Chapter 8

Na-ri spent the next few months grappling with the strange reality of being a princess a thousand years before the world she knew. The passage of time felt surreal, marked by uneventful days and recurring arguments with Jiho, her husband. Their relationship was far from harmonious. During one particularly heated argument, Na-ri accused Jiho of being unfaithful. He responded by slapping her, a moment that lingered painfully in her mind. As he raised his hand, she didn't resist but merely turned her face away, a gesture that spoke volumes about her resilience and the growing coldness between them.

Jiho continued to spend time with his girlfriend, while Na-ri found herself alternating between sleeping on the couch when they were alone and in the guest room when Jiho's girlfriend stayed over. "I can only imagine what you would have done to this bastard," Na-ri would often think to herself, feeling the weight of her predecessor's experiences.

Yet, she was now Jihoon, crown princess of Arandal and daughter of the queen of the West of Goryeo. Everything was new, but thanks to Jihoon's memories, both from her current and past life, Na-ri navigated this world with a sense of familiarity. She was acutely aware of the impending death of Master Hae Taekwon, set to occur on the next anniversary of their meeting. Jihoon had discovered the poisoning plot just before her own death from depression, driven by the determination to uncover her master's killer.

One evening, as the natural light gradually dimmed, Na-ri walked into the room to find Jiho reading some papers by the window. The scene was almost serene, but she had pressing matters on her mind.

"Jiho, I need to ask you..." Jihoon began, but was immediately cut off.

"Jiho? Is that how couples address each other these days?" Jiho questioned, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Na-ri was taken aback but quickly recovered. "Ha! For someone with a girlfriend, you have quite a lot of guts. You should even be happy I address you as Jiho and not Your Highness," she retorted.

Jiho looked annoyed but refrained from escalating the argument. He knew full well that their marriage was a political arrangement, yet Jihoon remained unbothered by their mutual indifference.

"Like I was about to say, I need to leave Arandal for three months," Jihoon said, picking up a pen and paper.

"You are ordering me or you are asking?" Jiho asked, his fury barely contained.

"I wanted to ask before, but I'm not asking anymore because it's not a request," Jihoon stated firmly.

"Jihoon, you are quite bold to talk to the crown prince like that," Jiho yelled, his temper flaring.

"You dare not yell at me! I too am the crown princess. I hold as much power as you. Stop getting in my way because I didn't get in yours," Jihoon shouted back, her anger palpable for the first time in their five months of marriage.

Jiho, taken aback by Jihoon's fury, declared, "I am still superior to you." He raised his hand to strike her again, but instead of turning away, Jihoon glared at him with a fierce intensity, her red eyes blazing. Jiho hesitated, his hand suspended in mid-air before he slowly lowered it.

"You better hit me, or else I will hit you," Jihoon ordered, still glaring at him.

"And who are you to..." Jiho's words were cut off as Jihoon grabbed his neck, her grip tightening with alarming strength.

"I told you to hit me before I hit you. Just because I appear weak doesn't mean I am. Now, I am telling you I am going to leave for three months. Agreed?" Her aura was intense, her grip unrelenting. Jiho, feeling the pressure of her nails against his skin, nodded in acquiescence.

"Write the pass for me to leave the palace and send someone to give it to me. You can enjoy your next three months with your girlfriend," Jihoon commanded, releasing him and thrusting the pen and paper into his hands before walking out of the room.

"She is scary," Jiho muttered, rubbing his neck where her nails had left faint indentations.

******

"Tina, send word in advance that we will be arriving at the Kwon sect. And tell them I'm there to see 'Father.' All of them will know it's me," Jihoon ordered Tina with an air of finality.

Tina, a loyal attendant who had been checking up on Jihoon weekly, felt a surge of concern. She often brought updates or passed on crucial information. "Your Highness, are you allowed to leave the palace?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

"Yes, Tina, I got my pass. Don't worry, I'll be fine. I want to go alone. Tell Sarah that she will be escorting me. And remember, the gud is in your hands. Don't disappoint me, okay?" Jihoon spoke firmly, trying to reassure her.

This trip would be pivotal. While she wasn't Jihoon by soul, the body she inhabited responded intensely to the same emotional triggers. If she failed, the body might spiral into depression, a fate she couldn't afford. 'Master Tae-kwon is a priority,' Jihoon reminded herself.

"Ahh yes, please find out about the Blood Wing Assassins and locate an antidote for the White Lily illness," Jihoon added as an afterthought.

Tina's eyes widened in shock. "White Lily illness? That illness died out almost a hundred years ago. It's impossible for it to regenerate."

"Just find a cure or antidote in case it comes in poison form. Understood?" Jihoon insisted, her tone brooking no argument.

"Yes, Master," Tina replied, her voice steady despite her initial surprise.

Jihoon watched as Tina nodded and prepared to leave. The weight of the coming journey settled on her shoulders. 'It's going to be a long year,' she sighed inwardly.

After the brief but intense meeting with Tina in the guest room—where Jihoon had been staying temporarily due to Jiho and his girlfriend taking over the main quarters—Jiho barged into the room without warning.

"What is it now, you pest?" Jihoon yelled, her patience fraying at the edges.