Chapter 16
I could not keep my mouth shut as I gazed at the magnificent splendor of the Imperial Palace.
Everywhere I turned, it was nothing short of extravagant; I wondered if such a paradise could exist anywhere else in the world. I could say with certainty that it likely existed nowhere else.
Within this luxurious palace, the most majestic pavilion revealed itself. It was the Sun Pavilion, where the Emperor of the Nakbyeon Empire went about his daily life.
To reach it, one had to climb an endless, long staircase. I wiped away beads of sweat—whether from nerves or the grueling climb, I could not tell—as I ascended.
Perhaps finding me pitiful, Prince Hye, who had been watching me intently, suddenly scooped me up into his arms.
I struggled, signaling for him to put me down, but he paid no heed. He simply patted my waist lightly, signaling for me to stay still.
The court ladies and eunuchs passing by were struck with astonishment at the sight.
"Your Highness..."
The shame felt entirely mine to bear, and it was agonizing.
Prince Hye, his expression unchanging, marched steadfastly to the top of the stairs while holding me. Only then did he set me down safely on the ground.
He seemed to be nothing but a brute with strength and no sense of etiquette. If word of this reached the Emperor’s ears and my parents-in-law reprimanded me, the embarrassment would be mine alone.
Of course, it was impossible for the great Prince Hye to fathom such concerns of mine.
He looked at me with a satisfied smile, as if expecting praise. I turned my head away sharply, feeling no gratitude whatsoever for his unwanted help.
Oh, whatever. He lives as he pleases, so I shall live as I please without suppressing my temper. If I get kicked out, then so be it.
Even so, he is a prince; surely he wouldn't fail to provide meals for a wife he cast out? He wouldn't let me starve to death. Doing so would tarnish his own reputation, after all.
"How prickly you are."
Prince Hye tapped my cheek.
As he began to lead the way, I followed closely behind. If someone were to find fault with me for walking ahead of my husband, things would become complicated.
However, he stopped for a moment, looked at me trailing behind, and asked casually.
"I have been curious for a while now, why do you keep following behind?"
"Does that not appear respectful?"
"I don't know about respect, but you look cowed. Come walk beside me. I don't care if you walk in front. Though, since you don't know the way through the Imperial Palace, you couldn't lead the way anyway."
With that, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me to his side.
"But... what if someone says something?"
"About what?"
"That the Princess of Yeong is overbearing, or that she is being criticized for walking side-by-side with her husband."
"Hwacheon, who doesn't know that you have a strong personality? It’s a fact that’s clear just by looking at your face."
"I look gentle!"
"A person's temperament is revealed in their appearance."
Not content with just walking side-by-side, he gripped my hand tightly. Just like lovers from the noble families.
"Please let go."
"No."
"Why?"
"Things I dislike are simply disliked; you said yourself that no reason is needed. Since you said it, you should abide by it."
"People will talk if they see us."
"Let them talk."
He is certainly carefree, considering he isn't the one being gossiped about.
It must be nice to have such thick skin as Prince Hye. Everything in the world must be so smooth and enjoyable for him. Everything goes his way, and even when he does as he pleases, there isn't a soul who dares to offer a word of remonstrance.
What a lucky man. I felt a pang of envy that turned into a curse. How wonderful it would be if he and I could swap lives.
"Ah, Chief Eunuch Jo."
The head of the eunuchs, the Chief Eunuch, greeted us. A middle-aged man with a slightly short stature and a refined appearance bowed deeply.
A bold air flowed from him—respectful, yet devoid of servility. Indeed, it seemed not just anyone could hold the position of Chief Eunuch.
"I greet Prince Hye and the Princess of Yeong."
Chief Eunuch Jo smiled slightly as he looked at me. I gave him a small bow in return.
Chief Eunuch Jo wore a look of contentment, much like a grandfather gazing at his granddaughter.
He seemed like a man of good character, but facing a stranger made me nervous. I squeezed the hand I held with Prince Hye and looked up at him with anxious eyes.
Prince Hye glanced at me and gently rubbed my knuckles. It was a gesture meant to soothe my nerves.
That small movement was, quite helplessly, a comfort, and I let the tension in my shoulders drop slightly.
"His Majesty is waiting."
"Let us go."
We followed Chief Eunuch Jo into the pavilion.
Soon, I would be facing the Emperor and the Empress. I wiggled my hand, signaling for him to let go, but Prince Hye held on so tightly it was awkward.
When I looked at him in confusion, he was humming a tune and looking straight ahead.
This man, really...!
While I was flustered, he thankfully let go of my hand. As he did, he gave my bottom a light pat or two.
You perverted, time-and-place-ignorant jerk! You Nine-tailed Fox who steals souls!
Before I could glare at him while cursing him in my mind, the time came to finally pay respects to the Emperor and Empress.
'Everything is completely golden.'
I felt my spirit wither at the sheer majesty of the two figures draped in gold.
As I bowed alongside Prince Hye, feeling thoroughly intimidated, a man’s laughter echoed through the room.
The tone of that laughter was so similar to Prince Hye’s that it sent shivers down my spine. It seems fathers and sons share the same voice.
I lifted my head to look at the Emperor and Empress, and they were not the transcendent beauties I had imagined.
I had expected beauty rivaling that of immortals, given they were the parents of someone like Prince Hye.
The Emperor had a very ordinary face, and the Empress was elegant with graceful features, but she was not as dazzling as Prince Hye. It seemed Prince Hye was the most perfect combination that could possibly come from the two of them.
"Come closer."
We approached the Emperor.
The Empress, as if she could no longer restrain herself, rose from her seat and hugged her son tightly. It was a touching reunion between mother and son.
The sight of them together was not unpleasant, so I smiled softly.
"You look a bit gaunt."
"Not at all, Mother. I have been eating very well. Have you been in good health?"
Prince Hye spoke in a voice sweeter and more gentle than usual. He was putting on an act of being a good son in front of his mother.
The Empress, who had been examining her son's face, now turned to me.
I bowed again, tense and formal. But the moment I lifted my head, the Empress pulled me into a tight embrace.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, my daughter-in-law. Please take good care of our Hyeok."
Even though it was our first meeting, she hugged me with all her might, as if she had met someone she had missed her entire life.
Not wanting to appear rude by standing there blankly, I carefully hugged her back. Prince Hye watched me, looking amused as I stood there with a foolish expression, not knowing what to do.
"Mother, Hwacheon is embarrassed. Please, stop."
"Oh my, I am sorry...!"
The Empress let me go and held my hands tightly, meeting my eyes.
"Were you uncomfortable...?"
With a face like a fairy, she asked so kindly that I had no choice but to answer.
"Not at all, Your Majesty. I am merely grateful for your warm welcome."
Only then did the Empress smile, looking relieved.
Ah, her smiling face looked exactly like Prince Hye’s. He inherited his father's laughter and his mother's complexion. They were certainly his parents, after all.
The Empress took my hand and led me to a chair. On the table were all sorts of colorful sweets. I had never seen such a magnificent spread of refreshments in my life.
The Emperor spoke in a solemn voice.
"Eat. There are many varieties, so surely one of them will suit your taste."
It seemed they had prepared everything because they didn't know my preferences. It was certainly a bit excessive.
"How could I dare to eat before Your Majesty has partaken?"
Etiquette dictates that one's superiors must eat first. I had heard the Imperial Court was particularly strict, so I thought this, too, was a test.
"Hahaha! So you were worrying about such things! I am full, so it is fine; go ahead and eat. Everything was prepared for you. Don't children usually love sweets?"
I was a woman who had already been married off, not a child, but in their eyes, I appeared to be nothing more than a child.
Not knowing if it was truly alright, I glanced at Prince Hye.
Unable to watch any longer, he picked up a sweet and placed it in my hand. I carefully put it in my mouth and tasted it bit by bit.
My eyes widened instantly. The sweet flavor melted on my tongue the moment it touched it—it was truly a taste of heaven.
It was so delicious that my salivary glands exploded, making the insides of my cheeks ache. The Emperor and Empress watched me intently, observing my reaction.
"Is it tasty?"
"Yes! It is very delicious."
As I nodded vigorously with a bright smile, the faces of the Emperor and Empress lit up.
People who give you sweets are good people. Therefore, the Emperor and the Empress were undoubtedly good people.
Prince Hye’s words had been true. Perhaps I had been looking at the world with eyes too full of suspicion.
My cheeks flushed a peach-pink as I felt my mood improve.
Do the elders of the Imperial Palace eat such delicious things every day? If so, perhaps marrying into the family of Prince Hye might not be such a bad thing after all.
Of course, I still dislike the idea of concubines and being tied to the Imperial family. But since it has already happened, one must find a reason to live and maximize the benefits.
Even if I don't like the husband who will bring in concubines, perhaps I can live a pleasant life by giving him no affection and simply enjoying the delicious food.
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