When the Black Moon Rises - Side Story 14
Side Story 14
The people of the capital had been buzzing about the Funeral for days now. As if they had never voiced complaints against Seong Ik-gwon. Praise for how the heavens protected their King was widespread.
Was that all? Whenever they met someone, they reminisced about the Funeral, their conversations blossoming.
If it weren't for His Majesty, how could commoners like us have attended a Funeral presided over by celestials? Seeing the divine and enormous White Tiger, I almost fainted from fear, but His Majesty remained composed!
And what about the celestial's voice reciting the memorial text? How could such a gentle voice hold such powerful energy? Besides, when the sky split as if obeying the celestial's words, I unknowingly sank to the ground.
And what about the sight of that waterfall of light pouring down towards the altar? We are so fortunate. Otherwise, how could we have witnessed such a scene in our lifetime?
Did you see the small grass and flowers densely growing between the wooden coffins and the altar? Oh yes, yes. Of course, I saw them. Tender leaves and small fruits were even growing on the long-cut and trimmed wooden pillars.
The sight of it embracing the victims' belongings and coffins, as if truly guiding the souls to the path of rest, brought tears to my eyes.
They've returned to nature. Now they'll rest peacefully among the surrounding greenery and eventually enter the cycle of reincarnation someday. Those who had already wept profusely during the Funeral, feeling this, repeated the same words in conversation with everyone they met.
But even if they had heard the same words a hundred times, no one suggested stopping the topic or said they had heard enough.
It was the same for the palace attendants.
The palace attendants who couldn't attend lamented missing the rarest sight in the world and begged those who had attended to tell them more details.
As no one seemed to be talking about the Minister of Personnel or paying attention to unpleasant rumors, Seong Ik-gwon could finally feel relieved.
And for the first time in a long while, he lay down comfortably on his bedding.
‘Everything has been resolved well, so I should rest early today.’ With that thought, he lay down much earlier than usual.
“……”
It was better when he was busy working. Staring blankly at the ceiling in the dark room, useless thoughts kept appearing and disappearing in his mind.
For example, thoughts like these.
What if I had the same power as those celestials? The ability to instantly crush something like the Black Dragon's fragment? The ability to open the heavens and guide pitiful souls?
‘If so, I wouldn't have handled the Minister of Personnel's matter by escalating the commotion like this.’
A deep sigh quietly escaped. He had been hasty upon hearing that the Minister of Personnel had already obtained several fragments.
Moreover, hearing from Prince Yeong that he was strengthening the fragments by killing people and feeding them made it even more urgent.
He was afraid that using them, he might bring another uncontrollable event upon this country.
Thus, unable to hesitate for even a moment, he decided to attack the Minister of Personnel on the day he announced the Funeral, leaving no time for further thought. All civil and military officials had to attend the ceremony, so the residence would be empty. And since he knew they were aware he was focused on the ceremony, he thought they would be careless about other situations.
But in truth, even if the Minister of Personnel had committed many crimes, those matters should have been handled by gathering concrete evidence and investigating fairly.
Nevertheless, he had used the fragment brought by Prince Yeong to set a large fire at the residence, forcing the Minister of Personnel to run out clutching the fragment.
He had deliberately planted capital citizens inside the residence, in spots unlikely to be reached by the flames, to serve as witnesses.
‘……And I abruptly pushed the Minister of Personnel hard with officials, as if he were plotting treason.’
Having proceeded with the matter so unreasonably, it was true that a great sense of self-reproach came over him now as he dealt with the aftermath.
So, what should I say? It felt like revealing my small capacity to everyone? Or the shame of looking into my own depths?
‘This country has had many great kings. I am ruining their achievements.’
Even generals consider it natural to not spare their lives for the country.
‘But a guy like me, prioritizing personal safety over fairness, burned down a minister's house before even gathering evidence…….’
The deeper his sighs, the more the time he spent walking with the male celestial during that chaos repeatedly came to mind.
When the celestials asked if he could call the royal physician, he suggested they stay at the palace instead, and the time they walked together to the palace.
Walking alongside the Divine Beast, whose one eye was larger than Seong Ik-gwon's head, its overwhelming size made him swallow dryly.
The capital citizens lining the streets stared at the enormous Divine Beast with eyes as wide as basins.
"I'll get down and walk."
Every time the female celestial said that, the Divine Beast slightly moved its muscles, preventing her from getting down.
Then, in front of the palace building Seong Ik-gwon had guided them to, it transformed.
The pure white fur changed into pure white clothing adorned with delicate embroidery, and as its long black hair swayed in the air, the enormous beast transformed into a tall man. Gently lifting the woman into his arms, he asked.
"So, that thing I crushed was a byproduct from the Corrupt Dragon's evil energy?"
"Yes. We called them fragments of the Black Dragon."
"To keep that even after experiencing such chaos. Humans are truly fearless."
"It's the act of some ignorant individuals. Most are not like that."
Fearing the celestials might regret saving humans, Seong Ik-gwon immediately denied his words.
"Anyway, if left alone, it would surely have become a problem someday. You handled it well."
"I also thought I shouldn't delay any longer and resolved it quickly, but I was worried because I couldn't be sure if all the remaining fragments had fallen into the Minister of Personnel's hands."
"You don't need to worry about that anymore. Since I am here."
The gentle yet firm voice said so.
"I will resolve the rest."
That voice, which absolutely reassured the listener. What tormented Seong Ik-gwon's night was that voice.
"Don't worry. Since I am here."
If only I could say that to the people of my country. If only I could reassure those suffering and struggling like that, how wonderful it would be. That was the phrase he had wanted to say his entire life.
"Don't worry. Am I not here?"
I will resolve it, so don't worry. I will.
Repeating those desired words in his mouth, a sudden chuckle escaped.
‘If I dare envy a celestial, I must be mad. I should stop these useless thoughts and sleep.’
Wasn't it an unattainable delusion anyway? He closed his eyes, trying to clear his complicated mind.
But the fire was out, and the night was deep, yet sleep wouldn't come. Seong Ik-gwon had to endure the long hours until morning came again.
* * *
Although he hadn't slept a wink all night, when dawn arrived, he had to do what he had to do.
‘Thinking of the people who follow even an inadequate king like me, there's nothing I can do but try my best.’
As always since the end of the drought, letters sent from neighboring countries were spread out abundantly on the table.
These were the countries that had pretended not to hear Seong Ik-gwon's requests for aid during the past drought, fearing the disaster might spread to them.
‘And now they want to visit, saying they wish to see the celestials?’
If it were up to him, he wanted to cut them off sharply, saying it was absurd, but this was strictly the celestials' affair. Seong Ik-gwon decided to leave the decision to the celestials.
‘I've been receiving reports every hour, but it's probably better to go see them in person soon.’
Having decided so, Seong Ik-gwon left the main hall with the letters from the neighboring countries around the time reports indicated the celestials had finished their breakfast.
Head Eunuch Hong followed closely behind Seong Ik-gwon, reporting on the celestials' situation.
"The Minister of Rites' daughter has been here since this morning?"
"Yes, so the palace attendants served a lavish table of refreshments."
Should I go later then?
Then he remembered the mountain of work he had to handle in the afternoon and started walking again.
"Have they requested anything or seemed uncomfortable?"
Seong Ik-gwon had emptied one of the detached palaces with the most beautiful garden for the celestials. The reception was also extremely courteous.
But surprisingly, the celestials' tastes were simple. They usually stayed inside the building, rarely showed themselves, and had so few requests that the palace attendants were actually having trouble serving them.
"Yes, Your Majesty. They always say it's fine, and sometimes even dismiss the attendants, so the attendants' hands are quite free. But that's why we are taking extra care not to commit any rudeness. Please don't worry."
"The things I ordered prepared? Did you inform the royal physician too? Were the things I ordered this morning all delivered?"
"Would there be any doubt?"
Among the gifts sent by neighboring countries this time as a sign of friendship, there were medicinal herbs good for pregnant women, which he had ordered prepared.
Walking quickly, he arrived at the building where the celestials were staying, and saw the royal physician standing far off, holding the prepared medicine box.
After opening the box and checking the contents, Seong Ik-gwon immediately had the eunuch announce him.
As soon as permission to enter was granted, he stepped inside.
The male celestial was nowhere to be seen, and on one side of the room, the Minister of Rites' daughter stood up to greet him.
A table laden with refreshments, emitting a sweet smell, was placed before them.
Seong Ik-gwon sat down first and pushed the box he received from the royal physician forward.
"What brings you here? And what is this?"
"The Kingdom of An sent medicinal herbs beneficial for pregnant women, so I brought them. If you are alright with it, please try taking them. The royal physician will explain the detailed effects."
To check her pulse again and explain the dosage, he gestured towards the royal physician waiting at the door.
It was then. The Minister of Rites' daughter, who usually didn't say a word when Seong Ik-gwon was present, suddenly pointed at the celestial and covered her mouth.
"You……."
After a brief silence, the female celestial nodded apologetically. Jung Chihwa immediately rushed over and hugged the celestial.
"Oh my goodness! You had such news and didn't say a word to me! Why did you tell me this wonderful news so late!"
"There was the Funeral, and-. you lost your father, while I alone……."
"What are you talking about! This is my business too!"
"Still."
"Just as my business was yours, your business is mine too. Besides, if it's your child, they're like my niece or nephew!"
At the word 'niece/nephew,' Seong Ik-gwon momentarily flinched.
He glanced sideways at the celestial and only relaxed after seeing her smiling.
The Minister of Rites' daughter, holding the female celestial's hand happily, finally noticed Seong Ik-gwon and lowered her voice.
"I-I apologize, Your Majesty. I was so surprised by the joyous news……."
"It's alright."
While nodding, Seong Ik-gwon also felt a bit awkward.
This was why he had tried to avoid the time when the Minister of Rites' daughter was present. Although the celestial treated both of them informally, the Minister of Rites' daughter spoke casually to her, while he used honorifics.
‘Being together in the same place couldn't be more uncomfortable.’
Originally, he had intended to ask directly how to handle the invitation letters from neighboring countries and receive an answer…….
‘But looking at the atmosphere, it's clearly not the right time.’
Thus, he tactfully rose quickly.
"Ahem. Then, I shall return now so as not to disturb the conversation between friends. The royal physician also came along, but it doesn't seem like the right time, so please call him whenever and listen to the explanation about the medicinal herbs."
"Thank you for your consideration."
"Not at all. It is my pleasure. Then, Minister of Rites' daughter, please stay and enjoy your time."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
As Seong Ik-gwon left, dolphin-like squeals erupted again from inside the room.
How far along was the pregnancy? How long does a celestial's child stay in the womb before being born?
The voice asking such things was high and joyful.
‘Anyway, as long as the Minister of Rites' daughter is here, I don't really need to worry about the celestials' mood.’
Seong Ik-gwon's steps also became lighter as he turned away.
Translator's note: Hey there, sorry for the wait! I had a little oopsie and accidentally deleted all the translation files while cleaning up my drive. Then life got a bit hectic with personal stuff, so this update took longer than expected. The translations for the remaining chapters might not be as polished as before, so please don’t hesitate to let me know if you spot any mistakes in the comments below!
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That's all for now, signing off!
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