Reincarnation In Another Timeline

Chapter Six: The Beginning of Friendship

She walked through the palace gardens, her footsteps light on the cobblestone path. The closer she got to Min Chul-in's quarters, the heavier her heart felt. Would this woman be kind? Would she see through Ho-Yeon's calm exterior to the turmoil that lay beneath?

As she approached the entrance, a servant greeted her with a polite bow. "Lady Ho-Yeon, please follow me."

Ho-Yeon nodded, following the servant through the palace halls, her mind racing with thoughts of what awaited her. She had faced many challenges since finding herself in this strange past, but tonight felt different—more personal.

The servant led her to a large, ornately decorated room. The doors opened to reveal a beautifully set table, candles flickering softly in the dim light. And there, standing gracefully by the table, was Min Chul-in.

Min Chul-in turned as Ho-Yeon entered, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Lady Ho-Yeon," she greeted, her voice gentle. "Thank you for coming. I wanted to personally thank you for your kindness the other day."

Ho-Yeon bowed deeply, her heart pounding in her chest. "It's an honor to be here, Your Highness. I'm grateful for your invitation."

Min Chul-in waved a hand dismissively, her smile widening. "Please, no formalities. Tonight, we are simply two women sharing a meal."

Ho-Yeon straightened, meeting Min Chul-in's gaze. There was no malice in her eyes, only genuine warmth and gratitude. But beneath that warmth, Ho-Yeon couldn't help but wonder—was there a trace of the love that Wonwoo spoke of? The love that had drawn him to her?

As they took their seats at the table, the first course was served, and the conversation began. Ho-Yeon found herself both anxious and intrigued, trying to read between the lines of every word Min Chul-in spoke.

This dinner was more than just a gesture of thanks. It was an opportunity—a chance to understand the woman who now stood between her and Wonwoo. And for that, Ho-Yeon was determined to make the most of it.

As the first course was served, a delicate soup with a rich aroma, Ho-Yeon found herself sitting across from Min Chul-in, the tension of the moment hanging in the air. Despite the formal setting, Min Chul-in's warm demeanor began to ease some of Ho-Yeon's anxiety.

"So, Lady Ho-Yeon," Min Chul-in began, her tone light and conversational, "I've heard you've recently started working within the palace. How have you found it so far?"

Ho-Yeon smiled politely, though her heart still pounded in her chest. "It's been... an adjustment, Your Highness. But I'm grateful for the opportunity."

Min Chul-in chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Please, call me Chul-in. We're not in the throne room now, after all."

Ho-Yeon blinked in surprise at the invitation to drop formalities but nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thank you, Chul-in. I must admit, it's not every day I have dinner with the emperor's daughter."

Chul-in smiled warmly. "And it's not every day I meet someone as kind and genuine as you, Ho-Yeon. You came to my aid without hesitation, and that's something I deeply appreciate."

By the time dessert was served—a delicate confection of sweet rice cakes and fruit—the atmosphere between them had shifted entirely. What had begun as a formal dinner of gratitude had turned into the start of something more—a genuine bond.

"You know, Ho-Yeon," Chul-in said, her voice soft but sincere, "I've met many people in the palace, but few have treated me as you have. You see me as a person, not just as a title."

Ho-Yeon felt a pang of guilt, knowing her original intent was to learn more about the woman who held Wonwoo's heart. But as she looked at Chul-in, she realized that her intentions had shifted. She saw Chul-in not as a rival but as someone who, like herself, was navigating a life filled with uncertainty and loneliness.