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Chapter 51
Seojun furrowed his brows.
Working at the police station, he had seen death countless times.
Traffic accidents, violent crimes, natural disasters—incidents and accidents never ceased, and human life was as fragile as a candle flickering in the wind.
Over time, he had grown somewhat numb to death. “Accustomed” would be a more accurate description.
Yet, there were deaths that still pricked him sharply each time he encountered them—those who had taken their own lives.
“Do you know why they died? Depression. Loneliness.”
Yeon briefed him on Byun Yoonji’s short life after leaving the palace.
The newly wealthy Byun Yoonji had never been left alone by those around her.
From distant relatives to friends, everyone clung to her.
She was eventually swindled, and Yoonji was left penniless.
Those who had taken her money abandoned her, and from that point, her life slowly crumbled.
“The counseling records say she suffered from severe depression. She also felt a lot of guilt, but she never said what caused it…”
“That’s enough. You can stop now.”
Seojun cut her off as Yeon looked uncomfortable.
He then refilled both of their glasses.
“Before we have our celebratory drinks, let’s have a toast for the deceased. There wouldn’t have been anyone to conduct her funeral.”
Rose, Byun Yoonji, Son Eun-kyu, Yoo Seo-yeon.
All four women had no parents.
“Yes. We met to celebrate finishing the exam safely, but the atmosphere has turned heavy.”
“Let’s shake off all negative feelings with this last drink.”
Feeling pity or sympathy for the unfortunate was a positive emotion that had helped humanity survive—but it was unnecessary when solving cases.
In fact, it could even become an obstacle.
If Yeon were a junior police officer, he might have scolded her sharply, but since it was Yeon, he simply wanted to comfort her.
Even when running toward a goal, emotions kept interfering.
Seojun clicked his tongue and turned his glass in frustration.
Yeon, fiddling with her cup, took that as a signal and drank.
As the cycle repeated—emptying the glass, refilling it, drinking again—her face grew pink.
Only then did Yeon shove the note into her bag and smile, still having more to say about the other two women.
‘I’ll tell them later about how I went to meet Son Eun-kyu and got scolded.’
Since they had promised to enjoy themselves, it was time to laugh and have fun!
“You know, I don’t think I’ve ever asked Kang Seojun this…”
Yeon slid the low table aside and sat close to Seojun.
“What’s the first thing you’d want to do after getting married?”
She leaned in, whispering like it was a secret investigation.
The sweet scent tickled Seojun’s nose.
“I haven’t been married yet, so I don’t know. But there is something I want to do right now.”
Seojun whispered as he caught Yeon, who was swaying toward him from just a few drinks.
“Mm, what is it?”
His gaze lingered on her lips, which had been particularly distracting.
Seojun brushed her full lips with his fingertips.
Yeon lifted her hazy eyes.
She made eye contact, smiled, and lightly tapped his shoulder.
Her weak punch felt like a pillow.
And yet, why did it shake his rational mind?
“You’re perverted.”
Yeon muttered.
It seemed she had read his thoughts.
Seojun held her shoulders to stop her from falling.
“So be careful, Your Highness. All men are the same. If someone as pretty and lovely as you wavers…!”
Suddenly, Yeon kissed him.
“Not Seojun, me. I’m the perverted one. I want to kiss. Your lips look even tastier than a bandit’s.”
She teasingly licked her lips, showing how mischievous her drinking habits were.
So honest, so bold.
“You shouldn’t drink anywhere else, then.”
Yeon grinned.
“Because I’m pretty and lovely?”
And cute, too.
Instead of replying, Seojun pulled her onto his lap.
“Shall we do something naughty?”
“Do you want to, Kang Seojun?”
Even drunk, Yeon made sure to ask his consent.
‘Is she really drunk?’
When Seojun stayed still, she cupped his face with both hands.
“If you’re too embarrassed to speak, stay still. I’ll handle it.”
Yeon boldly bit his lower lip. The pain of her teeth pressing against his tender flesh was thrilling.
Seojun parted her lips and slid his tongue in before her teeth could tear his lips.
Their lips met seamlessly.
Whenever Seojun touched the inside of her mouth, her restrained body shivered.
As if to show her what true lust was, he carefully conquered her mouth.
After a long time of licking, biting, and breathing into her mouth, Seojun slowly pulled away.
Yeon grabbed his collar and lifted her head.
Her eyes, dull as if drained by the kiss, were red-rimmed.
Although Seojun had initiated the kiss, her lips were plump.
He tapped her nose.
“I’ll take you back. It’s late.”
Seojun placed Yeon down and put on the shoes on the stepping stones.
Even then, Yeon was dazed.
The alcohol had hit her before the kiss, but now the effect was gone, leaving a lingering daze.
Instead, something else boiled deep inside her.
Yeon grabbed his collar.
“One more time.”
Seojun turned to look at her. His dark, deep eyes shone wildly, like a deep sea.
“One more time.”
In an instant, their lips met again.
A new palace attendant carrying a tray at Donggung Palace twisted their foot.
The bottles on the tray rattled noisily.
A sharp voice came from behind.
“I told you to be careful!”
Though quiet, the tone was harsh. The attendant shrank their shoulders.
“I-I was careful, but the hallway was too dark…”
“Shut your mouth! Don’t talk back.”
The senior maid supervising the new attendant sighed repeatedly.
Seeing the nervous attendant, she knew letting them enter the Crown Prince’s room would cause trouble.
“Give it to me.”
Though she hadn’t carried a tray since being promoted, she snatched it up.
“Is Donggung Palace always this dark? The other pavilions were brightly lit.”
The new attendant spoke without thinking.
The senior maid considered silencing them.
Today, Donggung Palace felt different.
Usually chilly, it was especially so today, as if wrapped in damp mist. The eerie, humid air made everyone tense.
It had started the night before.
The Crown Prince’s illness had begun exuding a grim atmosphere and showing his volatile temper.
Just after midnight, he suddenly yelled, destroying furniture and causing a commotion.
Worried someone might get hurt, a courtier entered but left after being slapped.
The Crown Prince raged like a rabid dog until dawn, forcing the Crown Princess to intervene.
This happened just before Seojun, as the future royal secretary, came to greet them in the morning.
“Will you show embarrassment to the man who will be your husband?”
At Seonmi’s words, the Crown Prince dropped the bottle he had been holding.
After that, Donggung Palace fell eerily silent, with only a cold chill lingering.
The morning passed with Seojun being turned away, and the day dragged on.
By midday, palace attendants were anxious over the Crown Princess and Prince’s unyielding standoff, until Seonmi ordered a drink tray brought.
“Your Highness, I’ve brought the drink tray.”
“Bring it in.”
At Seonmi’s permission, the senior maid signaled to the attendants, and the doors opened.
Seeing the room, the senior maid’s hands shook. Even the seasoned maid was disturbed by the chaos.
Shattered objects littered the floor, leaving barely any space to step, and the Crown Prince huffed, clothes disheveled.
“Why are you standing there? Hurry up and bring it.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
The senior maid carefully moved debris aside.
“We’ve brought your usual traditional wine and light snacks. Pine nut porridge for the empty stomach, and dried persimmons as side dishes. If you need anything else…”
“Leave it and go. Clear the hallway.”
Seonmi spoke without looking.
Her face was pale, and her normally cold expression today seemed like ice.
The senior maid quickly took the new attendant outside and delivered Seonmi’s orders.
After a brief commotion in the hallway, it settled.
Even without checking, one could tell that those watching the Crown Princess and Prince had left.
“Still not appeased, Your Highness?”
