In the Crown Princess's courtyard, a match was taking place. Several court ladies gathered around a wooden table, peering at one another excitedly but with a tinge of caution.

Today, there were no lessons scheduled for Eun-bi, which was why she decided to spend time with her attendants. Coaxing them to join her in a game of cards.

Spending their entire lives working hard in the palace meant that games were a pleasure they couldn't enjoy. Thus, Eun-bi stepped in to teach them the rules of the game. In the palace's eyes, this would definitely not be appropriate, but she figured this wouldn't count as gambling, because no money was involved.

Eun-bi flipped her cards open. "I win!"

Everyone grumbled at their losses before gathering and shuffling their cards for the next round. "You're just too good at this, Your Highness. Can't you go easy on us?"

She laughed. "Fine. I'll sit out in the next few rounds. I shall grant a rest day to the person who wins in the next round."

That spurred everybody's eagerness to win. They scrambled back to their seats, studied the distributed cards in their hands, and eyed one another like a hawk.

The scene itself was so hilarious that Eun-bi couldn't resist laughing out loud.

However, Byeol was worried. "Your Highness, I think we should stop playing. What if Senior Court Lady Yi catches us? We will be in so much trouble."

"Relax, Byeol. I've already checked—she's busy serving the Queen Dowager today. Besides, it has only been an hour since we started playing! That's not long enough."

Her servant bit her bottom lip. "I'm still worried."

"Don't you be. Look over in that direction–Court Lady Kim isn't even worried." When Eun-bi stole a peek at the said person's cards, her eyes widened. "I'm shocked. How come you're so good at this game?"

Court Lady Kim cleared her throat. "It's because I'm a natural at this game, Your Highness."

"Is that so? I was wondering if you've been playing in secret–"

"Your Highness." The older woman's voice dropped into a whisper. "Focus on your mission while I distract everyone."

"Oh?" Eun-bi was surprised for the second time. "You knew?"

Court Lady Kim gave a slight nod. "I've spent a period with you. Unlike in the past where you were reckless, you're careful nowadays. Behind every action carries a meaning."

Eun-bi grumbled under her breath, but she was happy that Court Lady Kim was warming up to her. "Is it that hard to offer a compliment? Must you include an insult too?"

The woman gave a small smile.

However, her words weren't wrong.

After interrogating the captured maid last night, Eun-bi realised that she barely knew the servants working in her quarters; their names, ages, families, or backgrounds.

She didn't like the fact that her court ladies could run around like mice and secretly work for others. Like Yul said, there were only a few she could trust and she should find them before their loyalties went elsewhere.

If she wished to understand her court ladies, she would have to learn more about them first. This way, she could find those that she could rely on and build their trust and loyalty to her. In return, she would do her best to provide a safe environment for them to work in.

But of course, that was only half the reason.

After all, she wanted to play cards because she was truly bored.

Another hour of entertainment passed, including Eun-bi making her rounds to make small talk with every court lady. Just as everyone eased their guards in her presence, a set of footsteps stormed into the room. The raging voice belonging to someone whom they knew very well roared across the room.

"YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS!"

Everyone froze before hiding away the cards and the remaining evidence in their sleeves and socks.

Oh no. Eun-bi was so dead. Who was the one who ratted them out? "S-Senior Court Lady Yi, did you have a good sleep?"

The ferocious woman glared at her, her fiery gaze sending the court ladies cowering in fear. "I did, but not anymore tonight. What have you been teaching the court ladies I've trained so hard over the years?"

"Nothing. I was trying to bond with them."

"Lies. I heard that you've all been secretly playing cards?"

Court Lady Kim stood up immediately and confronted Eun-bi. "Your Highness! What did I tell you about playing cards? It's forbidden. Despite how stressed you're in the palace, you should have known better."

Shocked and confused by her betrayal, Eun-bi struggled to string words together. "I'm so sorry. I know my mistake now."

"Do not repeat your mistake again." Court Lady Kim turned to look at her superior, and that was when Eun-bi realised she was trying to protect her. "I've already lectured her several times before your arrival, madam."

"A lecture is not enough." Senior Court Lady waved aside her subordinate coldly. "Stand down. I shall see to her punishment myself—where is she?"

Before she could even finish her sentence, Eun-bi had already slinked past their backs and fled from the room.

"YOUR HIGHNESS! COME BACK RIGHT THIS INSTANCE, OR YOU'LL WRITE A THOUSAND LINES!"

A thousand lines and a never-ending nagging? "Never!" Eun-bi chortled. "Only a fool would do that."

Gathering her skirt, she sprinted from a building to the next, aware of Senior Court Lady Yi hot on her heels. It wasn't until she darted past a gazebo in the garden did she feel a hand grabbing her arm. Someone pulled her behind a thick bush and they crouched low, hiding out of sight.

She met the eyes of someone she didn't expect to see. "Accountant Cha?"

"Hush, Crown Princess." He peeked out to scan their surroundings. "Here they come."

As soon as he said that, they heard running footsteps scurry past them and a chorus of voices yelling for her.

Once they left in search of other areas, Eun-bi turned towards Accountant Cha with an unimpressed stare. "Thank you for your help, even though I was confident that I could run away on my own earlier."

He chuckled at her. "And how far do you think you could run and hide? Senior Court Lady Yi knows every nook and cranny of this palace better than you do."

"That's true," Eun-bi agreed. "She is scary, but I know someone who is scarier than her."

"Who? She has the Queen Dowager supporting her. No one in this palace dares to go against her except you."

"And the Queen Dowager is submissive to her grandson," Eun-bi pointed out. "I'll survive. Senior Court Lady Yi should be happy, though. I'm giving excitement to her weary days in this palace."

Accountant Cha was stunned, shaking his head at her in amusement. "You never stop causing troubles, don't you?"

"What troubles?" She shrugged and picked up a twig to draw on the soil. "It's not my fault when the palace rules are this strict."

"That's true and I feel sorry for you, Your Highness." His shoulders trembled in laughter. "This is the first time I'm seeing someone being punished this much in the palace."

"Laugh at me all you want, but you'll be knee-deep in trouble when they find out you've assisted me in escaping." She stuck out a tongue at him, before her gaze fell to his hand that was still clasped around her wrist. "And if you do not release me right now, I'll punch that smile off your face."

He did as he was told, but that annoying smile never left his face. "This is the first time a lady tells me she wishes to punch my face."

She rolled her eyes. "What do other ladies say to you?"

"They often tell me I'm smart, handsome and charming–"

Eun-bi made a gagging noise. "Either they're blind or good at lying. If you're trying to fish for compliments from me, there's a pond right there." She pointed the way to him. "Look, there are plenty of fishes there. It's perfect for you. Go there. Shoo."

Astonishment reflected on Accountant Cha's face, and he burst out in laughter, throwing his head back until he almost fell on his rear.

"Shut up." She huffed and punched his shoulder in annoyance. "You're going to get me caught–"

Right on cue, there came an intimidating, female voice. "You're already caught, Your Highness."

A/N: Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you guys! ❄️☃️🎄 I hope you are celebrating well and taking good care of yourselves! I'm so glad to have you by my side this year! 💙