황실의 사랑 이야기 (Hwangsil-ui Sarang Iyagi) - The Imperial Love Story

Chapter - 70

As the festival continued, Ryujin found herself unable to focus on anything but Yeji, who was standing just across the courtyard. She had spent days thinking about how to approach this, her heart racing every time their eyes met. Today, she couldn't wait any longer. She needed to tell her the truth—no more secrets.

Taking a deep breath, Ryujin made her way through the crowd, her eyes locked on Yeji, who looked just as nervous but unaware of what was coming. When she finally stood before her, Ryujin felt the weight of the moment pressing down on her, but she didn't waver.

"Yeji," she started, her voice steady but filled with emotion. Yeji blinked, her heart skipping a beat as she sensed something important was about to happen. "There's something I need to say—something I've been holding back for too long."

Yeji's eyes widened, and she glanced around, noticing that Ryujin's parents, along with Riki, In-Yeop, their parents, and the others, were nearby, watching. The atmosphere suddenly felt heavier, more intense. But Ryujin didn't care about the audience. All that mattered was the truth.

"I... I love you," Ryujin said softly but loud enough for everyone around them to hear. The crowd fell silent, and Yeji's breath hitched as she stared at Ryujin in shock.

Behind them, Riki, In-Yeop, Taehyun, Seonghwa, Wooyoung, Seungmin, and Jeongin exchanged bewildered looks. This was the last thing they expected to hear. Their parents, too, were visibly shocked, processing the sudden confession. Riki couldn't help but whisper to In-Yeop, "Did that just happen?"

In-Yeop, equally stunned, could only nod in response.

Ryujin, undeterred by the silence surrounding them, turned toward her parents, her heart pounding. She knew this moment was critical. "Mother, Father," she addressed them with a firm yet respectful tone. "I know this is sudden, and it may not be what you expected, but I love Yeji. And I can't go through with any marriage to someone else. Please... understand."

Her parents exchanged a long, quiet glance. The king's expression softened first, then the queen's. They had always wanted Ryujin's happiness, and despite the shock, they could see how much this meant to her.

After what felt like an eternity, her father finally spoke. "Ryujin..." he started, his voice carrying a mix of surprise and affection, "if this is what you truly want, then we will support you. We want nothing more than for you to be happy."

Ryujin let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. A sense of relief washed over her as she saw her parents accepting her feelings, their love for her unwavering. Her mother nodded in agreement, offering a small, encouraging smile.

"I'm proud of you for being honest with us," her mother added softly, stepping forward to place a reassuring hand on her daughter's arm. "Love should always be celebrated, no matter what form it takes."

Behind them, the rest of the group was still stunned. Riki looked like he was processing a thousand thoughts at once, while Seonghwa and Wooyoung exchanged silent, wide-eyed glances. Taehyun and Jeongin, standing beside Seungmin, were equally taken aback, unsure of what to say.

Yongbok, who had been standing quietly behind the group, couldn't help but smile. His heart swelled with pride for Ryujin's bravery, and though his own situation was still complicated, her confession gave him hope. He wished, more than anything, that Hyunjin could be there to witness this moment—he knew Hyunjin would have understood the courage it took to speak the truth.

As the silence lingered, Yeji finally found her voice. Her eyes filled with emotion, and she stepped closer to Ryujin. "I... I didn't know you felt that way," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "But... I'm so glad you do. Because I love you too, Ryujin."

A collective gasp rippled through the small group, and Riki almost tripped in surprise. But the shock quickly gave way to smiles, especially as the tension lifted from the air.

Ryujin couldn't hold back her smile any longer. She reached for Yeji's hand, intertwining their fingers. The world around them seemed to blur for a moment, and nothing else mattered but them and the love they had just confessed.

Yongbok, still watching, felt his heart ache for Hyunjin even more. As happy as he was for Ryujin and Yeji, he wished he could be with his love, telling Hyunjin how much he meant to him and promising to make everything right.

But for now, he would wait. The wedding was off, and that was the first step. Soon, very soon, he would find a way to be with Hyunjin again.

And maybe, just maybe, the kingdom would start to change.