Editor : VCubed
Chapter 102
“The residence isn’t too far from here.”
“Huh? Isn’t the residence arranged inside Chengdu?”
“Yes. We live separately in our own land with a pavilion.”
“Why not stay inside?”
“It’s better here for managing workers or transporting grain.”
“I see.”
Yerin nodded obediently.
“I heard you had your coming-of-age ceremony, Madam.”
“That’s right.”
“Both my lord and lady, I regret not being able to witness your coming-of-age ceremony.”
Hyuk Min-woo’s face was truly regretful.
Of course, managing the land here and contributing to North Sea Ice Province is rewarding, but…
‘Every time the priests send reports about how adorable the young lady is, it’s so frustrating!’
At that moment, Doyul joined the conversation with a smiling face.
“Still, thanks to your good management here, we were able to stabilize the North Sea Ice Province quickly. You’ve done a great job. Thank you.”
“You’re too kind.”
Despite verbally accepting Doyul’s praise, Hyuk Min-woo couldn’t hide his embarrassed expression.
“I heard you’re receiving help from the Shinchang Yang family and Jongnam faction. How’s that going? Are you getting along well with them?”
“Yes, they’re a big help. You’ll be able to greet them when we arrive at the residence.”
While answering verbally, Hyuk Min-woo’s thick hands were constantly petting Somi’s body.
– ‘Contractor!’
Unable to endure that touch, Somi, desperately called out to Yerin.
Yerin tried to ignore that gaze.
‘Sorry, Somi.’
But in this warm weather, having a furry animal like you sit on my lap is too much of a burden…
“Kiang! Kiang!”
While pretending not to hear Somi’s irritation, Yerin enjoyed her freedom to the fullest.
The wind blowing beyond the carriage was refreshing.
***
How long had they traveled?
The carriage slid to a stop in front of the pavilion.
Whether they heard the news of the two’s arrival or not, the servants of the Shinchang Yang Family and Jongnam faction rushed outside.
The first disciple of the Jongnam faction and an official member of the Black Spear Unit stepped forward to represent them and saluted.
“I am Seok Gwandu, dispatched by the Jongnam faction.”
“I am Yang Gun, from the Shinchang Yang Family.”
Yerin and Doyul also greeted the servants.
“Nice to meet you. I am the lord of North Sea Ice Palace, Hyeon Doyul.”
“I am Dang Yerin, the Madam.”
As they exchanged greetings like this,
The servants looked at Hyuk Min-woo with wide eyes.
“Ahem, disciple Hyuk Min-woo.”
The Yang Gun, who coughed shortly, cautiously asked a question.
“What about that puppy…?”
“Oh, it’s the puppy our lady is raising.”
Hyuk Min-woo reached out and proudly lifted Somi by its scruff.
“He’s called Somi. Isn’t he cute?”
He looked proud as if he were the father of Somi.
“Kiang…”
Somi was now sprawled out as if resigned to its fate.
People alternated between looking at Hyuk Min-woo and Somi.
What kind of person was Hyuk Min-woo usually?
He was a man who took pride in being the 1st disciple of North Sea Ice Palace, always keeping himself in good shape.
And now, he was coaxing and comforting a fluffy puppy like Somi?
‘Um…’
‘Well, if disciple Hyuk Min-woo is happy…’
Meanwhile, whether he was aware of people’s discomfort or not, Hyuk Min-woo hugged Somi tightly again.
“Why don’t you all come inside, I’ll make some tea.”
People followed Hyuk Min-woo with uneasy faces.
After everyone was seated inside,
They started various conversations.
They talked about the situations of the Jongnam faction and the Shinchang Yang Family, how the people of North Sea Ice Palace were doing, and so on.
Amidst this, tea and snacks were placed down.
“Why don’t you all enjoy some tea and chat?”
Hyuk Min-woo spoke so naturally that Doyul smoothly placed a plate of honey rice cakes in front of Yerin.
“Please eat, my lady. Here are some honey rice cakes.”
It was a gesture as natural as breathing.
People looked at the two with subtle smiles.
‘Well, they seem to get along.’
‘I’ve heard that the lord really cherishes the lady, but…’
Meanwhile, Yerin, who was quick-witted, couldn’t help but feel embarrassed at those pleased looks.
‘Oh, this is a bit embarrassing.’
Yerin responded awkwardly.
“How old do you think I am? You don’t have to give me your share too…”
“I know you’re an adult, my lady. Is there a law that says adults don’t like sweet treats?”
The two of them whispered and wrestled quietly.
Meanwhile, Hyuk Min-woo was satisfied with the change in the two.
‘When I saw them before leaving North Sea Ice Palace, they felt like siblings…’
Now they truly felt like a married couple.
It wasn’t just because Doyul took care of Yerin meticulously.
Doyul never took his eyes off Yerin for a single moment.
Even a stranger could see it.
Only someone deeply in love could have such eyes.
Moreover.
“Doyul.”
Instead of addressing him as lord, Yerin naturally called out Doyul’s name.
This was a side of her that Hyuk Min-woo hadn’t seen before leaving North Sea Ice Palace.
On the other hand, Yerin tried to ignore Hyuk Min-woo’s subtle gaze, feeling somewhat uncomfortable.
‘Ah, anyone who sees it would think Hyuk Min-woo had just held a wedding ceremony…’
It seemed that Yerin’s immense sensitivity, limited to the three original circles, had rubbed off on Hyuk Min-woo.
‘No, let’s change the subject.’
Yerin spoke as if she knew nothing.
“Hyuk Min-woo, how long have you liked animals like this?”
Not only did Hyuk Min-woo hold Somi preciously in his arms, but he also did so throughout the conversation, constantly petting it.
‘Even now…’
Yerin glanced at Somi from the corner of her eye.
Somi was exhausted from trying to escape from Hyuk Min-woo’s embrace and was sagging like a pickled cabbage on his lap.
“Kiang….”
– ‘I’ve never seen such a poisonous creature before….’
Somi made a pained sound.
Hyuk Min-woo, with a slightly embarrassed expression, replied promptly.
“Actually, I’ve liked them since a long time ago.”
“I see. Then why didn’t you raise animals earlier?”
“Well, in the past, North Sea Ice Palace always lacked food. So, there wasn’t the capacity to raise animals…”
Ah… That’s right.
Until I came to Seluco, our North Sea Ice Palace was on the brink of collapse…
Yerin felt a sense of loss.
Hyuk Min-woo quickly added.
“But now that things are better, if I return to the Ice Palace in the future, I plan to raise dogs or cats.”
“Why not start now?”
“Oh, I want to focus on North Sea Ice Palace’s affairs for now.”
With that steady answer, Yerin’s nose felt a little tingly for some reason.
Thanks to people like him who silently held their ground, North Sea Ice Palace was able to withstand until she returned.
Then, as the lady of the Palace, it was her duty to diligently care for the North Sea Ice Province.
Yerin asked proudly.
“Then, is there anything difficult about working? How about the Gate of the Four Seasons?”
“The Gate of the Four Seasons?”
“Yes. Are they not setting up schemes or causing trouble?”
At Yerin’s question, Hyuk Min-woo raised his eyebrows.
“There’s nothing.”
“Nothing?”
To the unexpected answer, Yerin widened her eyes.
‘I thought the Gate of the Four Seasons would at least try to control us?’
From the perspective of the Gate of the Four Seasons, they had practically been robbed of this land.
That meant, essentially.
With the accumulated bad blood and everything, they would regard North Sea Ice Palace as a thorn in their side and would surely retaliate.
But they weren’t causing any trouble?
“At first, they set up various schemes when entering the Four Seasons Castle, but now there’s nothing at all.”
“Did they suddenly have a change of heart? What’s the reason?”
“Well, it’s more like they don’t have the capacity to control us anymore.”
Hyuk Min-woo cautiously observed Yerin’s reaction as he said this.
He seemed a bit embarrassed to speak.
Yerin narrowed her eyes.
“Speak freely.”
“Well, it’s because of the owner of the Gate of the Four Seasons.”
“The owner? You mean Dang Yejun?”
“Yes.”
So, the situation she heard was roughly like this.
After the auction failure at North Sea Ice Palace.
Unable to overcome the sense of defeat, Dang Yejun fell into a spiral of seeking revenge.
Initially, the Gate of the Four Seasons tried to control Dang Yejun in some way, but it was futile.
“Lately, it seems like he’s given up on seeking revenge altogether.”
Hyuk Min-woo clicked his tongue briefly.
Until recently, there hadn’t been a quiet day. The servants of the Gate of the Four Seasons used to search high and low like hunting dogs for Dang Yejun.
But now, it seemed like they were treating him like an abandoned child, not even pretending to look for him.
‘Dang Yejun, he’s a hopeless child…’
