperial physician!" the prince ordered, lifting her into his arms and rushing her away.