Despite the effort put into the preparations, the accessories for the coronation ceremony and the coronation robe were all predetermined, so Yeocheong’s attire followed the proper protocols.

The hairstyle, the jewellery, the earrings, the necklace, the make-up and the ceremonial robe – everything was as prescribed, but there was one thing that could be chosen freely.

Yeocheong looked at the red jade ring on his finger. It was a piece of jewellery from the gift box Jihyuk had given him.

‘It matches the color of the ceremonial robe perfectly, and look at this beautiful shine. It will stand out even from a distance.’

If it had been a hair ornament, earrings or necklace, it wouldn’t have been so noticeable, but because it was a ring, it was often visible whenever he lowered his head.

The fact that the sleeves of the ceremonial robe were long enough to sometimes cover the ring, which was set deep on his finger, was a small relief.

While Jihyuk’s coronation ceremony took place, Yeocheong spent the long, tedious time with his head bowed under the altar. No one could sit comfortably while the crown prince, who would become king today, knelt.

Dressed in the heaviest robes of all, Yeocheong could only wish that this time would pass quickly.

‘Now that I think about it… I clearly remember struggling with my health around this time in the past.’

As he stood still, memories of the past suddenly surfaced. He had worn the same clothes, the same headdress, and waited for the ceremony to end, just as he was now. Then he had been nervous and in poor health, relying on his attendants to help him stand.

This time, although his health was not ideal, due to the years of frustration and anger he had bottled up, it was nothing compared to the more serious illnesses he had endured in the past.

Perhaps it was the stronger emotions, such as guilt or sensitivity, that overshadowed these memories. Yeocheong subtly wiggled his fingers under his sleeve and lowered his eyes.

“Let it be known to heaven and earth. May His Highness become a wise ruler who watches over Yeon.”

While he was lost in these thoughts, the coronation ceremony slowly drew to a close. A crown was placed on Jihyuk’s head, and solemn words of congratulation such as “Long live the king” echoed through the hall.

The coronation ceremony was over, but the day was far from over. Yeocheong’s coronation as queen followed, and a crown was placed on her head. Despite the weight of the crown, which made his head throbbing even more, Yeocheong found comfort in the fact that he could finally sit down.

“The queen’s quarters…”

‘Would it be Wolha? If it’s Wolha, I’d rather have Boyeong Palace. No, anywhere is fine as long as it’s not Wolha.’

Yeocheong swallowed nervously. Wolha, the place that symbolised the king’s favour, was the place where everyone believed the only queen favoured by the current king would be assigned. There was no doubt that Yeocheong would be given Wolha.

“Instead, I will give you Eunpyeong Palace.”

“…!”

At these unexpected words, a wave of surprise spread through the room. Eunpyeong Palace was located next to Daeyoung Palace, the king’s residence, and was usually assigned to favoured concubines.

“How could His Majesty assign Eunpyeong Palace to the Queen?” someone whispered in disbelief.

Eunpyeong Palace was usually assigned to the most favoured concubine, not the queen. Although many concubines, including secondary concubines, passed through Wolha, the queen’s quarters were never assigned there. It was more common for a queen to be assigned to places such as Wolha, Boyeong Palace, or Cheongah Palace. The unexpected decision caused a momentary whispering among the courtiers.

However, in the solemn atmosphere of the ceremony, the murmurs quickly faded, and Yeocheong took his place beside Jihyuk on the high seat to attend the banquet.

‘Why is this?’

It wasn’t an unpleasant outcome for Yeocheong, but he couldn’t understand the reason behind it. There was no formal rule preventing a queen from staying at Eunpyeong Palace, but why create an unprecedented situation?

“Don’t you like Eunpyeong Palace?”

Jihyuk asked, noticing Yeocheong’s thoughtful expression.

“It’s not that. It’s just… I heard that I would be transferred somewhere else, so I was a bit surprised.”

Perhaps it was obvious that he had been lost in thought, as Jihyuk, his gaze fixed on the people below, turned to him and asked.

“Most people were probably expecting Wolha.”

“…”

“Actually, it wasn’t publicly known, but… there was an accident on Wolha recently.”

“What?”

“One of the servants tending the palace pond slipped.”

Jihyuk spoke with an expression that showed no particular regret. His face was impassive, but there was a sense of relief behind it.

“Why would I assign you to a place where such an unfortunate event happened? That’s why I had no choice but to assign you to another palace closer to Daeyoung Palace.

Cheongah Palace, which was far from Daeyoung Palace, was often seen as a place given to queens who were not in favour. Boyeong Palace, closer to Daeyoung Palace, was a more neutral choice for a queen’s residence, but it was not as close as Wolha or Eunpyeong Palace.

“Wolha’s lake is famous for its huge size, so much so that it is called a lake, but… The garden of Eunpyeong Palace is also beautiful. Since you like Jangnakwon, I’m sure you’ll like the garden at Eunpyeong Palace too.

Yeocheong blinked for a moment, thinking that Jihyuk’s words might be a subtle hint that he didn’t want to go to Jangnakwon. It was clear that this was probably an act.

“It’s also a convenient place for me to visit, so I can spend more time with you.”

The words sounded almost childish and Yeocheong paused, trying to gauge his intentions. His mind went blank for a moment.

‘This can’t be.’

But then, with a self-deprecating shake of his head, Jihyuk turned his gaze forward again. He had promised himself not to be swayed. Yeocheong nodded and forced a smile.

“Since it’s a palace given by Your Highness, how could I not be happy? I was just a little surprised, so please don’t worry about it.”

Yeocheong said, his lips slightly curving into a smile. Although it was unfortunate that he had been assigned a palace because someone had died there, he decided to focus on the fact that he wouldn’t have to return to Wolha.

“It’s just unfortunate that the guard slipped.”

“It was his own carelessness. What’s there to be sorry about?”

Yes, this cold reaction must be his true feelings, Yeocheong thought, feeling strangely reassured by Jihyuk’s words. He took a deep breath and let go of the tension he hadn’t noticed.

***

“Congratulations, Your Highness.”

There had been much talk of Yeocheong being assigned to Eunpyeong Palace, but when Jihyuk began to visit the palace as if it were his own, the rumours began to die down. Those who had been cautiously watching Jihyuk’s every move began to send him gifts and even visited Eunpyeong Palace themselves, eager to see Yeocheong in person.

Although there was no real reason to meet them, and it could lead to misunderstandings or even political factionalism, Yeocheong allowed their visits.

“Your Highness, you really don’t need to entertain them. You’re already sending back all the gifts, so what’s the point of meeting them in person? What kind of annoying things will they say?”

“Seon is right. Do you really need to meet them? They’ll probably just express their desire for your approval.”

Sowol added, her tone a little sceptical.

Yeocheong nodded, though he felt a sense of obligation to handle the situation gracefully despite the potential complications.

Sowol spoke up with a slightly nervous expression. But Yeocheong was unperturbed and declared that he would meet with the senior officials, starting with the Minister of Justice, who was now standing in front of him.

“When I heard that the Crown Prince of the great nation of Song was coming, I had no doubt that such a distinguished person would come. Now that I see you in person, Your Highness, you have far exceeded my expectations. It is clear that Yeon has been blessed with great fortune.”

The constant stream of flattering words felt strange to Yeocheong. He wasn’t used to being treated as someone so remarkable. He was used to quietly listening to people talk about him, unable to refute their words, but to hear someone speak with such flattering praise and look at his face was an experience he wasn’t sure he would ever get used to.

“The ring… surely it was a gift from His Highness?”

Minister Jeong looked at the red jade ring on Yeocheong’s finger that had been worn since the coronation ceremony. The ring seemed to be more valuable than Yeocheong had initially thought, judging by the way everyone kept mentioning it.

Yeocheong subtly raised his hand to look at the ring and replied.

“Yes, it was a gift from His Highness.”

“Indeed, this ring suits you perfectly, His Highness. As expected, His Highness has a remarkable eye for such things. A truly excellent choice.”

Minister Jeong said, praising both Yeocheong and Jihyuk with a hearty laugh. Yeocheong smiled subtly and replied.

“I’m not sure how valuable this ring is, but it was a gift from His Highness, so I would be happy with whatever he gives me.”

“Your Highness is quite right. This is really embarrassing.”

Minister Jeong chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

Although Yeocheong’s family background was respected, the distance between Yeon and Song was great, and each nation had its own politics to deal with.

‘It wouldn’t hurt to align with the favored queen consort. I become her support, and she becomes mine. We both stand to gain.’

Minister Jeong wasn’t the only one who thought so. With a friendly smile, he added.

“I think the necklace I sent you earlier would go very well with this ring.”

“A necklace?”

“The pink pearl necklace that went to Yeon Palace last month… that was from me, I’m not trying to take credit, of course. It’s just a small token of my appreciation.”

At his words, Yeocheong, Seon and Sowol all froze, their faces frozen with surprise.