Chapter 2

Minji had been living as Jiu for about two days when she finally met her father, Duke Winston. She expected the man to be cold, just like what she heard from the servants, but when only the two of them were left in Jiu's room, he turned out to be really... sweet? Minji was scared of the rumored cold Duke, but even more so now that she realized how much he dotes on her daughter, Jiu, and Minji is not Jiu. If he were ever to find out, she might lose her life for real now. Fortunately, the medical system wasn't advanced enough that she was diagnosed with amnesia. Perhaps the doctor was aware but needed a reason for Jiu's condition.

"I was thinking..." the Duke started, "Would you be interested in learning back all the things you've learned before?"

Minji was silent for a few seconds but knew it would be best if she agreed. So she did. The Winston family had been keeping Jiu's condition from the public, but she could only lock herself in the house for so long before guests that came for business figured out the situation. She could see where the Duke was coming from. What she didn't expect, though, were the words that came out of the Duke's mouth after.

"Your engagement with the Crown Prince will happen in less than a year. If words were to go out about your condition, it would not only tarnish our family's name but also the royal family,"

Engagement with WHO now? The Crown Prince? If Jiu and the Crown Prince had something going on, chances are, he would know that Minji is not his Jiu and-

"I know that you do not love him," the Duke placed his hand on Minji's head and pat it, "But we should still give our best since the King favors you."

Oh.

The Duke didn't stay long, and he left after explaining the classes Minji needed to take.

***

It was surreal. Just about a week ago, she worked part-time at a convenience store, took university classes, and hung out with her friends. She spent almost eight nights in this world, but no glimpses of her previous life were given to her anymore.

She felt lonely. She misses Bora and her chaotic nature. But, compared to her everyday life, her current one is boring. Too quiet and too calm, aside from the fact that someone wanted to take her life. 

Out of all the things Minji had learned, etiquette was the hardest. But, surprisingly, dancing classes were easy, and the teacher seemed proud of how well Minji was doing. It wasn't hard to tell when she was constantly showered with praises every time, but it's a different story with Lady Anne, the one teaching her about etiquettes. She might've not shown it, but Minji could tell she was stressed out by how she gulped.

"Eyes off me and focus on how you're eating, Lady Jiu,"

Minji didn't like that she couldn't enjoy the food, so she cursed the etiquette in her mind.

***

"I'm expecting good news now that you're back here, Dami," A slap went across Dami's face. "But I heard that the lady is alive and well. Care to explain yourself?"

"I did kill her, but somehow the poison didn't work-"

"Then make it work!" Dami almost flinched at the yelling, "Not only you failed, but you came back crawling here with no shame! What if the Duke sent someone?! You led them straight to me! Are you trying to get me killed too?!!"

"I'm sorry."

"That won't be enough. You just wasted my time," a sigh of frustration was heard, "But I'll give you a chance since you need it so much."

"You only come back when the Crown Prince is dead this time."

***

There was something on Minji's mind lately.

And that was Jiu's mother, Duchess Winston.

She had seen family portraits of them together but had never seen the duchess. Was she busy? Or does she have little care for the lady? What Minji failed to consider was the correct answer.

"T-the duchess?" Lucy's mouth gaped for a second but answered Minji's curious question anyway, "Well, Her Grace passed away a year ago."

"Why?"

"Her Grace jumped off the balcony... and she stopped breathing since." Minji thought it was odd to explain it, but maybe Lucy was trying to be considerate. She could've been afraid to hurt Minji's feelings but still wanted to hint at what happened. While Minji felt sympathy, it was hard to imagine what Jiu felt about such a tragedy. She was the one who had an emotional connection to the duchess, not Minji.

Lucy got fidgety over Minji's silence, so all she could mutter was a soft I'm sorry.

"It's alright, Gahyeon. Mother must be living a better life in heaven now," Minji panicked when Lucy started sobbing—such a big heart, just like Gahyeon. Minji didn't know why but seeing Lucy this way made her eyes sting too.


That night, Minji and Lucy cried together.

***

A month goes by, then two. Finally, Minji had gotten the hang of her life as a noble lady. At least, she hoped so. The days she spent lacking the spice and flavor were what she would call it, but it was ok. It gave her enough time to learn more about the general knowledge Jiu should've had.

Her daily routine was interrupted when Lucy woke her early and started rambling about dressing up for guests. As far as Minji knew, the Duke never asked for Minji's attendance when guests came, but Lucy explained that they weren't his guests but hers.

"Gahyeon, who are they?"

"The Crown Prince,"

***

Minji's lips were getting dry. It's hard to control herself from bouncing her leg out of anxiety. What's up with the prince showing up unnoticed? Ok, he did send a notice but a day before? Why can't he give her at least three days to prepare?

Lucy seemed to have caught on to Minji's anxiousness and offered comfort by placing her hand on Minji's shoulder, "It's alright, Lady Jiu. I'll be right here if you need anything,"

"That's very sweet of you, Gahyeon. Thank you," her voice sounded hoarse, "Can you get me some water, please?"

"I'll be back soon," Lucy said before taking her leave.

Minji was glad she could finally deal with her dry lips. As long as the Crown Prince-

"His Royal Highness has arrived,"

Shit.


"Good morning, Your Highness," Minji stood up and offered a curtsy.

"Morning to you too, My Lady," the Crown Prince took her hand and kissed it, but his face remained stoic the whole time. "Hope you're feeling better now,"

"I'm much better, thank you."

The Crown Prince took his seat across from Minji, and she followed suit, taking her seat too.

"What brings you here today?"

"I wish to reschedule our engagement date," Is he trying to postpone? "To next week if possible."

"Excuse me?" All courtesy Minji had learned flew through her head as she processed what the prince told her. So she doesn't know him, and they'd be engaged next week? No way, Minji thought. I must've heard it wrong.

"I want our engagement to be held next week," the Crown Prince repeated. "I'm sure you know the King is not in good condition. He wishes to see us get married before his time is up, and next year might be too late."


No one told me the King was dying.


Minji cleared her throat. "I think we need my father's opinion on this,"

"Oh, Duke Winston? Don't worry, I will see him after this,"

Why is Lucy taking so long with the water? Just then, as if the devil had heard her, a knock was heard on the door, and Lucy entered before placing the drinks and some pastries on the table. Minji muttered a small thank you to the maid.

"Also, I've heard about your assassination attempt," He continued, "The royal family would provide the strongest security as you will have the royal knights by your side to protect you."

While that does sound tempting, Minji felt like she was not ready yet. It had barely been two months since she got here, and now she had to stand by the future King's side in public. It's too much, especially for Minji, who used to be a common folk.

Silence filled the room as Minji and the Crown Prince enjoyed the drinks and pastries served. That was until the prince broke the silence with a request.

"Would you mind accompanying me back to the palace?"

***

The ride to the palace was awkward. Even as a social butterfly, Minji didn't know what to discuss with the Crown Prince. But, of course, one wrong word might get me beheaded; who knows?

Now that Minji looks at the man carefully, she realizes he's not at all bad looking. On the contrary, he is quite handsome himself. Even without his title, he would be popular amongst the ladies, and he had this vibe that reminded Minji of someone.

Lee Yubin. Yubin can appear cold sometimes, but Minji knows that her heart is as warm as possible. Yubin helped others often, despite the lack of sweet words and the missing smile on her face. I miss Yubin.

The Crown Prince sure had the patience. Minji had been staring at him for more than five minutes now, and he hadn't said anything or expressed any discomfort. However, he was wearing a badge on his left chest, and Minji almost gasped when she recognized the pattern—or symbol.

It was her, the same one she had seen in her recurring nightmare and the one carved on her arm like a tattoo.

Jiu doesn't have the symbol carved on her arm, but Minji is sure that's the one.

Is it the royal crest?

***

They arrived at the palace, and Minji's suspicions were confirmed. It is indeed the royal crest.

Upon arrival, the King requested a meeting with the Crown Prince and Lady Jiu. Minji's anxiousness just never ends. Thankfully, she had Lucy by her side.

They were led to the palace garden, and there sat the King Minji assumed would be the Queen Consort. Minji offered her curtsy but almost lost her balance out of shock.

On the King's neck was the same jadeite pendant she had been dreaming of. The source of her nightmares. Minji tried her best to keep her cool despite her racing heartbeat, but her legs gave out, and she collapsed. It earned some shock from the royal family and their servants as they hurried to get Minji on her seat. Finally, the Queen stood up and handed Minji a glass of water which she accepted.

"Are you alright, dear?" the Queen asked, and Minji nodded. The King quickly turned to his heir, "If she were unwell, you should've just let her rest."

"I-I'm sorry, I was not aware." It was the first time Minji saw him lose his composure.

"I wish to spend a little bit of time with the both of you, but Lady Jiu's health is important, so let us delay and rest for a while. Then, we will meet for dinner," the King said before commanding one of his servants, "Lead her to her chamber."

The servants led her to her room as she pondered about the pendant. So it's the King's? Does that mean he was the one she had been dreaming of? Minji shivered at the thought of a married man telling her he loved her. Could that be the favor the Duke was speaking of? That's... disgusting. She thought.

Maybe that's not the pendant. There could be another one, Minji convinced herself. So far, the only thing confirmed is that that person is a part of this world. Someone acquainted with the royal family. For all Minji knows, it could've been the Crown Prince.


They arrived at the chamber prepared for her, and all the servants except Lucy left when she entered the room. However, Minji didn't waste any time asking Lucy the question lying on the tip of her tongue.

"Gahyeon, can you tell me more about the necklace the King was wearing?" quickly, Lucy covered the lady's mouth and looked around.

"My Lady, the palace walls have ears. You need to be careful,"

Minji removed Lucy's hand and asked why.

"That necklace is essential. The ruler of this kingdom can only wear it."

"So there's only one of them?"

"Yes," Lucy eyed Minji carefully," My Lady if you are interested in acquiring the necklace, I advise you to change your mind. If anyone heard about this, they might think you have plans on taking over the throne, and you know what that means, right?" Minji nodded.

That would mean ending the current royal family's bloodline.


Then who was that person? Minji frowned as she struggled to remember the voice of the other and anything that would help her identify them. Finally, she sat on the edge of the bed with her eyes closed, replaying the dream in her mind.

It was dark, so she could only remember the scent of the other. Was it bergamot?

And the hair...huh?

Their hair was light-colored as it was shining in the dark. Minji couldn't tell if it was white, blonde, or any other color, but she was sure it wasn't of a dark tone.

The Crown Prince and the King both have dark brown hair—the King with streaks of white due to old age. The Queen, however, had blonde hair, and Minji considered the possibilities. Minji sighed in relief the moment she could rule out the King from the list, but it only left her with more questions. Could it be the Queen? Is that even possible? The Queen is merely a King's Consort, and if anything were to happen to the King, the Crown Prince would have the throne. But now that Minji knew it wouldn't be the Crown Prince, she was clueless.

It was clear that that person would be this kingdom's next ruler, whether through force or not.

***

Minji took a nap briefly before Lucy woke her up to get prepared for dinner. She could never get used to this. As Minji, she never had to schedule an hour before dinner at home. But right now, she is Jiu, and Jiu is a noble lady.

"Lady Jiu," Lucy whispered. "The King's concubine and their children will also have dinner with us."

"What?"

Lucy just smiled at Minji through the reflection of the mirror. Minji figured it was a warning to watch herself and not embarrass Winston's name.

***

"Welcome, Lady Jiu," the King's voice echoed in the dining hall. "How are you feeling now?"

"Much better. Please excuse me for the commotion that happened,"

"Oh, it's alright. A daughter of mine is much like you too. She collapsed pretty often under the Sun." Minji wondered who that was. Poor girl, being spoken of in such a way to a stranger.

As Minji sat on one of the chairs beside the Crown Prince, someone announced themselves arriving by saying their greetings to the King.

"Ah, there she is, the daughter I was speaking of," the King stated with a slight smile. Minji turned her head to look and was met with an unfamiliar, much older face, and behind her were two familiar ones.

All three with the same blonde hair.


"Girls, meet Lady Jiu," Minji stood up quickly and gave her a curtsy, and the other two did the same.

Handong spoke first, "Greetings, Lady Jiu, I am Della, and this," Della moved aside to reveal Yoohyeon, who was behind her,

"is Rachel."

~~~

And that was all for Chapter 2. See you in the next one ;)

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