Junmyeon was in the marketplace, quietly observing the capital while following Yongsun and Seungwan's pace

He received an order from Seulgi to check all the stalls for the goods, and his sister and Seungwan decided to come with him

As observing his surrounding, he found the still lack of shell goods and imported meats

It's still fortunate that drought didn't happen again, if it did, he knows that it'll be another responsibility under Seulgi and the King

He keeps following the two princesses until Seungwan halted on her track

"What's the matter?" He asked Seungwan as he noticed the sadness clouded her features

Seungwan didn't answer and Yongsun elbows him to follow their gaze

He turned his gaze somewhere his cousin staring at

And there she saw Sooyoung, Yerim, and Baekhyun in one of the stalls

"Hide me"

Junmyeon was staring at his cousin in confusion, "What? Why-"

"Your Excellency!"

Seungwan's eyes widened and immediately turn around

It was Yeri who saw three of them and ran toward them

Baekhyun and Sooyoung followed her then they greeted the princesses and Junmyeon

Sooyoung took a glimpse behind Junmyeon, she knows why Seungwan is like this. Of course, she felt guilty.

"Your Excellency, may we know where is His Royal Highness?" Yerim asked

Baekhyun frowned and elbowed Sooyoung "Hey, why is she asking for His Royal Highness?" He whispered

"We're asking His Royal Highness to take you somewhere because you are annoying" Sooyoung flatly replied that making the latter just pout his lips

"His Royal Highness is attending the morning assembly. Why? Do you need anything, Yerim?" Junmyeon smiled at the younger one

Yerim shook her head. She wanted to tell Junmyeon to make Seulgi visit their residence but the Crown Prince might be busy

Yongsun was about to tell her something but she noticed some people making a small crowd in front of the notice board in the capital

It also caught the other's attention

"Oh! It's maybe about food importing! Our Lady Joohyun must missing meat, let’s buy one!" Baekhyun ran towards it, followed by Sooyoung as she doesn't want to make the tension between her and Seungwan be noticed

Junmyeon frowned. All the borders are still closed and what Baekhyun has said is wrong

He saw a man leaving the crowd shaking his head and talking with his companion

He blocked them and greet them with a small bow, "I apologize for blocking your way but may I know what is it posted there?"

The man looked at him, "It says that we must evacuate because the Japanese are coming to kill us all and invade our country"

"What?"

"I don't think it's true," the other man said

"Who knows? I better save my family. I'll leave now, my lord" The man bowed at him followed by the other one as they rushed to leave

Junmyeon was left in shock and confused

"What's happening, Junmyeon? What do they mean that the Japanese are coming?" Yongsun held his shoulder

Yerim was also surprised to hear it, and so do Seungwan

"I-i don't know. It can't happen as His Royal Highness closed all the borders to protect our country" Junmyeon said as he swallowed

"What? I don't understand"

"Your Excellency, what do you mean?" Yerim butts in

Junmyeon looks away and breathes out. He doesn't know how someone knew about this. Only people inside the palace know about this

They planned not to tell everyone about it yet that's why Seulgi did what she can to protect them

"I'll talk to His Royal Highness. Let's go back to Palace" Junmyeon said, then, he turned his gaze at Yerim

"Tell your friends, especially Lady Bae not to leave the house without any command from us. Do you understand?"

“And do not tell anyone about this yet”

Yerim couldn't understand what was happening but she nodded her head instead

The three members of the royalty left the place in a hurry 

“Did you see who did it?” Councilor Bae asked Junmyeon. He immediately went to Seulgi’s quarter and it was fortunate that he found Councilor Bae there

“That is the thing, Councilor Bae. I just saw people gathering around that news”

“It’s not yet too late” Seulgi butts in, she was staring out of nowhere 

Junmyeon frowned, “What do you mean? Why are you not doing anything? You’re letting them see a ridiculous rumor-“

“What you saw on that paper is true. Japanese are coming and they killed a lot of innocent people in Busan even though I tried my best to protect this country. Now, how can you say I am not doing anything, Prince Neungyang?” 

She was supposed to be mad, she was supposed to burst out; spit those words on Junmyeon, especially with what she was feeling right now

But she’s not. She said those words calmly 

She looks so calm

While Junmyeon couldn’t believe that they failed to protect this country

“And what now? His Majesty is feeling sick and unconsciously lying on his bed. Tell me what to do, Hyung-nim” her gaze slowly went to Junmyeon

“TELL ME!”

Seulgi slammed her hand on her royal table that caused a loud thud on her place

Councilor Bae sighs, “Your Royal Highness, please keep yourself. His Majesty won’t be happy if you are reacting this way”

Seulgi clenched her jaw, shut her eyes, and inhales deeply to calm herself down

“Forgive me for what I have said, Your Highness. It is just I am just too surprised with what is happening right now” Junmyeon apologized sincerely. He didn't meant to ask that kind of absurd questions to Seulgi, he was just surprised.

“It’s okay. I apologize for bursting out” Seulgi almost murmured 

“People are possibly in the middle of panicking right now, we shall take action” Councilor Bae said, “Give me a command to summon all the officials, Your Highness”

Seulgi nodded her head. Councilor Bae was about to thank her but the door was opened by Eunuch Shin

“Your Royal Highness, His Majesty is awake”

Seulgi’s eyes widened in surprise and jolted up from her seat

And without a word, she rushed to leave her quarters. Junmyeon and Councilor Bae also followed her

When she arrived at the place, her Father, the King with the Queen 

“Your Majesty” Seulgi muttered. She immediately ran towards her father and embraced him, ignoring the presence of the Queen

King Dongwon smiled and patted her child’s back

“Did you worry that much, Crown Prince?” 

Seulgi nodded her head and looked up at him, “I was truly afraid, Father. This is the second time so please take care of your health”

The King chuckled softly, “Of course. Right now, do not worry about me. I need to prepare for assembly right now” 

“But, Your Majesty, Father, you just regained your consciousness. You have to rest and-“

King Dongwon held her shoulder and looked into her eyes, “A King is not a king when he could not let his people be in peace first”

“And I, as a Joseon King, is not allowed to rest when our people couldn’t sleep in peace at night because of this chaos, my child”

Seulgi clenched her jaw as she sighs and looked away, her father is right

Once the King entered the hall, all the officers bowed down to show their respect to their King

As soon as the King sat on his throne, the chief royal secretariat announced what was inside the scroll he was holding

All the officers gasped and starts to ask the King what action he will do

King Dongwon breathes in before he spoke that putting everyone in silence

“They entered our country then they killed my people in Busan, and now they are coming. They want me, the King of this nation” he said

“I have to face them and fight them to protect Joseon”

The ministry of justice stepped forward, “Your Majesty if the Japanese army attacked Busan yesterday, I believe that they will reach Hanyang in 3 days”

Councilor Jung looked at him, “Are you trying to say, Minister Cho that you are conceding His Majesty to go into the war to fight these Japanese soldiers?”

“As His Majesty has said, he is the King of this nation, he has to protect this country”

“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but we won’t let you go into the war with your health status right now,” Councilor Jung said as he faced the King

And his row bow their heads as they agreed with Councilor Jung’s statement 

Councilor Bae cleared his throat and glance at Councilor Jung, “What kind of King do you see His Majesty, Councilor Jung? A competent or an incompetent one?” 

Councilor Jung raised his brows at him, “What a silly question you got there, Councilor Bae. I am saying this because His Majesty’s health matters to us”

“You’re right” Councilor Bae nodded his head and turned his gaze at King Dongwon, “Your Majesty’s health truly matters to us”

“What are you saying, Councilor Bae? I can’t let my people die in the hands of the Japanese!” King Dongwon frowned

Councilor Bae bowed his head, “Yes, Your Majesty. Less your concern as I respect your decision to send yourself to the war for you to be able to protect the country, and I will be on your side”

The other officials on Councilor Bae’s side acknowledge his statement

Then, Councilor Jung laughed, “Councilor Bae, are you going to take responsibility if something happened to His Majesty? No one will lead this nation like His Majesty”

“Are you trying to say that I can’t do it, Councilor Jung?” the King raised his brows

Then, he stood up from his throne and stepped down to walk toward Councilor Jung

“Are you looking down at me?” He his head to the side, trying to meet the second state councilor’s gaze

“Your Majesty, like what I’ve said, your health matters to us. But if that is what you want, why don’t we ask the physician right now to check your state in front of us?”

Right now, Seulgi is lying down on Seungwan’s lap who is busy combing her hair

They are waiting for Yongsun to come

“I am getting sleepy, what is Yongsun eonni taking so long” Seulgi yawned

Seungwan halted on combing Seulgi’s hair, “Hey, I can call you by your name, right?”

Seulgi frowned and looked up at her and asked, “Yes, why? I told you that you can when there are no servants around”

“I know, I am just making sure”

“Okay, why did you ask? Are you going to tell me something?”

Seungwan pursed her lips and looked away when Seulgi asked her that question

Of course, Seulgi noticed that there is something wrong with her sister

“Tell me, what is it?”

Seungwan let out a deep sigh, “I know I shall not feel this way because of what is happening to our country right now, but, I met Sooyoung earlier”

When she mentioned Sooyoung, Seulgi immediately sit up to face the latter, “Really? What happened? Is she with Lady Bae?”

Seungwan rolled her eyes and then smacked her thigh, “This is about me and Sooyoung, focus on that first, Seul!”

Seulgi chuckled, “Alright, continue”

“Well, I am certain that you don’t know this yet” Seungwan tugged her earlobe as her tone has a hint of guilt that made Seulgi frown more

“What is that I don’t know yet?”

“Uhm, I confessed my feelings towards Sooyoung, and I-“

“YOU DID WHAT?!” 

Even Seungwan was surprised when Seulgi suddenly exclaimed and held both of her shoulders

“You confessed to her?” Seulgi mouthed, almost whispering and inaudible 

“I-i did. But you’re stupid” Seungwan slapped the latter’s hands away from her, “You almost give me a heart attack”

“My bad. So, what happened?”

Seungwan shrugged her shoulders, “As I am expecting, she found it disgusting and now she’s avoiding me”

Seulgi scoffed when she heard her statement, she suddenly remembered what happened to her and Joohyun

“It must be hard for you to keep that pain, huh?”

Seungwan looks at Seulgi and nodded her head, “She has her reasons though. I am a princess and she’s just a mere lady when for me she is not” 

Then, she let out a groan, “Ah, Kang Seulgi. You’re lucky because Lady Joohyun accepted you for who you are” 

“What? She’s not” Seulgi huffed, “She also turned me down”

Seungwan’s eyes went wide in disbelief, “She did? I don’t believe you!”

“Stupid, she said she’s disgusted about this too. I was hurt and surprised because we kissed”

And Seungwan’s eyes went wider when Seulgi told her that they kissed

“Oh my goodness! You kissed-“

Before Seungwan could say it in her loud voice, Seulgi covered with her palm

“Shush! They might hear you!” 

“Ops! My apologies. I was too surprised”

Seulgi rolled her eyes and composed herself

Seungwan then cleared , “By any chance, is Lady Bae a good kisser?”

“Seungwan!!!”

King Dongwon shut his eyes in desperation when the Physician forbids him to lead the war

The hall is full of silence as per the King

Then, someone came and it was Jongin

He walked towards the King and greeted him with a bow

“Your Majesty”

“What makes you come here in the middle of our assembly, Officer Kim?”

“Your Majesty, I am here to report to you that some people in front of the main gate are starting to question your action regarding the rumors that are spreading in the capital”

King Dongwon inhaled as he clenched his fist, “Did anyone have caught the culprit for spreading the invasion?” 

“We are still looking for that, Your Majesty” the Ministry of defense answered, “But for now, we must stop these people, Your Majesty”

The King looks at Jongin, “Make sure to stop them without hurting any of them”

“Yes, Your Majesty” Jongin bowed and left the hall

Councilor Bae stepped in, “Your Majesty”

King Dongwon knows he has to decide. He knows that his health state would be the reason to fail his ruling now that the war is starting and he felt ashamed 

“Your Majesty, your health and safety are our priority” The ministry of personnel said, “There is no nation or people without the King. And if Your Majesty died in hands of the Japanese-“

Councilor Bae cut him off, “In this matter, His Majesty will be the one to decide. He knows what he shall do”

The King inhaled a breath and nod his head, “I want to die in the palace. And since I am not in a state to lead the war, I will politely ask the Ming Emperor for reinforcements” 

His statement made Councilor Bae frown, “Your Majesty, the Japanese already set a foot in Joseon and attacked busan. Reinforcements will not do” He managed to speak calmly to the King

Councilor Jung smiled and bow his head to the King, “Your Majesty, we could have at least pretended to fight the Japanese before requesting reinforcements"

“Councilor Jung, are you trying to say that we are running away?” Ministry of taxation asked the second state councilor in disbelief

“What I was trying to say is that someone must stay in Joseon as His Majesty is not in a state to do his duty as our King” 

King Dongwon looked at him in confusion

“His Royal Highness is intelligent and humble. He has set a good example by serving the country and us even when he is just a mere crown prince” Councilor Jung advised, “And that is one of the reasons why the late Great King chose him as the next King of this nation”

He smiled and turn a glance at Councilor Bae, “What do you think, Councilor Bae? We can divide the court to His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince”

King Dongwon jolted from his throne as he slammed his hand on the royal table, “How dare you! Are you suggesting that we will send my child, the Crown Prince to lead the war?!”

Councilor Jung shut his mouth and looked down. He didn’t say anything but Councilor Bae knew what he is up to

“Your Majesty, as the Chief Minister of Rites, I consider His Royal Highness to lead the war and protect his people-“

“This is incompetency! Why would I let my inexperienced son lead the war?!”

“Your Majesty, please consider!” Every official on Councilor’s Jung side gushed repeatedly as they bowed their heads

Councilor Bae kept his gaze straight on Councilor Jung who has his eyes on the ground

“Your Majesty, please consider letting His Royal Highness take over!”

“As per the royal physician, you have to recover! Please think of your health, Your Majesty!”

“Silence!” Councilor Bae roared right in front of the King. He just couldn’t take that they are forcing Seulgi to take over and lead the war

He knew Seulgi well. He won’t let the child lead the war

“His Royal Highness is still young! He has no experience with this yet! Yes! He is a skilled one but this is not his time!” He snapped 

Councilor Jung huffed a breath, “Then, why don’t let this be his first bloodshed war?” He looks at the King

“I know that His Royal Highness can do it, Your Majesty. I’ve seen how the palace raised him, he can save this nation”

King Dongwon shook his head, “No. Forget the reinforcement as I will do it instead whether everyone likes it or not!” He spat on them and was about to leave the hall when some of the officials dropped their knees on the ground

Most of them are on Councilor Jung’s side

“Your health is our priority! Let the Crown Prince, Your Majesty!” 

King Dongwon inhaled a sharp breath as he shut his eyes tight, “No one will stop me! I will do it instead of my child, I won’t let the Crown Prince do it” he sternly said

The servants opened the hall’s door for the King’s exit but Councilor Jung spoke

“Your Majesty...If you couldn’t send His Royal Highness to the war, let Prince Yeongchang(Bogum) instead” He said

“He is the rightful heir of the throne after all”

His statement suddenly made the King fume in anger as he turn around and ready to attack the second state councilor 

He furiously walk towards him and grabbed his robe’s collar

The other officials gasped in surprise at the King's action

“How dare you say that? Who are you to say such things? Huh?” His grip tightened as the veins on his neck began to show because of madness

“Do you want to die in the hands of your King, Councilor Jung?” He slowly flashed an upward smile and hardly pushed him onto the ground

“I could let you look down at me but saying such things that the Crown Prince is not the rightful heir of my throne won’t do it” 

Before the King could take his sword beside his throne, Councilor Bae blocked him 

“Your Majesty-“

“Step aside, Yoongjoon. I don’t want to hurt you” the King is breathing harshly due to madness toward Councilor Jung

Councilor Bae didn’t listen and held the King’s shoulder

“Dongwon, my friend, don’t” He gently whispered at him so that only the King could hear it

It’s been decades since Councilor Bae addressed the King with his name and he knew that the councilor is just trying to warn him as a friend that genuinely cares for him and the throne

“I will dismiss everyone and we will talk about this matter with Jung Jihoon” 

Yongsun rolled up her sleeve as she leaned closer to Seulgi and Seungwan, excitement can be seen on her face

Why? Seulgi and Seungwan lost in the game they were playing

And now, Yongsun has to flick their foreheads 

“I will forget that you are the Crown Prince, Seul” Yongsun mischievously smirked before she flicked Seulgi’s forehead that caused the latter to grunt in pain

“It’s hurt!” Seulgi rubbed her forehead as she glared at Yongsun

Yongsun stuck her tongue out on Seulgi before she faced Seungwan, “Your turn, princess” she waggle her brows and also flicked the latter’s forehead

Seungwan rolled her tongue inside as she touches her forehead, “Yah, are you mad at us? Why is it so hard, you rascal” she stood up and head-locked Yongsun

And Seulgi didn’t let it slide, she crawled and pulled Yongsun’s foot

But instead of screaming like she was getting tortured, Yongsun is just laughing so loud along with the two

They were having fun playing around but they were interrupted when Court Lady Choi announced something 

“Your Royal Highness, His Majesty is here to see you”

The three women halted and looked at each other

It took them a few seconds before they let go of each other and composed themselves as well as fixing their clothes

Seulgi cleared before she answered, “Let His Majesty in”

The door opened and the King was greeted with the view of the three women facing the ground 

Councilor Bae and Lord Jung are with him as well

“I did not expect to see you here, Princesses” the King smiled at Seungwan and Yongsun

“We apologize, Your Majesty. We will leave right away if you want privacy with Se- ah, His Royal Highness” Yongsun said

And Seungwan bit her lower lip to prevent herself from laughing after Yongsun almost slipped on saying Seulgi’s name

“I will tell the servants to inform you once we are done,” King Dongwon said 

Seungwan and Yongsun bowed their heads to Seulgi and the King before they left Seulgi’s quarter 

“Father, what makes you come here?” Seulgi asked her father

King Dongwon did not say anything and sat in Seulgi’s chamber, he glanced at Councilor Bae to permit him to tell Seulgi

Councilor Bae took a breath first before he face Seulgi, “Your