When I opened my eyes, it was already night, and Ji Woo had fallen asleep. His face was still covered in makeup, but now it looked horrible because of the sweat makeup was messed up.
I slowly stood up from his bed carefully, trying not to wake him up. After climbing out the bed, I went to take a bath because my clothes were soaked in sweat.
This time, when I entered the bathtub, the water wasn't warm; it was cold and refreshing, helping me clear up my mind.
My body lay in the cold water, but my thoughts weren't as calm as the surroundings; they were in chaos. I didn't even know how to react to this sudden surge in power. It wasn't really helpful; instead, it was more of a burden to me.
I owe him too many things. Maybe they were the reason why I was never able to throw him away completely. Why, out of all, did he have to be the one?
I submerged my head in water for a few seconds before stepping out of the bathtub. I took a towel and wrapped it around my body, and walked out of the bathroom. After coming out of the bath, I went to my bed, throwing my body in.
Just as I lay on the bed, I fell asleep from exhaustion. When I woke up, it was already late in the morning. After waking up, I quickly put on something before checking on Ji Woo.
When I entered his room, he was already awake, and a maid was cleaning the makeup I had put on his face. I walked in, looking at him silently. The maid quickly washed his face and left without wasting any time.
His gaze was fixed on me, while I felt slightly embarrassed to say anything to him.
"Are you fine now?" After gathering some courage, I broke this silence.
"Hm," He didn't say much, just continued to stare, making it even more awkward for me.
I took a long breath and walked forward and stood beside him, saying, "If you want anything, just say it."
Hearing my words, an evil grin appeared on his lips as he said, "I am waiting for you to ask this."
He sat up straight before continuing, "Now that I have helped you in becoming stronger. It's time for collecting debt, right?"
His words made me slightly anxious, but I couldn't really back off. So, I just waited for him to ask whatever he wanted. Maybe I already know the answer. But I let him say it from his mouth.
I stared at him with slight fear and hesitation. But what he said next caught me off guard. "First, get me some good food. I am hungry."
I stared at him blankly after hearing his order.
"What? Are you not even gonna feed your injured brother?" He started showing tantrums like a kid.
I didn't say anything to him and turned around, walking out of his room. I came after a minute, carrying his breakfast into his room, and placed it on the table.
"Feed me, I can't move my hands, it hurts so much." He continued with drama, and I followed the script without any quarrel.
"Ok, open your mouth." I sat beside him and started to feed him. Time was passing like the flowing water; the initial tension I had also vanished with the time I spent with him.
Suddenly, he took the spoon from my hand and fed me back, "You shouldn't have eaten by now, right?"
While feeding me, he was still smiling slightly. We fed each other, simply though it was calm, yet slightly awkward. But it was still bearable, or just too good that I didn't want to say anything about it.
Once we were done with our meal, I stood up and turned to leave.
"Hey, where are you going? Now it's time for cultivation." He called out to me as I was about to leave.
"What?" I looked at him with a questionable look.
"Sister, from now on, you will cultivate regularly without even a day off, because you need to get me the emperor's throne. Only… if you want, or you can skip it." He spoke calmly, his voice becoming uninterested at the end as he lay back on the bed.
"Are you out of your mind? If you want the throne, then get it yourself. I can't do anything about it." I said straightforwardly.
"Then you don't have to; I couldn't possibly force you for anything." He spoke in a mocking tone, followed by his light giggle.
I stood up and left him alone, also getting some relief for myself. I couldn't understand what he was thinking.
Sometimes he is childish, sometimes he is a pervert, and sometimes he is just…
I walked into my room, sitting alone on my bed. While my thoughts wander.
When I was born into this Royal Family, I thought it was the beginning of my bright future. But it all turned out to be fake; instead of bright, it should be called dark. Just like other princesses, at most I can do is hope… not for the bright future but… for a good husband. Who won't really mistreat me. Without any freedom, or seeing the beauty of this world, just living behind walls in a man's shadow.
Well, the truth is hard to accept. But it's still there, denying that it wasn't of any use. The society is like that, and changes can only be made by the strong ones, not the weak.
At first, when I got to know about cultivation. I was so excited to practice relentlessly while other princess just enjoyed their life. But I thought I had become strong enough, I would control my own faith, and would make my own decisions, making this world bend to my will, alas…
Everything was just a daydream. Fortunately, when I was losing hope. In this prison, I got a cute little brother whom I can bully, and pour out all my frustration, love and care without holding back. He never complains or disobeys me. Always following me around like a kitten. But this kitten had also grown up into a fierce tiger. While I remained weak.
Maybe he is right, I shouldn't give up on cultivation. I have to move forward. Even if the path is made of blades, bleeding for the future is worth it if I can change it according to my will. Even if I can't, so what, at least I will suffer for my own choice, not someone else.