The Young Consort Wants to Live Quietly

Chapter 41

***

I looked up at the sky with a gloomy expression. The sky, now settling into twilight, seemed as if the sun would set any moment.

“It’s too late!”

I had intended to go immediately. However, just as a court lady was about to leave to convey the message to the Flower Dragon Palace, a thought crossed my mind and firmly implanted itself.

I agonized over what to do with this thought for a long time, eventually asking the court lady with a puzzled face to wait a moment.

But I swear, if I had known it would take this long, I would have ignored it right away.

However, it was already late, and I had arrived at the Flower Dragon Palace. Following the court lady’s lead into the brightly lit indoors, I groaned.

“Please, let that be the rising sun…”

“Dawn is breaking. It’s commendable that you’re up so early, My Lady!”

“…”

I quietly observed the female attendant who followed me, scratching her eyebrow in embarrassment. Intending to scold her, I sighed deeply and looked down at the pouch I was holding in both hands.

From inside the pouch, which emitted a rather savory smell, came cookies. These cookies, which had barely escaped being burnt, were the reason for my delay.

Yes, I made them. In this world’s kitchen, where one lights a fire in the hearth to cook in a cauldron, I ground rice instead of using flour.

The taste of the first batch was far beyond “ugh,” but somehow, I managed to turn that “ugh” into “mm.”

And now, this was not quite an “Mm!” but rather a “Mm…”

This was for just in case. In case Yehwa really had changed and cared for me, then I would feel too guilty for deceiving her, so it was meant as an apology.

“…”

I felt a pang of conscience.

Alright, I correct myself. In truth, it was a bribe. Still, when people eat something sweet, they tend to become a bit more generous, right?

My storage was filled with treasures, but they were not earned by me. It felt awkward to gift something I received from someone else, so this was the result of racking my brain to the utmost.

It was quite a struggle to make, and when I first succeeded, I was so proud I almost screamed, but now, looking back, it seemed embarrassingly meager.

“I feel like this might make her mood worse.”

If she looks at me with disbelief, I think I’d be a bit hurt. Muttering like a child, I sulked, but the female attendant robustly disagreed as if it was nonsense.

“No, who would feel bad receiving a snack personally made by My Lady? If there is such a person, I will personally see to their wrists—”

“I’ll be giving this to Her Majesty.”

Yeoryu’s mouth twitched. It seemed as though power itself was silencing him. I sighed and gently patted his shoulder.

Yes, I know exactly how you feel. But please, be careful with your words.

It wasn’t a joke; I was genuinely afraid he might disappear without a trace one day.

“Please wait a moment, my lady.”

In the meantime, we had arrived at the Empress’s bedroom door, and Yeoryu, following the court lady’s instructions, set me down. The palace corridors were so intricate that I had no choice but to be carried by him.

“Your Majesty. Consort Cho has—”

Before the court lady could finish speaking, the sliding door opened with a swish. Olive-colored eyes sparkled brightly.

“Sanya!”

I was startled by Yehwa’s sudden appearance and shivered. I had been mulling over what to say, but with her suddenly popping up in front of me, my mind went blank.

That is, after I was supposed to go in…

My head was spinning. Due to my short stature, I usually had to look up at most things, which suddenly felt overwhelmingly tall and dizzying.

“This, this is…”

Eventually, I chose the only option left to me. Trying not to fumble, I carefully offered her the pouch containing the cookies.

“Huh?” Yehwa tilted her head in confusion, but her face quickly blossomed into a bright smile.

“For me, you’re giving this to me?”

I nodded hesitantly, feeling anxious. I hoped she wouldn’t throw it away after hearing my story.

Yehwa’s hands trembled as she barely managed to grasp the pouch, and upon seeing its contents, she was at a loss for words.

Standing before her, I clenched my hands, feeling unnecessarily tense. The exact ratios were unknown to me, and lacking many ingredients, I had used oil instead of butter, and without an oven, I baked them by overturning a cauldron lid. The thought kept surfacing in my mind.

…Should I take it back?

Yehwa froze as she examined the contents, becoming as rigid as a statue without any reaction.

I tentatively reached out to take the pouch back, but it didn’t move an inch. Yehwa was clutching it tightly.

Seeming to snap back to reality at my touch, Yehwa shuddered, her olive-green eyes moistening.

She sniffled, wiped her eyes, and then smiled at me. Quietly, gently.

“Thank you, my child.”

I watched her face intently and then, following the court lady’s guidance, I sat down.

Yehwa, who had followed me, naturally placed some snacks on my plate and smiled as if she had never been on the verge of tears. As I reached out to pick up a piece of fruit, I clenched my fist and took a deep breath.

Isn’t it said that it’s better to face punishment sooner rather than later?

“I have…”

Today is the day I get flogged with gusto.

“I have no supernatural abilities.”

At my words, Yehwa blinked a couple of times with a gentle expression on her face. Her mouth opened slightly then closed again, and she blinked twice more.

“I see.”

Her plain response left me, ironically, the one taken aback. What? Did she understand me correctly?

Fumbling for words, I straightened my face as seriously as I could and repeated myself.

“Really. Not even the size of a bean. I can’t use it at all.”

“Oh, um… That’s unfortunate. How about we go on an adventure to find your supernatural abilities together?”

What kind of nonsense is that? My incredulous gaze fell on her.

Yehwa, looking sympathetic, averted her eyes as if unsure under my stare.

“…It’s said that sharing in a child’s interests is beneficial.”

“Excuse me?”

“No, never mind.”

Yehwa hastily waved her hands. It seemed my dumbfounded reaction made her think I hadn’t heard her properly.

By now, my bewilderment had completely furrowed my brow.

Why isn’t she surprised?

Of course, knowing Yehwa’s personality, I didn’t expect her to grab my hair or slap me upon learning I had no supernatural abilities. But I did anticipate her face would harden immediately.

Yet, contrary to expectations, Yehwa was remarkably calm, as if wondering what the problem was.

Whether it was a good or bad omen passed through my mind.

“Did you know I didn’t have any supernatural abilities?”

Yehwa blinked at my question, a similar reaction to when I revealed my lack of abilities. Then, she nodded, with a face that said I was asking the obvious.

It felt like lightning had struck directly above my head.

“Since when?”

“Well, I’m not sure.”

One, two, three… Yehwa counted on her fingers and then tilted her head as she answered.

From her gesture, I inferred it had been over three months. I wanted to smack my forehead and faint, but I held onto my sanity and asked calmly again.

“…Not many people know about this, do they?”

At my question, Yehwa let out an awkward hum.

“Probably those who saw you fall down the stairs… everyone will know.”

The day I tumbled down the stairs.

That was the day I attended the Empress’s lecture.

As before, after sitting quietly, I stood up to descend the stairs, which were unusually high and lacked any railings. Just like before, because people believed I had supernatural abilities, I couldn’t ask for help.

Fortunately, I made it down safely but slipped on the last step and fell flat on the ground.

Trembling and chewing over my humiliation, everyone in the spacious hall rushed over to me, and I was immediately lifted and healed with Mirinae’s healing powers.

It didn’t hurt much since I extended my arms first, but that day I received about five hundred compliments for not crying and being brave.

The shame of that moment was significantly contributed to by the maids from my palace, Mirinae, Garam, and Yehwa, but all the consorts present there had also showered me with attention.

‘They all know!’

How have I survived until now? Without any supernatural abilities, and seeing that Giyun hasn’t come looking for me, I’m not a beloved child either.

It’s a miracle the consorts haven’t killed me on the spot. The actions I’ve thoughtlessly taken until now—like when another consort patted my head—sent chills down my spine.

No, that’s not it. There must be a reason I’ve survived. Unlike in the original story, it’s because those three protected me.

But even knowing I have no supernatural abilities?

My neatly organized world felt like it was being tossed into disarray.

“I simply cannot understand.”

I frowned deeply. My incomprehension, which had been building up, burst forth.

I don’t need me, and she’s not someone who can love others. So why is she doing this?

I looked up at Yehwa defiantly, but she gazed back at me with those naive eyes shining.

I bravely started speaking but found myself unsure of what to ask. After fumbling for words, I narrowed my eyes and sharply retorted.

“Why? Do you think of me as your daughter or something?”

Yehwa’s eyes widened in shock. I expected her to make an embarrassed face immediately and snorted.

But that moment was fleeting; soon, her cheeks flushed a rosy hue. She smiled shyly and nodded.

Huh?

“I may not be able to give you much, and surely I’m a lacking… parent, but… well, yes.”

Yehwa mumbled, looking down as if embarrassed, her voice trailing off as if arguing she wasn’t such an inadequate parent.

“I could build you a tower of gold, fill your palace with diamonds.”

She glanced at me and muttered.

“I could even give you this empire.”

Why can’t I understand her, even though she’s using the same words?

I thought blankly. The way she listed those things, it didn’t feel like a joke at all.

Yehwa looked at me with sparkling eyes, as if eagerly waiting for my affirmation.

This is… what is this?

Without thinking, I blurted out.

“But, I still don’t understand.”

“Hmm?”

“There’s no particular reason for you to cherish me. Even if you were to adopt me as your child, there’s no benefit to Your Majesty…”

“What are you talking about? Where else would you find a child as cute, pretty, and lovely as you in this world and beyond!”

As my voice faded, Yehwa widened her eyes and exclaimed in a tone more akin to a whining child than a roar. I pursed my lips.

Is that the only reason?

Yehwa is unable to love anyone. That was a side effect of her supernatural abilities.

But then, how do you explain Yehwa’s behavior now?

“…So, you’re saying you’d adopt me as your child?”

I asked with a trembling voice. It felt like a last resort.

Yehwa has no children of her own. For generations, the Aryun family has kept many consorts, yet heirs have been scarce, and typically only one child was born. Meaning, any child born would be immediately deemed the crown prince or princess.

I was a child of the Yeoran family, which was in clear opposition to the royal family. It was impossible to think that such a child could be designated as an heir.

Yehwa hesitated at my words. I let out a small breath. Of course, that would be the case.

“…Do you want to?”

However, her following question was something I hadn’t anticipated and found somewhat absurd.

No, it’s not like picking up an ice cream from a convenience store; it’s not something I can just do because I want to.

“You can’t possibly register me as Your Majesty’s child, can you?”

“Why not? If we decide to, we can do it!”

Yehwa proclaimed boldly. She had regained her commanding presence as if she had never faltered. Her unreasonable stance slightly angered me.

“Your Majesty. I am a consort from the Yeoran family, which serves as a noble house. Even though I am young, I am not ignorant of the relationships between the royal family and the founding noble families.”

“I believed you would know. You seem smart enough.”

“Moreover, am I not Your Majesty’s consort? How could you possibly register a wife as a child?”

I spoke calmly, but the more I spoke, the more irritated I became.

Indeed. Thinking about it, this person is my spouse. How scandalous, marrying a child.

Yes. Maybe she genuinely cares for me, and I acknowledge that Yehwa might be capable of loving someone. But excluding that, her upbringing as a pampered sovereign was truly detestable.

Does she think that everything can be done just by her saying so?

“I will make it happen! How dare you question the word of the Empress!”

Yehwa declared boldly despite my explanation.

Look at her, not even moistening her words with saliva, blatantly lying. As if she could really do it, yet making such loud claims.

I was too annoyed to argue any further.

“Then, let it be so.”

“Yes!”

Yehwa snapped back at my blunt remark. A moment of silence passed between us.

Surprised by what I had said, I was left speechless, and Yehwa pretended to scold me.

“You clearly agreed. Remember, if you go back on your word later, you’ll be in trouble!”

Oh, look at that, making promises she can’t keep. Is it okay for the Empress to make empty promises without any dignity?

“As you say, Your Majesty.”

“Your Majesty? You should call me your mother now!”

“Yes, Mother!”

My last word was spoken somewhat angrily, as I, too, am only human.

However, Yehwa, finding something amusing about my sulky face, laughed heartily, calling it cute. It was a smile that seemed slightly relieved.

Yehwa looked like she wanted to pat my head, but I completely ignored her. Still, she laughed as if she found it cute, then quickly left the room, saying this wasn’t the time.

I looked at her retreating back with displeasure. Was she finally coming to her senses?

But a few days later, my residence changed.

Not to the Floral West Palace where I originally stayed, nor to any other consort’s palace.

“Congratulations, Princess.”

To the Eastern Palace.

“Huh?”

I had been carried off in a palanquin since morning, wondering where we were headed, only to find out it was an unexpected move.

Standing dumbfounded in the courtyard of the Eastern Palace, Heesa smiled brightly and said,

“Consort Cho, no, you’re not Consort Cho anymore. Her Majesty has granted you the name ‘Kanghee’!”

I received a royal title too?

“The enfeoffment ceremony has been postponed due to the preparations of Aryun. Her Majesty has promised to make it a splendid affair, so please don’t feel slighted, my lady.”

Heesa gently reassured me, misinterpreting my bewildered expression. But that wasn’t the issue at the moment.

“I’m a princess now?”

My words, murmured in shock, colored the faces of the court ladies with emotion.

“Our lady has become a princess.”

“Her Majesty has always favored you so much! I always knew Her Majesty would do something like this.”

“Our lady, it feels like just yesterday you entered the palace and were wearing your wedding dress…”

The court ladies, sharing their sentiments, turned their gaze towards me. One by one, they began to kneel.

“Congratulations, my lady.”

“Congratulations, my lady!”

Behind me was the splendid Eastern Palace, and in front, the kneeling court ladies.

Wait a minute.

What, what is this?