At Last, You Are Here

Before we parted ways, I hesitated for a moment before asking, "Grandma… what do you think about my engagement to Prince Seungho?"

She sighed softly, her eyes filled with both wisdom and concern. "Seungho has always been exceptional," she began. "Since he was a child, he was considered a genius. He mastered diplomacy, strategy, and swordsmanship at an early age. He's disciplined, intelligent, and strict when it comes to rules. Unlike other nobles, he has never been involved in any scandals or controversies. He carries himself with dignity and responsibility, just like a future king should."

I listened carefully, absorbing every word. It was the first time I had heard such details about him.

"He sounds… perfect," I murmured, unsure of how to feel.

Grandma chuckled, shaking her head. "No one is perfect, my dear. But I will say this, if you do decide to marry him, you would be safe. He would never mistreat you, and he would uphold his duty with honor."

She then reached for my hand, squeezing it gently. "But remember, Hyorin, this is your life. You are not just a noble or a pawn in a political game. You are a person with dreams and feelings. No matter how good of a man Seungho may be, if your heart is elsewhere, then you must follow it."

Her words struck something deep within me. I wanted to make the right choice, but what was the right choice? My duty, or my heart?

I gave her a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Grandma. That means a lot to me."

She cupped my cheek tenderly before standing up. "No matter what you choose, I will support you."

As I watched her walk away, I felt the weight of my decision pressing down on me more than ever.

A week later, my routine at Yeonghwa University remained the same, but the exhaustion was starting to catch up with me.

In the morning, I attended Public Relations & Reputation Management, Philanthropy & Social Responsibility, and History & Political Science, all subjects designed to prepare me for a noble's role in society. The endless discussions about diplomacy, public image, and ethical responsibilities drained me, but I pushed through.

The afternoon was even more exhausting. Firearm Proficiency and Archery required intense focus and physical effort. My arms ached from holding the bow steady, and my fingers were sore from pulling the string. The weight of the firearm and the recoil each time I fired made me realize just how unprepared I was for real combat.

By the time my last class ended, it was already 5 PM, and I could feel every muscle in my body protesting. I just wanted to go home, take a hot bath, and sleep.

As I approached the car waiting for me outside the university, I felt someone grab my wrist.

"Hyorin, wait... "

I turned and saw Rion standing there, his expression troubled. His grip wasn't tight, but I could feel the desperation behind it.

I instinctively pulled away, avoiding his gaze. "Rion, I'm tired. Not now."

His lips parted as if he wanted to say something, but he hesitated. I didn't give him a chance to respond, I simply stepped into the car and shut the door.

The ride back to Yeonghwa Estate was silent, but my mind wasn't. I knew I was avoiding him, and deep down, I knew I was being unfair. But after everything, I wasn't ready to face him. Not yet.

As soon as I arrived, I went straight to my room, ignoring the concerned looks from the maids. I threw myself onto the bed, sinking into the soft sheets with a heavy sigh.

I was too tired to think. Too tired to feel. For now, I just needed to rest.

As I was deep in sleep, exhaustion weighing down my body, a sudden knocking on my door jolted me awake.

"Lady Hyorin!" Rami's voice came from the other side. "Wake up! His Highness, Prince Seungho, has arrived. Her Highness has requested you to join them for dinner."

My eyes widened as I processed her words. Prince Seungho? He's here?

A rush of nerves and excitement flooded my chest. I scrambled out of bed, my exhaustion momentarily forgotten. My heart pounded as I hurried to freshen up, my hands moving on their own as I brushed my hair and dressed as quickly as possible.

This is it. I was finally going to meet him, the man I was bound to by an agreement I hadn't yet decided on.

As soon as I opened the door, Rami was there, waiting impatiently. Without a word, she took my hand and led me through the estate halls. My steps quickened, a mix of anticipation and unease filling me.

When we arrived at the Royal Restaurant, I saw them before I even stepped inside.

At the grand dining table sat Her Highness, His Majesty, and my grandmother—their presence already commanding enough. But my eyes were immediately drawn to the unfamiliar figure among them.

A man sat with perfect posture, dressed in elegant yet formal attire. His sharp features were accentuated by the warm glow of the chandeliers. Even without an introduction, I knew instantly.

Prince Seungho.

I swallowed hard, my nerves doubling. This was really happening.

I stepped inside, and immediately, all eyes turned to me. A heavy silence filled the room as their gazes lingered, analyzing me, waiting for my reaction. I kept my head down, my heart pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears.

Slowly, I made my way toward the table and took a seat beside my grandmother. As soon as I sat down, I felt her warm hand gently cover mine. I turned to her, and she gave me a reassuring squeeze, her silent way of telling me, "It's okay." I managed a small smile, though my nerves were far from settled.

Her Highness then cleared her throat, drawing my attention back to the table. With a composed smile, she spoke.

"Lady Hyorin, allow me to introduce you to His Highness, Prince Seungho."

At her words, I finally lifted my head. And then...

Our eyes met.

The moment I saw him, my entire body froze. My breath hitched, my mind went blank, and for a few seconds, I thought my heart had stopped.

The sharp yet familiar gaze, the composed expression, the refined air about him... there was no mistaking it.

Prince Seungho is no other than… Mr. Yi.

My Mr. Yi.

The man I had been searching for. The man I never thought I'd see again.

But before I could even process my emotions, I saw something in his expression. Not surprise. Not confusion.

Recognition. He knew... He had known all along.

His composed face didn't falter, but his eyes… they were unreadable. There was no shock, no hesitation... just quiet understanding, as if he had been expecting this moment.

My breath caught in my throat. Did that mean he had always known who I was? Since Paris? Since the very beginning?

A million questions raced through my mind, but I couldn't ask any of them. Not here. Not now.

I felt my grandmother squeeze my hand again, but this time, I couldn't look away from him.