“I greet Her Royal Highness, the Crown Princess.”

“Raise your head.”

Yeocheong made his way to a garden not far from Yeon. It wasn’t as grand as the lake at Wolha, but it had a quiet charm with its small, peaceful pond.

He hadn’t visited this place very often. In fact, he had only been here enough times to count on both hands, but there was a special reason that made this place stick in his mind.

“I greet Her Royal Highness, the Crown Princess.”

Whenever he came here, he always met a certain person. Both of them were quiet by nature, so they had never had a long conversation.

‘Back then, I would deliberately avoid meeting him by going somewhere else.’

But today, he had come here with the intention of making a connection with him. Yeocheong spoke as he looked at the man who had lowered his head.

“Raise your head.”

“There is no need for formalities with me. Speak as you normally would.”

“It was different when I didn’t know who the General was, but now that we’ve been properly introduced, there’s no need for such formalities. After all, you’re my husband’s cousin.”

Seok Jeong Han. He was the only person here who had ever shown him any sympathy. As a trusted subordinate of Jihyuk, Seok Jeong Han held the position of general and managed the affairs of the palace in Jihyuk’s absence. His mother was Princess Yeoryeong, the younger sister of King Yeon.

“It’s just that it makes me feel more comfortable.”

“If His Royal Highness were to hear this, he might reprimand me.”

“That is unlikely. After all, it’s you, General Seok.”

If King Yeon died before the end of the year, Jihyuk would ascend the throne. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Seok Jeong Han would be the most influential person in the palace after him.

Although Seok Jeong Han had a legitimate claim to the throne as a man and a commoner, he was not considered a threat because the right of succession in Yeon was not granted through the maternal line.

Therefore, Jeong Han could be Jihyuk’s most trusted ally, family and close friend.

“May I ask what brings you here?”

“I just went where my footsteps led me and somehow ended up here.”

Although he didn’t say it, Yeocheong knew that Seok Jeong Han, who had spent the night with the Crown Princess, would understand the meaning of his calm walk through the palace.

“I’m still unfamiliar with the palace, so it’s a relief to see a familiar face. If it makes you uncomfortable…”

“Not at all. I was just a little surprised, that’s all.”

Jeong Han, clearly flustered by the remark, quickly shook his head. Yeocheong spoke softly, his voice barely audible as he lowered his eyes.

“I’m relieved to hear that. Coming to a new place made me feel a bit insecure and I just wanted to go where my feet took me.”

“You will soon become familiar with everything. Everyone will do their best to make Her Royal Highness feel comfortable here.”

“Is that so? But… everything still feels unfamiliar and intimidating, probably because I’ve left behind what I know.”

Yeocheong spoke softly, his head slightly bowed. It was understandable that as a young crown princess arriving in a foreign country, she hadn’t settled in right away. It was also natural that, after a week’s journey, she would find some comfort in the presence of familiar faces.

“Perhaps that’s why I feel more at ease with you, General.”

He was also a man who, despite his position, had a compassionate side. When he had been abandoned and half sunk in the mud, Seok Jeong Han had looked at him with eyes full of kindness and humanity.

Although he knew it was out of compassion and pity, it was the only kind look he had received in the palace of Yeon. Perhaps because of that memory, he put too much hope in this man.

But even if time could be rewound, he would still be the same pathetic and powerless Song Yeocheong. He couldn’t speak for himself, couldn’t express an opinion about his own marriage – he was a helpless individual.

‘So maybe it’s not a total loss to pin my hopes on this uncertain option.’

“If His Royal Highness finds out, he might be upset.”

“Please keep this a secret from His Royal Highness. I don’t want to worry him unnecessarily. Besides, I…”

Yeocheong hesitated and looked at Jeong Han to gauge his reaction. The perceptive Jeong Han noticed Yeocheong’s reluctance to speak and smoothly redirected the conversation.

“Although it cannot be compared to the gardens of Song, there are several beautiful places within the palace in Yeon. If Her Royal Highness permits, I would be happy to show you around the palace.”

Although the words remained unspoken, he must have guessed what Yeocheong was about to say. The day after their wedding night, Yeocheong, still unfamiliar with the palace, had used that excuse when leaving the inner quarters, unable to speak due to the awkward look on his face. It wouldn’t have been hard for anyone, including Jeong Han, to figure out what had happened.

In truth, Yeocheong had no regrets about not consummating the marriage, and contrary to what others might have thought, he had not spent a lonely night. However, he had managed to get Jeong Han to misinterpret the situation.

“You must have a lot of responsibilities, General. I shouldn’t take up your time. I’m fine.”

That was enough for today. Yeocheong bowed slightly to Jeong Han before leaving the garden.

***

“Crown Princess.”

“What is it?”

“Crown Prince Jihyuk paid a visit. I told him you were out walking, but he insisted on waiting… He is waiting for you in the inner chambers.”

Sowol quietly informed Yeocheong about Jihyuk’s visit. Surprised by the unexpected news, Yeocheong quickly took off his outer coat and went to the inner chambers.

“I greet His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince.”

During her time as Crown Princess, Yeocheong rarely had the chance to meet with Jihyuk, except for the mandatory wedding nights, which were often cancelled or postponed due to her health problems.

At that time, their relationship was almost like that of strangers, and Jihyuk was always busy as Crown Prince, leaving little time for personal matters.

However, perhaps because their marriage had begun in a different way, everything was unfolding in a way that felt very different from Yeocheong’s past experiences.

“I apologise for keeping you waiting. I just wanted to get some fresh air.”

“Your Highness, you have a lot to apologise for.”

“Apologise?”

“It was just a joke. You seemed so tense… Oh dear, I think I made you even more nervous with my foolish remark.”

At his ambiguous words, Yeocheong jumped, his shoulders tense. But whether it was really a joke or not, Jihyuk looked up at him with a calm expression.

“Your Highness, please sit down. I will bring you some tea.”

Yeocheong, who had been looking down at Jihyuk’s unreadable face, finally sat down.

“No, it’s just that I still can’t quite believe that we had our wedding. My mind is a bit confused.”

“I have to do everything I can to help you adjust to life here.”

“How could I possibly take up Your Royal Highness’s time with all the important things you have to deal with?”

Although Yeocheong had expected some changes due to the change in the reason for their marriage, he had never imagined that things would change so much. He thought it would be something as simple as Jihyuk paying more attention to him in public or maintaining his dignity as Crown Princess.

“But how could I spend my time on anyone else but you? My time is your time.”

Contrary to his expectations, Jihyuk treated Yeocheong with an unexpected amount of care, almost as if he really appreciated him. Was he continuing the story of falling in love at first sight? Yeocheong found this somewhat amusing and laughed quietly.

‘There is no harm in playing along.’

“I am truly grateful for Your Royal Highness’ attention. I will do my best not to become a burden while you take care of me.”

In the past life, there had been a ridiculous rumour that the 7th Prince had fallen in love with the Crown Prince of Yeon and caught a fever because of him, and now it seemed that similar stories might start circulating in this life as well.

Even if things were to change little by little, would the inevitable still unfold as expected? It was a fact that didn’t sit well with him.

Meanwhile, Sowol, who had briefly stepped out to prepare refreshments, quietly returned and set the tea and snacks on the table.

“……”

“Your Highness?”

This small gesture was enough to disturb Yeocheong’s peace of mind. He had drunk tea before, so he thought it would be fine.

“His Royal Highness must have planned this all along. From the beginning, he never intended for an heir to come from Wolha’s line.”

“The tea is good for the body, but when consumed by an Omega, it prevents pregnancy during the course of treatment.”

As his gaze lingered on Jihyuk’s face and the tea, an unwanted memory rose to the surface of his mind.