Fate Of The Tally [Kim Ga-On - "The King's Affection" FF]

- Chapter 4: (Two Tragic Deaths)

- Prince Hwi's POV:

"Would you like to read this book? You seemed very fond of it when my Father was talking about it.", I ask the girl as I point to the book "Jwajeon".

"If you don't mind, Your Highness, then I would love to read it.", The girl replies as I hand her the book.

"You may leave now, thank you for your help. You can return the book in a few days.", I tell the girl as she exits the room.

"Your Highness... That was too risky! We almost got caught!!!!", Bok-dong tells me.

"Did we get caught?...", I ask him as I start smirk.

"N-No, Your Highness.", Bok-dong says as he looks at me.

"Then we are fine! I told you that we would be fine...", I tell Bok-dong with a smile as he looks at me in defeat.

"But Your Highness... You took longer than you said you would take... I was really worried", Bok-dong tells me as he looks down.

"I was a little late wasn't I? I'm sorry that I made you worry.", I tell him.

"You may leave now, go get some rest.", I tell Bok-dong as he nods and exits the room.

- TIME SKIP: [A FEW DAYS LATER]

I tell Bok-dong to bring the girl again so that she can return my book to me.

Once she enters the room, she hands me my book and sits infront of me.

"I have to go do some errands real quick, I will be back, Your Highness.", Bok-dong tells me as I give him a nod, signaling that he can leave.

Bok-dong exits the room as I start to scan through the book to see if it was damaged, but it seemed like a whole new book.

'I don't remember this book being transcribed... I also don't remember there being footnotes either... Someone had to help her, she probably could not read all of it without it these additions.', I think as I flip through the pages of the book.

"So tell me, who was it that transcribed the book while also adding footnotes?", I ask her out of curiosity.

"Huh? It was transcribed?", She asks me with confusion.

'This looks too neat to have been done by an average guy... I bet that the person that wrote all of this must be fond of her, because she is a Court Maid after all... She must have found a good guy...', I think with a smile.

"Judging by his neat handwriting, surely he's not an average guy... This will be for my ears only. Which family is he from?", I ask the girl as she looks at me in shock.

"Uh, I don't know what family, Your Highness.", She replies.

I sigh and click my tongue.

"Romantic feelings for a Court Maid? This could be quite dangerous...", I say with a smirk.

"Uh, uh... Romantic feelings?", The girl asks me with fear.

"Don't be scared. It's okay... It's not a problem. My lips are sealed.", I say with a chuckle as the girl looks more calm.

Suddenly, the doors slide open, revealing a panicked Bok-dong.

"Your Highness, horrible news!", Bok-dong yells out as he runs towards me while panting.

"The King's Eunuch Trainee informed me that His Majesty ordered the beheading of the Royal Preceptor!", Bok-dong cries out.