Episode 85
Passing through the soaring gate as if piercing the sky, a lively voice called out to Yerin from a distance.
“Yerin unnie!”
Youngju came running towards Yerin with a bright face, grabbing Yerin’s hand enthusiastically.
“How much I missed you!”
“Well… didn’t we part ways yesterday?”
“Yesterday is yesterday, and today is today!”
Youngju replied cheerfully. And then, at that moment,
“Hey, maintain some dignity.”
A voice from behind briefly scolded.
“What if you run out like a wild horse?”
Youngju turned around quickly and shouted brightly, “Father, this is the person who saved me!”
Father? For a moment, a slight tension flickered in Yerin’s eyes.
A few steps away, there was a middle-aged man with a kind appearance.
“If he’s Youngju’s father…”
At the same time, the man courteously greeted Yerin and Doyul.
“It is an honor to meet the Ice Palace’s princess and Lady Gamo.”
The man, who raised his head, looked alternately at Yerin and Doyul.
Unlike Youngju, who still had innocent corners, his gaze was so firm that not even a needle could penetrate.
“I am Jo Ha-seong, the ruler of Jo Yang-pyo-guk. I am the father of Youngju.”
Jo Ha-seong.
Even though he was just a pyo-guk under Youngju’s father, he had grown it into a major pyo-guk within the three fingers of the Central Plains.
Yerin reminisced about Jo Ha-seong’s actions in the original work.
“After Youngju and Doyul became lovers, Youngju moved Jo Yang-pyo-guk and helped Doyul several times.”
At that time, Jo Ha-seong cherished his daughter Youngju and, at the same time, gave Youngju to Doyul as his wife. He referred to the help he gave to Doyul as an “investment.”
He saw the talent of the Cheonha Sword, which would dominate the world in the future, from Doyul and considered it as an investment.
“From what I remember, he said something about needing aggressive investments to gain great profits.”
Of course, the Northern Ice Palace was a strong and influential family that could compete with the Five Great Elders, but people from the Central Plains tended to view the New Foreign Lands slightly lower than the Central Plains.
The proposal itself was quite radical.
Anyway, Jo Ha-seong’s judgment turned out to be accurate, and in the end, in the original’s conclusion, they enjoyed glory together with the Northern Ice Palace.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Hyun Doyul, the Ice Palace’s Ice Princess.”
Yerin, lost in thought, snapped back to attention at Doyul’s voice.
“Oh, right.”
It’s not polite to have other thoughts while standing in front of someone. Yerin hastily greeted following Doyul.
“I am Tang Yerin, the servant of the Ice Palace.”
At this, Ha-seong’s reaction came back.
“The… servant of the Four Gates…?”
“Yes, I once served in the Four Gates.”
It meant she wasn’t currently serving there. Yerin’s clear distinction from the Four Gates drew a peculiar look from Ha-seong. However, that glance lasted only a moment.
“Let’s go inside first.”
Ha-seong took a step back. Following his suggestion, Doyul and Yerin entered the main hall. Youngju sat right next to Yerin.
Yerin felt somewhat awkward. It was familiar for Youngju to follow her like a puppy for a month, but still…
“Heroine, how about showing a bit of interest in our Doyul?”
After all, Doyul is the male lead in this world. Above all…
“I can’t help but feel uncomfortable with Doyul’s sharp face!”
On the other hand, Ha-seong, who noticed him, wore a frozen expression.
“Oh my, Youngju. Is it necessary to sit so close to Lady Kamonim?”
“I haven’t seen my sister since yesterday, so I have to make up for it now.”
Youngju replied confidently without raising an eyebrow.
“Oh, really. Our Youngju isn’t usually the type to stick so closely to someone.”
Ha-seong laughed dryly.
“It seems that Youngju really likes Lady Kamonim a lot.”
“Well, I’ve never seen a woman as impressive as my sister!”
Youngju answered proudly.
Ha-seong squinted his eyes and glanced at his daughter.
“That boy, he used to be distant with his father every time…”
Tongue-clicking, Ha-seong shifted his gaze towards Yerin and Doyul.
“Putting that aside, the greeting was delayed.”
Ha-seong greeted with a nod.
“Thank you for saving our Youngju’s life.”
“It was a target that needed to be dealt with anyway. Don’t worry about it.”
Doyul responded politely.
“No, if I can’t properly express gratitude to the noble who saved my daughter’s life, how can I live with my head held high?”
Ha-seong chuckled as he waved off the notion.
“We have prepared a small token of appreciation. First, please accept it, and…”
“No, thank you.”
Yerin shook her head.
Youngju looked puzzled and called Yerin.
“Sister?”
“Even though it hasn’t been long since I met Youngju, she is also my beloved younger sister.”
For a moment, there was a reversal of expressions on Doyul and Youngju’s faces.
Doyul’s face was filled with shock, like a child rejected by his mother.
On the other hand, Youngju was moved and clenched both hands over her chest.
“Sister…!”
While doing so, she cast a sidelong glance at Doyul.
‘My sister also likes me! It must be envy, right?’
… That meaning was clearly visible.
Doyul clenched his molars tightly.
‘Husband, I’m sorry. But I have an opportunity to gain points from the female lead’s dad.’
Yerin, pretending not to notice Doyul’s gaze, continued speaking.
“So, if you want to express your gratitude genuinely, we, from the Bingham Palace, consider the friendship shown by the Northern Ice Palace sufficient.”
For a moment, Ha-seong’s eyes showed a hint of disappointment.
“Do you know what kind of reward Gamonim is considering from the Jo Yangpyo Kingdom?”
Jo Yangpyo Kingdom was a large kingdom that could be counted among the best in Central.
Saving the daughter of the lord of such a kingdom undoubtedly entailed a considerable reward.
Yerin had a rough idea.
However…
“I don’t know.”
With that response, Yerin brightened up and let out a cheerful laugh.
“But even if the reward is substantial, it can’t be more valuable than the friendship with Jo Yangpyo Kingdom.”
Jo Yangpyo Kingdom would continue to be a significant source of help for Doyul whenever he operated in Central. Moreover, it was a place where Doyul’s in-laws would reside, as per the original story.
In reality, due to New Murim’s status, the Northern Ice Palace had some difficulty gaining recognition in Central. However, successfully becoming a part of Central Murim through the joint operations with Jo Yangpyo Kingdom was the plan.
“Building a long-lasting friendship is more worthwhile than hastily grabbing a reward, considering the positive impact it can have in the long run.”
Yerin’s thoughts were racing, and she discreetly glanced at Doyul. She hoped her decision not to take a reward would be acceptable to him.
“Laughing Flower Palace won’t hastily take advantage of the friendship we’re building, and it’s much better than a mere reward.”
She also believed it would be more beneficial for Doyul in the long term.
Relieved, Yerin looked at Doyul, and he subtly nodded in agreement, indicating his approval.
“Phew.”
Yerin felt a sense of relief. However, at that moment, Ha-seong burst into a loud laughter.
“Haha! Now that Gamonim says so, I’m not sure how to respond properly. Take a look at this!”
“Yes, My Lord of the House.”
A reply came from behind the door.
Ha-seong gave an order.
“Bring it in.”
“As you command.”
After a while, a large chest was brought into the room.
Thud!
The chest itself was so heavy that the table trembled briefly, emphasizing its weight. Indeed, the chest was substantial because it was filled with sparkling gold.
‘Wait, why is this happening all of a sudden?’
Yerin opened her mouth with a bewildered expression.
“Lord of the House, we don’t desire such rewards…”
“Yes, I understand Gamonim’s intention.”
Jo Ha-seong nodded, lightly tapping on the chest.
“We’re giving this as a token of our appreciation. We just want to offer it to you.”
“Why is that?”
“Well, you know…”
Jo Ha-seong smiled slyly.
“Let’s call it an investment towards Gamonim.”
‘Oh no.’
Yerin was momentarily startled. Did I just take away the flag Doyul should’ve raised?
“Moreover, we’ve had the opportunity to meet Gamonim and the Lady of the Palace. It wouldn’t be right for us if you leave empty-handed.”
“But…”
“To make it more convenient for you, you can exchange this voluminous box for vouchers that can be used on the battlefield.”
Ha-seong concluded decisively, urging them not to refuse.
‘Hmm.’
There was no point in resisting when it came to this. Yerin decided to express her gratitude quietly.
“Thank you.”
“Truly, we’re grateful for saving our daughter.”
“Father, why do you say such things!”
Yeon-joo protested.
After some appropriate small talk, the four of them stepped outside.
‘Alright.’
Yerin was quite satisfied with today’s results. She felt she had made a favorable impression on Jo Ha-seong, and on top of that, she unexpectedly gained additional income.
At that moment, Yeon-joo quickly added, “Unni, if you need more, just say the word.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“Well, the reward you received for saving us.”
Yeon-joo’s eyes sparkled with determination.
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Translator Note:
Hello there! This is Sid. I hope you liked it<3
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