Carrying the Child of the Man Who Killed Me

Chapter 17

“… You’re truly kind. And yet, this is only the second time we’ve met.”

Yeoncheong’s words brought an awkward silence to the bridal chamber. He quickly realized his remark had disrupted the atmosphere, but he chose not to correct his mistake.

The silence stretched on briefly. Before the tension could settle completely, Jihyuk, who had been quietly observing him, broke it with a gentle smile.

“With such a sudden proposal, it’s only natural you’d feel unsettled.”

“It’s nothing. Royal marriages are always like this, aren’t they?”

“Even so, it wouldn’t be too strange, would it? Perhaps I fell for you at first sight.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

Yeoncheong let out a faint chuckle, shaking his head. The thought that Jihyuk had fallen for him at first sight was so absurd that it was almost amusing, even if he understood it was just polite flattery.

“And why do you think that’s so ridiculous?”

“……”

Jihyuk, unaware of Yeoncheong’s thoughts, maintained a seemingly serious expression as he spoke. Yeoncheong had heard that becoming a ruler required mastering the art of concealing emotions and acting convincingly, but Jihyuk’s ability to hide his true feelings so seamlessly was remarkable.

‘If only I could act as effortlessly as he does.’

It was so impressive that Yeoncheong almost wanted to learn from him. The audacity of Jihyuk’s composure, bordering on deceit, oddly helped Yeoncheong relax.

Finally, Yeoncheong smiled. As if the earlier awkward silence had never happened, he replied with ease.

“I’m hardly such an exceptional beauty that someone would fall for me at first sight. Besides, the hall was full of women hailed as the flowers of the empire. Do you really think someone like me would stand out?”

“Is that so? To me, you were the only one I noticed. Truly, you were the most striking person in that hall. So much so that I couldn’t bear the thought of our meeting ending there.”

Jihyuk met Yeoncheong’s eyes directly as he spoke. His steady gaze radiated sincerity, as if urging Yeoncheong to trust him.

“And so, I cautiously proposed to you. Fortunately, His Majesty was fond of Yeon Kingdom, and I was lucky enough to have you as my wife.”

“I only spoke with you briefly, but my carelessness seemed to spark unnecessary rumors, and it’s something that has always weighed on my mind.”

“Is that so? Personally, I was rather pleased by those rumors.”

What an absurd notion. He had only sought a connection to the Song Empire. Just as Yeoncheong had become the submissive party in this union by outwardly expressing his desire for it, Jihyuk was now taking on the role of a lovestruck admirer, willingly casting himself as the weaker party.

“I knew better than anyone that the rumors weren’t true, but I suppose, in some way, I was happy to be mentioned alongside you, even if only in passing gossip.”

Yeoncheong could tell there wasn’t the slightest trace of sincerity in those words, and for that, he felt oddly relieved. Realizing that even the joyful moments he had once shared with someone he had loved deeply were nothing but a facade only strengthened his resolve.

‘If this is the game we’re playing, then I’ll willingly become a part of this act.’

Yeoncheong thought as he stopped scratching his hand and instead forced a smile.

“Is that so? I was worried that those rumors might have pressured you into proposing to me despite having no feelings for me. That thought made me feel quite guilty.”

“You don’t need to feel that way. While I can’t say that external factors had no influence on our marriage, I truly hope that our relationship won’t remain one defined solely by status.”

Jihyuk looked down at Yeoncheong’s scarred hands. They were in rough shape, scratched raw throughout the day as Yeoncheong had struggled to contain his anxiety, his hands hidden beneath his sleeves.

Just seeing them made Jihyuk feel an inexplicable sense of unease. Noticing this, Yeoncheong quickly tucked his hands back into his sleeves and spoke softly.

“… I still don’t know much about you, Your Highness, so it’s difficult for me to say anything for certain. But if those are truly your feelings, then I suppose I should make an effort as well.”

“That alone is more than enough for me. No, it’s more than I deserve.”

Jihyuk replied with a gentle smile, his tone warm and reassuring. In the slightly relaxed atmosphere, his gaze lingered on Yeoncheong’s long, flowing hair as he said:

“I’m glad to see you seem a little less tense now.”

“Ah…”

‘What if he suggests consummating the marriage now that I seem calmer?’

The thought flashed through Yeoncheong’s mind, sending a shiver through him as dread began to creep in.

“You must be tired after sitting in one place all day. It’s best if you rest now. I’d leave to give you privacy, but if anyone were to see the groom leaving the bridal chamber, it could lead to unpleasant rumors. So, I hope you’ll allow me to stay by your side.”

Jihyuk’s words, as if he had read Yeoncheong’s thoughts, were reassuring. While such a statement might have been considered insulting to a typical consort or concubine, to Yeoncheong, it was a welcome relief.

Perhaps it was the kindness in Jihyuk’s tone that made it all the more soothing. It might only be a fleeting sense of peace, but tonight, Yeoncheong chose to let it be and allow himself to rest.

“Then, I hope you have a peaceful night.”

As the tension eased and he lay down on the soft bed, sleep quickly claimed him, as though his body had been eagerly awaiting this moment.

And so, the long day finally came to an end.

***

“So, you’ve officially become the Crown Princess now.”

“Congratulations, Your Highness.”

When Yeoncheong arrived at Seonguk Palace, Yeon and Sowol, who had returned ahead of him, greeted him warmly. They seemed slightly uneasy seeing him in Yeon Kingdom attire after he had changed out of the Song Empire’s garments, but to Yeoncheong, this look felt far more familiar.

“Oh! This isn’t the time for chatting. You must be tired—please go inside and rest. After a short nap, perhaps you could open the gifts? The courtyard of Seonguk Palace is filled with presents celebrating your marriage.”

Yeon said, her face brimming with excitement. She seemed delighted by the abundance of gifts, a luxury Yeoncheong had never experienced during his time as a prince.

“Have the gifts properly organized and stored for now. I’d like to take a walk around the palace grounds later this morning.”

“Shouldn’t you rest a little first? Besides… it’s the first day of your marriage. Even without leaving the palace, just exploring Seonguk Palace will take up most of your time.”

Traditionally, after their wedding night, consorts and concubines alike, regardless of rank, rarely emerged from their chambers until sunset, almost as if competing to show how eventful the night had been.

One way favored concubines displayed their status was by remaining confined to their chambers the day after their wedding night, a subtle indication of the affection they received. In Yeoncheong’s previous life, even though quiet rumors had circulated that the wedding night had not been consummated, he had stayed in his room all day regardless.

“Sowol is right. There will be plenty of opportunities to explore the palace later.”

However, Yeoncheong had his own plans to attend to. He wasn’t aiming to project the image of a powerful figure who dominated the palace but something far different.

“Don’t worry about it. Please prepare everything so I can leave before midday.”

“But… Very well, as you wish.”

Yeon replied, her expression falling slightly. Although she knew her master cared for her, even someone as young as Yeon understood that overly interfering in his decisions would be inappropriate.

‘He must understand the implications of not leaving the palace the day after the wedding night. There must be a reason for it, but…’

Yeoncheong noticed Yeon’s thoughts plainly written on her face before shifting his attention to his quarters. Seonguk Palace, the residence of the Crown Princess, wasn’t as grand or expansive as Wolha Palace, but its refined, well-maintained elegance clearly reflected its status as the residence of the Crown Prince’s consort.

‘While I was here, I spent more days confined to bed and unable to leave my chambers than I did outside of them.’

In the past, Yeoncheong had served as the Crown Prince’s chief consort and sole wife. The Queen of Yeon, who had been both the principal consort of the ailing King and the leader of the Inner Court, had passed away the previous year due to illness. With the remaining concubines holding little sway, Yeoncheong’s current role placed him among the most influential figures in the Inner Court.

However, in his previous life, Yeoncheong had held little real authority. His frail health, lack of favor from the Crown Prince, and indifference toward power had left him without much influence.

In this life, he had no intention of pursuing power either. Acting rashly, with limited resources and understanding, could easily lead to failure.

‘Sometimes, appearing non-threatening is the only way to achieve certain goals.’

Yeoncheong resolved to present himself as harmless and unassuming. He would play the role of someone who laughed and cried at Jihyuk’s insincere affections, maintaining a non-threatening demeanor while patiently waiting for the right opportunity to act.

It wasn’t just Jihyuk who needed to see Yeoncheong in this light. His demeanor would put some people at ease and stir feelings of pity in others.

‘The only person who showed pity for me here.’

Yeoncheong silently prayed that this choice would become a lifeline, one that might save his future self even once. With that thought, he closed his eyes.