HBPEK C10

Chapter 10: I’m Sensing Something Strange

Since she had consumed the Great Rejuvenation Pill—a supreme elixir among elixirs—and suffered backlash, even the imperial physician found the situation grim, unable to see a clear path to treatment.

“Physician.”

“Yes, Crown Princess.”

“Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Life and death are said to be decided by heaven, aren’t they?”

“I… I am deeply ashamed, Your Highness.”

The physician bowed deeply.

“Mm. Still, don’t give up.”

“O-Of course not… I-I will do my utmost…”

His voice trailed off.

He has no confidence… Well, I wouldn’t either.

A sigh escaped her lips.

At this rate, her life in this second chance might turn out shorter than expected.

Eunryeong, seemingly dissatisfied with the physician’s helplessness, cautiously offered another idea.

“Your Highness, perhaps… should we inform the Grand General?”

“My father?”

“Yes. If it’s the Grand General, he would surely find a way to help you.”

“….”

General Wonsanbaek—one of the Five Supreme Masters of the world.

Without a doubt, he was one of the few capable of resolving her condition.

But—

Would a man so heavily watched and restrained by the Emperor be able to leave Gangdong and enter the imperial palace?

I can’t drag him into danger because of me… Regardless, in this life, he is still my father.

And for the Emperor, who constantly coveted military power, it would be the perfect opportunity.

That could not be allowed.

In truth, there was someone else who came to mind.

A master… there is one close by.

But soon, a deep frown formed between her brows, and she shook her head firmly.

Meanwhile…

The Crown Prince’s study in the Eastern Palace was so empty it was hard to believe it belonged to him.

Only a few books lined the shelves.

“When will the day come when this place is filled with the books you like?”

“You’ve come.”

“Captain Yi Jwa greets Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”

Yi Jwa knelt on one knee.

“What a pointless gesture.”

Without even looking at him, Ju Geon dismissed him coldly.

“Calling it pointless to show respect… even between close friends, there are still boundaries—”

“Stop the nonsense and speak.”

“…Very well. It’s about the matter the Grand General entrusted to us.”

Only then did Ju Geon lift his gaze.

“It seems you’ll have to handle it yourself.”

“Wasn’t Geumgwi supposed to do it? Where is he?”

At the mention of Geumgwi, Yi Jwa waved his hand in annoyance.

“Don’t even mention that fool.”

“I take it he caused trouble again.”

“This time it’s more than trouble. He’s caused a major incident involving an official.”

Ju Geon’s expression changed.

“An official? Did something happen to the Northern Merchant Guild?”

“No, not that… The prefect of Hyeongju, Hwang Deukjo, built a private estate on state land and imprisoned young girls.”

“And Geumgwi killed him?”

“No. But… that man will never have children again.”

“…He did well. A beast like that deserves punishment.”

Ju Geon even smiled faintly.

“But Hwang Deukjo is still a fourth-rank official. Even if Geumgwi is the son of the Northern Guild leader, he won’t escape punishment easily.”

“Then make him a Guard Captain under the Imperial Guard. I’ll inform His Majesty myself.”

“That won’t look good if it becomes known. Leave this to me.”

After a brief pause, Ju Geon nodded.

“Very well.”

“…By the way, about the Crown Princess—are you really going to handle it personally?”

“You said I should.”

“I meant giving orders—”

“Akcheong must be busy. And besides, it concerns Soye. I’ll go myself.”

Yi Jwa tilted his head.

This was unlike Ju Geon.

Is he planning to deal with her directly?

But then his expression relaxed, a faint grin forming.

“Then I shall obey Your Highness’s command.”

“Leave.”

Back at Yeonhwa Palace

Chaehee decorated Won Soye with hairpins and earrings, while Eunryeong helped her dress.

“I need to step out for a while.”

“Your Highness, you’re not well. Where are you going?”

“I’m going to meet the Crown Prince.”

Chaehee chimed in,

“I’ll go check where he is first—”

“He’s the Crown Prince. Wouldn’t he be in the Eastern Palace?”

“He’s too busy to be there at this hour.”

That made sense.

“Alright, do that.”

But before Chaehee could leave, a palace eunuch rushed in.

“Your Highness, the Crown Prince will be arriving shortly.”

Speak of the tiger…

Eunryeong urged her,

“You should go out and receive him personally.”

Though slightly annoyed, Won Soye quickly composed herself—her expression transforming into a bright, radiant smile.

“…Let’s go.”

Their Meeting

Under the morning sunlight, Ju Geon entered the courtyard.

Won Soye gracefully knelt.

“I greet Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”

Ju Geon stopped.

He was momentarily speechless at her perfect, gentle demeanor.

“….”

A eunuch nudged him,

“Your Highness, you must accept her greeting.”

“…That’s enough. Rise.”

“Thank you.”

“Did you come for a reason, Your Highness?”

Her tone was calm—too calm.

“….”

Ju Geon frowned slightly.

He reacts just as expected…

She smiled sweetly.

“Have you eaten? Shall I prepare something?”

Polite—but distant.

That irritated him.

“No need. I came to speak.”

He sat down.

“Serve him plum tea.”

Despite his coldness, she remained composed.

“You’ve changed.”

Time to wrap this up.

Before he finished speaking—

She suddenly knelt again.

“I have committed a grave offense! Please forgive me!”

His expression darkened.

“What offense?”

“I failed to properly serve Your Highness.”

“…And why is that a crime?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

“….”

This contradicted everything she had previously asked of him.

“Forgiveness requires trust. Stand up.”

As he helped her up—

He suddenly grabbed her wrist tightly.

“Ah…!”

She winced in pain.

She tried to pull away—but failed.

What is this bastard doing?!

Finally, he released her.

Their gazes clashed.

Cold. Sharp.

Then Ju Geon narrowed his eyes.

“…There’s something strange about your energy.”