Carrying the Child of the Man Who Killed Me

Chapter 12

Sowol had claimed from the beginning that she had gone to Seonguk on the condition that she would be allowed to return to Song after Yeoncheong’s death. Since this was something that had happened in the past, it wasn’t hard to figure out what had happened.

‘It seems that she was sent as a watcher and guardian to keep him under control.’

Judging by the fact that she mentioned that she could only return to Song after his death, there seemed to be a willingness to kill him if necessary. Although his living self must have been considered more useful, it sent a shiver down his spine to realise that someone he had trusted and allowed near him had been following him with the intention of killing him from the start.

When he first discovered the betrayal, his despair at the situation had been far greater than his anger at Sowol, so he hadn’t spent much time thinking about her. But now that his mind was clear, it was different.

“But I guess there’s no reason for us to get entangled again, since I’m not going to Seonguk… No, wait. Even if it’s not Seonguk, when I get married and leave the kingdom, she might be sent to keep an eye on me again.”

Sowol first appeared when Yeoncheong was sent to Seonguk. Until then, she had been one of the many ordinary palace servants, someone he had never even exchanged a word with.

But even if he didn’t go to Seonguk, if Yeoncheong were to marry and leave Song, she would inevitably be reassigned as his watcher.

‘I don’t know why someone like me deserves a watcher… No, it’s probably because I’m not important enough that they only assigned a young palace attendant to keep an eye on me.’

Yeoncheong chuckled softly and continued walking. Everything regarding Sowol could be dealt with after leaving Song; there was no need to rush.

“Your Highness, where have you been?”

“Just out for a short walk.

“Han Sanggung was looking for you, Your Highness.”

Returning to the palace, Yeoncheong was met by Yeon, who rushed over as soon as she saw him and informed him that a lady of the court had been looking for him.

Yeon had been working in the 7th prince’s palace for a few years before Yeoncheong left for Seonguk. At the moment, she was just a low-ranking palace servant whose name and face he only vaguely knew. But perhaps because she was the only one who had truly wanted to protect him to the end, Yeoncheong couldn’t help but feel a special affection for her.

Yeon had seemed a little confused at first, but it wasn’t long before she overcame her awkwardness and began to follow Yeoncheong around like a shadow. This time, too, she seemed to be waiting to deliver the message as soon as Yeoncheong returned.

“What is it?”

“I’m not sure either. She said it was urgent and asked me to inform her as soon as you returned. Now that I know you’re back, I’ll go get Han Sanggung right away.”

With a face that seemed to say you can count on me, Yeon hurried towards the palace gates. Yeoncheong watched her graceful retreat for a moment before returning to his own chambers.

It is unusual for a sanggung to visit me. But then again, with the engagement plans falling through, it’s only natural that many things will change.

Since coming to terms with his return to the past, Yeoncheong had assumed that he would inevitably be sent to Seonguk. Although he didn’t expect to be happy there, he believed that as long as he didn’t give his heart to anyone and simply fulfilled his duties as queen, his life would be far better than his previous one.

In truth, he sometimes wished he could leave the Imperial Palace and live a life of his own. But after spending his entire life as a prince, Yeoncheong realised just how incapable he was of surviving on his own. With the engagement likely to take place within a year, there was nothing he could do in that time to change everything.

But the mere thought of not having to endure that pain again was enough. Yeoncheong opened a book he had taken from the study while waiting for Yeon to return with the sanggung.

Recently, Yeoncheong had developed an interest in reading, believing that even small bits of knowledge could be valuable. As he immersed himself in the book, it wasn’t long before the sanggung arrived to see him.

“I greet the 7th prince.”

‘This sanggung…’ 

Yeoncheong studied her face carefully. When he first heard the name Han Sanggung, it hadn’t registered, but now, seeing her face, he realised who she was.

She was the Sanggung who had served at the Emperor’s side during his private audiences.

If she was someone trusted enough by the emperor to be present during his private discussions, then her presence here was surely significant.

‘Why would a sanggung of her stature come all the way here?’

Yeoncheong wondered, uneasiness stirring in his heart.

‘Could the talks about the engagement with Seonguk be progressing faster than I expected? Then again, even back then, they mentioned that discussions were already underway… Considering how quickly the marriage with Seonguk had been arranged, it wouldn’t be surprising.’

Yeoncheong pondered over what the sanggung might have to say, eventually coming to a plausible conclusion and nodding to himself. It was odd that the emperor had sent such a close confidante, but there seemed to be no other reason for the emperor to send someone to him.

After all, their relationship as father and son wasn’t particularly warm, nor did Yeoncheong have any significant responsibilities or roles within the palace.

“What is the matter?”

“His Majesty the Emperor has something to ask you, Your Highness the Seventh Prince. I’ve been sent to relay his message.”

“To me?”

Yeoncheong asked, raising an eyebrow.

“He instructed me to inquire discreetly, as it might be a topic that could put Your Highness in a difficult position if overheard.”

‘What could it be about?’

Given that he was already of marriageable age, it wouldn’t be strange for the conversation to concern his engagement. Still, the secrecy made him feel a bit tense. He asked cautiously,

“What is it?”

“The Emperor wishes to confirm once more if truly nothing happened between you and the Crown Prince of Seonguk.”

“…I only exchanged a brief conversation with him, nothing more. How could I lie to His Majesty about such a matter?”

‘Why is this being asked again?’

Yeoncheong’s brow furrowed slightly without him realizing it. The question brought back thoughts of someone he’d rather not think about, someone he never wanted to deal with again.

If he were to seek vengeance for the betrayals he endured, it was that man—not Sowol—who had betrayed him far more cruelly. Yet, if possible, Yeoncheong wanted nothing to do with him for now.

He knew that Man would eventually wage war and claim the throne. Yeoncheong wanted to disrupt those plans, but in his current state he was powerless.

For now, his focus was on securing a safe place and honing his abilities before planning his next steps. Whether or not the King of Seonguk would listen to him remained uncertain.

‘Even so, it’s better to let go of revenge than to keep crossing paths with that person. I don’t want to be deeply entangled with him again in this life.’

“It’s not that His Majesty doubts Your Highness, rather, please consider this as a sign of His Majesty’s concern and interest in you.”

The sanggung bowed her head deeply as she spoke, but to Yeoncheong, her words were nothing more than laughable. The emperor taking an interest in him? Such a notion could make even a passing dog burst out laughing.

‘In the past, I wouldn’t have even dared to think something like this, even in the privacy of my own mind. Perhaps experiencing death changes a person…’

Yeoncheong laughed softly, surprised at his own thoughts.

“How could I not understand His Majesty’s profound intentions? I only wish to clear up any misunderstandings. Relay what I’ve said.”

“Of course, Your Highness. Then, I shall take my leave.”

The sanggung bowed deeply once more before departing.

Returning to the past had been like a rebirth for Yeoncheong. His mind was clearer than ever, unclouded by the naïve desperation that once made him cling to Ji-hyuk as if nothing else in the world mattered. Looking back, he felt foolish. Now, all that lingered was a burning desire to seek revenge against the one who had betrayed him.

And yet, even hearing about him filled Yeoncheong with an unbearable sense of anguish. It wasn’t because love remained; that had long since withered away. What hurt was the shame of his own stupidity and the searing pain of the suffering he had endured in the past.

‘Surely, I won’t have to hear about him again.’

This was the end of it. In this life, Yeoncheong resolved not to cling to a love that would never return. He had paid far too high a price to learn that investing time in himself and expanding his knowledge was a far better choice than wasting it on futile attachments.

He had also learned, painfully, not to take the people by his side for granted.

“What did the sanggung say? Ah, no, I apologise. That was inappropriate of me…”

Yeon, unable to contain her curiosity, blurted out the question but immediately covered her mouth as if realizing her mistake. She had been in the palace for about three years now, yet still struggled with keeping her words in check.

“…Surely, you won’t tell Lady Han Sanggung about this, will you?”

“Don’t worry about that, more importantly, I feel like having something to eat. Would you get me some tea and refreshments?”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Yeon’s face lit up with relief as she hurried away, her quick steps echoing down the corridor. Yeoncheong watched her go, a faint warmth flickering in his chest.

Yeon ran off with a cheerful expression, knowing that her master, who had a small appetite, often gave her leftover treats.

‘In my past life, this child stayed by my side until the end. In this life, it’s my turn to protect her.’

This peaceful life felt incredibly precious to Yeoncheong. Soon, the brief conversation with the sanggung faded from his mind as he waited for the refreshments Yeon would bring.

But the peace did not last long.

“What did you just say?”

“I said I have just come from His Majesty. You are to marry the Crown Prince of Seonguk. Wasn’t he the one you were rumoured to be involved with before?”

The moment Yeoncheong heard these words – delivered so casually during a visit to the 5th Empress’s quarters – a bolt of lightning might as well have struck the serene world he had just begun to cherish.

The peace he had barely found was shattered into countless pieces, leaving him stunned and reeling.