"Your Majesty, appointing a mere twelve-year-old princess as the royal successor? Such an absurd notion!" Minister of Administration, Lee Baewon, protested.
The grand assembly hall buzzed with murmurs as all the ministers, having gathered for an important announcement, reacted to the shocking news.
King Gen sighed, pressing his fingers against his temple.
Han Son, the Minister of Culture, turned to face Lee Bae-won with a sharp look.
"Minister Lee, how dare you use the word 'absurd' in His Majesty's presence? Have you forgotten that the decision of succession rests solely in His Majesty's hands?"
At this, Minister Ju Man of the Ministry of Land took a step forward, supporting Lee Bae-won's argument.
"Of course, His Majesty holds the authority to choose the successor. However, the entire nation is already deeply concerned about Your Majesty's declining health. If the princess, still a mere child, is appointed as heir, the people's unease will only intensify."
King Gen closed his eyes tightly before responding.
"Listening to you, Minister Ju, one would think I am on my deathbed."
This time, Ju Man's son, Ju Tak, stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, we would never dare to think such a thing. However, Your Majesty's father who is the late King also passed at the very age you are now. We speak out of concern for both Your Majesty and the kingdom."
Han Son, unable to counter such a precedent, remained silent.
At that moment, Princess Genie stood just outside the assembly hall, listening to every word.
From a step behind, her royal guard, Jade, watched the young princess's face darken.
Jade decided to wait until the princess chose to leave on her own.
But when he noticed the glistening tears welling in her eyes, he hesitated before speaking carefully.
"Your Highness, would you like to go practice martial arts?"
Genie let out a small chuckle at his words, turning to face him.
"Martial arts sounds good… but how about we go somewhere even more fun?"
----------
By the time they reached their destination, the sun was already sinking below the horizon.
Genie and Jade sat on the grass, silently watching the river shimmer in the evening light.
After a long moment of quiet—so unlike her usual self—Genie finally spoke.
"This is where I used to come often with my mother when she was still alive."
Jade remained silent, listening.
"Whenever I come here, I feel a little more at peace."
It was the first time he had ever seen the young princess look so solemn.
Jade searched for the right words to console her, but nothing seemed appropriate.
Then, as if the brief melancholy had never existed, Genie suddenly broke into a bright smile.
"Do you know what my dream is?"
"Your dream?" Jade blinked, caught off guard.
"I want to travel the world. First, I want to go to Arabia, to see a world much bigger than ours. Then, I want to continue exploring unknown lands and record everything I see. Later, I want to share my discoveries with the people of Hana Kingdom through books."
Her words surprised Jade.
"That's… an interesting dream."
He realized then that, despite spending so much time near the princess, he had never truly spoken to her.
Not that he had ever felt the need to. His only concern had been earning her trust so he could carry out his own plans without trouble.
Yet now, after more than a month by her side, he felt a twinge of guilt for never having made the effort.
As they sat side by side, Jade suddenly recalled his secret meeting scheduled for that night.
"Your Highness, the sun is setting. We should return to the palace now."
"Can't we stay just a little longer?" Genie pouted.
"You must return in time for the evening meal prepared by your attendants, Your Highness."
Something in Jade's firm tone made Genie sigh and rise to her feet.
She brushed off the bits of grass clinging to her skirt.
Jade, watching her sulk, felt a slight pang of guilt.
"We can come back another time, Your Highness."
At those words, Genie's face instantly brightened.
"Really?"
"Of course."
Her small hands clenched into excited fists.
"Then let's hurry back! We're coming again anyway."
Giggling, Genie took the lead, skipping through the field.
Jade followed, watching her with an amused smile.
----------
Late that night, after sneaking out of the palace, Jade arrived at Kim Jin's residence—only to be met with a shocking proposal.
"Marriage?"
"Yes. If you marry Minister Lee's daughter, it will greatly aid our plans."
Marriage? To Minister Lee Baewon's daughter? The very idea was unexpected.
Kim Jin, eyes filled with conviction, pressed on.
"Jade, this is an opportunity. Ever since she saw you at the martial arts tournament, she has been smitten. Minister Lee was strongly opposed at first, but his daughter was so insistent that he could no longer refuse. He sees you as my nephew, so while your background as an orphan isn't ideal, he has agreed to the match."
Jade fell into thought before responding.
"This is rather… sudden."
"I understand. Take your time to consider. But remember, this marriage could be the key to achieving our goal."
"I will think on it."
As Jade left the residence that night, his mind was in turmoil.
Marrying into Minister Lee's family would undoubtedly be a major advantage.
But using someone's feelings for his own gain? That, he wasn't sure he could do.
Kim Jin's expectant face lingered in his mind, making the decision even more difficult.
Jade lay awake that night, lost in thought.
----------
Upon hearing the news from the royal physician, Genie rushed to the king's chambers.
"Your Majesty, Princess Genie has arrived," announced the chamberlain.
"Let her in."
Genie dashed inside and threw herself into her father's embrace.
"Father, I heard from the royal physician! Your health has improved tremendously! Now those scheming ministers won't be able to use your health to pressure you anymore!"
When alone, she preferred calling him Father rather than Your Majesty.
King Gen chuckled, hugging her.
"Thank you for always praying for my well-being, my dear."
Genie pulled back, looking at him with determination.
"My elder brother wanted to go abroad, but he never got the chance before he passed. You've always told me to pursue what I love, Father. Please, let me go while I have the chance. Now that I know you're well, I can leave without worry."
The king gazed at his daughter for a long moment, his smile tinged with sadness.
"You truly wish to go?"
"More than anything. And I won't be gone for too long."
As a father, rather than a king, he knew he could not deny her dream. In fact, King Gen had already made his decision.
"Very well. I will make the necessary arrangements for you to study and live in Arabia. Choose the guards and attendants you wish to take with you."
Genie beamed, gripping his hands tightly.
"Thank you, Father! I promise I will return as a stronger person."
Lady Han, who had entered the princess's chambers, pulled the blanket up to her shoulders.
"You've been singing songs about going to Arabia since you were a child, and now, you're actually going, Your Highness."
"Would you like to come with me, Lady Han?" Genie asked with a playful smile.
"Isn't that obvious?" Lady Han replied without any hesitation. "I've been with you for twelve years, Your Highness. It would be ridiculous not to follow you."
Lady Han had been entrusted by the late Queen to look after the princess until the day she left the palace.
Although she wasn't the princess's biological mother, Lady Han loved Genie like her own child, with a mother's heart.
Upon hearing Lady Han's answer, Genie smiled brightly, feeling reassured.
"Thank you. Let's have fun together in Arabia."
Lady Han laughed at the innocent princess's words.
"By the way, who do you plan to bring as your bodyguard, Your Highness?"
"I've already decided."
Genie smiled brightly with shining eyes.
A short while later, Lady Han confirmed that the princess had fallen asleep soundly and quietly left the chamber, turning off the lamp.
----------
It was a holiday when Jade was not on duty to guard the princess.
It was also his twenty-fourth birthday.
However, Jade decided not to announce it to anyone and planned to spend his day quietly.
Genie, who had been with the bodyguard on shift all day, told a lie that she was going to spend some time alone in the study, and then visited the military residence.
In her hand was a blue headband that she had recently purchased.
She intended to give the gift and ask Jade to go to Arabia as her bodyguard.
"Is this the place...?"
Genie tilted her head and watched the officers come and go behind the military residence building.
She saw the soldiers who were off-duty resting in the courtyard of the residence.
"Where could Jade be? Is he in the flower garden?"
Genie turned around and headed toward the garden behind the officer's quarters.
Far off, she could see a garden filled with colorful flowers.
In the midst of that garden stood a tall, handsome man who immediately caught her eye.
It was Jade, without a doubt.
Genie saw him from a distance and cleared her throat.
"Ah, ah. Jade, I have one request. Won't you come with me to..."
Genie, with a mischievous expression, was about to say what she had rehearsed, but suddenly stopped speaking.
There, standing next to Jade, was a woman wearing a violet hanbok top and a blue skirt.
Genie's eyes widened as she stared at Jade and the mysterious woman facing each other.
At that moment, Genie, without realizing it, covered her mouth with her hand.
"Ugh."
The mysterious woman stood on tiptoe and kissed Jade on the lips.
The woman, smiling shyly, looked at Jade, who silently gazed at her.
At least, that's how it appeared to Genie.
Genie, feeling as though she had witnessed something she shouldn't have, hurriedly ran out of the military residence courtyard.
The royal warriors, who saw the princess rushing out, whispered among themselves.
"Is that little girl running away, Her Highness?"
"Why is Her Highness here? And all alone?"