When the Black Moon Rises - Chapter 34
Chapter 34
“A… lover?” Ju Kyunghyun’s brows furrowed in disbelief. However, before he could finish the two-syllable question, his face hardened. His eyes sharpened, and he pressed Sa Yeonju.
“A lover? What has she been doing lately to spark such rumors?”
“Well, that’s… Oh! I heard you haven't had a meal for a long time, so I prepared a little something. How about we talk while you have a simple bite?”
“No need. I won’t be staying long.”
“Please have just a little. If anyone finds out that we neglected your hospitality, Young Lord, we will all be blamed.”
Sa Yeonju signaled toward the door, and her maids brought in a table laden with food and drinks.
“You are the next Mystic Ruler of the Mystic Realm, Young Lord, and the future ruler of both the Mystic Realm and the Human Realm. You are the most precious person.”
“…”
“Even if you don't have an appetite, please try a little. Allow me to pour you a drink.”
Ju Kyunghyun, a man who demanded that everything go his way, was slightly annoyed by Sa Yeonju's presumptuous behavior. But she wasn't wrong.
Wasn’t all of this due to his special birth and noble position?
Considering the gossip that would spread if his treatment was neglected, Sa Yeonju's actions were certainly understandable.
‘This cousin is from the Sa Clan, right?’
The branch families of the Sa Clan were also among the clans he would eventually rule.
‘It wouldn't hurt to show a generous and benevolent side.’
As Ju Kyunghyun remained silent, Sa Yeonju approached him under the pretense of refilling his cup, sitting beside him.
“Alright, tell me about this lover first. What has she been doing to cause such rumors?”
“Well, she constantly sighs as if she’s thinking of someone. And even though she’s been ill, she neglects her health, going out and not returning until late at night.”
“…”
“She’s completely different from how she used to be. Those who don't know any better can only assume it's because of a lover, right?”
While fabricating stories, Sa Yeonju attentively catered to Ju Kyunghyun. She picked up food with her chopsticks and brought it to his lips, her hands busily refilling his cup.
Although he wasn’t particularly hungry, as the drinks flowed, Ju Kyunghyun's mood relaxed considerably. Before he knew it, Sa Yeonju had moved behind him and begun massaging his shoulders. Her touch, as she pressed on his pressure points, was both gentle and firm. The tension slowly eased from his stiff shoulders.
“You wouldn’t pay any mind to such wicked rumors, would you, Young Lord?” Sa Yeonju whispered in his ear, implying that he should visit Sehwa more often.
“It must be so tiring for you, assisting the Mystic Ruler and taking care of the clan. I’ll massage your shoulders like this every time you come to see Sister.”
Her meticulously manicured white fingertips caressed Ju Kyunghyun's firm neck and ear.
“Does that hurt?”
“It feels good. Press harder.”
At Ju Kyunghyun’s words, Sa Yeonju's eyes sparkled. She kneaded his knotted muscles with even greater care.
The proud women of the Ju Clan despised such fawning behavior, but what did it matter? What good was the pride of being a blood relative of the ruling family?
‘I will step on all of you and rise above. No matter what, this man will be mine.’
Just then, a soft laugh rang out, and Ju Kyunghyun's gaze swiftly turned.
Ju Sehwa, having returned unnoticed, stood at the door, laughing at the scene before her.
“Sehwa!”
Crash!
“Ouch!”
As Ju Kyunghyun hurriedly stood up, Sa Yeonju, who had been massaging his shoulders, tumbled backward. A bottle of alcohol on the table fell and shattered.
“Young Lord! Wait! Just a moment!”
Even as her skirt was soaked in spilled alcohol and her skin was scratched by shards of glass, drawing blood, Sa Yeonju continued to call out to Ju Kyunghyun.
However, Ju Kyunghyun, without even glancing at her writhing in pain on the floor, approached Sehwa.
Sa Yeonju bit her lip as she stared at the Young Lord’s back. Her hands clenched painfully, scraping against the floor.
‘This is why…’
‘This is why I have to take him away. Because if I don’t, he won’t be mine.’
Sehwa handed the leaves from her sleeve to Youngsun and repeatedly emphasized, "They must be dried thoroughly. Not a trace of moisture should remain."
"But are you sure this will work? If this was known, everyone would be picking Spirit Tree leaves already."
"Other Spirit Trees won't do. It has to be from *that* tree."
Youngsun couldn't understand what made the Spirit Tree they had just seen so special among the countless others. But if her lady said so, then it must be true; there was no need to question it.
"If we place them near the fireplace, they'll dry quickly in a few hours. I'll keep watch!"
As they were approaching the mansion, a servant who had been anxiously pacing by the main gate ran towards them with a bright expression.
"You're here, Young Lady! The Young Lord has been waiting since midday."
"What?"
"It's been quite a while. Young Lady Yeonju brought in refreshments, so please hurry inside, Young Lady."
“…Who brought in refreshments?” Sehwa was so dumbfounded that she chuckled.
“That’s ridiculous. Don't ever let that child into the mansion again.”
“Pardon? Lady Yeonju?”
“Yes. And when she leaves today, make sure she takes nothing with her. Send her away empty-handed. Understood?”
‘The beating wasn’t enough, was it? She came back here on her own.’
Of course, Sehwa had a good idea why Sa Yeonju had returned.
‘Bringing in refreshments... What could she possibly be doing?’
Curious, she strode towards the annex building and peeked inside. The sight that greeted her was even more absurd.
Sa Yeonju, with her neckline exposed, was practically pressing herself against Ju Kyunghyun, massaging him like a courtesan. Her intentions were obvious.
‘I was truly blind in my past life.’
Such behavior must have been going on for a while, yet she was only now seeing it clearly.
She laughed again in disbelief, and Ju Kyunghyun's gaze immediately followed.
“Sehwa!” His smile as he called her name was still bright and his gaze sweet.
Looking at his perpetually composed face, Sehwa asked, “What are you doing here so late?”
“Huh?” Ju Kyunghyun, who had been approaching her affectionately, stopped in his tracks.
“It's late. I'm asking why you're still here at this hour.”
“…”
Ju Kyunghyun, momentarily stunned, furrowed his brows slightly.
“It seems you're aware that it's late. Why are you out until this hour?” Moreover, there were unpleasant rumors circulating about her, and yet she was wandering around outside, oblivious.
"You should behave modestly and be mindful of your conduct. That's how you can maintain your relationship with me."
‘What?’
“…”
Sehwa, momentarily speechless, let out a low chuckle. She was so flabbergasted that laughter escaped her involuntarily.
Seeing this, Ju Kyunghyun softened his stern expression and his eyes gentled again.
“Are you angry because I came so late? You know I'm preoccupied with the war reparations, don't you? I've been busy. Please understand.”
“…”
“But I came to see you as soon as things settled down. So, tell me, where have you-.”
“What have you been doing?”
“What?”
“I asked what you've been doing regarding the war reparations that kept you so busy. Other elders have exhausted themselves to the point of damaging their Core by extracting their Spiritual Power. Did you extract yours as well, Young Lord?”
“…”
“Or did you offer reparations from the treasury?”
“…”
“Or did you perhaps consider going to the Baek Clan yourself? It’s late, but have you been preparing to go to the front lines to defend them yourself?”
“…”
Sehwa scanned Ju Kyunghyun's elaborately adorned attire from head to toe.
“I don’t see any evidence of your efforts. What were you so busy doing?”
“…”
His inability to answer a single question was pathetic.
‘Coward.’
As Sehwa turned coldly to leave, Ju Kyunghyun’s large hand quickly grabbed her shoulder.
“Ju Sehwa.”
“Young Lord!” At that moment, Youngsun quickly stepped between them.
“My lady collapsed unconscious from a high fever and only just regained consciousness. It hasn’t even been two days.”
“Ah…”
The tight grip on Sehwa’s shoulder loosened.
‘Right. She’s about to depart for the Baek Clan alone; she must be feeling anxious and wants to lash out at someone. It can't be easy.’
Even though Sehwa used this opportunity to pull away, he didn't feel angry this time.
“But you should never speak to me like that again. This is the only time I’ll tolerate such uncouth language,” Ju Kyunghyun warned in a relatively gentle voice, then motioned for her to leave with a tilt of his chin. "You must be tired."
“The Mystic Ruler has ordered both of us to return to the Mystic Realm. I came to tell you about it, but for now, rest. I’ll come back tomorrow.”
“I don’t have a pass,” Sehwa replied, extending her hand towards Ju Kyunghyun.
“Since I’ll be going alone, why don’t you give me your pass for the gate while you’re here?”
“…”
‘What’s with her tone?’
Not only did she not rush out to greet him, but she made him wait indefinitely. And now, without a shred of apology, she was speaking to him so presumptuously.
Utterly bewildered, Ju Kyunghyun blinked in confusion.
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