Chapter 3

I didn't know if he really wanted an answer, and I was waiting to see if he was going to say more, but there was silence.

​

"Everyone is in Her Majesty's grace."

​

I'm sure this isn't the answer he wanted. Ha-ha. What's good for me to see him?

​

"…Really?"

​

Jo Yoon was angry when he heard my correct response. What should I do? He looked very displeased as he stared at me. To be honest, I felt a cold sweat. I feel like he's thinking about if he should to slap my left or right cheek.

​

"By the way, may I ask what's going on all of a sudden?"

​

Jo Yoon definitely came to warn or threaten me. But he can't walk away yet without giving me a warning at least. I noticed he was thinking about what to say next.

​

"It's not a big deal. I was just teaching you as a superior."

​

Fortunately, it was the right answer as Jo Yoon had his eyes wide open.

​

"The phrase, 'Red Flower', you should know it." (It's a poetic speech)

​

While saying that, Jo Yoon raised his eyebrows as if asking me for an answer again. If I answered that I don't know what he's talking about, then he would take me out immediately and complain to the emperor that the concubine sent from the Yeoran family is stupid.

​

"There are no red flowers that last for ten days. It is a famous phrase."

​

"Yeah. That's right. Red flowers don't last for ten days, because they'll become ugly and wither, just like humans…"

After saying that, Jo Yoon lowered his head and looked at me. His face darkened and his eyes were laughing at me.

​

"You will be plucked. The palace has no place for withered flowers."

​

I almost gave him a round of applause after hearing his threat. Wow, so creepy, I am so scared. How long does the emperor's love last…? I think I still remember the scene from the original. I'm fine, but this situation would be enough to make a child cry.

​

"I have received valuable instruction and I'll keep that in mind."

​

I bowed my head politely. He made a 'tsk' sound from his mouth and turned his head.

​

"It seems like you're close with this maid, seeing she is in your room."

My eyes widened at Jo Yoon's words. If I were close to her, the sun may as well as rise from the west. It was normal for a friendly maid to serve at a nearby distance. But that cheeky girl didn't listen to me when I told her to leave earlier. There's no reason why I need to explain it in detail.

​

"Yes I am."

​

"Hmm…"

​

Jo Yoon's nasal voice rang in my ear and his face was very red. His mouth then quirked up; it was a smile that people would have on their face after having a good dream. His tone then changed at a flick of a switch and he said sweetly,

​

"I'm short-handed these days."

​

I almost asked him 'really?' without realizing it. There were concubines who were hated by the emperor and some retired without holding any power, but no concubine were ever short-handed on staff. It is interesting, even if the concubine doesn't have the royal family surname, they're still spouses of the emperor. It's ridiculous, but at the same time, I knew what he was talking about.

​

I glanced at the maid. She had a surprised look on her face while shaking her head. I saw her mouthing 'no!' and the corner of my mouth raised subtly.

"…That maid is good at her work. If you're short-handed, would you like to take her then?"

​

Jo Yoon smiled widely and deliberately spoke in a trembling voice. I bit my lips to hold back my laughter as I saw the face of the desperate maid. You reap what you sow.

​

"Thank you for giving her to me."

​

Jo Yoon looked at me with a smile on his face. She (the maid) looked like she wanted to stop Jo Yoon by grabbing the hem of his clothes. Of course, it's his words in my place, but those same words would be twisted at his place. Well, what can I do? If she stayed or leave with him, the situation would be bad either way. Jo Yoon turned around without saying goodbye to me while I prepared to see him off. He clearly disregarded me, but I didn't mind.

​

I thought Garam would show up, but at least Jo Yoon cleared the argument that was happening earlier. Garam was a difficult opponent to deal with, so I was quite nervous. But I was fortunate to have such a stupid concubine show up instead. It was perfect because I didn't need to run to the emperor while crying.

​

I hope the maid leaves soon. Since it's cloudy out, should I lie down and take a nap? I ignored the maid's eyes which were looking at me angrily, then I heard footsteps outside that were getting closer. Who's coming now? I hope it's not the emperor.

"…Why is that here?"

​

At those words, I stopped moving. I opened my mouth wide when I see a red-haired man coming in with no time to answer. Well, this is unexpected.

​

***

​

Garam is at my palace, his foot is in my room. It was quite rude to refer to a human being like that, but fortunately, that question was directed towards Jo Yoon, as he pointed out that I, the owner of this palace, was here.

​

At those words, Jo Yoon shivered, and his face flushed, but he couldn't stand up to Garam. It was obvious that Garam is stronger, he came from one of the families that were blessed by dragons.

​

There are other gods, or spirits, like the nine-tailed fox besides dragons in this world that can bless others. Because of that, there are other people with different abilities. The strongest power was the blessing of the dragons, and the strength was different according to the levels of power for the other gods or spirits. For example, the Yeoran family's power is to lift anything without any limits, but the power of a small, unknown family can probably only lift seeds.

​

The classes were divided according to the abilities people have and how well they can utilize it. The stronger the family, the more powerful their ability will be. Garam is the son of the Ewha family, one of the seven founding families. And it was clear that Jo Yoon, could not stand up to him with his position. They think that I am too young to say anything and I would just cry.

​

After all, Jo Yoon couldn't get angry with Garam. Instead, he turned his head towards me while his hands were shaking with anger.

​

"How rude!"

​

Uh. What the hell.

​

"I was here first, but you brought in another guest! Just because you're young, it doesn't mean that you can act foolish and be forgiven. Be careful!"

​

It was a clever way of blaming me, even though it was also to blame someone else in the room.

"Yes. I'm sorry."

​

I bowed my head. I didn't get slapped or had to kneel. Jo Yoon now looked even more angry after hearing my calm answer. This sight slowly made my eyes feel more relaxed. No matter what I say, I was too tired to deal with the reaction.

​

"Wow."

​

It was then, Garam's voice which was full of energy was heard.

​

"I have a bad brain so I don't understand your sarcasm. What were you really thinking?"

​

I unknowingly made an expression on my face. In the original, Garam had a very hot tongue, and a lot of accidents happened because of his strong personality. Most of all, he was always beaten by Mirina through logic. Mirina pretends to be kind while exposing Garam's stupidity to everyone, and thanks to that, Garam hated him because of the pitiful gaze that followed from the emperor. In the original, it was only described as a pathetic war between those two in front of the emperor… but I'm not so sure what happens behind the scenes.

​

Anyways, Garam was pretty stupid, so I don't know if I can say that he's defending me right now. Can't you just live without saying anything wrong? Jo Yoon looked even more upset now, but he couldn't say a word to Garam so he gave me a fierce look again.

​

"I can't believe you insulted me. I'll never let this go!"

​

There was no reason to understand that now. While I was thinking 'yes', Jo Yoon swung his arm gracefully, and as a result, I was hit in the face by his sleeve which shook me instantly.

​

…Damn this small body.

​

I let out a small breath as I watched Jo Yoon's back figure spurring through the door with the maid following behind him. Aside from the shame of being hit in the face, it was difficult to say anything because he was frowning and cursing with his mouth.

​

I then turned around and made eye contact with Garam.

"…"

​

Did you see that?