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Chapter 62
[Feature on Female Leadership] Princess Yeon’s Leadership Stands Shoulder to Shoulder with France’s Female President
[Comment 1] Isn’t it time we seriously discussed this too? How long will only men inherit the throne? Didn’t we claim to be a progressive Korean Empire?
[Comment 2] Tradition. Then the royal family should disappear too. That’s fine, but only male succession is a problem?
[Comment 3] Look at the UK. The royal family isn’t the problem. The world knows the crown prince is incompetent.
(Current Affairs Quiz Show_Bewildered_Crown Prince.mp4)
[Photo] Controversy Over Crown Prince’s Diplomacy During Princess Yeon’s Visit Surfaces Again
(Princess maintaining eye contact and smiling vs. Crown Prince nervously reading materials at a glance.jpg)
[Comment 1] Isn’t it basic to look at your counterpart while talking? Why can’t he look them in the eye? Did he forget his manners? Crown Prince, get it together…
[Comment 2] Our Crown Prince is embarrassing anywhere, yes, that’s true.
“Interesting articles and comments,” Yeon said.
“There’s even more entertaining stuff on YouTube. Want to see?”
Excited, Yeon clicked the YouTube icon.
A series of videos appeared, showing the crown prince committing diplomatic blunders.
Meanwhile, a trending video featured a lawmaker criticizing the outdated male-first succession system.
As a result, YouTube views praising Yeon’s achievements and her diplomatic skills during the visit also increased.
“If this public opinion grows, even the clan council and the royal family will feel pressured. They’ll have to express a position—whether about the succession system or the crown prince’s qualifications. Thanks to Seojun, I can step into the spotlight, which makes this possible. I appreciate it.”
“Why?”
“It’s traditional, but the royal family treats unmarried members as minors. That’s why I wasn’t entrusted with important diplomatic negotiations before. This time, the Emperor entrusted me with work because I’m married.”
“So it didn’t have to be me.”
“That’s not true. If it weren’t for Kang Seojun, I wouldn’t have married.”
Perhaps in a good mood, Yeon said things she didn’t need to.
The long-standing awkward atmosphere between them seemed to vanish.
While on the tour, Yeon decided to focus on one thing:
Working with Seojun is enjoyable. It produces results.
So, she thought, there’s no need to worry until a problem arises.
Worrying wouldn’t solve anything anyway.
Once Yeon changed her mindset, the atmosphere between them softened, which suited her better.
She could also enjoy Seojun’s charming smile.
“I’m glad I could help,” Seojun said, taking the tablet from Yeon’s hands and placing it on the table.
“Then do me a favor,” Yeon said.
“What is it?”
“We’ve done enough work. Let’s take a break, Yeon.”
On the plane to the Czech Republic, Seojun sank into his seat and closed his eyes.
Since Yeon was busy, he had been equally occupied.
He accompanied her everywhere, studied thoroughly to avoid mistakes in response to her questions, and remained vigilant in case of emergencies.
He wanted to ensure she faced no harm.
Yet, he didn’t want her to feel burdened, so he would quietly wake while she slept to review the materials she had read.
This left him with little sleep—tighter than his student days.
Still, he wasn’t tired. Seeing Yeon happy with the results gave him energy.
But he had to rest when he could.
A harsher schedule awaited in Prague.
Upon arriving at a state guest hotel in the center of Prague, Silan brought news from the royal family.
“The Emperor has ordered the royal website to officially post your achievements.”
This officially recognized Yeon as the representative of the Korean Empire.
Though it was just a single post, the fact that it was personally ordered by the Emperor was expected to have significant impact.
“How about the Crown Prince’s side?”
Silan glanced at Seojun.
“It’s okay to tell me,” he replied.
Once Yeon confirmed Seojun was on their side, Silan spoke.
“The Crown Prince seems to have contacted some media outlets to convey his discomfort.”
“What outlets?”
“The ones that criticized the royal succession principles. Some of them are considering replacing their editorial staff.”
“Make sure the replaced staff find new jobs.”
“Yes, understood. Also, the Crown Prince has scheduled dinners with conglomerate heads.”
“On our side, we’ll meet startup CEOs as soon as we return. Preferably female CEOs. And arrange a meeting with non-profit organizations too. It would be good to post recruitment notices on SNS beforehand. Hearing voices on the ground is valuable. We can set up communication channels quickly, right?”
Seeing Yeon confidently giving orders, Seojun shook his head.
She had said she’d focus on honeymoon in Prague without working.
“Yes, I will do so. Any further instructions?”
While Silan and Yeon spoke, Court Official Oh approached Seojun.
“Sir, will you open an SNS account?”
He meant Kang Seojun’s official SNS.
“Should I?”
“Nowadays, a friendly image and communication are important.”
“How is it usually handled by the royal family?”
“Managed by the royal public relations officer.”
“That’s not my style. If I do it, I’ll manage it myself. But you’ll assist me, Oh?”
Oh agreed willingly.
“Thank you for trusting me.”
“Please take care of it.”
“Yes. How about managing public opinion? Should I report daily?”
“How would that work?”
Since he had to coordinate with other royals, questions arose.
“The Crown Prince receives daily reports. You’ll get updates only on special issues.”
Seojun thought briefly and then said,
“Report morning and evening, without fail. Include even minor issues regarding Yeon.”
To help Yeon, he needed to monitor public opinion in advance.
“Yes, during the tour, I’ll provide only brief reports on Sir Seojun’s public opinion.”
No daily reports were needed regarding Seojun.
But Oh wanted to convey domestic and international sentiment, showing that Seojun debuted excellently as the official secretary.
The media praised him as the perfect secretary quietly supporting Yeon during her visit, boosting his popularity.
His appearance also helped. Fans of politician Kang Seojun and secretary Kang Seojun combined, giving him star-level attention.
Wherever his photo appeared, it topped views.
Currently, only Yeon’s articles matched his viewership.
“Does my popularity help Princess Yeon?”
“Yes, of course.”
Though public attention was somewhat overwhelming, it was useful.
“I’ll manage SNS well then. Also, take photos whenever possible.”
“Leave it to me.”
As Seojun and Oh exchanged smiles, Silan finished the report.
“Other than the Czech Embassy dinner in two days, no special events are scheduled.”
“We’ve minimized security to avoid interference.”
“Thank you, Director Sung.”
“Contact me if needed. My room is opposite.”
The royal family had reserved three hotel floors for Yeon and Seojun.
Yet they were expected to enjoy a normal honeymoon—a near impossibility.
Still, they could enjoy the experience.
Alone with Seojun, Yeon opened the window. The clear sky and cool breeze washed away fatigue.
Overlooking Prague’s red rooftops and green trees, she asked,
“Have you been to Prague before?”
Seojun shook his head.
“First time?”
Yeon’s eyes widened.
“You said you’ve been to Istanbul and Paris.”
“That’s right. This is my first time here.”
Yeon smiled brightly.
“Kang Seojun, I get to be your first here?”
She had been slightly conscious of their differences in experience—like first kisses or first loves.
It was childish, but she felt a bit indignant.
Yet being his “first” here made her feel proud.
“It’s my first marriage too,” Seojun added, reading her mind.
“Are you very tired now, Seojun?”
“No.”
He gave Yeon the answer she wanted.
She smiled and held his hand.
“Just follow me. Trust me.”
“Reassuring.”
Thus, Seojun and Yeon’s true honeymoon began.
