The Crown Prince Evil Consort

Chapter 20 Going To The Border

Song jae knew better than to speak her mind, lest she incur the crown prince's wrath.

Instead, she forced a sweet smile and replied, "Of course, Your Highness, I'll miss you dearly."

Chul Kwan's sly smile made Song Jae silently curse him a million times. She had heard rumors about his disdain for women, yet he seemed to be flirting with her shamelessly.

His sudden change in behavior baffled her. "How gracious of you to offer, Your Highness,"

Song Jae continued, "but I fear I won't be able to join the farewell gathering. I have classes and cannot afford to miss a day, lest my father scold me."

Chul Kwan had merely teased Song Kae, anticipating her refusal. However, her response unsettled him.

They might not cross paths again for three to four years, and the thought unexpectedly troubled him.

He couldn't explain why. Perhaps this journey to the border was precisely what he needed.

Perhaps time apart would alleviate these unfamiliar feelings. As Chul Kwan gazed at Song Jae, he couldn't fathom why her presence soothed him.

She was the sole woman whose touch didn't trigger his usual discomfort, the crawling sensation akin to a thousand ants on his skin.

Perplexed and irritated with himself, Chul Kwan turned and departed.

Song Jae was baffled by his sudden anger. She hadn't expected him to react so intensely; after all, they barely knew each other.

Shaking off the thought, Song Jae hastened toward Snowy palace. Her encounter with the infuriating prince had made her forget that princess Chul Yun Hee awaited her.

As she made her way to Snowy palace, Song Jae reflected on the narrative's divergence. Ever since her transmigration, the story had veered off course.

In the original novel, crown Prince Chul Kwan loved the female lead,

Yet maintained a distance, refusing physical contact – not just with the lead, but also eschewing physical contact with all women, including his family.

The reason behind his aversion remained a mystery. The crown prince she knew from the novel had sacrificed the throne for the third prince, the female lead's true love, ensuring her happiness.

However, the Chul Kwan before her now seemed nothing like that selfless figure. He didn't strike her as the type to relinquish his claim to the throne for love.

Upon arriving at snowy palace, Song Jae entered the waiting room where princess Chul Yun Hee and Lee Cha awaited. Two inquisitive eyes met hers, but she feigned ignorance.

Princess Chul Yun Hee's patience wore thin. "Song Jae, tell me," she urged, approaching her.

"What did my brother discuss with you? Why did he dismiss us before speaking with you?"

Song Jae immediately decided to choose her words carefully.

"Your Highness, the crown prince merely instructed me to take care of you during our studies and mentioned his upcoming journey to the border.

He said he'd be away for a while and asked me to keep you company, so you wouldn't miss him too much. That was all."

Princess Chul Yun Hee's skepticism was palpable.

"That's truly all he said? I find it hard to believe. I waited anxiously, expecting something significant. Was that really all?"

"Yes, Princess, that's all," Song Jae assured her, though princess Chul Yun Hee's skeptical gaze lingered.

"Did he mention when he'll return?" the princess asked, her concern evident.

"Three to four years, Your Highness," Song Jae replied.

Princess Chul Hun Hee's eyes widened. "So long? It's peculiar that he didn't confide in me, his own sister."

She rose, determination etched on her face. "I must speak with him."

"Princess, a moment, please," Song Jae requested, halting her departure. "Before we began studying together, I had a tutor.

I'd like to know the class schedule to arrange my home studies."

"Still wanting to study at home?" Princess Chul Yun Hee asked, surprised. "Won't it exhaust you?"

"It's alright, Princess," Song Jae reassured. "I promised my father to continue my studies, just as my siblings did. I'm accustomed to it."

Song Jae dared not confess to the princess that she had never studied at home before, fearing others might find it peculiar.

She had never learned etiquette or acquired traditional skills, yet somehow managed to excel in dancing at the Empress Dowager's birthday celebration.

Though princess Chul Yun Hee was renowned for her kindness and naivety, Song Jae couldn't risk revealing her secret, fearing unforeseen consequences.

Song Jae remained uncertain whether to trust princess Chul Yun Hee, and the presence of Lee Cha in the room added to her hesitation.

She was unfamiliar with Lee Cha's behavior and character, making it difficult for her to gauge the situation.

"The tutor visits the palace four times a week," princess Chul Yun Hee explained. "You can study on tuesdays, fridays, and sundays."

"Thank you, Princess," Song Jae said, grateful.

As they concluded their conversation, Princess Chul Yun Hee glanced at the time. "It's getting late – already the hour of the monkey (3:00 pm – 5:00 pm)."

"You ladies may depart now. If your carriages haven't arrived, feel free to use the palace's.

My head maid, will escort you." Princess Chul Yun Hee bid them farewell.

"Thank you, Princess," Song Jae and Lee Cha chorused, before following head maid Cha outside.

After their departure, princess Chul Uun Hee hastily exited her palace to catch a glimpse of her brother, wondering if he still lingered within the Imperial palace or had retreated to his own residence.

However, she was a step too late; he had already returned to his palace.

Days passed swiftly, and before long, the day of crown prince Chul Kwan's departure for the border arrived.

The capital's streets teemed with people eager to bid the crown prince farewell as he embarked on his journey with the army.

Although Song Jae had claimed she couldn't spare the time to bid the prince goodbye,

She had little choice but to accompany princess Chul Yun Hee and Lee Cha to the farewell gathering.

Her brother was joining the prince's entourage, and she needed to see him off.

In a nearby restaurant, three young women sat engaged in conversation and enjoying a meal: princess Chul Yun Hee, Lee Cha, and Song Jae.

Gazing out the window, Song Jae was taken aback by the sea of people gathered outside.

Commoners and nobles alike thronged the streets, a testament to the crown prince's enduring popularity.

"Your brother, the crown prince, truly has the people's love," Song Jae observed, turning to princess Chul Yun Hee. "He has countless admirers."