When the Black Moon Rises - Chapter 133
Chapter 133
King Ik-gwon treated them with utmost sincerity.
Yesterday, he hadn’t dared to offer them anything more, intimidated by the celestial being attending to the unconscious woman.
So, to avoid disturbing them, King Ik-gwon had everyone withdraw from the area around their quarters, leaving only a few palace servants nearby to attend to their needs.
Early that morning, he received news that the celestial beings had awakened.
King Ik-gwon hadn’t slept a wink, having watched the rain fall all night.
But the moment he heard the news, he personally oversaw the preparations for fresh clothes, bathwater, honey water, and breakfast.
He even carried the large breakfast tray into their room himself.
It wasn't befitting a king, but he would do anything for his saviors.
Rain clouds still lingered in the sky.
So, even with the windows open, the room, without any candles lit, was dimly lit.
Yet, the two celestial beings, freshly bathed and dressed in clean clothes, were dazzling.
Even King Ik-gwon, who had already seen them up close, paused as he entered with the tray.
‘…And somehow… they seem even closer than yesterday… Is it just my imagination?’
King Ik-gwon carefully avoided staring and placed the tray before them.
The food on the tray wasn’t plentiful or particularly exquisite.
But considering that people were starving and would gather for even a handful of grain, it was a feast, representing his best efforts.
Still worried that it might seem insufficient, he explained, his voice almost pleading, that the palace coffers weren't full, and this was all he could offer.
Since Sehwa had no appetite and declined the food, only Baek Giha sat before the tray.
“Come here too. Sehwa.”
His gentle voice was a caress.
“It tastes good. You haven’t eaten in a while. Just try a little, okay?”
His voice was so soft and sweet…
Even King Ik-gwon felt his ears turning red, even though the words weren’t directed at him.
“I don’t have much of an appetite. You eat.”
“Still… just a little. Okay?”
He urged her again.
His dazzlingly handsome face seemed even more radiant today, and his warm smile made Sehwa’s eyes redden.
“Alright.”
Whether she was captivated by his face or she couldn’t refuse his repeated requests…
She felt a flicker of appetite, even though she hadn't been hungry before.
As she approached the table, Baek Giha offered her his seat and placed an unused set of chopsticks and a spoon before her.
He then picked up a piece of yukjeon, thinly sliced beef coated in egg batter and pan-fried, and held it to her lips.
“What are you doing? There’s someone here.”
“So what if there is?”
“......”
“Just try one. This one is the best.”
King Ik-gwon, feeling like a third wheel, seriously considered excusing himself and leaving the room.
It was then.
“…Y-Your Majesty…”
A eunuch called out to King Ik-gwon from beyond the multiple doors.
“What is it? I told you not to disturb me.”
“It’s just… that… more celestial beings have arrived at the palace.”
“…What?”
King Ik-gwon's expression changed at the word “celestial beings.”
He was worried that more of those disaster-causing monsters had come to the palace.
After a moment of tense silence, the eunuch continued, “Unlike before, there are about ten of them this time. The one who seems to be in charge wishes to see the two noble guests currently residing in the palace. What should I do?”
They wished to see the two noble guests?
King Ik-gwon blinked, glancing at Sehwa and Baek Giha. But he didn't dare ask them for instructions.
Sehwa and Baek Giha exchanged glances.
The only gate to the Human Realm was located in the Ju Clan’s outpost.
That was why only Sehwa and Baek Giha, who could conceal their presence from the outpost soldiers, had been able to move freely in the Human Realm.
They had even carefully maintained a barrier on the gate during their fight with the Corrupt Dragon to prevent the Ju Clan from finding out.
Had the Ju Clan outpost soldiers noticed something?
Or had they been sent to the Human Realm on the Corrupt Dragon’s orders?
Tension filled the room.
Baek Giha’s eyes narrowed as he asked in a low voice, “Who is it? Are they the ones who have been interfering with the palace?”
“No. It’s someone we haven’t seen before. He calls himself Baek Manyong, Chancellor of the Baek Clan, and he says he’s here to see the Clan Head.”
“?!”
“?!”
Baek Giha and Sehwa froze, hearing the name they shouldn’t have heard.
‘…Did the eunuch just say…’
Unable to believe his ears, Baek Giha asked again, “…Who?”
“He said he’s Baek Manyong, Chancellor of the Baek Clan.”
“......”
King Ik-gwon and Sehwa looked at Baek Giha.
Under their gazes, Baek Giha slowly put down his chopsticks.
This place was originally under the Ju Clan's control. There was only one way for Baek Manyong to enter the Human Realm without any other changes in circumstances.
He couldn't have gotten permission from the injured Mystic Ruler.
And the outpost soldiers wouldn't have let Baek Manyong and the Baek Clan warriors pass without the Mystic Ruler’s orders.
“......”
His face darkened as he pressed his hand against his forehead.
He looked like he wanted to go to a dark, empty room and be alone, forgetting about food and everything else.
His lips trembled as he spoke, “Our…”
“......”
“…Manyong… has done it again…”
The area in front of the palace was in an uproar.
The long-awaited rain had stopped early in the morning after falling for only one night.
But throughout the night, it had fallen like shimmering stardust, each drop sparkling with light.
The earth, absorbing the raindrops, had not only recovered from the drought, but had become more fertile than ever before.
The crops, which the people had sown on the parched land with a sliver of hope, had grown and ripened at an unbelievable speed. The grains, plentiful and heavy, weighed down the stalks.
Lush, green plants filled the land, as if the time of withered crops had never been.
Everything was vibrant, almost blindingly so.
Even the people, who had run through the rain all night, unable to believe this miracle, were the same.
Far from catching a cold, their weakened bodies had been revitalized by the rain, their complexions improving, their skin seemingly fairer.
How could such an unbelievable thing happen?
Naturally, the people's attention turned to the palace, where the celestial beings who had brought this miracle resided.
The celestial being who had brought the rain had collapsed and been taken to the palace, so they wondered if she had awakened, if she was alright, and if they would have a chance to express their gratitude.
Those who had welcomed the mystical rain throughout the night now gathered in front of the palace gates.
Even though the palace guards told them to leave, they only moved a short distance away, no one willing to go home.
It was in this situation that more celestial beings appeared.
Clip-clop, clip-clop.
The people turned their heads at the sound of approaching hooves and froze, seeing the newcomers.
The figures approaching them on horseback looked human.
But the awe-inspiring aura surrounding them left no doubt that they were something more.
And they were so strikingly handsome…
The people, having recovered from their hunger and thirst thanks to the miraculous rain and regaining their strength, blushed as they looked at them, having forgotten their despair and the brink of death they had been on just yesterday.
The palace guards were the same.
They had been staring blankly, unable to believe their eyes, since the group approached the palace, and when the one who seemed to be their leader addressed them directly, they were even more surprised.
“I’ve come to see my Clan Head, who is currently residing here. Hurry inside and inform him.”
“C-Clan Head…?”
There were only two celestial beings who had entered the palace, so he must be referring to one of them.
The guard, about to rush inside, thankfully realized he hadn't asked about their identity.
Worried about offending them, he asked cautiously, “But… I need to know who you are to deliver the message. May I ask for your esteemed name?”
“Of course. That’s no trouble at all. I am the eternal Chancellor of the Baek Clan, dedicated to serving my Clan Head. With my profound knowledge and sharp insight, I serve as the closest aide to the Divine Beast who has returned after a thousand years, devoting myself day and night to bringing endless prosperity and abundance to the Mystic Realm, yet never seeking recognition for my efforts, for I am humble and considerate, and moreover, I am blessed with handsome features, exceptional martial arts skills, and a reputation too long to list…”
“Ahem.”
One of the Baek Clan warriors standing behind him cleared his throat softly.
“…What?”
“Chancellor, you said we were short on time and urged us to hurry. Shouldn’t we inform the Clan Head quickly?”
“What are you talking about? I’m trying to tell him my name so he can be informed quickly.”
“......”
“Where was I? …You interrupted me and made me lose my composure. I will remember this.”
“!”
“Anyway… I don’t remember where I left off, so… I’m Baek Manyong.”
The guard, who had been listening intently, couldn't help but ask, “What?” at the abrupt conclusion.
The Baek Clan Chancellor, mortified by his loss of face, frowned.
He would definitely not let that Baek Clan warrior get away with this when they returned to the Mystic Realm.
However, since this human soldier wasn't at fault, the Baek Clan Chancellor repeated his name, “I’m Baek Manyong.”
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