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Chapter 13
Unlike when he had been giving Dochul a bath, Ihwan was once again dressed in the silk robes he so favored.
His long hair shimmered, carrying a fragrant scent—different from the soap that lingered on Dochul.
“Anyway, as I was saying, men and women should be separate. No matter if you’re just a mutt, it’s still improper for you to stay in this room.”
Before Soha had been distracted with rice cake skewers, Ihwan had been scolding Dochul for sneaking out of his quarters and making himself comfortable in hers.
“And what, you expect me to stick with you instead? Cough! Is that what you mean?”
Dochul chewed on his rice cake, twisting his mouth into exaggerated expressions. For a dog, his face was remarkably expressive.
“You think I like this? You think I enjoy it!?”
“I have no hobby of sharing a bed with another man.”
Dochul was firm.
“Do you have a death wish?”
With a scowl, Ihwan grabbed Dochul by the scruff and lifted him into the air once again.
“Agh! Put me down! I was just saying! I don’t like either of you! But I need to stay close to your energy or I’ll weaken!”
That was Dochul’s reasoning.
“You think I want to loiter around some sickly brat?!”
He kicked his legs, aiming at Ihwan, but Ihwan dodged nimbly.
“Really troublesome…”
Ihwan didn’t want Soha and Dochul near each other. Dochul was a dangerous yokai—or even if he weren’t, he still didn’t want them together.
Not a talking mutt, not anyone else.
When he thought about it, it wasn’t just Dochul. He didn’t like the idea of Jisong or Hyunsong being close with Soha either. To be honest, he hated the thought of anyone being closer to her than himself—even his own mother.
He didn’t know what to call this feeling.
He only knew one thing: he wanted to be the closest to Soha.
Maybe it was the influence of the pact, or maybe it was something else.
“If you try anything funny, I’ll tie you up and throw you in a cage.”
Ihwan’s eyes burned cold as he glared at Dochul.
“Why is such a young brat spouting cruel threats like that?”
“Does age matter here? Answer me.”
Dochul, exasperated, met Ihwan’s gaze. But Ihwan refused to let go until he had an answer.
“I don’t care about anything except getting my power back! Damn these humans and their messy emotions and relationships!”
That was Dochul’s true feeling. He had no interest in human attachments—only in reclaiming his strength and leaving.
At those words, Ihwan’s ferocity softened a little. He finally released the yokai’s scruff.
“Acting like some guardian, when you’re just a kid yourself.”
Dochul muttered under his breath. What a strange boy.
Ihwan turned to look at Soha, who was still fiddling with her rice cake skewer as if performing a ritual, and he let out another frustrated sigh.
“Eat it while it’s warm—it won’t taste good cold.”
To Dochul, it was impossible to tell if Ihwan was being kind or just temperamental. Either way, he was hopelessly awkward.
Dochul clicked his tongue.
‘Tsk, tsk… These little humans are in for a lot of trouble.’
The next day, Soha accompanied Rangi.
For both exercise and familiarity, they decided to take a walk around Hwacheon Palace together.
“This here is Onjudang, the place where meals are prepared for the palace.”
As the aroma of food drifted out, Rangi led Soha inside by the hand. Dochul followed along, fur now clean and fluffy, his tail wagging briskly.
Inside, the large kitchen had several giant cauldrons and shelves lined with fresh ingredients.
“If you ever get hungry, you can tell me. But if no one’s around, you can come here to Onjudang.”
“Onjudang…”
“Everyone, come say hello! This is Lady Soha, staying in Unjoru.”
At Rangi’s cheerful call, the people inside turned to look.
“Oh my, what a cute young lady!”
“Look at those cheeks—so white and soft-looking.”
“After only seeing the young masters, it’s a delight to see such an adorable girl.”
The kitchen staff welcomed her warmly. A middle-aged woman in a white apron wiped her hands and approached.
“So you’re the young lady of Unjoru?”
“Yes. She’s an honored guest of the Vermilion Bird Clan.”
“I’ve heard of you from Lady Cheonbuin. A pleasure, dear. You can just call me Hyoyangdaek.”
She offered her hand. Soha hesitated, then timidly took it. Hyoyangdaek’s gentle smile deepened.
“My children used to be this cute too, once.”
Her hand brushed lightly against Soha’s cheek.
“If there’s anything you want to eat, don’t hesitate to tell me.”
“Ah… y-yes.”
“If it’s not a busy time, you’re welcome to drop by and rest here whenever you like.”
Her gaze was warm. Soha nodded. The scent of rice filled the room, bringing with it a strange sense of comfort and strength.
“I’ll be in your care.”
Soha bowed politely, which made the kitchen burst into affectionate laughter.
“Since you’re here, shall I pack a snack for you?”
Hyoyangdaek asked Rangi.
“We’ll come back for it later. Still have more of the palace to see.”
Rangi popped a carrot slice into her mouth.
“To see all of Hwacheon Palace would take a whole day.”
“We’re just hitting the important places. Already visited the main hall and the inner quarters.”
“Then could you deliver this to Ungeomjae on your way? It’s where martial training takes place.”
Rangi accepted a jug of cooling licorice water and some snacks.
“Sorry to trouble you. We’re shorthanded today.”
“No trouble, it’s on the way.”
Rangi’s easy smile reassured her.
“Then we’ll be off!”
She took Soha’s hand again, gently tugging her along. The touch startled Soha, but the warmth wasn’t unpleasant. She gazed at their clasped hands as they left Onjudang.
“Hah!”
Ungeomjae was a training ground of packed earth. Amid the ornate grandeur of Hwacheon Palace, it felt strikingly simple and orderly.
There were others present besides Ihwan. Soha already knew Jisong, and beside him stood another boy in similar white robes.
“That’s Young Master Hyunsong, beside Jisong. This must be your first time seeing him?”
Since Soha’s gaze lingered, Rangi explained.
“They always train martial arts at this time of day. Sometimes they just play around instead, though.”
She chuckled.
Soha recalled Ihwan from yesterday—drenched in sweat, racing toward her in training clothes.
Now she quietly watched him swing his sword. Under the sunlight, Ihwan seemed to shine.
‘He sparkles…’
People who pour their heart into something often glow. His passionate eyes, the beads of sweat—they gleamed.
“Even though he’s young, he works so hard.”
The words slipped out before she realized. From anyone else, it might have sounded adult-like, but coming from a child, it was oddly earnest.
“As you see, he’s playful and mischievous. But to become the next clan head, he has never spent a day without effort.”
Rangi smiled with pride, as if she herself had been praised. Everyone here seemed to love Ihwan.
“The next clan head…”
“For people like us, it’s hard to imagine the weight he carries. But it must be immense.”
A destiny decided at birth. A shackle, perhaps. Yet the boy accepted it wholeheartedly, looking happier than anyone.
“In the Vermilion Bird’s land, everyone respects the clan head. And since the young master grew up watching him, of course he’ll become a great one too.”
The warmth of her unwavering faith was unlike anything Soha had seen in the Black Tortoise Clan.
It was strange that two clans standing on the same land could feel so different.
Suddenly, Ihwan didn’t look so young to her anymore. Someone striving to be needed—it was beautiful.
Her heart pounded at the thought.
‘Could I… ever be someone useful, too?’
Not through forced exploitation, but by choice—by being of real help.
“Young masters! Have some tea and snacks!”
Rangi called out brightly. Ihwan, caught up in his training, turned his head sharply.
His eyes widened the moment he saw Rangi—and Soha standing beside her.
