The sun shone softly, illuminating the side of the world that had been shrouded in night. In the kitchen, Reina asked the chef to prepare food earlier than usual for Yosan. She planned to talk to the man again later, hoping to have a better conversation.
Last night, she couldn't sleep well because she kept thinking about the argument that had taken place. Was she really that selfish? Had she gone too far?
Seeing Reina lost in her thoughts, the head maid gently tapped her shoulder and sat down beside her, prompting the woman to finally look up.
"I heard from Lia that the two of you had a fight last night. Is that true?" The head maid poured chamomile tea from the teapot into an empty glass in front of Reina.
Reina let out a heavy sigh, then nodded. She stirred the warm tea that had just been given to her, hoping it would help her feel better. The tea often helped her calm down.
"We just had a difference of opinion," she said softly. "He said Uncle Elexon wasn't at fault for what happened, even though he was seriously injured. Then he scolded me, saying I didn't understand the situation and even demanded that I apologize to Uncle immediately. But I acted that way only because I was worried about him."
Reina gripped the teacup tightly, her eyes narrowing. She bit her lip, her expression clearly showing frustration and confusion.
"I'm also upset with Uncle for training him so harshly that he got hurt like this." She lowered her head, her grip on the cup tightening even more.
"I really don't understand what he's thinking," she muttered in frustration.
"Besides, he refuses to tell me anything, just like Uncle. What's really going on? What agreement did they make? Why is Yosan willing to fight like that?" Reina recalled how Yosan had fought with all his might against Elexon and how the man had immediately become furious when she mentioned Elexon's name.
The head maid nodded in understanding. She knew that Reina was only acting this way because she cared about Yosan. It was natural for the woman to be upset and angry with Elexon, since it was her husband who had trained Yosan so harshly that he ended up injured.
However, the head maid also knew that Yosan understood the situation better. After all, only he, Elexon, and Yosan knew the reason behind the intense training. Elexon's true intention was to test whether Yosan was worthy and deserving of his blessing to be with Reina. It seemed Yosan hadn't told Reina about this yet, given how confused and angry she still was.
"I really don't understand!" Reina ruffled her hair in frustration.
From behind the kitchen table, the palace chef, who was preparing soup for Yosan, chimed in gently, "I may not fully understand the love affairs of young people these days, but what I do know is that if you talk to each other in anger, it will only end up like this. The problem will never be resolved if neither of you is willing to compromise, understand each other, or stop being self-centered and thinking you're always right."
"Your Majesty and Yosan need to talk it over again properly. That way, everything will become clearer, and perhaps you can understand each other better moving forward."
"Your Majesty and Yosan need to talk it over again properly. That way, everything will become clearer, and perhaps you can understand each other better moving forward."
He placed the bowl of soup on a tray, then continued, "Who knows, Yosan might finally open up and tell you what's really going on—something he and Lord Elexon didn't want to reveal before."
The head maid nodded in agreement. "The chef is right. The two of you need to talk it over again properly. And if necessary, ask Yosan more gently about the reason behind all this. He might be more open with you."
Then she looked at Reina more seriously. "And one more thing, don't ever fight in front of Lia again," she said firmly. "I don't want my granddaughter to be negatively affected by your actions."
Reina glanced at the chef and the head maid alternately, then nodded. "Thank you. I'll talk to him again later."
After that, Reina stood up and excused herself before leaving the kitchen, carrying food for herself and Yosan. Meanwhile, the chef and the head maid could only watch her leave.
"She's changed a lot," said the chef.
"You're right, and it's all thanks to Yosan," replied the head maid.
When Reina arrived at Lia's room, she found Yosan still lying quietly under the blanket, just as he had been when she left him. The man hadn't been disturbed at all by the morning greetings that had been trying to rouse him.
After placing the food trolley not far from the bed, Reina sat on the edge of the bed. Her fingers gently stroked Yosan's handsome face. His sharp jawline stood out even more under the dim light of the room, adding to his charm. The frustration Reina had felt last night slowly faded, replaced by feelings of regret and confusion about how she should act.
On the other hand, Yosan, who had been disturbed by the touch on his face, slowly opened his eyes. His gaze immediately met Reina's, who was looking at him with a complicated expression. In a matter of seconds, Yosan remembered what had happened last night and quickly averted his gaze.
Reina smiled faintly, then spoke softly, "Let's eat. You need to take your medicine first. I also want to say something before I leave for the meeting."
Yosan only glanced at her briefly, reluctant to respond. He intended to get out of bed and leave Reina, as he had done last night, but Reina's hand quickly stopped him.
"I'll apologize to Uncle later," Reina said quietly.
Yosan glanced at her briefly, as if waiting for her to continue. Reina bit her lower lip, hesitating to go on, but finally she sighed and said, "I also... want to apologize for what happened last night. I shouldn't have acted like that toward you."
"Please don't be mad at me. You said back then that you wouldn't get mad at me again, right?" Reina held Yosan's hand, looking into his eyes with hope. Her tears were almost falling as she remembered how angry Yosan had been with her last night, as well as during the Winterstell village festival, when Yosan had said he wouldn't get angry again unless Reina misbehaved.
Well, even though it was her who started the fight again, just like before. The same thing happened last night.
"I know I was wrong. I acted selfishly and as if I knew everything," Reina murmured. "Please forgive me. You said you wouldn't get mad at me again, right?"
"But I beg you… at least, please tell me about your agreement," Reina pleaded softly. "What did you agree on back then that made you fight so hard against Uncle Elexon? Why did you get hurt like this, just to injure him even a little? Besides avoiding punishment if you couldn't hurt him at all… what's the real reason?"
Reina gripped Yosan's hand tightly. "I just want to know, Yosan. I want to understand… so my heart can be at peace. Please."
Yosan fell silent again, just like last night when Reina had asked the same question. He gently released Reina's grip, then rubbed his own palm.
"I can't tell you right now," he said quietly. "Give me some time. I promise I'll tell you the truth."
Yosan's face suddenly turned slightly red as he imagined how Reina would react if she found out about the agreement he had made with Uncle Elexon. How embarrassing it would be to explain the reason behind his struggle against Elexon.
He would tell her when he was truly ready. Besides, he intended to marry Reina after reclaiming his position from Arthur.
Still, he wasn't sure if everything would go as he hoped. But one thing was certain: he would fight to make everything go according to plan.
Seeing Yosan's flushed face, Reina was about to open her mouth to ask again. However, before she could speak, Yosan had already looked at her with a serious expression, different from before.
"But you still have to apologize to Uncle, understand?" he said firmly.
Reina nodded without hesitation. "I will, I promise." After that, she took the tray of food from the trolley and placed it on Yosan's lap.
Yosan looked at the food in front of him for a moment, then let out a soft sigh. Though reluctant, he knew Reina wouldn't let him go until he finished his meal. Without a word, he began to spoon the still-warm soup and sipped it slowly.
Reina watched him carefully. There were so many things she wanted to ask, but she chose to remain silent for a while, letting Yosan finish his meal in peace.
"You should eat too. What if you get sick or starve later?" Yosan said, pushing one of the untouched plates of food toward Reina. "Didn't you say you were going to a meeting? It's probably going to be a long one, so you should eat first to have enough energy."
Reina smiled, touched by Yosan's concern. Even though they had argued so fiercely last night that Yosan had ignored her and spent the night in Lia's room, look at how attentive the man was now.
Reina also ate her meal, occasionally stealing glances and smiling slightly when she heard Yosan muttering softly or saw how eagerly the man was eating.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Yosan suddenly asked, glancing at Reina with a slightly raised eyebrow.
Reina chuckled softly. "No reason. It's just that I didn't expect you to be this messy when eating," she said while wiping Yosan's lips.
Yosan snorted, putting down his spoon for a moment. "I'm just hungry."
Reina nodded, still smiling. However, behind the warmth of the moment, her mind was still filled with questions about the agreement between Yosan and Uncle Elexon.
She wanted to ask again, but Yosan seemed much more relaxed now. Maybe it was better to let the man enjoy his meal first.
After finishing the meal, Reina cleared the tray and helped Yosan take his medicine. "I have to go now," she said as she stood up. "Rest well."
As she was about to leave, Yosan suddenly grabbed her wrist. Reina turned, slightly startled. This time, it was the man who was stopping her from leaving.
"Don't push yourself too hard. If something is difficult, you can tell me. Who knows, I might be able to help," Yosan said, remembering how Reina had been overworking herself lately.
Reina smiled faintly. "I know. I'll ask for your help if I'm struggling later."
Yosan finally released his grip. "Alright. Be careful."
Reina stepped out feeling a little lighter, though in her heart, the questions about Yosan and Uncle Elexon still echoed.