The Issues at Hand and His Return

Rion and I spent the next couple of hours in the grand library of Yeonghwa University, surrounded by towering bookshelves filled with centuries-old knowledge. The atmosphere was serene, the scent of aged parchment mixing with the faint aroma of freshly brewed tea that a librarian had brought for us.

He guided me to a secluded reading nook, where he pulled out a thick leather-bound book and placed it in front of me. "This should cover everything you need to know about Oathbreakers," he said as he casually leaned back in his chair.

At first, I expected the reading to be dry and tedious, but to my surprise, Rion was an excellent teacher. He explained things with ease, using real-life examples to help me grasp complex concepts. His patience was unexpected, there was no trace of arrogance, no condescension. If anything, he seemed genuinely interested in making sure I understood.

"So, nobles who break oaths are completely cast out?" I asked, flipping through the delicate pages.

"It depends," he said, resting his chin on his hand. "If the offense is minor, they might just lose their rank or privileges. But if it's serious, especially if it involves betraying the royal family, exile is the best outcome they can hope for."

I swallowed, suddenly aware of just how much weight nobility carried.

As we continued talking, I found myself laughing more than I expected. Rion had a subtle sense of humor, slipping in sarcastic remarks and witty observations that made me chuckle. For someone who seemed so untouchable at first glance, he was surprisingly easy to talk to.

At some point, he reached over and tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, completely unfazed. I froze for a second, my heart skipping a beat, but he simply continued flipping through the book as if nothing had happened.

By the time we wrapped up, I realized I had learned more than I thought I would, not just about nobility, but about him as well.

"You're actually really good at explaining things," I admitted as we stood up to leave.

He smirked. "And here I thought you'd say I was too good-looking to focus on the lesson."

I rolled my eyes. "I take it back."

He laughed, leading the way out of the library, and I couldn't help but think... maybe, just maybe, I had found an unexpected friend in Baek Rion.

As days passed, Rion and I naturally grew closer. We spent most of our free time together, studying in the library, taking walks around the university gardens, and even sneaking out for coffee at hidden cafés only nobles seemed to know about. He always made sure I got home safely, insisting that a lady, especially one of noble status, should never walk alone at night.

Rion was gentle, thoughtful, and though he would never admit it, remarkably sweet. He had this effortless way of making me feel at ease, as if I belonged in this unfamiliar world of nobility. I didn't realize just how much time we had been spending together until a full month passed, and suddenly, whispers started circulating around the university.

Are they dating?Why is Lord Baek so interested in Lady Han? She's supposed to marry Prince Seungho, what is she doing with Rion?

At first, I brushed it off, thinking it was just typical gossip. But then the rumors reached Her Highness.

That evening, I was suddenly summoned to the royal palace. The moment I stepped inside the grand hall, I felt a weight settle on my chest. The atmosphere was heavy, the golden chandeliers casting an almost intimidating glow over the marbled floors.

I was led into a private chamber where Her Majesty, the Queen, was waiting for me. Dressed in an exquisite gown adorned with delicate embroidery and shimmering jewels, she radiated elegance and power. Her gaze was unreadable as she gestured for me to sit.

I obeyed, my hands instinctively folding in my lap to hide the slight tremble in my fingers.

The Queen's piercing gaze remained fixed on me, her elegant fingers resting lightly on the armrest of her chair. There was no rush in her voice, no unnecessary emotion just the quiet authority of a ruler who knew the weight of her words.

"I have sent a word to Prince Seungho," she said smoothly, watching my reaction. "It is time for the two of you to meet."

I felt my breath hitch, my fingers instinctively curling around the fabric of my dress. "Prince Seungho… is coming home?" I repeated, almost as if saying it aloud would make it feel more real.

She gave a slow, deliberate nod. "You cannot delay this decision any longer, Lady Han. Your future, and the future of the royal family, depends on it."

My heart pounded. For weeks, I had heard endless stories about him... his reputation, his admirers, the mystery surrounding his face. Every conversation about him only made him feel more like a legend rather than a real person. And now, after all this time, I was finally going to meet him.

"When?" I asked, my voice quieter than I intended.

The Queen studied me for a moment before answering. "By the end of the week."

A lump formed in my throat. That was too soon. I thought I'd have more time. Time to adjust, time to prepare myself for whatever this marriage arrangement truly meant.

"I hope you understand, Lady Han," the Queen continued, "that this meeting is not just for formality's sake. It is for you to understand the responsibility that comes with your position. You have spent time in nobility, mingling with the aristocracy, learning our ways… but royalty is an entirely different world. And once you step into it, there is no turning back."

Her words carried a weight I hadn't fully considered until now. She wasn't just asking me to meet Seungho, she was reminding me that this meeting was a turning point. A final step toward a life I had no control over.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to nod. "I understand, Your Highness."

She sighed, leaning back in her chair, her expression softening... just barely. "Good."

For a moment, I thought that was the end of the conversation, but then her gaze sharpened again.

"And one more thing," she added. "Be careful with Baek Rion."

The sudden shift in topic made me tense. "Rion?" I asked, caught off guard.

She held my gaze, her tone cool but firm. "I am aware of the rumors about you two. It may seem innocent now, but attachments like these can become dangerous when they involve the royal family. Do not make the mistake of forgetting where your loyalty must lie."

A cold shiver ran down my spine. "Rion is just a friend," I said quickly.

The Queen remained impassive. "I certainly hope so."

Silence filled the room, heavy and suffocating. I clenched my fists beneath the table, feeling as though my life had just been placed on a scale, weighed and judged.

Prince Seungho was coming home.

And I had no idea if I was ready to meet him.