Chapter 21
The Ghost-Handed Fire Lotus
“Wan unnie.”
“Hm?”
“Am I bothering you?”
I had been training in the backyard during Wang Seonhwa’s afternoon nap. I was taking a short break when my attendant came.
“No. Why? What is it?”
“A guest has arrived.”
“Can you tell Mama that I’m resting?”
“This guest is here for you, unnie.”
“For me?”
Could it be Jinsu-oh? But the name my attendant said was completely unexpected.
“Who is it?”
“It’s His Royal Highness, the Prince Jeong.”
“Huh?”
I stared at my attendant in disbelief. How did the prince enter the harem? Was I seeing things?
“Really, it’s Prince Jeong?”
“Yes. He said if you follow through on the promise, you would know what to do.”
“Promise? What… ah.”
Why does everyone here keep their promises so seriously? I thought it was something casual, like ‘let’s eat together.’
Honestly, I had completely forgotten the promise I made to Prince Jeong after the Hwandu incident.
A man who was once a general probably didn’t mean it seriously when he said he would learn archery from a maid.
Sigh.
I let my shoulders droop and sighed. Now that the prince personally came, I had no choice to refuse.
I had no idea what I could even teach someone who shoots perfectly. I’d just go along politely.
“Before I return, if Mama wakes, can you tell her for me?”
“Yes! Of course. Don’t worry, go ahead.”
My attendant answered cheerfully, glanced around, and then suddenly whispered, very close.
“Unnie, could you become the prince’s wife someday?”
“What? That makes no sense. I’m just a maid.”
“Why not? I’ve heard Zabo treats the mistress better than the main wife, and Taebo even treats his concubines like official wives at that age.”
“Oh… really?”
Her bright eyes sparkled as she spoke quickly. Maybe she was dreaming of a sudden rise in status.
I only wanted to leave the palace and live freely. Of course, what I really wanted was to return to my original body, but that seemed impossible for now.
“Ah, I shouldn’t keep you. Let’s go. I’ll help you put on some rouge!”
“No, I don’t—”
“I’ll help you!”
No! I was going archery, not a beauty contest!
Because I refused so strongly, she couldn’t touch my face. She pouted but seemed a bit disappointed.
The moment I opened the door, I ran into Prince Jeong and immediately bowed.
“I’m sorry for keeping Your Highness waiting—”
“Don’t. I should apologize. I came without notice.”
He was really unusual for this palace. Yes, if you come without warning, it’s polite to let the other wait.
Even though this was normal in modern times, I felt strangely moved.
“Let’s go. I wanted to call you as soon as I arrived at the city, but I was busy.”
I almost said, I hope you stay busy all the time. Even if I liked the prince, I wanted to avoid trouble.
I smiled politely and followed him.
Huh, but this way is north. I heard the nearest archery field was east.
“Are we going out through Hyunmu Gate?”
Prince Jeong nodded. I realized we were using the back gate because of me.
I had forgotten that different gates were used depending on status.
“Ah-han.”
“Have you arrived?”
A servant called Ah-han glanced at me and handed over a bundle.
“Change into this.”
Do I really have to change clothes too?
Maybe he noticed my expression. Ah-han gave me a slightly disappointed look but spoke kindly.
“You can’t go outside in that outfit.”
What’s wrong with my clothes? I’ve heard women often wear coverings outside the palace.
“Yes.”
“I hope you like it.”
I had no choice but to accept. I couldn’t ignore the gesture.
“…I’ll be quick.”
…Is this really okay?
I kept fidgeting with the outfit.
It was so fancy I doubted I should even wear it.
Even the clothes for close maids like me were usually of high quality.
I wasn’t just any maid. I served a favored concubine, second only to the Empress in rank.
So naturally, my standards were high. Even to me, the clothes Prince Jeong brought seemed priceless.
Could only the daughter of a high official wear this outside the palace?
Then I realized another problem.
“Am I supposed to shoot with this on?”
The Mongol-style sleeves were narrow… but if the bowstring snapped, it would ruin the silk.
Do rich people wear expensive clothes even if they might get ruined?
Still, why would the prince give such valuable clothes to me, unless he wore them himself?
Maybe it was for appearances. In the harem, everyone dresses to match the rank of the person they serve.
While I was thinking, I saw Prince Jeong, now dressed, waiting.
It wasn’t the formal Mangpo robe for court, just casual clothes. His hair was half-tied, looking comfortable.
The golden threads on his dark blue robe swayed lightly.
He turned halfway, saw me, then fully turned and smiled brightly.
I squinted slightly. He was blindingly handsome.
“It suits you well.”
“It looks expensive… is it really okay for me to wear it?”
“I picked it for you. Don’t you like it?”
“Ah, no. I do. I’m just… so sorry.”
He picked it out for me? My mind lit red.
Is he trying to make me a concubine? Could my attendant’s words become real?
“I’m worried the outfit will get ruined if I shoot. I’ll change again—”
“No. We aren’t going to the shooting field, so it’s fine.”
My excuse was blocked.
“Then… where? May I ask where we’re going?”
Please not to my house.
“To the market.”
“Wow, I haven’t been to the market since arriving in the city.”
Phew. Anywhere is fine if it’s not the prince’s residence. I felt silly for overthinking.
If my attendant hadn’t mentioned the earlier comment, I wouldn’t have imagined this far.
“Do you know how to ride a horse?”
“No, I don’t.”
Actually, I knew a little. But showing off would only cause trouble.
After showing off my archery skills in the harem, I regretted it every time.
“Then you’ll ride behind me.”
…I should have said I could ride.
In this world, men and women are very different, and social ranks are strict. Now I had to ride close together.
I clenched my fists, swallowing tears. Maybe sensing it, Prince Jeong gently brushed my hand. So embarrassing!
“Learn to ride. Among the Mongols, no one can’t handle a horse.”
I’m not a full Mongol, I muttered silently.
“If you want, I’ll teach you.”
“I cannot take Your Highness’s precious time.”
I wouldn’t ride much anyway. Running around the palace on horseback? Jail.
“I do it because I want to… but if you don’t want to, I can’t force you.”
His voice softened. I heard him whisper in the wind:
“She used to ride well…”
Who is he talking about?
I hate being compared to someone else. I leaned against his back and sighed. Definitely better not to get too close to this person.
“Is it tasty?”
“…Yes.”
Maybe he’s seeing me as a lost younger sister, not a past lover.
I chewed the dumpling, thinking.
“Why did you come to the market?”
Not to feed me, surely.
“I need to buy gifts. Will you help me choose?”
“I’m not sure I can help.”
Truly. I had no sense for choosing anything except bows and arrows.
“I—”
I tried to find an excuse, but Prince Jeong lightly said:
“Just pick whatever you like. I’ll take it and choose later.”
