How to Deal with the Crown Prince (English)

Chapter XXVII

스물 일곱 번째 왕관 (27)

“I’ve been encountering so many stories like that. It’s kind of cliché. Love is already cliché so I wonder why you guys love to write such things and readers, on the other hand, like to read such things. You’re actually deceiving people, you know? There’s no such thing as love like that,” Prince Yi Eul shook his head as he read some of the books that he saw on Jae Kyung’s table.

Jae Kyung’s pen stopped mid-air. She, then, slowly put her pen down and slightly looked down.

“Yeah, you’re right.”

Prince Yi Eul looked at Jae Kyung once again and to his surprise, Jae Kyung looked so sad.

She looked so sad even if she’s smiling.

“Geurae, maja. Silsaenghwareso sarangeun geurochi ahnda. Love is not like that in real life, I know. Love in books is just an illusion. It may seem cliché but at least, love is good in fiction because you’ll never, ever get hurt knowing that in the very end, it’ll be a good ending,” Jae Kyung smiled weakly at him. “Love in fiction may be a lie but at least, it makes a sad soul happy.”

Before Prince Yi Eul could utter a word, Jae Kyung already stood up and held her hanbok’s chima. “I’m going to the bathroom. Please excuse me.”

“Hey, wait. Uh, Jae Kyung,” Prince Yi Eul kept on calling her but his words fell into deaf ears.

“That arrogant, boastful, idiotic prince doesn’t know anything about the genre,” Jae Kyung kept on stomping as she walked around the courtyard. She’s not really going to the bathroom, she’s just want to breathe air because she felt so stuffy talking to the Crown Prince in the pavilion. “He had no idea how reading fiction could make people happy. A therapy. A remedy. An escape.”

Jae Kyung walked slowly until she stopped when she realized something.

Or I am just being too sensitive that I made it such a big deal?

“I’m just telling the truth, though! I’m a writer, after all!” Jae Kyung said, trying to comfort herself.

That’s not it.

“There’s another reason...” Jae Kyung couldn’t help but mutter.

“What other reason is that?”

Jae Kyung gasped when she saw Prince Yi Eul who’s now smiling in front of her. “Hello, Jae Kyung-ssi!”

“Yi Ryeo-ah!” out of happiness, Jae Kyung called him by his name but she realized that it was wrong so her eyes widen and waved both hands in total defense. “I-I’m sorry, Your Highness! I-I didn’t mean to call you by your name. I’m sorry, Your Highness.”

Prince Yi Ryeo chuckled and spoke. “Nah, it’s okay. You can call me anything you want, Jae Kyung-ssi. No need to get anxious and to apologize.”

“But, it is still inappropriate, Your Highness.”

“Nah, don’t worry, Jae Kyung-ssi. Just call me anything as long as you’re comfortable,” Prince Yi Ryeo smiled. “And besides, we’ll become a family soon.”

Jae Kyung stared at him.

“I actually didn’t expect that you’re my hyeongnim’s fiancée and soon to be his wife. That really took me by surprise since his companions called you his personal assistant. Turns out, you’re his fiancée.

Jae Kyung awkwardly laughed at him as she rubbed her nape. If only I could just tell you the truth, Prince Yi Ryeo.

She’s mentally crying because of agony.

If only I’ll get married to Prince Yi Ryeo like this, I’ll be very pleased to do so.

“I know it’s hard for you to adapt to the royal family’s customs and lifestyle but if you’re having a hard time, don’t hesitate to call and ask for him help,” Prince Yi Ryeo said as he grinned widely at Jae Kyung.

His smile is really contagious. Jae Kyung couldn’t help but smile as she nodded. “Thank you so much, Your Highness.”

“You’re here.”

Both Prince Yi Ryeo and Jae Kyung turned their heads on Crown Prince Yi Eul. With his blank expression written on his face, he walked towards them. He looked at Prince Yi Ryeo who’s now bowing at him as a greeting then smiled at him and he, then, averted his gaze to Jae Kyung. “I’ve been looking for you since it took you half an hour and you still haven’t returned to the pavilion.”

“Ah, I’m sorry, Your Highness. I just came out from the restroom and I bumped into Prince Yi Ryeo and we talked.”

“You could’ve invited Prince Yi Ryeo to the pavilion and have some tea. I’ll be pleased to join your conversation as well,” Prince Yi Eul said as he looked at his cousin. “It’s been a while since we last talked to each other. Right, mama?”

“Ye, jeonha,” Prince Yi Ryeo responded and smiled. “I want to have some tea with you as well but unfortunately, I have to go. I just dropped by to visit halma-mama and give gongju-mama’s present for her. I just bumped into Jae Kyung and we just had small talks.”

When Prince Yi Eul looked at Jae Kyung, the latter kept on nodding. “Yeah, yeah.”

“Hmm...”

“Oh, it’s already time. I have to go now, jeonha,” Prince Yi Ryeo said after he looked at his wristwatch to confirm the time.

“Already? Aren’t you going to join us to have some tea?”

Prince Yi Ryeo shook his head. “I’d love to, Your Highness but unfortunately, I can’t right now. Maybe some other time? If it’s okay.”

“Sure, I’d love to.”

“Well, then,” Prince Yi Ryeo nodded and smiled at them as he bowed. “I’ll take my leave. Take care and have a great day, Your Highness, Jae Kyung-ssi.”

“Go-Good bye, take care too, Your Highness!” Jae Kyung said as she waved his hand at him whom Prince Yi Ryeo responded with a nod and smile.

“You seemed close, huh?” when Jae Kyung noticed that Prince Yi Eul is actually watching her, she abruptly put her hands down. “What did you speak of?”

“Is it really necessary for you to know?” Jae Kyung couldn’t help but frown but because she noticed that the Crown Prince is seriously staring at her, she couldn’t help but sigh and respond. “He just asked if I’m okay and even offered help if I’ll be having a hard time learning stuff about the Royal House of Yi’s lifestyle.”

“You don’t actually need his help. Don’t bother.”

Jae Kyung squinted her eyes on him and faced him. She put both hands on her waist and spoke. “I really don’t know if you really are cousins. Your attitudes are miles apart from each other.”

“What is that supposed to mean, Kim Jae Kyung?”

“You already know what I meant, Your Highness,” Jae Kyung raised her chin up, held her red chima and walked past Prince Yi Eul.

“Hey! Kim Jae Kyung! Don’t turn your back on His Royal Highness’ presence! Stop right there! I’m still talking to you!”

Jae Kyung just shook her head and kept on walking. I seriously don’t know how to deal with his major mood swings.

It’s been a long day for Jae Kyung and seeing that she finally arrived at her apartment brought her bliss.

I badly want to sleep now.

As soon as she walked out of the car, she also heard another door opened and closed so she turned her head and it turns out, it was Prince Yi Eul.

“I didn’t know you live in such a small building,” Prince Yi Eul commented with an actual judgment written on his face.

Yeah, right. You’re lucky that you’re living in such a huge mansion. Jae Kyung couldn’t help but mentally roll her eyes but she managed to speak to the Crown Prince. “Thank you for the ride, jeonha.”

“You know what, you can just sleep in my house. You don’t need to go back here,” he said.

“I am more comfortable here, Your Highness and besides, I’ll be living in your house soon after we got married. Don’t worry, I’ll do my best in my training and get used to it,” Jae Kyung said. “We’re all tired, Your Highness. You must go home now,” she bowed. “Good night, Your Highness.”

Before Jae Kyung could turn her back, she felt Prince Yi Eul pulling back her arm and let her face him once again. “You forgot something.”

“What is it?”

Prince Yi Eul didn’t respond instead, he took a step closer to Jae Kyung and gave her a kiss on her forehead.

Jae Kyung was shocked. Totally dumbfounded.

And once again, felt her heart beating fast.

“What the heck... what the heck is happening to me again?”