It was her own mistake that led to this situation, yet the consequence was too intense to attribute it to karma.

Not to mention the unexpected kiss, the way he emitted such dangerous energy was alarming.

In shock after breaking up with her loved one and mistakenly ingesting the wrong medicine, it seemed like people could indeed lose their minds.

Thanks to her mistake, Yeonwoo also almost lost her mind. It was truly a disastrous day.

Among the duties of palace maids, the most challenging task was the herb preparation room.
The palace maids busily moved around, each carrying a piece of laundry matching their own weight.

Among them, Gungnyeo Jinwol, who was beating clothes with a bat while doing laundry, absentmindedly stared into space, repeatedly smiling as if shy and alone.

Noticing this peculiar sight, Gungnyeo Malja approached Jinwol.

“Hey!”

“Mother!”

Jinwol was startled by Malja’s sudden appearance.

“Kwak Jinwol! What on earth are you daydreaming about, looking so absent-minded?”

In response to Malja’s question, Jinwol whispered. Then Malja’s eyes widened.

“You received a promotion from His Majesty?!”

“Hush! Be quiet!”

Jinwol pressed her finger to Malja’s lips to silence her.

Then Malja, with a voice smaller than before, muttered, “Is it true that you received a promotion?”

“Is it really true?”

“In this world, is that even possible?”

Malja looked as if she had just heard a tale from a foreign land, her face shocked.

When a palace maid receives the king’s promotion, she becomes a 5th-grade promoted court lady.

Upon becoming a promoted court lady, various labor obligations of palace maids are lifted, and if she serves well, she might become a concubine if selected.

Jinwol’s face blushed again, perhaps recalling the events from last night.

“Could it be that if I serve well… I’ll become a concubine?”

“Oh my!”

“Anyway, since Queen Mother has passed away, the position has been vacant for a long time. In fact, isn’t someone waiting to become a concubine?”

“Is she talking about something dangerous?”

In Jinwol’s imagination, she had already become the woman of His Majesty.

Malja, looking around to make sure no one was listening, spoke cautiously.

“If that happens, try to avoid catching the eye of Queen Dowager. Quietly living like a mouse is the best way to maintain your status in the palace.”

“Queen Dowager is the same. Once you look into it, she’s nothing more than an imposter, right?”

“Hey, is she out of her mind? Be careful with your words!”

At Malja’s warning not to speak nonsense, Jinwol, with a distorted face, responded.

“Doesn’t everyone in the palace know that Queen Dowager and Queen Mother desired each other’s wishes?”
Ilyul and Heegyeong were a couple brought together through a strategic marriage.

Since the birth of Prince Hwi, it was a widely known story among the palace residents that Ilyul had not set foot in the Consort’s Chamber.

However, Heegyeong was the most noble woman in the country, born into the foremost Seodo family of Joseon.

Speaking ill of her would undoubtedly lead to significant trouble.

Who would listen? Just as Malja tried to cover Jinwol’s mouth, a signal came from behind.

“Is work done through words?”

“Gasp!”

“Sip!”

Turning around, they saw Lady Jjejo, staring sternly at the two.

Jinwol and Malja swallowed hard, wondering if Lady Jjejo had overheard their conversation.

Lady Jjejo shifted her gaze to Jinwol.

“Kwak Jinwol. The Queen Dowager is looking for you.”

“M-me?”

“Yes. Hurry and follow.”

Lady Jjejo concluded her words and turned away decisively.

After a moment of hesitation, Jinwol, watching Lady Jjejo closely, followed her.

Before she knew it, Jinwol had arrived in front of the Queen Dowager’s residence.

The Consort’s Chamber was a place not easily accessible for a mere serving maid like Jinwol.

Moreover, Heegyeong, who was the Queen Dowager, had personally designated Jinwol. With great tension, Jinwol followed Lady Jjejo into the Consort’s Chamber.

“Mother, I have brought the serving maid.”

“Let her in.”

As the chamber door opened, a cold air, akin to frost, filled the Consort’s Chamber.

Overwhelmed by the chilling atmosphere, Jinwol dared not even lift her head and bowed down.

As cold as the Consort’s Chamber’s atmosphere, Heegyeong’s voice echoed.

“Are you Kwak Jinwol?”

“Y-yes.”

“Sit.”

The intimidating aura emanating from Heegyeong’s words pressed down on Jinwol’s shoulders, forcing her to bow her head involuntarily.

Slowly, Jinwol raised her head.

Then, the beautiful and sharp face of Heegyeong, drawn on white silk like a rose, came into view.
As they did, a beautiful and sharp-faced spectacle, like a rose drawn on white silk, caught my eye.

Heekyung’s expression, with a thin smile on her red lips, was gentle, but the air around was filled with a stifling stillness.

Even though Jinwol had seen Heekyung from a distance before, it was the first time he had seen her so close, with such arrogance.