Song Jae knew better than to speak her mind—especially when doing so might earn the Crown Prince's wrath.
Instead, she mustered a sweet smile and replied, "Of course, Your Highness. I'll miss you dearly."
"You don't have to miss me that much—I'm not leaving until after the New Year banquet. Also, how about seeing me off on the day I depart?" Chul Kwan asked, a grin tugging at his lips.
Chul Kwan's sly grin made her want to curse him a thousand times over. She'd heard the whispers about his disdain for women, yet here he was, shamelessly flirting with her.
His sudden shift in demeanor left her confused. "How gracious of you to offer, Your Highness,"
She continued calmly, "but I'm afraid I won't be able to attend the farewell gathering. I have classes, and I can't afford to miss a single day—my father would surely scold me."
Chul Kwan had been teasing her, expecting her to decline. Yet somehow, her polite refusal unsettled him.
They might not meet again for three or four years, and that thought—unexpectedly—troubled him.
He couldn't understand why. Perhaps the journey to the border would clear his mind.
Perhaps time and distance would quiet these unfamiliar feelings. But as Chul Kwan gazed at Song Jae, he couldn't explain why her presence soothed him.
She was the only woman whose touch didn't trigger his usual discomfort—that awful crawling sensation like ants under his skin.
Frustrated with himself, Chul Kwan turned and left without another word.
Song Jae watched him go, bewildered by his sudden anger. She hadn't expected such a strong reaction from him; after all, they barely knew each other.
Pushing the thought aside, she hurried toward Snowy Palace. Her encounter with the infuriating prince had made her forget that Princess Chul Yun Hee was waiting.
As she walked, Song Jae reflected on how the story had changed. Ever since her transmigration, the narrative had veered off its original path.
In the novel, Crown Prince Chul Kwan loved the female lead—
Yet kept his distance, refusing all physical contact—not just with her, but with every woman, including his own family.
No one knew the reason for his aversion. The prince she remembered from the novel had given up the throne for the third prince—the female lead's true love—so she could be happy.
But the Chul Kwan she faced now didn't resemble that man at all. He didn't seem like someone who'd give up power for love.
When Song Jae arrived at Snowy Palace, she entered the waiting room where Princess Chul Yun Hee and Lee Cha were seated. Two curious pairs of eyes turned to her, but she pretended not to notice.
Princess Chul Yun Hee's patience was wearing thin. She stood and approached her. "Song Jae, tell me—what did my brother say? Why did he dismiss us just to speak with you?"
Song Jae chose her words with care.
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince only asked me to look after you during our studies. He mentioned his journey to the border and said he'd be gone for a while. He hoped I'd keep you company, so you wouldn't miss him too much. That was all."
Princess Chul Yun Hee frowned, unconvinced.
"That's truly all he said? I waited, thinking it must be something important. Was that really it?"
"Yes, Princess. That's all," Song Jae replied, though the princess's skeptical gaze lingered.
"Did he say when he'll return?" the princess asked, worry creeping into her voice.
"In three to four years, Your Highness," Song Jae answered.
Princess Chul Yun Hee's eyes widened. "That long? Strange… he didn't say a word to me, his own sister."
She stood, her expression hardening. "I must speak with him."
"Princess, wait," Song Jae interjected, stopping her. "Before we began our lessons together, I studied with a tutor.
I'd like to know the class schedule so I can coordinate my home studies."
"You still want to study at home?" the princess asked, surprised. "Won't it tire you out?"
"It's alright, Princess," Song Jae replied with a calm smile. "I promised my father I'd continue, just like my siblings. I'm used to it."
Song Jae dared not confess to the princess that she had never studied at home before, worried others might find it odd.
She had never been taught proper etiquette or traditional skills, yet somehow managed to excel in dancing during the Empress Dowager's birthday celebration.
Though Princess Chul Yun Hee was known for her kindness and naivety, Song Jae couldn't risk exposing her secret—not when the consequences were unpredictable.
She still wasn't sure if she could place her trust in the princess. And with Lee Cha present, her caution only deepened.
She barely knew the girl and couldn't yet read her temperament or intentions.
"The tutor visits the palace four times a week," Princess Chul Yun Hee informed her. " So you can attend your private tutor at home on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays."
"Thank you, Princess," Song Jae replied sincerely.
As their conversation drew to a close, the princess glanced toward the window. "It's getting late—already the hour of the monkey (3:00 pm to 5:00 pm)."
"You ladies may leave now. If your carriages haven't arrived, feel free to use one from the palace."
"My head maid will escort you," she added, dismissing them with a gentle nod.
"Thank you, Princess," Song Jae and Lee Cha said in unison before following Head Maid Cha outside.
Once they'd gone, Princess Chul Yun Hee hurried from her quarters, hoping to catch a glimpse of her brother. She wasn't sure whether he was still somewhere within the Imperial Palace or had already returned to his own residence.
Unfortunately, she was too late. He had already departed.
Days slipped by, and before long, the day of the New Year banquet arrived.
Today was the Lunar New Year, the first day of the first month. At the Prime Minister Song residence, the entire household was bustling with activity. Servants hurried about, cleaning every corner of the house to ward off bad luck.
Song Jae, still half-asleep after being dragged out of bed by her maid, struggled to keep her eyes open. Her face was a picture of sleepiness—eyes slowly closing, head nodding to one side as she stood, trying to shake off the lingering effects of slumber.
Song Sena, ever the efficient one, quickly took charge, instructing Song Sook and Song Min to prepare the water for the ritual bath. Meanwhile, Song Mi Cha and other maidservants set about burning incense in the courtyard.
The moment Song Jae stepped into the bath, the fog of sleep cleared from her mind. But as she sank into the warm water, a wave of nostalgia hit her. She couldn't help but miss her previous life, when she could simply stay in her apartment, sleep through the New Year, and be alone.
After the bath, she donned her new hanbok and wrapped herself in a cloak and hand warmer. She would soon need to go to the main courtyard to pay her respects to her father and the Second Madam. Leaving her snow courtyard, she tightened her cloak around her body. Inside the house, she hadn't felt the cold, but stepping outside, she shivered, the chill biting into her skin. She had always been sensitive to the cold, even in her previous life.
Upon arriving at the main courtyard, she waited outside the door for a servant to announce her presence. Once announced, she entered the room. To her surprise, her father, an elderly woman, the Second Madam, and some unfamiliar aunts were already there. It seemed she was late.
Looking at the large group, Song Jae was grateful that Song Sena had already briefed her on the family tree and the usual guests who visited for the Lunar New Year. Without that knowledge, she might have found herself in an awkward situation.
She quickly walked toward the elderly woman and bowed deeply. "Grandmother, this granddaughter wish you a Happy New Year and a long, peaceful life." Then, she greeted her father and the Second Madam, as well as the unfamiliar aunts. Afterward, she made her way to her seat, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of the palace. Would she be going today with the Second Madam and her sisters? The thought of seeing the Crown Prince again filled her with unease.
Hello, dear reader. I apologize for the long wait without updates. I had been considering dropping the story, but an amazing reader of mine made me reconsider. Please feel free to leave your comments and reviews—I'm eager to hear your thoughts. Thank you!