Song Jae didn't know why her heart was filled with fear. It wasn't like she didn't know the plot of the novel—she did. But she hadn't paid much attention to what happened at the border. Her main focus, back in her previous life while reading the story, had always been the ending between the male and female leads.
She watched silently as Chul Kwan and her brother departed with the army.
"Come, let's take our leave now. They're already gone," Princess Chul Yun Hee said.
Song Jae shook off her thoughts and turned her attention to the princess.
"Let's treat today as a break and have some fun," Yun Hee proposed cheerfully. "It's already too late for classes anyway. What do you ladies think?"
"Yes, Your Highness, I like the idea," Lee Cha responded with a bright smile.
"Where would you like to go, Your Highness?" Song Jae asked politely.
"How about the eastern part of the capital—Insadong district?" Princess Yun Hee suggested. "Although it's crowded with commoners, it's much more lively. I heard there's a festival happening later today. We can attend and enjoy ourselves. What do you girls think?"
"Yes, Your Highness! Let's seize this opportunity to have some fun," Song Jae exclaimed.
After all, since her arrival here, she had only been to the palace for lessons. She hadn't yet experienced what ancient life truly felt like.
Princess Yun Hee smiled warmly. "And when we're alone, please call me Yun Hee. No formalities—we're all friends here. I already call you girls by your nicknames. A-Jae, don't you think it's unfair to me?"
Lee Cha hesitated. "But, Your Highness, how can this humble one possibly address you by your given name?"
"It's not proper to address a member of the royal family informally," Song Jae added.
Princess Yun Hee nodded. "Exactly. That's why, when we're alone, I'd like you to drop the formalities. Promise me you'll call me Yun Hee—no titles."
"Yes, Your Highness," Song Jae said, though her tone was uncertain. Lee Cha nodded in agreement.
"Yes, Your Highness!" Lee Cha echoed.
Yun Hee chuckled. "Now that we're all in agreement, let's go. Maid Aera, where's the carriage?"
"Your Highness, the carriage is parked behind the shop where you and the young misses took refreshments earlier today," maid Aera replied.
"Bring it here immediately," the princess instructed. "We mustn't miss the festival. Hurry—we can't afford to waste a free holiday!"
The guards and the coachman moved quickly to retrieve the carriage. While they waited, Princess Yun Hee continued chatting happily with Song Jae and Lee Cha. Soon, the carriage arrived before them.
The guards opened the door and assisted them courteously inside.
"Your Highness, are you familiar with the festival's location?" Song Jae asked.
"I don't know the exact direction," Yun Hee admitted, "but I know it's held in Insadong market, somewhere on the eastern side of Hanseong's capital square."
"Let's ask around," she added. "I'm sure one of my guards or maids knows the way."
Maid Aera tapped the roof of the carriage, signaling the coachman to stop. Once halted, she stepped out and asked the nearest guard, "Do you know the way to Insadong market, on the eastern side of the capital?"
"Yes, we're familiar with it," the guard confirmed.
"Is that where Your Highness wishes to go?" maid Aera asked.
"Yes. Please take us there," Princess Yun Hee instructed.
Though the area was extremely popular, Princess Chul Yun Hee had rarely left the palace and was unfamiliar with the district.
Similarly, Song Jae—newly reincarnated into this world—lacked any real knowledge of the area.
Lee Cha, a noblewoman raised in the rigid traditions of ancient times, had rarely stepped outside her residence.
As for Maid Aera, the head maid in Princess Chul Yun Hee's palace, she wouldn't be familiar with the district either. Only lower-ranking maids were ever sent out to run errands beyond the palace gates.
Soon, the carriage resumed its journey.
"I think it'll take some time to reach the Insadong market," Princess Yun Hee said. "Why don't we rest for a while?"
"I agree, Your Highness," Lee Cha added, noticing Song Jae nod in assent. "A brief rest should be fine."
The three ladies settled in, closing their eyes. One by one, they drifted off to sleep.
When Song Jae stirred awake, she noticed the carriage had stopped in a quiet alley. The light had dimmed outside.
She glanced at the others. Princess Yun Hee and Lee Cha were still asleep.
"It's almost dark," Song Jae murmured. "I think the festival might be over by now."
Maid Aera, who had been watching the road, shook her head. "Actually, Miss Song, the festival began not too long ago."
"Then we must wake the Princess and Miss Lee," Song Jae said urgently. "Her Highness will be displeased if she misses it."
"You're right, Miss Song," Maid Aera agreed, her tone firm.
She gently tapped Princess Yun Hee's shoulder. "Your Highness, please wake up. We've arrived."
Princess Yun Hee blinked awake, her vision still clouded from sleep. "Have we arrived?" she asked, her voice groggy.
"Yes, Your Highness," Maid Aera replied. "The festival has only just started."
Princess Yun Hee sat up, now alert. "Why didn't you wake me sooner?" she asked, a hint of irritation in her voice.
Maid Aera bowed low, her hands trembling. "Forgive me, Your Highness," she said, eyes cast downward. Her usual composure cracked beneath the weight of the princess's displeasure.
At the same time, Song Jae gently shook Lee Cha's shoulder. "Lee Cha, it's time to wake up."
Lee Cha yawned, stretching slightly.
Once everyone was awake, they stepped out of the carriage and made their way toward the festival.
"Wow!" Lee Cha gasped, her eyes widening in wonder. "It's breathtaking!"
"I wish I were a boy," Princess Yun Hee confessed with a sigh. "If I were, I could roam freely, explore the city, play in the streets. But instead, I spend my days studying etiquette and embroidery. I'm so tired of this life behind walls."
Song Jae smiled, a playful gleam in her eye. "Then let's take back our freedom—just for today, Your Highness. Let's enjoy the festival before the sun sets."
"Yes! Let's do it, Jae!" Lee Cha chimed in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. As a noblewoman, she had rarely experienced anything beyond the gates of her estate.
With a grin, Song Jae grabbed both their hands. "Enough self-pity. We'll revel in the joy of the festival! But first—we need masks."
At the vendor's stall, Song Jae picked a sleek cat mask. Lee Cha chose a playful rabbit one. Princess Yun Hee selected a regal dog mask, befitting her noble air.
With their disguises in place, they slipped into the crowd. The vibrant colors, the scent of street food, and the sounds of laughter surrounded them. As they watched a street performance unfold, their own laughter rose above the music, blending into the lively night.