NovelOLX Chapter 109: The Arrival of the White Demonic Spirit (1)
Chapter 109: The Arrival of the White Demonic Spirit (1)
The head of the Huayongseol clan had returned after subjugating the northern barbarian country of Elephant Flower.
In celebration of his return, a grand banquet was held in the courtyard of the main palace, and the atmosphere was at its peak.
Musicians played music, dancers performed, and the tables were overflowing with delicious delicacies which made it feel like this place was nothing short of paradise.
All kinds of officials were walking around the head of the Hwayongseol clan, Seol Lee Moon, who was also the host of this place.
Everyone was gathering in hopes of catching the eye of Seol Lee Moon, one of the greatest military officers in Cheongdo Palace.
Seol Lee Moon exchanged greetings and clinked glasses with various individuals, but after a while, he stepped out of the banquet hall to rest at the rear of the main building.
In his younger days, he could drink all night without feeling tired, but as he neared the age of forty, he found that the effects of alcohol were no longer as pleasant as they once were.
After shaking off his mild intoxication and regaining his composure, he quietly gazed up at the moon before rising to his feet.
***
At those words, Seol Lee Moon’s face brightened.
Seong Hyeol Hwa was a peddler from the Western Continent. When she came to the imperial capital, they had shared a few drinks by chance and hit it off. Even after returning from subjugating the northern barbarians, he had been curious about her and asked around for news.
When he heard the shocking news that, after a drunken night, she had become pregnant with his child, his vision went dark.
However, Seong Hyeol Hwa was a woman of remarkable strength deserving of the title of heroine; she continued her trading journeys even while carrying the child. She left him only with the words to focus on his duties as a military officer before disappearing.
While Seol Lee Moon was shedding blood on the northern lands, Seong Hyeol Hwa would have already given birth to the child.
The thought of it made him unable to focus on the banquet. In his heart, he wanted to
The voices of the senior maids who answered in unison echoed through the room.
“Now, return to your duties and carry out your responsibilities with diligence.”
When the command was given, everyone except the two maids drying the hair of the Heavenly Maid bowed politely and walked backward out of the room.
“The high senior maids in charge of each department of the Heavenly Dragon Hall, Jeong Rae Yeol, Hwa Jin Lang, Seol Ran, Han Deok Shim, and Ha Sun Ho, listen carefully.”
“Yes, Heavenly Maiden.”
“Those of you who serve me closely and oversee the many maids carry a heavy responsibility. Always keep your eyes wide open so that the discipline of the Heavenly Dragon Hall remains firm, and whenever you detect any significant disturbance or incident, be sure to whisper the news into my ear.”
The high senior maids once again responded in unison, and when the Heavenly Maid granted them permission to leave, they quietly exited the inner chamber while stepping backward.
And so, only three or four maids who were tidying the princess’s attire remained in the room, along with Headmaid Lee Ryeong, a eunuch who acted as the scribe, and myself.
“Headmaid Lee Ryeong, listen closely.”
“Yes, Heavenly Maiden.”
“Your experience of protecting Heavenly Dragon Hall for so many years will be of great help to me. As I fulfill my duties as the Heavenly Maid, I will rely on your support often, so I ask that you assist me well, both in spirit and action.”
“You don’t have to ask for that, Heavenly Maiden.”
“Good. The senior maids must be feeling confused as they adjust to their new mistress, so go and bring some order to the situation.”
“Yes, Heavenly Maiden.”
After offering a respectful bow, Headmaid Lee Ryeong left the inner chamber.
Moments later… the time came when I, who was kneeling with my head lowered, was finally called.
“Vice General Seol Tae Pyeong, listen closely.”
“…Yes, Heavenly Maiden.”
“For now, remain seated where you are. Let’s fix your appearance… I have something important to discuss with you.”
“……..”
Beyond the paper door, the Heavenly Maiden’s preparations were nearly complete.
The once damp hair had dried, leaving only a glossy sheen as it flowed down beautifully, and the almost naked body was now elegantly draped in the noble Heavenly Dragon Robe. And the intricate folds of the court robe were exuding an air of refinement.
Once her preparations were complete, the maids who fulfilled their duties bowed and left the inner chamber.
“Vice General, you are well informed about both the affairs inside and outside the palace, and you have wide connections. Your advice in both martial and ceremonial matters is trustworthy, so you will be of great help to someone like me, who only knows some Taoist arts and the energy of the Heavenly Dragon.”
“Y-You honor me too much, Princess.”
“I wish to discuss an important matter that will shape the future of Cheongdo, so the scribe may leave us for now.”
After sending the last remaining scribe out of the room, we were left alone at last.
“……..”
“……..”
An awkward silence lingered for a moment.
Jin Cheong Lang was now the official Heavenly Maiden. She was a figure to whom one could no longer speak carelessly. Whatever one did in her presence, the utmost respect had to be shown.
I too kept my head lowered and quietly waited for Jin Cheong Lang to speak. In Cheongdo Palace, the only person permitted to speak first on matters of state in front of the Heavenly Maiden was Emperor Woon Sung himself.
“So…”
Jin Cheong Lang finally opened her mouth and broke the silence.
I wondered what grand matter she was about to discuss that required such anticipation…
“Have you… had lunch yet…?”
“……”
As if all her previous dignity had vanished, she awkwardly covered her face with her sleeve and darted her gaze around.
It was clear she was trying to ease the awkwardness between us, but her approach was so old-fashioned that I couldn’t even laugh bitterly.
“…Yes.”
“…What did you eat?”
“I had a bowl of rice soup….”
“I see… it must have been delicious….”
“……..”
“……..”
Could a person suffocate while still breathing?
The mere thought of this atmosphere continuing made me feel like I was about to die.
In front of Jin Cheong Lang, Seol Tae Pyeong stood with his head bowed and just waited for her command.
As if to affirm her authority, even a Vice General of the country had his head lowered. Such was the power of the Heavenly Maiden of Cheongdo Palace.
Now, Seol Tae Pyeong was a general under Jin Cheong Lang’s command. He would act according to her wishes, whatever they may be.
And so… this was a situation where anything she wanted could be done….She had finally achieved what she had long desired.
However, there was something she had overlooked.
From the start, she had no experience in relationships between men and women and was only conceptually aware that such things existed… even if someone set the table for her, there was no way she would have the courage or determination to do anything about it…
Inexperienced people can’t even eat from a meal laid out in front of them!
She had never once imagined that she herself could be that person! She had spent her whole life commanding those beneath her, so why now of all times was she hesitating?
“That… General Seol…”
In any case, the root of this awkwardness was the fact that they were facing each other in such a setting, in such a situation.
There was a need to relieve some of the tension. As a lover… no, as a superior, it was useful to have the skill to help a subordinate relax.
Jin Cheong Lang held her breath and asked Seol Tae Pyeong.
“Do… do you have any hobbies…?”
If there was a god of romance, they would have struck Jin Cheong Lang on the head out of sheer frustration.
But what could be done… she had no experience…
There was nothing left but to watch with pity… and nothing more anyone could do for her…