𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐈𝐀 ╾╾ THE REMARRIED EMPRESS

IV

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JI-YOON woke up bright and energeized, eating breakfast and talking to Sovieshu (much to her annoyance). She had some small talk with the nobles, but other than that it was peaceful.

As she walked around the palace, she heard some chatting and instantly recognized Navier's voice.

'I should apologize to Navier but... I don't want to get slapped again! I'm too scared of embarrassment...'

The blancette sighed, hesitating to knock on the door. "I need to do this. Just get this over with."

The empress sighed, holding her cup of tea. "How fragrant." She smiled brightly.

Suddenly, a knight stepped in. "Pardon the interruption, your majesty." She said, "But Lady Rashta wishes to see you."

"Rashta?"

Navier gripped her teacup tighter, making it gently shake. "She may enter."

Ji-yoon exhaled, trying to calm her nervousness. She quickly curtsied. "Your Majesty... Thank you for letting me in."

"...unlike the last time we met, His Majesty has taken you in as his mistress." Navier relayed information. "Congratulations."

"Uh, thank you, Your Majesty." Ji-yoon looked away.

"So, what brings you here?" Navier inquired.

"Well..." The blancette fidgeted. "I want to apologize for tearing your dress. I'm really sorry."

Despite Navier's jealousy of Rashta and Sovieshu's relationship, her shy nature was endearing. Rashta seemed to be trying her hardest to please everyone. "Well, thank you for apologizing."

"What is she holding in her hand? A gift perhaps?"

Ji-yoon's eyes widened as she remembered the gift. She quickly placed it in front of the empress, flustered. "I-i, uh, I got this for you as an apology. Bye!" She quickly curtsied and then dashed out.

'That wasn't as hard as I thought.' Ji-yoon realized. 'I wonder if Sovieshu would find out...'

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"I'm sorry you felt so overwhelmed at the tea party. I should've checked with you first." Sovieshu scratched his nape, looking somberly at Ji-yoon.

'But you couldn't check with Navier when she was sad, cheater?' Ji-yoon thought, glaring at him. She quickly fixed her face once she noticed Sovieshu's expression. "Oh, your majesty is so... kind. But it's fine, I didn't want to be burdensome."

Sovieshu nodded. "You're not burdensome. You're very endearing, my prey." The ravenette cupped her cheeks, shocking Ji-yoon. The blancette immediately avoided eye contact, looking at the luxurious room. Her bedroom looked as if it was made out of porcelain, adorned with pearls and rare fabrics for curtains.

"Sovieshu..." Ji-yoon began speaking. She looked up, turning on the waterworks as she pouted. "With everything that has happened, I've barely had time to myself as I'm adjusting to my new life here..."

'I'm not proud, but I've become good at manipulating throughout my life.' Ji-yoon thought. The blancette tried to put on a cute face. "It would be really nice if you could get me a dress, so I can treat myself for once!" She exclaimed, louder than she wanted.

Sovieshu sweat-dropped as Ji-yoon stared intently at him, as if she would break down if he said no. "Ah, for you, my dear. I'll get you one made with the finest silks."

Ji-yoon put her hands together. "Thank you, emperor!" She smiled, but it immediately dropped when Sovieshu left.

"Urgh, I felt so disgusting..."

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'I'll admit it was a little rude to give away one of Sovieshu's gifts but... it's not like he'll find out. He's only focused on Rashta.' Ji-yoon convinced herself.

She was safe.

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