Seeking to diffuse the tension, Song Sook hastily changed the subject.
"How much are the clothes?"
"The total comes to two hundred silver coins, miss," the salesgirl replied.
Without protesting the hefty price, Song Sook quickly settled the bill. Eager to leave, she rushed out of the shop without even glancing back to check if Yeong Shin was following.
Yeong Shin watched her retreating figure, a mix of amusement and curiosity dancing in his eyes. Her evident unease and desperate attempt to distance herself tugged unexpectedly at his heart.
"Sookie, Sookie!" Yeong Shin called after her, chuckling. "Please slow down. I'm not going to eat you."
At that, Song Sook abruptly stopped and turned to face him with a scowl.
"What's with that ridiculous nickname?"
"I think 'Sookie' suits you perfectly," Yeong Shin said with a grin. "Don't you think so?"
Song Sook's expression darkened even further. "No. Don't call me that. I dislike it."
Their bickering continued all the way to where Song Jae was waiting.
Raising an eyebrow at their tense faces, Song Jae asked, "Why are you two arguing? You just met."
Song Sook immediately appealed to her.
"Miss, please intervene. He gave me the absurd nickname 'Sookie, Sookie'!"
Yeong Shin only smiled wider.
"I think the name I gave her is fitting — and rather charming. Don't you agree, Miss?"
"And look at the ridiculous name she gave me — 'Shin Shin'!" he added, feigning outrage. "Who uses such a silly nickname?"
Song Jae let out a soft sigh and spoke in a calming voice.
"Alright, that's enough. Let's put the argument aside for now."
"Who is this young man, anyway?" Princess Chul Yun Hee asked.
"I rescued him earlier when I went out to check about the reason for the commotion," Song Jae explained.
"You have an exceptional eye for spotting remarkable individuals, Jae. He's quite charming," the princess said with a teasing smile.
Song Jae bowed graciously.
"Thank you for the compliment, Your Highness."
Princess Chul Yun Hee added with a playful glint in her eye,
"Of course, I wasn't complimenting you — but surprisingly, it's true."
Lee Cha nodded in agreement.
"Indeed, Jae, your ability to recognize exceptional people is impressive."
"Alright, that's enough for tonight. It's getting late; let's return before they start searching for us," Princess Chul Yun Hee said.
"Yes, Your Highness," they replied in unison.
The group made their way to their respective carriages and departed for their destinations.
When Song Jae arrived home, exhaustion hit her like a wave. Her body ached, as if it might collapse at any moment.
"Young Miss, may I bring your dinner to your room?" Song Sena asked.
"Yes, please," Song Jae replied tiredly.
"And send Min Min and Mi Cha to prepare the bathwater. I'd like to freshen up."
Song Sena bowed. " Yes, Miss."
Later, as Song Jae sank into the bathtub, the warm water enveloped her, washing away the fatigue that had plagued her all evening. Her muscles relaxed, her mind began to settle.
She had never felt so drained in her life. Song Jae chalked it up to the unprecedented fun she'd had since transmigrating into this world.
She had grown genuinely fond of her two new friends. Lee Cha, despite her occasional cautiousness, was still youthful at heart, often forgetting to maintain her reserve. And Princess Chul Yun Hee, despite her royal upbringing, had proven surprisingly relatable.
As their bond grew, Song Jae was confident that, with time, their hearts would open to each other.
Letting out a contented sigh, she slipped into bed and soon drifted off to sleep.
When she opened her eyes again, morning light streamed through the windows.
Hearing movement in the room, Song Sena entered.
"Miss, you're finally awake. The Prime Minister requests your presence."
"The Prime Minister?" Song Jae sat up, rubbing her eyes.
"Yes, Miss. He instructed that once you woke, you should meet him in the main courtyard. We must hurry, lest he grows impatient," Song Sena urged.
"Father asked for me?" Song Jae repeated, curiosity piqued.
"Yes, Miss. It's been two hours since he sent Servant Myung to check if you were awake. Servant Myung is the master's most trusted attendant — it must be urgent," Song Sena explained.
Song Jae swiftly rose from bed and freshened up. Once ready, she hastened toward the door.
"Sena, let's hurry. I must meet Father on time — I wouldn't want to incur his displeasure."
"Your hair, Miss," Song Sena gently reminded her.
Song Jae chuckled. "How forgetful of me."
She settled into a chair, and Song Mi Cha quickly styled her hair into a simple yet elegant design.
"Miss, you look stunning," Song Mi Cha said, stepping back to admire her handiwork.
"Let's hurry," Song Jae urged.
However, upon entering the main hall, she froze.
Her father sat alongside Concubine Jin — or rather, Madam Jin, as she kept having to remind herself.
Her siblings were around the table, while the concubines of her father stood attentively behind him father, poised to serve him.
No matter how she looked at it, the scene struck Song Jae as peculiar.
"Good morning, Father. Good morning, Madam," Song Jae greeted respectfully.
Song Nabi was the first to speak, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
"You certainly know how to make an entrance, sister. Anyone would think you're an honored guest, keeping the entire family waiting."
"Father, Madam, I apologize for the delay," Song Jae said promptly.
"Yesterday's outing with the princess was exhausting, and I overslept."
Her father's expression softened.
"No need to apologize, Song Jae. The princess is young and lively; I'm sure she kept you engaged."
Sensing her father's narrowed gaze, Song Nabi hastily lowered her eyes and apologized.
"Sister, I'm sorry for misunderstanding you."
"No need to apologize," Song Jae replied calmly.
Inwardly, Song Nabi fumed.
Who does Song Jae think she's deceiving? Anyone watching would believe the elder sister is kind-hearted and generous, while the younger sister is petty and narrow-minded.
Her father's voice broke her bitter thoughts.
"Let's have breakfast. Hurry and take your seats."
Song Jae sat down quietly, and the meal began in tense silence.
She held her breath, uneasy.
In their household, they had to wait until their father finished eating before anyone could put down their chopsticks.
Finally, when the meal ended, Song Jae exhaled quietly, relieved.
She dearly missed her previous life — where she could dine at her leisure, in a restaurant or the comfort of her own room, without all this rigid ceremony.