“Her hair was cut. She’s been ordered to remain in the basement until it grows back,” said Ji won, staring at the flowers in the vase with an empty expression.
“I asked her why, but she couldn’t give me a satisfactory answer.”
Ji won assumed that Edil harbored resentment due to Jungkook’s instructions.
Jungkook’s bitter smile suggested he had a better understanding. Ji won decided not to inquire further. If a leader couldn’t fathom the resentment and its cause among their subordinates, it would be a matter of incompetence. But knowing the reason meant it was a matter of gaining experience and wisdom, something he could build on. Therefore, she saw no need to intervene.
“I should have ensured your authority as the new Jeon, but I failed. I’m sorry,” Ji won said softly.
Jungkook gave her a reassuring smile. “Mrs. Edil has served you for fourteen years. I understand.”
“Yes, she started at fifteen and served for fourteen years. I should have sent her off when she refused to marry. I can’t keep someone with ulterior motives…”
Ji won’s face was pale.
“No, it’s pointless to worry about someone who’s no longer ours. Whatever treatment Edil receives when she returns to her family is none of my concern now.”
“It seems this incident has affected you more than Father’s scandal, hasn’t it?” Jungkook teased gently.
Ji won looked at him thoughtfully, then chuckled, shaking her head. “Was that a joke? Next time, give me a warning. I had to ponder whether it was appropriate to laugh.”
“Like this?” Jungkook touched his nose, signaling a lie.
Ji won’s smile widened. “You’ve changed, Jungkook. You can joke now.”
Jungkook hesitated, then stopped, and Ji won’s smile grew. “It’s good. Even as Jeon, you need to laugh and breathe.”
“…”
Jungkook, sitting silently, spoke of his next concern. “Lisa is unwell. Gella might not be enough. Could you assign someone trustworthy to assist her?”
“Lisa?” Ji won’s expression turned serious. Jungkook waved a hand to reassure her.
“She had a fever last night but is better now. I can’t stay by her side all the time, so we need more help.”
“I see. But finding someone trustworthy… After Edil, it’s difficult.”
“Is that so.”
“Perhaps it’s better to give Gella the room next to your chamber and have her stay there. I’ll check in occasionally.”
“Mother, yourself?” Jungkook felt it unnecessary but didn’t object. There was a more pressing matter to discuss.
“There’s one more thing I need to discuss with you.”
They were alone in the living room, but Jungkook lowered his voice, indicating the subject’s sensitivity. Her mother straightened up, sensing the importance.
“Tilberg said something to me that day.” Jungkook relayed Tilberg’s message. Ji won clicked her tongue in disbelief.
“Harvest Festival, hunting tournaments. So, he wants us to endure monthly humiliations. All for a royal family that’s only been around for a century, while Jeons has stood for 350 years.”
“What do you think?” Jungkook asked.
“I’d like to hear your opinion first,” Ji won replied, studying him intently.
YOU ARE READING
The surviving princess {Liskook}
Romance[DISCONTINUED] "Fine, I shall give you my sister, dearer to me than anything." A bolt from the blue strikes the Jeon family, the heroes of the victory. Jeon Jungkook, the promising heir of a renowned military family, is suddenly ordered to marry the...
