SNF | Chapter 6.3

“Then what should we do? Shall we go see the lanterns together?”6ff7fb0113cdf157

The princess hesitated at the gentle voice but eventually nodded. Yeon-oh wiped the princess’s face carefully with a handkerchief and smiled faintly.719ec36163afa320

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Then it’s best to stop crying first. If you keep crying like this, people will think I made you cry.”ef82a8800b6a07c6

“But you didn’t make me cry, Uncle.”fd2b66e652feb6be

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Even so, people will see it that way, so stop crying quickly. You don’t want to make me an unkind uncle, do you?”ed61158ebd41d395

When he playfully teased her, a smile quickly spread across the princess’s face. Such a bright smile for a child. Yeon-oh thought of the prince and had to try hard not to frown. Straightening his bent knee while holding the princess’s hand, Yeon-oh looked down at her round head.dd861fe0818c023a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“Uncle. …Are you really not going to see Hwan?”070a1728865d77ab

Was she worried that bd9ac5c186 he might go to 332a90b57b the prince? The princess 3a1c190346 showed signs 97b05fe11c of anxiety.ae433e73f5eca735

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Should I go now?”d1d189481ccb0aea

“No, no. Please stay with me, Uncle.”443e3dbe5bd1f450

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

The princess tightened a3bc836f1f her grip on 4fbe07664d his hand. Yeon-oh, intending to b7689dec33 dispel her anxiety, 595a5ea685 held her hand 9370baadf6 tightly as she 13be1cdc67 did.a072d7149678edc2

“Like Uncle…”b8f98dda83e83d4b

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Her hesitant words cf5eb9f313 were so soft d2e84a1b34 that Yeon-oh had a18603bbf8 to lean in 45ef90f6b6 to hear them.90ffe5a0399811d1

“Like Uncle, I wish Mother would cherish me. Why don’t I receive as much love as my brother?”5fc8efa9f010f421

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Her voice was full of sorrow. The feeling of not being loved, and the sibling who was loved in contrast. That was the princess’s inferiority complex. She must have suppressed it just because she was the older sister.3afc2456330736a6

“Even if the Empress doesn’t say it, she must cherish you very much, Princess.”e069b2537d0089dd

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Yeon-oh knew that his words were nothing more than a hollow comfort, a lie. He had only seen the Empress interact with the prince and princess once, but even from that one time, he could see where the Empress’s affection leaned.a0290c4914ed8cf9

If Yeon-oh, who had only seen it once, could notice, there was no way the princess, who had experienced it for years, wouldn’t. Children are naturally keen at sensing whether they are loved or not.b20c4ada360591fc

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Do you really think so?”757698cac4df33e4

“Yes. Don’t you believe your uncle’s words, Princess?”73c2c61e17b67151

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“No, Uncle. I believe you. I will believe you.”6e6027bf5b10eefc

Yeon-oh embraced the lie along with the princess. The princess, being more mature than her peers, must have known that it was just a comforting lie, but she wasn’t yet grown enough to be numb to the wounds she had received.f704ff130356e6b1

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Oh my, Princess?”138580f4d174eb4c

As Yeon-oh was about to move to another place with the princess, he turned his head towards the voice. A girl with her hair styled in a fancy crown was looking at them with wide eyes. However, Yeon-oh’s gaze didn’t reach the girl.516b131f504b34df

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“…Greetings to His Highness the Crown Prince.”b0a1e1e6d9a36c90

“Brother. Crown Princess.”cc3814407930a497

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

The Crown Prince, ddabdd7d3d standing next to ee534fe4c5 the girl, was c15ee453aa smiling at Yeon-oh 5562799421 and the princess. Yeon-oh bowed and 1f56f2caf6 paid his respects 2dc68fb3b5 to the Crown e89bd8a062 Prince. The princess also dc3f23ad00 hurriedly followed suit.027061344513a6d8

“Ah, Hye Gongja. I heard today was the day of the special exam, but you’re already out.”9bffb17b04372d7c

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Hye Gongja? Then is he the Empress’s brother?”832eed300cad6f08

“Yes. The Crown Princess couldn’t attend the Spring Festival, so this is your first time seeing him.”b0e19513448bfad6

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

Judging by her attire and accessories, it was clear she wasn’t just any woman, but Yeon-oh hadn’t expected her to be the Crown Princess. It made sense, considering she looked so young.afea7398dc9d6f99

Thinking back to the Crown Prince’s marriage at fifteen, the Crown Princess was indeed young. Male royals, especially the Crown Prince, usually married older or same-aged women to quickly produce heirs.67b1ca2781ea66b9

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

But the Crown Princess didn’t seem old enough to bear heirs, not even having had her coming-of-age ceremony. She looked only two or three years older than the ten-year-old princess.1eea4c33a85e7b8d

It wasn’t that there were no suitable young women from noble families to choose from, so it was obvious. They had delayed the Crown Prince’s heirs as much as possible. It could have been the Empress or the Emperor, or perhaps both had agreed on it.7863bcd2bba808f2

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Greetings to the Crown Princess. I am Cheongshin, the eldest son of the Hye family.”3211f2b9e6f7e660

Putting aside his questions for now, Yeon-oh paid his respects. He heard a murmur of “Cheongshin?” beside him but pretended not to hear.b99d89e75f94af60

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“I was so disappointed not to see you at the Spring Festival. I heard you had your coming-of-age ceremony this year? Ah, then Cheongshin must be your courtesy name.”1847444efeb89491

“Yes, Your Highness.”dd1547eb566dfb20

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“It suits you. But what brings you to the inner court? I heard today was the day of the special exam, so shouldn’t you be at Taehwajeon? Ah, if you pass, you’ll enter the Office of the Crown Prince’s Affairs, right? I hope you’ll be of great help to His Highness.”12153c1e6c8a4a27

The Crown Princess, 336b5853ba who spoke incessantly, 1079ba6a05 was like a 20484d44ac chirping bird. Her gentle eyes and 2135e3e696 kind smile seemed innate.ae0b422d675a683f

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Your Highness, aren’t you paying too much attention to the young master?”941250c24ae6caaf

“Your Highness, surely you’re not being jealous?”54ebc6081b3ddfd5

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“Of course not, but if you keep talking to the young master, I might become so. Please don’t make your husband seem so narrow-minded.”50611809e94d4cc0

The Crown Princess 4beb3f7771 burst into laughter. Her clear laughter was a487c93784 something rarely heard around a2b7eb889a here. To Yeon-oh, the b5ace5baf7 Crown Princess, who 745a3e91a2 remained innocent even c08ef67476 after three years 6d4043a280 in the palace, b32bd8bdae was somewhat of cbd19920c9 a marvel.bd8308b041fe8d72

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Anyway, that’s not the important thing. Young master, did you do well on the special exam?”340dec3c8f50b3db

The Crown Prince’s gaze landed on him. Yeon-oh, holding the princess’s hand tightly, focused on his lips.cb6c2bf9b58d65d7

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“I did what I had to do. Now I just wait for the heavens to favor me.”e88763765db5474d

“Is that so? Since there’s no way the heavens won’t favor you, I suppose I should wait for the day you come to me.”d1dfd0ecf009bf02

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“How can you be so sure I’ll pass?”344ff4febc9aed30

“You don’t seem like someone who would take the special exam in front of so many people without that kind of confidence.”2ada762be44b4f1c

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

The Crown Prince’s confidence was similar to the prime minister’s. So Yeon-oh couldn’t think of a suitable response. Instead of finding words, he looked down at the tugging on his sleeve. The princess was looking at him.2476662bc28de739

“…I’m sorry, but I think I should leave with the princess now. Weren’t you and the Crown Princess on your way somewhere?”e60705e0a75de805

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The princess’s melancholy hadn’t completely lifted. He felt the need to comfort her a bit more, and seeing the Crown Prince was uncomfortable. Yeon-oh subtly suggested that they part ways and go their separate paths.6f22a977b2e04fc8

“The Crown Princess wanted to see a play, so we were on our way. Ah, yes. Since we’ve met, it wouldn’t be bad to go together. What do you think, Crown Princess?”23cb8682b92ee7b3

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“I don’t mind, but perhaps you should ask them first.”ccc333976e0e5c24

“Is that so? Then… Wanan. Would you like to come see the play with us?”3367522305a52bb4

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

Yeon-oh was surprised. The Crown Prince’s tone towards the princess was more affectionate than he had expected. Was it because she was a half-sister with no claim to the throne?0510566ba00535f3

“If Uncle goes with me…”5255e2fcb965f8fa

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

The princess, rolling her eyes, cautiously sought Yeon-oh’s opinion.5508984fbb47b414

“If the princess wants to see it, I’ll follow.”7efa548a76215485

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Wanan, your uncle says that’s his thought. What do you think? Do you want to see the play?”56c5db17e56698fe

Instead of answering, 2b5baf9b32 the princess slowly 5039ac1a82 nodded.ee85ea4db445cc27

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Then let’s go together. The actors would appreciate having a larger audience.”9531324e2e684474

The Crown Prince concluded 50773d214d decisively. Thus, it was decided 65734bdb1a that they would accompany f93b68cea5 the Crown Prince and ea65bfe3eb Crown Princess.13671d9c6530f8d7

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

“It’s nice to be with the princess for a change.”f3018e53d24de35d

“Yes, Your Highness. I heard you were unwell. Are you feeling better now?”d2d8e8660e3fe349

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“It wasn’t anything for the princess to worry about. But thank you for your concern, Princess. Hmm, did you cry?”d36f4fb5a8a63e5b

The Crown Princess’s previously clear voice was now clouded. Though the princess had stopped crying, her eyes were still red, so it was obvious. The princess seemed to realize this and tried to cover her face, but it was futile against the Crown Princess’s gaze.148c52ba9ed37c5a

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“The wind was harsh, so…”fe83a3c5ba427b01

“Well, the wind is still cold. Sometimes I cry because of the wind too.”158272afc8a9c479

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Though it was clearly an excuse, the Crown Princess pretended not to notice and kindly took the princess’s hand. Yeon-oh let go of the other hand he was holding. It was a decision made because the sight of a young princess standing between the Crown Princess and an unrelated man might not look good.798adf24384d7cae

When Yeon-oh let go fe0b64098e without a word, the ba4cced32a princess became anxious. To ease a1b24abd33 her anxiety, 75a1e8e61e he gave ff57400c77 her a ae38f13356 faint smile. Reassured, the princess 297c210d5b fidgeted with her 5149aa4bc6 now empty hand. Feeling pity for the fe2dd5ba6a princess, who showed signs 11078d9dbf of not being greatly 39e5c13cec loved, Yeon-oh felt a 18b754be6b sense of compassion.3727340d9d938752

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Shall we go then?”9d996e347ec6d3f6

The Crown Prince 8dba2e9f13 began to walk. Yeon-oh moved to ec05b12791 stand beside him d49567bc45 and glanced back. The Crown Princess, standing c922c10c3c with the princess, was 2d4ffa3b8b chatting with a voice 2d7e711925 full of laughter. The previously d97543baf3 withdrawn princess 9f85dc39da quickly caught 83f8e93d52 her laughter. They seemed quite close. The two girls, only 15b5da5821 a few years apart, d7c2497ff1 could easily be mistaken 0a8d038be2 for sisters.45c1522fe37e541c

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“When the Crown Princess entered the palace, Wanan followed her well, feeling like she had an older sister. The Crown Princess, who only had twin younger brothers, cherished the princess as if she had gained a younger sister.”a1d1134f68670ecd

It was as if he had read Yeon-oh’s thoughts. Yeon-oh lowered his gaze, not wanting to show his emotions.1dc732381f1d832b

Support us at our official site: lilyonthevalley.com

“Even if you walk with your gaze lowered, you’ll only see the frozen ground.”46f147d62bf52bc8

“There might be stones.”a49870e82544e861

Read full chapter at Lily on the Valley without gibberish

“In the palace, especially where the royals walk, there wouldn’t be stones.”4072df9149de9d14

“Of course, Your Highness is right, but there’s always a possibility.”adfb5270bd4bf889

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

Not wanting to face 4c5ed9434f the Crown Prince, Yeon-oh f49f250ae9 stubbornly insisted.a3f33c9581700121

“Is that so? I suppose that’s possible.”22f7ec58d92da6a1

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

The Crown 74a523b8be Prince, instead 28edc3549f of reprimanding, 685d64ff35 playfully agreed.59fb8c742bb8580e

“…Your Highness,”bbf4f7d515b9a054

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

Yeon-oh blinked his shadowed eyelashes and slowly spoke. He could feel the Crown Prince’s gaze on him. Yeon-oh chose his words and then spoke.447ee93591b92530

“Your Highness seems to cherish the princess.”6fa44fa6643d726a

For the complete chapter, visit lilyonthevalley.com

At first, he thought it was because she was a girl with no claim to the throne, but that didn’t seem to be the complete answer. After all, even if the princess had no claim to the throne, she was still the Empress’s child.61de4bf6248f8c92

Even if the Empress’s ambition to place the prince on the throne wasn’t overt, based on what she had said before, she was aware of the threats to her position. Could he really cherish the princess, born of the Empress who threatened his position with her young son and family, just because she was a girl?247b2961a046319b

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“Why, does it seem strange?”69a6a1e3b38fa3ad

“It’s not that…”75156aff0c87835d

Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator

“Well, I just feel for her. There’s no need to attach a reason to it.”0757c53e452c4140

The Crown 0c030a95c7 Prince brushed 16ee2d8cc9 off the e7d56ca75d question. Yeon-oh wanted to d878a7597a ask. Was it 0d30e7e30b because he 8184fd4ad1 felt for 5638605de7 the princess, 063f848b49 who showed b41a71bb5e signs of f0ae892acf not being 153811f989 loved and 93aa15f9c9 was starved 56ac352f10 for affection? Just like how b8522a8d0e Yeon-oh felt more 74768eca38 attached to the 8a194172d5 princess than the 42507b1036 prince.b63034fe3b374e12

Enjoy best reading experience at Lily on the Valley

“By the way, have you ever seen a play?”54ba64219dfb4eaf