Chapter 13| The True Meaning Of Hatred

Ginny sat on the cold, stone floor of the servants' quarters, her back pressed against the wall, her limbs trembling with fatigue and bruised pride. Dirt clung to her once-clean hanbok, and her scarred knees bore the marks of her latest misadventure. She looked nothing like the well-dressed noblewoman she had once been—not in this world, not in this drama.

Her plans, every last one of them, had fallen apart like a poorly built sandcastle struck by a rising tide. No one would talk to her. The maids whispered behind her back, and the palace guards sneered at her when they thought she wasn't looking. No bribe, no charm, and certainly no clever trick had worked. They all avoided her as if her very presence brought bad luck.

She clenched her fists, jaw tightening.

She had always known Seung despised her, but now… now she understood.

This was hatred. Not the mild dislike you toss at a bothersome neighbor or the envy you nurse toward a rival. No—true hatred was venomous. Cold. Methodical.

He didn't spare her a shred of concern. Every look he gave her was filled with disdain. He relished her pain, took joy in her humiliation, and did everything in his power to break her. He wanted her to feel the same despair he had once felt.

That, she realized, was the essence of hatred.

True hatred was born from injustice, bred in the shadows of betrayal, and sharpened by the sting of pain. And Seung? He wanted her to bleed every drop of it.

"Isn't that too much of a hassle," she muttered under her breath, exhaling in disbelief.

Her brooding thoughts shattered with a loud clang—a noise not far from the corridor.

Alert now, Ginny scrambled to her feet, dusted off her skirt, and crept out of the servant quarters. The palace was quiet at this hour, but there was movement near the eastern wing.

She peeked out just in time to see a small procession approaching.

"They seem to be important people," she whispered, ducking behind a low pillar as she watched.

A woman emerged from the center of the group, elegant and regal. She looked to be in her mid-forties, but there was an ageless grace about her—beauty not born of youth, but of power. Her robes shimmered jade green in the sunlight, embroidered with golden phoenixes that gleamed as she walked. Her long hair was twisted into a high chignon, studded with emerald pins. Behind her, an entourage followed—maids, guards, and officials—silent and reverent.

Soon after, a man entered. He was older, with neatly combed silver hair that matched the coolness in his eyes. His green robes bore the insignia of a high-ranking official, and like the others, he carried a curved blade at his side.

Ginny chewed her thumbnail, curiosity overriding her sense of caution.

"I'm craving pizza," she mumbled as she tiptoed behind them, her white boots making soft crunch sounds against the gravel path.

They entered a building she hadn't explored before, one that looked far too extravagant for a humble guest like her. Still, she followed, careful not to draw attention.

But as she reached the threshold, two guards stepped forward, swords drawn, and pointed them right at her throat.

Ginny froze, lowering her eyes to the steel edge glinting inches from her neck. She gulped audibly, then, with theatrical flair, used her index finger to gently push one of the blades away.

"Easy there, boys," she said with a nervous smile. "No need for drama."

Before the guards could react, a calm voice spoke behind her.

"She's with me."

She turned sharply, heart pounding, and was greeted by a figure that stepped between her and the guards.

The men immediately lowered their swords at his command. He gave them a curt nod, then turned to Ginny with a smile so effortlessly charming, she almost forgot to breathe.

'It's nice to finally see a gentleman around here,' she thought as she studied him.

He was young, likely in his early thirties, with silk-smooth hair streaked lightly with silver. It framed his flawless face, falling just above his brows. His features were elegant, almost unreal—like something sculpted by an artist obsessed with perfection.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Ginny nodded mutely. "Wow," she muttered.

He smiled again. "Shall we?" He offered his arm. She took it, still stunned, and allowed herself to be led into the building. The scent of incense greeted her, followed by the quiet hum of noble chatter.

She looked around in awe.

The hall was extravagant. Gilded pillars lined the walls, each carved with dragons and blooming lotuses. Paper lanterns swayed from the high ceiling, casting a warm glow over the gathering. Nobles in vibrant silks stood in clusters, sipping tea or discussing politics in hushed tones. Gold-trimmed windows framed a view of the imperial gardens.

"Unbelievable," Ginny whispered, mouth slightly agape.

Her stomach grumbled loudly.

The man chuckled. "You haven't had anything to eat?"

"No," she said with a sheepish smile.

He didn't hesitate. He took her hand and led her toward the long banquet table, stacked with towers of dumplings, glistening meats, and trays of delicate sweets. The aroma alone made Ginny's knees weak.

She took a seat, biting into a sweet rice cake with a hum of delight.

"Oh—I forgot to ask. What's your name?" she asked, licking a bit of syrup from her finger.

He looked amused by her curiosity. "It's Min Jae... Choi Min Jae," he replied, his wide smile lighting up his face.

Ginny blinked. "Min Jae... Choi Min Jae," she repeated slowly, as if testing the taste of his name.

"You don't remember? That's a shame. Tsk, tsk," he teased, folding his lips in mock disappointment.

"What a huge shame," she echoed, mimicking his tone.

"We met a few times before the wedding," he added. "We've been friends since childhood, though we don't see each other often."

"Friends?!" Ginny gasped. "Friends? Really? Soo–Hee, and of all people you chose that monster. Tsk tsk tsk." She imitated him with a dramatic shake of her head.

"You talk to yourself often?" Min Jae asked, brow raised in amusement.

"Oh, nevermind that. I'm completely sane. I'm just... shocked, is it," she said quickly, waving it off.

Min Jae laughed, and Ginny couldn't help the small grin tugging at her lips.