Mr. Jun stood by the fire, his hands clasped behind his back, eyes fixed on the dancing flames. The golden light illuminated the severe lines of his face, emphasizing his commanding presence. Though he stood still, his thoughts raced, weighed down by the gravity of the choices before him. Yet, there was no regret. His daughters' safety came before any political alliance.
The fire's glow reflected his steely resolve. Defying an imperial decree was a perilous path, but the alternative—a union with the Third Prince—was unthinkable. His thoughts drifted to his daughters, and a fierce sense of protection swelled within him.
As he remained deep in thought, a faint smile began to tug at his lips. He turned his head slightly, his sharp eyes locking onto a corner of the room where heavy brocade curtains hung motionless.
Mr. Jun: "Ji-Hye, you can stop hiding now."
A soft gasp broke the silence, followed by the rustling of fabric. From behind the ornate curtain emerged Ji-Hye, his eldest daughter, her mischievous smile as striking as her presence. She carried herself with a confidence that bordered on defiance, her beauty both commanding and calculated.
She wore a pale blue hanbok adorned with intricate embroidery that accentuated her slender figure. Her dark green eyes glimmered with mischief, and a short lock of jet-black hair fell across her forehead, adding a touch of playful charm to her angular features.
Ji-Hye: "Father, how did you know I was listening?" she asked, her voice dripping with feigned innocence.
Mr. Jun arched an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he regarded her with a mixture of exasperation and amusement.
Mr. Jun: "I'm your father. Did you really think you could fool me?"
Ji-Hye let out a soft laugh, tilting her head theatrically. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, a deliberate gesture to mask her slight embarrassment.
Ji-Hye: "Ah, I forgot how clever you are."
Mr. Jun sighed deeply, rubbing his face with one hand. The gesture spoke of weariness, though there was an undercurrent of affection in his exasperation.
Mr. Jun: "What do you want, Ji-Hye?"
Taking a few confident steps forward, Ji-Hye approached her father, her expression shifting to one of calculated determination. Her smile widened, as though savoring the moment before unveiling her thoughts.
Ji-Hye: "Father, I have an idea that could secure our future."
Mr. Jun narrowed his eyes, curiosity flickering across his stern features. He straightened, tilting his head slightly in a gesture of measured interest.
Mr. Jun: "Speak, Ji-Hye. I'm listening."
Ji-Hye raised her chin, her gaze locking with her father's in a display of poised intensity.
Ji-Hye: "Don't look at me like that, Father. You're going to like this idea."
Mr. Jun held her gaze, his face impassive, though a glimmer of expectation shone in his eyes.
Mr. Jun: "Then tell me, Ji-Hye."
Leaning in slightly, Ji-Hye lowered her voice to a conspiratorial tone, her words deliberate and precise.
Ji-Hye: "Since the Third Prince has… dangerous habits with his wives, why not offer Mi-Suk as his bride? That way, she won't be able to claim Uncle We's inheritance."
For a moment, Mr. Jun said nothing, his eyes fixed on his daughter as he weighed the implications of her suggestion. The cold glint in his gaze betrayed a calculating mind. Slowly, a smile began to form on his lips, growing into a low laugh that echoed through the room.
Mr. Jun: "Without Mi-Suk, I would be the sole heir to my late brother's fortune." He clapped his hands once, a rare display of satisfaction. "A brilliant idea, my dear daughter."
Ji-Hye's smile widened, her dark eyes gleaming with pride. She stood a little taller, exuding the confidence of someone who knew their worth.
Ji-Hye: "Father, should I deliver the good news to my dear cousin?"
Mr. Jun raised a hand, interrupting her enthusiasm. His expression turned serious, though the faint trace of amusement remained in his eyes.
Mr. Jun: "Not yet, Ji-Hye. I will go to the palace myself to speak with Emperor Chin. I want to ensure everything is done properly."
Ji-Hye inclined her head in acknowledgment, though the mischievous smile remained firmly in place.
Ji-Hye: "Very well, Father."
Turning on her heel, she walked toward the door with light but determined steps. The glint of malice in her eyes was unmistakable, her mind already working on the next steps of their plan.
Mr. Jun watched her leave, his expression hardening as his thoughts turned inward. He had made his choice, but the consequences of that decision were yet to unfold. The firelight continued to cast flickering shadows on the walls, mirroring the storm of intentions and schemes forming within the Jun Mansion.
As the conversation faded into silence, the rain outside seemed to grow louder, as if the storm itself bore witness to the dark plans taking shape. Each drop that struck the windows carried an unspoken warning, but within the mansion's walls, no one seemed to hear.