"Thank you for the ride, Your Highness," Minji offered curtsy as soon as she got off the carriage they were on. Rachel then gave her a firm nod before taking off.

After all the interesting exchange they had earlier, Minji expected Rachel to be a little friendlier towards her but perhaps it was too early for that. She thought that the princess was a bit too cold compared to Yoohyeon and she knew she shouldn't make such comparison. It was hard, she couldn't help it especially with how similar the two of them are lookwise.

The moment Minji turn around, she was faced with an approaching Lucy. A deep frown visible on her forehead and she appeared to be bewildered? Minji ran to the maid and as she was about to crush her body into her, Lucy stopped Minji in her tracks by grabbing the lady's shoulders.

"Where were you!?" Minji could only flinch at the loud voice but couldn't move away with how she was detained. Lucy is pretty strong, she thought. A loud gasp then erupted from the maid and soon the grip on Minji's shoulders were gone. Lucy's eyes were now on the coat that Minji was wearing.

"Were you with His Royal Highness?"

"Well, n-"

"You left unnoticed to go on a rendezvous!? My Lady, you almost gave everyone a heart attack!"

"Gahyeon!" Lucy turned silent but the look on her face didn't falter. With a sigh, Minji continued, "I was with Princess Rachel,"

The reveal just made Lucy's frown deepened and currently she's looking at Minji as if the lady just told her that pigs could fly. In this world, perhaps it's possible for pigs to do so with a touch of magic, but to Lucy nothing is possible if she hasn't witness it yet. To think that the princess who had never been seen talking to the Crown Prince himself spent the evening with Lady Jiu, the Crown Prince's fiancée was beyond belief.

"I wasn't aware of your familiarity with Her Royal Highness,"

"It wasn't planned,"

Minji explained what happened throughout the evening and what led Rachel to send her to the Dupont's doorstep. The more words came out of Minji's mouth the more the frown on Lucy's forehead lessen but it all came back when Lucy was given time to process the events that had occurred.

"What was the princess doing in the Southern forest?"

"She mentioned something about a task, but I'm not too sure," Lucy didn't say anything in reply, her eyes stuck on Minji's attire.

"My Lady, let us continue inside," she said.

***

"I've heard about it,"

Three women gathered and since Minji was in a much comfortable dress, specifically her nightgown, leaning on the armchair almost made it look like they were having a slumber party. It gave Minji flashbacks of something similar from the past which almost put a smile on her face. Those moments were amazing, though shame she wouldn't be able to experience them again anytime soon.

"There were rumours about attacks originating from the South but their goals are unclear," Monica tapped her finger on the table. "So far they've only been aiming their attacks at nobles and barely did any harm, but I don't think it will stay that way for long, since the attackers all have a common skill they possess. They all practice black magic,"

She eyed Lucy who continued, "My Lady, do you remember the incident not long ago?" Minji nodded. "The poison used weren't natural. Duke Winston sent some samples to the researchers but none could identify what it was made of," she paused. "We believe sorcery is involved,"

Minji didn't seem too fazed with this new information. It would make a lot of sense, or it would just be another nonsense. She woke up with a whole new identity and the life she lived before started to fade away bit by bit. Maybe she'd gotten crazy but everything felt way too realistic.

"So, the person who tried to assassinate me is one of the rebellions?"

"Most likely,"

At the moment, as if out of nowhere, Minji started feeling like she had wasted so many time. Why was she indulging herself in the daily life of Jiu Winston when she could just find the person behind those recurring dreams and get back home? Back to her life as Kim Minji, a regular college student? Her mind was clouded with impatience and countless of what ifs that she could've done but Minji was lost. Where do I even start?

"You should get some rest, Lady Jiu," Monica said as she stood up and signalled Lucy to also do the same. Around the two sisters, Minji felt like a book. They read her so easily and even give her space without asking questions.

But the last thing Minji wanted that time was to be left alone with her thoughts. So she grabbed onto Monica's hand.

"Can we talk a little more? There's something I want to ask of you,"

Lucy left the room and Monica is back on the chair across the lady.

"What is it?"

With a deep sigh, she decided to ask as much as she could.

"If something were to happen to the King, other than the Crown Prince no- If something were to happen to the both of them, who do you think will be next ruler?"

Monica was bewildered at the question. The Lady was bold, way too bold and perhaps even daring to ask something that would put her on the guillotine. The baroness could only chuckle, keeping in mind of Lucy's warning about the lady.

"It depends," Monica started. "Naturally, the princesses will be next in line for the throne but for as long as the Queen is alive, they will be considered illegitimate heirs as they come from a concubine," Monica leaned closer and whispered, "If you play your cards right, it will eventually end up in your hands,"

Minji's eyes went wide as she stared at the other who had an inexplicable look on her face.

"That's not what I meant!"

"I know, I jest," A laugh emerged from the baroness.

"That's not a very good joke,"

"My Lady, mouths open and words travel. While you need not worry about me and Lucy, you should still be careful of the person you ask such questions to," Her gaze fell on the tree outside through the window as her smile fell. "That reminds me," Monica started. "Is there something troubling you? Ever since I first saw you, you seem to have something on your mind,"

"Well," Should I tell her? Minji wondered and a quick second was all she needed to decide that telling Monica her goal was enough. What drove her to that goal? That was something Minji could never say without being labelled as insane, "There's someone I'm looking for."

The baroness nodded, "If you don't mind, tell me more about it. Perhaps I could offer some assistance,"

***

"Why are you again at this hour?"

No response were given as Dami entered which made Sua quickly push the door shut after, not wanting the freezing air outside cool down her living room any more than it had been. Her glaring eyes never left the other but Dami didn't seem very fazed with the treatment. She was used to it. Sua getting all defensive over her home, the home to countless of children they had saved.

She took off her coat that was coated with white icy particles, "The weather suddenly got really bad, and I'd be crazy to travel around," She placed the coat on the chair placed beside the lit up fireplace before dumping her whole body on the sofa beside it.

"The weather won't kill you like the deadline will," Sua clicked her tongue before heading for the kitchen.

This was a very common scene. Dami coming over whenever there's something her mind couldn't comprehend and sometimes due to her simply missing Sua and her cosy home. It felt strange at times. Not much words exchanged in between them or at least, Dami never needed to say much because Sua knows, she always does. Her abilities are beyond what Dami could express with words alone.

As soon as Sua was back with a cup of hot chocolate for Dami, she blurted out the words that had been on her mind her whole journey here. She didn't receive any reaction from Sua which she expected.

"Some of them are not our sisters," Sua stated.

"Yes," Dami fumbled in her coat pocket and took out a paper. "We're not the only ones,"

***

She was on her way to the capital when she saw a bright light shining ahead of her. That would only be a sign that she had company. She thought that it might be a group of travelers or worse, bandits and the chatter with occasional groaning only proved her theory. Stealthily, she approached them. What she didn't expect though, was to see fully armored knights and seemed like their 'captives' tied in a line. They were blindfolded.

Just as she was about to leave, a figure covered to a point where they were unrecognizable stepped closer to the people under captive and there was a faint glow emitting from the bracelet given to her by Sua. Dami frowned, and decided to stay a little longer and spy on them.

She couldn't hear what the figure said but it was obvious that the knights were on their side. The knights were guarding this figure as if they were of a higher authority. Dami was sure the knights' captain wouldn't dress in such way, so who could it be? Dami chanted a short spell and soon the muffled voices became clear. This could blow her cover and get her in trouble but this might be the only chance for her to get more information about the unknown attacks.

"If you kill me, all the children of Dulryn will die! We were just trying to protect what all of you couldn't!"

Dami knew who this voice belongs to. It was one of their sisters.

A chuckle emerged from the person beside her, "What are you talking about? Save? Is that what we call it?"

She expected the figure to say something, to hear their voice which would give a definite clue on who it was but they stayed silent. Almost as if they knew what she wanted and refuse to give any of it.

"Those children... the boys would be sold as slaves in a neighbouring empire and the girls? They will become a man's dream, their own little sex sl-"

"Shut up, bastard!"

An uproar broke amongst the captives which took a while to die down even with swords aimed to their necks. If they were scheduled for an execution, the knights wouldn't be able to harm them. At least, not without an order from the King himself.

Dami decided that it was time to leave as all the knights were on high alert but barely a meter long walk, her bracelet glowed brighter than it had ever been before. She felt a presence behind her but before she could make a quick turn, they spoke up, "If I were you, I wouldn't," so she froze in spot. It was a woman's voice, something to take note of.

"Who are you?"

"That will cost you your life, witch," She chuckled. It sent shivers down Dami's spine and it only got worse upon what the other said next. "Emma Glynn, I've been looking all over the kingdom for you yet here you are, walking straight into my hands,"

Emma Glynn. It was the name she used when she was working as a maid for the Winston's, when she was hired to assassinate Jiu. The lady might've survived the poison but her attempt alone was a good enough reason to have her join the public execution. If they do a well enough job, it wouldn't be long before they found out about her connection with the rebellions.

A hand gripped her nape and Dami felt as if her mana was sucked out of her. She started feeling weaker and weaker, the immense unseen power of this person made Dami powerless under her grip.

They had to be the one behind Jiu's survival. How was she supposed to take her down? Dami knew how transparent she seemed to the other. Her attempt would only lead her to her death.

As Dami was about to give onto her fate, the grip loosened. "I'll let you go for now, since it seems that whatever your next goal is will be beneficial for me,"

Then the presence was gone.

Still speechless, Dami stumbled her way to Sua in the snow that had just begun.

***

It had been days since her stay at the Dupont's. When she came back, Lucy handed over a pile of envelopes but only one caught Minji's eyes. Of course, it was the one with the royal symbol and Princess Della signed on it.

That's what led Minji to this day, sitting beside Della under the gazebo in the much familiar palace garden.

"Lady Jiu, have you ever held a tea party before?" Della asked.

"I don't recall ever, Your Highness,"

"I told you already, honorifics are unnecessary when we're not in the public's eyes."

"Y-yes, Della," the princess chuckled before muttering that's more like it with a charming smile on her face. Something about Della made Minji felt warm, as if she had known the other for a long time. If she didn't know any better, Minji would've believed that Della is Handong herself. The sense of familiarity really makes her wonder.

"I heard you like puppies,"

"What?"

"Your maid, Gahyeon was it?" Della frowned slightly but her smile was still on her face so it made her look rather comical which Minji almost giggled at. "She told me."

"Actually, her name is Lucy. Gahyeon is a nickname I gave her,"

"It's an interesting one, sounds like a name from the East," Something gave Minji a sense of déjà vu but she shrugged it off when she couldn't figure out what it was.

"I guess I have a fascination for the Eastern kingdoms,"

"Don't you have one for me too?" the question slipped a confused huh out of Minji's mouth. Della laughed at her before explaining herself. "A nickname, do you have one for me?"

"Dongie?" Again, Minji didn't think her words through and the name she had in her head came out as audible words instead. It flustered Minji but she figured that there was no need to hold back and watch herself around Della anymore. She seemed nice and trustworthy enough. Oddly enough, Minji felt comfortable around the princess.

"I like that," Della said.

***

"Excellent work," clasping his hands, the King let out a brief laugh. He pats his son's shoulder as he gave a smile to Rachel, who had been watching the Crown Prince receiving all the praises.

The South forest were finally clear of rebellions after days and weeks of scouting made by them followed by hundreds of royal knights. Several public executions were made and Rachel had contributed the rest of her time diving deeper into the case. She found some things worth questioning but the amount of noblemen around the King currently made her hesitate. Rachel had learnt better than to express her discovery and outshine the throne's heir. The last time she had done something similar, things didn't end well. The father she wanted to impress instead gave her a scowl and told her to stop meddling in affairs she didn't understand. So, such information would only be shared with the King when no one else is around. It was only then that her opinions mattered to him.

The noblemen were gathered around the long meeting table and discuss some matter amongst themselves. Rachel knew she could never fit in between the middle aged men so she left.

Walking along the quiet palace hallways gave Rachel a sense of comfort and peace. It was a much needed moment after all the overwhelming chaos surrounding her for days. For how gruesome the capture and executions were, Rachel couldn't express her discomfort. When can she finally do so? Perhaps never. She had come so far, from being a weak little princess, to someone more than capable to participate in war. But who would've thought that her being a woman made her undeserving of recognition.

She encountered Duke Winston, who was gazing outside. Out of curiosity, Rachel's eyes tried to find what he too immersed in to not have noticed her presence and found two people walking aside one another in the garden. It took a few seconds before the duke spoke up, saying how it's been a while. Jiu and Della were friends so it was a shame that Jiu believed the two of them were strangers. Della might've been her sister but Rachel knew little to nothing about Jiu and how close the two were. To think that the first time she would see the two together would be when their friendship was no longer mutual.

Duke Winston cleared his throat and faced the princess, "You did an incredible job with the rebellions,"

"I was only part of it, there's no need for compliments."

The duke let out a laugh, "I know very well what you did and so do the rest of the nobles inside that room. Most are just hesitant to admit it because it hurts their pride while the rest didn't out of fear,"

He was right.

Duke Winston bowed at Rachel, "I'll be taking my leave now, Your Highness."

***

"Gahyeon,"

"Yes, My lady,"

"I want to explore the kingdom,"

"Then I'll prepare some-"

Minji turned around and put Lucy's work on her hair to a halt. "Not like that! I want to go around quietly,"

"If I must say, last time we did, you were robbed and even got lost in the forest," While the amount of money in the purse had no effect on the Winston's financially, it wouldn't be nice to become a regular target for those willing to commit crimes to survive. Minji was an easy target.

"But I'm all fine, see? Rachel saved me,"

"Princess Rachel, Lady Jiu. And this time she won't be around to save you,"

"Can we make her tag along then?"

"Excuse me?" Lucy frowned.

"Uh- Can we request her company?"

"That wouldn't be appropriate," Minji groaned at Lucy's words. "But you may invite Princess Della,"

Now it was Minji's turn to frown. "What makes her more appropriate than Rachel?"

"Princess Rachel is busy," Lucy sighed. "My Lady, please watch how you address Her Highness,"

Completely ignoring Lucy's advice, Minji asked. "Can Dongie fight?"

"Who?"

"Princess Della," At this point, Lucy was exasperated. The lady spent months on learning etiquette yet and there she was, witnessing Minji throwing the honorifics out of her vocabulary. While it's true that they're not in public, Lucy couldn't help but be afraid that this would turn into a habit and get Minji in serious trouble.

~~~

There was no update last week cause I fell sick :( 

Sorry for the wait! And hope you enjoy the chapter <3