As the party returned to their lodgings, I thought the day was coming to an end, but just as I was about to fall asleep, Yoo Gyeong’s call echoed through the night.

I imagined it might be another high-level torment following the memory-scraping session from earlier, muttering “I’m dead” as I showed up.

“How do you plan to wed Yuya, exactly?”

Contrary to my expectations, it was a serious matter.

“The identity of Hyeok Gi-rin, known in the Martial World, is male, making the marriage itself impossible. Surely you didn’t come here to spout nonsense about love transcending status. So tell me, what are your intentions for being here?”

Yoo Gyeong’s face showed no hint of mischief, only the gravity of an emperor. His questioning gaze demanded an answer from me, instilling a strong will in him that I needed to respond, even if I didn’t have a clear answer.

Could the emperor really accept my answer, or the challenge I wanted to propose? I thought about it, but I couldn’t back down now. To play the game I envisioned, the power and permission of Emperor Yoo Gyeong were essential.

Thus, I decided to reveal my genuine feelings!

“Your Majesty, I have come to the palace to marry Princess Yuya. I’ve spent a significant amount of time thinking about how to make this wedding happen on my journey from Ak-yang to here.”

“However, despite wracking my brain, I saw no solutions. It isn’t something a princess should be doing to become a cross-dressing woman and join the Jeomchang Faction.”

Hyeok Gi-rin’s expression soured, and Yoo Gyeong bit his lip, but reality was what it was.

“What would happen if the secret Princess Yuya harbors gets out? She would be pointed at for committing a bizarre act unbefitting of a princess representing the imperial family, while the Jeomchang Faction would be criticized for breaking the unwritten rule of not engaging in material success. I, who has roamed the Martial World alongside such a princess, would also likely be labeled as a madman.”

So, I pondered for a long time about how to resolve this unfortunate situation. Suddenly, a thought occurred to me.

“Why must Princess Yuya endure such harsh treatment, though? To put it plainly, what has she done wrong? For the sake of Huang Nation’s order, she sacrificed herself to jump into the Martial World! Ever since becoming the cross-dressing woman Hyeok Gi-rin, she has cared for the disciples of the sect and helped others with the heart of a martial artist. And! After that, she burned her very being to become a female hero of the Martial World to bring peace to the world! Am I wrong?”

“…I suppose not.”

As I suddenly ramped up my emotions, Yoo Gyeong looked on in astonishment. With that look on his face, I exploded in frustration.

“Your Majesty! Why so lukewarm about this? Look at Princess Yuya! The wonderfully cute and kind-hearted Hyeok Gi-rin who deserves a little head pat and cheek squeeze is receiving unfair treatment!”

“…What do you usually do to my sister?”

With the emperor getting stuck on something strange, my anger intensified.

“Is that what matters now? Princess Yuya, loved by all, is in a position to receive unjust criticism from the world!”

Receiving my fiery gaze, Yoo Gyeong appeared startled for a moment but then nodded.

“You’re right. Is there anyone in the world as pure-hearted and adorable as Yuya?”

“…Older brother?!”

Isn’t Yoo Gyeong the one who loves his sister most in all the world? How could he not be moved by my passionate praise of Hyeok Gi-rin?

“Yuya was kind and cute since childhood! That goodness and warmth she still radiates can make anyone smile! Why hasn’t she been able to showcase that charm to the world, but instead dons male clothing and hides within the shadows?! Ugh…!”

As if the pain that had built up over many years was overwhelming, Yoo Gyeong’s eyes glistened with tears.

“It’s tragic! What a heartbreaking situation!”

“Indeed! I just lament my inability to protect Yuya’s cuteness!”

Finally shedding tears, Yoo Gyeong!

And amidst this emotional display, I couldn’t help but notice Sa Ma Gyeong-hwi watching from afar, while Hyeok Gi-rin wore a look of wanting to die. But right now, I needed to focus on my own inner anger and find an ally in Yoo Gyeong, so I spoke even more passionately.

“This isn’t something to just feel sorry about! It must be addressed! Absolutely must be corrected!”

“Right! You’re correct!”

“Your Majesty truly understands! A world where Princess Yuya’s good deeds are acknowledged! A world where her personality and cuteness make everyone smile! Isn’t that the correct world?”

“Indeed! That is exactly it!”

Got it.

With this fervor, I would surely convince Yoo Gyeong!

“I declare that the current world is wrong!”

“…Huh?”

“Then it must be changed and uprooted!”

Yoo Gyeong’s mouth fell open, stunned by my vehement proclamation.

“Perhaps Princess Yuya’s actions seem blameworthy compared to the world’s standards, all we need to do is change it, right?”