Chapter 26: A Bold Request

The eunuch, who had been standing still like a statue, bowed deeply.

“Your Majesty, you’re here.”

At the eunuch’s words, Cheong slowly turned her head.

She saw a handsome face looking down at her.

For some reason, Haewon’s lips were slightly curved in a smirk.

“I heard you say something quite bold earlier. Why are you suddenly silent like someone who swallowed honey?”

“Ah, well, that’s because…”

Surprised by Haewon’s sudden appearance, Cheong stuttered.

Of all times, he showed up when she was throwing a tantrum at the eunuch.

It couldn’t have been a worse moment.

“Come in first.”

Haewon gestured with his eyes and walked into the palace.

Cheong followed him without a word.

“Only Royal Physician Sim may enter. Everyone else, leave.”

When the palace maids tried to follow inside, Haewon stopped them.

His sharp glance was so fierce that none of them dared to make a sound and quietly left the room.

Maybe it was because of what Gahwa had said, but Haewon looked especially tired today.

His handsome, expressionless face bothered Cheong a little, but she thought it was just the responsibility she felt as a royal physician.

After everyone left, Haewon finally took off the ceremonial crown from his head.

“What’s the reason you were so desperate to find me?”

While asking, Haewon casually handed the crown to Cheong.

Cheong received it with both hands in confusion.

The crown, decorated with jade and gold, was heavier than she expected.

The jewels made a clear clinking sound as they hit each other.

“I have something I must tell Your Majesty.”

As soon as Cheong placed the heavy crown on the table, Haewon began taking off his luxurious robe embroidered with golden threads.

“Something you must say…”

Haewon trailed off, as if Cheong had said something really serious, and repeated her words.

In all the time he had ruled over the sea, no one had come to him saying they had something to say.

It had been such a long time since he heard words like that.

A faint smile appeared on Haewon’s lips, but Cheong didn’t see it.

He had just handed her his robe.

Cheong accepted the robe as well and held it in her arms.

The robe was still warm from his body heat.

A cool yet refreshing scent like the sea tickled her nose.

Even though it was just a piece of clothing, it felt strange—like she was touching Haewon himself.

Haewon, not caring what Cheong was doing, swept up his long black hair with a tired face.

His silky hair flowed down with the movement of his fingers.

Without realizing it, Cheong stared blankly, but she quickly looked away when she came to her senses.

“This is important to me, so please forgive me for being rude in coming here.”

Cheong tried to speak naturally and quickly placed Haewon’s robe beside the crown.

“So, what is the reason you dared to come here unannounced?”

Haewon then removed his golden earrings and handed them to Cheong.

Without a word, Cheong received the heavy earrings and placed them on the table.

She felt like one of the royal maids in the main palace.

“I’d like Your Majesty to cancel the command you gave me.”

“A command?”

Haewon asked back as he reached out his hand again.

Cheong quickly reached out both hands and started to speak.

“You ordered my quarters to be moved near the main palace—”

Her words were cut off.

The sensation in her hands felt unfamiliar.

She looked down and saw a small cookie on her palm.

She had no idea why this tiny treat was there, so she looked back up.

Haewon was looking down at her.

She didn’t know how long he had been watching.

“Eat it.”

“Why this…?”

“I remembered how much you enjoyed it earlier, so I thought you might want some as a snack.”

Now she realized the treat was from the breakfast they had together.

At the time, the mood had been uncomfortable, so she just ate whatever was closest.

She didn’t think Haewon would have noticed.

“How can I dare eat Your Majesty’s food? Please, you should eat it.”

Embarrassed, Cheong tried to hand it back.

“It’s not to my taste. Just eat it.”

After seeing Cheong enjoy her food, Haewon had ordered those dishes to be served to him, too.

But when he tried them, he still couldn’t taste anything properly.

So he had only saved some snacks for Cheong and sent the rest away.

“Then, thank you for the food.”

His red eyes pressured her to eat.

Unable to refuse, Cheong finally put the cookie in her mouth.

It was just as delicious as before.

It had a chewy texture like traditional yakgwa and filled her mouth with gentle sweetness.

Haewon watched her eat, then looked away.

“I cannot take back the order I gave you.”

His sudden words made Cheong cough in surprise.

Now she understood why he gave her the snack.

‘It was to shut me up.’

The cookie was a silent threat not to argue about the order.

But Cheong wasn’t someone who would back down so easily.

“I cannot follow the order. Please take it back.”

Cheong bowed respectfully, her face firm.

“Are you saying you dare to defy a royal command?”

Haewon, arms crossed, stared at her lowered head.

He had expected some pushback, but being directly rejected didn’t feel pleasant.

“I’m not saying I’m defying it. I’m saying it’s not something I can follow, so I ask you to cancel it.”

Haewon stayed silent, as if telling her to keep going.

Cheong continued.

“I’m just a royal physician. How can someone like me move their quarters near the main palace?”

“You said you would serve me with all your heart. Shouldn’t you stay near me to do that?”

“I can still serve you well from where I live now.”

Her current residence was a bit far, but not too far from the main palace.

At a normal walking pace, it only took about 15 minutes.

Also, she was a royal doctor, not a court lady.

She didn’t have to be by Haewon’s side all day.

“So, you’re saying you don’t like it because it’s uncomfortable.”

Haewon muttered, clearly displeased with her continued refusals.

Cheong didn’t know why he was so obsessed with moving her residence, but she had to persuade him.

For the sake of her peaceful life.

“It’s not for me. It’s for Your Majesty. Though I am a royal physician, I’m still just a person. If I move near the palace, the ministers will strongly oppose it.”

Haewon’s lips curled slightly at her smooth response.

“The ministers always hate what I do anyway. Doesn’t matter.”

He clearly didn’t care about the backlash—typical of a tyrant.

Cheong was a little shocked but tried to stay calm.

“I’m not okay with it. I can’t just stand by and let Your Majesty be criticized or the country’s order shaken because of me.”

Haewon looked at her silently, his face unreadable.

Cheong’s patience was running low when he finally spoke.

“Since you care so much about me… I suppose I’ll cancel the order.”

Cheong’s eyes widened in surprise.

Hope sparkled in her clear eyes.

Seeing that, Haewon’s lips curled into a meaningful smile.

“Of course, that’s only if you meet all the conditions I give you.”