Hwayeong’s mouth twitched, but she managed to maintain her composure, raising her eyes slightly with an awkward smile that didn’t reach her sharp gaze.
“My name is ‘Baek Hwayeong’ from Hwacheon, Your Highness.”
“I see, ‘Hwayeon.’”
“....”
“Then let me ask you again. Why would a woman wander the courtyard late at night, wearing only an inner robe, her hair all messy like a madwoman.”
“There could be many reasons someone might struggle to sleep at night. Perhaps they’re burdened by sorrow, elated by joy, or, as in my case, nursing aches from being kicked in the back by a certain scoundrel earlier that day.”
Her words hit their mark, and Sinyeong, visibly flustered, raised his voice.
“If someone kicked you in the back, you should have reported it and had the culprit arrested.”
“But if they fled on horseback, wouldn’t I be left with nothing but frustration?”
Just as Sinyeong opened his mouth to retort, the empress intervened.
“Crown Prince.”
