I couldn't believe Ji Han might be the villain of this story. Everything came rushing back to me—the day I was absorbed by the book and brought here. Min Yun helped me. Even though I looked suspicious, he never hesitated to lend a hand. Then there was Ji Han, who became my companion and buddy. He took care of me. He even helped hide me as Min Yun's so-called cousin.
I sighed. I valued our friendship. It would be such a waste if it turned out Ji Han was never truly on our side.
"What will you do with Ji Han?" I asked.
"I don't know either… But one thing's for sure—I need to talk to him."
I nodded. Maybe that was the right thing to do.
"I treasure Ji Han a lot. He's always been kind and genuine to me. I hope the speculations about him aren't true," I said.
"I've known him for so many years. We were friends, too," Min Yun replied.
"I still want to believe he's not involved."
"The king should know what you did."
My eyes widened. "Why would you tell him?"
"So they won't just double your guards—they'll triple them."
I frowned. I thought Min Yun was okay with me now.
"I can't believe how hard-headed you are," he said.
"I was just trying to figure something out."
"Why not figure it out with me? Of all the people in our world, I'm the only one you can trust."
"Of course, I trust you."
"Then why does it feel like I was betrayed?"
"I'm sorry. I promise I won't do it again. Just please don't tell the king."
"That depends on you."
"Okay, I know you're pissed at me because of what I did. I admit it—I acted without thinking. I promise I'll never do it again. From now on, I'll tell you everything. I intended to catch the culprit, but it was a mistake."
Min Yun was about to speak, but I suddenly heard footsteps behind me. When I turned around, I saw the king, flanked by his guards, eunuchs, and court ladies.
"You didn't even invite me," the king said jokingly.
He sat on the floor beside me.
"It was an unplanned breakfast," Min Yun explained.
"Did you two fight?" The king looked at me, then at Min Yun.
"No," I said quickly, forcing a smile to hide the guilt I carried.
"That's good to hear. I thought Min Yun was mad at you," he chuckled.
I tried to laugh, too. "My cousin could never stay mad at me," I said boastfully, but in a joking tone.
I saw Min Yun just shake his head. I knew he was still pissed at me. I'll just say sorry again when the king leaves.
"By the way, I came here because I have something to tell you."
The atmosphere turned serious, so I became serious too.
"We have royal guests coming from another country."
I saw Min Yun's expression shift from serious to overwhelmed.
"They're arriving next week."
"So soon?"
"Yeah. I don't know what their real intentions are, but I have no choice I have to host them," the king said.
As I listened to them, I felt a growing burden in my chest. Whatever this is about, I hope the king and Min Yun can overcome it.
The king looked at me. "I need you."
I met his gaze, signaling that I was waiting for him to continue.
"I know they'll want to meet the new queen as well. You'll be hosting the event with me. You'll stay by my side until the event is over."
I opened my mouth to speak, but closed it again. Right. I have no right to complain—I'm the queen of this country. Who else would accompany the king but me?
"I don't know what to do," I admitted honestly. I looked at Min Yun, who just shrugged, silently telling me not to worry too much.
"I'm here, Your Majesty. We'll do it together. I know this is your first time, and it's a big task to handle."
I nodded. "I have to fulfill my duty as queen. I'll try not to disappoint you, Your Highness."
"It's only two days. We shouldn't worry too much," the king said. But judging from his face, he looked worried.
"I'm sorry for coming here and telling you this so suddenly. I was planning to talk to you both separately."
"Don't worry, Your Highness. I'll make sure everything goes smoothly," Min Yun said.
"Thank you, Min Yun. You know I can't do this without your help."
Min Yun simply smiled, saying nothing.
"Maybe I should go now and start preparing. There's so much to do," the king said with a chuckle.
"We'll go with you," Min Yun and I said in unison.
"Now?" the king asked.
"Of course. It's happening next week, right? That's too soon. We can't waste time," Min Yun exclaimed as he stood up. He offered me his hand to help me up.
I took it and stood. The king just watched us silently.
"Where should we go now?" Min Yun asked.
"Let's head to my office."
Min Yun and I followed the king in silence. When we arrived, I was surprised by how neat and organized everything was. This was my first time seeing it. The vases and decor caught my attention. They looked expensive. Since I am a fan of visiting museums and admiring artifacts and old artworks in the real world, I could tell whether something is real, valuable, or fake.
Min Yun and I sat down across from the king. The eunuchs and a few unfamiliar people were present too.
Then the planning began—from the food, the guest rooms, and the performances, including singing, dancing, and the presentation of various musical instruments.
This was the first time I had seen the king so serious. He spoke professionally, like a true leader. How could people say he is weak? Maybe they didn't know the real him.
I glanced at Min Yun, who was listening intently to the king. He would be a great help. But what about me? All I knew was that I would act as an usher for the guests.
"I want everything to go smoothly and stress-free. Make sure to serve the best food the chef can prepare."
The woman taking notes nodded and quickly jotted something down on her paper.
"The decorations, too. They should be grand and elegant. If you need anything, just let me know."
Everyone around us continued nodding silently. Min Yun stayed quiet.
"You're very quiet," I said softly.
Min Yun looked at me and smiled. "The king is so serious."
I nodded. "You're right."
Min Yun turned his attention back to the king, who continued speaking. Honestly, I couldn't fully understand what they were discussing, especially since I didn't belong here.
Four hours passed before the meeting finally ended. It had gone on for so long that I felt incredibly sleepy. But I hid it well—I didn't want the king to think I was uninterested. It wasn't that I wasn't interested. Everything was just so new to me, and I was still adjusting to how I should act as the real queen. I also kept worrying that I might fail the king during the event. I hoped not.
The king finally adjourned the meeting. His serious demeanor faded a little when Min Yun and I approached him. The others—eunuchs and officials—filed out of the room, leaving just the three of us.
"I hope everything goes well next week. I just pray no villains try anything," the king said.
I suddenly remembered the book. I hoped it would warn me again. It had been weeks since the last warning. I prayed it would help us this time.
"We'll do everything to make the event successful," Min Yun said, then added, "May I be excused? I need to gather my soldiers."
The king nodded. Min Yun looked at me, gave a small smile, and then left.
Okay... So what should I do now?
"Are you okay?" the king asked.
"I should be asking you that," I replied.
He chuckled. "I can work under pressure."
"And so can I." It was true. Back in my previous life, I had worked under pressure many times.
The king smiled. "Thank you in advance."
I bit my lip subtly. Even though the king wasn't pressuring me, I felt the need to pressure myself—to be perfect for him.
After that conversation, the king told me to return to my chamber and rest for a while. I offered to stay and help, but he said he would call me if he needed anything.
The court ladies opened the door to my chamber, and I stepped inside. I was about to go lie down on the bed when I noticed a glow coming from the book. My eyes lit up, and I rushed excitedly to the table to get it.