Nobility and Protection Choice

NEXT DAY... 

As I stepped into the grand dining room, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a golden glow over the elegantly set table.

Her Highness looked up as I entered, her face breaking into a warm smile. "Hyorin, my dear, what a wonderful surprise." She gestured for me to sit. "Come, have a seat. Would you like some coffee?"

I bowed respectfully before taking the chair across from her. "Thank you, Your Highness. That would be lovely."

She poured a cup for me herself, her delicate hands steady as ever. "For you to come here so early… I assume you've made a decision?"

I inhaled deeply, gripping the warm porcelain in my hands. "Yes," I said, steadying my voice. "I've decided to accept nobility."

Her smile widened, but there was something knowing in her eyes—something deeper than mere joy. "This is good news," she said softly. "I had hoped you would." She took a sip of her coffee, studying me carefully. "But tell me, Hyorin… do you understand what this truly means?"

I swallowed, my fingers tightening around my cup. "I understand that it gives me power. Power to protect my mother, power to ensure no one can take advantage of us again."

She nodded approvingly but let out a small sigh. "That is true, but nobility is not just about power. It is a burden as much as it is a privilege. You will gain allies, but you will also gain enemies—people who will test you, question you, and even wish for your downfall. Are you prepared for that?"

I hesitated. I had thought about it, of course, but hearing it from her made the weight of my decision settle even deeper in my chest. "I will do whatever it takes," I said firmly.

Her Highness smiled, a mix of pride and sorrow in her expression. "I admire your resolve. You remind me of your mother when she was younger. She, too, had a fierce heart."

At the mention of my mother, my chest tightened. "Speaking of her… I need to secure her future. She sold almost every business we once had, didn't she?"

Her Highness nodded. "Yes, but she kept one—a small coffee shop in Gangnam.

It is still running, managed by one of her most trusted servants."

Surprise flickered in me. "Why would she sell everything else but keep that?"

"She must have had her reasons," Her Highness said, sipping her coffee thoughtfully. "Perhaps it held sentimental value. Or perhaps she wanted to leave you something untouched by the chaos that befell the rest." She set her cup down. "Regardless, it is still in her name. And soon, it may be in yours."

I sat back, my mind spinning. A coffee shop in Gangnam. A piece of my mother's past still intact. Maybe this was the key to securing her future.

Her Highness reached out, placing a gentle hand over mine. "Hyorin, you are about to step into a world that will challenge you in ways you cannot yet imagine. But if you stay true to yourself, you will find your way."

I met her gaze, determination burning in my chest. "I will."

She smiled again, this time with a quiet kind of pride. "Then welcome to the world of nobility, my dear. May you wield your power wisely."

After our warm conversation, Her Highness set her cup down and smiled at me. "You should see more of the Yeonghwa Estate," she said.

I nodded, curious about the place that held so much power and history. But just as she stood up, she hesitated, pressing a hand lightly against her knee. I noticed the slight strain in her expression.

"The estate is vast," she admitted with a small chuckle. "Too wide for these old knees to walk around. But don't worry, I'll have someone else show you around."

She turned toward a servant standing by the entrance and gave a subtle nod. Moments later, the doors opened, and a tall figure stepped inside.

"This is Jiho," Her Highness introduced, a knowing glint in her eyes.

Jiho bowed slightly, then turned his gaze toward me. His features were sharp yet refined—perfectly sculpted in a way that made him undeniably striking. His posture was straight, effortless in its confidence, and when he spoke, his voice was smooth and deep.

"I've heard a lot about you," he said.

I raised a brow. "Oh really? From who?"

"From Her Highness," he answered as we began walking through the estate's grand halls.

His pace was measured, his movements graceful. The high ceilings loomed above us, adorned with intricate golden details. The estate was breathtaking—every corridor telling stories of generations past.

I glanced at him, curiosity taking over. "Are you her son?" I asked. He looked too… regal not to be.

Jiho let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "I'm not. But my family is the closest to the royal bloodline."

I frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

He slid his hands into his pockets, his voice steady as he explained.

"Every noble family has a rank. They all hold influence, but some stand closer to the throne than others. My family ranks first—as the closest to the royal bloodline."

I processed his words carefully. "What is your family name?"

"Jeon," he said, glancing at me. Jeon. A name that carried immense weight.

"What about Han?" I asked hesitantly.

Jiho tilted his head slightly, as if considering my question. "Han? They rank fifth, I believe. Why? Are you Han?"

"Yes," I said simply.

He slowed his steps for just a moment, his expression shifting. "But isn't your mother Lady Choi?"

"She is," I replied. "But my surname is Han."

Jiho blinked at me, visibly puzzled. "Really? That's… confusing."

I let out a small sigh. "The servants call me Lady Han."

He fell silent, his brows furrowing slightly as if he was trying to piece something together.

There was something in his expression—something thoughtful, something calculating. But he didn't say anything more. Instead, we continued walking, the silence between us thick with unspoken thoughts.

As the tour continued, I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer grandeur of the Yeonghwa Estate. Each of the Six Grand Features was more breathtaking than the last.

The Grand Garden was like something out of a dream—endless greenery, blooming flowers in every color imaginable, and elegant stone pathways winding through serene ponds and fountains. It was the kind of place that made you forget the world outside even existed.

The Yeonghwa Coffeehouse had the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingering in the air, its warm and inviting atmosphere making it feel like a secret retreat hidden within the estate. It reminded me of the coffee shop my mother kept in Gangnam, and for a fleeting moment, I wondered if she had ever stood in this very place.

The Royal Restaurant was the definition of luxury. Exquisite chandeliers, long dining tables set with fine china, and a kitchen that probably served the most refined dishes in the entire country.

The Music & Recording Rooms fascinated me the most. Spacious and filled with grand pianos, violins, and recording equipment, it was a space dedicated to the art of sound—a place where music could be born and preserved for generations.

The Royal Library was as grand as I imagined a royal library would be, filled with endless rows of books, from ancient texts to modern literature. There was something about the scent of old pages and the hushed stillness that made it feel sacred.

Finally, Jiho led me to the Offices of His Highness & Her Highness, the heart of decision-making within the estate. The air felt heavier here, as if the walls themselves carried the weight of history, authority, and power.