Empress Handbook

Chapter Forty-Two | Trolley Problems

"Yoongi wants to see me tonight?" Yeoreum shrieks.

"Yes, Mr Min said that His Majesty will be having dinner with corporate group executives, so you should be able to meet with him for dinner," Nara says.

Yeoreum frowns. "I know his engagement with Dakyung went south, but still, I am a married woman. Isn't it scandalous for us to meet in the evening?"

"Mr Min is very cautious, so he will never do anything without careful consideration. Please trust him."

Hearing the sincerity in Nara's voice, Yeoreum finally nods. Some parts of Yeoreum's heart dread the idea of seeing Yoongi. She doesn't know how to face him or if he still reciprocates her feelings.

"Your Majesty?" Nara pats Yeoreum's shoulder. "It is time for your talk at the unwed mothers' shelter."

Yeoreum looks at the time and shoots up from her seat. "Oh God, you're right," she says. "It's time already."

"Your Majesty, you will have to get your makeup redone on the car today for the engagement after this one, so whom would you like to bring along to do that?"

"Seohee, she's faster with that stuff," Yeoreum says as she rushes out the door. "Quick. I'm going to be late.

Nara and Seohee race to catch up to Yeoreum. Just as they reach the Front Courtyard, a quiet shriek slips out of Seohee's mouth.

"What's wrong?" Yeoreum frowns.

"I am so sorry, Your Majesty, I forgot to bring your jewellery box," Seohee cries.

"It's okay. Just go and get it now," Yeoreum says. "Be quick, though. We'll wait for you here."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Seohee bows and runs back to Pearl Palace through a shortcut. The makeup bag and coffee mug in her arms swing at her hasty motion.

Nara bows at Yeoreum. "I am so sorry, Your Majesty," she utters. "I should have checked more carefully before we left."

"Don't worry. It was my fault for leaving in such a hurry. I understand how busy you must be with The Organisation and everything."

A smile breaks through Nara's lips. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Abruptly, a bellow emerges from the direction Seohee is headed. Yeoreum and Nara share a look and chase after the noise with apprehension tugging at their stomachs.

Yeoreum's face darkens as she approaches the stern-looking assistant, who is wielding a small whip at Seohee's forearm with a group of servants behind her.

"This is Her Highness' favourite hanbok," the assistant yells as she waves the coffee-stained hanbok at Seohee. "How dare you taint it like this?"

"Excuse me," Yeoreum says, suppressing her temper.

The assistant slaps her hand across Seohee's face, completely disregarding Yeoreum's presence.

"You idiot," the woman yells. "You clumsy idiot."

Nara frowns. "Assistant Gyo, please greet Her Majesty."

Yeoreum's eyes widen at the assistant's surname. She shifts her eyes to the mole on the assistant's chin, and a surprising realisation strikes her. It's the assistant who gave her the wrong gloves at her first conference.

Assistant Gyo turns to Yeoreum with a half-hearted bow.

"Good morning, Your Majesty."

"Good morning, Assistant Gyo. May I ask, why are you physically punishing my staff member?" Yeoreum says. Her voice is grave, without a speck of emotion.