Ha Ran changed into her male attire in record time and slipped out through the servant's door before Yu Na or her father had a chance to find her. She told everyone to keep quiet. They nodded—too quickly, too nervously—afraid for her. She hated putting them in that position.
She needed to think.
The deal. Fix the prince's image? Brilliant. Truly inspired. What on earth had possessed her to agree to that?
And the prince—why was he there? If she'd known the man she scolded was royalty, she would've minded her business and kept her mouth shut. But he hadn't recognized her. She'd been dressed as a man.
Yes. That was the thought to hold onto.
The king was another matter entirely. Hard as stone, sharper than a blade. Exile would be the kind outcome. More likely, she'd be slandered—and her grandmother's business would collapse under it. This bargain had to work. It had to.
Her father. Her sister. Neither had softened toward her in the slightest. But she would fix that too. Once Yu Na's betrothal was broken, they'd come around. Eventually.
Too many lives now rested on her shoulders. No pressure at all.
Prince Young Hoon needed a better image. From merchant chatter, his younger brother, Prince Jae Hoon, was adored—art-loving, music-playing, constantly surrounded by beautiful things…
Mostly women.
Ha Ran wandered the streets, talking to merchants when she could, picking up small gifts for the servants back home, and letting gossip wash over her. Eventually, she ducked into a teahouse to rest before heading out again.
"Young master!" a jewelry merchant called. "Care to buy a hairpin for your woman?"
She stepped closer, inspecting the display.
"You have beautiful pieces," she said, lowering her voice.
"Only the finest for the noblemen of our capital."
"Some of these materials aren't local," she noted. "Different lands."
The merchant brightened. "Good eye! I have a boy who travels—brings back rare items."
"That must take time."
"A couple of months."
"Do you trade with the larger merchants in town?"
"A few," he admitted. "They control most of the supply."
Ha Ran set the hairpin down and met his gaze. "If I could supply you—and others—with merchandise, would you work with me?"
He hesitated.
"Undercutting the big merchants is dangerous," he warned. "They hoard goods and raise prices. People who cross them tend to regret it."
She laughed. "A business built on fear won't last. If I can supply the goods, will you support me? I'll open bidding—let everyone buy fairly."
"And where would you store all of this?" he asked. "There aren't many places that can hold even a month's supply."
"Leave that to me."
He studied her, then nodded. "Go to the Chrysanthemum House of Entertainment. It's on the outskirts. Find Hoon—he can help you. If you secure the goods and bring more merchants, I'll consider joining."
Chrysanthemum House?
No one had mentioned that before.
Ha Ran returned home just before dusk. Dal Rae met her at the door.
"If you're dressed like a man, it's best to use the servant's entrance," she said gently. "Your father came back from the palace in a dreadful mood."
"Oh."
"It's not you, dear. The king and ministers must've argued again."
"It's probably me," Ha Ran said with a small smile. "I'll remember next time."
"Have you eaten?"
"I'll grab something from the kitchen."
Dal Rae sighed, unsurprised by her stubbornness.
In the kitchen, Choon Hwa was resting.
"Lady Ha Ran!" she said brightly.
"I hope you haven't been overworked."
"Not at all. Are you hungry? I can bring food to your room."
"I'll eat here. What's available?"
Moments later, Choon Hwa set out rice, vegetables, and fish.
"I can make more!"
"This is perfect. Sit with me—I have a question."
Choon Hwa hesitated but sat.
"I heard of a place today," Ha Ran said casually. "The Chrysanthemum House of Entertainment. What is it?"
Choon Hwa's face paled. "Not a good place, my lady. Very scandalous."
"Scandalous how?"
"Nobles and commoners together. Music, dancers, gambling, drink. Everyone wears masks—including the leader. They say he's wanted, but the ministers are afraid to arrest him. He knows too much." She lowered her voice. "Prince Jae Hoon visits sometimes."
"Masked workers?" Ha Ran repeated.
"Yes. Their leader—Hoon—never removes his mask."
"Where is it?"
"No! You can't go there!"
"I'll be dressed as a man."
"It's dangerous!"
"I carry a blade."
"It's far!"
"My legs survived the countryside."
Choon Hwa groaned. "My lady, you always have an answer."
Ha Ran only laughed, finishing her meal as Choon Hwa reluctantly gave her directions.
Ha Ran handed out the gifts she'd gathered—snacks wrapped in paper, small tools, useful trinkets—asking the servants to share them among themselves. They bowed and thanked her, smiles blooming easily. It wasn't often anyone noticed their needs in this house.
"Ha Ran."
The warmth faded.
Yu Na stood behind her, voice calm but tight with anger.
"Yu Na unnie," Ha Ran said, turning. "I hope your day went well."
"A good day?" Yu Na scoffed. "After the embarrassment you caused this morning?"
"Unnie, I have a plan," Ha Ran said quickly. "Give me some time to sort the details. I promise—I'll make sure your betrothal is broken."
Yu Na laughed, sharp and humorless. "And if it isn't? You're only dragging our family name deeper into disgrace."
"Only the king and his ministers know who I am," Ha Ran said. "I won't reveal myself as Father's daughter. I won't mention you. I'll stay as far away from your name as possible."
Yu Na crossed her arms. "That should have been obvious. Whatever scheme you're plotting, make it fast—before Father decides to exile you himself."
"Unnie—"
"Don't call me that," Yu Na snapped. "You have no right. Your mother was nothing. You don't stand anywhere near my rank."
Ha Ran bowed her head.
"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "Yu Na. I'll remember."
Yu Na huffed and turned away, her silk sleeves brushing past without another glance.
Ha Ran stood there a moment longer, the servants pretending very hard not to see her. Then she turned as well, her steps slow, her expression carefully blank.
She would still fix it.
For Yu Na. For Father. For the family.