If You Claim the Fallen Heiress - Chapter 105

It was just something she said to keep the conversation going. But Yuseol listened to her words and began to think deeply. If possible, she wanted to get revenge in the same way Yanghui had suggested. But with what means?

Yuseol felt depressed, but she suddenly thought of Meisa. Meisa was probably busy moving around even at this very moment to reveal Sahwa’s identity and solidify her own position. What if a conflict suddenly arose between her and Kim Seon in the midst of all that? Wouldn’t Sahwa be put on the back burner, and wouldn’t she be busy resolving her relationship with Kim Seon first?

Given his sensitive personality, it wouldn’t be a welcome matter for Kim Seon, who had few people to rely on.

Time passed just like that. A palace lady briefly visited Yuseol’s quarters. She brought the news that Meisa had invited Sahwa to a boat trip tomorrow.

Yanghui, who had returned to the room, seemed anxious and bit the tip of her fingernails as she spoke.

“A boat trip when it’s still raining. If the weather is nice tomorrow and you go, I hope you are careful not to fall into the river. We’re using ingredients that are strong against sweat and water, but since we’ve newly drawn your facial bones with black shading, the more the makeup fades, the more your original face will be revealed.”

Yuseol nodded, resolving not to fall into the water, but she couldn’t feel at ease.

The more Yanghui thought about it, the more she seemed to find Meisa’s intentions unpleasant, and she asked with an expression of indignation.

“Shall I tell them that the lady can’t ride a boat because she can’t swim?”

That was also a good idea, but Yuseol didn’t want to participate in the boat trip at all. She had a premonition that she would be worn out trying to avoid the traps that Meisa had secretly set up.

Yuseol shook her head and only caressed the teacup on the writing desk. Then she finally brought up a thought that had been lingering in her mind.

“…What do you think would happen if I met His Majesty at that time instead?”

Yanghui looked puzzled.

“Pardon? His Majesty…?”

She didn’t want to become the same as them, but she was in a position where she couldn’t be picky. Even at this moment, her sister was probably waiting for her day to die in prison.

And for the people who came here with her, she didn’t want to be dragged around by Meisa.

“Yes, I think if Meisa started hearing such things, she wouldn’t be able to be as comfortable as she is now. If we create other problems between the two of them, I think we will have time to look for my sister.”

“Then shall I tell the young lady of Hwanghae that you can’t participate in the boat trip because you’re not feeling well?”

“That would be good.”

Yanghui felt a solid resolve from Yuseol and her face brightened. As if she had found strength she didn’t have before, she left Yuseol’s room, saying she would go and tell them right away.

When Yanghui left, the time that had been flowing well stopped again. Yuseol repeatedly applied the wound ointment she had received from Hongi of Museolwon to her hands. Strangely, she was touching her hands, but it was her lips and the back of her neck that felt numb, which bothered her.

She pinched the back of her hand to distract herself. The numbness faded at the end of the sharp pain, but this time, she felt an unfamiliar breath. It felt as though she was trapped in his bedchamber at that time yesterday.

She went out of the room and looked at the courtyard from the wooden floor. The palace in the evening rain was as serene as she remembered. She felt like she would never see this scenery again if she left the palace, so Yuseol gazed at it for a long time.

The drizzle that had briefly subsided turned into a heavy downpour again. And so another day came to an end.

She felt her body grow cold and was about to return to her room. Suddenly, she felt a subtle human presence.

Yuseol’s gaze, which had been scanning the wooden floor, stopped in front of Mu-yeong’s bedchamber door. He was leaning against the wall, watching her.

Plop, plop. The rainwater that had been collected under the eaves began to pour down.

Yuseol’s heart, which had calmed down, became restless again. It felt as if the rainwater from the eaves was washing into her heart. Even when she took a step back to avoid it, the feeling remained.

He showed no expression. He wasn’t embarrassed or flustered. He just seemed to enjoy appreciating her, who was at a loss. He didn’t seem to have any intention of talking about what had happened yesterday.

Even though he had explored her lips several times until now, it was only natural that he hadn’t come forward and said he would take responsibility and marry her. Even if he did, Yuseol intended to refuse. However, she was still curious whether what had happened was a momentary impulse or not.

Yuseol’s footsteps slowly approached him to ask. Then, she suddenly stopped in the middle of the wooden floor. The words she had heard that he would be leaving for a very distant place before long lingered in her mind. What if it was nothing more than curiosity before he left? Wouldn’t she look even more ridiculous?

Yuseol’s feet began to move towards her own quarters.

Even though the sound of the rain was getting heavier, only the hazy trace of his breath from yesterday lingered in her ears.