The classroom was filled with the rhythmic exchange of the teacher's voice and the students' responses. Every instruction was met with obedient acknowledgment, and the atmosphere brimmed with discipline. However, at Song Jae's corner, things were different.
She was starting from the very basics—an entirely new world of etiquette and refinement unfolding before her. And she had no right to complain. After all, she had given her father her word. She had promised to learn diligently, without trouble, without protest.
Fortunately, she was under the guidance of Madam Jung—a woman known for her patience.
"Jae, do you mind if I call you that?" Madam Jung asked, her tone warm yet firm.
Song Jae gave a small nod. "No, Madam Jung. I like it very much."
"Good," the instructor said with a pleased smile. "As of today, we will begin with the most fundamental lessons in etiquette. Let's start with your curtsy."
She paused for a moment, studying Song Jae's posture.
"The way you present yourself is important, especially if you are ever required to enter the palace for a gathering. You must not make any mistakes in your curtsy.
First impressions matter, and a single misstep can stain your reputation. So, we shall focus on that—as well as your walking style."
Madam Jung clapped her hands together lightly. "Now, I want you to walk elegantly across the room. Imagine yourself standing before His Majesty, the Emperor. Walk with poise, then curtsy."
Song Jae inhaled deeply and rose from her chair. She took careful steps, moving as gracefully as she could. With a determined expression, she performed a curtsy—lowering herself with a smooth motion, just as she had seen noble ladies do.
When she finished, she stood to the side, awaiting Madam Jung's evaluation.
"Jae, your walking posture is quite impressive," the teacher said approvingly. "With just a few adjustments, it will be perfect. However…" Her expression shifted slightly. "Your curtsy needs significant improvement. We will have to practice it many more times."
The lesson continued, time slipping away faster than Song Jae realized. Before long, the class had come to an end. The young noble ladies, having finished their lessons, were escorted back to their courtyards by their maidservants.
As Song Jae walked along the stone pathway, a familiar yet unfamiliar voice called out behind her.
"Eonni! Eonni!"
She turned to see her younger sister, Song Nabi, hurrying toward her.
(Author's Note: 'Eonni' means 'big sister' in Korean. Don't forget—Song Jae is the eldest daughter.)
"What is it, Song Nabi?" Jae asked, arching an eyebrow.
The second-eldest daughter came to a stop, catching her breath. "I just wanted to remind you that we'll be going to the palace next week. The Second Princess Consort is hosting a flower gathering, and we are expected to attend."
Song Nabi folded her arms and gave her older sister a pointed look. "I suggest you learn quickly, eonni. You don't want to embarrass yourself when we get there."
A flicker of annoyance crossed Song Jae's face. "I appreciate your concern, but I'm a fast learner. I understand things quickly."
"You'd better," Nabi warned, lowering her voice. "You know how easily the Second Princess Consort gets irritated. If you make even the slightest mistake, she won't hesitate to humiliate you.
She doesn't care about status, and she never gives face to anyone. So don't assume that just because Father invited a teacher from the palace for you, you can afford to be lazy."
Song Jae met her sister's gaze evenly. "I don't need you to worry about me, Nabi. I suggest you focus on yourself instead. It would be a shame if you made a mistake and angered the Princess Consort, don't you think?"
Song Nabi and Song narinscowled but said nothing. Seeing them not talking Song Jae felt cold since it was snowing, unable to bear the cold she turned on her heel and walked away,
Song Jae exhaled slowly. The palace… The Second Princess Consort… She had a feeling that next week would not be easy.
But she had made a promise to her father. And she intended to keep it.
Song Nabi and Song Nari stood frozen in shock, their eyes wide with disbelief.
Had they heard correctly?
Song Jae—their Song Jae—had just spoken with sarcasm instead of resorting to her usual loud, shrewish outbursts. It was unheard of. This was the same girl who would lash out and fight anyone who dared insult her. The same girl who was known for her lack of intelligence, quick temper, and complete inability to hold back when provoked.
And yet, she had merely thrown a sharp remark and left without another word.
As they remained in a daze, Song Jae had already walked away, unfazed. Unlike them, she could still feel the biting cold in the air, and she had no intention of standing around just to entertain their stunned expressions.
Song Nari finally snapped out of her shock, gripping her sister's arm. "Sister… Is that really the same Song Jae we know? She actually had the nerve to leave just like that?"
Song Nabi scoffed. "Don't mind her. Maybe she's in a bad mood today. Let's go. It's freezing out here."
After entering her courtyard, Song Jae went straight inside to rest. She needed it.
She and her brother had plans later in the evening, and her body still ached from the countless curtsies and graceful walking lessons she had endured earlier. She never imagined that proper etiquette could be this exhausting.
With a sigh, she kicked off her shoes, climbed onto the bed, and pulled the blanket over herself. Within moments, she had drifted into a deep sleep.
Outside, Song Sena, her ever-dutiful maid, arrived with a tray of dinner. But upon seeing her mistress peacefully asleep, she silently hushed the other maids and led them out of the room, ensuring that Song Jae would not be disturbed.
By the time Song Jae woke up, it was already Dog Hour (7 PM – 9 PM).
A gentle shake on her shoulder pulled her out of her slumber.
"Miss," Sena whispered, "the Eldest Young Master says it's time to go."
Still drowsy, Song Jae let herself be carried to the folding screen, where her maids helped her dress. They carefully adjusted her attire, ensuring she looked presentable for the night's excursion.
After fastening the last sash, Song Min approached with a thick coat and a heavy cloak. "Miss, the Eldest Young Master said you may only bring one maidservant with you tonight."
Song Jae barely hesitated before making her choice. "Song Sook, you will come with me." She had her reasons.
Aside from Sena, who was mature and responsible, Song Sook was the only other maid who was cheerful yet steady.
Song Mi Cha was too playful, lacking the composure needed for a proper outing, and Song Min, the youngest, was too quiet—practically invisible.
Slipping into her black dress, Song Jae admired the way it clung to her form. The dark fabric made her beauty even more striking, allowing her to blend into the night like a shadow.
She took the coat and cloak from Sena, wrapped them around herself, and stepped out into the cold.
Standing at the entrance of her courtyard was her older brother, Song Ji.
A playful glint entered her eyes as she tiptoed toward him, moving as silently as possible. Then, with a mischievous smile, she reached out and covered his eyes with her hands.
"Guess who?" Song Ji chuckled. "Song Jae, are you trying to scare me?"
She pouted. "Oppa, how did you know it was me? I didn't even make a sound while walking!"
He smirked, turning around to face her. "I could smell your perfume. And I heard your footsteps—yours and your maid's."
Song Jae gasped. "My brother is really amazing!"
"Of course. If I didn't know these simple things, how could I possibly survive in the army?" Song Ji looked her up and down, nodding in approval. "And wow… I must say, my Jae looks beautiful tonight."
A slight blush crept up her cheeks, but she responded gracefully. "Thank you, brother."
She gave him a practiced curtsy to express her gratitude.
Song Ji raised an eyebrow, amused. "So, you've even learned how to curtsy today? At this rate, my little sister might just become a princess."
Song Jae lifted her chin proudly. "Of course! I'm already a princess in my own way. Don't I look like one in my dark princess attire? I will make a very beautiful princess."
(Neither Song Ji nor Song Jae knew that the words they spoke so casually that night would one day become reality…)
She tilted her head. "But, brother, where are we going?"
Song Ji smirked. "I won't say. It's a surprise. Let's go. Father said we must return by Pig Hour (9 PM – 11 PM), so we only have two hours."
"Then hurry up! Let's go!" The siblings left the courtyard and stepped into the waiting horse carriage.
The carriage moved swiftly, and soon they arrived outside the bustling city.
For Song Jae, it was a sight to behold. Ever since she transmigrated into this world, she had never stepped beyond the walls of her home. Now, staring at the lively streets filled with merchants, street performers, and the scent of roasted delicacies, she couldn't hide her excitement.
Her eyes sparkled as she pointed at a nearby stall.
"Brother, look at these figurines! Aren't they adorable? Can we buy some?"
Song Ji chuckled at her childlike enthusiasm. "They look delicious, too."
He signaled the driver to stop at the corner. The two siblings stepped out of the carriage and walked toward the small shop.
An elderly shopkeeper greeted them with a kind smile. "Welcome, young master, young lady. Which figurines would you like?"
Song Jae beamed. "I'll take four—two rabbit and two cat figurines."
The shopkeeper nodded. "Very well. Would you like to wait here, or would you prefer to return to your carriage while I prepare them?"
"We'll wait here!" "Alright, then. Please take a seat. I'll have them ready shortly."
Song Jae and Song Ji settled onto a nearby bench, watching as the shopkeeper disappeared into the kitchen.
Ten minutes later… The siblings left the shop, each holding a figurine in hand.
Song Jae turned to her brother, her eyes twinkling. "Brother, can we look around first? I want to explore! Just thirty minutes, then we can go to the surprise location."
Song Ji hesitated. He knew time was limited, but when he saw his sister's eager, pleading expression, he couldn't bring himself to refuse.
With a sigh, he ruffled her hair. "Fine. But only thirty minutes."
Song Jae grinned triumphantly.
She had never been outside before. There was so much to see, so much to experience. And tonight—she wanted to take it all in.
(T/N the remaining one chapter will be updated later today)