When the Black Moon Rises - Chapter 152
Chapter 152
The Captain cautiously suggested to Elder Simjung, “…If you don’t believe Munju is the culprit, perhaps you could investigate the others here.”
A few of the warriors agreed. “Indeed. I’ve known Munju and the others for a long time, so it’s hard for me to suspect them. But this is a matter of life and death for you, Elder.”
“Perhaps it was a mistake, an accident. So, instead of assuming someone acted with malice, consider the possibility that there might be other circumstances.”
Even though they were suggesting he investigate further, it seemed they already suspected Jae Munju.
And strangely, Elder Simjung felt the same way.
As Elder Simjung’s gaze turned to Jae Munju, she vehemently denied it. “Elder! I swear, it wasn’t me!”
Jae Munju’s voice trembled, tears welling up in her eyes. “I don’t understand why I’m being accused. I just want to clear my name.”
“Then how about a body search?”
“…!” Jae Munju froze at Sehwa’s words.
Sehwa smiled gently. “What’s wrong?” she asked sweetly. “Didn't you say you wanted to clear your name?”
“…B-But we’re outdoors…” Jae Munju replied. “I might not be a Baek Clan member, but I’ve lived here long enough to know their customs. A woman’s honor lies in modesty, in keeping her body covered at all times.”
“......”
“But this is a chasm, there’s nowhere to hide.” Jae Munju looked around with a distressed expression. “Even if the men turn around, are you really going to strip me and search my body in front of all these people?”
“Ah, that’s true… that’s a bit much…” the others murmured in agreement.
Meanwhile, the black veins continued to spread across Elder Simjung’s body.
Feeling the paralysis spreading to his other leg and left arm, Elder Simjung said to Sehwa, “She’s right. Even though my life is in danger, I can’t humiliate a woman like this, in front of so many people. It seems I’m not capable of handling this. I’ll leave it to you, young lady.”
As if worried that she might misunderstand, he added, “But please consider this: if she’s proven innocent after a forced body search, you will be held responsible for damaging her reputation.”
Jae Munju looked smug as Sehwa’s gaze shifted to her.
“I understand that honor is a serious matter here,” Sehwa said, her voice flat. “And that searching your body here would damage your reputation as a woman. But you would agree to anything to clear your name, wouldn’t you? If the circumstances allowed?”
“Of course!”
“Then if it’s not a body search, you’ll agree to any method I propose?”
“Yes. But before that, may I ask you two things?”
“Go ahead.”
“I don’t mean to interfere with your esteemed plans, Lady Ju, but first, I would like to know how you will restore my honor if I’m proven innocent.”
Sehwa, listening to her bold words, asked, “And second?”
“Second, you can use any method you like, but please don’t let anyone touch my body. Who knows if someone might plant evidence on me during the search?”
“That…!” Youngchae, enraged, was about to step forward, but Sehwa raised her hand to stop her.
Sehwa’s expression remained unchanged, despite the maid’s insolence.
“Is that all?”
“Yes. I’m simply asking for a fair and just process that everyone can agree on.”
“Very well. Then I’ll answer your requests. First, I will use a single method to determine the truth, and if you’re innocent, I will admit my mistake and apologize to you in front of everyone.”
“…!!!”
“My lady!”
“Quiet. Second, there’s no way to prove your guilt without touching you. But I understand your concerns, so no one will touch you. I’ll use a tool that makes it impossible to hide anything. Do you agree to this?”
“O-Of course! I’m willing!”
“So, to be clear, you’ll agree to any method I propose as long as it doesn't involve stripping you and as long as everyone agrees that it's a valid way to resolve this matter?”
“Yes.”
“Good. As you wish, my method will be undeniable.”
With that, Sehwa took two arrows from her quiver.
Whoosh!
A brilliant, five-colored light erupted, enveloping the arrows.
Sehwa examined them, then swung her hand.
Bang—!
Everyone flinched and closed their eyes at the sudden noise and tremor, then cautiously opened them.
“Perfect.”
Sehwa, having struck the ground with one of the arrows, handed them to Youngmoo and Youngsun. “Here, take these and give her a good beating.”
Jae Munju stared blankly, “What?”
‘What is she…?’
Elder Simjung, who had been watching with a skeptical eye, was the first to react. “What are you talking about?! Are you saying you'll beat her to death because you can’t find any other way to resolve this?!”
“This is the way,” Sehwa replied, as if she couldn’t understand his reaction. “What else can I do? I can’t strip her, so I have to beat her.” A gentle smile spread across her face. “I believe she used poison, and that she has the antidote. A lot of it. Because she seems to value her life very much.”
Sehwa tested the arrows’ flexibility, pulling them taut, and added, “But she probably discarded the poison, worried about the danger. And searching her would be difficult, so… if the antidote is in a bottle, we beat her until it breaks. If it’s on paper, we beat her until it tears.”
“Oh, it seems like the new Mystic Ruler will soon crush those Baek Clan fools.”
“What? Ah, is that traitor plan going well?”
“It seems so. So, will I finally have a chance to rip that Baek Giha bastard’s mouth apart?”
“I didn’t think much would come of it, just one elder and a few slaves, but it seems to be working quite well.”
“Those bastards are quite bold. They were slaves in the Ju Clan, but they're living comfortably here, even changing their names. Munju… as if they even have a clan.”
“I know, right? Giving those trash such special treatment… that’s why this happened.”
‘They almost destroyed the Baek Clan back then.’
Remembering the voices she had heard in the prison, Sehwa's voice hardened. “She said any method was acceptable as long as it seemed justified. So if anyone objects, come up with a better solution.”
“......”
Wasn't this method too cruel?
But no one could think of a better alternative.
Sehwa’s gaze sharpened. “If you don’t have any other suggestions, then step aside. Don’t interfere.”
Thwack!
“…!”
Thwack!
“…!!!”
The beating began.
Everyone watched, their eyes filled with fear.
Some wanted to object to Sehwa’s methods, but…
Elder Simjung’s condition was rapidly deteriorating.
They couldn't see how far the poison had spread beneath his clothes, but even his hands, exposed outside his sleeves, were turning black.
There was no telling when the poison would reach his heart and kill him.
Thwack!
“!!”
“Be careful not to draw blood. If the antidote is in powder form, she might discard it.”
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