"Saha?"
That usually arrogant voice was now softly calling for a woman I assumed was his maid. It was quite a different sight than usual. Who would have thought that this Young Master so high and mighty, prim and proper, would so easily expose himself without any worries?
Well, thinking about it, it wasn't strange. He must have been spoiled since he was young. Being served by others was normal for him. I, as a prince, especially knew that. But unlike him, I still had to be vigilant. I couldn't be as careless as the young man in front of me. Because just one miscalculation, one act of bribery, and a life could be lost in the depths of the palace.
'Still, it's not unwelcome...'
I didn't think I would come across such a sight. I couldn't help but curve my lips, carefully approaching him. His fair skin was smooth and firm, yet somehow still soft to the touch.
'Tsk, quite beautiful.'
I originally hadn't planned to come here. It was my third day since arriving at the Baek residence. I didn't intend to stay long; I would have to depart soon. At first, I had only planned to deliver the imperial edict to the Baek Family and immediately take that young man with me. Who would have thought I would stumble upon such an amusing scene upon arrival?
Not only was that Young Master daring, but he was also incredibly beautiful; he suited my taste very well. Remembering him anxiously kneeling down yet still daring to gaze at me made him even more interesting.
'If only the circumstances were different then...' I clicked my tongue.
"Why are you clicking your tongue? Just so you know, I'm also quite dissatisfied with you," Hwi complained, his eyes closed.
Seeing him like this, I was glad I had come here. It was quite a pleasant sight. I had always liked beautiful things. My mother always says that beauty is the muse of the heart, and I wholeheartedly agree.
'He must have been hiding from me all day. How cute.'
"Why are you being so gentle today? Don't slack off."
Hearing this, I almost let out a chuckle. I gradually increased the pressure, massaging him accordingly. 'So nice.'
Hwi suddenly tilted his head back, his eyes still closed. For a moment, I thought I would be discovered. But he continued to keep his eyes shut, letting out comfortable sighs.
"Ngh," he moaned.
My movements paused immediately. Hwi really was vixen-like. Even just massaging him made one's heart flutter. I stared intently at him, then resumed the movements of my hands.
That face was flawless—no blemishes, a high nose, pale skin, thick curly eyelashes, full brows, and soft pink lips that seemed to lure me, as if inviting me to taste them. I had to admit that I really liked his appearance. But thinking about how this man would help me search for my fated partner, I decided to admire him from afar.
Then suddenly, I was met with mesmerizing, light-brown, almond-shaped eyes that were dazzlingly staring at me.
'Oh, I've been caught.'
---
"Your Highness?!"
I squeezed my eyes shut and opened them again. But the man in front of me was still the same. My face fell slightly.
'Did he massage me the whole time? Damn it. Where's Saha?!'
If Saha were here, she would already be on her knees, not daring to look, while also misunderstanding more and more. How else could one explain me lying here half-naked while the Crown Prince himself was attending to me?
I furrowed my brows. This situation was uncomfortable. I should have known from the beginning.
I had already wondered why Saha had been strangely quiet, especially after yesterday's events. She wouldn't have stopped talking about it.
Also, his hands were much bigger than Saha's. Those were clearly the hands of a man. But I couldn't possibly imagine it being him!
"Young Master Baek, did you enjoy my service? Or was it insufficient?" Jongmu gently cupped my cheeks.
Goosebumps.
'Why is he still touching me??? No, why would he even do that in the first place? What's wrong with this Prince?!'
I wanted to slap his hands away, but remembering his identity, I wisely held back. I had already been impudent enough.
"Serving me?… those are tasks meant for servants. I don't dare receive such favor from your precious hands." I moved his hands away from my face.
"Oh? Well then." He chuckled. "These precious hands feel blessed. Being able to touch jade is, of course, pleasant. So don't worry."
'That damn chuckle again! Can't he stop already?!'
"Your Highness… likes to joke," I said through gritted teeth.
'He really knows how to piss me off.'
"Do I? With the Young Master around, I feel quite light-hearted indeed," he smirked.
I smiled stiffly. "But what brings you here, Your Highness?"
"I couldn't find you anywhere. When I asked a servant, they told me you had been resting in your room all day. Worried, I naturally came to check on you. After all, we must depart soon. It wouldn't be good if you suddenly fell ill." Jongmu circled around me.
'Right. We're departing soon...'
I suddenly felt a surge of anticipation. Due to my father's cautious nature, I hadn't often visited the capital or large cities let alone the imperial palace.
"Spring Festival!" I blurted out.
"Hm?"
I looked at him with bright eyes. "Isn't the Spring Festival celebrated grandly in the capital?"
Seemingly taken aback by the sudden question, Jongmu stared at me blankly for a few seconds before nodding with a smile.
"Yes. We should arrive in time for the Spring Festival."
"When are we departing then?"
I now felt excited. I had grown up like a wallflower, restricted in my outings. Sometimes I wished to be like Jaeyeong, traveling the Jianghu and honing my sword skills. Every young martial artist dreamed of becoming a great hero or heroine.
"Looks like the Young Master is in more of a hurry than I am to return," Jongmu chuckled again. But being in a somewhat good mood, I decided to ignore his annoying habit.
"Well, for me, it's not returning. I am, after all, not from the capital." I got up from the couch, lightly stretching my numb limbs.
When I still received no response after a while, I finally turned to look at Jongmu, who was staring at me slyly.
Looking down, I saw that I was still undressed and quickly grabbed my outer robe, covering myself.
"Your Highness, I need to get changed. Please excuse me." I hurriedly fled the room, calling for a servant to help me dress.
---
"Jaeyeong-ah." Jong-cha looked at the young man with a bright smile.
"...Lord Baek." Jaeyeong greeted him with a cupped-fist salute.
Hearing this, Jong-cha frowned. He approached Jaeyeong quickly and pulled his ear.
"You brat! Why are you acting so distant? Who taught you to address me like that?" Jong-cha ruffled his hair.
Jaeyeong sheepishly avoided his gaze, rubbing his sore ear. Though usually serious and mature, in front of Jong-cha and Mi-ran, he always felt like a troublesome child.
"I was wrong, Father," he muttered.
When Jaeyeong was five years old, he had climbed a snowy mountain with his little sister on his back. He had originally intended to reach the Kunlun Sect, but took a wrong turn and ended up at the Baek Clan's residence instead.
Madam Mi-ran found him near the gates and immediately took them in. Upon learning they had no parents, she adopted them without hesitation, raising them alongside Hwi and Hana.
Perhaps inspired by the lone-wolf protagonists in his storybooks, Jaeyeong had tried to act distant, addressing them by titles instead of calling them family.
"Ahem. Anyway, I'm glad you're back." Jong-cha hugged him tightly before letting go.
Jaeyeong smiled awkwardly or at least tried to. It looked more like indigestion.
"Father..." Jaeyeong hesitated.
"Hm?"
"Is it true that Hyung is going to the capital with the prince?"
"Ah, that matter." Jong-cha sighed. "I would prefer he didn't go, but it's an imperial order."
This time, Jaeyeong frowned. "Then I want to go too!"
"What? No!"
"But… I can't let Hyung go alone. To be honest, Father, I think that Prince…"
Jong-cha took a sip of tea, shaking his head. I understand. I don't trust the Prince either…
"...has ulterior motives toward Hyung."
"Pff—what?!" Jong-cha spat out his tea in shock.
"Yes. He's always touching Hyung improperly," Jaeyeong said, recalling what he had seen and heard from Hana.
"What nonsense are you saying?!" Jong-cha's face turned red as he choked on his tea.
"So that's why. Please let me go with him!"
"Absolutely not."
"But, Father!"
"That's enough."
"No, Father, you don't understand… if you had seen..."
"Confiscate all the storybooks in Jaeyeong's room immediately!" Jong-cha ordered a nearby servant.
"Father! No!"
"Silence!"