Editor : VCubed
Chapter 99
Yerin narrowed her eyes as she gazed at the Lord.
“Hangju is vast, with many scenic spots.”
“Yes?”
“Among them, there’s one place I like the most.”
“….”
It felt like she had become a bamboo forest, listening to the Lord’s soliloquy. But it was a bit much to say, ‘Just get to the point,’ to the solemn elder.
Yerin quietly closed her mouth and listened to the Lord.
“There’s a temple called Seongwangsa, where azaleas bloom beautifully.”
“Are you suggesting we visit the temple?”
“Yes. Whenever my mind is troubled, I go there to burn incense, and it helps to calm my mind.”
The Lord suggested with a voice mixed with laughter.
“Since it’s also the season when azaleas bloom, it wouldn’t be bad to visit once. What do you think?”
“Well, I…”
“It’s quiet and secluded, so it’s also nice for couples to spend time together.”
Yerin felt a bit perplexed.
Why was everyone so insistent on letting Doyul and her have some time alone?
Even the Lord now…
“But we should visit the Sacheon Fortress soon.”
With that judgment, Yerin intended to politely decline.
“Thank you for the recommendation, but…”
At that moment…
“Huh?”
She felt a tingling sensation from the side.
Glancing discreetly, she saw Doyul’s eyes sparkling.
It seems he really wants to visit that temple.
That eager expression was just…
“Cute.”
Yerin felt her lips involuntarily loosen.
Wouldn’t a puppy wag its tail, begging its owner for a walk?
‘How can I refuse when he’s looking at me like that?’
Sigh, I have to endure having such a rabbit-like husband.
Yerin sighed and changed her mind.
“…Since you recommended it so eagerly, we’ll go visit. Thank you.”
“Very well.”
The Lord chuckled, stroking his beard.
Although Doyul didn’t show his joy outwardly, Yerin saw it.
Under the table, Doyul’s hands clenched into fists.
* * *
After the meal ended,
“Take care on your way.”
“We’ll see each other again.”
The Lord of the Murim Alliance personally bid farewell to Yerin and Doyul.
But even as she received the farewell, Yerin’s expression wasn’t entirely relaxed.
‘…It’s a bit awkward to just leave it like this.’
She was concerned about the medicine the Lord had received from her father.
Of course, she knew she was worrying too much.
But wouldn’t it be better to prepare a little rather than continuing to feel uncomfortable without doing anything?
‘Okay.’
Determined, Yerin took a step forward.
“Lord.”
“Yes? What’s the matter?”
“Here’s a gift from me.”
What Yerin handed to the Lord was a small box coated with lacquer.
Opening it revealed a single pill of pure white medicine.
“What’s this?”
“It’s called Snow Lotus Elixir.”
The Lord couldn’t hide his surprise at her strange answer.
“Snow Lotus Elixir? If it’s Snow Lotus Elixir…”
Snow Lotus Elixir was the main medicine of the North Sea Ice Palace, made from snow lotus as the main ingredient.
Although it is not as effective as the Thousand-Year Snow Lotus Elixir, it is a rare elixir that is difficult to find on the market.
Yerin smiled brightly.
“It’s a small token of appreciation. I thought since you’ve been working hard in many ways lately, you should take care of your health a bit.”
“No, this seems like too much of a gift.”
“It’s nothing special, please accept it.”
Yerin forcefully placed the box in the Lord’s hand and quickly retreated.
“I’d feel embarrassed if you refused, Lord.”
But even as she spoke, Yerin didn’t let up.
She quickly explained about Snow Lotus Elixir.
“It increases energy and inner strength when consumed, and although it’s mild, it also has detoxifying abilities. Please keep it and use it when needed.”
“But…”
“You need to be healthy for us to feel at ease, Lord.”
Seeing Yerin speak so earnestly, the Lord couldn’t bring himself to refuse.
“…I understand. Thank you.”
“Not at all.”
After exchanging a few courteous words, Yerin and Doyul, accompanied by a guide from the Alliance, exited the Lord’s residence.
Watching their departing figures with a satisfied expression, the Lord absentmindedly toyed with the box in his hand.
“Snow Lotus Elixir…”
In truth, as the Lord of the Alliance, he had opportunities to encounter various medicines. However, Snow Lotus Elixir was quite rare in the Central Plains. Even its main ingredient, snow lotus, was difficult to find.
Moreover…
‘It feels like listening to concerns from a granddaughter.’
He had dedicated his life to the martial world. Being too busy, he never even had a family. While he didn’t regret how he spent his time, receiving such consideration from his pseudo-granddaughter, Yerin, felt strange.
“Hmm…”
Feeling warmth in his heart, the Lord coughed a few times and tucked the box into his sleeve.
* * *
Meanwhile, outside the martial arts hall,
“Shall we head to Seongwangsa, then?”
“Excuse me?”
Doyul’s eyes widened.
Wait, are we going there right away?
Yerin shrugged as if to say, ‘What’s so surprising?’
“If you want to make a quick decision, let’s head to Seongwangsa from now.”
“W-Well, I suppose so…”
“After visiting Seongwangsa, we can stay at Hangju tonight and head to Sacheon Fortress tomorrow morning directly.”
It was a very efficient suggestion from Yerin’s perspective.
‘Feels like roasting beans over a fire, but…’
Yerin felt more excited about visiting Seongwangsa with Doyul alone.
“Okay.”
Doyul nodded quickly.
– ‘But then, what about me?!’
Bark!
Millennium Ice Crystal, with an annoyed expression, suddenly intervened in the conversation.
– ‘Are you excluding me and going out to have fun?’
“….”
Of course she was.
‘You’re like an oblivious puppy.’
Doyul glared at Millennium Ice Crystal, who barged in with a discontented expression.
Millennium Ice Crystal whimpered in anger.
– ‘You two went out and ate delicious food without me! How can you leave me out like this?’
“You had candy while waiting, didn’t you?”
– ‘Candy and meat are the same? How can a person live on snacks alone? You have to eat a meal!’
Millennium Ice Crystal was really upset.
Seeing Millennium Ice Crystal deeply distressed, Yerin suddenly made a proposal.
“What about you choose?”
– ‘What do you mean?’
“Do you want to wait leisurely at the inn, order plenty of meat dishes, and take a nap while waiting for us? Or do you want to come with us to the temple?”
– ‘Meat?’
Millennium Ice Crystal’s ears perked up.
Yerin smiled and continued.
“While Doyul and I visit Seongwangsa, naturally, you won’t be able to enjoy the meat and sweet foods you want.”
– ‘……’
“Well, I won’t stop you if you insist on coming with us. What will it be?”
Millennium Ice Crystal fell into deep contemplation.
A moment later…
– ‘…In that case, give me candy.’
“Huh?”
Yerin tilted her head in confusion.
Millennium Ice Crystal opened its eyes wide, meeting Yerin’s gaze.
– ‘I’m your contract beast. Where’s the fairness in excluding me? You promised to give me more candy if I waited quietly.’
“Oh, was that what you meant?”
– ‘Yes. Hurry up and give me candy.’
Yerin took out a piece of candy and handed it to Millennium Ice Crystal’s mouth.
Millennium Ice Crystal happily chewed on the candy, then spoke again.
– ‘I’ll be waiting at the inn, so make sure to order plenty of meat dishes. I feel like eating chicken this time.’
“Sure, got it.”
Suppressing the laughter trying to burst out, Yerin replied.
* * *
After leaving Millennium Ice Crystal with numerous meat dishes at the inn, Yerin and Doyul headed to Seongwangsa.
Seongwangsa was a small temple nestled in the middle of a gentle mountain.
As the Lord had mentioned, azaleas bloomed profusely from the entrance of the temple, painting it with shades of pink.
“The entrance is filled with blooming azaleas. And…”
Yerin looked around expansively.
“As the Lord said, it’s really secluded here.”
The first thing that caught their eyes was a large Buddha statue.
Apart from a few people offering incense in front of it, there were only a few others around.
The two walked slowly, taking in the serene scenery of the temple.
Then…
“Oh, look over there.”
Yerin, who was leading the way, pointed towards the area near the Buddha statue.
“There are stone towers.”
Near the Buddha statue, small stone towers made of piled stones crowded together.
Some people offering incense were also stacking stones one by one, clasping their hands together.
“It seems like it’s a place for making wishes, right?”
“It seems so.”
“In that case, I should make a wish too.”
Picking up a stone from the ground, Yerin approached the Buddha statue.
She clasped her hands together and closed her eyes tightly.
Doyul stood beside her, gazing at Yerin’s profile.
“……”
Looking at her long eyelashes casting a faint shadow on her pale face… Somehow, he felt an urge to gently stroke those eyelashes.
‘Hold it in.’
Doyul squeezed his hands into fists and turned his head away.
