Carrying the Child of the Man Who Killed Me

Chapter 18

“I greet Her Royal Highness, the Crown Princess.”

“I greet Her Royal Highness, the Crown Princess.”

“Lift your head.”

Yeocheong made his way to a garden not far from Seonguk. While it wasn’t as grand as the lake at Wolha, it had a quiet charm with its small, peaceful pond.

He hadn’t visited this spot often. In fact, he had only come here enough times to count on both hands, but there was a particular reason this place stuck in his memory.

“I greet Her Royal Highness, the Crown Princess.”

Whenever he came here, he would always run into a particular person. Both of them were quiet by nature, so they had never engaged in lengthy conversation.

‘Back then, I used to purposely avoid meeting him by going elsewhere.’

But today, he had come here with the intention of establishing a connection with him. Yeocheong spoke while gazing at the man who had his head lowered.

“Lift your head.”

“There’s no need for formalities with me. Speak as you normally would.”

“It was different when I didn’t know who the General was, but now that we’ve been properly introduced, there’s no need for such formalities. After all, you’re my husband’s cousin.”

Seok Jeong Han. He was the only person here who had ever shown any sympathy toward him. A trusted subordinate of Jihyuk, Seok Jeong Han held the position of General, managing the palace’s affairs in his absence. His mother was Princess Yeoryeong, the younger sister of King Yeon.

“It’s just that it makes me feel more at ease.”

“…If His Royal Highness hears this, he might reprimand me.”

“That’s unlikely. After all, it’s you, General Seok.”

Once King Yeon passed away before the year’s end, Jihyuk would ascend to the throne. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Seok Jeong Han would be the most influential person in the palace after him.

Though Seok Jeong Han had a legitimate claim to the throne as a man and a commoner, he was not considered a threat, as the succession rights in Seonguk were not granted through the maternal line.

Because of this, Jeong Han could be Ji-hyuk’s most trusted ally, family, and close friend.

“May I ask what brings you here?”

“I just walked wherever my steps took me, and somehow ended up here.”

Although he didn’t say it, Yeocheong knew that Seok Jeong Han, who had spent the night with the Crown Princess, would understand the meaning of his calmly strolling through the palace.

“I’m still unfamiliar with the palace, so it’s a relief to see a familiar face. If it makes you uncomfortable…”

“Not at all. I was simply a little surprised, that’s all.”

Jeong Han, clearly flustered by the remark, quickly shook his head. Yeocheong spoke softly, his voice barely audible as he lowered his gaze.

“I’m relieved to hear that. Coming to a new place made me feel a bit insecure and I just wanted to go where my feet took me.”

“You will soon become familiar with everything. Everyone will do their best to make Her Royal Highness feel comfortable here.”

“Is that so? But… everything still feels unfamiliar and intimidating, probably because I’ve left behind what I know.”

Yeocheong spoke softly, his head slightly bowed. It was understandable that as a young crown princess arriving in a foreign country, she hadn’t settled in right away. It was also natural that, after a week-long journey, she would find some comfort in the presence of familiar faces.

“Perhaps that’s why I feel more at ease with you, General.”

He was also a man who, despite his position, had a compassionate side. When he had been abandoned and half sunk in the mud, Seok Jeong Han had looked at him with eyes full of kindness and humanity.

Although he knew it was out of compassion and pity, it was the only kind look he had received in the palace of Seonguk. Perhaps because of that memory, he put too much hope in this man.

But even if time could be rewound, he would still be the same pathetic and powerless Song Yeocheong. He couldn’t speak for himself, couldn’t express an opinion about his own marriage – he was a helpless individual.

‘So maybe it’s not a total loss to pin my hopes on this uncertain option.’

“If His Royal Highness finds out, he might be upset.”

“Please keep this a secret from His Royal Highness. I don’t want to worry him unnecessarily. Besides, I…”

Yeocheong hesitated and looked at Jeong Han to gauge his reaction. The perceptive Jeong Han noticed Yeocheong’s reluctance to speak and smoothly redirected the conversation.

“Although it cannot be compared to the gardens of Song, there are several beautiful places within the palace in Seonguk. If Her Royal Highness permits, I would be happy to show you around the palace.”

Although the words were left unsaid, he must have been able to guess what Yeocheong was about to say. The day after their wedding night, Yeocheong, still unfamiliar with the palace, had used that excuse when leaving the inner quarters, unable to speak due to the awkward look on his face. It wouldn’t have been hard for anyone, including Jeong Han, to figure out what had happened.

In truth, Yeocheong didn’t feel any regret about not consummating the marriage, and contrary to what others might have thought, he hadn’t spent a lonely night. However, he had managed to make Jeong Han misinterpret the situation.

“You must have a lot of responsibilities, General. I shouldn’t take up your time. I’m fine.”

That was enough for today. Yeocheong gave Jeong Han a light bow before leaving the garden.

***

“Crown Princess.”

“What is it?”

“Crown Prince Ji-hyuk has visited Seonguk. I told him you were out for a walk, but he insisted on waiting… He is waiting for you in the inner chambers.”

Sowol quietly informed Yeocheong about Jihyuk’s visit. Surprised by the unexpected news, Yeocheong quickly removed his outer coat and headed to the inner chambers.

“I greet His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince.”

During her time as Crown Princess, Yeocheong rarely had the chance to meet with Jihyuk, except for the mandatory marriage nights, which were often canceled or postponed due to her health issues.

At that time, their relationship was almost like that of strangers, and Ji-hyuk, as Crown Prince, was always busy, leaving little time for personal matters.

However, perhaps because their marriage had begun differently, everything was unfolding in a way that felt entirely different from Yeocheong’s past experiences.

“I apologize for keeping you waiting. I only meant to get some fresh air.”

“Your Highness, you have many things to apologize for.”

“Excuse me?”

“It was just a joke. You seemed so tense… Oh dear, I think I made you even more nervous with my foolish remark.”

At his ambiguous words, Yeocheong flinched, his shoulders tensing. But whether it was truly a joke or not, Jihyuk was looking up at him with a calm expression.

“Your Highness, please take a seat. I will bring some tea.”

Yeocheong, who had been looking down at Jihyuk’s unreadable face, finally sat down.

“No, it’s just that I still can’t quite grasp that we’ve had our wedding. My mind has been a bit unsettled.”

“I must do everything I can to help you adjust to life here.”

“How could I possibly take up Your Royal Highness’s time with all the important matters you have to deal with?”

Although Yeocheong had expected some changes due to the shift in the reason for their marriage, he never imagined things would change this much. He thought it would be something as simple as Jihyuk paying a little more attention to him in public or preserving his dignity as Crown Princess.

“But how could I spend my time on anyone other than you? My time is your time.”

Contrary to his expectations, Jihyuk treated Yeocheong with an unexpected amount of care, almost as if he genuinely cherished him. Was he continuing the story of falling in love at first sight? Yeocheong, finding it somewhat amusing, let out a quiet laugh.

‘There’s no harm in playing along with this act.’

“I’m truly grateful for Your Royal Highness’s attention. I will do my best not to become a burden as you care for me.”

In the past life, there had been a ridiculous rumor that the 7th prince had fallen in love and caught a fever because of the Crown Prince of Seonguk, and now it seemed that similar stories might start circulating in this life as well.

Even if things change little by little, would the inevitable still unfold as expected? It was a fact that didn’t sit well with him.

Meanwhile, Sowol, who had briefly stepped out to prepare refreshments, quietly returned and set the tea and snacks on the table.

“……”

“Your Highness?”

That small gesture was enough to disrupt Yeocheong’s peace of mind. He had drunk tea before, so he thought it would be fine.

“His Royal Highness must have had this planned all along. From the beginning, he never intended for an heir to come from Wolha’s line.”

“The tea is beneficial for the body, but if consumed by an omega, it prevents pregnancy during the course of the treatment.”

As his gaze lingered on Jihyuk’s face and the tea, an unwanted memory surfaced once more, rising to the surface of his mind.