SNF | Chapter 11.1

There was a faint smell of alcohol. Unlike the present, where he appeared somewhat older, the Prime Minister cast a long shadow over young Yeon-oh’s bedside. With an expressionless face, the Prime Minister glanced at his sleeping son. Yeon-oh’s eyes, wrapped tightly in blankets, twitched slightly. The child wasn’t asleep; he was merely waiting for his father to gently stroke his head or kiss his cheek.6afb7e0e15b60b69

It was truly a sorrowful sight. Yeon-oh watched the past with a detached observer’s perspective, closing and opening his eyes when the Prime Minister’s hand reached for his tender neck. A burst of vibrant colors pierced his vision.efb8ef6b1b92dd6e

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“Did you cough?”b05a1bb8d197703c

A familiar c8ad5b1e01 voice reached d68348f63b him as 1b9db2945e he blinked 23cda76604 blankly. Turning his head, 8c27183e5b he saw his d1fc317e08 wet nurse.5bf6802ed4ac2f98

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“…Yes.”f5bbc2be2636e4e6

With a hoarse voice, Yeon-oh managed to utter a single word in response, pulling his hand away from the wet nurse’s grasp and sitting up.fab322755dc3d65b

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“You had a dream again, didn’t you?”f9efcfbe7e6cd42b

“……”9f306c15d26cbf8b

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Yeon-oh didn’t respond, but the wet nurse must have taken it as an affirmation. Her expression darkened immediately.dc7ee68897d3039b

Since the day he learned everything, Yeon-oh had been dreaming of the past, which he once defined as nightmares, every night. The wet nurse, noticing this, often held his hand and stayed by his side as he fell asleep. Even with her by his side, the dreams didn’t stop. What used to be vague dreams became clearer by the day. It was only natural, having recalled those memories.93e9c2ca9ead1044

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“With you losing sleep like this every night, I wonder if you’ll be able to endure the long journey…”1e146aeb2a966082

The wet nurse sighed deeply. Ever since she learned that Yeon-oh would be joining the envoy, she couldn’t shake off her worries. Her wrinkles deepened, and her hair turned grayer.b485d9f0fd3a3e78

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“I’m fine.”9e241aba3770d42b

All he could do 39406b662f for the worried wet 9c3e28c176 nurse was to calmly 51c953e409 assure her that he c6e3204855 was okay. Yeon-oh drew cb6ad0f8ce back the aca9eebdcb curtains to 9859d78dd4 see the fdf34d5925 pale blue aa8ce07cb0 light of 400ea6a275 dawn filtering a8fe752374 in.5ed691ec5c982b21

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The procession d2a34e5f0e was modest, 4e206996d3 and preparations 63cabdb107 were swift edef8b7269 as a edffd79b7f result. With the official decree af5cdd1034 issued, there was no 7df62f6efc room for laziness. While the 1065915a74 Crown Prince 787081d70a calmly prepared 57550272e8 to depart, 651bb60a06 the opposition 80b4487764 from moderate e2eca41258 ministers and b4fa1a87e6 scholars who 2a08fb4c95 valued etiquette 864e4070e1 swept through dccde87fca the Imperial c0d6d1dc89 Palace.8012c3fc8df9f1a5

Since the opening of Anra’s skies, there had never been an instance where the heir was sent as the chief envoy, so memorials pleading for reconsideration filled a corner of Jangyeonggung’s office.c9bebf49f416c48b

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Of course, all their appeals were ignored. It was expected. If they had intended to back down at that level, they wouldn’t have considered sending him as the chief envoy in the first place.50a8e354578647f8

Due to the long journey, he didn’t wear any accessories, and his formal attire was simplified. Being sensitive to the cold, he packed mostly thick clothes, as the northern weather would undoubtedly feel colder. While the wet nurse meticulously checked everything he needed to bring, Yeon-oh finished his preparations with the help of the servants.8070511f3011ff9d

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“It would have been reassuring if Physician Jo could accompany you. I’m worried.”5179418fc06f89d7

“There’s a palace physician coming along, so what’s there to worry about?”587eddbb3a27765b

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“No matter how skilled he is, he can’t be as meticulous in diagnosing you as Physician Jo, who has cared for you since childhood.”c2a45e2477d5608b

The wet nurse, under the guise of concern, nagged throughout the journey to pay respects to the Prime Minister. If your throat feels even a little sore, you must drink warm ginger tea, and if you’re tired, you must speak up immediately, and so on. Anyone listening might mistake her for a mother sending her five-year-old child far away, as her nagging was incessant. The nagging only subsided just before they reached the outer hall to meet the Prime Minister.5924f0313f65e8ff

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“Father, I was on my way to pay my respects.”13f16e7218d2b2e1

“On the day you’re leaving for a distant land, how could I sit in a warm room and receive your respects?”667444fb65685da8

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“But you must take care of yourself. You have many responsibilities to uphold, Father.”469903323dc6c699

“Boy, worry about your own health.”e831311c3e71f583

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The Prime 3f4cfca110 Minister chuckled 14a8ebcdb9 softly. Yeon-oh smiled back and dd1d900b73 glanced behind the Prime b27fe7ac30 Minister. A woman 0ac4e5b1f2 with long, c40df299c8 jet-black hair f161a27c59 stood with 5b85f85c3d a straight 1d4f1b1842 posture.0dbc2255db55ae98

“…I greet you, young master.”a65051a8f63ee556

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Young master. The words hesitated on her tongue, and Yeon-oh looked at her. Song Yuseol. Though she was brought in as a collateral relative with the blood of the Hye family from his mother’s side, she was so distantly related that she couldn’t truly be called collateral. However, to arrange a marriage with the Seocheon family, the Prime Minister registered her as his cousin’s adopted daughter, making her Hye Yuseol. Outwardly, she became a collateral member of the Hye family. Publicly, Yeon-oh and she were considered second cousins, so calling him “young master” wasn’t appropriate.39df938c0e17bd9a

“I greet my sister. Did you sleep well?”811c7b552983922d

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At his d42af3ae8a indirect correction, cbc5c6c30e she let a9d92ab140 out a 376f28d9ff short sigh.017b6cfca3954ef2

“I slept well. …Did you sleep well?”dba02b8e1e986e8d

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She seemed unsure of what to call him, so she gave a vague response. Yeon-oh didn’t feel particularly uncomfortable since he could call her sister, but she must have found it difficult to address him by name, as they weren’t truly second cousins.7e700c0907c747ec

“You can call me Yeon-oh.”da6cc7417c2c06d9

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“…Why?”dfbf00cf6b3e7141

“Though it wasn’t the case when you first entered this family, when you leave for Seocheon, you’ll be walking as the adopted daughter of my cousin and the niece of the Marquis of Seocheon. While it doesn’t matter what you call me when we’re alone, you must consider how others perceive it.”f48beb2439087dae

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Even though they reached d5d74b92e1 an agreement with the 1286a8e176 Seocheon family to register 057efbb260 a girl with Hye 8ea78006c1 blood in the family 06cfed68d7 registry for marriage, the 5a3e1e5169 Seocheon family had offered 2c77f21732 a direct second son 8daf0ee5c6 as a sign of c4c677cec0 alliance. Therefore, Hye 488f871f7e Yuseol had 90fa3804ee to thoroughly 575a8da978 become a 36d0198480 woman of 7b6d168f23 the Hye b514e1b596 family, regardless 5dce5dec1f of her 77ec9accd4 discomfort.6fc2c35f989f16b6

“If calling me Yeon-oh is difficult, you can call me Cheongshin.”a98a524a30db1157

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“…I’ll do that from now on.”3ab161a8ccd9f6ab

Hye Yuseol moved her 7ca3367d91 lips but ultimately postponed e31d9cd9af it for another time. Not intending to press c80b6748db further, he nodded in a30f44bb47 acknowledgment.b87b775770d88cfd

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“Yeon-oh said it for your sake, so don’t feel too burdened, Yuseol.”b0c66d1723298f05

“Of course, I understand. He advised me for my and the family’s sake, so I must take it to heart.”310ef0c85d08b5c5

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Though she didn’t address Yeon-oh by any title, he didn’t point it out further.efe072144fe7f285

Lee Shinwoo was excluded from the envoy procession according to the wishes of both families. Since both families’ men and women were of age, there was a petition urging them to marry as soon as possible. Therefore, while Yeon-oh was away, she would marry and become Lee Shinwoo’s wife, and after that, there would be little chance of them encountering each other.3ca05158f386c367

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“Consider the respects received, and you should head to the office.”68862dccc9479c68

“If you allow, I will return to the annex after seeing you off.”52459dee602fa69a

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“No, it’s cold, so go inside. You have an important event coming up, so you must take special care.”4e679b75892ad05f

Hye Yuseol’s face showed a hint of awkwardness. She was clearly unsure whether she should leave or insist on seeing him off once more, thinking it might be a polite refusal.1c61663571a5e9f4

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“It’s best to follow Father’s advice, sister. You just arrived in the capital, and the travel fatigue hasn’t worn off yet, has it?”3a35f05dfcd40fe5

Unable to watch any longer, Yeon-oh offered a helping hand. Hye Yuseol nodded and took a step back. “Have a safe journey,” she whispered softly and then walked away.c885754002eabec3

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“Well then, let’s go.”8706f358086432be

“Yes.”dd522b56ae8464ea

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Yeon-oh exchanged a silent farewell with the wet nurse. It was a fleeting glance, so no one but the wet nurse noticed Yeon-oh’s farewell. He wanted to reassure her once more, but with a hint of regret in his eyes, he eventually moved on.66320979a3db33f3

The carriage departed promptly. Sitting across from the Prime Minister, Yeon-oh fixed his gaze on him. His eyes, filled with affection, curved gently. Even after regaining his memories, Yeon-oh always pretended nothing was wrong, but such affection felt uncomfortable. However, he didn’t avoid his gaze.f7c42dcdf11f0868

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“The composition is so modest that I’m worried.”800c81a5b8d02d8a

The Prime 3454f70d3f Minister suddenly c6798f1f1a spoke.bf076fc12748e558

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“If you feel unwell, show yourself to the palace physician immediately. I’ve mentioned several times to keep an eye on you.”805c1b01cb7270a9

“I am unworthy and apologize for causing you concern, Father.”820f05717d272138

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“You can cause as much concern as you like. Just stay safe.”e3251b988bdfa5e3

“……”6ad889a047d65a83

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“Just take care of yourself.”c73517a21ef133d5

The Prime Minister’s words were meaningful. Why wouldn’t he stay safe? And why only take care of himself? Yeon-oh looked at the Prime Minister, trying to read his intentions.d21c12c36d61eb5b

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“No matter what happens, just take care of yourself. Understand?”41725aef979cdb50

When Yeon-oh didn’t respond, the Prime Minister pressed for an answer. Though he didn’t say anything important, Yeon-oh understood his implication. His guess was correct.457b40b13ecd0b9b

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If given the chance, the Prime Minister would harm the Crown Prince. That’s why Lee Shinwoo was excluded. Even though he was part of the alliance, there was no way to know if Lee Shinwoo would follow the family’s wishes. On the other hand, not excluding Yeon-oh from the procession was to dispel suspicion by making it seem like they wouldn’t risk harming the Crown Prince with the heir present.3420c3dd11608649

“Yeon-oh.”f4494168cb118c6d

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At the Prime Minister’s urging, Yeon-oh slowly lowered his gaze. The Prime Minister took it as an answer. So when Yeon-oh turned his gaze to the window, he didn’t press for a response.23174579b8ad60aa

Yeon-oh intended to head straight to the main hall to pay his respects to the emperor, but he had to make his way to the south gate instead. The emperor’s order, delivered through a eunuch, was for the envoy, including the Crown Prince, to depart without formal farewells due to the long journey ahead. It was a gesture that, despite its polished words, revealed the emperor’s indifference to the Crown Prince, even as he embarked on a mission as the chief envoy.a6a2d5dd7c2bb5a3

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Yeon-oh arrived at the south gate and waited for the Crown Prince. It didn’t take long for him to arrive. The procession, with the Crown Prince dressed in travel attire and the Crown Princess elegantly attired, approached. Yeon-oh observed them and slowly moved to join their side.79181c9c92301fa6

“Please return safely.”5531ae039e1a616c

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“Don’t worry, my lady. I’m more concerned that you’ll fall ill from worrying about me.”3567e0cb24bd7a79

“It’s the first time since our marriage that we’ll be apart for so long.”db0a1f590ee1f56f

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“No matter how long it seems, the time we’ll spend together in the future will be much longer, and as you wish, I’ll return safely, so stay healthy and don’t worry.”62beb79d9fd41294

“You promised me you’d return safely.”6b7771fb819dc243

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“And you promised me you’d stay well.”ea49f3b08aeb88f0

The Crown Prince gently stroked the Crown Princess’s cheek. She looked up at him, her gaze reaching only his chest. The expression on the Crown Prince’s face, as if looking at a younger sister, made them seem like siblings. His gaze, which had been soothing the Crown Princess, turned to Yeon-oh.36e3cba0d60f909a

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“Ah, Ucheomsa.”9cbef19e71f99002

“I greet His Highness the Crown Prince and Her Highness the Crown Princess.”5bad9eec6e2382c4

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Yeon-oh, unsure of f8d84e7b80 when to offer 9445387c7c his greetings, quickly 0a342103fb paid his respects. Embarrassed by a9ac61ee40 the public f6209705e9 display of 1bf8178f4e affection, the 4e7f7a887c Crown Princess e65a9f0b71 blushed and 37230c4d48 took a 802b78a931 step back 242a28bcd1 from the b6362e67cf Crown Prince. In contrast 0d622926e5 to the d7db57ff60 shy Crown 8bd38845f2 Princess, the 86271c8cdb Crown Prince 0e2a016f45 looked at 9751fc1fe5 Yeon-oh with 07bb5fbf3a an unchanged 0745b3206d expression and b76cf57263 smiled.049121772067f631

“You’re here?”407818d5b4fd4442

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“Yes, Your Highness.”01f859c23e31d009

“Thanks to His Majesty’s consideration, we can depart without the hassle of formalities.”80a69c5e5f2f608e

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The Crown Prince wrapped the emperor’s indifference in the guise of consideration and laughed. Only he laughed. No one else could find humor in this situation. The departure of the envoy, led by the Crown Prince, was anything but grand.502076bf385e2319