Min Yun's POV
I stopped talking to I-jun when I heard murmuring outside Her Majesty's chamber.
I approached the door and opened it abruptly, trying to catch anyone who might be eavesdropping.
"Your Highness?" I blurted out. I thought he had already left. Why was he still here?
"Min Yun," he said, but he didn't seem at ease.
"Why are you still here, Your Highness?"
"I was just worried."
"Worried about the Queen?"
He nodded. "I don't want to leave her chamber."
"You should rest now."
"What about you?"
"Did I already tell you the reason why?"
"I happened to overhear your conversation earlier..."
So, he was listening.
"And I just wanted to ask—why did you say I-jun is avoiding you?"
I sighed.
Shouldn't I-jun owe me some explanation? Why am I the one explaining to the King?
"It's a family matter, Your Highness."
"Am I not part of the family? You are my brother-in-law. And before I married the Queen, I was already part of the Park clan."
I sighed again.
"I mean, just between us."
"Care to share?"
I shrugged. "You should rest now, Your Highness."
"Would you let the Queen sleep hungry?"
So, he heard everything we said.
"She insisted she wasn't hungry. We actually had snacks at the market."
He nodded. "Okay. I'm sorry I accidentally overheard your conversation. I'll be going now."
Now I hesitated—should I confront I-jun here?
The King left without glancing back. Though he was gone, I remained standing outside the chamber.
I sighed heavily. How many times had I sighed today?
I went back inside and called I-jun, but she didn't respond.
I walked over to check on her and realized she was already asleep. Soft snores confirmed she wasn't lying about being sleepy.
I sat on the floor near her bed. I couldn't see her face; she was facing the other direction.
What should I do about I-jun? Why is she starting to act on her own?
Yes, I was mad at her—especially after the revelations from my master. How could she go to Ji-han's house alone knowing what she did? What was she trying to pull?
I stayed there for several minutes, still deep in thought. I was mad because I was worried about her. She keeps putting herself in danger. I'm here, ready to help—but why does she act like she has to handle everything alone?
After a while, I stood up and glanced at her once more. She was sleeping soundly. I wouldn't wake her just to confront her.
As I stepped out, the eunuch approached me. "Are you not staying here, Captain?"
"I'll return tomorrow morning. The Queen is already asleep."
The eunuch nodded, and I left.
*****
I-jun's POV
I stretched my arms as I woke up. I smiled—I'd had a good sleep. Maybe I slept more than eight hours?
"Good morning, self," I said, smiling to myself.
"Today will be another day," I added, still smiling.
But my smile faded when I remembered what I did yesterday.
I bit my lower lip. I had almost forgotten—I made a mistake, and now I was doomed.
I slapped my forehead. How could I forget that?
I looked around, but no one was there. I sighed. I thought Min Yun would have stayed here last night. Lucky me—he didn't wake me up to interrogate me.
"Your Highness, Captain Min Yun is here," a voice called.
I quickly pulled my blanket over my entire body to hide.
Why is he here so early?
I heard the door open.
"Are you awake?" Min Yun asked.
I didn't respond.
I heard him sigh.
"How long will you keep avoiding me? You know you can't do that forever."
He's right. But I'm really afraid of him right now.
"I need your answers, I-jun..." he said, his voice low and calm.
Should I come out from under the blanket? But what if he's just pretending—to trap me?
I shrugged under the covers. No, Min Yun wouldn't do that.
He didn't say anything else. Silence filled the chamber. Slowly, I started removing the blanket—and there he was, standing right in front of my bed.
I was startled when I saw him and quickly pulled the blanket back over myself.
To my surprise, Min Yun pulled the blanket away, revealing me lying there, defenseless.
"Hi," I greeted nervously, waving my hand.
He didn't respond to my greeting. Instead, he said, "Get up now. Let's have breakfast."
I nodded and obediently followed his instructions. He stepped outside to wait while I changed.
This is it. I have nowhere to go. He was right—I can't avoid him forever.
"Where are we going?" I asked as I stepped out of my chamber.
"The garden."
I nodded and followed him silently. He didn't say a word, which only made me more nervous.
When we arrived in the garden, the food was already served.
"You didn't eat anything yesterday. You need to eat a lot today."
I nodded, sat on the floor, and picked up my utensils.
We ate quietly for a few minutes. Maybe he wanted me to focus on eating first... or maybe he was letting me build up strength for the interrogation. I suddenly choked on my food.
Min Yun immediately handed me a glass of water and gently patted my back.
"Be careful," he said.
"I'm sorry."
"Sorry for what?"
"I'm sorry, Min Yun," I said, looking at him intently, making sure he saw the sincerity in my eyes.
Min Yun sighed. "Explain it to me."
"I know I couldn't avoid you forever, and I'm sorry for what I've done these past few days. I know I was being stubborn and—"
"You knew it was wrong. Then why did you still do it?"
"I'm sorry."
"Why did you visit my master?"
I looked at him, shocked. "How did you know?"
"He summoned me yesterday and told me you went to his house with gifts. Are you bribing him for something?"
"Of course not! I was just being thankful."
"Quit lying, I-jun."
I pouted. "Okay, I admit I went there because I had to confirm something."
"Did your visit to my master confirm anything?"
"A little bit."
"You also have something to say about what you saw in Shibuya?"
Okay. I guess his master told him everything.
"Yes."
"And what is it?"
Min Yun and Ji Han's friendship might be ruined. I still haven't confirmed it, but...
"I saw Ji Han before I disappeared."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I did ask you before if you saw Ji Han in Shibuya, but I guess you didn't hear me because someone was calling you."
He sighed. "You should've asked me again."
"I was hesitant. I didn't want to worry you."
"So that's why you went to Ji Han's house alone and pretended to have a stomach ache just to escape your servants?"
I bit my lower lip. "I'm sorry."
"I thought you trusted me." There was bitterness in his voice.
"Of course I trust you."
"Then why did you keep it a secret?"
"Because I wanted to solve this on my own."
"What if something happened again? Aren't you scared that someone poisoned you, threatened you, and almost killed you?"
I stayed silent.
"I thought we promised—no secrets. I was the only one who knew the real you. I helped you without hesitation, but it feels like I'm not getting the same in return."
"It's not what you think."
"Then what is it?"
I paused. "I still want to confirm things. I want to find real evidence. I don't want you and Ji Han to be torn apart because of a false accusation."
"My master told me not to trust him anymore."
My eyes widened. "He did?"
"Yes."
So there's a possibility that...
"And yes," Min Yun said quietly, "there's a possibility he's not one of us—that he might be the villain."