Under the Noble Gaze

I exhaled in awe. "It must have been so nice to live here."

Jiho smiled slightly. "You can visit any time you want, even if you don't live here."

That made me curious. "Where do nobles live, by the way? Do they stay in separate mansions?"

To my surprise, he laughed. "No. Yeonghwa Estate has a lot of rooms available for any noble who wishes to stay here. But each noble family has its own businesses to handle and its own place to live. We don't stay here permanently, but all of us remain connected. While we manage our own affairs, we also serve and support the royal family."

"I see," I murmured. "I think I understand now."

After exploring every corner of the estate, I returned to Her Highness and expressed my decision to stay in my apartment, at least for now. "I still have work, and I need to make sure my mother is well," I explained.

She nodded, understanding. "I will not stop you, but once your nobility is officially announced, you will undergo training. There are expectations you must meet, Hyorin. Prepare yourself."

I swallowed hard and bowed respectfully. "I understand, Your Highness."

As I left the estate, a strange feeling settled within me, anticipation mixed with a quiet sense of dread. I was stepping into a world I barely understood, and once I crossed that threshold, there would be no turning back.

Author's POV:

Hyorin sighed as she stepped out of the office building, the cool evening air hitting her face. The past two weeks had been a blur, taking care of her mother, navigating her emotions, and adjusting to life after everything that had happened. Going back to work was supposed to bring a sense of normalcy, but the constant condolences from her colleagues only reopened wounds she had tried to suppress.

Just as she reached for her car keys, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She glanced at the screen. Unknown Number?

Without hesitation, she answered. "Hello?"

"Lady Han," a familiar voice greeted her.

She straightened at the sound of it. "Mr. Jung?"

"Yes," he responded in his usual composed tone. "I am calling on behalf of Her Highness. She has requested your presence at tonight's banquet."

Hyorin's eyes widened slightly. "Tonight?" She instinctively checked the time on her phone... 6:00 PM.

"Yes. The banquet will begin at 8 PM. A car has been arranged to pick you up at 7 PM."

Although the notice was short, Hyorin didn't feel the need to question it. If Her Highness had summoned her, it must be important. "I understand. Thank you for informing me."

"There is no need to worry about preparation," Mr. Jung continued. "A gown has already been delivered to your apartment, along with accessories and appropriate footwear. Everything has been arranged for your convenience."

Hyorin felt a warm sense of gratitude. "I truly appreciate that. Please extend my thanks to Her Highness for her generosity."

"I will," Mr. Jung replied. A brief pause followed before he added, "Lady Han, this evening is more than just a gathering. It signifies your formal introduction into noble society. You may find that many eyes will be on you tonight."

She pressed her lips together, letting his words sink in. A part of her had expected this, she had chosen to accept nobility, and now she would have to step into that role fully. "I understand. I'll make sure to be ready."

"Good," Mr. Jung said approvingly. "Then I will see you at the banquet."

The call ended, leaving Hyorin standing there for a moment, staring at her phone.

Tonight was not just another event. It was the beginning of something far greater than she had imagined. Taking a deep breath, she hailed a cab, already preparing herself for the night ahead.

As the car glided through the grand entrance of Yeonghwa Estate, Hyorin stared out the window in awe.

The estate at night was breathtaking, the golden glow of lanterns lined the pathways, fountains shimmered under the moonlight, and the entire place radiated an ethereal beauty. Yet, despite the mesmerizing view, an uneasy feeling settled in her chest. Her hands clenched slightly in her lap. Was she really ready for this?

The car came to a smooth stop, and as soon as the door was opened for her, she hesitated for just a moment before stepping out. Mr. Jung was already waiting.

"This way, Lady Han," he said with a respectful bow before leading her toward the Royal Banquet Pavilion. With each step, her heart pounded louder. She could already hear the distant chatter, the soft melody of a string quartet, and the refined laughter of nobles mingling inside. A world she did not belong to. The moment she stepped through the entrance, she felt it. The stares. The shift in the air was almost suffocating.

It was as if the entire room had frozen just to watch her. The conversations quieted, glasses halted mid-air, and all attention turned toward her. Hyorin felt her throat tighten. She had expected this, yet it didn't make it any easier. She lowered her gaze slightly, unwilling to meet the countless pairs of eyes dissecting her every move. Some expressions were unreadable, others were filled with curiosity, some even with doubt or disapproval. She could hear the whispers, sharp and unrelenting.

"So, that's Lady Han..."

"She looks nervous."

"Can she even handle this world?"

"A commoner stepping into nobility… how amusing."

Hyorin's hands trembled slightly at her sides. She didn't belong here. She wanted to turn around and walk out. But then she saw Her Highness and His Majesty, standing at the front of the grand hall. Her Highness met her gaze, offering a warm, reassuring smile. It was the only comfort Hyorin could cling to.

Forcing herself to move forward, she walked past the murmuring crowd, her footsteps feeling heavier with each passing second.

Mr. Jung led her right before them and then stepped aside. She swallowed hard before bowing deeply. "Your Highness. Your Majesty."

A brief silence followed, but then Her Highness spoke, her voice gentle yet firm. "You're finally here, Hyorin."

As Hyorin stood before Her Highness and His Majesty, she struggled to calm the unease swirling in her chest. The weight of countless stares pressed down on her, but she kept her gaze lowered, unsure of what to do next.