Upon hearing the eunuch's announcement outside her door, princess Chul Yun Hee's face lit up with a bright smile and excitement. She swiftly instructed head maid Cha to receive the two young ladies and escort them to the waiting room.
"Please show them in, head maid Cha," the princess said. "I'll join them shortly."
With her instructions given, princess Chul Yun Hee proceeded to her closet, accompanied by her personal maidservant, to change into attire suitable for their studies.
Meanwhile, head maid Cha hastened outside, ensuring the two young misses wouldn't be kept waiting.
As she emerged, the eunuch promptly bowed and greeted her with reverence.
Approaching the two young ladies, head maid Cha bowed graciously. "The princess requests that you proceed to the waiting room. She will join you shortly."
Lee Cha and Song Jae chimed in unison, "No need for formal greetings, head maid Cha."
Everyone in the kingdom knew of head maid Cha's esteemed position and influence with princess Chul Yun Hee. No one dared show disrespect in her presence.
With a courteous gesture, Song Jae and Lee Cha stepped aside, allowing head maid Cha to lead the way. "After you, my ladies."
They swiftly arrived at the waiting room, where head maid Cha ushered them inside.
Head maid Cha stepped out, and a younger maid took her place. "Ladies, may I offer you some refreshments?"
Song Jae and Lee Cha responded in unison, "Fruits would be lovely, thank you."
The maid nodded and departed to fetch their request.
After a brief wait, princess Chul Yun Hee elegantly entered the room, gracing them with her presence. Song Jae, and Lee Cha, promptly rose from their seats and bowed in respect.
"Not at all, please, no formalities," the princess said with a warm smile, as she took her seat.
Song Jae and Lee Cha followed suit, settling into their chairs.
"I apologize for keeping you ladies waiting," princess Chul Yun Hee added, her tone gracious.
"No need to apologize, your highness," Song Jae said with a smile. "We didn't wait long at all."
"Very well, then," Princess Chul Yun Hee replied. "Shall we proceed to the classroom? Are you both ready?"
Song Jae stood up eagerly, hoping to avoid an unwanted encounter. Lee Cha followed suit, with the princess taking the lead.
As they walked to class, princess Chul Yun Hee decided to give her guests a brief tour of the palace.
"And this is our beautiful garden," she said, gesturing to the vibrant flora.
"Wow, Princess, it's stunning!" Song Jae exclaimed. "
"You'll be even more astonished by its breathtaking beauty when the cherry blossoms are in bloom."
"I'll make sure to invite you both when the time comes," princess Chul Yun Hee promised with a laugh. "You'll see it in all its glory."
"Now that you've promised us, your highness, I can finally get a good night's sleep without the garden on my mind," Song Jae said with a smile.
"But you must keep your promise, or I'll be lying awake all night."
"Yes, I promise not to forget to invite you," princess Chul Yun Hee assured Song Jae with a gentle smile. "It's even more lovely when shared with friends."
Song Jae's ease with the princess brought a warmth to princess Chul Yun Hee heart, filling her with delight.
"Princess, don't forget to invite me too," Lee Cha chimed in. "I'd love to see the garden during cherry blossom season."
Princess Chul Yun Hee laughed. "I won't forget to invite both of you, I promise."
As they arrived at the classroom, head maid Cha stepped forward. As Song Jae and Lee Cha entered, they were stunned by the classroom's exquisite decor.
The classroom's opulent interior stunned Lee Cha. Golden tiles adorned the floor, complemented by a dazzling diamond chandelier suspended from the ceiling. Plush golden cushions provided comfortable seating.
The windows, unlike any she had seen before, sparkled with a radiant glow, their crystal clarity allowing her to see her reflection even from a distance.
and opened the door.
However, Song Jae swiftly regained her composure, drawing upon her past experiences. In her previous life, she had been accustomed to even greater opulence.
Her momentary shock stemmed not from the luxury itself, but from the staggering extravagance the royal family had lavished upon a mere study room for their children.
Soon she noticed the other princesses of the royal family already seated with their study partners. Her gaze fell upon Song Nabi, who was paired with princess Chul Bong Cha.
Lee Cha, however, felt a strange, piercing gaze from the others in the room. She grew self-conscious, her cheeks flushing slightly, and quickly averted her eyes to the ground.
Embarrassment washed over her, stemming from her earlier wonder-struck reaction to the study room's grandeur. She had marveled at the ornate decor, and now feared others had witnessed her awe.
Glancing at Song Jae, Lee Cha wondered if she felt any embarrassment. But Song Jae seemed oblivious, chatting and laughing with princess Chul Yun Hee as if entirely at ease.
Just then, princess Chul Yun Jee announced, "It's time for me to introduce you to our teacher." Lee Cha quickly composed herself, shedding her fear and shyness to avoid disappointing the princess.
Recalling her father's advice from the previous day, she straightened her shoulders, lifted her head high, and walked alongside the princess and Song Jae.
As they approached the teacher, Song Jae and Lee Cha offered a courteous courtesy. "It's nice to finally see you joining us in class so promptly,"
The teacher said with a warm smile, addressing princess Chul Yun Hee. "Teacher, don't say that I always come to class early," princess Chul Yun Hee teased.
"You call this early? You usually arrive after class has started," the teacher replied with a chuckle.
Song Jae and Lee Cha exchanged startled glances, surprised by the princess's habitual tardiness.
Princess Chul Yun Hee laughed. "These are my friends, miss Song Jae and miss Lee Cha."
"Hello, teacher," Song Jae and Lee Cha said in unison.
"Hello, I'm teacher Song," the teacher responded warmly. "Welcome, welcome. Please, take your seats."
Despite being a male teacher, teacher Song was surprisingly friendly and approachable, unlike many of his male counterparts, who were often known for their strict demeanor.
"As class begins, please focus and avoid distractions," the teacher reminded them. Song Jae and Lee Cha quickly took their seats.
After sitting cross-legged on the floor for several hours, Song Jae felt exhausted. When the class finally ended, she breathed a sigh of relief. Turning to Lee Cha, she noticed her pale, fatigued complexion.
"Are you alright, lady Lee? You look drained," Song Jae asked, concern etched on her face. Meanwhile princess Chul Yun Hee had already walked towards them.
"I'm fine, thank you," Lee Cha replied with a weak smile. "I'm just not accustomed to sitting for such long periods."
Princess Chul Yun-Hee raised an eyebrow. "Why are we speaking so formally to each other?"
"From today on, we're close friends and study partners, so let's drop the formalities, alright?" Princess Chul Yun Hee suggested, smiling.
"Alright then!" Song Jae and Lee Cha chimed in unison.
Pleased with their agreement, princess Chul Yun Hee changed the subject. "Let's get some food first; I'm starving! My stomach is growling."
As they stood up and headed towards the door, princess Chul Yun Hee instructed head maid Cha, "please inform the chef to prepare something delicious for us."
"Now, let me give you a tour of the palace while our meal is being prepared," princess Chul Yun Hee said, leading them to the east wing.
"This is the easterner side of the palace is where my mother, the Empress, and the Imperial Concubines typically host tea gatherings and parties," she explained, gesturing gracefully.