Surviving as Jang Hee-bin's Child Court Lady - Chapter 29

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 29. A Secret Weapon
“Choose whatever you like. How about this?”
Prince Yeonning slid a jade ornament across the table toward me.
But my gaze fixed on only one object.
‘That one. That’s the one!’
I knew it the moment I saw it.
This was the perfect gift for me.
And what was it?
‘A slingshot!’
A premium slingshot with a sleek wooden frame and sturdy cord twisted from horsehair in multiple layers.
Choosing the slingshot was the obvious choice.
It was the only item that met the condition of being ‘something practical for everyday use.’
Of course, there was a bow, but I couldn’t very well wander around the palace as a young maid carrying a bow.
A slingshot, on the other hand, was small enough to hide at my waist.
And most importantly….
‘I’ve used a slingshot before!’
In my past life, I had natural athletic ability.
I was especially talented at ‘hitting targets.’
Whether it was archery or shooting, I was quite skilled—so much so that people suggested I pursue it professionally.
Anyway, slingshot. You’re my choice!
“Prince Yeonning.”
“Oh. Did you find something you like?”
“Yes.”
Prince Yeonning’s face filled with curiosity as he noticed my eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Can I really take anything?”
“Of course. Just say the word.”
“Then this one!”
I picked up the slingshot triumphantly.
“Huh? A slingshot?”
Prince Yeonning looked genuinely taken aback.
It made sense—he’d been continuously pushing small, glittering items toward me.
But I was no magpie; I was a practical child who prioritized usefulness above all else.
“You want that?”
“Yes!”
“I can give it to you, but why?”
Hmm…. What should I say?
If I said it was for self-defense, he’d probably refuse, saying it was dangerous. And claiming it was for hunting wouldn’t work for a four-year-old….
Since no suitable answer came to mind, I decided to be honest.
“To pick persimmons.”
It wasn’t a lie—it was the truth.
I had every intention of using this slingshot to eradicate every persimmon that offended my eyes.
In that moment.
Prince Yeonning laughed at me!
“Pick persimmons? You? Hahaha! Do you even know how to use that thing?”
So he was going to come at me like this…?
Despite my appearance, I possessed considerable competitive spirit.
“I don’t know. Would you teach me, Your Highness?”
“Me?”
Prince Yeonning hesitated.
“Teaching martial skills and such trifles to a prince of the realm? I’m hardly inclined to do so…. But since it’s your request, I shall make a special exception. You should consider yourself honored.”
He puffed himself up as though bestowing an enormous favor.
“Yes, Your Highness. I am honored.”
I humored him with appropriate responses as we exited Hongseogak together.
‘Now I’m beginning to understand Prince Yeonning’s character.’
A seven-year-old boy who conducted himself with unbecoming solemnity and fastidiousness.
To my eyes, the childish desires lurking within him were starkly apparent.
Specifically, the desire to show off.
Could his personality be connected to his excessive narcissism in the future?
‘…I should have known.’
Sure enough, he stood with the slingshot loaded with a stone, striking every conceivable pose.
Anyone watching would think he was about to hunt a tiger.
In any case, our target was the red persimmons dangling from the very top of the persimmon tree beside Hongseogak.
“Watch carefully. This is how you shoot a slingshot.”
Prince Yeonning, his expression grave, pulled back the slingshot’s cord.
The cord, apparently made from fine horsehair, stretched quite elastically.
Twang!
…Clatter, clatter, clatter.
The stone he fired didn’t even come close to the persimmon tree, rolling weakly across the ground.
“Huh?”
He looked flustered and loaded another stone.
Twang again—
…Clatter, clatter, clatter.
“The slingshot is defective. The cord must have rotted from disuse.”
“Your Highness, may I try shooting?”
“Even if you shoot, you won’t reach even a foot away.”
“I’ll just give it a try.”
Prince Yeonning reluctantly handed over the slingshot.
I picked up a suitable stone from the ground and loaded it into the slingshot.
I slowly raised my head to gauge the distance to the target, then closed my eyes for a moment and felt the breeze brush against my cheek.
‘The wind is weak, so it won’t affect the velocity much. This angle should be sufficient.’
I pulled the slingshot’s cord back with all my might….
‘Now.’
With a sharp whistle, the stone flew through the air like an arrow and struck the persimmon dead center!
Thwack!
The persimmon tumbled to the ground.
‘Oh. This actually works.’
Even though I remembered how to use a slingshot, I couldn’t believe I’d managed it with the arm strength of a mere four-year-old.
I bounced with delight.
“Wow!”
I let out a cheer before catching sight of Prince Yeonning.
His face—and even his ears—had turned bright red.
“I…. suppose I was just fortunate. Thank you for such a wonderful gift.”
I hastily stuffed the slingshot away, trying to brush past the moment.
“I don’t understand why a palace maid would take up such crude pastimes. Surely there are more refined hobbies available, like embroidery.”
“I like the slingshot. I’m truly grateful.”
“Well…. If you’re happy, then that’s enough.”
Prince Yeonning spoke with a somewhat awkward air.
‘So he despises martial pursuits, even as a child, despite how much he supposedly tormented the Crown Prince over his love of such things.’
With that thought, I bowed respectfully to Prince Yeonning.
“Then I shall take my leave now, my lord.”
“I must return to Jeoseungjeon as well. So let us go together….”
That was when it happened.
“Prince Yeonning.”
A woman’s voice came from behind me.
I turned and recognized the face immediately, quickly bowing my head.
‘My fortune seems poor today.’
Of all people, I had to encounter Gwi-in.
Gwi-in Kim.
The memory of her sharp tongue directed at Jang Hee-bin by Aeryeonji Pond remained vivid.
And yet….
‘Her expression is remarkably warm. She seems like a different person.’
As Gwi-in smiled brightly at Prince Yeonning, there was not a trace of malice in her demeanor.
“What brings Your Highness to this place? Ah, have you come to Hongseogak to study?”
“Yes, Gwi-in. I had some business at Hongseogak and stopped by briefly.”
“As expected, our young prince is so brilliant and wise. A gentleman’s virtue lies in cherishing books.”
Gwi-in and Prince Yeonning appeared to share a remarkably close bond.
‘There were rumors that Suk-bin, despite her humble origins, gave Prince Yeonning to Gwi-in as an adopted son for his future.’
I had thought it mere gossip, but it seemed to carry considerable credibility.
“However….”
Gwi-in’s gaze turned toward me, and the warmth in her eyes suddenly turned glacial.
She seemed to have recognized me from when I was with Jang Hee-bin at Aeryeonji Pond.
“Your Highness, why are you in the company of a child from Chwisuondang?”
“Well….”
Gwi-in Kim didn’t even give Prince Yeonning a chance to respond.
“Prince Yeonning. You are of royal blood. It is unseemly for one of your station to associate with the lowborn. Do you understand?”
“…Yes, Gwi-in Kim.”
Prince Yeonning’s face flushed crimson. He seemed to glance at me briefly.
‘Gwi-in Kim…. She’s not the type to mince words, even with her allies.’
The meaning behind her words—”the lowborn”—was unmistakable.
Though her remark seemed directed at me, a palace maid, it was truly a barb aimed at all the concubines: not only Jang Hee-bin, who had risen from the palace maids, but also Suk-bin, Prince Yeonning’s own mother.
Among King Sukjong’s concubines, Gwi-in Kim was the only one who had not been selected from the palace maids.
‘He may not endure the great tragedy the Crown Prince suffered…but Prince Yeonning’s life has hardly been smooth either.’
As I stood with my head bowed, lost in melancholy thoughts, a sharp sting shot across my scalp.
Gwi-in Kim was staring at me with a piercing gaze.
…Did she really need to look at me with such disdain?
“You there—be gone at once. And do not dare linger near Prince Yeonning again.”
This woman really….
I was merely four years old. What kind of accusation was this, implying I harbored improper intentions toward a prince?
“Yes! I shall take my leave at once!”
I answered with great spiritedness.
Without so much as a backward glance, I stomped away with heavy footfalls.
The slingshot—today’s prize—remained tucked in my pocket.
Though Gwi-in Kim had spoken harshly to me, I did not dwell on her words.
I understood the inferiority complex that had haunted her entire life.
So by the time Chwisuondang came into view, I had forgotten all about Gwi-in Kim and was consumed entirely with joy at having obtained the slingshot.
When I reached the entrance of Chwisuondang, what caught my eye was….
‘A persimmon tree.’
A massive persimmon tree whose branches stretched all the way into the Inner Courtyard of Chwisuondang.
At its very top hung five or six overripe persimmons, dangling like ornaments.
Whenever I saw persimmons, troubling thoughts crept in—and now fortune had delivered them right to me.
‘I cannot let this opportunity pass.’
After surveying my surroundings, I quietly drew out the slingshot.
With nimble fingers, I loaded a pebble and fired with swift precision!
…A miss.
Undeterred, I loaded a second pebble.
Whoosh!
The pebble cut through the air and struck a persimmon dead center.
As the wobbling fruit plummeted to the ground, I smiled with satisfaction….
Squawk!
“Oh my goodness!”
“Gasp! My lady!”
“Good heavens!”
A sharp cry echoed from the Inner Courtyard.
‘What on earth?’
I hastily tucked the slingshot into my waistband and rushed toward the Inner Courtyard, only to find myself staring at a scene that defied explanation.
“…?”
An enormous persimmon had landed squarely in the center of Han Sang-gung’s elaborate hairstyle!
“Someone do something about this! Curse this blasted persimmon tree!”
Han Sang-gung’s face was a complete mess, dripping with the juice from the burst fruit.
The palace maids surrounding the furious Han Sang-gung were desperately biting their lips to stifle their laughter.
‘If I’m caught, I’m dead.’
I quickly retreated to my room, leaving Han Sang-gung covered in persimmon pulp behind me.
“Phew….”
I exhaled in relief and swiftly hid the slingshot beneath the half-closed cabinet.
Han Sang-gung’s angry voice continued to echo from beyond the door.
Genuinely remorseful, I clasped my hands together tightly and whispered an apology.
“Han Sang-gung, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.”
Though I had erred, it was all in service of my unwavering loyalty to the Crown Prince!

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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