The Crown Prince Evil Consort

Chapter 16 Shocked By Her Bravery

"Song Jae gazed at princess Chul Yun-Hee, struck by her radiant beauty. Her golden hair shone brightly, and her yellow dress complemented her complexion perfectly, illuminating her skin.

Just then, Lee Cha approached the princess, curtsying deeply before introducing herself.

'Hello, your highness. I am Lee Cha, daughter of Duke Lee, and I shall be your study partner from today onward.'

The princess smiled warmly. 'Nice to meet you, Lee Cha.'

Song Jae watched as princess Chul Yun-Hee's face lit up with joy, clearly delighted to have made two new friends.

'I must take my leave now,'princess 'My family awaits me outside.'" "Song Jae had no choice but to speak, as she wanted to avoid another argument with Song Nabi."

"As Song Jae prepared to leave, she turned to Princess Chul Yun-Hee with a warm smile. 'You look stunning in yellow, princess. The color truly suits you.'

The princess's face lit up. 'Thank you, Song Jae! I think I'll wear yellow often, then.'

Song Jae chuckled. 'I'm sure you have impeccable taste.'

With a playful gesture, Song Jae gently poked the princess's cheek before taking her leave.

Lee Cha watched, astonished by Song Jae's boldness in touching a member of the royal family. Though they were now study partners, Lee Cha couldn't help but think that Song Jae's familiarity was remarkable."

"Although Song Jae's bold gesture could have been deemed punishable, Lee Cha noted that the princess's naive nature had spared her. Such innocence was rare in the royal family.

Lee Cha also bid the princess farewell and took her leave. Meanwhile, princess Chul Hun-Hee was beaming with delight, charmed by Song Jae's effortless familiarity.

She hurried to the Empress Dowager's palace, eager to share her joy with her grandmother.

"The princess's maidservants were shocked by her sudden haste, struggling to keep pace with her rapid strides. 'Princess, please slow down! Be careful not to slip!' her head maid implored, hurrying to catch up.

Finally, they managed to halt the princess's progress. 'Your highness, please compose yourself,' her head maid cautioned.

'We wouldn't want princess Chul Bong Cha to find amusement in your haste.'

Chastened, princess Chul Yun-Hee halted, slowing her pace. She was determined not to give her sister, princess Chul Bong Cha, any reason to mock her.

After all, everyone in the palace knew of princess Chul Bong Cha's sharp wit and love of teasing."

"Although princess Chul Yun-Hee and princess Chul Bong Cha didn't get along, others dismissed their tension as mere childish squabbles.

However, her mother had cautioned her to be wary of Imperial concubine Hwa's daughter.

Upon arriving at the Empress Dowager's palace, princess Chul Yun-Hee rushed inside, finding her grandmother preparing for rest. She sat beside her on the bed.

'Grandma, I adore the study partner you chose for me, especially prime minister Song's daughter,' she said, beaming.

'And what about Duke Lee's daughter?' the Empress Dowager asked.

'She's nice, but cautious around me,' Princess Chul Yun-Hee replied. 'Unlike Song Jae, who is wonderfully carefree in my presence.'

The Empress Dowager's curiosity was piqued. 'Why do you say Song Jae is carefree with you?'"

"'She complimented me on my dress and even touched my cheeks,' Princess Chul Yun-Hee said, smiling.

The Empress Dowager chuckled. 'I see my granddaughter is easily pleased.'

'No, grandma, it's just that song jae speaks her mind freely,' the princess clarified. 'My other friends always try to appease me, regardless of right or wrong.'

The Empress Dowager's expression softened. 'As long as you're happy, my dear, I'm happy.'

Princess Chul Yun-Hee hugged her grandmother tightly. 'That's why I love you the most, grandma.'

Just then, empress Hyo-Sonn's voice intervened, 'And what about me, your mother? Do you love me as well?'

Startled, Princess Chul Yun-Hee quickly rose from the Empress Dowager's bed and approached her mother. 'Of course, mother, I love you the most after grandma.'"

"Empress Hyo-Sonn gently poked her daughter's head, playfully teasing her. The Empress Dowager smiled, warmed by the affectionate scene between mother and daughter.

However, her thoughts turned to her grandson, whose reserved nature and aversion to females worried her.

He wouldn't even let his own sister touch him. The Empress Dowager sighed, her mind aching with concern.

Meanwhile, at Duke Lee's residence, the family had settled into their country yard. Duke Lee summoned his daughter, Lee Cha, to his study.

'Lee Cha, tell me about your encounter with the princess and miss Song Jae,' Duke Lee requested.

'Father, the princess and Song Jae seem remarkably close,' 'It's surprising, considering they hadn't met before.

"I thought prime Minister Song eldest daughter would be haughty, but it seems i was mistaken dad."

"Duke Lee's expression changed to surprise. 'You said earlier, when Song Jae spoke with the princess, she wasn't arrogant,' yes dad! 'Instead, she seemed daring and brave.'

'Why do you think that, Lee Cha?, Duke Lee asked his daughter.

"The way she touched the Princess's cheek without hesitation," Lee Cha explained, "is what only a truly brave and daring person would do."

'You see, Lee Cha, it's not bravery, but rather, Song Jae knows the Princess appreciates those who are genuine and free-spirited.'

'I think that's why they've become close,' he added.

'Really, father?' Lee Cha's eyes widened.

'Yes,' Duke Lee nodded. 'From tomorrow, when you're at the palace, be yourself around the princess. Don't pretend.'

"Duke Lee couldn't help but think that his daughter was still too naive.

The young princess would likely be drawn to Song Jae, who was more forthcoming and affectionate, whereas his daughter was more reserved.

It was clear that Prime Minister Song had taught his daughters well, as people generally prefer those who are warm and genuine in their interactions."

'Yes, father, I'll remember,' Lee Cha promised.

With that, Lee Cha stood up, bid her father goodnight, and took her leave. The night passed quickly."

"As morning broke, a ray of sunlight streamed into Song Jae's eyes, prompting her to shield them. Before she could settle back into slumber, Song Sena and the other maids bustled into the room.

'Miss, it's time to rise,' Song Sena announced. 'You must get ready for your first day as the princess's study companion. We can't afford to be late.'

Song Jae groggily covered her ears with her pillow, but Song Sena's persistent voice pierced through.

' Eldest Miss, please stand up! You need to prepare,' Song Sena urged, her tone bordering on whiny.

Song Jae finally surrendered, tossing aside her pillow and swinging her legs over the side of the bed. She stood up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes."