Chapter 60
Clop, clop.
Bidan’s slow steps came to a halt. They had arrived at Zhang Rang’s mansion. Lightly dismounting, So Dongbaek reached up to lift Lily off the horse, effortlessly helping her down.
Elder Hwang, who had been waiting at the gate for Dongbaek’s arrival, welcomed the familiar sound of hooves and opened the door.
“Young master, you’ve arrived.”
“Ah, is the meal prepared?”
“Of course. Upon hearing the news, the master himself gave special instructions, and the table has been set so extravagantly that it looks ready to collapse.”
“Father, really…”
Dongbaek smiled, both embarrassed and pleased. This way of showing care through actions rather than words was very like Zhang Rang. Of course, the same was true for his darker side as well. Knowing how swiftly and discreetly Zhang Rang dealt with his political opponents, Dongbaek gave a bitter smile.
Still, it was fortunate that he seemed quite accepting when it came to matters concerning her. Like the previous incident with Cao Cao’s uninvited stay.
‘It was rather surprising that someone who so despised and hated Cao Cao didn’t send assassins while he was sleeping…’
Dongbaek led Lily to the rear garden where the feast was prepared. The garden was quiet and empty except for the serving maids.
Though both Dongbaek and Lily were accustomed to having their fill of fine food, the spread before them tonight was dazzling enough to make anyone pause.
‘I asked him to take care of the preparations, but I didn’t mean to go this far…’
Dongbaek clicked her tongue, wondering if even the Emperor would eat like this. When Elder Hwang said Zhang Rang had given special instructions, he wasn’t kidding—it was truly impressive.
Thinking about it, having too much wasn’t necessarily bad. It was impossible for just Dongbaek and Lily to eat all this food. The leftovers would go to the maids, giving them a rare chance to feast as well, so it worked out well.
“Please, sit down, my lady.”
Dongbaek pulled out a chair while addressing Lily. Lily sat down with light, graceful steps.
Dongbaek also took her seat. She could see Lily’s hesitant hand movements as she struggled to choose from the overwhelming array of dishes. This one…? Or that one? Seeing her hand flutter uncertainly, Dongbaek smiled softly.
“You can try a little bit of everything, so don’t worry. What would you like? How about this?”
Since it was the start of the meal, a light soup wouldn’t be bad. Dongbaek pushed a clear broth toward Lily.
Lily seemed to find the soup appetizing, carefully taking a spoonful.
“…It’s delicious!”
“Please eat plenty.”
“But if I eat too much, my belly will stick out. I’d be embarrassed for you to see me like that.”
Lily’s cheeks puffed out. It was obvious that if she tried even one spoonful of everything here, her belly would stick out like an overturned bowl. She was afraid Dongbaek, who shared her bed, would be turned off by such a huge belly.
It was touching that someone so young would hold back from eating because of her belly, but Dongbaek couldn’t let that stand. With a mischievous smile, she picked up some sliced meat with her chopsticks.
“What does it matter? I’ll eat a lot too and we can have matching round bellies.”
“But you never show any signs of what you eat, my lord.”
That was true. Though Dongbaek appeared slim at first glance, without bulging muscles, her body was actually quite firm and well-muscled. Her abs were the same way, so no matter how much she ate, her belly never stuck out.
Dongbaek laughed awkwardly at Lily’s rebuttal.
“Well, what’s wrong with a slightly round belly?”
“You don’t understand a woman’s heart!”
No, I probably understand it very well, Dongbaek thought to herself.
“I want to show you only my best and pretty side.”
“Why do you think only women want to show their best side to those they care about? That’s natural for all people. And for the record, I like seeing someone eat heartily and well.”
Dongbaek grinned confidently, as if sure the smile would win her over. Half-convinced and half-stubborn, Lily pouted briefly before picking up a dumpling with her chopsticks.
“Fine! Since my father-in-law and my lord have both put so much effort into tonight’s meal, I’ll try one bite of everything!”
Lily declared with resolve, and Dongbaek watched her with eyes brimming with affection. She was so endearing that even a real younger sister couldn’t possibly match her charm.
In the end, Lily followed through with her bold declaration, tasting every dish on the table. Even with just one bite of each, the sheer volume—over 80 dishes—was enough to leave her feeling stuffed. Smiling contentedly, she leaned back, looking utterly satisfied. Dongbaek set her chopsticks down as well, clearly pleased to see her so happy.
With a snap of Dongbaek’s fingers, the maids who had been keeping their distance appeared and cleared the table with skilled, swift movements. They brought out desserts and refreshments, but feeling completely full, Lily only sipped her tea.
“It was reeeeally delicious.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Now that you’re full, how about a stroll?”
“Yes!”
Lily clapped her hands in excitement, nodding eagerly. Dongbaek stood up first and extended her hand to Lily. With a shy smile, Lily placed her small hand in Dongbaek’s.
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Zhang Rang’s garden was spacious. Though Zhang Rang was a stern old man, he quite enjoyed looking at flowers and trees.
‘No wonder he receives so many bonsai trees as bribes.’
Come to think of it, Geum Danyo also had a hobby of tending to gardens. Perhaps this was what refined taste meant. Dongbaek was rather inexperienced in these matters and couldn’t really distinguish between good and bad.
Dongbaek and Lily strolled leisurely through the garden. It had grown dusky after dinner. A nighttime garden walk had quite a romantic atmosphere.
Lily had pinned the floral hairpins Dongbaek gifted her for her birthday on either side of her head. The way she lit up with joy at the gift was so full of warmth and happiness that it stirred a deep sense of fulfillment in Dongbaek.
Though it was still spring, they both wore overcoats in case it got chilly. They were matching long robes that Lily had occasionally embroidered.
Three months ago, on Dongbaek’s birthday, after much contemplation about what to give as a gift, Lily had chosen to make embroidered robes. Thinking that handmade clothes would surely be appreciated, Lily had excitedly worked on the fabric and patterns in secret. But when she came to her senses, she realized she had cut fabric for one person but was making clothes for two.
Using the same fabric and creating continuous patterns, they were a perfect pair, differing only in that one was for a woman and one for a man.
Embarrassed by how obvious her feelings were in the matching robes she had made, Lily had hesitated to give them to Dongbaek.
‘I might as well announce to the whole world that this man is mine.’
She had sighed heavily while looking at the clothes she’d made, thinking Dongbaek might find them improper and refuse to wear them.
‘Alright, I’ll give his as a gift to my husband, and keep mine to admire in private!’
Lily had clenched her fist and declared. But her voice had been too loud, and Dongbaek, who had been passing by, had overheard. Though she tried to hide the clothes while sweating nervously and claiming it was nothing, it was too late. Dongbaek had stretched up and peeked, clearly seeing the pair of matching robes laid out.
Since it was obvious which one was hers, Dongbaek had picked up the larger one with a smirk.
“Why are you hiding them? Are they not finished yet?”
She had slipped her arms into the large robe. The measurements were perfect, as if taken with a ruler. The patterns were delicate and elaborate, showcasing Lily’s excellent needlework.
“This is my birthday gift, isn’t it?”
When Dongbaek had asked with a bright smile, Lily could only nod in response.
Contrary to Lily’s worries that Dongbaek might find them burdensome and refuse, Dongbaek had very naturally picked up the smaller robe lying on the bed. Then, she had skillfully helped Lily put it on.
“Why hide something so beautifully made?”
Unable to admit that she had gleefully made matching robes as a romantic gesture, Lily fidgeted nervously. Dongbaek chuckled, pulling her by the shoulder.
“Well, we’ve got matching clothes now. Let’s show them off. Let’s go out together.”
That time…
The memory of going out together felt as vivid as if it had happened yesterday rather than three months ago. Lily’s eyes grew dreamy as she giggled softly to herself, lost in the sweet memory.
“My lady?”
Snapping back to reality, Lily quickly closed her mouth. She’d been daydreaming with such a silly expression on her face. Hastily, she shook her head and muttered an excuse.
“I just thought the flowers were pretty… hehe.”
“Really? Which flower was so beautiful it made you smile like that? Let me see.”
Dongbaek pretended to look around. Lily laughed out loud at Dongbaek’s playful act of going along with her excuse.
Then something caught her eye—the white flowering crabapple tree beyond the pond. As its sweet scent wafted over, Lily’s mood lifted instantly and she pointed to it.
“That flower!”
“You really do like fruit trees. Just like the peach blossoms.”
“But I love how it’s pure white and has such a sweet scent… Though I still love camellias the most.”
Fidgeting shyly, Lily broke into a bright smile. Her tone was so matter-of-fact that Dongbaek found himself feeling flustered instead. Were girls her age always this straightforward? Embarrassed, Dongbaek awkwardly avoided her gaze and changed the subject.
“Then I suppose I’ll just have to pick some for you. If my lady loves them, it’s only right to oblige.”
Dongbaek crossed the stepping stones over the pond toward the tree. She lightly jumped up and picked a flowering branch.
Just as she was about to return with the branch in hand, she saw Lily following her across the stepping stones. What had been an easy leap for Dongbaek was a challenge for Lily, the stones were somewhat too far apart and slippery. Her ankle twisted and she began to lose her balance. Instinctively, Dongbaek launched herself toward Lily.
“Watch out…!”
With a splash, Dongbaek’s body fell into the pond. Right after, Lily’s body also plunged in with a splash.
Startled koi darted away as the pair flailed in the water. Though he couldn’t prevent Lily from falling in, Dongbaek had managed to cushion her impact—they were both soaking wet but appeared uninjured.
‘Thank goodness the pond wasn’t deep.’
It could have been a serious injury. Dongbaek inwardly sighed with relief.
The crabapple branch Dongbaek had picked floated on the surface. Dongbaek’s hair clung to his face, and Lily’s carefully pinned-up hair had drooped miserably. The flower hairpins Dongbaek had given her sparkled as water droplets bounced off them.
Water dripped down their jawlines. Dongbaek wiped her face and asked,
“Are you alright?”
“I’m fine!”
Lily answered boldly to Dongbaek’s question. Looking at their situation belatedly, they were both completely soaked like drowned rats. Pftt! Without anyone starting first, they both burst into laughter at how ridiculous they looked.
Under the risen moon, the two faced each other in the pond and laughed heartily.
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Thank you for reading! ♡
