*THIRTY DAYS MY PRINCESS*
*CHAPTER 5*
Jehun was fast asleep in his chamber when a guard suddenly rushed in.
Guard: "Your Highness, I just saw someone who looked like Her Highness at the exit… but they were dressed in a man's clothes."
At the mere mention of Her Highness, Jehun immediately sat up. Without waiting, he strode straight to Seryeon's chamber, barging in before the maids could even announce him.
He paused.
There she was—sleeping peacefully.
He watched her for a moment, then turned away, deciding not to disturb her. Returning to his chamber, he spoke calmly:
Jehun: "You must have been mistaken. Princess Yeonhwa is asleep in her room. Where could she possibly go in the middle of the night? Go and rest."
The guard bowed and left… but deep down, he still wasn't convinced.
***
*AT THE MARKET*
The man looked at the "young boy" in front of him and burst out laughing.
Man: "Hey, little man, go back and change your diapers. Don't risk your head."
Seryeon smirked slightly and knelt down.
For a second, the man thought she was surrendering.
Then she stood up.
Behind her, Booni trembled, her heart pounding wildly.
Seryeon: "Let's make this quick and fun. I'm running out of time."
The man charged at her.
Before he even realized it—sand flew straight into his eyes.
He froze, whining in pain.
Man: "Cheat! You're cheating!"
Seryeon: "You never set any rules. As far as I know… there's no cheating when there are no rules."
She dashed forward.
Leaping onto a barrel, then onto his back, she locked her arms around him. Before he could react, her teeth had already sunk into his shoulder.
The man groaned, and the crowd erupted in cheers.
In one swift motion, she pulled out her short blade and shaved off one side of his head.
He cried out in pain.
Finally, she pinned him to the ground.
Seryeon: "Surrender… or I'll shave the rest."
Defeated, the man shouted:
Man: "I surrender! I surrender!"
He dropped his money pouch.
Seryeon grabbed it instantly, pulled Booni along, and disappeared into the crowd—laughing as they ran.
Only when they reached the gate did she notice Booni had gone quiet.
Seryeon: "What's wrong?"
Booni: "I'm sorry, My Lady… I can't continue—"
Before she could finish, Seryeon handed her half the money.
Seryeon: "Really? You don't want money? Just keep quiet and you'll be rich."
*IN THE MORNING*
*DAY 4*
Seryeon woke up and went straight to Lady Hwan.
Seryeon: "Did I finish my training?"
Lady Hwan: "No. I only gave you time to breathe. Tomorrow, there is an event. Make sure you read the scroll."
Seryeon: "What event?"
Lady Hwan: "Visitors are coming to see you. Today, you must practice your speech—what you will say and how you will present yourself as the future Queen."
Seryeon nodded and left.
***
*CROWN PRINCE'S RESIDENCE*
Because their households were separate, she had to pass through the gate.
Seryeon: "Tell the Crown Prince I'm here to see him."
The guard went in and returned shortly.
Guard: "Your Highness, His Majesty is not here. He went elsewhere."
Seryeon nodded and left quietly.
***
*INSIDE THE CROWN PRINCE'S CHAMBER*
Guard: "She has left."
Jehun: "Good. Next time she comes, tell her I'm not here."
The guard bowed silently.
---
IN SERYEON'S CHAMBER
The room was lively.
Maids sat in a circle, playing rock-paper-scissors.
Seryeon's money from the fight was quickly disappearing. Meanwhile, Booni kept winning—her coin pouch nearly full.
Seryeon: "Booni, have mercy on me!"
Booni only smiled.
They continued playing.
Soon, Seryeon and the others had no coins left.
Slowly, Seryeon removed her hairpin.
Seryeon: "I'll bet this. If I win, Booni, you give me half your coins. If you win… this could get you four sacks of coins."
Booni hesitated… then agreed.
Everyone watched closely.
Seryeon lost.
Seryeon: "I'm out of money… what do I do now?"
Suddenly, her eyes lit up.
Without a word, she stood up and ran straight to Jehun's chamber.
***
Seryeon: "Is he back?"
The guard shook his head.
She returned.
Then came back again.
Same answer.
This time, she knew.
He was avoiding her.
Pretending to leave, she suddenly changed direction—
Hop!
She climbed over the wall.
Before she could even steady herself—
THUD.
She hit the ground.
The sound echoed.
Jehun rushed outside, only to find her on the ground, whining.
He frowned and rushed over.
Jehun: "What's wrong with you?!"
Seryeon: "You were avoiding me… so I had to take the hard way… ahh—!"
Jehun examined her leg.
Dislocated.
Jehun: "Now look what you've done."
Seryeon: "It's all because of you."
She said, giving him a small, cheeky look.
Jehun stared at her for a moment… then sighed.
Without another word, he lifted her into his arms.
Her cheeks turned red instantly.
> Stupid cheeks…
Jehun carried her to his chamber and immediately called for a doctor.
*END OF CHAPTER 5*