A Noble’s First Step

Her mind instantly flashed back to Paris.To him. It had been a while since she thought about him, but his face was still so clear in her mind.

Before she could say anything, Mihun suddenly spoke. "Hyorin, you should reconsider."

She looked at him, puzzled. "Why?"

Mihun's expression turned serious. "Because Seungho isn't just an heir. He's the Chief of Intelligence Operations of the Yeonghwa Command and Control Center. He has been protecting you since he took that position."

Hyorin froze. "What?"

Jiho nodded. "It's true. Even though you've never met him, he's always known about you. He's been watching over you from the shadows."

Hyorin stared at them in disbelief. She had never met this man. Never spoken to him. And yet… he had been protecting her? For the first time that night, Hyorin began to truly reconsider. Maybe… she should get to know Seungho.

After returning from the banquet, Hyorin sat in silence in her apartment. The grandeur of the night still lingered in her mind—the stares, the whispers, the weight of expectations pressing down on her. It was overwhelming, yet she barely had time to process it before the next morning arrived with an even greater shift.

She woke up to the news that she had to resign from her job. Her leave had already ended, and she had returned to work just a few days ago, thinking she could balance both worlds. But the reality of nobility was relentless. There was no space for anything outside of duty.

That morning, she walked into the airport, the familiar environment feeling foreign to her now. The resignation letter, sealed with the emblem of the royal family, carried a finality she wasn't prepared for. Her manager hesitated at first, the weight of the royal seal undeniable, before ultimately processing her resignation. The once-familiar halls of the airport felt distant as she left, knowing she would never walk them the same way again.

Back at her apartment, she moved methodically, packing everything into suitcases.

Each item carried a piece of her past, a reminder of the life she was leaving behind. The books she used to read before flights, the uniform neatly folded in the closet, the small souvenirs she collected from different countries—each held memories that now felt like they belonged to someone else.

When the knock on the door came, she was ready. The staff sent from Yeonghwa Estate worked efficiently, loading her belongings into the sleek black van waiting outside. The apartment, once warm and full of life, was now empty, reduced to nothing but walls and echoes of what once was.

As the van pulled away, she watched the city she once knew shrink in the distance. The roads stretched ahead, leading her toward a world she had never imagined for herself.

When the car pulled through the grand entrance of Yeonghwa Estate, Hyorin felt an unfamiliar sense of finality. The sprawling estate, bathed in golden evening light, stood before her with an air of elegance she still wasn't used to.

Once she stepped out, staff members immediately took care of her luggage, guiding her toward one of the guest rooms. It was far more spacious than her apartment, adorned with intricate furnishings and delicate gold accents. The bed was large and inviting, the windows draped with sheer curtains that allowed just the right amount of light to filter through.

She took a moment to breathe, placing her things around the room, trying to make the space feel hers. But before she could fully settle, a knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.

She was summoned to the lobby.

Descending the grand staircase, she was met by Mr. Jung, who stood beside a petite young woman. The lady had a round, delicate face and large eyes filled with nervous energy.

Without hesitation, Mr. Jung introduced her.

"She's going to be your personal maid for now, Lady Han."

Hyorin frowned slightly. "Maid? No, I don't need one."

The young lady beside him looked startled but quickly bowed her head.

"Every noble has their personal maid, Lady Han. Some even have five or more," Mr. Jung explained patiently.

"But I'm honestly fine by myself," Hyorin insisted, feeling uncomfortable with the idea.

For the first time, the maid spoke, her voice soft yet earnest. "Please let me serve you, my lady."

Hyorin turned to her, surprised by the sincerity in her tone.

Mr. Jung added, "She'll be jobless if you refuse her, Lady Han."

Hyorin let out a quiet sigh, glancing at the young maid who was nervously waiting for her answer. After a brief pause, she finally nodded. "Alright… I'll accept it."

The maid's eyes brightened, and she bowed deeply. "Thank you, my lady. I promise to serve you well."

As Mr. Jung walked away, leaving the two alone, Hyorin turned to the young maid with a softer expression.

"What is your name?" she asked.

The maid quickly straightened up before responding, "Rami, my lady. Seo Rami."

Hyorin smiled. "Nice to meet you, Rami. My name is Hyorin—Han Hyorin."

Rami bowed deeply. "It is my pleasure to serve you, my lady."

Hyorin's smile wavered slightly. "You can just call me Hyorin. No need for formalities."

Rami's eyes widened in shock as she quickly shook her head. "No, I am sorry, but I can't."

"Why? Is it against the rules?" Hyorin asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, my lady," Rami confirmed, her voice firm yet respectful.

Hyorin let out a small sigh before relenting. "Fine, then just call me Lady Hyorin. How about that?"

Rami nodded immediately. "Yes, Lady Hyorin."

Satisfied, Hyorin finally smiled. It was a small compromise, but one that made her feel a little more at ease in this unfamiliar world.

"Don't be afraid. Don't respect me too much, Rami. Just consider me as your friend. It might be against the rules, but let's be friends."

Rami hesitated for a moment before slowly reaching out her hand. "Yes, Lady Hyorin."

Their hands met in a brief but warm handshake. Hyorin smiled. "So from now on, let's help each other."

Rami gave a small, sincere nod before checking the time. "We have to go now, Lady Hyorin. I will call the driver for you." Without waiting for a response, she left to make the arrangements.

A few moments later, Hyorin found herself inside a sleek black car, still unsure of what was happening. She glanced at Rami, confusion evident on her face.

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"To Yeonghwa University, Lady Hyorin," Rami answered calmly.

Hyorin's eyes widened in shock. "What?! Am I going to study again?" She could feel the panic rising in her chest.

Rami, however, remained composed. "Don't worry, Lady Hyorin. You are only going to study Etiquette & Protocol, Philanthropy & Social Responsibility, Cultural & Intellectual Development, Personal Presentation & Media Awareness, and Household & Estate Management."

Hyorin let out a groan, leaning back against the seat. "That sounds like a lot to handle..."

Rami simply smiled. "You'll get used to it, my lady."

As the car rolled to a smooth stop in front of Yeonghwa University, Hyorin stepped out, her breath catching at the sight before her. The university was a breathtaking fusion of tradition and innovation, its majestic neoclassical architecture adorned with towering columns, vast glass panels, and gilded accents. The entrance boasted an imposing grand archway, intricately carved with the royal crest, leading into sprawling courtyards lined with lush gardens and serene reflecting pools.

As she and Rami walked further inside, Hyorin marveled at the grandeur of the institution. Ornate lecture halls gleamed with crystal chandeliers and plush velvet seating, yet seamlessly incorporated state-of-the-art holographic smartboards and AI-driven learning tools. A multi-story library stood as a testament to the past and future, its towering shelves filled with ancient tomes while digital archives glowed softly in contrast. Even the dining halls resembled regal banquet settings, where gourmet meals were served on fine china beneath vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate frescoes.

As they passed groups of students, Hyorin observed their tailored uniforms—each adorned with unique family insignias embroidered in gold. She glanced down at her own attire, a sense of unfamiliarity creeping in.

"Rami," she murmured, "why don't I have a uniform?"

Rami hesitated for a moment before answering, "You will have one soon, Lady Hyorin. But since your marriage isn't settled yet, you don't have an official insignia to display."

A flicker of disappointment passed through Hyorin, but more than that, she felt torn. The uncertainty of her future weighed heavily on her mind, and she still wasn't sure what decision to make.

Pushing those thoughts aside for now, she followed Rami to the 4th floor, where her lessons would be held. As they entered a grand yet intimate classroom, an elegant woman in her early forties greeted her with a composed smile.

"Welcome, Lady Han. I am Professor Dasom," she introduced herself, her voice warm yet authoritative.

Hyorin glanced around the empty room, then turned to Rami with confusion. "Why am I the only one here?"

Rami clasped her hands together and explained, "Etiquette & Protocol is taught to noble children starting from the age of six. Since you've entered nobility late, you must be tutored separately."

Hyorin exhaled slowly, taking in the reality of her situation. She had a long way to go to catch up, but she had already come this far. Straightening her posture, she met Professor Dasom's gaze and nodded.

"I understand. Let's begin."