Chapter 139
Doyul’s uneasiness was understandable to some degree.
Yerin herself had doubted the medicinal pill that the current Gangju had given her at first.
‘But they said nothing came out of the pill.’
Even though Yerin still found that fact suspicious, with the results from the investigation of the Martial League showing otherwise, what could she say?
At that moment, Doyul spoke with a guilty expression.
“I’m sorry for today. It’s been a while since I met Lady Youngju, and I feel like I ruined the mood.”
“No, it’s not like that….”
Suddenly, Yerin hesitated.
‘Now that I think about it, there seem to be an unusual number of tea-related incidents.’
From the tea Youngju mentioned—famous for keeping one energized—to the League Lord’s fondness for tea.
During their first visit to the League Lord’s chambers, a teapot was placed by his bedside.
Recently, due to the prolonged time spent asleep, Yerin had been carefully drinking the leftover tea from her cup each time she woke up…
“Hey, Doyul.”
Yerin lifted her head sharply.
“There hasn’t been any revelation regarding how the League Lord was poisoned, right?”
“Yes? Yes, that’s what I heard.”
Why such a sudden question?
Doyul’s expression turned puzzled, but he nodded.
Yerin quickly continued.
“To get poisoned, the poison must enter the body. When martial artists use poison, they either use poisons or hidden methods….”
Yerin’s eyes darkened with a cold edge.
“The most common method, though, is through food or beverages, right?”
“Indeed, but the League Lord’s consumables would certainly undergo a thorough examination.”
Doyul answered skeptically.
Of course, everything consumed by the League Lord would be examined beforehand.
Yerin’s thoughts were similar, but…
“Remember the tea Youngju mentioned?”
“Yes, that tea was said to keep one from getting tired. That’s why it’s popular in Hangzhou.”
In response to Doyul’s answer, Yerin slowly clenched her teeth.
“The effects can be a bit too much. After all, everything in excess can become poison.”
“Yes? What do you…?”
“Could something with such a medicinal effect even be called tea?”
Yerin asked coldly.
“Honestly, I find it strange that such a tea is being circulated. It’s almost closer to medicine.”
As Youngju pointed out earlier, the effects of this tea were far too excessive to be merely considered tea.
Something that visibly alters the state of one’s body—how could that be called tea?
Doyul, who had been quietly reflecting on her words, asked again.
“So, Madam, you’re saying the tea is suspicious?”
“Yes, exactly.”
“In that case, I’ll go to Tea house tomorrow and personally investigate the tea.”
Doyul’s eager offer surprised Yerin slightly.
“You’ll go to Tea house yourself?”
“Yes. It was called Hongyeon Tea house, wasn’t it?”
Doyul shrugged nonchalantly.
“Leave it to me. Visiting one Tea house isn’t that difficult.”
“In that case, I could come along too…”
“No, one of us must stay in the Martial League. We don’t know when Dan will arrive.”
“Oh.”
Yerin blinked.
After all, it had been quite some time since the Great Leader of North Sea Bing gongju left with the Sword Sect Commander.
They should be reaching the Martial League soon.
– Lord!
At that moment, Yearlong Iceblade, lurking nearby, leapt onto Doyul’s lap with a playful bound.
Her eyes gleamed brightly as she whined excitedly.
– Are you going out?
“…That’s the plan. Why?”
– Then, on the way, could you bring back some Nacht Ankeum Gyeongdan?
Yearlong Iceblade shamelessly demanded.
Doyul scowled in response.
“Why should I?”
– You little creature! How dare you not know how to repay a favor after becoming human!
Yearlong Iceblade smacked her tail down hard, raising her voice in indignation.
– I gave advice that became the flesh and blood of the contract holder!
“….”
– Have you completely forgotten about that favor?
Doyul furrowed his brow and glared at Yearlong Iceblade.
– It is said that a favor should be repaid a hundredfold. Yet, to settle it with just buying night bean rice cakes, how generous of you!
Yearlong Iceblade, glancing at Doyul’s expression, snickered smugly.
– Speak if you have any objections. Although, I doubt you do!
“….”
Doyul tightly shut his eyes.
Indeed, when Yerin decided to take care of the Dangmun affairs, Yearlong Iceblade had provided useful advice.
He acknowledged that much. However!
– Lord?
“….”
– Lord!
The melodious voice was annoyingly familiar!
“I get it, alright!”
Finally, Doyul raised his hands in surrender.
“So, I just need to get those night bean rice cakes on the way back, right?”
– Yes, at least five boxes.
Yearlong Iceblade nodded solemnly.
‘Is she a spirit or a dog or a pig?’
Doyul stared at Yearlong Iceblade with a weary expression.
“What’s the shop that sells those rice cakes?”
– How should I know that?
Yearlong Iceblade stared back with wide eyes.
– You, Lord, have to figure it out yourself.
“… sigh.”
Doyul rubbed his forehead.
Meanwhile, Yerin watched the back-and-forth between Doyul and Yearlong Iceblade with a smile.
‘Not long ago, Doyul looked really down.’
Now, he seemed quite energized.
‘Thank goodness.’
However, that thought quickly faded from her face.
‘Then, it’s my turn to do my part.’
While Doyul was away the next day,
Yerin planned to personally investigate the tea the League Lord consumes.
—
The next day.
Doyul headed early to Hongyeon Tea house.
‘Well, in truth, it’s more like I had to get those rice cakes due to Yearlong Iceblade’s insistence…’
Yerin let out a sigh, glancing at Yearlong Iceblade with a sidelong look.
‘She needs to play a big role today.’
Suddenly, Yearlong Iceblade noticed her gaze and looked up at her.
– Why are you staring at me, Contract Holder?
“Do you want those rice cakes?”
– Of course! … Why are you asking suddenly?
Yearlong Iceblade instinctively responded, but her expression shifted to a subtle one.
“Just doing you a favor.”
– What? You’re going to exploit this great spirit like this…!
“Night bean rice cakes.”
– …
Yearlong Iceblade fell silent, her stubborn expression evident.
“Do you refuse?”
– Humph.
Refusing wasn’t easy, though, especially after tasting those delicious night bean rice cakes the previous day.
“Come along.”
– How unfair!
A pouty Yearlong Iceblade trudged along behind Yerin with reluctant steps.
As they walked, Yearlong Iceblade tilted her head curiously and asked,
– What’s that?
“Ah, this?”
Yerin held up a luxurious tea box.
“It’s tea.”
– Tea? For what?
“I need it.”
Walking and chatting, they soon arrived at the League Lord’s chambers. The personal servant, Sibi, who managed the League Lord’s attire and meals, noticed them and quickly bowed.
“I greet Master Gamo.”
Perhaps because they had seen each other a few times before, his face seemed familiar.
‘That Sibi manages the League Lord’s daily life closely.’
That meant the tea served to the League Lord would be under Sibi’s care as well.
Hiding her thoughts, Yerin gave Sibi a gentle smile.
“How is the League Lord today?”
“He is similar to yesterday. At the moment, he is resting.”
Though the League Lord had regained some strength through the use of Sarlu Chuo, it was only temporary.
His weak body wasn’t fully restored, so he soon fell back into a deep slumber.
“Alright… ah, please accept this.”
Nodding, Yerin extended the tea box she held.
“Since the League Lord seems to enjoy tea for quenching thirst, I brought this tea that’s said to be refreshing.”
Sibi’s expression briefly showed discomfort.
“Pardon?”
However, his discomfort didn’t last long.
Sibi quickly straightened his posture and lowered his head in thanks.
“Thank you very much. I will ensure the League Lord receives it.”
“Good. Then I’ll leave it to you.”
Quietly handing over the tea box, Yerin gave clear instructions.
“Since it’s refreshing, I hope he drinks it immediately after waking up.”
“I understand.”
As Yerin pretended to leave the chamber, she subtly hid her presence and waited nearby.
After a short while,
“Ugh, really.”
Sibi, carrying the teapot, stomped out of the chamber with a sulky expression.
Muttering complaints under his breath.
“Why suddenly bring tea like this? It only adds to the work…”
But not taking it wasn’t an option either.
Yerin had to ask later how the tea had been, and the League Lord had been in poor health lately, meaning he hadn’t been able to enjoy his usual cups of tea properly.
In other words,
‘It needs to be prepared in advance for when he wakes up.’
Yerin closely observed Sibi’s actions.
Sibi looked down at the teapot thoughtfully, then mumbled skeptically,
“… Well, this should be fine?”
At that moment, Yerin perked up her ears eagerly.
