It took a lot of convincing until your handmaidens allowed you to bring a few documents to your bed, and even more to let you leave to your study. Even then, you were not left alone once.
A few things had changed since the kidnapping incident.
First, your entourage had more than doubled in size. Five knights were assigned to you, in addition to a special personal attendant. Her name was Ryujin, and she was an expert at handling a blade, among several other deadly arts. Minho had her disguised as your lady-in-waiting so that she would remain at your side more closely than the knights.
That was the second thing. Minho. If you had thought that his attention was unnerving beforehand, then it had magnified beyond your control now. His appearance at the dungeon was not part of your plan. You did not intend for him to see you so vulnerable.
But the truth remained that he had saved you. It was an undeniable fact that made a tide of conflicting emotions crash over you, and you did not appreciate the way it made you feel.
This was a partnership built on the exchange of material benefits, your information for his power. That could not change, not if your plan were to pass as desired.
You strode toward his office now, flanked by a persistent body of guards. In your hands was a confidential document which you were sure Minho would make good use of.
Once you reached your destination, one of the stationed guards opened the door of the study for you and you thanked him, ashamed that you could not stop him and do it yourself.
When you stepped through, your guards moved after you, and you spun around to face them, slightly exasperated. "Please, I would like to speak with His Lordship alone."
They seemed to hesitate for a moment, indecisive, before giving in. You could hardly wait for Seungmin to finish recuperating and become their captain. Perhaps then you would not have to be worried by their unrelenting attentiveness.
You shut the door behind you and sighed. That incident had created more trouble than you anticipated.
"Should you not be resting, Lady Y/n?"
Minho was staring at you with clear concern marring his handsome face, the papers before him and the pen in his grip forgotten. You avoided his gaze. It was difficult to look at him when he appeared to you like a beacon of light. That incident had truly created more trouble than you wished for.
You coughed. "I have rested quite enough."
Before he could pursue the topic further, you laid down the envelope of documents on his paper-riddled desk. "I came to deliver this as thanks for saving me. I hope that you will find it helpful."
His attention fell on the envelope, but he did not touch it. The expression he wore was indecipherable, and when he said nothing, you turned swiftly to take your leave. "That is all. I will leave you to your work. My apologies for the intrusion—"
"Is it only right for me to help you at a price?"
Minho's question hung in the air, blunt and accusing. But in it, you caught a glimpse of helplessness. Guilt. As though he were extending a hand to a drowning person who was refusing to take it.
You looked back at him, trying to smile. The words tasted acrid on your tongue.
"What other reason would you have?"
• • •
A passerby would not recognize the storehouse as one with all the children running about, laughing and shouting as they chased a patchwork ball.
The official trial of the children's education scheme under the new register was to commence today. As the head of the operation, you arrived early in the morning to oversee preparations and provide help if needed. Everything had been proceeding as planned, even with your week of absence, so there was nothing to be worried about.
Chaeryeong walked up to where you stood with your guards, her face bright with excitement when she asked, "My lady, the classroom has been set up. Would you like to see it?"
"Of course." you smiled at her, and she led you inside the building into the large space repurposed into a classroom.
Your gaze was immediately drawn to the dark chalkboard at the front, a dull shine to it. Rows upon rows of seats paired with long tables lined both sides of the room, leaving a modest pathway in between. Shelves were nailed to the walls, some carried books and models, and others were free to be used by the students.
Sunlight poured into the space generously, and a soft breeze blew through the open windows. You could already imagine the students seated with their books and pens, concentrated on their teacher as she strolled about the classroom.
You truly hoped that this step would bring them a brighter future.
As you were listening to Chaeryeong's enthusiastic explanation of her teaching plans for the day, you picked out the sound of hooves outside the building. Strange, you were not expecting any visitors.
One of your guards appeared shortly after, announcing, "I am sorry to interrupt, my lady, but His Lordship has arrived."
Minho? Why would he be here?
It was no secret that today was the official start of the trial period, but you did not ask him to attend the first class with you. You had already assumed that he would have more urgent matters on his hands for the day.
The heir of Valorieve was stepping through the door before you could go out to greet him. While Chaeryeong dropped into a surprised curtesy, you made your way toward him with poorly masked haste.
"Lord Minho," you spoke under your breath once you were close enough. "You did not have to take the time out of your day."
He took your gloved hand and brought it to his lips, only murmuring, "I didn't see you at breakfast today, Lady Y/n."
His show of reverence and affection startled you, and it took all of your willpower not to pull away, face heating up. Chaeryeong and the guards were still watching you. A show was exactly what you needed.
That's right. All of this is an act. You reminded yourself, unsettled by the jumble of conflicting emotions in your heart.
Still holding your hand, Minho turned to Chaeryeong, who folded into another curtesy. "Greetings to you, my lord."
"At ease," he told her. "You have my gratitude for agreeing to partake in this project. His Excellency will know of your valuable contributions."
"Thank you, my lord." she beamed.
You expected him to leave after that, but he stayed to observe the first class with you. Being the exemplary vision of a noble that he was, he inquired about the progress and discussed plans with the team of scholars you had assembled. The suggestions he gave were riveting and insightful, and it felt as though his presence had lifted the morale of all those present.
Your visit finally ended at an hour past noon, and as you were headed back to the palace in your carriage, Minho blurted a question, "Would you like to visit the mountains?"
"Why do you ask?" you regarded him curiously and he shrugged. "You have worked hard, should you not enjoy a vacation?"
You would hardly consider being stuck in bed for a week to be hard work. "That would not be necessary—"
"The staff at the villa have already been informed," he interjected softly, crossing his legs as he turned his gaze toward the passing scenery. "We will be leaving in a week's time so make sure to be prepared. It does get quite cold up there."
You held back any protests. His insistence could only mean one thing in your mind. He wanted information.