As they watched the play, a heated argument suddenly erupted nearby, drowning out the performance. Song Jae struggled to focus amidst the rising clamor.
"Your Highness, I'll return shortly," she said, concern etched across her face.
Princess Yun Hee nodded. "Take a guard with you."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Song Jae, accompanied by Song Sook and a guard, pushed through the throng, clearing a path toward the disturbance.
Upon reaching the source of the commotion, Song Jae was met with a distressing sight: a group of children, clad in tattered rags, their small hands bound tightly in chains.
Perplexed and disturbed, she asked, "Why are these children's hands chained?"
A bystander answered bluntly, "They're slaves, miss. Being sold to the highest bidder."
Song Jae's heart ached at the pitiful scene. Their frail bodies and hollow eyes spoke of long days without proper food or care.
As she surveyed the group, she suddenly felt a gaze locked onto her. Looking around, her eyes landed on a striking pair of green eyes, glimmering like precious jewels under the sun.
The owner of those captivating eyes was a boy, no older than fourteen or fifteen. For reasons she couldn't explain, Song Jae felt an undeniable pull toward him — whether it was his piercing stare or something deeper, she did not know.
Without hesitation, she approached the slave seller.
"Sir, how much for this boy?" she asked, her voice steady, laced with compassion.
She pointed at the boy with the vivid green eyes. "I want to buy him."
The slave trader raised his eyebrows in surprise, amused by the request coming from someone so young.
"You want to purchase him, little girl?"
Song Jae's face flushed with indignation. "I am not a little girl!" she snapped.
Yet the merchant's incredulous gaze reminded her of her current reality — she had transmigrated into a twelve-year-old body.
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to remain composed, straightening her back and setting her face into a stern expression.
"Sir, how much for him?" she asked again, striving for an air of authority.
Unbeknownst to her, her serious demeanor only made her appear even more endearing. Her twin braids swayed gently beside her face, accentuating her petite frame. Compared to other twelve-year-olds, Song Jae was remarkably small.
She recalled Song Sena's explanation of the local currency: a string of copper coins was worth a single nyang of silver, and large sums were measured in gold among the nobility.
The slave trader named his price with a smirk. "The green-eyed boy — 500 copper coins."
Song Jae quickly calculated. That would be half a nyang of silver.
Song Sook's eyes widened in disbelief. "So expensive?"She exclaimed. "Why is he priced so high?"
"Miss, let's just leave," Song Sook urged in a low whisper. "This man is trying to cheat us."
The slave trader immediately protested, placing a hand over his heart dramatically. "Oh no, no! How could I ever deceive lovely young ladies such as yourselves?"
He leaned in closer, a sly grin creeping across his face. "The truth is, this boy is the son of a general from a neighboring country. He's well-trained in martial arts."
He straightened, gesturing roughly toward the boy. "If you don't believe me, I can have him demonstrate his skills. Hey, boy! Show them what you can do!"
The trader's loud command rang out, but Song Jae barely noticed. Her attention was locked on the boy's eyes — burning with resentment and humiliation.
"No need for that," Song Jae interrupted firmly. "I believe you. Besides, I need someone to teach me martial arts," she added silently to herself.
Especially since that troublesome Crown Prince could return at any moment. She couldn't allow herself to remain powerless against him.
Careful not to draw too much attention, Song Jae stepped closer to the boy and bent down, whispering softly into his ear.
"Let's make a deal," she said. "Teach me martial arts for three years. In return, I'll free you from your slave contract. After that, you can take revenge on those who wronged you. I'll help you however I can."
The boy's eyes narrowed in skepticism.
"What could a little girl like you possibly do to help me?" he scoffed. "Do you even know who's responsible for my situation?"
Song Jae's expression remained calm and gentle. "I don't know," she admitted, "but I'm willing to help you anyway. I swear I'll do everything within my power."
Her voice softened, but her words carried weight. "It's better than the alternative — being bought by someone else. Or worse, being used as a toy by some old woman."
She gave him a moment to think. "So, choose: me, or a life of servitude?"
The boy's eyes gleamed with sudden resolve.
"I choose you," he said, his voice hardening. "But you better not forget our deal, miss!"
"I never forget my promises," Song Jae said firmly.
"Then it's a deal between us," the boy said, a hint of relief in his voice.
Song Jae turned to the slave trader. "Sir, I'll pay for him." She nodded to Song Sook, who quickly handed over the coins.
Unbeknownst to them, this simple transaction would one day shape the boy's destiny — forging him into a renowned general and Song Jae's most trusted ally.
"Song Sook."
"Yes, young miss," Song Sook answered promptly.
Song Jae turned to the boy. "By the way, what is your name?"
"I am Yeong Shin, my lady," he said, bowing slightly.
Song Jae smiled. "Very well, Yeong Shin. You may continue using that name. Sook, take him to buy some new clothes. He needs them."
"Thank you, miss," Yeong Shin said gratefully.
Song Sook frowned. "You should address her properly — 'young miss'."
Yeong Shin quickly corrected himself. "I mean, young miss. I apologize."
Song Jae chuckled softly. "Don't be too hard on him, Song Sook. It will take time for him to adjust."
"Understood, young miss," Song Sook said, bowing her head. "I'll be patient."
"Good," Song Jae said with a nod. "Now, take Yeong Shin to buy his clothes. I'll return to Princess Yun Hee and Miss Lee, so they won't worry. Hurry along, please."
"Yes, young miss!" Song Sook replied, motioning for Yeong Shin to follow. "Come along, Yeong Shin."
They walked down the bustling street until Song Sook spotted a clothing store ahead.
"Ah, perfect. Let's find you some proper clothes," Song Sook said, pulling Yeong Shin along as they entered the store.
Upon entering, they were greeted by a cheerful salesgirl standing behind the counter.
"Welcome, miss and young sir!" she said brightly. "Please follow me. I'll show you our finest attire for the young sir."
Song Sook smiled politely. "Yeong Shin, go ahead and choose something suitable. Be quick — we must not keep young miss waiting."
Yeong Shin nodded and followed the salesgirl deeper into the shop.
Twenty minutes passed. Song Sook grew restless, debating whether to go search for him.
At last, Yeong Shin appeared, carrying a bundle of ten sets of clothing.
Song Sook stared, aghast. "Why did you choose so many? Young miss only instructed you to get one set—"
"No, she didn't," Yeong Shin interrupted with a mischievous smile. "You assumed that."
Song Sook opened her mouth, only to close it again in frustration.
Yeong Shin shrugged nonchalantly. "I'll need the rest later. I'm sure young miss will agree to purchase them when we return to the manor."
He raised an eyebrow, daring her to object. "Regardless, I've made up my mind. We'll pay for all of them and leave."
Song Sook's temper flared. "How dare you order me around?" she snapped. "Do you still think you're the son of a general?"
Yeong Shin's gaze darkened, cold and sharp. Song Sook's anger faltered, her pride battling her sudden fear.
Though her heart trembled, she stubbornly refused to apologize.