LOVED BY YOUR MEMORY

CHAPTER 8

-AT THE CROWN PRINCE'S QUARTERS-

Seo Jun had searched almost the entire palace.

The gardens.

The training grounds.

The maid quarters.

Even the quieter courtyards where Hye-In sometimes wandered when she was avoiding her duties.

But she was nowhere to be found.

By the time he returned to his chamber, frustration had settled heavily in his chest.

Where could she have gone?

He had barely stepped inside when the door opened.

Seo Jun turned sharply.

Hye-In walked into the room.

She stopped when she saw him.

“Your Royal Highness?”

For a moment, Seo Jun simply stared at her.

Relief washed over his face.

“Where have you been?”

Hye-In blinked.

“I was—”

Before she could finish, Seo Jun walked toward her and pulled her into a relieved embrace.

Hye-In froze in surprise as her eye widened

“Your Royal Highness…”

Seo Jun held her for only a moment before stepping back.

His expression was still serious, but the worry in his eyes was obvious.

“I've been looking everywhere for you.”

Hye-In looked at him, slightly stunned.

“You were looking for me?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Seo Jun sighed.

“Because you disappeared without telling anyone where you were going.”

Hye-In lowered her eyes.

“I didn't mean to worry you.”

“You did.”

She looked up at him.

There was something different in his voice—something softer than usual.

Hye-In gave him a small smile.

“I'm fine.”

Seo Jun studied her face as though making sure she was telling the truth.

Then his eyes moved to the bow in her hand.

His expression changed.

“Where did you get that?”

Hye-In hesitated.

“A young master gave it to me.”

Seo Jun's brows furrowed.

“What young master?”

“I don't know.”

“You don't know?”

Hye-In shook her head.

“He called himself Shadow.”

Seo Jun went quiet.

“Shadow?”

“Yes.”

Hye-In smiled slightly.

“He's quite strange.”

Seo Jun looked toward the doorway.

He didn't know who this Shadow was.

But the thought of Hye-In meeting a mysterious man without knowing anything about him made him uneasy.

“Stay away from strangers.”

Hye-In blinked.

“Why?”

“Because you don't know what they want.”

She smiled teasingly.

“Are you worried about me, Your Royal Highness?”

Seo Jun paused.

Their eyes met.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Then Seo Jun looked away.

“I'm responsible for your safety.”

Hye-In smiled.

“Of course.”

She glanced down at the bow.

“But I can take care of myself too.”

Seo Jun shook his head slightly.

“That is exactly what worries me.”

Hye-In laughed softly.

And although Seo Jun said nothing more, one thought remained in his mind.

Who exactly was Shadow?

“My master is so overprotective.”

Hye-In teased as she lightly tapped Seo Jun’s shoulder.

Seo Jun immediately winced.

“Ouch!”

Hye-In’s smile disappeared.

“What? Does it hurt? Did I hurt you?”

Seo Jun touched his shoulder.

“I bruised it when we landed on the ground yesterday.”

“Oh my goodness, really?”

Hye-In immediately became concerned.

“Sit down. Let me take a look.”

She grabbed his hand and led him toward the mattress.

Seo Jun sat down while Hye-In hurried to a small box tucked beneath a shelf. She pulled it out, opened it, and took out a small jar of ointment.

She sat in front of him and carefully examined his shoulder.

“You should have told me earlier.”

“It isn't that serious.”

“You're terrible at taking care of yourself.”

Seo Jun smiled faintly.

Hye-In reached toward the knot of his hanbok, then suddenly stopped.

“Actually… take it off yourself.”

Seo Jun raised an eyebrow.

“A moment ago, you were so confident.”

“I changed my mind.”

He chuckled and loosened the upper part of his clothing enough for her to reach the injured area.

Hye-In immediately focused on the bruise and began applying the ointment.

“This looks painful.”

“I've had worse.”

“That doesn't make it better.”

She carefully rubbed the ointment over the bruised area.

Seo Jun watched her quietly.

“You're worried about me.”

Hye-In didn't look up.

“Who said that?”

“You're being unusually serious.”

“I'm only treating your injury.”

Seo Jun smiled.

“Aren't those two things the same?”

Hye-In ignored him.

“This is worse than I thought. You should have sent for a physician.”

“I didn't think it was necessary.”

“You always think you can handle everything yourself.”

Seo Jun looked at her.

“And you always worry too much.”

“I do not.”

“You do.”

Hye-In sighed.

“Just let me finish.”

After applying the ointment, she closed the jar and stood.

“I'll get a maid to help you treat it properly.”

Before she could leave, Seo Jun stopped her.

“Wait.”

Hye-In turned around.

“What?”

“Don't bother.”

“Why?”

“I don't like having people fuss over me,and I hate it when maids touch my body"

Hye-In frowned.

“But you need someone to keep an eye on it besides I'm a maid and I just touched your body"

Seo Jun glanced at the ointment in her hand.

“that's because it's you.” seo Jun said as he pulled her closer and she fell to the mattress as their gaze met and she stare straight into his deep brown eye,he shifted his face forward just as to kiss her which got her puzzled

Hye-In blinked as her eye snapped open

"what are you doing?"

“How?”

She opened her mouth but couldn't immediately answer.

Seo Jun's lips curled into a small smile.

Hye-In quickly looked away.

“Forget it.”

"anyways does your head still hurts??"

he asked and she replied not anymore

She picked up the box.

“Anyway, your shoulder needs rest.”

Seo Jun adjusted his hanbok and tied the knot again.

Then, as Hye-In turned toward the shelf, he suddenly remembered something.

“If I may ask…”

She looked back.

“What?”

“How did you meet that strange man?”

Hye-In's expression immediately brightened.

“Shadow?”

Seo Jun's expression became slightly serious.

“Yes. Shadow.”

Hye-In smiled.

“I met him by coincidence when I was looking for you.”

Seo Jun's brows furrowed.

“And?”

“He was actually really funny.”

Seo Jun stared at her.

“Funny?”

“Yes.” Hye-In nodded enthusiastically. “He taught me how to use the bow.”

Seo Jun glanced at the bow.

“And you trusted him that easily?”

“He didn't seem dangerous.”

Seo Jun remained silent.

Hye-In continued happily.

“I wonder why they call him Shadow. With a personality like his, that name doesn't suit him at all.”

Seo Jun's expression darkened slightly.

Hye-In noticed.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

She tilted her head.

“You look annoyed.”

“I'm not.”

“You are.”

Seo Jun looked away.

Hye-In smiled knowingly.

“Don't tell me you're worried.”

Seo Jun immediately looked at her.

“worried?”

She laughed.

“Never mind.”

She picked up the box and walked toward the door.

Behind her, Seo Jun remained silent.

But the name Shadow continued to bother him.

“Is he better than me?” Seo Jun asked, frowning.

Hye-In stared at him.

“What?”

“Shadow. Is he better than me in terms of look?”

he asked referring to Shadow

Hye-In blinked, completely caught off guard.

“How am I supposed to know?”

She rolled her eyes.

“Whatever.”

She turned toward the door, then suddenly stopped.

“Hold on.”

Seo Jun looked at her.

“Where have you been since morning?”

“I went to investigate the incident involving Whisper,” Seo Jun replied. “But we discovered something strange on his hoof.”

Hye-In’s expression immediately changed.

“Something strange?”

Seo Jun nodded.

“Hm...”

“You don't think someone is actually after you, do you?”

he asked and she laughed

“who could possibly be after a palace maid ”

Hye-In said admist laughter

“Anyway, I need to take my leave now.”

She walked toward the door.

“Be careful,” Seo Jun called after her.

Hye-In glanced back and smiled.

“I will.”

She then left the chamber.

AROUND THE CROWN PRINCE'S QUARTERS

“All these years we’ve served him, he has never once yelled at me. He has always been the perfect master. But seeing him now… he seems happier and more carefree than usual, and that’s what matters. He simply sneaks out of the palace to have fun. But no more,” Gwi-su said firmly.

“Yes, but hold on. Don’t you think something seems off about the Crown Prince’s personal maid?” Su-ho asked.

“Hmm?” Gwi-su raised an eyebrow.

“She seems so close to His Royal Highness. I’ve never seen him care about a maid before,” Su-ho said.

“Even memory changes people. Occasionally, it changes them completely,” Gwi-su replied.

“But believe me, we’re working as shadow guards for a master who doesn’t even remember “All these years we’ve served him, he has never once yelled at me. He has always been the perfect master. But seeing him now… he seems happier and more carefree than usual, and that’s what matters. He simply sneaks out of the palace to have fun. But no more,” Gwi-su said firmly.

“Yes, but hold on. Don’t you think something seems off about the Crown Prince’s personal maid?” Su-ho asked.

“Hmm?” Gwi-su raised an eyebrow.

“She seems so close to His Royal Highness. I’ve never seen him care about a maid before,” Su-ho said.

“Even memory changes people. Occasionally, it changes them completely,” Gwi-su replied.

“But believe me, we’re working as shadow guards for a master who doesn’t even remember us,” Su-ho said with a sigh.

“We even got to witness the Moon Festival. And thanks to her, I still can’t believe she had the guts to sneak the Crown Prince out of the palace,” Gwi-su said.

“The festival was unforgettable,” Su-ho said with a smile.

“Shadow guards don’t fool around. Let’s get back to work.”

Gwi-su grabbed Su-ho by the arm and dragged him away.

THE NEXT DAY — THE COURTYARD

As usual, Shadow was in the courtyard, practicing archery.

The sound of arrows cutting through the air echoed across the courtyard.

Just then, Hye-in arrived.

The moment Shadow saw her, his face lit up. He lowered his bow and turned toward her.

“Hey, you’re here,” Shadow said.

Hye-in walked toward him and smiled.

“You’re Shadow.”

Shadow's lips curled into an amused smile.

“Great job. But is that all you were able to find out about me? Everyone knows me as Shadow. That isn’t exactly an identity.”

Hye-in sighed. She had really thought that would work.

“Not until you tell me your name,” Shadow added.

Hye-in sighed again before giving him an innocent, almost puppy-like expression.

“Can’t I just practice without knowing your identity?”

Shadow stared at her for a moment.

“Hmm…”

He finally nodded.

“Alright. I’ll consider it because you’re the Crown Prince’s personal maid.”

Hye-in’s face immediately lit up.

“Really?”

“Here.”

Shadow handed her a bow.

Hye-in caught it excitedly.

“This is going to be amazing!”

She positioned herself, nocked an arrow, and aimed at the target.

She released it.

The arrow struck the target perfectly.

Hye-in's eyes widened with excitement.

Shadow’s face brightened as he stepped closer to look at her shot.

I guess, ever since I came to this palace, I’ve never seen such a carefree person.

She’s so pure and different.

Seo Jun is lucky to have her as his personal maid.

Shadow stared at her for a moment.

And she’s really pretty… simple and pure.

Hye-in suddenly turned toward him with a smile.

“Let’s spar.”

Shadow smiled.

“Sure.”

THE ROYAL GUEST QUARTERS

“What’s the report?” Lady Ju-young asked.

The guard approached her and whispered something into her ear.

Lady Ju-young's expression immediately changed.

“What?”

She stood up sharply.

“She’s practicing archery with Shadow?”

Her eyes narrowed.

“As in… Shadow?”

“How did she get close to him?”

Her fingers curled into fists.

“A mere personal maid is now trying to get close to Shadow?”

A bitter smile appeared on her lips.

“Shadow of all people…”

She looked toward the courtyard.

“I’ve been looking forward to sparring with a great archer like him.”

Her smile became colder.

“Hye-in, you’re no match for me.”

LATER THAT DAY

After several hours of practice, Hye-in finally left the courtyard and headed toward the maid’s quarters.

But along the way, she bumped into another maid.

The maid had her head partially covered by the loose fabric of her hanbok.

“Sorry,” the maid muttered before quickly walking away.

“Hold on.”

Hye-in turned around.

“Where are you going in such a hurry? And where does that path lead?”

“Mind your business.”

The maid continued walking.

Hye-in stared after her.

“What’s wrong with her? Who is she?”

She tilted her head.

“Should I follow her?”

She paused.

“Ugh, stop being so nosy.”

Then she looked down.

Her eyes widened.

She was still holding Shadow’s bow.

“Oh my gosh! I need to return this!”

Hye-in quickly turned around and headed back toward the courtyard.

But when she arrived, it was completely empty.

Then, from the corner of her eye, she noticed someone climbing over the palace fence.

Hye-in immediately reached for an arrow.

She was about to aim when she recognized the person.

“Wait…”

Her eyes widened.

“He’s sneaking out of the palace!”

Without wasting another second, Hye-in followed him, careful not to be noticed.

THE MARKET

“I’m in the market…”

Hye-in hid behind a stall as she watched Shadow walk toward an old warehouse.

“What is he doing there?”

She watched as he disappeared inside.

Her eyes widened.

“So Shadow has secrets …”

She frowned.

After a while, Shadow walked out of the warehouse.

Hye-in quickly followed him.

OUTSIDE THE PALACE

Shadow continued walking until he reached a quiet forest.

He suddenly heard a voice.

“My God!”

Shadow stopped.

Several men stepped out from behind the trees.

They were thieves.

One of them stood beside a horse, holding its reins.

“What’s in that bag of yours?” one of the thieves demanded.

Before Shadow could respond, two of them grabbed him and forced him down onto his knees.

Another thief snatched his bag and began searching through it.

“Hand it over!”

The thief emptied the bag.

“Nothing?”

He looked at Shadow suspiciously.

“Did you hide the money in your clothes?”

He stepped closer and reached toward Shadow.

Suddenly—

“How dare you try to touch him?”

Hye-in’s voice suddenly rang through the forest.

The thieves immediately turned around.

Hye-in stepped out from behind the trees, an arrow already drawn in her bow. Her expression was fierce.

The thieves stared at her.

“Who are you, little girl?”

Hye-in raised her chin.

“Fight me first.”

The four thieves exchanged glances before charging toward her.

Hye-in's eyes widened.

“Uh-oh!”

She immediately turned around and ran.

The thieves chased after her.

Meanwhile, Shadow quickly got to his feet.

He grabbed the reins of the thieves’ horse and mounted it.

“Hye-in!”

Hye-in froze when she heard him.

Shadow stretched his hand toward her.

“Come on!”

Hye-in ran toward him and grabbed his hand.

Shadow pulled her onto the horse.

He tightened his grip on the reins.

The horse galloped away.

“Bye!” Hye-in shouted over her shoulder.

The thieves chased after them.

“Return our horse, you thieves!”

“Or else you’re going to pay!”

Shadow glanced back.

“You should worry about catching us first!”

Hye-in wrapped her arms around Shadow’s waist as the horse raced through the forest.

She rested her head against his back.

Shadow stiffened.

Why is she resting against my back? Is she sleeping?

He glanced down slightly.

She’s so childish.

Then his heart suddenly began beating faster.

Why is my heart beating so fast?

He frowned.

Is she the reason I feel this way?

He shook his head.

She’s the only person who has ever made me feel like this.