Shop's aren't illegal

The early morning sunlight filtered through the narrow windows, casting long shadows across the floor. 

Minseok glanced at the bag of gold coins still resting on his desk, its weight now familiar and heavy in his hand. 

He'd used the reward for a cause far outside the expectations of the royal court.

He had rented a small space in the market, filled it with shelves, and prepared to open a shop. 

Medicine. 

Simple, effective, affordable remedies for the people.

The king's punishment had been swift. 

Taking a majority of his money to try and stop the making of his medicine.

Which Minseok thought was a dick move.

The royal council had taken offense to the idea of commoners buying medicine at prices lower than their inflated rates, and whispers had already spread through the palace corridors about the princess's "unorthodox plans" 

But in his heart, Minseok wasn't worried. 

Because he outsmarted all of them.

An idea so stupid it actually worked in his favor.

Shops weren't illegal. 

"Heh, the old man can't bitch at me now!"

The sound of hurried footsteps broke through his thoughts. 

Rhea quickly knocked and stepped into his room, concern etched on her features. 

"Your Highness, are you certain this is a good idea?" 

She asked softly, her tone laced with worry. 

She knew better than anyone how volatile the kingdom's politics could be. 

Minseok glanced up at her, his gaze unwavering. 

He had been in her care for too long, and her concern was more like a mother's than a maid's. 

'It's a nice feeling, but I feel like she'll have a heart attack if I keep worrying her'

"I'm sure," he said with quiet conviction, running a hand through his hair. 

"Medicine shouldn't belong to the wealthy"

"People need to be able to afford it. I've got the gold, the ingredients, and the space. A shop is all I need to get started"

'I mean I had a shop but if Father found it then I would be punished for sure (since it was illegal)'

Rhea sighed, but there was a hint of reluctant approval in her eyes. 

"Just… be cautious, Your Highness. The king will not take kindly to your rebellion. And neither will the council"

Minseok nodded, his eyes darkening at the mention of his father. 

The king's anger was nothing new, but it was becoming increasingly clear that it didn't matter anymore. 

He wasn't doing this for the king or the nobility. 

He was doing it for the people, for a future beyond the shadow of Seraphina's past.

"Yes, don't worry, and Rhea?"

"Yes, your Highness?"

"Can you prepare a bath?"

"Of course"

An Hour Later

The first day of the shop's opening came quickly. 

Minseok stood behind the counter, hands clasped together, watching people trickle in. 

Some eyed the shelves with skepticism. 

Others came forward, slowly, cautiously. 

Lady Argi Bonnie had been instrumental in gathering support, bringing in a few merchants who could supply him with herbs at a reasonable price.

The shop was modest, nothing fancy but it was his. 

It was his choice to open it, his choice to bring affordable remedies to the common folk.

"Good morning, Your Highness!" 

A voice called out from the door, and Minseok turned to see Lady Elira Lysandra, her fiery red hair catching the light as she entered. 

She was one of the first people to support his idea, and her approval had meant more than Minseok could express. 

"Elira," he greeted her, his face breaking into a genuine smile. 

"It's good to see you"

"I couldn't miss this," Elira said, her eyes scanning the shelves of vials and jars. 

"This is incredible. This way the king can't get in the way of our work"

"Of course and this is just the beginning," Minseok said, stepping aside to allow more customers in. 

"I plan to expand, set up in the villages as well"

"The kingdom has so many people who are suffering. If I can help even a little…" 

His voice trailed off as he saw the first few customers leave with their remedies, their faces brightening at the thought of affordable care.

'Yes… this is why… I was brought here'

"Well Princess, I'll be a bit busy but I'll make sure to return to help"

"Okay, see you soon"

5 Hours Later

The day passed quietly, and by evening, Minseok was feeling both exhausted and strangely fulfilled. 

The shop had done well. 

The whispers of "the princess" being involved had spread like wildfire through the market, but it didn't seem to have deterred the common folk. 

Minseok's gaze shifted to the back of the shop, where Kaelen stood leaning against a counter. 

He had arrived earlier, and Minseok had almost forgotten about him in the excitement of the day. 

But Kaelen's presence was unmistakable, his posture, the way he held himself with such confidence.

'Damn, even I hadn't seen someone so strong in my hometown'

"Quite the operation you have here," Kaelen said, his crimson eyes studying the shelves. 

His tone was casual, but Minseok could sense the subtle approval behind his words.

"I couldn't have done it without some help," Minseok replied, crossing his arms as he regarded Kaelen. 

"I'm still figuring out the logistics, but it's working"

Kaelen smirked slightly, as though enjoying the irony of it all. 

"It's funny. I never thought I'd see the day when a princess turned merchant"

Minseok's lips twitched into a smile. 

"I never thought I'd be one either. But here we are"

They both chuckled as they returned to their positions, Kaelen looking around the shop while Minseok helped customers find what they needed.

2 Hours Later

Just as the last of the customers left, Lady Argi appeared to check on the shop's progress. 

She handed Minseok a stack of letters she'd gathered throughout the day, mostly from noble families who had heard about the shop and wanted to invest or offer their support. 

The fact that the nobility was already showing interest gave Minseok some hope that this venture might work.

'Seems like they want to help now that it's not illegal'

"Don't worry about the king, Your Highness," Argi said with a knowing grin. 

"A shop isn't illegal. You're providing a service to the people, and that's something no one can argue with. Besides, it's not like anyone's stopping you"

Minseok chuckled softly, feeling a rare sense of relief wash over him. 

"You're right, Argi. Shops aren't illegal"

1 Hour Later

The night settled in, and Minseok stood by the window, looking out over the capital. 

The glow of lanterns flickered in the distance as the quiet city below settled into a lull. 

For the first time in a long time, Minseok didn't feel as though he was drowning in the expectations of his father or the looming threat of the kingdom's court. 

He had taken a step toward his own future, and it wasn't in the shadow of the throne. 

Tomorrow, he will open the shop again.

And again and again and again.

And in time, it will grow and be a huge presence in this world.

It would spread farther.

Because he was going to change everything, one shop at a time.

The night deepened, and the quiet of the shop wrapped around Minseok like a thick blanket. 

His hands worked absently, organizing the shelves of medicinal jars and vials, a familiar ritual that calmed his mind. 

Though the shop was his, it was also a small, humble haven for those in need of affordable medicine, and the weight of his actions pressed on him. 

This place was a blatant challenge to everything the royal family stood for, and Minseok knew it wouldn't be long before the king and council started to make their discontent known.

'Only the first day and I already had 15 guards trying to cause a bloody scene'

Despite that, he had a plan. 

Which was just to bullshit his way through every question they ask.

"Saving Father could have been the worst decision I ever made haha"

The soft chime of the doorbell broke Minseok's concentration, and he turned, expecting another customer. 

Instead, he froze when he saw Reiner standing in the doorway, his figure tall and imposing as ever. 

Minseok's stomach tightened, though they had worked together on occasion, he had never visited him in this setting before.

"Captain," Minseok greeted, trying to mask the slight discomfort in his voice. 

"What brings you here?"

Reiner's eyes scanned the small shop, a flicker of interest passing over his face as he took in the rows of neatly arranged medicinal herbs and healing potions. 

His gaze flicked back to Minseok, and there was something in his expression that made Minseok uneasy. 

Something far different from their usual formal exchanges.

"I heard rumors about your shop. It's… an interesting choice," Reiner said, his tone light but with an edge of curiosity. 

He didn't step in further but stood near the door, almost as if he was waiting for an explanation.

Minseok's brow furrowed slightly. 

"I thought I would do something for the people," he replied simply, his voice steady despite the tension in his chest. 

"A lot of them can't afford expensive medicine. This is my way of helping"

Reiner remained silent for a moment, his sharp brown eyes searching Minseok's face as if trying to read him. 

Then, with a slow nod, he stepped forward into the shop, his heavy boots clicking against the stone floor. 

"I'm not here to judge," Reiner finally said, his voice low but sincere. 

"But I must admit, I didn't expect this. A shop, of all things"

Minseok offered him a faint smile, one that didn't reach his eyes. 

"Times change, Captain. It's what people need"

Reiner's gaze shifted to the counter, where Minseok had placed a few vials of herbal remedies. 

He moved toward it slowly, examining the items with care.

"I've never been good with medicine," Reiner said, his voice softer now. 

"But I can see you've put a lot of effort into this"

Minseok nodded, unsure of how to respond. 

He had a lot of pride in what he was building, but his motives remained a mystery to most, especially to someone like Reiner, who was perhaps Seraphina's most trusted friend before he came into this world.

"I've got a lot of work left to do," Minseok finally said. 

"But I think this could be the start of something bigger"

"..."

"Princess–"

The door jingled again, and Minseok turned to see Lady Argi, she once again entered, holding a small basket of goods she had picked up from a vendor in the market. 

Her presence was a welcome one, and Minseok smiled at the sight of her.

"Good evening, Seraphina," Lady Argi said with a slight bow, her voice warm as always. 

"I see the shop is still bustling. How's it going?"

Minseok glanced over at Reiner before answering. 

"It's going well. People are starting to notice"

Lady Argi smiled knowingly. 

"Well, I'm glad to hear it. It's a good thing you're doing here"

Reiner glanced between the two of them, sensing the unspoken tension but not commenting on it. 

"I'll leave you to it, then," he said, his voice neutral. 

"I didn't mean to interrupt your work"

Minseok turned to face him as Reiner moved to exit. 

"It's no interruption, Captain," he said, his voice steady. 

"But I appreciate you coming by"

Reiner paused at the door and looked back over his shoulder. 

There was a moment of hesitation before he spoke, his eyes softening slightly.

"I'll see you around, then," he said quietly. 

"Take care of yourself"

'What the hell? This isn't a bloody drama film'

Minseok watched as Reiner disappeared into the night, a strange feeling of unease settling in his chest. 

He had always respected Reiner, and there had been a time when their bond had run deeper than it did now. 

But the walls Minseok had built around himself were solid, and he wasn't sure he was ready to lower them, even for someone who had once been close to Seraphina.

Minseok exhaled slowly and turned back to the counter, feeling a mix of relief and uncertainty. 

Lady Argi set the basket of goods down beside him, her expression soft but knowing.

"He's not the only one worried about you," she said quietly. 

"You've been pushing yourself pretty hard lately"

Minseok didn't look at her. 

"I'm fine," he said, his voice guarded. 

"The shop is important. It's all that matters right now"

Lady Argi sighed but said nothing more, sensing that Minseok wasn't in the mood for further conversation. 

Instead, she moved around the counter, organizing some of the items that had been set aside earlier. 

Minseok stood still for a moment, his thoughts returning to the brief encounter with Reiner. 

He didn't want help. 

Not from anyone. 

Not now. 

This was his journey, and he'd see it through alone if he had to.

Sure, he had support, but Aldwyns words would come flying through his head, and it only created an uncomfortable feeling.

A bit more time passed and Minseok finally closed the shop for the night, he found himself reflecting on everything that had happened. 

The shop was only the beginning. 

He had a long road ahead, and every step was one he had to take on his own. 

But the future was his to shape. 

And nothing, not even the royal court, could stop him.

He took a slow breath and looked over the small shop, now neatly tidied and closed.

The quiet hum of the city beyond the walls settled around him, and for a moment, he could almost pretend that this was just another ordinary night in an ordinary life.

But there was nothing ordinary about this.

It took a while but he made it back to the palace, he passed the servants' quarters, where the murmurs of conversation and clinking dishes drifted through the halls. 

Despite the stillness around him, he was acutely aware of the isolation that had settled in his bones. 

He hadn't realized just how much he had longed for the simple presence of someone who didn't judge him, who didn't expect him to wear the mask of Seraphina every waking moment. 

But even in moments like these, when he could breathe freely, he knew deep down that the peace wouldn't last.

As he walked through his chamber he made his way to the balcony and sat by the window of his modest quarters, gazing out into the moonlit garden below. 

His fingers idly traced the edge of a half-filled vial on the table, one of the first remedies he'd made for the shop. 

It wasn't perfect, but it was enough to help someone. 

That was all he needed. 

For now, it was all he could do.

But he couldn't ignore the nagging feeling in the back of his mind. 

His father, as cold as he was, had to know. 

He had to have noticed by now. 

Minseok's little venture into the world of medicine was far too disruptive to go unnoticed, and the fact that he was still standing in the face of the royal court's power spoke volumes about how much things had changed. 

And yet, Minseok refused to go back. 

He thought about the bag of gold coins Reiner had left him, reluctantly, and yet with a sincerity that felt more genuine than Minseok had expected. 

"I rejected him and yet he still helps me…"

That moment lingered with him, not because of the gold, but because of something deeper in the Reiner's eyes. 

There was care there, a care Minseok didn't know how to handle. 

"I'm not Seraphina… therefore I can never love you as she did"

The quiet knock on the door startled him out of his thoughts. 

"Your Highness?" 

Came the soft voice of Rhea. 

"May I come in?"

Minseok blinked in surprise and quickly placed the vial back on the table before responding. 

"Of course, Rhea. Come in"

Rhea stepped into the room, her graying hair tied neatly in a simple knot. 

Despite her age, there was a quiet strength about her, an unwavering loyalty that Minseok had come to rely on. 

She had been Seraphina's steadfast support, even when the world turned its back on her in the novel. 

"Is everything alright?"

She asked, her brow furrowed as she observed Minseok's distant expression. 

"You've been quiet, even skipping dinner with your father"

Minseok sighed, running a hand through his hair. 

"I merely wasn't in the mood for anything, I had a long day and father's nagging would only aid my headache"

Rhea didn't press him further, but her perceptive eyes didn't miss the tension in his shoulders. 

"About the shop, I presume?"

Minseok nodded slowly. 

"It's more than just a shop, Rhea. It's everything I've worked for"

"But it's also a target. I'm not stupid. Father knows what I'm doing"

"He's already upset with me for upsetting the market balance. And I'm just waiting for the day when he takes action"

Rhea moved to the chair beside him, sitting down with a quiet sigh. 

"You've taken on quite a burden"

"But you must know, there are those who will stand by you. Even if you stand alone in the end, you are not entirely without allies"

Minseok stared out the window, his thoughts distant.

 He hadn't realized how much he needed to hear that until Rhea spoke it. 

For a brief moment, he allowed himself to relax, to remember that there were others.

Lady Argi

Lady Elira

And Kaelen who had supported him, no questions asked.

"..."

"I can't rely on anyone, Rhea," Minseok said quietly, his voice heavy. 

"Not with what I'm doing. It's too dangerous. Every decision I make could bring everything crashing down"

Rhea's eyes softened with understanding. 

"Perhaps. But, Princess, even you cannot carry everything alone"

"You don't have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Let those who care about you help you, even if only in small ways"

Minseok's heart tightened. 

Rhea's words were a balm, soothing a wound he hadn't realized had festered. 

She was right. 

He couldn't do this alone. 

But there was a fear, one that gnawed at him every time he thought about it. 

The fear of becoming too dependent, too soft.

'Bloody hell, Seraphina's feelings are still shaping my thoughts… what an uncomfortable feeling'

"Thank you, Rhea…"

"Of course, your Highness," she stood up from her chair and walked towards the door, only turning back to turn off the light.

Minseok made his way into bed and after a few minutes, finally slept.

The Next Morning

Minseok stood behind the counter of the shop once again, preparing for the steady flow of customers. 

A small part of him felt lighter after his conversation with Rhea, but he knew that every day he spent in this shop was one day closer to his eventual confrontation with his father. 

'...that old man is planning something, I'm sure of it…'

The bigger question wasn't whether he would be punished but how and when.

As he arranged vials of medicine and herbal remedies, the door swung open, and the familiar chime of the bell sounded. 

Minseok looked up to see Kaelen enter his shop. 

His eyes scanned the room, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips when he saw Minseok.

'Heh, it seems like he'll be my number one customer… so supportive…'

"Well, well," Kaelen said with a chuckle, crossing the room to join him at the counter. 

"It seems like you're serious about this"

Minseok couldn't help but return the smile, though his was more subdued. 

"Of course I am, or does this not suit me at all?"

Kaelen leaned against the counter, his eyes playful but a little mischievous. 

"No no, it suits you. The people are talking"

"They like what you're doing here. And that's not something that can be said about the royal court"

Minseok's smile faltered, but he quickly masked it with a shrug. 

"Oh believe me when I say that they are not to kneen about my latest actions but they can't say anything after all what I'm doing is legal"

Kaelen studied him for a moment, his expression shifting slightly. 

"That's the problem with people in power, isn't it? They only see things in terms of their own benefit"

'Oh? He saw through my words so quickly…'

Minseok's heart skipped a beat. 

"It's not that simple"

Kaelen raised an eyebrow. 

"Isn't it?"

"Well–"

The sound of the door chimed once more, pulling Minseok's attention back to the entrance. 

Lady Argi stepped inside, her usual bright smile lighting up the room. 

There was a kind of warmth about her that always seemed to draw people in, and Minseok couldn't help but feel a sense of relief whenever she arrived.

"Good morning, Seraphina," she greeted with a bow, the formality of her words softened by the genuine affection in her tone. 

"I've brought some fresh herbs from the market that might help with your latest concoctions"

Minseok gave her a nod of gratitude, moving to the counter where she set the bundle down. 

"Thank you, Argi. Your kindness is much appreciated"

As she straightened, Lady Argi glanced around the shop, her eyes flicking from the neatly arranged vials and jars to the quiet, purposeful air of the place. 

There was an unspoken pride in the way she observed it, something that made Minseok feel just a little more validated in his efforts.

"I hear the shop is becoming quite popular," she said, her tone casual but with an underlying note of admiration.

"And it's just its second day; this is a miraculous achievement"

Minseok smirked slightly. 

"I know right? Even I can barely believe the amount of support I'm receiving"

Lady Argi's gaze softened, and for a moment, it seemed as though she was trying to read Minseok, to see past the cool composure he maintained so carefully. 

Her expression shifted, and she stepped a little closer, her voice lowering just enough for only Minseok to hear.

"I've b-been th-thinking," she said softly, her eyes meeting his. 

"You've b-been working so hard, and I think you deserve a break"

"P-perhaps... you'd join me for dinner sometime?"

"J-just the two of us"

Minseok blinked, momentarily caught off guard. 

He had expected Argi to offer more herbs, perhaps more suggestions for the shop, but this was... unexpected. 

His heart skipped a beat, but he quickly composed herself.

"A dinner?" 

He repeated, his voice carefully neutral. 

"Lady Argi, I—"

Before he could finish, he noticed Reiner Jiro enter the shop, his gaze immediately finding Minseok. 

His usual stoic expression faltered for just a second as he took in the exchange, his eyes narrowing slightly in surprise.

"Captain," Minseok greeted, trying to mask the sudden tension that crept up his spine.

Reiner's gaze flicked between him and Lady Argi, the confusion and a hint of something else, maybe concern flashing across his face. 

"I didn't expect to find you here, Lady Bonnie," he said with a touch of surprise. 

"Is there something you need?"

Before Argi could respond, Lady Elira Lysandra walked in, her eyes scanned the room, and she caught sight of the small group gathered near the counter. 

She made her way over, an air of mild curiosity on her face.

"What's going on here?" 

She asked, glancing between Argi, Reiner, and Minseok.

Argi gave Minseok a small, playful smile before answering, her voice a little more teasing now. 

"I was simply asking Her Highness if she would join me for dinner sometime"

"I think it's about time she took a break from this place, don't you agree?"

Minseok felt the heat rise in his cheeks, but he fought to keep her face neutral. 

"Argi, I—"

Before he could protest further, Reiner stepped forward, his brow furrowed. 

"Wait, what?" 

His voice cracked slightly, his usual confidence giving way to confusion. 

"Are you asking Her Highness out?" 

His eyes shifted to Minseok, a flicker of surprise, and something else which Minseok couldn't quite place.

Argi just laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. 

"If you want to call it that, Captain"

"B-but yes, I'm asking if Her H-highness would like to accompany me for dinner"

"It's a simple request"

Elira's eyes widened at the unexpected declaration. 

She exchanged a glance with Reiner before her attention shifted to Minseok, her usually composed demeanor faltering for just a second. 

"A dinner?" 

She repeated, her tone surprisingly soft. 

"With Lady Argi?"

Minseok felt the weight of their stares, and for a moment, he was certain the air in the shop had thickened. 

His mind raced, but his voice remained steady as he looked at Argi.

"I... I don't know if that's a good idea," he said slowly, though his words were less firm than he wanted them to be. 

"I've got a lot of work to do here"

Argi tilted her head, a knowing smile on her lips. 

"I'll make sure it's nothing too taxing. Just a meal between two people who enjoy good conversation" 

Her voice dropped just a little, the teasing tone giving way to something softer, more sincere. 

"You deserve it, Seraphina"

Minseok stood frozen for a moment, the weight of her words pressing against him in a way he hadn't expected.

He opened his mouth to respond, but the words didn't come easily. 

He glanced over at Reiner, whose brow was still furrowed in confusion, and then at Lady Elira, whose violet eyes seemed to hold a touch of amusement, but also curiosity.

He hadn't expected this, not in the slightest.

Finally, he exhaled, forcing a small smile onto his face. 

"I suppose... I could spare an evening"

The room went quiet for a moment, before Argi's smile bloomed into something brighter, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction. 

"Perfect. I'll arrange it. When you're ready, just let me know."

As she turned to leave, Minseok felt a strange feeling of ease. 

Ever since he came into this world he didn't have time to pursue anything with anyone as his sole goal was survival.

But Argi, who had offered a simple dinner, made his heart skip a beat.

'I was never popular in my past life… what an odd feeling'

With her departure, the air in the room shifted, and Minseok found himself facing Reiner and Lady Elira.

Reiner still seemed somewhat stunned, but he gave Minseok a small nod. 

"I... didn't expect that, Your Highness," he muttered.

Lady Elira, on the other hand, tilted her head, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. 

"A dinner date, huh? I didn't think you had it in you, Seraphina"

Minseok met her gaze, forcing a chuckle to cover the sudden warmth he felt. 

"It's nothing," he said, but his words were hollow even to his own ears. 

"Just a meal. Nothing more"

But deep down, he couldn't help but wonder if that was the beginning of something more than just a simple dinner.

'A dinner date… with Lady Argi…'