Before he could speak, Hwaan continued.
“You always get gloomy during the rainy season. He figured it’d be better if you were away from Hwacheon for a while. So he had a maid bring Hwajin a portrait that was supposed to be the Crown Prince, and told her to use your name if she didn’t want to go.”
“That doesn’t even make sense. If he wanted me in the capital, he could’ve just brought me himself when he came.”
“He could’ve, sure. But he probably wasn’t ready yet—and he didn’t want to see you moping around again once the rainy season hit. Figured you could clear your head and take in the city a bit while you’re here. Not like you were gonna last in the consorts’ quarters anyway.”
Sinyeong, who’d been quietly listening to the slow-moving conversation, tilted his head slightly.
It wasn’t surprising they expected Hwayeong to be kicked out—what was surprising was the idea that she got depressed.
