* * *
Not long ago, I got drunk on wine and started rambling nonsense to the court ladies.
Then, unexpectedly, I received a “suggestion” from the Emperor.
“…You’re asking me to refrain from going out?”
“I’m not saying don’t go out at all—just maybe tone it down a little.”
“How could I possibly go out less than I already do? You already placed me under a restricted movement order. I go out once a week! How much less is there to cut?”
“Once every two weeks is possible.”
What? This son of a bitch?
He’s really trying to drive me to drink again.
What, does he think I just laze around in the palace all day?
I actually do quite a bit of work.
With no official Empress in place, I’m currently the highest-ranking Concubine and have been acting as a stand-in Empress.
On top of that, I’m completing university courses within the palace.
Even two bodies wouldn’t be enough.
My one joy in life after all that?
Going to a convenience store once a week.
Once! And now he wants to take that away?
This is so unfair.
He gets to have friends come visit the palace.
But me? I don’t even have friends.
I became a royal Concubine too early, and because of the strict rules preventing imperial Concubines from casually meeting outsiders, I never got to go to school.
So no friends.
The only people my age are palace staff and officials, and even with them, I can’t socialize freely.
My social skills are basically garbage, and emotional connection?
Nonexistent.
Seeing hardworking people outside the palace on my rare outings gave me a tiny spark of motivation—made me feel like I wanted to live more fully.
That I wanted to keep searching for Seojoo.
Taking that away from me?
And now I’m supposed to stay in this massive, suffocating palace, eat leftovers under the Empress Dowager’s constant nagging, and rot in my room watching online lectures?
Even Hyunwook’s been too busy to see me lately!
Of course, I didn’t say any of this to Minhyuk directly.
But he must’ve noticed how I clenched my fists and trembled with rage.
He leaned forward and sat very close to me.
After a brief pause, he finally explained.
“I didn’t want to scare you, so I didn’t mention it, but… someone’s targeting Grand Concubine lately.”
What the hell does that mean?
Like, seriously?
Who the hell would be targeting me?
But then I thought of my grandfather.
“…Why me? Who even knows me well enough to target me?”
“It’s real. Because of it, we’ve increased security and are monitoring everyone who enters your residence. Who knows where that psycho might show up….”
Minhyuk’s voice cut off—he was trying to contain his anger.
I looked past him at Sangseon, his aide.
When our eyes met, he nodded seriously.
…So it wasn’t a bluff.
Who could it be? My grandfather?
The Empress Dowager’s faction?
Or maybe Yeong Hwagung?
Actually, Yeong Hwagung had been on my radar.
In the novel, he was portrayed as a righteous, serious, and extremely capable man—always wise, never showing emotion.
The Emperor often sought his counsel.
Eventually, he even became a close political ally, working in the inner court.
The collapse of the Prime Minister’s faction and Grand Concubine’s downfall?
It was practically all his doing.
If he was now stepping into his rightful role, I must look like a massive obstacle to him.
That’s just speculation, but if the Emperor himself is saying I’m in danger, then I can’t take it lightly.
“I’m keeping a close eye on everything, so don’t worry too much while you’re in the palace. Also, I’m sure you’ve heard—are you aware of Monday’s itinerary?”
“Yes, of course.”
How could I forget?
It’s been so long since I’ve had an out-of-palace assignment.
Even if it’s for work, I was absolutely thrilled.
The fact that someone’s after me?
Already forgotten.
All I could think about was the upcoming trip to Busan.
“So, I was thinking of leaving early—Saturday, actually. That’s why I came to talk.”
“Saturday? But I thought we were departing Monday morning?”
“There’s a famous hot spring nearby. I was hoping we could go together before the official schedule. It’s my first time too. Would you come with me? I heard it’s great when you’re feeling tired.”
“A hot spring?”
I blinked in surprise at the unexpected suggestion.
This would be the first time Minhyuk ever asked to go on a trip together.
“It’s not much of a vacation, but I thought it might help you relax. The hot springs there come highly recommended.”
“Yes! I love hot springs, Your Majesty!”
Me, being the simple person I am, fell for the idea immediately and beamed with joy.
Watching me like that, Minhyuk looked oddly pleased as he reached under the table and pulled something out.
“Also… I had this custom-made for you. I hope you’ll like it.”
His large hand held out a small bundle, looking almost shy.
What is it?
Startled, I accepted it, and under the pressure of his expectant gaze, I began to carefully unwrap the package.
When I opened the wrapping, inside was a cat doll encased in a beautiful, transparent box.
‘Wow, this is really pretty.’
The cat’s sapphire-blue eyes shimmered beautifully.
Just a glance told me the jewels were real and expensive.
The fur looked and felt just like that of a real cat—glossy and soft.
“Can I take it out and look at it?”
“Of course. It’s from the Grand Imperial Palace. Go ahead, open it. There was something I wasn’t satisfied with, so I had it remade, which took a bit more time. You like cats but said raising one would be a burden. It might be silly, but I still wanted to give you something.”
Minhyuk looked so bashful that it was actually kind of cute.
The doll really hit the mark.
“The eyes are stunning.”
I couldn’t take my gaze off the doll’s sapphire-blue eyes, like I was under a spell.
“I had it specially made by a craftsman using blue diamonds. I’m glad you like it—it was worth the effort.”
‘Blue diamonds?’
I’m not really materialistic or anything, but this is insane.
The fur was so soft it felt like a living creature.
But it wasn’t the price or quality that made me happy—it was the simple fact that he gave me a gift.
It was the first time someone—my legal spouse, no less—had given me something so… small and personal.
It wasn’t his first time giving me gifts, of course.
He never forgot birthdays or anniversaries, though I’m sure it was his aide who remembered.
He usually gave watches, rings, bracelets…
This year’s birthday gift was even a car.
But getting something like this, on a random day, made me feel like I was walking on air.
Not that it’s a “small” gift by any means—just look at these two diamond eyes.
How much are they alone worth?
“…You like it that much?”
“Yes. I’ve never received a gift like this before. Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Did I sound too sincere just now?
Minhyuk’s expression was… a little bitter.
Or maybe I imagined it—but it almost looked apologetic.
“No, it’s not that I want more things or anything like that. I just… felt really happy.”
“From now on, I’ll be more thoughtful. I’ll give you gifts often.”
I didn’t know how to respond to that, so I just smiled.
Why was Minhyuk suddenly acting like this?
Maybe he’s feeling guilty about something?
Was it because of the movie palace?
I didn’t know the reason, but since he was offering, I wasn’t going to refuse.
What worried me was that I might start getting used to this—used to him being like this.
No matter what the reason, I was thankful for his kindness.
But it shouldn’t become something I expect.
After all, he’s a man who will someday belong to someone else.
I hope he doesn’t keep being too kind to me…
And I have to be careful not to let myself fall for him.
When I returned to my quarters hugging the cat doll tightly, Hyunwook was waiting for me.
I’d seen him yesterday too, but it had been a while since he came at this hour, and I was really happy to see him.
“You were able to come at this hour?”
“I’m almost done with my assignments, so it’s fine. Sorry I haven’t been able to stay late. Your brother went back to his unit?”
“Yeah. It’s not far—just in Gyeonggido. We can talk every day, so he seems at ease.”
“That’s good. But… what is that? It’s not a real cat, right?”
Hyunwook stared at the doll in my arms, eyes wide in surprise.
I guess it does look too real to be fake. I proudly held it out to him.
“His Majesty gave it to me! It’s a doll—but isn’t it gorgeous?”
“This is a doll? No way. Damn, the quality of His Majesty’s gifts is next level. Seriously.”
“These eyes? They’re diamonds.”
“Holy crap.”
While we laughed over that silly conversation, I proudly told him about Minhyuk inviting me to a hot spring.
Watching me gush, Hyunwook looked thoughtful.
I asked what had been keeping him so busy lately.
It wasn’t just school—he seemed to be juggling personal things too.
Honestly, I was feeling a little hurt that he hadn’t mentioned anything.
“Haejoo. I’ll tell you a bit later, okay?”
“What? Something’s going on, right? You should tell me if you want help.”
“It’s not like that. I’ll explain after the trip to the hot spring and my next assignment out of town. I need to sort a few things out first.”
Whatever was going on, Hyunwook said things I didn’t fully understand.
I didn’t know what he was dealing with, but for now, I decided to wait.
* * *
