The Young Consort Wants to Live Quietly

Chapter 75

* * *

Things were unfolding more smoothly than expected, although it was a bit startling.

I showed Yuri the letter Jisu had brought and asked him to write a letter that seemed to be a reply to it.

Yuri knew how to read and write the language of Seora. Thanks to that, he had noticed the Duke’s plan while ghostwriting for him. So there was no need to go through the trouble of stealing letters, he just had to write the letter.

I told Yuri to place that letter in my room in Hwanhui Hall. And finally, by conveying a message to Mom, my plan’s preparations were complete.

Fortunately, with a day left, I took a long nap. The sky was blue before I fell asleep, but it had already turned a reddish hue.

Wow, how long did I sleep?

Looking outside and clicking my tongue, I stretched my body and thought.

‘Is this really an illness?’

A symptom that had been ongoing since I possessed this body. The fatigue doesn’t go away. Is it because I’m using my head too much?

But aren’t children’s stamina supposed to be sturdy enough to not budge even if two adults rush at them?

‘What is this, my body is a child’s but my stamina is worse than when I was on Earth.’

It’s the same with sleepwalking, and it’s the same with feeling sleepy like this. Somehow, it’s all connected to sleep.

Groaning, I rolled around on the blanket. The silk made a rustling sound.

Is it okay since it’s not a big illness? Or am I nurturing an illness? After pondering for a moment, I quickly reached a conclusion.

‘Let’s go to Mirinae.’

There’s someone who’s a main character in healing within the imperial palace, so what’s there to worry about?

“You there.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

As soon as I called, an answer came right away, and the door opened as Seoyeon walked in.

“Send a message to the Noble Consort that I’d like to see him.”

Yawning, I said that, and Seoyeon smiled faintly. It was a slightly troubled smile.

“It seems you two are connected. The Noble Consort is already here.”

Oh, is that so?

‘What’s up with Mirinae?’

Maybe because I showed dislike, Mirinae hadn’t visited me for a while. Recently, I had been focused only on Mom, so I felt a bit sorry just now.

Since I’m sorry, I’ll even tolerate being called uncle.

‘But being called father is a bit…’

“You should have woken me up.”

“Her Highness the Princess was taking a nap, so he said he would wait.”

Aha, I see.

The palace maids who had come in at some point were changing my clothes, and I carefully observed Seoyeon. But why does she still have an awkward face?

“My Lady, but there’s not just one guest.”

Seoyeon quickly opened her mouth before I could ask.

“Since The Emperor is also here…”

I let out a small exclamation at those words. Oh… an unexpected combination.

‘I’ll see Sunyu first.’

Among the Emperor and the Consort, the one with the higher status is naturally the Emperor. It was natural to pay respects first to the one with higher status, and Seoyeon, who knew that well, guided me accordingly.

But since Mirinae waited longer, I pondered for a very brief moment.

“…”

“…”

But it seems there was no need for that contemplation.

“Greetings to Your Majesty the Emperor.”

“Yes. It’s been a while.”

“Greetings to the Noble Consort.”

“Have you been well, Sanya?”

Not knowing how to greet them, I greeted each one separately, and only at that moment, smiles lingered on their faces. And then it disappeared without a trace.

“…”

Oh my, it’s a natural icehouse here. A reception room that missed the season. If the two of them are going to be this cold, I don’t even understand why they’re in the same room.

I slyly headed to the table where they were sitting and sat at the empty seat of honor.

“Did you sleep well, Sanya?”

“You must have been very tired.”

As soon as I sat down, the two of them spoke to me again. I rolled my eyes at those words and asked as if oblivious.

“Why did you two come together?”

At those words, Mirinae and Sunyu’s smiling faces froze.

“We didn’t come together, we just happened to run into each other.”

Sunyu’s answer was textbook. There was nothing to criticize and no room to continue the conversation.

“Then why are you together?”

“We stayed together because we thought you would worry about whom to greet first.”

When I struggled to come up with a question, this time Mirinae cut it off.

Let’s have a conversation. Let’s have a conversation, they say. If you answer like that, what can I say besides “Ah, you’re so kind”?

Moreover, when the conversation was cut off, the two of them were looking at each other. It seemed like a brutal atmosphere was blowing in again.

I really wish they would all leave. I smiled, suppressing my temper.

“Why did both of you come to the Eastern Palace?”

“It’s been a long time since I saw you, so I stopped by.”

“I saw the Eastern Palace while passing by.”

For the third time, the conversation was cut short.

If you’re just going to sit and have a staring contest, why did you come? Get out, you guys.

I thought I had endured enough. I also thought I had put in a lot of effort.

“It seems you two have a lot to talk about.”

I said that while getting up from my seat. Then two pairs of surprised eyes turned to me. I smiled at them and said.

“I will take my leave now.”

“I’m sorry, Sanya. I didn’t mean to exclude you.”

“Our baby is angry. I won’t do that now, so please calm down. Okay?”

When I made a strong move, only then did they fluster. It was a quick change of attitude, like flipping the palm of a hand. I really intended to leave, but my ankle was caught by their sincere words, so I eventually sighed.

“Then how about talking to each one separately?”

Still, this combination doesn’t seem right.

* * *

I had a private meeting with Mirinae first. As soon as we were alone, his facial expression changed.

“I’m glad to see you’re doing well. Were you not feeling sick anywhere? Any discomfort?”

His pretty face with a bright smile subtly resembled Mom’s. I smiled and nodded.

“Actually, I was going to visit The Noble Consort.”

“Me? For what reason?”

Mirinae was puzzled but couldn’t hide his inner delight. Seeing that expression, I felt a bit sorry to bring up my next words.

“My body hasn’t been feeling well.”

“What?”

Mirinae’s face was instantly filled with worry. Still, it’s better to worry a little and get healthy than to hide it and develop a big illness.

I thought I had to tell him the affected area, but Mirinae immediately held my hand and sang a short song.

A small humming I had heard before. When the song ended, my body felt much lighter. Great, treatment done.

“Thank you.”

“You’re so good, our Sanya.”

Mirinae, who chuckled, patted my head.

“So, what was hurting?”

“My stomach wasn’t feeling well. I think it was because my digestion wasn’t good.”

“Oh dear, I’ll have to tell Suksu to change to foods that are easily digestible.”

There was no need to go that far, but since I had said it, I kept my mouth shut. A brief silence passed, and Mirinae opened his mouth with an awkward smile.

“Actually, I came because I was worried about you.”

Me?

When I widened my eyes, Mirinae smiled.

“Didn’t you ask me to bestow a blessing on the teacup?”

Ah, right. Only then did I remember it as if I had been hit on the back of the head. How did I forget about that?

It was funny that I forgot, and thinking about it, it was strange that Mirinae treated me calmly as usual.

“I thought about how you knew those facts. But I couldn’t figure it out at all.”

Mirinae spoke to me softly. I listened to those words obediently like a child being scolded.

What I did was something I had to do secretly alone, and even if I explained, I would be fortunate to just get dissuaded and not be opposed. Actually, I didn’t even think about telling or discussing it with anyone.

Still, how startled must Mirinae have been?

“You were always like that.”

But Mirinae didn’t get angry with me. Rather, his voice was very light.

“You don’t usually talk about yourself much. Right?”

I nodded absentmindedly at his tone that even had a hint of laughter. Then Mirinae’s smile deepened.

It didn’t look scary or suspicious. Just a very firm smile.

“Baby, Sanya. I’m always on your side.”

“…”

“So when you want to talk, when something is difficult, please tell me.”

Mirinae, who said that, picked up the teacup. His downcast eyes were affectionate.

“Even though it’s sudden, I was happy that you asked me for something.”

Those words sounded so sincere that I felt a bit more sorry to him.

Mom and Mirinae too. They all seemed to see me as an extraordinary person. They cherished me so much that they treated me like someone who was difficult to approach.

I’m an ordinary, lacking, and immature person. But that feeling wasn’t as burdensome as I thought. Because they will always look at me with the same heart no matter what I am. So I was a little more sorry and grateful.

I felt like I could never give back as much as them.

Perhaps my face had become gloomy, as Mirinae smiled with a furrowed brow. Then he playfully tilted his head. As if comforting me not to cry.

“Was I of help to you this time?”

His voice sounded as if he knew everything. Truly like an adult. I pondered for a moment and nodded slightly. I couldn’t not answer.

“Yes.”

At my answer, Mirinae beamed.

“I’m glad to hear that.”