VBC

Episode 8

When Soha faced the head of the clan, she noticed yet another curious thing: the head’s face looked remarkably similar to Geum Ihwan’s.

Especially the golden hair gleaming in the light — that was fascinating.

Most people in the Hae-ran Kingdom had black hair. She’d heard that sometimes people with special auras were born with unique hair colors, but she’d never actually seen one until now.

“Do you understand the curse of the Hyupundo?”

“Yes.”

The clan head dismissed everyone else from the room and explained the curse in a way similar to Ihwan, though much longer and more detailed.

Soha, being naturally clever and perceptive, understood quickly.

“To think it binds not only life and death, but even shares bodily and mental pain… Truly a mysterious divine relic.”

Even the Hyeonmu clan had their share of divine relics and cursed objects, but nothing with power as profound as this.

“We intend to treat you.”

“Yes.”

“The process may be painful.”

“That’s fine.”

Soha also learned that Geum Ihwan, the young master, was the sole legitimate heir of the Suzaku clan.

Which meant they had no choice but to save her, since her fate was now bound to his.

Perhaps it was heaven’s grace? At the very least, she wouldn’t die pointlessly in this life.

“I heard from my wife. You’re an orphan.”

“Yes. My father and mother passed away during the Hyakki Yagyō a few years ago.”

“…You’ve endured something terrible.”

Geum Heemun, the clan head, studied Soha carefully.

Most children Ihwan’s age could not speak of death with such calm detachment.

Others might wail or collapse into despair — but Soha only nodded lightly and gave firm, simple answers.

What a remarkable child, Heemun thought.

He even wished his own son Ihwan had a fraction of her composure. Instead, Ihwan had spent the past week barging into his office like it was his own room, rambling about Soha’s condition and whining about how cold he was.

“Is there anyone to whom we should report your whereabouts? I can send someone immediately.”

“…No. I don’t wish for anyone to know. In fact, I must not let anyone know.”

Her firm refusal gave Heemun pause. For a child to be wandering the frozen north alone, the story behind her situation must not be a simple one.

Soha then asked, “Can the curse be undone?”

“There is a sage who knows much about the Hyupundo. I plan to seek their help.”

“Do you truly believe it’s possible?”

Heemun sensed this child would not be swayed by false reassurances. Unlike most children, she didn’t believe adults just because they said everything will be fine.

“I believe there are no problems in this world without answers. I could be wrong, of course. But since this involves two lives, I will treat it with utmost caution.”

Soha could feel that this wasn’t a comfort offered to soothe her — it was his true conviction.

“You understand quickly, so I won’t hide it: to protect my son, I must protect you. That is the position of everyone in this clan. So while you’re here, rest easy.”

That plain truth, more than a hundred kind words, brought her a strange comfort.

Heemun’s gaze then swept over her fragile frame.

“First of all… you must put on some weight.”

Unlike when she was in her fox form, her human body looked frail and thin.

“Medicine is only as effective as the body that receives it. Even the best elixir will be useless if the body has no strength.”

“I see.”

“So here is my promise: I will give you the finest medicines this world can offer. In return, you must promise me this — eat well at every meal.”

“….”

To Soha, it sounded like a terribly uneven trade.

“Yes.”

“From today, think of this as your home. If anyone makes you uncomfortable, tell me immediately.”

“Yes.”

“Even if that includes Ihwan… should he bother you, let me know.”

“…Yes.”

Soha didn’t understand why Ihwan would be a bother, but nodded anyway.

After watching her quietly for a while, Heemun added:

“And… sometimes, even if there’s no reason at all, you may come to me.”

Strangely, in such a short time, he already felt fond of her.

For two days, Soha saw no one besides the physician and Lady Unseon. But today was different.

“Hello, young lady. I’m Rangi.”

“Rangi?”

“Yes. I’ll be serving you.”

Rangi was a fifteen-year-old maid who had worked for the Suzaku clan for a year. She deeply admired Lady Cheon Unseon and was determined to do well in this task entrusted to her.

Soha, unaccustomed to having anyone serve her, hesitated.

But Rangi anticipated her reluctance and chirped brightly:

“The Huacheon Palace of the Suzaku clan spans over two thousand pyeong. Twenty-two buildings, ninety-nine rooms, four wells — and so many courtyards it’s like a maze! Do you think you could adapt alone?”

“….”

“And besides, a nine-year-old young lady naturally needs care. It’s the way of this land.”

“I see.”

“So please, speak comfortably with me. I’m your hands and feet, after all.”

“But I feel more comfortable like this.”

“Well, if that’s what you prefer, I’ll accept it. Shall we start with some fresh air?”

Rangi’s cheerful personality filled the room with warmth. Unseon had chosen her for that very reason.

“Lady Cheon is preparing vegetable porridge for you. Oh, I nearly forgot!”

Rangi quickly returned with a blanket.

“Even though Juksong-yeon is a warm region, outside air is still different from indoors.”

She carefully wrapped the blanket around Soha before opening the window again.

They’re so kind, Soha thought. Everyone in this household was kind.

Statistically, it didn’t make sense. If half the world were good and half bad, how could every single person here be kind?

Rangi then suggested, “Once you’re well enough, you should see the Huacheon Palace gardens. There’s a beautiful pond right outside Unjoru Pavilion where birds always gather.”

Soha’s gaze lingered on the green trees visible through the small window, her curiosity piqued.

But suddenly, Rangi shrieked.

Outside the opened window, Ihwan’s eyes peeked in.

“Master!” she cried.

Unseon soon entered carrying a tray of porridge and mushroom pancakes.

“It seems Ihwan has been sneaking around again.”

Despite her warnings, he never listened.

“Do you know how much you scared me!” Rangi scolded with arms crossed.

Ihwan only pouted.

“When my life is tied to someone else’s, how could I not check on her?”

“No matter what, Miss Soha is still a patient — and a young lady besides!”

But Ihwan turned to his mother and protested, “You send servants to bring me meals, but you personally bring food to Soha?”

“Are you upset?” Unseon teased.

“Yesterday my table didn’t even have mushroom pancakes!”

“These are rare mushrooms from the Qing Kingdom.”

“Then all the more reason I should’ve gotten them!”

Unseon only laughed, amused by his complaints. Soha quietly thought how unusual this mother and son were.

Unseon then checked on Soha.

“Your complexion is better today. The physician says the medicine is working.”

“That’s good.”

“Perhaps starting tomorrow, you can take light walks.”

“Oh! I just told her how beautiful the palace is!” Rangi exclaimed.

Soha felt her body had indeed grown steadier.

Perhaps walking a little… will be fine, she thought, nodding.

“Then I’ll take you!” Ihwan shouted from the window.

“Still here?” Unseon said wryly.

Ihwan pressed himself even closer against the window frame.

“I was born and raised here! I’ve played hide-and-seek hundreds of times in Huacheon Palace. No one knows it better than me!”

“That may be true,” Unseon replied, “but you’re difficult enough for most people to handle. Can Soha manage you as well?”

“Mother!” Ihwan whined like a child.

After a pause, Unseon offered a solution:

“Then let Jisong accompany you.”

“Cousin Jisong?”

“Yes. With the two of you, it should be fine.”

“You really don’t trust your own son, do you?”

“If you don’t like it, I can go myself instead…”

“I’ll do it! I’ll ask Cousin Jisong right now!” Ihwan dashed off before she could change her mind.

Watching him go, Rangi muttered, “Is the young master also sick?”

“…I don’t know,” Unseon sighed.

✨ Done!
Would you like me to continue translating future chapters in this same format (smooth English prose + block quotes for the strongest lines), so it reads almost like a polished web novel?