When the Black Moon Rises - Chapter 24
Chapter 24
As everyone remained silent, the guest slowly crossed the threshold.
Blank stares followed her every move.
The pitch-black clothes enveloping the guest’s body didn't lose their color even under the bright sunlight.
Like old bloodstains, or a crow’s wings.
“How strange.”
Dark and ominous as it appeared, no one could deny how perfectly it suited her.
“Is this how guests are treated at banquets? Being made to stand here while everyone stares is so awkward and embarrassing, I feel like turning back.”
As these words flowed from coldly upturned red lips, the host of today's banquet finally snapped out of her daze.
“Oh my, I've lost my manners. Yeonju, what are you doing? Attend to your cousin!”
Only then did Sa Yeonju, who had been staring blankly at Sehwa, come to her senses. Hurriedly rising, she pointed to the seat beside her.
“Sister, this way! You can sit next to me.”
“...”
Sehwa remained motionless, simply gazing at the banquet host.
‘What is it? Does she expect me to escort her?’
Just as the host, having made that assumption, descended from the seat of honor—
Sehwa's slippered feet moved.
Walking straight through the center of the banquet hall, she sat down upon the seat of honor as if it were her rightful place.
“...!”
Startled gazes darted between Sehwa and the host.
Sensing the stares, the host quickly composed herself, forcing a smile.
“It seems the Elder's daughter is mistaken, that seat is—"
“You’ve already poured yourself a drink and helped yourself to the food.”
After examining the table before her, Sehwa spoke coldly, dispensing with even a perfunctory smile.
“The word ‘mistaken’ is rather amusing. If this isn’t my seat, then where exactly did you intend to place me?”
“...”
Sehwa's frigid gaze swept over the clan members occupying each seat in the banquet hall.
The host, her smile faltering, hesitated before glancing at Sa Yeonju.
As a member of the Sa Clan, Yeonju wasn't entitled to a prominent seat at such gatherings.
Though hardly a place befitting an Elder's daughter, they had assumed—based on Yeonju's portrayal of Ju Sehwa as weak and dependent—that a seat beside her would suffice.
Catching the host's eye, Yeonju bit her lip, then spoke, unable to withstand the silent pressure.
“S-Sister… That seat belongs to Sister Suyeon, the banquet's host. You should come over here.”
“Yeonju, despite attending so many banquets, you still haven't learned. You shouldn't interrupt like that. It's improper etiquette.”
“Huh?”
What was this about?
She'd never been silenced at a banquet before. Why this sudden lecture on etiquette?
“E-Etiquette? …What etiquette?”
“What etiquette, you ask? Did the Mystic Ruler not clearly distinguish between the main family's blood and that of the branch families?” Sehwa replied with an indifferent tone.
“Therefore, as a Sa, you may only speak at these banquets when permitted by a member of the main family. So raise your hand and seek permission before speaking.”
“!”
“I’ve remained silent until now, unaware of your conduct elsewhere, but such ignorance is unacceptable here. What will others think of you, and of me, who instructed you?”
“...”
Though her voice remained casual, the words themselves were anything but.
The chasm between the Ju and Sa Clans.
It was a direct hit to Yeonju's most vulnerable spot.
Seeing her cousin's eyes tremble as if struck by lightning, Sehwa added nonchalantly, “Moreover, I was speaking with someone. In such instances, you must wait patiently until someone acknowledges your desire to speak. Understood?”
Yeonju's fists clenched within her sleeves. The public humiliation, the blatant attack on her status, was infuriating.
But even more galling than the order to remain silent unless spoken to—
“As a Sa…”
Those words made her blood boil.
‘…Just who does she think she is?’
Simply fortunate to be born to the right parents. That was all, yet she dared to act so superior?
Fortunately, reason prevailed. She needed to regain control before anyone noticed her agitation.
“H-how…” Yeonju's face contorted with feigned sorrow. “How could you misunderstand so? I simply meant to guide you, thinking you might be unfamiliar with the seating arrangements, having rarely attended such banquets.”
In such situations, one had to appear even more aggrieved than the opponent.
“Raising my hand might not be enough… perhaps I should stand here?”
Yeonju rose shakily, wiping nonexistent tears while her voice trembled. “With my seat so far from yours, it might be burdensome for you to notice me seeking permission to speak… Or perhaps, if you moved me closer…”
“What burden? If you wish to stand, then stand. You’re quite visible that way. Do so from now on.”
“…What?” Stunned, Yeonju momentarily forgot her act.
“Why? Is there a problem?”
“N-no… That’s not it…”
‘What is she doing? Is she not concerned about her reputation? By enforcing obsolete etiquette and humiliating me publicly, does she want everyone to know how cruel she is?’
Blinking in disbelief, Yeonju quickly lowered her head, remembering the surrounding gazes.
Feigning a tearful voice, as if deeply offended, she asked again, “So, I must stand like this throughout the banquet, awaiting your permission each time I wish to speak? Is that truly your desire?”
“Yes.”
“...”
“Do so. Regardless of our personal relationship, we cannot disregard customs and etiquette in public. It's commendable that you've grasped your place so quickly.”
At this, Yeonju could no longer maintain her composure. A bitter laugh escaped her lips. “…You’re telling me to stand here for the entire banquet?”
“If you have something to say, then yes. How else will you be noticed and granted permission to speak?”
“...”
“You certainly are more visible standing there.”
As Yeonju stood speechless and Sehwa appeared bored, as if explaining the obvious to a simpleton, amused glances darted between them.
Sensing the shift in the banquet hall's atmosphere, Sehwa suddenly asked, “Since you’re standing, tell me. You claimed to be guiding me… where, in your opinion, should I be seated?”
“That’s…” Yeonju started to point towards the insignificant seat beside her own.
But she couldn't.
It was absurd to suggest that the daughter of a core Elder, closest in blood to the Mystic Ruler, should be relegated to such a remote corner.
Yet, pointing to another's seat would be tantamount to demanding they vacate it for Ju Sehwa, an equally impossible proposition.
Yeonju remained silent.
Seeing that the Sa wouldn't handle the matter appropriately, the host stepped in with a flawlessly polite smile. “Naturally, Elder Myoungyoon’s daughter should sit at the seat of honor.”
“...”
“My apologies, I merely meant to explain that I had unintentionally soiled the seat and would have it cleaned and a fresh table prepared immediately.”
“I see. For a moment, I thought you intended to offer me leftovers.”
“Oh my, how could you suggest such a thing?”
“What a relief. My fragile constitution nearly succumbed to the shock. I might have been forced to inform the Mystic Ruler that I was unable to fulfill my duties due to ill health.”
“...”
“But will preparing a new table take long? It’s rather uncomfortable to sit here without refreshments.”
Then, Yeonju suddenly interjected, “Sister Suyeon, there’s no need. A table has already been prepared for Sister. Simply have it brought here.”
Even then, Sehwa continued to gaze at the host, calmly inquiring, “Will you do so?”
“…Of course not.”
At Ju Suyeon’s signal, servants hurried in. They swiftly removed the table before Sehwa and tidied the area. Moments later, a table far grander than any other was placed before Sehwa.
The host ended up having to squeeze onto a small table beside Sehwa, but even then, Sehwa merely smiled without protest. “You are well-versed in etiquette.”
'...Just what is with this Elder's daughter? Why does she speak so much?'
Ju Suyeon, the host, was at a loss. She couldn't decipher whether this haughty demeanor stemmed from desperation over the impending Baek Clan marriage or if it was simply Ju Sehwa's true nature.
'She was certainly different before… Yeonju’s descriptions were always consistent…’
But more than her attitude, her behavior was utterly unlike a first-time attendee. Even if one had memorized every rule, a newcomer would typically defer to established custom. This woman, however, acted as if she were a seasoned veteran of such events.
Taking advantage of their proximity, Suyeon cautiously inquired, “Regarding the matter of the Baek Clan…”
“Yes?”
“Are you truly going?”
“Naturally. How could I refuse such an important duty, having received the clan's grace? The Mystic Ruler has entrusted me with a vital task; I must obey.”
“But you must go alone into the heart of the rebels' territory… Are you not afraid?”
“I am. That is precisely why I am here.” With that, Sehwa signaled to the person standing behind her.
Youngsun, at the signal, swiftly produced something from within her robes and proceeded to distribute it to each person present. They were sealed letters.
A recipient, puzzled, asked, “What is this?”
“You expect me to divulge such matters here? I am not so devoid of discretion. Read it in private.”
Discretion? Private? At those words, several people, unable to contain their curiosity, opened their letters immediately. “….!!” Eyes widened as they scanned the contents of the thin papers.
“H-how… how did you…” someone stammered. As the words were uttered, every gaze in the hall snapped towards the speaker.
Belatedly realizing the attention, the person frantically shoved the letter into their sleeve, their face paling. ‘How could that woman know about such things…’
Detailed accounts of their secret indulgences and transgressions were laid bare, as if recorded by an unseen observer. It was as if someone had been watching their every move, documenting their hidden sins with meticulous detail.
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