~Time-Traveler's Dilemma~ ~~Chiyeon~~ ~Book 6~

A Royal Celebration and Unwanted Attention.

The day of the royal celebration had arrived, and the palace buzzed with activity. Servants rushed to prepare the grand hall, draping silk banners along the walls and arranging tables with the finest cutlery. Guests from far and wide were arriving, dressed in their most opulent attire. It was a grand event, but for Ahyeon, it felt more like a nightmare waiting to unfold.

Ahyeon stood by the large mirror in her chamber, watching as her maids adjusted her gown. It was a shimmering silver, with intricate embroidery that sparkled in the light. Despite her regal appearance, her mind was weighed down by the knowledge that this celebration had been organized by none other than her step-mother.

“This is her opportunity,” Ahyeon muttered under her breath, eyes narrowing at her reflection.

The head maid glanced at her curiously but said nothing. Ahyeon didn’t need to explain further. The step-mother had one goal: to present Ahyeon to potential suitors—men who could marry her and secure a political alliance. The pressure to marry had been mounting for months, and Ahyeon felt suffocated by it.

Once dressed, Ahyeon left her chambers and descended the grand staircase to the hall below. The celebration was already in full swing—noblemen and women filled the room, music played softly in the background, and the air smelled of roasted meats and exotic spices. She scanned the crowd, her gaze landing on Chiquita, who was standing off to the side, dressed in a simple but well-fitted black coat.

Chiquita noticed Ahyeon almost instantly and smiled. It wasn’t just any smile—it was the kind of smile that made Ahyeon’s heart race. It was the one smile that made her feel grounded, even in the chaos.

However, Ahyeon’s step-mother wasted no time. She swooped in, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd for the wealthiest men, and began introducing Ahyeon to various suitors, one after another. Each man more insufferable than the last.

"This is Lord Jang, a very powerful landowner," the step-mother cooed, her grip on Ahyeon's arm tightening as she led her toward an older man with a smug smile.

Ahyeon forced a polite smile but barely heard Lord Jang's attempts at conversation. Her eyes kept wandering back to Chiquita, who was being approached by several noblewomen, all of whom seemed quite taken with her handsome appearance.

One of the women, Lady Sunhwa, giggled and playfully touched Chiquita's arm, her eyes sparkling with interest. "You’re quite the striking figure. You must tell me where you’ve learned to carry yourself with such grace," she purred, leaning closer.

Ahyeon felt a sharp pang of jealousy. Her step-mother's voice faded into the background as she watched the scene unfold. Chiquita, ever respectful, maintained her polite demeanor, but Ahyeon could see the awkwardness in her stance. She wasn’t used to this kind of attention, at least not from women who had no idea how much she belonged to Ahyeon.

"Ahyeon, did you hear what I said?" her step-mother hissed, her voice snapping Ahyeon back to the present.

"Hmm? Yes, of course," Ahyeon lied, her patience wearing thin.

As the night wore on, more and more noblewomen flocked to Chiquita, their flirtations becoming more overt. Ahyeon's temper simmered beneath the surface, and she found herself gripping her wine glass a little too tightly.