Chapter 18: Il Minjoon

A frail woman sat in front of a majestic mirror, her ebony hair with silvery strands being combed by one of the maids.

The woman looked at herself in the mirror, her ocean blue eyes staring right back at her.

Wearing red robes, splashes of gold lined across the hems, that fit her like a glove; made her truly feel like she had the proper bearing.

She was sitting here in this wide glamorous room for her to be dolled up. Maids barged in and fretted over her the moment she sat in one of the stools.

It happened earlier this morning. A few hours have passed since then, and she still wasn't done being dolled up.

She stiffly turned her head looking at the maid doing her hair.

This maid was the only one left from the group. Once she entered the room, she dismissed the other maids with a wave of her hand and proceeded to arrange her hair.

Hae Gi couldn't turn due to her outfit, worried that the hard work of the maids would go to waste once she moved.

Her back ached but this was nothing compared to her daily chores.

The mirror was just enough for her to view herself, alas she couldn't see the face of the maid. This maid was very meticulous with her hands, from time to time the maid would ask her if it hurts or if it was too tight and she would always reply with a no.

Hae Gi was very grateful that this maid is very compassionate and considerate. Never once did she feel like her scalp was burning.

Yet her curiosity fueled her to look.

When she turned around, her half-lidded eyes grew wide. Her mouth gaped open as she covered it with her hands. Tears formed in her eyes, threatening to burst out like a dam. It was as if time froze while she gazed upon the woman before her.

The woman who took care of her while she was pregnant. The one who helped her with taking care of the baby. The one who was always there at the crucial moments, giving her pieces of advice, strengthening her resolve.

The original's greatest rival and friend, Lee Eunjung.

And this current soul's savior.

Eunjung smiled at her, wrinkles forming in the corner of her eyes.

"Hello, Hae Gi."

Unlike Hae Gi, she was already crying, snot dripping down her nose. With a shaky voice, Eunjung asked her.

"How have you been?"

Then the two women hugged each other as they wailed, crying their eyes out. Hae Gi's make up became ruined after crying, making Eunjung complain about doing her makeup all over again.

An hour passed and Hae Gi was all ready to go.

She stood from her seat, her muscles aching all over.

Red robes hugged her dainty figure, it's golden tresses dangling as she walked. Her hair was arranged in an elegant updo, serving as a decoration to better emphasize her crown.

Unlike before, she now wore a set of jewelry. Gems dangled beside her face, her wrist adorned with jade and gold. What did not change was the familiar sapphire pin that she wore every occasion ever since that day.

The very same pin that the Emperor gave her.

For the soul residing this current body, this pin did not matter one bit nor does it make her feel anything. But for the sake of the original soul, she decided to treasure it and wear it as much as she could.

Her look was now complete.

Along with her dignified behavior, she now completely looked like her title.

The queen of the empire.

The door opened, a maid barging in.

"Your Highness, it is time."

Hae Gi closed her eyes, preparing herself for what was to come.

Resolving herself, she paraded forward, her long gown dragging as she walked.

Maids opened the double door wide as she trudged forward. Looking past her shoulders, her gaze met Eunjung's.

Eunjung nodded at her, her face stern.

Looking in front, Hae Gi advanced forward.

"Let's go."

The Banquet of the Kings.

In the original plot, this was where the kings would gather and discuss among one another. But under all those pretenses, they battled with their words.

This was also where the female lead and the male lead will meet for the very first time.

The female lead was just a commoner. Yet due to her strange mysterious backing, she became qualified to attend this ball.

They were supposed to dance, her first being the prince. They were supposed to fall in love the moment they met each other's eyes.

But it was not the case now. This time a new soul already replaced the villainess' body. It came from Earth, a universe different from this world. Thus the new soul residing the villainess couldn't help but feel awkward as she walked using a body different from her own.

She wasn't used to the customs and the standards of this world. Yet it did not differ from her previous world as women are still underestimated by society. She knows who she replaced. An important character in a story.

A villain in the guise of a maiden, Min Ji Ah, who was betrothed to the crown prince. A spoiled, pampered girl who perfected the requirements of becoming an ultimate villain. And also the one who was discarded and died a gruesome death, because of her attempt to kill the female lead.

The new soul was horrified the moment she knew of this. She debated what to do for a very long time. The servants of the manor were confused, the tyrannical beast was being quiet. After a few days, the new Min Ji Ah stepped out of her room, shocking the whole household. She became nicer and bubblier. She smiled and greeted the servants, treating them with a certain amount of respect. She changed altogether. By then she concluded to just alter the ways of this tyrannous girl.

Of course, Min Ji Ah was also invited to the ball due to her status as the fiance of the prince. She was dressed too extravagantly at first, the moment she looked at the mirror she felt that her outfit was too gaudy. So she picked another outfit for herself, a light floral dress. It was too simple yet it made the beauty of the original shine more than before.

Thinking that it was all done, she headed for the banquet.

As the new villainess walked along the carpet, she suddenly stumbled. She closed her eyes waiting for the impact. Yet, it did not come.

The male lead held the villainess' waist, preventing her fall.

And that was where the love that was supposed to be for the female lead, became distorted.

Instead of both main leads falling in love, the male lead fell in love with the villainess instead.

And it all started with this ball.

Hae Gi recalled the task that was given to her.

[Your task at hand is to prevent the male lead from dying and to achieve a happy ending.]

The male lead died because of grief. And because of his mother, his happy ending shattered.

His mother, Il Hae Gi. The body where she currently resided.

She was already heading towards the center of the banquet, a few more and she will reach her destination. Unlike before, there was no grand entrance. Because the Il Kingdom was the one hosting this event, the royal family should be there first before the other royalties.

Maids and servants were running around the place, each holding trays of food and drinks for the guests. Hae Gi guessed that maybe she was already late for the banquet.

At the corner of her eyes, she could see a maid carrying a silver cup. The cup served for the crown prince. The maid's hands were shaking as she talked to the person in front of her.

'An attendant of the consort.' Hae Gi surmised. Her eyes narrowed as she stared suspiciously at the two girls.

Hae Gi saw a small packet handed to the maid holding the cup. The maid was already sweating the moment she received the packet, her expression a bit pale.

Then both girls separated, acting like they did not know each other.

Hae Gi's heart beat fast, her eyes following that silver cup approaching the banquet hall. Her lips trembled as her eyes stared at the floor horrified, her palms holding her forehead. She suddenly felt sick, her stomach churning.

The maids behind her suddenly stepped forward as they supported her, asking what was wrong, if she was feeling sick.

Hae Gi couldn't answer. Fear engulfed her whole body, her thoughts running wild.

She knew without knowing what was inside, that that packet was poison. And that silver cup was a cup exclusively for the crown prince. She did not know if this was a coincidence or if that attendant gave the packet to the wrong maid.

It should be her cup, not Minjoon's. She knew that she was targeted by the consort, like that idiot's actions weren't proof enough. But why was it Minjoon? Why him?

She gripped her hands tight forming a fist. Her whole body was now shaking with anger, she glowered at the maid holding the silver cup. Murderous intent leaking from her eyes. It was full of hatred and malice that it made the maids at her side step back out of fear.

'That woman dared to revenge on me. And under such means-!'

Hae Gi now knew the revenge that the consort plotted for her. It wasn't to inflict pain on Hae Gi. No, it's much more than that.

The consort planned to break her by harming the one she loves the most. The one she solely adores, and the one that she treasures more than her own life.

Her own child.

A maid bravely stepped forward and held Hae Gi's shoulder. It was a maid that served the former Hae Gi before. Rubbing Hae Gi's shoulder, the maid whispered.

"Your Highness, It is time to go."

Supporting the Empress at her side, the maid held Hae Gi's shoulders tight. She stood up steadily, her gaze looking determinedly ahead.

"Do not fret, for this servant will guide you as you go."

The former Hae Gi did not trust anyone, not even her closest relatives. For she is terribly afraid of failing, of being betrayed. She thought that the people around her were there because of their own greed, thus she did not allow anyone to get close.

But she didn't know, that those people that surrounded her, were the same people that always protected her and cherished her for who she was.

The soul inside Hae Gi couldn't help but feel sad. Pretending like the former Hae Gi was there, she thought.

'Hae Gi, you weren't alone all along.'

She was once again reminded of her task. The task that she needed to complete.

She stood on her throne beside the Emperor. With her back straight, she stared at the crowd in front of her. Women looked at her with disdain and ridicule, taunting whispers floated around the hall the moment she appeared. The other royals were already on their own thrones, looking at her with wonder.

The royals of the Xu Kingdom, Hae Gi's motherland, were looking at her. Her brothers were looking at her direction, their expression full of worry. One of her brothers, Xu Shin, stared at her, a relieved smile on his face. Then his gaze swiveled to her right, directing at the emperor. A murderous glint flashed from his eyes as he frowned at the ruler of the Il Kingdom.

Seeing the brothers of the former Hae Gi smiling at her made her feel awkward. Yet a strange sense of familiarity followed after once she saw them waving at her like a mad dog.

She could feel the gaze of the woman standing on the lowest platform on the other side of the Emperor. Hatred filled her at the thought of the act that that lecherous female did. It almost made her want to storm out of her seat and rip the female's head off.

Nevertheless, Hae Gi composed herself. She has a role that she must play. She is the most powerful woman in this Kingdom, The Empress of the country.

The moment she sat, drums thundered along with the gentle twang of the strings. Hae Gi could see the people becoming more lively as they chatted with gusto. She only looked at her front, not daring to look at her side. For the dam that she built around her emotions, might burst the moment she turned.

She glanced a bit to her left, the same silver cup present on the table. The one that she had to throw away. But how? How can she take it without being caught? This is a celebration where no errors should be made, or else a war might start.

The threads were stretched too thin, that one wrong move might make it snap.

The emperor looked at the woman on his left, his heart burning. He grasped the throne tightly with his hands, in an attempt to ignore the burning sensation he felt on his chest. He couldn't help but feel the guilt eating him as he sees the white strands of hair on Hae Gi's once jet black hair. He pursed his lips as he noticed that she lost more weight, as he could see how sharp her collarbone is. A lumped formed on his throat as he looked at the woman he loved.

It did not fail for him to notice the conflict hidden within her eyes, her expression troubled. She seemed to be a bit hesitant. He wondered, 'about what?'

The drums sounded once again, reminding him it was time. Daehyun stood from his seat, his eyes indifferent. With a clear voice, he declared.

"May the banquet begin."

A wide space was given for the people to dance. The banquet of the kings always starts with a ball. Where the princes of all kingdoms will choose a partner from one of the women present in the banquet.

The maiden can either be a noble, or a royal. In this ball, social status is forgotten.

All the princes stood up, including Minjoon. Together, they headed towards the center of the room.

'This is my chance.' Hae Gi thought. Her eyes followed Minjoon; wandering about, looking for familiar faces.

Soon enough, the female lead and the villainess entered her view.

And the plot follows. The villainess stumbling forward, the male lead helping her and inviting her to dance. It was truly a magical scene, a scene that will make your heart warm.

All the guests looked at them, even the Royals. Everyone was distracted.

She slowly rose from her seat, trying not to make a sound. Stretching her hands, she reached for the silver cup on her left. Her hands trembled as she held the cup. Hae Gi's lips quivered, as she tried not to cry.

Replacing it with her own cup, she once again sat on her seat. She observed the cup in front of her, looking at her own reflection.

She died at her prime, and was suddenly given a chance to live again. A mission was given to her, something that she had to fulfill. She knew that at some point she will die again. But now that she knew, that death was waiting right in front of her, she hesitated. And she feared.

Minutes passed and she did not dare to move. Her eyes blurred as her body trembled. She did not want to die, she doesn't want to die again.

Her somber gaze looked up, staring at the distance. She held her clammy palms tightly on her seat, biting her lip. Her gaze rested on the center of the room, then aimlessly rested at the very back of the room. A person was standing at the back, looking at the spectacle in front.

Then their gaze met.

The general looked at her with wonder. But even without understanding, he nodded as if to reassure her. A message sent through gestures.

'Everything's going to be alright.'

Minutes passed and the mini masquerade was over. The princes returned back to their seats now readying for the toast.

The moment where all royals will drink their wine cup.

One by one, all the royals stood. Daehyun started, raising his golden cup up high.

"After raging wars and shedding blood, the three kingdoms finally found peace."

"The ancestors of the three kingdoms made a pact, an alliance. An alliance that was made on the 14th of february, which was celebrated every 10 years."

"Through this banquet, we reminisce the old and renew it with the present. Long live the kings!"

"Long live the kings!"

She could've just thrown it away really, or 'accidentally' spill it on the floor.

They all drank the wine from their cup. Shouting once again as they finished.

But she didn't.

Daehyun rested his cup on the table once he was finished. Sighing, he prepared to sit.

Then he heard a sharp clank on his left. He roughly turned his head looking at Hae Gi. She sat so suddenly that her seat creaked. Daehyun saw her sitting still, staring ahead. He frowned wondering what was happening to her.

Then Hae Gi's body leaned forward, her head banging on the table. Nobody noticed it except Daehyun. They were all busy conversing with each other, enjoying the feast. His eyebrows furrowed, his heart growing restless.

He continued to observe Hae Gi. He noticed that she was still not moving, even her shoulder was not heaving up and down.

Right there and then, his heart stopped.

Daehyun rushed forward, knocking the chair to the side. He held Hae Gi's back for the first time in years, kneeling as he did.

"Hey, hey. Can you hear me?"

He leaned forward rubbing her back. He tried to peek on her face, but her hair blocked the sight. He couldn't help but feel anxious.

"Hae Gi, answer me."

Not taking it anymore, he shook her a little bit.

"Hae Gi."

Yet she did not answer.

His hands held her tighter. Shaking her harder, he desperately shouted.

"Hae Gi!"

Minjoon who was in the middle of a conversation froze hearing his father's desperate wails.

He turned to the direction where the voice was coming.

He saw his mother lying on the table, not moving.

Time seemed to stop as he looked at his mother, not breathing. He did not hear the people screaming and shouting. He did not feel the people bumping into him. He did not see the doctors barging in trying to revive his mother, nor the consort being taken away.

All he saw was his mother.

The mother who took care of him when he was young, the one who fed him and gave him what he needs, the one who taught him the little ways of the world.

The one who laughed at him, smiled at him, scolded him, shouted at him, kneeled at him, hugged him, kissed him, accepted him, and loved him for who he was.

The one who never gave up on him and always protected him.

The one who always smiled at him telling him it will be alright.

His steps were slow, he felt it was too slow. A part of him wanted to run, afraid of what he will see.

The doctors placed the Empress on the floor, making a makeshift bed. His father was shouting orders, orders that he couldn't care less to hear.

His mother, who he loved with all his heart, now lied before him.

Her face looked peaceful, her whole face relaxed. She looked like she was dreaming, with her lips turned up forming a smile. Her black ebony hair mixed with silvery strands were sprawled on the ground, making her look like an angel.

Minjoon fell on his knees, his shaking fingers grasping his mother's cold hands. Tears broke out like a dam, raining down his face.

The once lively banquet became dim. As the flame from the candle died from the wind.

to love, I live

to cry, I hide

To seek is to fleet

To smile, I cried

Hold my hand

I will not leave

You are my heart

What makes me breath