Forever It's You (It's You Series #2)

33 ✽ The Final Act

Passing through the mansion's gate and into the empty courtyard, Eun-bi's anxiety plummeted deep into her stomach.

Her heart pounded quickly, knowing how much danger she was in at the moment. The only thing that calmed her down was the fact that she knew much time had passed since her disappearance from her quarters. Yul and their guards would come for her soon, or so she hoped.

All she needed to do was to stall time for herself to stay alive.

That was, if she could keep her anger contained and not do anything foolish to ruin her chances.

As Accountant Cha presented her to his lord, she stood tall and brave as she met the crafty eyes of the person who sent her those blackmailing letters–

–who turned out to be a short, stout man.

He didn't seem to be any taller than Eun-bi. If Accountant Cha wasn't holding her in place, she could probably stomp him under her foot. His moustache was as pointed as the tip of a brush.

That mouse.

She choked on her own laughter, barely covering it up with a cough.

Ji-eun's father swelled with pride at his adoptive son. "Good job, Ye-joon. You did well bringing her here. Did anyone follow you?"

As opposed to his excited expression, Accountant Cha remained cold. "No. I've checked, my lord."

The old scholar was excited. He reached out to give him a pat on the shoulder, but Accountant Cha deliberately sidestepped to avoid his touch—a movement which Eun-bi didn't miss.

A frown creased between Old Scholar Cha's forehead. With a slight shake of his head, he settled for a compliment instead. "Good, good." He swivelled his maniac grin over to her. "We meet for the first time, Crown Princess."

Eun-bi squinted at him. "Who are you?"

"You don't know...me?" He felt offended. "Did you not inform her on the way here, son?"

"I know your identity," she interrupted calmly. "But I thought it's basic courtesy to introduce yourself first, old man."

He glared. "I applaud you for your nerves of steel, Crown Princess, but you're held captive. It would be wiser not to anger your captors."

"I'm glad to see that you're aware of your own crime."

Accountant Cha gave a sideways glance, raising his eyebrows at her. He looked highly amused at the way she stood up to his lord. Unintimidated.

At the same time, Old Scholar Cha broke into an enraged fit. His wrinkles deepened, his mouth quivering as he thought of words to argue back.

"Arrogant as ever," he sneered at her. "The royal family took my daughter away, and you." He waggled a finger at her rudely. "You took the title of the Crown Princess away from my daughter. And now, a clueless girl like you is trying to wreak havoc in the society by introducing tremendous changes in the education system."

Eun-bi's anger was simmering under the lid, keeping it barely contained. What was wrong with people and their sick accusations? "I'm sorry for your loss, but you're going overboard. Because things didn't go your way, you're now pushing the blame on us."

"Insolent girl!" Aggravated, he gestured at Accountant Cha to hand over his weapon. "Give me your sword, Ye-joon! It is time for me to kill this little wench! I've been waiting far too long for this day to happen!"

He held out his hand, expecting for a sword to land on his hand, but nothing came.

Instead, Accountant Cha pulled a wide-eyed Eun-bi backwards and away from Old Scholar Cha. "I'm afraid not, my lord."